India has been always known as the country of savers. For decades, investors have chosen to invest their money in fixed income securities like fixed deposits. Here, investing infixed deposit is very popular for earning guaranteed returns.
However, due to falling bank interest rates and better investment options like equity and mutual funds, new generation investors choose to invest in market-linked products. But this does not reduce the importance of fixed deposits in your portfolio.
FDs can be a good addition to your investment portfolio and below are the reasons why
6 reasons why investing in fixed deposits is beneficial
- Reduce portfolio risk
The key to wealth
creation is the allocation of assets. Different asset classes like equity,
mutual funds, gold, etc bring varied returns on investment. For example, mutual
funds give you money for the growth potential of equities over long term. On
the contrary, fixed income securities like fixed deposits bring stability as
the returns are guaranteed. A diversified investment portfolio makes sure the
uncertainty in your returns is stabilized and you have a stress-free investing
experience.
- Encourages the habit of saving
Saving is a habit not
many excel at but wish to wish to inculcate for a good balance during times of
need. Fixed deposits help is increasing savings. Since investing in fixed
deposits does not include any significant risk, people are more likely to
invest in FDs for increasing savings.
- Choice between cumulative and non-cumulative FD
Fixed deposits
provide you with the option between cumulative and non-cumulative deposits. You
can decide when you want to receive the interest. If you are dependent on the
interest amount for paying off your monthly bills, EMI bills, etc. opting for
quarterly or monthly payoffs is a good plan.
Alternatively, you
can keep your deposit locked up until the end of your tenure. When you opt for
cumulative returns, you gain from the compound interest which gives you high
returns.
- Flexibility to withdraw funds
During financial
emergencies, you can withdraw your FD before maturity. You might have to pay a
certain fee. However, the process is simple. The flexibility supports you
during financial crises. Being one of the secured and risk-free forms of
investment, you can plan your future by building wealth.
- Tax saving investment
All banks and NBFCs
provide tax saving fixed deposit options to their customers to bring down their
taxable income. This pulls down the tax to be paid as well. These schemes come
with a lock-in period of five years. The amount cannot be withdrawn before the
stipulated time (only in case of the untimely death of the applicant, premature
withdrawal is permitted.)
Avail loan on fixed
deposits
Few financial
institutions offer credit facilities against your fixed deposit account.
Besides this, you can avail such loans without availing any additional
eligibility requirements. Unlike fixed deposits, equity or mutual funds do not
offer any credit facility.
- Acts an income plan for retired
If you invest your
funds into non-cumulative fixed deposits after retirement, earning a regular
and comfortable income from it is easy. This is especially useful for people
who do not rely on another person for support for retirement.
Final words
Those willing to
start a fixed deposit should have a minimum sum of Rs 5000 to invest. Moreover,
though the returns are guaranteed, the returns might fall short for some to
meet the financial goals of many individuals. Hence a segregated investment in
multiple funds like equity, mutual funds through SIPs will help meet financial
goals.
Nonetheless, fixed
deposits remain a popular wealth-generating option and also is one of the
simplest ways to start an investment portfolio.
Comments
Post a Comment