Question 1

What is a Kashly family account?

Accepted Answer

A Kashly family account links the individual accounts of your family members, so you can see everyone's investments in one view and plan goals together. Each member keeps their own account and their own investments in their own name.

Question 2

Can my family see all my investments?

Accepted Answer

Only if you choose to join a family. Nothing is shared until a member accepts the family invitation, and investments always stay in that member's own name.

Question 3

How do I add a family member?

Accepted Answer

Invite them by email from your Kashly account. They receive a link, review the request and approve it. If they are new to Kashly, they can create their account from the same invitation.

Question 4

Can I add my parents or children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can invite your spouse, parents, adult children or siblings. For investments in a minor's name, our team will help you set them up with a guardian.

Question 5

Is Kashly free for families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no fees and no hidden charges for creating an account, adding family members or getting expert guidance. We earn a commission from fund houses and issuers when you invest through us, and it does not influence our recommendations.

Question 6

Is my money safe with Kashly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kashly does not hold your money. All investments are made directly in your name with the respective fund house, FD issuer, or IFSC-registered entity.

Question 7

Are Fixed Deposits through Kashly safe?

Accepted Answer

Kashly only recommends AAA-rated fixed deposits with a strong track record. However, unlike bank FDs, they are not covered by the DICGC insurance of ₹5 lakh. Our experts help you assess the risk before investing.

Question 8

Who can invest in GIFT City funds?

Accepted Answer

NRIs, OCIs, and Resident Indians (under the LRS scheme) can invest in GIFT City funds. Foreign investors can also participate through IFSC-registered entities. Our experts will guide you based on your residency status.

Question 9

Can NRIs invest across all Kashly products?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NRIs can invest in mutual funds via NRE or NRO accounts, company fixed deposits via NRO accounts, and USD-denominated GIFT City funds. Our dedicated NRI experts handle the entire process from KYC to fund selection.

Question 10

Can NRIs manage their family's investments in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An NRI can create a Kashly account, invite parents or a spouse in India to the family, and view the whole family's portfolio from abroad once each member approves. Every member still authorises their own transactions.

Question 11

What is the Family Health Check?

Accepted Answer

It is a free 2-minute self-assessment of how prepared your family is: who knows where everything is, whether nominees are in place, whether you are adequately insured and whether your goals are planned. You get a score and a list of what to fix, and you can ask a Kashly expert to review it with you.

Question 12

What are family goals?

Accepted Answer

Family goals let you plan for things like a child's education, a home, your parents' healthcare or retirement, and track how your investments are progressing towards each one.

Question 13

What is SIP in mutual funds?

Accepted Answer

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is an investment method where you invest a fixed amount regularly (monthly/quarterly) in mutual funds. It helps in disciplined investing and benefits from rupee cost averaging, reducing the impact of market volatility on your investments.

Question 14

Are SIPs safe for investments?

Accepted Answer

While SIPs are a disciplined way to invest in mutual funds, they are subject to market risks like any other investment. However, SIPs help mitigate risk through rupee cost averaging and long-term wealth creation. The safety depends on the type of mutual fund you choose and your investment horizon.

Question 15

Can SIPs go in loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SIP investments can show losses in the short term due to market fluctuations. However, SIPs are designed for long-term wealth creation, and historical data shows that staying invested for longer periods (5+ years) typically yields positive returns. The key is to remain invested through market cycles.

Question 16

Can SIP date be changed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most mutual fund companies allow you to change your SIP date. You can typically do this through your online account or by contacting the mutual fund company. However, there might be certain restrictions on how frequently you can change the date.

Question 17

Can I change SIP amount?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can modify your SIP amount. Most mutual fund companies allow you to increase or decrease your SIP amount. You can do this through your online account or by submitting a request to the mutual fund company. Some funds may have minimum investment requirements.

Question 18

Can SIP be paused?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pause your SIP for a certain period, usually up to 6 months, depending on the mutual fund company's policy. This is known as SIP pause or SIP holiday. You'll need to inform the mutual fund company in advance to pause your SIP.

Question 19

How many SIPs can I skip?

Accepted Answer

The number of SIPs you can skip depends on the mutual fund company's policy. Some allow 1-2 missed payments before the SIP is cancelled, while others may have more flexible policies. It's best to check with your specific mutual fund company for their policy on missed SIP payments.

Question 20

What is initial investment in a SIP calculator?

Accepted Answer

Initial investment is an optional one-time lump sum amount you invest at the start of your SIP, in addition to your regular contributions. Our SIP calculator with initial investment adds the future value of this lump sum to the future value of your SIP to project your total combined corpus.

Question 21

How is initial investment combined with SIP returns calculated?

Accepted Answer

The calculator computes the future value of your SIP contributions and the future value of your one-time initial investment separately, each compounded at the expected rate of return over your chosen duration, then adds them together for the total projected corpus. Your total investment is the sum of your SIP contributions and the initial investment.

Question 22

Should I invest a lump sum along with my SIP?

Accepted Answer

If you have idle funds such as a bonus, gift, or maturity proceeds, investing them as a lump sum alongside your SIP can give your corpus a head start and more time to compound, while your SIP maintains disciplined regular investing. It depends on your risk appetite and financial goals, so consider speaking with an advisor before committing a large lump sum.

Question 23

What is SWP in mutual funds?

Accepted Answer

SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is a facility that allows investors to withdraw a fixed amount from their mutual fund investments at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, etc.). It provides a steady income stream while your remaining investment continues to grow.

Question 24

How does SWP work?

Accepted Answer

In SWP, you invest a lump sum in a mutual fund and set up regular withdrawals. The fund house redeems a fixed number of units periodically to provide you the withdrawal amount. The remaining units continue to be invested and can potentially grow, depending on market performance.

Question 25

Is SWP better than FD interest?

Accepted Answer

SWP can be more tax-efficient than FD interest, especially for long-term investors. FD interest is taxed at your income tax slab rate, while SWP withdrawals from equity funds held for over a year attract lower long-term capital gains tax. However, SWP returns are market-linked and not guaranteed like FD interest.

Question 26

Can I change my SWP withdrawal amount?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most mutual fund companies allow you to modify your SWP withdrawal amount. You can increase, decrease, or even pause your withdrawals by submitting a request through your online account or contacting the fund house.

Question 27

What happens if my SWP withdrawal exceeds returns?

Accepted Answer

If your withdrawal amount is higher than the returns generated by the fund, your capital will gradually deplete. It's important to set a sustainable withdrawal rate that allows your investment to last for the desired period. Our SWP calculator helps you plan this effectively.

Question 28

Is SWP suitable for retirees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SWP is particularly popular among retirees as it provides a regular income stream from their accumulated corpus. By investing in a balanced or debt fund and setting up SWP, retirees can receive monthly income while their remaining investment continues to earn returns.

Question 29

How does the Goal Calculator work?

Accepted Answer

The Goal Calculator takes your target amount, investment duration, and expected rate of return to calculate the monthly SIP amount you need to invest. It uses the compound interest formula to determine how much regular investment is needed to reach your financial goal.

Question 30

What rate of return should I assume?

Accepted Answer

The expected rate of return depends on the type of mutual fund you choose. Historically, equity mutual funds have delivered 10-15% annual returns over long periods, while debt funds typically offer 6-8%. For a balanced estimate, 12% is commonly used for equity-oriented investments.

Question 31

Should I account for inflation in my goal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. If your goal is 10 years away, the actual amount needed will be higher than today's value. Use our Inflation Calculator alongside to estimate the inflation-adjusted goal amount for more accurate planning.

Question 32

Can I have multiple financial goals?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. It's common to plan for multiple goals like retirement, children's education, buying a house, or a vacation. You can use the Goal Calculator separately for each goal and start dedicated SIPs for each one to stay on track.

Question 33

What if I miss my SIP payments?

Accepted Answer

Missing a few SIP payments won't significantly impact your long-term goal, but consistent gaps can delay your target. If you miss payments, consider increasing your SIP amount or extending the duration to compensate and stay on track.

Question 34

How often should I review my goals?

Accepted Answer

It's recommended to review your financial goals at least once a year. Changes in income, expenses, or market conditions may require you to adjust your SIP amount or investment duration. Regular reviews help ensure you stay aligned with your targets.

Question 35

How much money do I need to retire in India?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your current expenses, the lifestyle you want and how many years your retirement may last. As a rough guide, a 30-year-old spending ₹50,000 a month today, retiring at 60 and planning until 75 may need around ₹12 crore, because lifestyle inflation of around 9% makes household spending roughly 13 times higher in 30 years. That sounds large, but with a SIP that grows 10% every year the starting amount stays affordable. Use the calculator above for a number based on your own situation.

Question 36

What life expectancy does the calculator assume?

Accepted Answer

It plans for your money to last until age 75, close to the average life expectancy in India. Averages include people who die young, though, so if you are healthy or your family tends to live long, aim to save more than the result shows. Every extra year in retirement adds to the corpus you need.

Question 37

What does Downgrade, Same or Upgrade lifestyle mean?

Accepted Answer

Same assumes you keep the lifestyle you are on track for, with spending growing the way it normally does as your income rises (9% lifestyle inflation). Downgrade assumes you spend about 25% less than that (for example, no home loan EMIs or children's expenses), and Upgrade about 25% more, for travel, hobbies or healthcare.

Question 38

Should I choose Safe or Market Linked savings?

Accepted Answer

Safe options like NPS, EPF, PPF and fixed deposits are assumed to earn about 8% a year, while market-linked options like mutual funds, stocks and gold are assumed to earn about 12% over the long term. If retirement is more than 10-15 years away, market-linked investments usually need a much smaller monthly SIP, but they come with short-term ups and downs. Many people use a mix of both.

Question 39

Is gold a safe or market-linked investment?

Accepted Answer

Gold is market linked. It is not guaranteed and its price moves with global markets and the rupee, sometimes sharply. It has protected wealth well against inflation over long periods, which is why many families hold some gold, through gold mutual funds or ETFs, alongside equity.

Question 40

Should I include my EPF, PPF and NPS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add the balance you have already built in EPF, PPF, NPS and retirement-focused mutual funds as existing savings, and the amount that goes into them every month (including your EPF contribution) as monthly retirement savings. Leave out money earmarked for other goals like your children's education or a home purchase.

Question 41

What inflation and post-retirement return does the calculator assume?

Accepted Answer

It assumes 9% lifestyle inflation until retirement. Retail inflation in India has averaged around 6%, but government household consumption surveys (NSSO) show household spending has grown around 9% a year over the long run, as families move to a better standard of living. After retirement it assumes 7% inflation, because salary-driven lifestyle growth stops but healthcare costs keep rising. It also assumes a 7% return on your corpus after retirement, when most people move their money to safer income-oriented options like debt or hybrid funds and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.

Question 42

Why does the calculator increase my SIP by 10% every year?

Accepted Answer

Your expenses are expected to grow every year, and so is your income. Most salaried people get yearly raises, so increasing your SIP by 10% a year (a step-up SIP) is a realistic way to keep pace. Assuming a flat SIP for 30 years would make the starting amount look much higher than it needs to be.

Question 43

What if I can't afford the additional SIP?

Accepted Answer

The calculator already assumes you increase your SIP by 10% every year. If even the starting amount is too much, start with what you can afford and increase it faster when your salary goes up. Retiring a few years later, choosing a simpler lifestyle, or investing more in market-linked options early on can also lower the amount. A Kashly expert can help you find the right balance.

Question 44

What is inflation?

Accepted Answer

Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises over time, reducing the purchasing power of money. For example, if inflation is 6%, something that costs ₹100 today will cost ₹106 next year.

Question 45

What is the average inflation rate in India?

Accepted Answer

India's average inflation rate has been around 5-7% in recent years. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) targets an inflation rate of 4% with a tolerance band of ±2%. For long-term financial planning, using 6-7% as an estimate is a reasonable approach.

Question 46

How does inflation affect my savings?

Accepted Answer

Inflation erodes the purchasing power of your money. If your savings earn less than the inflation rate, you're effectively losing money in real terms. For instance, if you earn 4% in a savings account but inflation is 6%, your real return is negative 2%.

Question 47

How can I beat inflation with investments?

Accepted Answer

To beat inflation, invest in assets that historically deliver returns above the inflation rate. Equity mutual funds, stocks, and real estate have typically outpaced inflation over long periods. A diversified portfolio with a mix of equity and debt can help you stay ahead of inflation.

Question 48

Why should I use an Inflation Calculator?

Accepted Answer

An Inflation Calculator helps you understand the future cost of your current expenses. This is essential for retirement planning, children's education planning, and setting any long-term financial goal. Without accounting for inflation, you may significantly underestimate how much you'll need in the future.

Question 49

Does inflation affect all expenses equally?

Accepted Answer

No, different categories of expenses experience different rates of inflation. Education and healthcare costs tend to inflate faster (8-12% annually) than general expenses. When planning for specific goals like education or medical needs, it's wise to use a higher inflation rate.

Question 50

I have less than ₹4 lakhs income. Do I need to file tax returns?

Accepted Answer

If your total income in India is below ₹4 lakhs, filing a tax return is not mandatory. However, if Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) has been deducted on deposits or property sale, you can file your ITR to claim a tax refund.

Question 51

Can I switch between new and old tax regimes every year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch between the new and old tax regimes every year. The new tax regime offers lower tax rates but removes certain deductions. You can choose the regime that is more beneficial for you each year.

Question 52

Can I claim HRA under the new regime?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot claim HRA under the new regime. The new tax regime does not allow for any deductions, including HRA. If you want to claim HRA, you need to opt for the old tax regime.

Question 53

Which ITR form should an NRI File?

Accepted Answer

ITR-2 can be filed for most NRIs with income from capital gains, rent, interest, etc. ITR-3 can be filed for NRIs with investments in the NRI has income from business or profession in India.

Question 54

Are NRI deposits taxable in India?

Accepted Answer

NRE Fixed Deposits are fully tax-free in India. NRO Fixed Deposits are taxable as per applicable NRI income tax rules.

Question 55

Who is the best mutual fund distributor in Thrissur?

Accepted Answer

Kashly is a premier mutual fund distributor in Thrissur, Kerala, offering personalized investment services, wealth management, and portfolio diversification strategies tailored to local financial goals.

Question 56

How can I invest in mutual funds in Kerala through Kashly?

Accepted Answer

You can invest by visiting the Kashly office in Thrissur, completing a simple digital KYC process, and selecting from curated equity, debt, or hybrid mutual funds.

Question 57

What investment services does Kashly offer in Thrissur?

Accepted Answer

Mutual fund distribution
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) setup
Tax-saving (ELSS) financial planning
Local portfolio review consultations

Frequently Asked Questions

Family Accounts & Getting Started

Mutual Funds & SIP

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Goal Planning

Inflation Planning

Taxation & NRI Tax Queries

Investing in Thrissur & Kerala