Poonji Mitra Blog http://blog.poonjimitra.com Your financial friend Sat, 23 May 2026 11:49:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://i0.wp.com/blog.poonjimitra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-Logo-PM.png?fit=32%2C32 Poonji Mitra Blog http://blog.poonjimitra.com 32 32 214496944 Large Cap vs Mid Cap vs Small Cap: Which One Should You Invest In? http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/23/large-cap-vs-mid-cap-vs-small-cap-which-one-should-you-invest-in/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/23/large-cap-vs-mid-cap-vs-small-cap-which-one-should-you-invest-in/#respond Sat, 23 May 2026 11:49:02 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=503

If you’ve spent even 10 minutes in the investing world, you’ve probably heard people say:

 “Small caps give massive returns!”
“Large caps are safer.”
“Mid caps are the sweet spot.”

And honestly?

All three statements are true but only partially.

Because investing is not just about returns.
It’s about risk, patience, market cycles, and investor behavior.

In 2025 and 2026, Indian markets gave investors a real lesson about this.

Some small-cap investors saw their portfolios jump rapidly during rallies.
Others watched their investments crash 15-20% during corrections.

Meanwhile, many large-cap investors felt “boring” during bull markets but slept peacefully during volatility.

So the big question is:

Which one is actually better – Large Cap, Mid Cap, or Small Cap?

Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

First, What Does “Market Cap” Mean?

Market Capitalization simply means the total market value of a company.

Formula:

Market Cap=Share Price×Total Outstanding Shares.

For example:

If a company’s stock price is ₹500 and it has 100 crore shares:

Market Cap = ₹50,000 crore.

Based on market size, companies are divided into:

  • Large Cap
  • Mid Cap
  • Small Cap

1. Large Cap Stocks – The “Stable Giants”

Large-cap companies are the biggest businesses in India.

These are companies you already know and trust.

Examples include:

  • Reliance Industries
  • HDFC Bank
  • Infosys
  • Tata Consultancy Services

These companies are usually among the top 100 listed companies by market capitalization.

Real-Life Example: The “Government Job” of Investing

Think of Large Caps like a stable government job.

  • Lower risk
  • Predictable growth
  • Long-term reliability
  • Fewer surprises

You may not become rich overnight.

…but chances of survival are much higher.

That’s why many experienced investors allocate a major portion of their portfolio to large caps.

What Happened Recently in Large Caps?

During the market correction phase between late 2024 and 2025:

  • Nifty 50 corrected around 12%
  • Large caps stayed relatively stable compared to broader markets

Even when FIIs sold heavily, investors preferred safer large-cap businesses.

Interestingly, despite mid and small-cap excitement, large-cap valuations became attractive again in 2026. Some analysts even noted that Nifty large-cap PE ratios fell below long-term averages.

Why Investors Prefer Large Caps

Stability

These companies have survived:

  • Recessions
  • COVID crash
  • Inflation cycles
  • Interest rate shocks

Lower Volatility

Large caps generally fall less during panic selling.

Better for Beginners

If someone is starting investing with SIPs, large caps often provide emotional comfort.

The Downside?

Large companies grow slower.

A ₹15 lakh crore company cannot suddenly become ₹60 lakh crore overnight.

That’s why returns are usually moderate compared to smaller companies.

2. Mid Cap Stocks – The “Future Leaders”

Mid-cap companies are businesses that are already successful but still growing aggressively.

These companies usually rank between 101 and 250 in market capitalization.

This is where many future large-cap giants are born.

Real-Life Example: The Fast-Growing Startup Employee

Imagine a startup that already has:

  • Revenue
  • Customers
  • Brand recognition

but still has huge room to expand.

That’s Mid Cap investing.

More growth potential than large caps, but also more uncertainty.

Why Mid Caps Became Popular Recently

In 2026, mid-cap mutual fund inflows in India touched record highs. Investors poured money into mid-cap funds because they expected higher growth opportunities.

And the numbers were impressive:

  • Nifty Midcap 100 reportedly rose around 13.6% during recovery phases in 2026, outperforming major large-cap indices.

That’s why many young investors became heavily attracted to mid caps.

But Mid Caps Can Be Brutal Too

Here’s the reality nobody talks about on Instagram finance reels.

When markets corrected in 2025:

  • Mid-cap indices corrected more sharply than large caps
  • Many investors panicked and exited at losses

This is why mid caps require:

  • Patience
  • Emotional discipline
  • Long-term thinking

3. Small Cap Stocks – The “High Risk, High Reward” Zone

Small-cap companies are smaller businesses outside the top 250 companies.

This category creates the most excitement in the stock market.

Because this is where people dream of finding the “next multibagger.”

Real-Life Example: Betting on a Young Cricketer

Investing in small caps is like selecting a talented young cricketer before they become famous.

Some become superstars.

Some disappear completely.

That’s exactly how small-cap investing works.

Why Small Caps Became the Talk of the Market

Between 2023 and early 2025, small caps delivered massive rallies.

Many retail investors entered aggressively after seeing:

  • 100% return stories
  • Social media hype
  • “Multibagger” YouTube videos

In fact, small-cap mutual fund inflows hit record highs in 2026 despite volatility.

During recovery phases:

  • Nifty Smallcap 100 reportedly gained around 18.4% significantly outperforming Nifty 50.

Sounds exciting, right?

But here’s the dangerous part.

The Reality Nobody Likes to Hear

When markets corrected:

  • Many small caps crashed much harder than large caps
  • Hundreds of small-cap stocks turned negative in 2025

According to market reports:

  • 871 out of 1,186 stocks in the BSE SmallCap index delivered negative returns during difficult phases.

That’s the side of small caps most influencers don’t show.

Simple Comparison of Large Cap vs Mid Cap vs Small Cap 

What Happened in Recent Indian Markets?

Over the last few years, Indian markets have shown an interesting trend.

  • Large caps provided stability during uncertain periods.
  • Mid caps outperformed during economic recovery phases.
  • Small caps delivered huge rallies but also sharp corrections.

For example:

During strong bull market phases, many small cap and mid cap stocks surged rapidly because investors chased higher returns.

But during correction phases, these same stocks fell much faster than large caps.

This is why diversification matters.

So, Which One Is Best?

The honest answer?

There is no “best” category for everyone.

The right investment depends on:

  • Your risk appetite
  • Your financial goals
  • Your investment horizon
  • Your emotional discipline

Choose Large Caps If:

  • You want stability
  • You panic during market falls
  • You’re a beginner investor
  • You want relatively safer long-term investing

Choose Mid Caps If:

  • You can tolerate moderate volatility
  • You want higher growth
  • You’re investing for 5–10 years or more

Choose Small Caps If:

  • You understand market risk
  • You can handle sharp volatility
  • You’re investing for the long term
  • You won’t panic during corrections

Smart Investors Usually Don’t Pick Just One

Most experienced investors diversify across all three categories.

Because each category behaves differently in different market cycles.

A balanced portfolio may include:

  • Stability from Large Caps
  • Growth from Mid Caps
  • Wealth creation potential from Small Caps

That combination often creates better long-term investing behavior.

Common Mistake Investors Make

Many investors enter small caps after seeing social media hype or hearing stories like:

“This stock gave a 500% return!”

But they ignore the hidden reality:

  • High risk
  • Sharp crashes
  • Emotional stress
  • Long waiting periods

Successful investing is not about chasing the fastest returns.

It’s about staying invested consistently and managing risk wisely.

Final Thoughts

Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap are not enemies.

They are simply different types of opportunities.

Large caps give confidence.
Mid caps give growth.
Small caps give possibility.

The real secret is not finding the “best” category.

It’s finding the category you can stay invested in during difficult times.

Because in investing:

The investor who survives the longest usually wins the most.

FAQs

1. Are small cap stocks risky?

Yes. Small cap stocks are generally more volatile and risky compared to large caps and mid caps.

2. Can mid caps become large caps?

Absolutely. Many successful large companies started as mid cap businesses.

3. Which category is best for beginners?

Large caps are usually considered better for beginners because they are relatively stable.

4. Should I invest in all three categories?

For many investors, diversification across all three categories can help balance risk and returns.

5. Are small caps good for long-term investing?

They can be, but investors must be prepared for high volatility and long holding periods.

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Why Most Retail Investors Lose Money in the Stock Market http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/22/why-most-retail-investors-lose-money-in-the-stock-market/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/22/why-most-retail-investors-lose-money-in-the-stock-market/#respond Fri, 22 May 2026 12:36:09 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=496

The Truth No Finance Influencer Wants to Tell You

Everyone wants to make money from the stock market.

Social media makes investing look easy:

screenshots of profits,

luxury lifestyles,

“turned ₹5,000 into ₹5 lakh” stories,

and influencers claiming daily market success.

But behind the reels, Telegram groups, and trading screenshots, there’s a reality most people ignore:

Most retail investors are losing money.

And not small amounts.

According to SEBI, nearly 93% of individual traders in India’s F&O segment lost money between FY22 and FY24, with total losses crossing ₹1.8 lakh crore.

That means while social media shows success stories, millions of investors are quietly losing savings, confidence, and financial stability.

So the real question is:

Why do most retail investors lose money even when markets are growing?

Let’s break it down.

1. Everyone Wants Fast Money

This is the biggest problem of the current generation.

Most people don’t enter the market to invest.

They enter because they want:

quick profits,

financial freedom in 6 months,

luxury lifestyle,

or “easy money.”

The problem?

The stock market is not designed to make you rich overnight.

Real wealth is usually created through:

patience,

discipline,

compounding,

and long-term investing.

But today’s generation has grown up with:

instant content,

instant delivery,

instant entertainment,

and instant dopamine.

Naturally, many people expect instant profits too.

That mindset destroys portfolios.

2. Social Media Created Fake Expectations

Open Instagram or YouTube and you’ll see:

traders buying sports cars,

“100% accuracy” claims,

option trading profits,

and screenshots of huge returns.

But nobody posts:

consistent losses,

emotional stress,

blown-up accounts,

or debt from leveraged trading.

The market rewards discipline.

Social media rewards attention.

Those are two completely different things.

Real Example: India’s F&O Trading Boom

India became one of the world’s largest derivatives markets.

But SEBI data showed:

around 9 out of 10 retail traders lost money in F&O trading,

and average losses crossed ₹1 lakh per trader in many cases.

Still, millions continue trading because:

occasional profits create overconfidence,

and social media keeps selling the dream.

This is exactly how emotional investing begins.

3. Most People Buy Stocks Without Research

Many investors buy stocks because:

a friend recommended it,

Twitter/X is talking about it,

YouTubers call it a “multibagger,”

or the stock already went up 100%.

That is not investing.

That is crowd-following.

Professional investors study:

financial statements,

earnings growth,

debt,

valuation,

and business quality.

Retail investors often buy based on excitement.

And excitement is dangerous in markets.

4. The FOMO Trap Is Real

FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out.

And it destroys more portfolios than market crashes.

Example:

a stock rises 80%,

everyone starts talking about it,

retail investors enter late,

smart money starts exiting,

stock corrects heavily,

panic selling begins.

Most retail investors buy high and sell low because emotions control decisions.

5. Nobody Talks About Risk Management

Most beginners only focus on:

“How much profit can I make?”

Professional investors ask:

“How much can I lose?”

That difference changes everything.

Retail investors often:

put too much money in one stock,

use leverage,

trade aggressively,

or invest without diversification.

One bad decision can wipe out months or years of savings.

6. People Confuse Trading With Investing

Trading and investing are completely different.

The problem is:

Many people think they are investing while actually speculating.

7. The Current Generation Wants Lifestyle Before Wealth

This is one of the biggest financial mistakes today.

People want:

iPhones,

luxury bikes,

expensive cafes,

premium lifestyles,

and social media validation,

before building:

savings,

investments,

emergency funds,

or long-term assets.

Looking rich and being wealthy are completely different things.

True wealth is often quiet.

Real Wealth Is Usually Boring

Most financially successful people:

invest consistently,

avoid unnecessary risks,

think long term,

and let compounding work.

They do not chase every trending stock or market rumor.

Wealth creation is more about consistency than excitement.

What Smart Investors Actually Do

Successful investors usually:

focus on learning,

diversify properly,

control emotions,

think long term,

and manage risk carefully.

They understand:

Survival in markets is more important than temporary profits.

Because once capital is destroyed, recovery becomes difficult.

How Young Investors Can Avoid These Mistakes

1. Learn Before Investing

Understand:

valuation,

risk,

compounding,

and portfolio allocation.

Financial education matters.

2. Avoid “Get Rich Quick” Thinking

The market is not a shortcut to instant wealth.

Consistent investing beats emotional gambling.

3. Start Small

You do not need huge capital to begin investing intelligently.

Discipline matters more than starting amount.

4. Ignore Social Media Noise

Not every profitable screenshot is real.

Focus on process, not hype.

FAQs

1.Why do most retail investors lose money?

Most retail investors lose money because of emotional decisions, lack of research, unrealistic expectations, and poor risk management.

2.Is stock market investing risky?

Yes, every investment carries risk. But long-term disciplined investing is generally less risky than emotional short-term trading.


3.What is the biggest mistake beginners make in the stock market?

The biggest mistake is chasing quick profits without proper knowledge or strategy.

4.Is trading better than investing?

Trading and investing are completely different. Investing is usually more suitable for long-term wealth creation, while trading requires high skill, discipline, and emotional control.

5.How can beginners start investing safely?

Beginners should start small, learn basic financial concepts, diversify investments, and focus on long-term goals instead of quick profits.


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The Difference Between Rich-Looking and Actually Wealthy http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/21/the-difference-between-rich-looking-and-actually-wealthy/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/21/the-difference-between-rich-looking-and-actually-wealthy/#respond Thu, 21 May 2026 11:10:25 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=491

Some people look rich.

Expensive phones.
Branded clothes.
Luxury cars on EMI.
Fancy café photos on Instagram.
Weekend shopping sprees.

And then there are people who are actually wealthy.

You may not even notice them.

They dress simple.
They don’t try to impress everyone.
They quietly invest, save, and build assets while others are busy showing off.

And honestly?

Most people today are chasing the appearance of wealth instead of real financial freedom.

Looking Rich Is Easy

In today’s world, almost anyone can look rich.

A credit card can buy an iPhone.
An EMI can buy a car.
A loan can fund a vacation.
“Buy Now Pay Later” can finance your lifestyle.

Social media has made this even worse.

People don’t post their bank balance.
They post hotel rooms.
Restaurant bills.
Shopping bags.
Airport selfies.

And slowly, many people start believing:

“If I look successful, maybe I am successful.”

But financial reality works differently.

A person earning ₹40,000 can appear richer than someone earning ₹2 lakh – simply because one spends everything and the other invests quietly.

That’s the strange part about money:
Real wealth is often invisible.

Rich-Looking People Buy Liabilities

Actually wealthy people buy assets.

There’s a huge difference.

A rich-looking person often spends money to impress others.

  • Latest phone every year
  • Expensive watches
  • Branded shoes
  • Luxury lifestyle on EMI
  • Dining out constantly
  • Upgrading things unnecessarily

Meanwhile, a wealthy person thinks differently.

Instead of asking:

“Will people be impressed?”

They ask:

“Will this improve my future financially?”

So they focus more on:

  • Investments
  • SIPs
  • Businesses
  • Skills
  • Emergency funds
  • Long-term wealth creation

One lifestyle creates temporary attention.
The other creates long-term peace.

The Dangerous Trap of Lifestyle Inflation

This happens to almost everyone.

Salary increases…
and suddenly expenses increase too.

New phone.
Better bike.
More online shopping.
Costlier restaurants.
Bigger EMIs.

Income grows.
But savings stay the same.

Many people spend their entire lives upgrading lifestyles without ever upgrading their financial stability.

That’s why some high-income people still live under stress.

Good salary does not automatically mean wealth.

If money comes fast and leaves fast, you’re only maintaining an expensive lifestyle – not building wealth.

Wealthy People Care More About Freedom Than Flexing

This is probably the biggest difference.

Rich-looking people want validation.

Actually wealthy people want freedom.

Freedom to:

  • Leave a toxic job
  • Handle emergencies comfortably
  • Travel without debt
  • Sleep peacefully
  • Retire early
  • Support family when needed

And freedom comes from financial strength not from looking successful online.

A lot of people buy expensive things to feel important.

But real confidence often comes from knowing:

  • your bills are covered,
  • your savings are growing,
  • and your future is secure.

That peace is priceless.

Most Wealthy People Don’t Look Wealthy

This surprises many people.

Some truly wealthy people live very normal lives.

Simple clothes.
Simple cars.
No unnecessary showing off.

Because once people understand money deeply, they stop spending just to impress strangers.

They know something important:

“Looking rich and being rich are two completely different games.”

One is performance.
The other is stability.

Social Media Has Confused an Entire Generation

Today, many young people feel behind in life because they constantly see:

  • luxury trips,
  • gadgets,
  • expensive lifestyles,
  • and “success” online.

But social media rarely shows:

  • debt,
  • EMIs,
  • financial stress,
  • anxiety,
  • or empty savings accounts.

Someone may look financially successful online while struggling privately.

That’s why comparing your financial life with social media is dangerous.

You don’t know what is real and what is financed.

Real Wealth Is Boring Sometimes

And that’s okay.

Building wealth is usually not dramatic.

It’s:

  • investing consistently,
  • avoiding unnecessary debt,
  • saving regularly,
  • controlling spending,
  • and staying patient for years.

No instant dopamine.
No flashy Instagram story.
No overnight success.

Just discipline repeated quietly.

But over time, that boring consistency creates something powerful:
financial security.

Final Thoughts

At some point, everyone has to choose:

Do you want to look rich…
or actually become wealthy?

Because both require money –
but only one builds a stable future.

Anyone can buy expensive things temporarily.

But real wealth?
That takes patience, discipline, emotional control, and smart financial habits.

And the truth is:

The people who quietly build wealth today are often the ones who live peacefully tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between looking rich and being wealthy?

Looking rich is mostly about appearance -expensive clothes, gadgets, cars, and lifestyle.
Being wealthy means having strong financial stability through savings, investments, assets, and low financial stress.

2. Can a person earn a high salary and still not be wealthy?

Yes, absolutely.

Many people earn well but spend almost everything on lifestyle expenses and EMIs. Wealth is not only about income – it’s about how much money you keep, invest, and grow over time.

3. Why do people try so hard to look rich?

Social pressure, comparison, and social media influence play a huge role. Many people feel successful only when others validate their lifestyle, even if it harms their financial health.

4. What are signs of actual wealth?

Some common signs include:

  • Regular investing
  • Emergency savings
  • Low unnecessary debt
  • Financial discipline
  • Multiple income sources
  • Long-term financial planning
  • Peace of mind during emergencies

5. Is buying expensive things always bad?

Not at all.

The problem starts when people buy expensive things only to impress others or use debt irresponsibly. If your finances are stable and purchases are planned, enjoying money is completely fine.

6. Why do wealthy people often live simple lives?

Many financially smart people understand that real wealth comes from assets and freedom, not from constant showing off. They focus more on long-term security than public validation.

7. How can I stop spending money just to look successful?

Start by:

  • Tracking your expenses
  • Reducing impulse purchases
  • Avoiding comparison on social media
  • Setting financial goals
  • Investing regularly
  • Understanding the difference between “needs” and “wants”

Small mindset changes can improve your financial life significantly.

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How to Start Investing with a Small Salary (Without Feeling Broke Every Month) http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/20/how-to-start-investing-with-a-small-salary-without-feeling-broke-every-month/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/20/how-to-start-investing-with-a-small-salary-without-feeling-broke-every-month/#respond Wed, 20 May 2026 11:59:14 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=485

Let’s be honest.

When your salary is small, investing feels impossible.

You open your banking app at the end of the month and wonder:

“Where did all the money even go?”

  • Rent.
  • Bills.
  • Food
  • Fuel.
  • Subscriptions.
  • Random UPI payments that looked harmless at the time.

And somewhere between managing expenses and surviving the month, investing starts feeling like something only “rich people” do.

But here’s the truth most people realise very late:

Investing is not about having a huge salary.
It’s about building the habit before your lifestyle becomes expensive.

In fact, many people earning average salaries build better wealth than high earners simply because they started early and stayed disciplined.

You do not need lakhs to begin investing.
You need consistency.

And honestly, starting small is completely okay.

First, Stop Waiting for the “Right Time”

This is probably the biggest reason people delay investing.

They say:

  • “I’ll start after my next appraisal.”
  • “Once my salary reaches ₹50,000, then I’ll invest.”
  • “Right now expenses are too much.”
  • “I’ll start next year seriously.”
  • But the “perfect time” rarely comes.
  • Because as salary increases, expenses quietly increase too.

When you earn ₹25,000:

You want a better phone.

More food delivery.

Weekend trips.

Online shopping.

Bigger lifestyle.

Then suddenly even ₹50,000 starts feeling insufficient.

This is called lifestyle inflation.

And if you don’t build investing habits early, a higher salary alone won’t automatically create wealth.

That’s why starting small matters more than starting big.

You Don’t Need Big Money to Become an Investor

One of the biggest myths around investing is:

“I need a lot of money to start.”

No.

Today, you can begin investing with:

₹100

₹500

₹1,000 SIPs

That’s literally the cost of:

A couple of café visits

One online shopping impulse purchase

A weekend movie outing

Small amounts may not look impressive initially.

But investing is powerful because of consistency and compounding.

That’s why people who start early often build more wealth than people who start late with bigger investments.

Time matters a lot in investing.

The Real Enemy Is Not Low Salary – It’s Uncontrolled Spending

Most people are not poor investors.

They are unconscious spenders.

Think about how money disappears nowadays:

UPI payments

Quick online orders

Swiggy/Zomato

Flash sales

Subscriptions

“Small” expenses that happen daily

Individually they look harmless.

Together they quietly destroy savings.

And because digital payments feel invisible, spending doesn’t emotionally hurt like cash spending used to.

That’s why many people feel:

“Salary aati hai aur pata hi nahi chalta kaha gayi.”

The solution?

Pay Yourself First

Instead of:

Spend – Save what’s left

Do this:

Invest first – Spend the remaining amount

The day salary comes: Automatically transfer money into SIP or savings

Then manage monthly expenses

Even if it’s only ₹2,000 initially.

Because whatever remains in your account usually gets spent.

Automation removes emotional decisions.

Start with an Emergency Fund Before Taking Big Risks

Before thinking about “high returns,” build financial safety.

Because life is unpredictable.

Unexpected things happen:

Medical emergencies

Job loss

Family responsibilities

Repairs

Sudden expenses

Without emergency savings, even a small crisis can force people into:

Credit card debt

Personal loans

Breaking investments at the wrong time

A good starting goal:

Save at least 3-6 months of essential expenses gradually

Keep this money easily accessible

You can keep emergency funds in:

Savings account

Liquid mutual funds

Short-term low-risk options

This may not sound exciting.

But financial stability is underrated.

Sometimes the best investment is simply having peace of mind.

Don’t Try to Become a Trading Expert Overnight

This is where many beginners lose money.

They watch a few finance reels and suddenly start:

Intraday trading

Futures & options

Crypto speculation

Following random Telegram tips

Chasing “multibagger” stocks

Then losses happen.

And they conclude:

“Stock market is gambling.”

But investing and gambling are very different things.

For someone starting with a small salary, simplicity works best.

You do not need complicated strategies.

A simple SIP in diversified mutual funds or index funds is enough to begin wealth creation.

Because successful investing is usually boring.

It’s:

Regular investing

Patience

Long-term thinking

Ignoring noise

Not constant excitement.

Comparison Is One of the Biggest Financial Mistakes

Social media has made investing look glamorous.

Everyone seems to be:

Making profits

Buying expensive gadgets

Trading successfully

Traveling constantly

But social media rarely shows:

Debt

Financial stress

Losses

EMIs

Bad decisions

Don’t compare your beginning with someone else’s highlight reel.

Someone investing ₹2,000 consistently every month is doing far better than someone earning well but saving nothing.

Your journey is your own.

Increase Investments Whenever Salary Increases

One smart habit can change your future dramatically:

Increase your SIP every time your salary increases.

For example:

Salary increased by ₹5,000?

Increase SIP by ₹1,500–₹2,000.

Most people increase their lifestyle first.

Smart investors increase investments first.

This small habit creates massive long-term impact because higher investments combined with compounding accelerate wealth creation.

And the best part?
You usually won’t even feel the difference if you increase gradually.

Learn Financial Skills Slowly

Nobody teaches personal finance properly in schools or colleges.

So most people enter adulthood without understanding:

Investing

Taxes

Insurance

Budgeting

Inflation

Debt management

And honestly, that’s normal.

You don’t need to become an expert overnight.

Just start learning little by little.

Read blogs.
Watch educational videos.
Understand basic concepts.
Ask questions.
Stay curious.

Financial knowledge compounds just like money.

Don’t Ignore Insurance

Many young earners think:

“Insurance toh baad mein lenge.”

But one medical emergency can destroy years of savings.

Health insurance is important even if:

You are young

Healthy

Just starting your career

Because hospital expenses today are extremely expensive.

Insurance is not an investment.

It’s protection.

And protection is an important part of financial planning.

The Goal Is Bigger Than Just Money

People think investing is only about becoming rich.

But real investing gives something much more valuable:

Freedom

Stability

Confidence

Security

Better life choices

Less stress during emergencies

It gives you options.

And that changes life.

Imagine:

Not panicking during emergencies

Having savings for opportunities

Supporting family confidently

Living without salary-to-salary stress

That’s what smart investing slowly builds.

Final Thoughts

If your salary is small right now, don’t feel discouraged.

Every experienced investor once started exactly where you are.

Confused.
Careful.
Unsure.
Starting with small amounts.

The important thing is not how much you start with.

The important thing is:

Starting early

Staying consistent

Avoiding unnecessary risks

Learning continuously

Giving time to compounding

Because wealth is rarely created overnight,

It’s built quietly.

One SIP.
One disciplined month.
One smart financial decision at a time.

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Common Mutual Fund Mistakes First-Time Investors Make http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/19/common-mutual-fund-mistakes-first-time-investors-make/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2026/05/19/common-mutual-fund-mistakes-first-time-investors-make/#respond Tue, 19 May 2026 13:18:49 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=480

A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Investing Smarter and Building Wealth Confidently

You finally decide to start investing.

You finally decide to start investing.

You download an app, watch a few finance videos, hear friends talking about SIPs, and suddenly mutual funds start looking like the easiest way to build wealth.

“Start SIP with just ₹500.”

“Best fund giving 30% returns.”

“Become financially free early.”

Sounds exciting, right?

So you begin investing with confidence.

But after a few months, markets fall.

Your portfolio turns red.

News channels scream about crashes.

Social media spreads panic.

And now the same investment that once felt exciting suddenly feels risky.

This is exactly where most first-time investors make mistakes.

The good news?

Most investing mistakes are completely avoidable.

You do not need to be a finance expert to succeed in mutual funds. You simply need the right mindset, patience, and discipline.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common mutual fund mistakes beginners make – and how you can avoid them to become a smarter, calmer, and more successful investor.

1. Investing Without Clear Financial Goals

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is investing without knowing why they are investing.

Many people start SIPs because:

  • Their friends are investing
  • Social media makes it look easy
  • Markets are rising
  • Someone said mutual funds give “high returns”

But investing without goals is like boarding a train without checking the destination.

You may keep moving, but you will never know if you’re going in the right direction.

Why Goals Matter

Every investment should have a purpose.

Maybe you want to:

  • Buy a house
  • Build retirement wealth
  • Save for your child’s education
  • Create an emergency fund
  • Achieve financial freedom

Your goals decide:

  • Which mutual funds are suitable
  • How much risk you should take
  • How long you should stay invested
  • What returns are realistic

Without goals, investors usually make emotional decisions whenever markets become volatile.

A Simple Real-Life Example

Rahul started a SIP because his colleague recommended a “top-performing” fund.

Priya also started a SIP – but for her retirement 25 years later.

When markets corrected sharply:

  • Rahul panicked and stopped investing
  • Priya continued calmly

Why?

Because Priya had clarity.

A clear goal gives investors emotional stability during difficult times.

Ask Yourself Before Investing:

  • Why am I investing?
  • When will I need this money?
  • Can I handle market ups and downs?
  • What are my long-term expectations?

The clearer your goals are, the easier investing becomes.

2. Chasing the “Best Performing” Mutual Fund

This is probably the most common beginner mistake.

Most investors search:

  • “Best mutual fund in India”
  • “Highest return SIP”
  • “Top-performing fund”

Then they invest in whichever fund delivered the highest returns recently.

Sounds logical.

But this strategy often backfires badly.

Why Past Returns Can Mislead You

Markets move in cycles.

A fund performing brilliantly today may struggle tomorrow.

For example:

  • Technology funds may shine during tech booms
  • Small-cap funds may rally aggressively during bullish markets
  • Sector funds may suddenly underperform after economic changes

Many beginners mistake temporary performance for permanent quality.

And that becomes dangerous.

What Usually Happens

Investors often enter funds after massive rallies because everyone is talking about them.

By then:

  • Valuations are expensive
  • Expectations are unrealistic
  • Corrections become more likely

This is why many investors unknowingly:

  • Buy high
  • Panic later
  • Sell low

What Smart Investors Actually Look At

Experienced investors focus on:

  • Long-term consistency
  • Risk management
  • Fund manager quality
  • Portfolio strength
  • Stability during market falls
  • Expense ratio

A fund giving consistent 12 – 15% returns over many years is often far better than a flashy fund showing temporary 35% returns.

3. “I Can Handle Risk” Until Markets Crash

During bull markets, everyone feels confident.

But the real test of investing begins when markets fall.

Imagine this:

Your ₹2 lakh investment suddenly becomes ₹1.6 lakh within a few months.

What would you do?

  • Panic?
  • Stop SIPs?
  • Exit completely?
  • Lose sleep checking your portfolio daily?

This is where investors discover their real risk appetite.

Why Risk Appetite Matters

Different mutual funds carry different levels of risk.

Equity Funds

  • Higher returns potential
  • Higher volatility

Debt Funds

  • More stable
  • Lower risk

Hybrid Funds

  • Balanced approach

The problem begins when investors choose aggressive funds without understanding whether they can emotionally handle volatility.

A Common Mistake

Many young investors believe:

“I’m young, so I should invest only in small-cap funds.”

Age matters.

But emotional comfort matters too.

If market volatility constantly stresses you, your portfolio is probably too aggressive.

The Right Approach

Build a portfolio based on:

  • Your goals
  • Income stability
  • Financial responsibilities
  • Investment horizon
  • Emotional comfort

The best portfolio is not the one with the highest returns.

It is the one you can stay invested in peacefully for years.

4. Stopping SIPs During Market Corrections

This mistake destroys long-term wealth creation.

Whenever markets fall:

  • Fear spreads everywhere
  • News channels become negative
  • Investors start seeing temporary losses

And many beginners immediately stop their SIPs.

Ironically, this is usually the worst possible time to stop investing.

How SIPs Actually Work

SIPs benefit from market volatility.

When markets fall:

  • NAVs become lower
  • You buy more units
  • Long-term wealth creation improves

This is called rupee cost averaging.

Market Corrections Are Not the Enemy

Every experienced investor understands one important truth:

Market crashes are temporary. Discipline is permanent.

In fact, many successful investors build maximum wealth during difficult market phases because they continue investing consistently.

A Simple Example

Investor A stopped SIPs during every market correction.

Investor B continued SIPs calmly for 20 years.

Guess who created more wealth?

Usually, Investor B – by a huge margin.

The Biggest Difference Is Mindset

Beginners see falling markets as danger.

Experienced investors often see them as discounted opportunities.

That mindset changes everything.

5. Investing Based on Social Media Hype

Social media has improved financial awareness.

But it has also created a dangerous trend:
People investing without proper understanding.

Today, many beginners invest because:

  • A YouTuber recommended a fund
  • An influencer called it a “multibagger”
  • Friends recently made profits
  • A trending sector became popular online

This creates herd mentality investing.

The Problem With Following Trends

By the time something becomes popular publicly:

  • Prices are often already high
  • Risk is underestimated
  • Excessive optimism dominates markets

And unfortunately, retail investors often enter near the peak.

Important Truth

A good investment for someone else may be completely wrong for you.

Your investment decisions should match:

  • Your financial goals
  • Your risk appetite
  • Your timeline
  • Your personal financial situation

Smart Investors Do Their Own Research

Before investing:

  • Read the scheme objective
  • Understand where the fund invests
  • Study long-term consistency
  • Learn the risks involved

Knowledge-based investing is always safer than trend-based investing.

6. Buying Too Many Mutual Funds

Many beginners believe:

“More funds means better diversification.”

Not really.

In reality, too many funds often create confusion instead of safety.

What Beginner Portfolios Often Look Like

Many new investors end up holding:

  • 4-5 large-cap funds
  • Multiple ELSS funds
  • Several mid-cap funds
  • Sector funds
  • Too many SIPs

Most of these funds usually hold very similar stocks internally.

Why Over-Diversification Becomes a Problem

Too many funds can lead to:

  • Portfolio clutter
  • Duplicate holdings
  • Difficult tracking
  • Lower portfolio efficiency

Instead of diversification, investors unknowingly create chaos.

Simplicity Often Works Better

For many beginners, a simple structure is enough:

  • One diversified equity fund
  • One index or flexi-cap fund
  • One debt or hybrid fund

Simple portfolios are easier to manage, understand, and stick with during market volatility.

7. Ignoring Expense Ratios and Costs

Many investors focus only on returns.

Very few pay attention to costs.

But in long-term investing, costs matter a lot.

What Is Expense Ratio?

It is the annual fee charged by the mutual fund company for managing your investments.

Even a small difference matters enormously over long periods.

Why Small Costs Become Big Over Time

Imagine two funds generating similar returns.

But:

  • Fund A charges 1%
  • Fund B charges 2%

Over 20–25 years, that extra 1% can reduce your final wealth significantly because of compounding.

Costs Every Investor Should Understand

  • Expense ratio
  • Exit load
  • Tax implications
  • Direct vs Regular plans

Lower cost does not automatically mean better performance.

But unnecessary high costs definitely reduce long-term wealth creation.

8. Expecting Mutual Funds to Make Quick Money

One of the biggest misconceptions among beginners is expecting mutual funds to create instant wealth.

That expectation creates disappointment very quickly.

The Reality

Mutual funds are long-term wealth creation tools.

Real compounding usually becomes powerful over:

  • 10 years
  • 15 years
  • 20+ years

Not in a few months.

Why Patience Matters So Much

Compounding needs:

  • Time
  • Consistency
  • Discipline
  • Emotional control

Most people underestimate how powerful staying invested can become over decades.

The Magic of Long-Term Investing

Here’s something fascinating:

An investor who stays invested for 25 years may create more wealth in the final few years than during the first decade combined.

That is the real power of compounding.

9. Reacting Emotionally to Market News

News headlines constantly create:

  • Fear
  • Excitement
  • Panic
  • Speculation

Common Emotional Mistakes

  • Selling during crashes
  • Buying aggressively during rallies
  • Constantly switching funds
  • Checking NAVs every day

Emotional investing usually leads to poor decisions.

Successful Investors Think Differently

Experienced investors understand:

  • Volatility is normal
  • Market corrections are temporary
  • Long-term discipline matters more than short-term noise

Patience often creates better results than constant activity.

10. Investing Without Understanding the Product

This is the root cause behind many investment mistakes.

Many people invest without understanding:

  • What the fund actually invests in
  • Risk level
  • Expected volatility
  • Time horizon suitability

And when markets become volatile, fear increases because they never truly understood the investment in the first place.

Different Types of Mutual Funds

Equity Funds

Suitable for long-term growth but highly volatile.

Debt Funds

Lower-risk options for stability and income.

Hybrid Funds

Balance between equity and debt exposure.

Index Funds

Passive investing linked to market indices.

Sectoral Funds

High-risk exposure focused on specific industries.

Why Understanding Matters

When you understand your investments:

  • Confidence improves
  • Panic reduces
  • Expectations become realistic
  • Decision-making becomes smarter

Knowledge creates emotional stability in investing.

The Biggest Lesson Every Beginner Must Learn

The biggest enemy in investing is often not the market.

It is investor behaviour.

Successful investing is usually less about finding the “perfect” mutual fund and more about:

  • Staying disciplined
  • Remaining patient
  • Avoiding emotional decisions
  • Continuing investments consistently

The investors who build real wealth are not always the smartest.

They are usually the most patient

Final Thoughts

Mutual funds remain one of the best tools for long-term wealth creation.

They offer:

  • Professional management
  • Diversification
  • Accessibility
  • Long-term growth potential

But success in mutual funds depends far more on behaviour than intelligence.

If you can:

  • Stay disciplined during market falls
  • Ignore unnecessary noise
  • Continue SIPs consistently
  • Invest with clear goals

you are already ahead of most investors.

Remember:

“Investing is not about becoming rich overnight.

It is about becoming financially stronger year after year

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Gold vs Sensex: A 20-Year Analysis Reveals Key Lessons for Smart Asset Allocation http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2025/06/30/gold-vs-sensex-a-20-year-analysis-reveals-key-lessons-for-smart-asset-allocation/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2025/06/30/gold-vs-sensex-a-20-year-analysis-reveals-key-lessons-for-smart-asset-allocation/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:36:06 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=425

Investing is often a game of patience, strategy, and understanding the dynamics of different asset classes. Over the past two decades, two of the most popular investment options in India—gold and the Sensex—have shown contrasting yet intriguing performances. A 20-year analysis of gold versus the Sensex reveals crucial lessons for investors looking to optimize their asset allocation and build a resilient portfolio.

The Historical Performance of Gold and Sensex

Gold vs Sensex chart

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven asset, a store of value during times of economic uncertainty. Over the last 20 years, gold has delivered consistent returns, particularly during periods of market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures. Its appeal lies in its ability to preserve wealth, even when other asset classes struggle.

On the other hand, the Sensex, India’s benchmark stock market index, represents the performance of the country’s top 30 companies. Over the same period, the Sensex has experienced significant growth, driven by India’s economic expansion, corporate earnings, and increasing participation in equity markets. However, this growth has not been linear, with periods of sharp corrections and volatility.

Key Takeaways from the 20-Year Analysis

Diversification is Key:

One of the most important lessons from this analysis is the importance of diversification. While the Sensex has outperformed gold in terms of absolute returns over the long term, gold has provided stability during market downturns. A well-balanced portfolio that includes both equities and gold can help mitigate risks and smooth out returns.

Gold as a Hedge Against Uncertainty:

Gold has consistently performed well during crises, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Its negative correlation with equities makes it an effective hedge against market volatility. Investors should consider allocating a portion of their portfolio to gold to protect against unforeseen economic shocks.

Equities for Long-Term Wealth Creation:

The Sensex has delivered impressive returns over the long term, reflecting the growth potential of the Indian economy. For investors with a higher risk appetite and a long investment horizon, equities remain a powerful tool for wealth creation. However, patience and discipline are essential to ride out short-term market fluctuations.

Timing Matters, But Consistency Matters More:

While timing the market can yield significant gains, it is incredibly challenging to predict market movements consistently. Instead, a disciplined approach to investing—such as systematic investment plans (SIPs) in equities and periodic investments in gold—can yield better results over time.

Inflation and Currency Risks:

Gold has historically acted as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. In an economy like India, where inflation and currency fluctuations are common, gold can play a vital role in preserving purchasing power.

Gold and Sensex ratio table

Understanding the Sensex-to-Gold Ratio:
This ratio helps assess whether equities (Sensex) or gold is relatively more expensive. A higher ratio (>1.4) often suggests that equities are overvalued compared to gold, and future equity returns tend to be lower. Conversely, a lower ratio (<0.8) implies gold might be expensive or equities undervalued, potentially favoring equity investing. Historical data in the table clearly shows how forward returns align with these valuation bands.

How to Invest in Gold ?

Investors in India have multiple avenues to invest in gold, each with its own advantages:

  1. Physical Gold – Buying gold jewelry, coins, or bars remains the traditional way, though storage and security concerns exist.
  2. Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) – These are mutual fund schemes that invest in gold, offering liquidity and eliminating storage issues.
  3. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) – Issued by the Government of India, these provide interest income in addition to price appreciation.
  4. Digital Gold – Platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay allow investors to buy and store gold digitally.
  5. Gold Mutual Funds – These invest in gold ETFs and are managed by professional fund managers.

Gold Funds Available in India

Gold funds are mutual funds that invest in gold ETFs and offer easy exposure to gold without the hassle of storage. Some popular gold funds in India include:

  • Nippon India Gold Savings Fund
  • SBI Gold Fund
  • HDFC Gold Fund
  • ICICI Prudential Gold Savings Fund
  • Axis Gold Fund

These funds provide an easy way to invest in gold while offering diversification benefits.

Performance Review of Gold Funds

Gold funds have delivered strong returns, especially during economic downturns. Here’s how they have performed over the past few years:

  • In 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis, gold funds delivered returns of over 25%-30% as investors sought safe-haven assets.
  • Over the last 5 years, gold funds have generated CAGR of 10-12%, outperforming inflation and providing stability.
  • In 2019, gold funds gave returns of 20-24%, benefitting from global uncertainty and trade tensions.
  • During 2016, amid global economic instability, gold funds saw returns of around 15%.
  • However, during economic booms, gold funds tend to underperform compared to equities, reinforcing their role as a hedge rather than a primary wealth generator.

Crafting a Balanced Portfolio

The 20-year analysis underscores the importance of a balanced approach to asset allocation. Here’s how investors can apply these lessons:

  • Equity Allocation: For long-term goals, allocate a significant portion of your portfolio to equities or equity-based mutual funds. The Sensex’s historical performance highlights the potential for substantial returns over time.
  • Gold Allocation: Maintain a 10-15% allocation to gold through physical gold, gold ETFs, or sovereign gold bonds. This provides stability and acts as a hedge during market downturns.
  • Regular Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

The 20-year journey of gold and the Sensex offers valuable insights for investors. While equities have the potential to generate higher returns, gold provides stability and protection during turbulent times. By understanding the strengths of each asset class and adopting a diversified approach, investors can build a robust portfolio that withstands market fluctuations and achieves long-term financial goals.

Remember, the key to successful investing lies in patience, discipline, and a well-thought-out strategy.

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Blue Pill vs Red Pill: Inflation or Interest Rate ? http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/08/01/blue-pill-vs-red-pill-inflation-or-interest-rate/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/08/01/blue-pill-vs-red-pill-inflation-or-interest-rate/#respond Mon, 01 Aug 2022 09:48:20 +0000 https://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=383

Well, 2022 has been nothing less than a crazy ride for all of us. We have seen war, we have seen sanctions, we are seeing weird diseases and now we are seeing rising interest rate scenarios. Something which has been an anomaly in the recent past of financial history where economies across the world has been trying to incentivise people to manufacture, produce and do atleast something which can help them scale their business and hence their economies. In order to make them do so, keep the interest rate as low as possible so that people can borrow money at lowest rate and use it in their business. Post corona, we saw a world where money was available at cheapest rates, world economies were printing an unprecedented pace, markets were flushed with money, VC, banks everyone was just taking part in this crazy party and we were witnessing a V shaped recovery for the economies. 

Well, its only in movies that ‘they live happily ever after.’

Every party has to come to an end and this party also seems to be near an end too. Due to over expanding money supply which was happening in the economy, there was too much money chasing a fixed set of good and services which were there in the economy. Whenever such situation arises, inflation in the economy increases. As a result of which prices of good and services produced also increases and hence we see, everything getting expensive, right from petrol to sugar prices. We are seeing unprecedented prices level all across Europe and the world. Adding fuel to the fire (quiet literally) has been Russia Ukraine war, where it has not only caused humanitarian losses, but also led to massive fuel and food supply chain disruptions, further exacerbating the situation. 

Now lets analyse it in a summary 

Money printing=Inflation

Russia Ukraine war=Supply chain disruption=Inflation

Limited Fuel Supply=Inflation

This all prepares a recipe for disaster and that is what we are sitting on right now. 

The screenshot given below shows what are we sitting on; times of unprecedented inflation are coming ahead of us. 

In order to curb this, the central government and banks have decided to increase interest rate. Now, a question pops up, why interest rate?

This is because, when money supply in the economy has to be increased and we need people to buy and consume more, we decrease the interest rate. But this has led to higher prices for the same set of goods, hence we have to increase the interest rate. But the impact of the same is that, as interest rates increase, a lot of progress that was happening because of the virtue of cheap money will come to a halt now.

Hence we are hearing murmurs of economic recession around the corner as finding money at  an easy interest rate is no longer going to be possible. Money flow will stop and slowly and fight for money will ensure which will reduce the profits of the corporations and eventually leading to a slowdown. 

Hence we see a rising interest rate scenario. 

Impact is already visible in falling stock market and reduce in pace of economic growth. 

The article is written by Nikhil Gupta, Founder PoonjiMitra

Linkedin of PoonjiMitra: https://www.linkedin.com/company/poonjimitra

Linkedin of Nikhil Gupta (Founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-gupta-319584114/

Instagram of PoonjiMitra : https://www.instagram.com/poonji_mitra/

Instagram of Nikhil Gupta: https://www.instagram.com/nikhil_poonji/

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Zero Cost EMI: No Free Lunches http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/07/20/zero-cost-emi-no-free-lunches/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/07/20/zero-cost-emi-no-free-lunches/#respond Wed, 20 Jul 2022 13:35:15 +0000 http://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=379

There is a God that resides in every human, but when it comes to a businessman, the god only resides in his ‘Galla’ or tijori and that is the only god whose language he or she understands. 

Whenever I used to visit any retail mobile shop or buy a mobile phone from amazon, I used to get shocked with this facility of Zero Cost EMI and often used to wonder, why would someone be so generous? The whole financial system has got built on the basic premises of vested interest and incentives and here we see one ‘God’s own child’ offering Zero Cost EMI. 

But is it really that true that someone is giving you something without charging anything in return? Well, ABSOLUTELY not!!

The e-commerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon India offer no cost EMI schemes with interest applicable, which is usually somewhere arounds 15 percent. These sites charge discount which is equal to the interest rate. Assume a customer wants to buy a smartphone worth Rs 30,000.

In case the customer chooses a three-month no cost EMI plan where the interest charged is 15 percent, they will have to pay Rs 4,500 as the interest amount. Now, in case the customer chooses to pay the whole amount up front, they will be able to purchase the device for Rs 25,500. But should they choose to pay through no cost EMI, they have to pay the full price i.e. Rs 30,000. In this case, the interest amount is paid to the financier bank and the rest of the amount to the retailer.

On products that are not shown as discounted, the interest amount is added to the price. In the above case, the Rs 30,000 smartphone brought through a 3-month no cost EMI offer will actually cost you 34,500, to be payable over three months. However, this method is not used anymore since RBI released a circular in 2013 banning no cost EMIs. According to the circular, banks can’t offer any no-cost EMI because “the interest element is often camouflaged and passed on to the customer in the form of processing fee

The e-commerce websites these days discount the product to the exact amount of interest, which brings the amount payable to the actual price of the product. And since no extra charge is levied over and above product price, it’s called no cost EMI.

Advantages of no cost EMI

There’s a reason why online merchants are offering no cost EMI in tie-ups with major banks in the country. Below are the advantages of no cost EMI

  1. Ability to buy expensive utilities without having to pay upfront
  2. Pay conveniently over few months
  3. Flexibility to choose the tenure according to your budget every month
  4. The ability to pay the same amount in installments helps in better budget planning

Disadvantages of no cost EMI

While the no cost EMI certainly is convenient and allows purchasing something that you need but can’t because of financial restrictions, it does come with its set of drawbacks. Let’s take a look.

  1. Cost of paying EMIs is higher than paying upfront
  2. You might have to pay a fixed non-refundable processing fee for the EMI
  3. You will have to GST on interest payable
  4. In case you return the product and get a refund, you will still end up losing money on interest
  5. You may end up buying expensive utilities that you want but don’t need

Should you choose no cost EMI?

In case you are absolutely sure that you need the product you plan to buy through no cost EMI and will be able to pay EMI every month for the tenure, than yes, no cost EMI is a very convenient method to make the purchase. However, if you are not sure of the purchase and were considering it on an impulse, it makes no sense to pay more than what you could have in the first place.

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Why is Indian Rupee Falling ? http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/07/06/why-is-indian-rupee-falling/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/07/06/why-is-indian-rupee-falling/#respond Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:22:37 +0000 https://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=374

I was 19 years old. My father took us to our first ever international trip to Dubai. Dirham is the official currency of Dubai. At that time, Dirham was equivalent to 18 INR. Being born and brought up in a traditional Marwadi Baniya family, the calculations are something which have now become a part of the subconscious brain. Though my parents have always been very kind and generous and never bothered me for any purchase that I ever wanted to make, but in Dubai the soul of a calculative baniya kid didn’t allow him to go freehand. Somewhere, I was feeling dejected to pay extra money to these people. Ideally why should I. My parents worked as hard as theirs but in order to purchase any commodity in their country, I had to pay 18 times more. (I didn’t understand purchasing price parity, back then)

Now that I have started earning on my own, certainly a foreign trip looks like an expensive affair to have. Rupee has hit an all time low against the dollar of 79.03. Goodbye US trip!!

But why is this happening ?

The value of the Indian rupee to the US Dollar works on a demand and supply basis. If there is a higher demand for the US Dollar, the value of the Indian rupee depreciates and vice-versa. 

If a country imports more than it exports, then the demand for the dollar will be higher than the supply and the domestic currency like Rupee in India will depreciate against the dollar. 

Supply Chain disruptions, owing to the Russia Ukraine War, inflation, widening trade deficit and high crude oil prices have put India and Indian currency in a soup. 

Double whammy has been the heavy foreign outflows from the domestic market s the foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have sold shares worth $28.4 billion so far this year, outstripping the $11.8-billion sell-off seen during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. The rupee has depreciated 5.9 per cent versus the dollar so far this calendar year. 

With more and more money flowing out of the Indian economy, Indian Rupee depreciates against other currency in the world. ‘Because of this depreciation of currency, it makes imports even more costlier and hence we are suffering record inflation in the country right now  

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is fighting on several fronts to slow the rupee’s decline to fresh records. The central bank is said to have sold dollars at 78.97-78.98 per US dollar on Wednesday and has heavily expanded its foreign exchange reserves to shield the rupee from a runaway depreciation. 

Is it only in India whose currency is weakening?

No, its not. Infact in south east Asia, we have done well compared to other currencies. However, the impact of the fall can be felt everywhere. Till the time inflation doesn’t calm down and market revival doesn’t begin again, we don’t see India’s story to improve very soon!

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Zomato Blanket Merger: Daal Mei Kuch Kaala or Kaali Daal? http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/06/30/zomato-blanket-merger-daal-mei-kuch-kaala-or-kaali-daal/ http://blog.poonjimitra.com/2022/06/30/zomato-blanket-merger-daal-mei-kuch-kaala-or-kaali-daal/#respond Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:19:26 +0000 https://blog.poonjimitra.com/?p=362

It was just last year that market was abuzzed with the IPO of Zomato with investors going gaga over the money that they had made on its listing and including me, I was too elated believing in the potential of Zomato kitchens and what they can deliver in the food delivery space in the coming years. Today, it has eroded more than 54% of its value and has been the biggest wealth destroyer for investors. 

In regional slang, it is said that “Jab ek Dukaan khuli ho, toh doosri dukan nahi kholni chahiye” which in english would translate as when you have one shop up and running, don’t open another one. However, this is something which can’t be applied to the startup scenario where you need ways and methods of raising more and more money from the venture capital while you are still not profitable even in the 7-8th year of business because of massive cash burn being done to acquire customers.

Perhaps this is the only logical explanation I could think of where Zomato acquired Blinkit for an all stock deal worth almost 4500 crores. 

This transaction has raised eyebrows of corporate governance watch dogs as earlier in the month of August 2021 only, Zomato paid over 750 crores to acquire a 9% stake in the company and even offered a loan of about Rs. 1,125 crores. This all stock deal means that Zomato stocks will now be valued at Rs. 71 and will issue about 62.9 crore shares giving rise to a massive dilution of about 8%. The stock has tumbled more than 14% in the last 2 days. 

If we have to calculate the enterprise value of Blinkit as an entity as a whole it will come down to this: 

Market Value of Stocks= 4500 crore 

Market value of Debt= 1125 (given by Zomato)+ 1875( available with blinkit to be used in funding their future losses. 

Adding both, we get an approximate value of 7500 crores is the value of the deal in reality for Zomato. 

Now the interesting question is, if the EV or enterprise value of company is 7500 crores only, then what was the point of paying 750 crores for acquiring a 9% equity stake earlier? Also, another fact which raises eyebrows is the husband wife angle between zomato and blinkit. 

Apparently cofounder of both these startups are married which wasn’t disclosed in the press release of zomato. 

Zomato is clearly looking for a way to transition into quick commerce by its acquisition and have a method of getting some money out of the hands of the investors by giving them a new bait as well as found some greenery in a new space as Corona has taught them about the limitations that food delivery business has and perhaps having a lifeguard in the form of blinkit is something that can be useful for them. 

This article is written by Nikhil Gupta, founder PoonjiMitra. 

Linkedin of PoonjiMitra: https://www.linkedin.com/company/poonjimitra

Linkedin of Nikhil Gupta (Founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-gupta-319584114/

Instagram of PoonjiMitra : https://www.instagram.com/poonji_mitra/

Instagram of Nikhil Gupta: https://www.instagram.com/nikhil_poonji/

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