Understand key investment, tax, retirement, and loan metrics. Master the terminology that drives strategic wealth decisions.
An investment vehicle offered by mutual funds in India, allowing investors to invest a fixed amount regularly (monthly or quarterly) into a chosen scheme. It instills regular savings discipline and utilizes Rupee Cost Averaging to smooth out market volatility.
A one-time bulk investment of capital into a mutual fund or financial security. Unlike SIP, the entire principal compounds from day one, which can generate higher returns if deployed when valuations are discounted in a market correction.
The geometric progression ratio that provides a constant annualized rate of return over a specific investment tenure, assuming the asset compounded steadily. It is the gold standard metric to compare mutual fund and stock returns.
A mathematical solver used to calculate the annualized rate of return for a series of cash flows occurring at irregular intervals. Unlike CAGR, which requires a single initial and final point, XIRR is ideal for analyzing real-world mutual fund transactions with multiple monthly buy/sell dates.
A government-backed retirement savings scheme mandated in India for salaried employees. Both the employee and employer contribute 12% of basic salary monthly, accumulating tax-free compound interest declared annually by the EPFO board.
A sovereign-backed, long-term savings instrument in India offering guaranteed returns and EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status. It has a mandatory 15-year tenure and is highly favored by conservative long-term wealth builders.
A voluntary, market-linked retirement pension scheme regulated by the PFRDA in India. It invests in combinations of equity, corporate bonds, and government debt. Offers an additional ₹50,000 tax deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).
A critical salary component provided by employers to cover rental accommodation costs. Under Section 10(13A) of the Income Tax Act, salaried tenants can claim significant HRA tax exemptions based on basic salary and rent paid.
The tax applied on profits realized from selling financial assets (like equity mutual funds, shares, or real estate) held for a long duration. In India, equity LTCG is taxed at 12.5% on gains exceeding ₹1.25 Lakhs in a financial year.
Tax levied on returns from selling financial assets held for a short duration (typically within 12 months for equity shares and mutual funds in India). Equity STCG is currently taxed at a flat rate of 20%.
A pivotal underwriting metric used by Indian banks to evaluate your loan eligibility. It measures your total fixed monthly debt commitments (existing EMIs + rent) against your net monthly salary, capped typically at 50%.
The percentage ratio representing the proportion of a property or asset's value that a bank will finance through a loan. For example, an 80% LTV on a ₹1 Crore home means the bank loans ₹80 Lakhs, and you pay a ₹20 Lakhs down payment.