There
are some good traits of portfolio which makes it better than others . A
good and strong portfolio has some strong elements or parameters which
it must meet . These are the Pillars for a strong Portfolio or
Investments.
This is one of the biggest reason to invest. Isn't
it very obvious? Yes , it is . But the main point is not just its
growth in numbers but its real worth . We are talking about Post-tax
and post inflation returns .
The real return of Plain Fixed Deposits in these high inflation days are negligible when you factor out Inflation and tax (Click Here to Read WHY)
. The best investment must be robust and good enough to provide
appreciation in real worth over long period of time . Real Estate and
Equity (Long term) can generate good returns . Read a good article on Building Wealth , Click Here
Liquidity
Another
important aspect of a good portfolio is that its provide enough
liquidity , so that in case of need , you can get the money .
What is Liquidity ?
Liquidity is how fast and easily asset can be sold and you can get cash
. For example Mutual funds and Shares are highly Liquid , If you have
them and want to sell, you can get the money soon . Where as Real
estate is not a Liquid asset . So if you need urgent cash , you might
not find right price and or buyer.
Every portfolio must have some element of Liquidity, as per the requirement of the investor.
Risk Management
Every portfolio or investment must be to some level insured or have element of risk management
What
do we mean by this? A good investor is one who sees beyond what an
average investor cant see. Average investors concentrate very well on
Profits , How good an investment can be , High returns etc. An
exceptional investor goes beyond that and takes care of Worst case
Scenarios and situations which may cause damage. He is the real
investor .
Some of the steps to be taken are :
- Adequate Insurance to be taken . - Proper monitoring of performance of investment. - Getting out early in a bad investment and accepting that you made a wrong decisions. - keep your self updated with news ,laws , things which can affect you investments .
Each
and every investment should be done because of a strong reason . I see
people who take Insurance policies to save tax at the last rush hour of
the year !!! . Better loose the tax benefit and don't take that policy . That kind of investment is nothing more than a waste or burden. On the top of it these people don't even need insurance !!!
When someone asks you the reason for making a investment , you should know why you did it ?
Some of the bad or idiotic reasons for doing investments are :
- I can save tax by that - My friend did it and recommended me - Everyone is doing it .. why shouldn't I ?
Every time you take a decision ask yourself some questions like :
- Do i really need it at this point of time ? - Can i afford it ? - Do i understand it well ? Can i protect myself if people make me fool ? - What is the purpose or goal of this investment ?
If you get satisfactory answers go for it else take an expert advice.
Sample Portfolio Analysis.
Sample Portfolio 1
Robert
is a married person earning 40,000 per month. He is the sole Earner of
the family and and has 2 kids . He is not a risk taker and his
portfolio looks like
- 50,000 invested in NSC (opened before 3 years) - An endowment policy with 10 lacs cover and 40,000 premium for 30 yrs , with maturity benefits. - 1,40,000 in a Tax saving mutual funds (investment 70k for 2 years for tax saving) - Home (Rs 30,00,000) - Cash : 20,000 - Car : worth 5,00,000 - Jewelery worth 80,000
Lets rate his portfolio on all the parameters on the scale of 5 stars
Capital Appreciation : ** (A
small portion in Equity , and that too for a wrong reason of just tax
saving , Saving through Endowment policy is another wrong decision ,
the returns are too less )
Liquidity : * (None of the assets are Liquid and Cash available is not enough to meet emergency requirement)
Risk Management : * (No
Risk management , What if he dies after 10 days , What if he meets an
accident , What if suddenly he requires 1,00,000 , what if he looses
his Job)
Goal Oriented : * (The reasons for investment in most of the things looks like they are for Tax saving , or some one suggested )
Sample Portfolio 2
Ajay is married and has 2 kids and parents who are all dependent on him , He earns 40,000 per month .
- Long term investments in Tax saving Mutual Funds (Rs 4,000 per month) - Term Insurance of Rs 80,00,000 (80 Lacs) - Health Insurance of each member up to 3,00,000 - 4,00,000 (Family Floater Policy) - Yearly Contribution to PPF (Rs 50,000) - Invested 1,00,000 in Liquid Funds - Home loan taken by him and his Wife Jointly (Along with Home Loan Insurance) - 30,000 invested in Gold ETF and some good shares. - Rs 25,000 Cash
Lets rate his portfolio on all the parameters on the scale of 5 stars
Capital Appreciation : **** (Appropriate investment in Equity with long term view , and some money in Debt)
Liquidity : ***** (Has good amount of money in Liquid funds , Cash and Gold ETF , which have good liquidity and can provide him Money quickly in case of requirement)
Risk Management : ****
(In case of any type of Eventuality, He is properly covered. He is
protected well against Death , Health Issues , Home related issue ,
Emergency issues)
Goal Oriented : ***** (Most
of the investments have strong and valid reasons . Like Term Insurance
is required for Financial Cover , Mutual funds investment was for Long
term Wealth Creation , PPF
investment for Wealth Creation with Debt Route and safe investment ,
Joint Home Loan with wife for Tax benefits , Health Cover for Tax benefits and cover against Health Issues , Gold Investment in ETF because of Diversification and Liquidity , Cash for instant requirement , Liquid funds investment for Liquidity along with some returns)
Note : Both the portfolio's are created just for the illustration .
Summary
Each
and every person portfolio should be strong on all the areas , it
should pass all the criteria to some extent . A portfolio should pass
all the parameters for different requirements . If you have a portfolio
ask yourself all these questions :
-
Is it good enough to provide stable and good returns over long term .
Is capital appreciation happening in Value or just numbers are growing
, but post-tax and post-inflation returns are negligible .
- If i require instant money within 2 hrs , 2 days or 5 days , Is my portfolio smart enough to provide me .
- Is my portfolio good enough to provide protection to me and my family against calamities or any unexpected events . Do i review my Portfolio in regular basis to cut out the losers .
- Is my portfolio a result of my Needs and requirements or Greed , Ignorance and Hearsay and emotional Buying ? If that's the case , take action !!!
Options Trading , My Comments Looks like people are very much interested in learning about
Derivatives . Let me try to put basic things about Derivatives .Read a
basic about Deriva...
more >>
5 mistakes of my first trade Inspired by the name of 3rd novel by Chetan Bhagat
, i thought of writing this article where i wanted to discuss some
mistakes (big one) which i mad...
more >>
Financial Resolutions for 2009 Hi FriendsHappy New Year to all of you .. As this new year is coming ,
Let us discuss some things , they are :1. Financial Resolutions for
20092. Outl...
more >>
How to select a mutual fund 95% of the salaried people are rushing to invest for tax savings
(India) . 5% of smart people have already done it (like me) .The
biggest rush i know ...
more >>
Dividend distribution tax treatment We will talk about Equity , Debt and Liquid Funds . We
will also discuss dividend distribution tax is treated for all these
funds.First understand w...
more >>