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Smart Investment Tips: Investing for Beginners Made Easy

Updated on August 7, 2025 , 20623 views

Nowadays, as the value of money is increasing, people are seen finding secret mantras of smart investment tips. Are you one of those? But as a matter of fact, Investing smartly is no rocket science and there are no secret mantras for it. You just need to ask yourself a few questions. What are the Best ways to invest money? Where to invest money? Why do you want to invest money? Because you need a financial security? And what is the most appropriate way to attain that financial security? It is to save money and make a smart investment for a long period of time so that you have a financial stability in future. So, how to start investing money?

smart-investment

Smart Investment Tips: Know the Best Way to Invest Money

There is a very thin line between investment and smart investment. Therefore, make sure you do it right by choosing a right Investment plan. Below are a few smart investment tips or share Market tips mentioned that will help you choose a better investment option for you.

1. Understand Best Money Investments Before Investing

One of the first smart investment tips to follow before you start investing is understanding your investments. One should never invest in instruments we don’t know. So, be it Mutual Funds, gold bonds, Stocks or Fixed Deposits, understand them inside out and then invest. Let’s say, if you are thinking to make a Mutual Fund investment, you must know, what is Mutual Fund, NAV, fund performance, entry and exit load, how are they related, how are Mutual Fund returns affected by taxation and why you should invest in Mutual Funds.

2. Keep Calm & Know Money Investment Options

Once you have invested, patiently wait for your money to grow. For any investment, it takes some time to produce healthy outputs. You will be surprised to know that most of the smart investment vehicles produce substantial returns when invested for a longer duration. So, wait for the markets to rise and see how your money grows.

3. Include Tax Saving Investments

Another important thing to consider before making a smart investment is to include Tax Saving Investment options in your Portfolio. Whether you fall under the tax bracket or not, it is advised to include tax saver since your early earning days. Some of the tax saving investments include-

a. National Pension Plan (NPS)

NPS is open to all but, but is mandatory for all government employees. An investor can deposit a minimum of INR 500 per month or INR 6000 yearly in an NPS plan. It is a good plan for Retirement planning as well because there is no direct tax exemption during the time of withdrawal as the amount is tax-free as per Tax Act, 1961.

b. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is one of the most popular long term investment instruments in India. Since it's backed by the Government of India, it is a safe investment with an attractive interest rate. Moreover, it offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the income tax Act, and also the interest Income is exempted from tax.

c. Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS)

A type of tax saving investment, equity linked savings schemes are an equity diversified fund in which the major part of the fund corpus is invested either in equities or equity-related instruments. Equity linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) principally invest in the equity market by purchasing equity stocks of companies that are listed on the stock exchanges.

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Best ELSS Tax Saving Schemes 2025

FundNAVNet Assets (Cr)3 MO (%)6 MO (%)1 YR (%)3 YR (%)5 YR (%)2024 (%)
Tata India Tax Savings Fund Growth ₹43.0591
↓ -0.46
₹4,7113.22.90.314.919.719.5
Bandhan Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund Growth ₹147.227
↓ -1.55
₹7,1512.12.7-2.814.923.413.1
Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96 Growth ₹59.19
↓ -0.51
₹15,8705.67.41.813.313.916.4
DSP Tax Saver Fund Growth ₹134.904
↓ -1.12
₹17,4280.83.5018.823.223.9
HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund Growth ₹595.168
↑ 0.28
₹1,3181.215.435.520.617.4
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 8 Aug 25

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

CommentaryTata India Tax Savings FundBandhan Tax Advantage (ELSS) FundAditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96DSP Tax Saver FundHDFC Long Term Advantage Fund
Point 1Bottom quartile AUM (₹4,711 Cr).Lower mid AUM (₹7,151 Cr).Upper mid AUM (₹15,870 Cr).Highest AUM (₹17,428 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,318 Cr).
Point 2Established history (10+ yrs).Established history (16+ yrs).Established history (17+ yrs).Established history (18+ yrs).Oldest track record among peers (24 yrs).
Point 3Top rated.Rating: 5★ (upper mid).Rating: 4★ (lower mid).Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4Risk profile: Moderately High.Risk profile: Moderately High.Risk profile: Moderately High.Risk profile: Moderately High.Risk profile: Moderately High.
Point 55Y return: 19.75% (lower mid).5Y return: 23.40% (top quartile).5Y return: 13.85% (bottom quartile).5Y return: 23.16% (upper mid).5Y return: 17.39% (bottom quartile).
Point 63Y return: 14.94% (bottom quartile).3Y return: 14.94% (lower mid).3Y return: 13.26% (bottom quartile).3Y return: 18.78% (upper mid).3Y return: 20.64% (top quartile).
Point 71Y return: 0.34% (lower mid).1Y return: -2.81% (bottom quartile).1Y return: 1.77% (upper mid).1Y return: 0.02% (bottom quartile).1Y return: 35.51% (top quartile).
Point 8Alpha: -0.42 (bottom quartile).Alpha: -2.56 (bottom quartile).Alpha: 0.36 (lower mid).Alpha: 2.27 (top quartile).Alpha: 1.75 (upper mid).
Point 9Sharpe: -0.01 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: -0.21 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: 0.04 (lower mid).Sharpe: 0.16 (upper mid).Sharpe: 2.27 (top quartile).
Point 10Information ratio: -0.31 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: -0.30 (lower mid).Information ratio: -1.34 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: 0.83 (top quartile).Information ratio: -0.15 (upper mid).

Tata India Tax Savings Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹4,711 Cr).
  • Established history (10+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: Moderately High.
  • 5Y return: 19.75% (lower mid).
  • 3Y return: 14.94% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 0.34% (lower mid).
  • Alpha: -0.42 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: -0.01 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.31 (bottom quartile).

Bandhan Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹7,151 Cr).
  • Established history (16+ yrs).
  • Rating: 5★ (upper mid).
  • Risk profile: Moderately High.
  • 5Y return: 23.40% (top quartile).
  • 3Y return: 14.94% (lower mid).
  • 1Y return: -2.81% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: -2.56 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: -0.21 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.30 (lower mid).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96

  • Upper mid AUM (₹15,870 Cr).
  • Established history (17+ yrs).
  • Rating: 4★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: Moderately High.
  • 5Y return: 13.85% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 13.26% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 1.77% (upper mid).
  • Alpha: 0.36 (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.04 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: -1.34 (bottom quartile).

DSP Tax Saver Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹17,428 Cr).
  • Established history (18+ yrs).
  • Rating: 4★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Moderately High.
  • 5Y return: 23.16% (upper mid).
  • 3Y return: 18.78% (upper mid).
  • 1Y return: 0.02% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: 2.27 (top quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.16 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: 0.83 (top quartile).

HDFC Long Term Advantage Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹1,318 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (24 yrs).
  • Rating: 3★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: Moderately High.
  • 5Y return: 17.39% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 20.64% (top quartile).
  • 1Y return: 35.51% (top quartile).
  • Alpha: 1.75 (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 2.27 (top quartile).
  • Information ratio: -0.15 (upper mid).

ELSS funds will not only help you save tax in the long run, but will provide significant returns as well.

4. Add Equities

Equity Mutual Funds are another add on to your investment list. The Sensex graph from the past gives a clear picture of why investing in equities is beneficial. Equity markets are seen to provide highly efficient results when invested for a long duration. Further, to make your investment a smart investment, it is advised to invest in equity through a SIP route. This makes sure that the cost of your units is averaged out and the returns are good as well even during volatile financial markets.

Best Equity Mutual Funds to Invest

FundNAVNet Assets (Cr)3 MO (%)6 MO (%)1 YR (%)3 YR (%)5 YR (%)2024 (%)
DSP US Flexible Equity Fund Growth ₹67.3209
↑ 0.94
₹93523.38.528.618.116.917.8
Franklin Asian Equity Fund Growth ₹31.3929
↓ -0.25
₹26311.29.71683.614.4
Invesco India Growth Opportunities Fund Growth ₹99.2
↓ -1.06
₹7,88710.611.412.224.52437.5
ICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Services Fund Growth ₹132.18
↓ -0.80
₹10,0882.81011.416.221.611.6
Aditya Birla Sun Life Banking And Financial Services Fund Growth ₹59.47
↓ -0.35
₹3,6252.210.79.916.321.58.7
Note: Returns up to 1 year are on absolute basis & more than 1 year are on CAGR basis. as on 7 Aug 25

Research Highlights & Commentary of 5 Funds showcased

CommentaryDSP US Flexible Equity FundFranklin Asian Equity FundInvesco India Growth Opportunities FundICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Services FundAditya Birla Sun Life Banking And Financial Services Fund
Point 1Bottom quartile AUM (₹935 Cr).Bottom quartile AUM (₹263 Cr).Upper mid AUM (₹7,887 Cr).Highest AUM (₹10,088 Cr).Lower mid AUM (₹3,625 Cr).
Point 2Established history (13+ yrs).Established history (17+ yrs).Oldest track record among peers (18 yrs).Established history (16+ yrs).Established history (11+ yrs).
Point 3Top rated.Rating: 5★ (upper mid).Rating: 5★ (lower mid).Rating: 5★ (bottom quartile).Rating: 5★ (bottom quartile).
Point 4Risk profile: High.Risk profile: High.Risk profile: Moderately High.Risk profile: High.Risk profile: High.
Point 55Y return: 16.91% (bottom quartile).5Y return: 3.64% (bottom quartile).5Y return: 24.05% (top quartile).5Y return: 21.65% (upper mid).5Y return: 21.47% (lower mid).
Point 63Y return: 18.11% (upper mid).3Y return: 7.95% (bottom quartile).3Y return: 24.53% (top quartile).3Y return: 16.23% (bottom quartile).3Y return: 16.33% (lower mid).
Point 71Y return: 28.64% (top quartile).1Y return: 16.03% (upper mid).1Y return: 12.20% (lower mid).1Y return: 11.38% (bottom quartile).1Y return: 9.93% (bottom quartile).
Point 8Alpha: -4.34 (bottom quartile).Alpha: 0.00 (upper mid).Alpha: 9.12 (top quartile).Alpha: -0.92 (lower mid).Alpha: -6.15 (bottom quartile).
Point 9Sharpe: 0.51 (upper mid).Sharpe: 0.42 (bottom quartile).Sharpe: 0.50 (lower mid).Sharpe: 0.72 (top quartile).Sharpe: 0.38 (bottom quartile).
Point 10Information ratio: -0.49 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).Information ratio: 1.03 (top quartile).Information ratio: 0.11 (lower mid).Information ratio: 0.35 (upper mid).

DSP US Flexible Equity Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹935 Cr).
  • Established history (13+ yrs).
  • Top rated.
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 16.91% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 18.11% (upper mid).
  • 1Y return: 28.64% (top quartile).
  • Alpha: -4.34 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.51 (upper mid).
  • Information ratio: -0.49 (bottom quartile).

Franklin Asian Equity Fund

  • Bottom quartile AUM (₹263 Cr).
  • Established history (17+ yrs).
  • Rating: 5★ (upper mid).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 3.64% (bottom quartile).
  • 3Y return: 7.95% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 16.03% (upper mid).
  • Alpha: 0.00 (upper mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.42 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.00 (bottom quartile).

Invesco India Growth Opportunities Fund

  • Upper mid AUM (₹7,887 Cr).
  • Oldest track record among peers (18 yrs).
  • Rating: 5★ (lower mid).
  • Risk profile: Moderately High.
  • 5Y return: 24.05% (top quartile).
  • 3Y return: 24.53% (top quartile).
  • 1Y return: 12.20% (lower mid).
  • Alpha: 9.12 (top quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.50 (lower mid).
  • Information ratio: 1.03 (top quartile).

ICICI Prudential Banking and Financial Services Fund

  • Highest AUM (₹10,088 Cr).
  • Established history (16+ yrs).
  • Rating: 5★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 21.65% (upper mid).
  • 3Y return: 16.23% (bottom quartile).
  • 1Y return: 11.38% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: -0.92 (lower mid).
  • Sharpe: 0.72 (top quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.11 (lower mid).

Aditya Birla Sun Life Banking And Financial Services Fund

  • Lower mid AUM (₹3,625 Cr).
  • Established history (11+ yrs).
  • Rating: 5★ (bottom quartile).
  • Risk profile: High.
  • 5Y return: 21.47% (lower mid).
  • 3Y return: 16.33% (lower mid).
  • 1Y return: 9.93% (bottom quartile).
  • Alpha: -6.15 (bottom quartile).
  • Sharpe: 0.38 (bottom quartile).
  • Information ratio: 0.35 (upper mid).

5. Create your own Investment Plan

Lastly, invest according to your needs and desires. Everyone has a different aim to invest money. Just because everyone you know is investing in Fixed Deposits (FDs) does not mean you will also invest in an FD. If you have a better risk appetite, you might invest in Mutual Funds or stock markets instead. So, analyse your needs first and then make a smart investment accordingly.

Conclusion

Now, consider these smart investment tips and before making any investing decisions. Remember, a smart investor always evaluates the pros and cons of a money investment and invests later. So, if you also want to make a smart investment, think before you act. Think smart, invest smart!

Disclaimer:
All efforts have been made to ensure the information provided here is accurate. However, no guarantees are made regarding correctness of data. Please verify with scheme information document before making any investment.
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