Direct plan investing in mutual funds

Do you know? – Direct Investing in mutual funds is super easy now

by

UPDATE A single platform for investing in direct plans of mutual funds – Unovest is now ready.

Create your FREE Account now.

Know more – FAQs.

Continue reading the article.

 

My problem with investing in mutual funds – is it yours too?

For most of us, investing in mutual funds is a big pain. First, you have to get through the ordeal of selecting the right few funds from amongst the hundreds on offer. Then, you have to actually make those transactions. For me, the latter is a bigger issue.

Talking of transactions, I am not a fan of paper. Not just for the sake of the environment but also for the inconvenience it creates. Too many forms, cheques, signatures, KYCs and what not.

Also, I want to route my investments directly to the mutual fund. In other words, I do not want to use a distributor. I will give the reasons in a while.

So, I have always been looking for a solution that makes it super easy and convenient to manage my mutual fund investments and allows me to transact easily. I am sure you too look for the same.

There are solutions that have emerged over time, with their own pros and cons. Let’s see what they are.

  • Several online investing platforms such as FundsIndia, NJfundz, etc. started offering a single point online investment solution. Most banks too offer an online investing facility in mutual funds. One time signup with all the paperwork and you are done. You can simply login and start investing in and tracking your mutual funds.
  • Mutual fund houses, from their side, have also launched their own website applications where you can track, and invest in their schemes. You will have to register separately with each mutual fund thus creating many User IDs and passwords.
  • Then there are the Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs) who take care of the transaction processing for various mutual funds. Basically, when you invest in a mutual fund, it is likely that the processing of the transaction is going to be done by one of the RTAs. They also offer Investor Services for the customers of the mutual funds. There are 4 major RTAs – CAMS, Karvy, Franklin Templeton and Sundaram BNP Paribas. They offer online and mobile investing solutions which can be used by investors and distributors.

Why direct investing in mutual funds?

From Jan 1, 2013 mutual funds started offering a new plan called “Direct Plans” in all their mutual fund schemes. So, if want to invest in a Mutual Fund Scheme A, it would come in the following variants.

  • Scheme A – Regular Plan – Growth
  • Scheme A –  Regular Plan – Dividend
  • Scheme A – Direct Plan – Growth
  • Scheme A –  Direct Plan – Dividend

The big difference between a regular plan and a direct plan is that in the latter, there is absolutely no payment of commissions to any distributor. The smart and informed investor chooses the ‘direct plan‘ to invest in mutual funds.

Personally, I would invest in and also recommend Direct Plans to my investor clients. As you might know, direct plans have lower costs (because they save on the commissions) and hence deliver better returns than the regular plans.

And that is where the problem starts. The distributors and banks on their online platforms DO NOT offer ‘direct plans’. Since they are offering a service, they offer only ‘regular plans‘ through which they get compensated by the mutual fund. Fair enough! They need to fund their business needs too.

The question is what do I do as an investor if I have to choose a platform for making direct plan investments. All I can do is to apply directly with each of the fund house in whose schemes I am investing in. So, if there are 3 different funds, I fill up applications for 3 of them and then go to their respective offices or Investor Service Centres of RTAs to submit the same.

Alternatively, I can also use the website application of the fund house to invest in a mutual fund scheme. But as experienced, you cannot create a NEW investment folio online. You need to have an existing folio to transact on that fund’s website. So, if you are investing in ABC mutual fund, you will have to submit a paper application for the first time and then start using the online facility for further transactions.

Too painful!

Any solution for direct investing in mutual funds?

I need a solution where I can invest in the direct plans online in any scheme I wish to invest in. A solution has yet to emerge but there is something very close that I have come to know and experience.

Going by the current trend, only RTAs like CAMS, Karvy, etc will be able to come out with such solutions. Recently, I tried my hands on the myCAMS Android App (it is also available on the iOS platform). And, I was blown away. It is so good. The words super-easy and convenient are truly applicable to this app from CAMS.

And the best part, it allows me to invest in a ‘Direct Plan‘.  Let’s find out more.

What is so great about myCAMS app?

myCAMS app

 

You can access your Mutual Fund investment information on the go from your smart phones using the myCAMS app. Based on the description of the app on the Google Play Store, its features include:

  1. Open a new folio with just a touch, swipe, scroll. No more forms or cheques
  2. Financial transactions such as Additional purchase, Switch and Redemption
  3. Instant view of cost value to market value to the transactions of last 3 transacted days
  4. Set up SIP,  STP, SWP in a jiffy
  5. Latest portfolio valuation – in summary and detail
  6. Same day processing of liquid funds
  7. Request for consolidated account statement across all RTAs
  8. Customer Service/ Helpdesk
  9. myCAMS is secure and does not store any information on your device or SIM card

I would vouch for every word above. It actually delivers.

The “Invest New” feature works like a charm. It is currently available with only 3 mutual funds, namely, DSP BlackRock, ICICI Prudential and PPPFAS.

Update: As on Sept 2, 2016, Birla, IDFC, Kotak, L&T, Mahindra, SBI and TATA are also available on myCAMS.

There is an immense amount of time and effort saved.

Taking the myCAMS app for a test drive

I did not blindly believe what was described for the app and decided to test out the features myself.

Apart from regular information about my investments that it offers, I did two financial transactions. Below is a summary of what I experienced.

Transaction 1: Invested by creating a new folio

I invested in one of the schemes of DSP Blackrock Mutual Fund and it was a total breeze.

  • Options and Amount: I chose the “Direct Plan” of the scheme, specified the Amount and paid via Net Banking. The app asked me to enter my bank account details. Since it was the first time, it asked me to provide a proof – either by uploading an image of the signed cancelled cheque of the bank in the app itself OR by couriering the same to the CAMS office. I quickly clicked a pic with the phone camera and uploaded it. Super!
  • NetBanking Transfer: You can select from a large list of banks that includes all major ones like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, etc. The connectivity is real fast.
  • KYC: Of course, my KYC has already been done. myCAMS app detected that information as soon as I entered my PAN number. I believe it pulled out the information from my other investment folios that existed. Smart indeed!
  • Nominees: You can add the nominees (upto 3) to your folio. More paper saved!
  • Security: The app uses One Time Password feature to confirm the transaction. I liked this additional security feature.
  • Time to transact: It took me less than 5 minutes to complete this transaction. The maximum time the app took was to launch the image capture feature for the cancelled cheque, my capturing and uploading the cheque image. Everything else was super quick including the net banking payment.

Transaction 2: Redemption from an existing folio

I redeemed some money from a liquid fund. From the application I selected the Redeem feature. I further selected the fund house and an existing folio.

Then I chose between “All Units” to redeem (you can also choose select no. of units or amount), confirmed the bank account in which the money should be credited and finally pressed Submit.

After entering the one time password I received on my phone, the transaction was through. That’s it.  The time to transact was just about a minute. Whoa!

—

Key points to note to make the most of this app:

  1. You register with the app using your email id. The same email is has to be registered with all the mutual fund folios that you have invested in. Because the app captures details and displays only those existing mutual fund scheme investments in which the email id is registered.
  2. You will be able to transact only in those funds that have show up in the app. So email id is the key again. Of course, you don’t need one if you doing a new investment.
  3. In case you have different email ids registered with different folios, then you will have to register with each email id separately and login and logout to access the transactions mapped with one email id.
  4. Your KYC has to be completed. If you do not have a valid KYC, you will not be allowed to do a new investment by creating a new folio.

One limitation – not all funds are available 

myCAMS app will allow you to transact only in those mutual funds, which are serviced by CAMS. So, the schemes from fund houses such as Franklin Templeton, Quantum, Reliance, or Sundaram will not be available on this app.

For those funds serviced by the RTA, Karvy, there is a mobile app called KTrack. However, it failed to work on my Android phone and hence I have currently no view on it.

Sundaram BNP Paribas also has a mobile app. It is yet to be tested.

Alternatively, you can invest online in direct plans through the websites of each of the fund houses.

Get the power under your thumbs

Notwithstanding the limitations, there is tremendous value in using the app even with its current features. Direct investing in mutual funds is super easy now.

I hope they quickly add other mutual funds too for the ‘Invest New‘ feature. That is going to bring out the true power of this app for you and me, as investors.

Download the free app on your smartphone, register yourself and start exploring. Mutual fund investing is truly faster, better, easier and may I add, cheaper.

myCAMS App download links:

  • Google Play Store (Android app) :  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.KCamsApp
  • iTunes Store (iOS app) : https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/mycams/id877565416?mt=8

UPDATE 1: MF Utilities, a mutual fund industry initiative, has now launched an online investment facility where you can do transactions in direct plans of mutual funds. It is free of cost. All you need is a Common Account Number. Click here to know all about the CAN or Common Account Number.

 

UPDATE 2: Unovest is now live.

I have created for you a single platform for investing in direct plans of mutual funds – Unovest.

You can upload your existing holdings and transact in them, you can make fresh investments of direct plans of mutual funds.  Save upto 1.25% in expenses and add it your returns. Reach your financial goals, faster.

Create your FREE Account now.

Know more – FAQs.

Between you and me: How do you invest in mutual funds? What medium to you use? Do share your experience and views. I eagerly await your comments.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post.  The purpose of this post is to educate investors as to how they can invest conveniently and directly in mutual funds.

75 thoughts on “Do you know? – Direct Investing in mutual funds is super easy now”

  1. I have invested 1000 in dsp black rock money maneger fund direct plan.and it was not showing in my investments section.after transaction how to much time take yo show in my investment section .please answer

  2. I invested in dsp blackrock money maneger fund direct plan today and i cant see in my investments section.how much time take to show my investment section.plese tell me

  3. I want to invest lump sum amount of 50000 in ELSS Mutual fund before 15 March 2017 for 3 years. Please suggest my folio.

  4. Sir,
    I tried for registering with MFU India. But it didn’t complete stating that I need to be KYC complaint. Then I went to CAMs office for getting KYC complaincy. They told I need to be an investor first, Then only they will process for my KYC.
    Now I would like to know that is it correct?
    Also if I invest in one fund, if they process for KYC, will it be applicable for all funds?. I doubt it because they gave me an application for KYC, which appears to be an extyended form of some fund house.
    Suppose if they won’t process the KYC, what is teh better alternative for getting KYC compliant?
    Pl advise me.

  5. sir,
    I appreciate your advisory .at present i am in critical situation .a flat sale by me in 30 lac in year 2014 and this amount kept in capital gain a/c in bank for the purpose of investment to purchase a flat in December 2016.but due to P.M order REAL ESTATE SECTOR fell down.but property owner is not ready to sale in less prize , or on circle rate. they are wait & watch position so now i have two option (1 ) after paying long term capital gain tax i.e. 20% approx 03 lac, rest amount invest in mutual fund. (2) I purchase a flat to save tax in old market rates
    because i think approx. 6 to 12 month time will be required to mind make up of property owners.to sell in less rate .
    my long term capital gain limit i.e. 2 year is being cross in December 2016. what should i do
    if I invest in m.fund my loss can recover or not pl advise .

    • MR Lavania
      Do you need a flat? In that case, if you are finding the right place for yourself, probably, you should buy it.

      If you don’t need a flat, or already have existing investments, you can consider investing in other avenues like mutual funds to diversify your portfolio. However, there are no guarantees. You should be willing to invest for at least 5 years, preferably 10 years and withstand any volatility that might occur in between.

      Would you want to subscribe to Capital Gain Bonds under section 54EA/54EC to save yourself from capital gains tax?
      Thanks.

  6. I have 3lakhs in my saving account and want to invest in MF one time for atleast 3-5 yrs having high er returns. Please guide where and how to do.

  7. Thank you for the very informative post.
    It is really helpful for people who are new in Mutual Funds investment.
    I have 3 scheme through Ventura1(with whom my demat is) and 3 scheme from Bluechip can I transfer my running SIP to mycams ?

  8. Hi Vipin Khandelwal,

    Thanks for the worderful read!

    You gave the clear understanding btw regular and direct funds. I’m new to MF but has known this information after some research. Kash, I found your article then..:-)

  9. hello sir,i hv demat accont with hdfc that allow to invest online ,if i invest online throgh demat in direct plan, are they charging distributor commision?

    • Girish,

      HDFC is a distributor of mutual funds and hence it will not offer direct plans to you. You will invest through it only in regular plans and it will receive commissions on such investments.

      Thank you

  11. Hi Vipin,

    I have one investment related query. Suppose I have invested in one of MF scheme with some lump sum amount (say Rs. 30000). Now after 6 months or a year, i want to reinvest some more lump sum amount (say Rs. 20000) in the same scheme. Is it possible to do so or if yes, will my total invested amount becomes Rs. 50000? Can you please clarify?

    • Yes Rakesh, you can invest more as and when you want. Of course, your investment value will be Rs. 50,000 and the market value will be dependent on the growth that has happened.

      hope this clarifies.

  12. Hello sir

    I am a new entrant in MFs. I have opted for 2 ELSS MFs, axis long term equity & franklin taxshield. I have registered in both of them on their respective websites, but am facing some issues:

    Axis- Registered yesterday on the website, investment thru SIP, took out a printout of the application. Website didnt give any option for 1st payment. will the 1st payment be done at a later date and is the form to be sent to mumbai office? How will the kyc be verified? Will i get notified for 1st payment?

    Franklin- registered on website, 1st payment done online thru net banking. Is there any kyc verification to be done now or i have to send my kyc documents to their office? When will i receive the MF policy papers?

    • Dear Rahul

      I suggest that you call up the respective fund houses and enquire the status.

      Typically, it takes 2 weeks for the SIPs to be registered.And if it is done online, there shouldn’t be a need to submit physical papers. Still best to confirm with the Fund House itself.

      You can also open a CAN with MFU and do all your transactions at one place.

      Hope this helps.

    • Hi Rahul,

      Are you already KYC compliant? If no, do it first

      If yes, Axis is little typical, unless you transact atleast 500 rs in their fund house, it wont assign any folio to you. Suggest, you to invest 500 lumsum in Axis long term ELSS upon which a folio is assigned and later mapping to that folio you can start a SIP

      This is my personal learning..Hope this helps!

  13. Hi Vipin,

    I want to start a new investment through CAMS and as you said in your article that we can choose from only 3 schemes DSP BlackRock, ICICI Prudential and PPPFAS. That’s why I have chosen DSP Blackrock just to try.

  14. Hi Vipin,

    Thanks for such a knowledgeable article. I am new to MF investments and would like to start investing in them. What I can understand now that we can invest in MF either through SIP or directly with lump sum amount. I want to know whether each MF scheme is having its own period of investment (say 3 years) or it depends upon investor how long he wants to invest in scheme.
    For e.g. Is it possible that I can invest in any MF scheme for a period of only 3 months?
    Please suggest.

    • Hi Rakesh

      Welcome to the world of mutual funds. 🙂 Mutual funds typically don’t have a period of investment. There could be some funds which have a lock in, for example, tax saving mutual funds have a lock in of 3 years. You cannot sell them before that time. There are some closed ended schemes too which have a lock in of 3 or 5 years. In other cases, you can pretty much buy or sell anytime.

      You would like to read this article for some more information on mutual funds.
      https://vipinkhandelwal.com/20-mutual-fund-facts/

      Hope this helps.

      • Thanks for your prompt reply. Does CAMS take any annual fees or any kind of transaction charges from investor? If I want to invest for short term period, which type of mutual fund should i go for?

          • Hi Vipin,

            I want to just start by investing first in one of DSP Blackrock mutual fund. Can you suggest me any one of the direct scheme? I was checking NAV for different schemes. It was mentioned there return percentage (say 12% for 30 days, 18% for 60 days and so on). I want to ask what does this actually means. Does it means that whatever i have invested i will get around 12% increment after 30 days? Please clarify.

          • Rakesh,
            Why a DSP scheme? What is the purpose?
            The returns mentioned for the schemes are an average over the period mentioned. It is not a guaranteed or assured return.
            In fact, when you invest there is a high chance that for the first few days, your value may become negative and over the next few years, there can be various periods with the same result.
            Only, after a few years, do you get to see an average positive return. that too depends upon the type of scheme, the way it is managed and the kind of investments it makes.

            Just remember there are no assured or guaranteed returns in mutual funds.
            Hope this clarifies.

  15. I want to know that if I can make a sip of icici pru value discovery fund direct plan growth through cams app?what is the process to do it?i am a new investor.please guide.

    • Dear Soumitra
      To do a SIP, you need to have A registered One time bank mandate which will allow the fund to take money from your account and invest it at a frequency such as monthly or whatever is decided by you. The form is available inside myCAMS as well.

      To create the SIP, you have to log into myCAMS and select SIP module. There select the scheme, amount and frequency. You are done.

      Hope this helps.

      • but when I tried to log in the mycam app ,it showing me which AMC i want.which fund and how much money I want to invest with my details.but I want to s.i.p.for that also i need to pay that money?actualy I am confused with the system.please give me a solution how can I go for SIP of a perticular amc.please tell me steps fom log in.and as you told me earlier to do bank mandate for doing SIP but first I need to log in the apps then I guess I can do i.but its showing that need to choose a amc and money details.please help.

  16. Dear Vipin,

    Thank you for the post. It is really helpful for people who are interested in investing in Mutual Funds.

    I personally learnt quiet a lo about Mutual Funds after reading your post.

    I am planning to start investing in SIPs. I don’t have any investment folio. Can I start doing the same in CAMS or do I have to first register in some funds ?

    • Thanks Manoj. Nice to know that the post was helpful.
      You can start your MF investments through myCAMS. But you will only be able to invest in a fund that CAMS has on its platform. As long as you are okay with that, it is fine.

  17. Vipin,

    You have written about the CAMS app, but what about directly purchasing MFs from the CAMS website (www.camsonline.com), especially when I already have a folio with the AMC. Wouldn’t that be free of entry loads?

    Thanks.

  18. I added can no in unovest,but how can i send verification mail from mfindia abt it??what’s the unovest mail Id to send??
    Regards
    Srinivasan.k
    PH:9842092575

  19. Hi

    Nice post. I registered with mycams app and did transaction too.

    But it doesn’t allow me to login. Error msg says “transaction is pending complete it before login”.

    I received transaction successful msg in mail and got login credentials too.

    May I know how many days should I wait to login after first transaction?

    Thanks in advance

  20. Hi Vipin,

    i am beginner in MF. want to invest in MF but dont know where to invest.i heard about unovest where i can invest directly in MF .Is there any hidden charges in unovest site for investing in direct plan ?

    Thnaks

  21. Hi Vipin,

    Thank you so much for help.

    I’ll surely go through the links you have provided.

    One last request, It would be helpful if know someone in Pune as Investment Adviser upon him I can trust.

    Thanks,
    Sandeep

  22. Hi Vipul,

    I am 28 years old only. I can save 50k monthly, but very confused where to save. I have started “Sukanya Samridhdhi” account this month.

    Can you suggest good MFs to invest in? I’ll stay invested for more then 10 years.

    Thanks,
    Sandeep

  23. Hi Vipul,

    Nice Articles.. !!

    I need your help.

    Following are my goals:

    Required Retirement Fund : Rs. 6,49,06,577
    Required Kid’s Education Fund : Rs. 40,31,156
    Future value of your investments : Rs.4,73,472

    Could you please suggest good MFs to invest in? What is the best approach to select MFs?

    I have one question there. MF gives 20% return in 3 years, does that mean if I have invested 1000/month, total 36000 for 3 years, it will be 36000*20%=43200 OR it will be as follows:
    36000*20%=43200 1st year
    43200*20%=51840 2nd year and
    51840*20%=62208.

    I have ShareKhan Account, can I move portfolio from there to Unovest or CAMS? How?
    Can I buy direct plans on Sharekhan?

    Looking forward to hear from you..

    Thanks,
    Sandeep

    • Dear Sandeep
      Thanks for the comment.
      Assuming you are 35 yrs age today, you will need more than 50k savings per month (increasing at 10% per year) to reach just your retirement goal. I used the retirement calculator as given here. https://vipinkhandelwal.com/retirement-planning-calculator-revised/

      On understanding MF returns, 20% is the average return. Your second calculation is right, however it is not so linear in real life. It can be 25%, -10%, 55% (the average is still 20). Also, 20% number is for past returns. Don’t assume that for future planning.

      With entities like Sharekhan, you cannot invest in direct plans. They are distributors after all who receive commissions when you invest. There is no need to move portfolio to anywhere.
      All you need to do is to either log into your AMC website and invest their directly. Or, use CAMS or Karvy or Franklin and Sundaram, to invest in direct plans of your mutual funds.

      You should also acquire a Common Account Number. Read up more here: https://vipinkhandelwal.com/common-account-number-of-mutual-funds/

      As for Unovest, you should definitely open your account at smart.unovest.co and upload your existing portfolio, if any. You can also make investments in direct plans by using your Common Account Number through Unovest.

      Hope this helps.

    • Great to know that Prabhat. Wish you all the best! Have you uploaded your MF portfolio on smart.unovest.co? You can see more insights on your portfolio with the reports there. Thanks.

  25. Hi Rahul,

    I have one query , can we discuss on funds.

    I have two folio for ICICI MF – LTEF (ELSS) – growth – Regular

    3000 + 1000 +1000 = 5000 all are regular funds.

    can i stop one of the MF with 3K as it is regular so loss of NAV and funds money? and invest in any other funds.

    Regards,
    Prabhat

    • Thanks for writing Prabhat. You can switch your fund from regular plan to direct plan or redeem completely and invest in another. However, keep in mind any exit loads or capital gains.

      • Thanks Vipin for suggestion.
        I have the below SIP so far..
        1) HDFC Tax Saver – 1k since last 5 years
        2) Reliance Tax Saver – 1k since last 5 years
        3) ICICI Prudential LTEF (ELSS)
        a) 3k Rs since last 5 years with top up of 500 each year started before 5 years with 1k PM.
        b) Another 1k LTEF – since last 6 months
        c) Another 1k Rs LTEF – Since last 5 years continuing
        4) Recently started ICICI Discovery fund – 1.5k – 6 months back with 500 top up
        5) BSL Pure fund value – 2k with 500 top up since 1 year
        6) DSP Blackrock Micro cap fund – Direct – 1k PM and 500 top up since April 2016.

        I am planning to buy new funds out of three , which you would be able to advise to start for how much amount approx.
        I can invest 2-3 k in next 3-6 months.

        1) Franklin T High Growth Companies – Multi cap fund
        2) Birla Sun Life MNC Fund – Direct Plan (G) , small cap and mid cap
        3) Franklin India Prima Plus Fund – Growth

        Also so far what i have planned , my investment looks good for future return after 20 years min i would like to continue , wait and watch.

        I also don’t want to stop like ICICI has more tax saving plans but it has grown in last 5-6 years so stopping any plan and then again have to wait for maturity for long time..I know in 5 years after 20 years + 5 years returns matters a lot.

        Also i have Atal Pension Yojna for me and wife 5k each pension after 60 years. i got to know it is little bit less return but i started before 1 year and want to continue as it has no risk and guaranteed.And would be good for non Govt emp as social security scheme.
        I don’t NPS.

        Again thanks in Advance for your suggestion.

        Regards,
        Ranjan

        • Out of the funds that you have chosen, the only one that i would say no to is MNC fund. Personally, I don’t prefer thematic funds. If you know what you are doing, then go ahead.

          All the best, Vipin

  26. Hi Vipin ,

    Thank a lot for the valuable information. I for a query regarding CAMs.
    Actually I started investing in 4 mutual funds via SIP through a distributor i.e. it is a regular plan.
    Now after coming across CAMs, I’d like to convert those existing 4 mutual funds into direct MFs. Could you please help me out with the process?
    I’ve invested in the following MFs:
    1. DSP BlackRock Micro Cap Fund – Regular Plan (G) : ₹2,000/-
    2. SBI Blue Chip Fund (G) : ₹1,000/-
    3. ICICI Prudential Exports and Other Services Fund (G) : ₹1,500/-
    4. HDFC Retirement Savings Fund – Equity Plan – Regular Plan (G) : ₹2,000/-

    Thanks in advance 🙂

    • Thanks for the comment and questions Rahul.

      All these funds may not be serviced by CAMS. In that case, you may log onto the websites of individual AMCs and do it. You could also do it on http://www.unovest.co. It’s free.

      You can simply switch your investments from regular plans to direct plans. The transaction is called a SWITCH.

      However, do keep in mind the exit loads, if applicable as also any incidence of short term capital gains tax.
      For equity funds, if you do the switch after 1 year, typically there would be no tax and no exit loads (except for some funds).
      For debt funds, Less than 3 years could result in a short term capital gains tax.

      Also a couple of questions for you – why did you choose the funds you have chosen? Why are you switching to direct plans?

      Cheers

      • Thanks for the prompt reply, Vipin.

        I started investing in those 4 mutual funds as of Feb ’16 so just 1 SIP has been done. So I’m assuming I won’t be affected a lot because of the exit load?

        As far as your questions goes,
        HDFC Retirement fund was an NFO and it proposed to me by my distributor. I was convinced by the Fund manager’s track record. Moreover, it an ELSS fund so the tax benefits as well.
        DSP BR was also my distributor’s proposal and I was convinced based on my research in websites like moneycontrol, valueresearch etc.
        ICICI Prudential Exports and SBI Blue Chip was my decision based on my research and also in order to diversify.

        Could you tell me more about unovest.in? Can I invest directly in MF using it?

        Thanks in advance 🙂

        • Sorry forget about your second question regarding the switch to direct plan.

          I looked into the difference between regular and direct and I’ve come to the conclusion that with a bit extra work from my end in direct plan, the benefits would be much higher.

          Hence the decision 🙂

          • Hi Vipin,

            I registered in unovest seems like a pretty neat platform. I got my Common Account Number (CAN) couple of days back while the Payezzy (ECS Mandate) registration will take another month or so. Hopefully I’ll get to experience the platform soon!

            But I’ve a query regarding investment in gold. I’ve like to allocate 10% of my portfolio in gold to diversify and get safer returns for obvious reasons. I’m looking into Gold ETFs and gold funds.
            Could you please suggest me the best methods of investing in gold?

            Thanks in advance! 🙂

          • Hi Rahul

            Thanks for the feedback. You don’t need to wait for PayEzz to do your transactions. You can use Netbanking too to invest. Payezz is required for setting up SIPs. Not sure if that is what you want to do. But I would recommend that if you have a month, may be you can make your this months transaction via net banking and then use PayEzz for SIPs next month.

            Both Gold ETFs and Gold Funds are good options. IN the former, you need to have a demat account. If you don’t have one, you can go for a Gold Fund.

            Hope this helps.

            Regards.

  27. Thanks for letting us know that we can open new folios online through CAMS, rather than having to juggle a ton of user names and passwords and deal with the idiosyncrasies of each fund house’s interfaces and online systems.

    I also now understand what Unovest does 🙂

  28. Hi Vipin,

    Nice to see this article. I have recently come to know about Direct Plans and came across your article in Quora and then this blog.

    I like the idea of Unovest and will be waiting for its launch so that I can investing in Direct funds without brokerage.

    May I know when is this product going to be launched.

    Thanks
    Swadesh

Comments are closed.