There was a definite change in the mood of people as they entered 2021. Our investments are no longer just obligations that help save taxes or increase our savings. The current challenging situation taught us the importance of making informed decisions pertaining to financial planning and investment in various financial products. One particular field that has gained an increased interest has to be the stock market. With the news of the Sensex crossing 50,000 points for the first time flooding our timelines, you cannot help but peek into the opportunities that the stock market offers.
ET SpotlightThe easiest way for anyone to plan their investments right is by choosing a reliable financial partner that can help you access, analyse and manage different investment options. One trusted partner that has been helping lakhs of investors for more than 3 decades is Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (StockHolding). Known to be India’s largest custodian and first depository participant, StockHolding has been offering a consolidated avenue for our varied personal investment choices. Whether you are keen on dipping your toe into stocks with mutual funds or are looking for more low-risk investment options like Sovereign Gold Bonds, FDs and Bonds or planning for retirement, StockHolding offers something for everyone. But with so many options to choose from, a first-time investor may ask- what are the top investments that one needs to make? Well, here’s our recommendation!
- Mutual Funds
The first investment that any novice investor needs to consider has to be mutual funds. An easy and cushioned entry into the stock market made with a combination of investment instruments that are linked to debt, equity and even insurance industry, mutual funds offer a comparatively safer way for you to grow your financial portfolios. The process of accessing these mutual funds becomes all the more easier with e-mutual funds. Investing in e-mutual funds through StockHolding also helps ensure that all your investments are consolidated and accessible in one account.
In addition to this, the FundFinder platform on StockHolding makes it easier for you to get one step closer to your life goals. A robotic advisory that helps you analyse and choose the funds as per your financial goals, FundFinder makes it much easier and quicker for you to invest in mutual funds.
- NPS (National Pension Scheme)
One lesson that every new investor should learn is that it is never too early to plan your retirement. And one investment option that has been making it easier for us to make this plan has to be the National Pension Scheme. With nominal investment options (minimum Rs 1000 per year) and tax benefits like deductions of up to Rs.1.5 lakh under section 80CCD as well as an additional 50,000 under Section 80 CCD(1B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961; NPS is a must-have in your financial plan.
- Sovereign Gold Bonds
If you are someone who is still keen on sticking to the traditional investment options, then Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) backed by the Government of India is just the right fit for you. An easy and flexible way of investing in gold in the Demat form, without the physical possession associated with it that can often be stressful, SGB is a safe and trusted investment option which gives 2.5% p.a interest. The fact that the capital gains on redemption of SGB is exempt from taxation is also a key reason to consider this investment. By investing Online an additional Rs 50 per gm discount is available.
- Fixed income investments
Another popular avenue of investing has to be fixed investment schemes. While it is often considered to be a rather traditional mode of investment, however, there are more modern ways of ensuring a secure and fixed income scheme. Corporate deposits are one such tool that allows you to safely deposit your money with trusted companies, while also enjoying a comparatively higher rate of return (as compared to FDs) in flexible formats. Capital Gains Bonds are another great fixed-income investment; however, they require a lock-in period of at least 5 years.
ET Spotlight- Goal-Oriented investments
Goal-setting is the first step in building a financial plan for anyone. Whether you want to buy that first car in three years or go on an international trip five years down the road, allocating specified investments and SIPs for these goals is a great way of planning well, ahead of time. GoldRush is a unique gold accumulation plan that offers online investment in gold starting from Rs 100.
One crucial need to make all or any of these investments is a Demat account. A must-have to hold financial securities, Demat accounts are the key to having a single account to hold and access all your investments. StockHolding undoubtedly is one of the most trusted Demat service providers with an array of other benefits along with a broking account. StockHolding has been helping people plan their investments better since 1986 and is trusted by more than 5 crore customers across India and have been acknowledged by NSDL past 8 consecutive years for “Highest Asset under Custody”.
ET SpotlightStockHolding also offers a unique demat combo account which helps you to trade at a competitive brokerage. With their most recent service, FastFwd, StockHolding is offering a single-login solution for all the different investments like Demat, NPS, MF, SGB, GoldRush and Bonds for their customers. FastFwd helps you view and invest in gold, mutual funds, NPS, SGB, in a hassle free manner. FastFwd helps StockHolding customers do anything and everything investment-related – with ease.
If you are keen on beginning your investment journey, you can open your demat account online with free AMC for the first year, with StockHolding’s paperless onboarding process by clicking here!
(This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@timesinternet.in)
