10 Things to do to grow money in 2012!

We discuss many aspects of personal finance with our family and friends. We explore ways to earn more money, get out of debt, and build an emergency fund. We talk about the psychology of money management, and we share tips and tricks for making the most of your savings and your career
However, in 2012 let's take an oath to grow money and invest it the right way! The following are some of the steps you can follow to increase your money

Step #1: Set financial goals
For your goals to be effective, they have to be personal. They have to mean something to you.  Example, will save money for travel, will buy a new car, start a business and so on.

Step #2: Track every penny you spend
Maintain a systematic track of your money, where are you spending it? When? etc. This is a very important step.

Step #3: Develop a budget 
After you’ve tracked your spending for a few weeks (or months), use the data you’ve collected to develop a budget. Whatever way you make your budget keep in mind it should be less than what you are earning.

Step #4: Review your bills (and ask for discounts)
At least once each year, you should review the contracts and agreements you have with various banks and service providers. This is also a great time to review your financial accounts to be sure everything still matches your needs.
Step #5: Optimize your accounts
Checking at equal intervals what is happening with you account will be beneficial for you.

Step #6: Start an emergency fund
Just to be on a safer side open an account which hold the funds to be used in an emergency, such as the loss of a job, an illness or a major expense. Such accounts can really come in handy and way to deal with large expenses.

Step #7: Get out of debt
If you want to save money it's priority that you release from all your debts. The debt snowball can give you awesome psychological payoffs, keeping you motivated to stay in the game.

Step #8: Fund your retirement
If you’re young, you probably don’t think you need to start a retirement account. You’re wrong. No matter how old you are, now is the time to begin saving for retirement.

Step #9: Automate your finances
When you make things automatic, you remove the human element, making it more difficult for you to mess things up.

Step #10: Earn extra money
You can meet a lot of your financial goals by reducing your spending and using the right tools. But nothing supercharges your progress like a boost in income. If you ever get a chance try and earn extra income in 2012.

Ref: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/01/01/12-steps-to-financial-freedom-in-2012/

Swatantra Article of the Week!

As rightly said, “With great power comes great responsibility”, the same goes with investment if you want great return you have to be prepared for great risks!

If you are likely to look forward for big returns, it involves big risk, however, that is not enough, sometime it might even call for losses which you should be prepared for. Hence, read our section which says, 'You Should Take Big Risk, Only If You Can Absorb Big Losses'. Also, read the article to know in depth how high-risk investments such as equities and real estate offer a chance to make high returns, especially in the long term. But a bear market can erode the value of your entire portfolio!

This week’s GURUSPEAK is ‘by Rajiv Deep Baja’ – Vice President & M.D. of Bajaj Capital. In addition, get to know how MF’s help mitigate some risks.

Reading the article will also teach you how you open an Demat account easily and it’s features.

To read more: http://bit.ly/rFO2li

Financial Advisor Awards 2011

UTI Mutual Fund, and CNBC–TV18, India’s No. 1 Business medium presents the fifth edition of the ‘Financial Advisor Awards 2011’, a unique platform that will felicitate India’s best Financial Advisors across the country. The aim of the awards is to recognize the contribution of these financial experts in creating and preserving sustainable wealth of the masses and also help them make informed financial decisions for both, short term and long term financial planning. The awards ceremony is going to be held on 17^th December, 2011.

 As a precursor to the Financial Advisor Awards 2011, UTI Mutual Fund and CNBC-TV18 will also organize various Financial Advisor Forums across cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Guwahati. The aim of these forums is to highlight the contributions of the wealth creators and help them gear up for a better financial year. Various financial experts will be giving an in-depth analysis and insights on financial planning and also information on the right tools; information and technology that the financial advisors require for their growth in the existing dynamic regulatory and business landscape.

Speaking on the occasion, Jaideep Bhatacharya, Group President and Chief Marketing Officer, UTI Asset Management Company Ltd. said, “Financial Advisors have played a critical role in the expansion of the Mutual Fund industry in India. Financial Advisors Awards is recognition of their efforts to create long term wealth for their clients.”

Swatantra Article of the Week! – 13th December, 2011

Just when you thought FDs are safest options as bank collapses are rare in India. But Lower Risk Means Lower Returns Especially When Inflation Remains Close To Double Digits!
 
However, there are other options too MFs also offer low-risk choices, read the article to know more.
 
Furthermore the group head, equities & private banking, third party products, NRI and international consumer business, HDFC Bank gives his views on financial planning under the ‘Guruspeak’
 
Then, ‘Look Beyond Fixed Returns’ says the founder and principal financial planner, Ladder 7 Financial Advisories!
 
To Read the article, kindly click: http://bit.ly/s9nqi6

 

Swatantra Article of the Week! – 29th November, 2011

From simple websites to dedicated apps, technology not only helps investors make decisions but also allows them to monitor the performance of their portfolios. 

Read to know some easy ways how you can track your investments be it through website or SMS and things-to-do to secure your online transactions.

And just when you thought that it is difficult to get good returns in today’s date, here is an article on how to get more on small investments!

To read the article, click here: http://bit.ly/uIYHFU

Swatantra Article of the week!

Spreading financial literacy through Swatantra, our Investor Education programme. Every Tuesday an article is published in one of the largest circulated newspaper in India - TOI discussing a critical financial issue which effects your life.

This week’s topic is ‘Plan for your retirement’. Get to know in detail about how to plan your retirement and invest for a better future.

Many of us do not plan for our life after retirement.. read to know what the financial experts has to say about it and how one monthly statement of all fund-related financial transactions will make your life much easier.

  

Click here to view the whole article: bit.ly/upTpJ4 and Stay Tuned for the next week’s financial knowledge.

 

Why Swatantra?

 

We believe mutual funds are a sure way to begin your journey as a successful investor. In simple words, mutual fund means a professionally managed type of collective investment scheme that pools money from many investors to buy stocks, bonds, short-term money market instruments, and/or other securities. However, many people have different Myths related to investing in mutual funds. Example, “It’s too late for me to start saving for retirement now.” “Financial advisors mostly provide investment/retirement advice.” “Financial Planning is all for rich people” and so on.

This is where Swatantra steps in to show a clear picture of what investing in mutual fund stands for and answer all your financial queries/doubts...  Today, with its ongoing progress, seems it will achieve its goal soon.