This page is Work-In-Progress and meant for Premium subscribers as a repository of our solutions for specific financial objectives.
In making these choices, we are not necessarily looking for the most feature-rich product but one that gives us the best chance of meeting the objective it is meant for. Before investing in any product listed here, make sure to read the companion posts with the rationale of why we picked what we did. Our longer-term wealth-building strategies are available in the form of the Model Portfolios here.
Where should I park money for the short term?
[Updated Jan 2021]
Situation / Objective
I will need a lump sum amount to pay for a specific objective within a period of 11 months or less. I have the money now. Where should I park this money till I need it?
Investment Strategy
Here, we see that arb fund returns have dropped below 4%, so it’s not quite as recommended to go with them. Instead, we’ll suggest that the best way to park funds now is to use an IDFC First Bank Savings account . Indian scheduled banks have been safe enough (even Yes Bank depositors have not lost money) and this account provides 7% for less than Rs. 1 cr. in deposits.
At 7% pre tax and even 36% tax, this is a 4.48% post-tax return, which is higher than most liquid funds or arb funds as of the last three months.
For any higher amounts, or if this account gives you post tax returns that are below 3.5% then you should consider the Arbitrage funds as mentioned below.
Preferred Allocation
| Instrument | Allocation | |
| 1. | IDFC First Bank Savings Account | 100% |
Watch Outs
IDFC First Bank will not offer this rate indefinitely. When that changes, our suggestion will also change.
Which ELSS Fund should I invest in?
[Updated Feb 2021]
Situation / Objective
Which long-term tax-efficient mutual fund should I invest in?
Investment Strategy
Buy ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) Mutual Funds with track record of beating the category average over 1, 3, and 5 year annualized returns while demonstrating lower volatility.
Preferred Allocation
Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund (Direct Plan)
As a minimum, ensure covering 80C deduction of 1.5L, increase up to any amount you know you will not need for at least 3 years. Pick the Direct Option.
Which International Mutual Fund should I invest in?
[Updated Mar 2021]
Situation / Objective
How can I get exposure to international stocks in my portfolio?
Investment Strategy
The best way to get exposure to international markets is through passive mutual funds / ETFs. Currently in India, there are only a handful of such funds. Of these, the Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FoF is our pick for passive exposure. For active exposure, there are over 35 mutual funds to choose from. Of these, our top picks are:
PGIM India Global Equity Opportunities Fund
Nippon India US Equity Opportunities
Edelweiss Greater China Equity Offshore Fund
Make sure to read both the detailed posts assessing international mutual funds.
The Best International Mutual Funds – Part 1
The Best International Mutual Funds – Part 2
Important Disclaimer: The products and strategies on this page are based on what we typically implement, for ourselves and our families. We do not receive any commercial considerations from the makers of the products on this page. If we do, we will see it stated clearly and unambiguously. At no point should you consider what’s on this page to be tailored advice or a promise or guarantee of specific returns. You are the best judge of whether they make sense for you, given your unique situation, willingness and ability to take the applicable risk. If you see an error in how we have interpreted the potential risk or return of a product, let us know on slack. We live to learn.