How To Invest in Mutual Funds If You’re a Beginner?

Investments are the cornerstone of wealth creation and attaining financial stability. And if you are just starting out, mutual funds are the best way to invest in a diversified portfolio of bonds, stocks, and other securities. Investing in mutual funds for beginners is less risky because professionals manage the funds. Besides, you do not need a demat or trading account to invest in mutual funds.

In this beginners’ guide to mutual funds, we will explore what mutual funds are and the process of investing in mutual funds for beginners.

What are mutual funds?

Mutual funds are investment instruments that pool money from many investors and invest the funds in securities like shares, bonds, gold, etc. Asset Management Companies (AMCs) or fund houses manage these investments for investors. 

Professional portfolio managers invest the collected funds in the diversified portfolio on behalf of investors to generate maximum returns. So, they are ideal for beginners and investors with lower risk capacity. 

Investing in mutual funds for beginners

Here is your beginner’s guide to mutual funds:

1. Complete the mutual fund KYC

As you know, KYC stands for “Know Your Customer.” It is a mandatory identification and background check process under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (2002).

You can complete the KYC online if you invest in mutual funds using an online investment platform. You must log on to a KYC-registered investment platform, create an account, and provide your PAN card details, phone number, and address proof.

2. Invest in mutual funds SIP

You have two options for investing in mutual funds. The first is to make a lumpsum investment, i.e., a single payment to buy mutual fund units. Or you can invest in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

SIPs are better mutual fund investment plans for beginners because you divide your investment into smaller amounts. You can invest in a SIP for as low as Rs 100, and you can also invest in a fortnightly, monthly, or quarterly SIP.

Beginners’ guide to mutual funds jargon

To make informed investment decisions, you must know all the nitty-gritty of investment. So, here is your beginners’ guide to mutual funds jargon and frequently used terms:

List of All AMC Mutual Funds in India

Here is a concise list of all Asset Management Company (AMC) mutual funds in India:

• Principal Mutual Fund
• DHFL Pramerica Mutual Fund
• Kotak Mutual Fund
• Sundaram Mutual Fund
• Axis Mutual Fund
• BOI Axa Mutual Fund
• Union Mutual Fund
• Invesco Mutual Fund
• Reliance Mutual Fund
• HDFC Mutual Fund
• LIC Mutual Fund
• Taurus Mutual Fund
• Edelweiss Mutual Fund
• SBI Mutual Fund
• Essel Mutual Fund
• Baroda Pioneer Mutual Fund
• ICICI Mutual Fund
• JM Financial Mutual Fund
• Canara Robeco Mutual Fund
• Mahindra Mutual Fund
• Aditya Birla Sunlife Mutual Fund
• UTI Mutual Fund
• HSBC Mutual Fund
• Quantum Mutual Fund
• PPFAS Mutual Fund
• IDBI Mutual Fund
• Franklin Mutual Fund
• BNP Paribas Mutual Fund
• TATA Mutual Fund
• DSP Blackrock Mutual Fund
• Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund
• IIFL Mutual Fund
• Mirae Asset Mutual Fund
• L and T Mutual Fund
• Escorts Mutual Fund
• Indiabulls Mutual Fund

Things to Consider Before Investing in Mutual Funds for Beginners

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re a beginner kicking off your journey in mutual fund investing:

Specify a goal for your investment

Be sure to set your financial goals and ascertain your budget and time horizon before you begin your investment journey. Addressing these early on will help you make sound investment decisions that align with your overall financial goals.

Choose the type of mutual fund

As a first-time investor, it's best to invest in a balanced or debt fund, as these offer low-risk and stable returns. That said, if you want to explore your options, be sure to research your possible investment avenues thoroughly before investing. 

Choose a mutual fund from a shortlist

To invest in mutual funds, you need to analyse a variety of mutual fund options available in different categories. Further, you need to examine elements such as expense ratio, fund manager’s experience, assets under management, etc, while choosing the mutual fund for you. It’s best to make a shortlist of your top options and then choose from these.

Invest in multiple assets

Consider investing in more than a single mutual fund. This allows you to diversify your portfolio, safeguarding you against industry-specific developments, market fluctuations, etc.

Choose SIPs rather than lump sum investments

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are best for beginners as these give you the advantage of rupee cost averaging, which helps you lower the cost of your investment and increases your long-term profits.

Make sure your KYC papers are current

Be sure to complete your Know Your Customer (KYC) papers before investing in mutual funds. This will help facilitate a smooth process.

Apply for net banking

Mutual fund purchases require net banking. And so, it’s best to set up your net banking account before you begin investing.

Enlist the services of a financial counsellor

Investing in mutual funds can be confusing and overwhelming in the beginning. And so, consider hiring a financial expert to help guide you through the process. 

FAQs on mutual fund investing

How much should I invest in mutual funds?

Adopt the 50:30:20 plan. This involves spending 50% of your salary on essential needs, 30% on wants and 20% on savings. Invest that 20% into mutual funds to grow your savings.

Can I withdraw mutual fund anytime?

Yes, you can withdraw your mutual fund investment whenever you want before the maturity period unless you’ve invested in an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS), in which case the lock-in period is three years from the date you invested in it.

What is the minimum period for mutual funds?

There is no minimum period for mutual funds unless you invest in Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) which has a lock-in-period of three years.

Do I need to pay tax on mutual funds?

Yes, you need to pay capital gains tax on mutual funds. The percentage of this depends on your holding period. In case you sell your investments within a year of purchase, short term capital gains will be levied. On the other hand, if you hold your investments for more than a year, long-term capital gains tax is applicable.

What are the types of mutual funds?

The types of mutual funds include:

Bond Funds: These funds usually offer high returns with high risk. Investors must conduct thorough research before investing. 

Money Market Funds: These invest in high-quality, short-term investments that are issued by the government.

Stock Funds: These invest in corporate stocks.

Target Date Funds: Also referred to as lifecycle funds, these funds include a mix of bonds, stocks and other investments. These are ideal for investors who have a specific retirement date.