When it comes to the investment world, male dominance is commonly observed. As per data * published by BrokerChooser, only 21 out of 100 investors in India are women. When you compare this data with other countries, the Philippines has the highest female participation at 44% followed by China, South Africa and Malaysia at 34%, 33% and 29% respectively.  

India, thus, holds a grim figure compared to other countries and needs a shot in the arm as far as women and investments are concerned. Thankfully, however, the financial awareness among women is growing, albeit slowly. According to the DSP Winvestor Pulse 2019 Survey *, 33% of women can make their own investment decisions.

What about you? Where do you stand?

Today’s woman has become financially savvy. You too can manage your finances if you put your mind to it. Whether you are working or are a homemaker, you can save and invest for financial independence. Here are some investment avenues that would come in handy –

Gold 

Often called ‘Stree Dhan’ gold has both ornamental and investment use. While you might be attracted by the yellow metal’s ornamental appeal, investing in gold also creates an asset for you and your family. You can use it for gifting or for its traditional value and also leave it behind, as a legacy, for your loved ones.

There are multiple options for investing in gold :

• You can buy physical gold in the form of coins, ornaments or jewellery.

• You can also opt for digital gold which allows affordable investments minus the making charges.

• Gold ETFs and gold funds are also available that track the performance of gold.

• For assured returns, you can also opt for Sovereign Gold Bonds and get interest income along with capital appreciation. 

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

A saving scheme meant only for the girl child, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana helps you save for your daughter, for her higher education or marriage. It has tax benefits and gives guaranteed returns on investments. So, if you have a daughter, you can open an SSY account for her to create savings specifically for her future needs.

You can invest in the SSY scheme for as little as Rs.1000. Thereafter, you have to deposit a minimum amount of Rs.1000 every financial year for up to 14 years. The account matures when the girl child attains 21 years of age. The interest rate on the SSY scheme is determined by the Government and reviewed every quarter. For the quarter ending on 31st March 2022, the interest rate is 7.6%. You can open an SSY account with an authorised bank or with the post office.

Real estate 

Women stand to benefit in the below ways if they invest in real estate.

• If earning women apply for a home loan with their spouse, they can become a co-applicant and enhance the home loan eligibility in the application. They can, thus, avail of a higher loan quantum and even get better interest rates.

• Women can contribute towards home loan repayments to shoulder some of the responsibility and give their husbands a breather.

• If women repay home loans, they can earn tax benefits on the EMI payment. The principal repayment would earn them a deduction under Section 80C while the interest payment would earn them a deduction under Section 24 (b) as well as Section 80EEA (if applicable). 

• Lenders offer preferential home loan interest rates for women borrowers.

• The stamp duty is lower in the case of a woman is buying the property in her name.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds are another investment avenue that women can consider. With SIPs starting as low as Rs.500, women can save affordably and create an attractive corpus for their and their family’s financial needs. Click here to read in detail about Mutual funds.

The woman of today is independent. The woman of today is confident. Whether it is handling the work-life balance, managing the household or making investments, women can excel in all fields. So, if you are a woman, start taking financial matters into your hand. Invest in suitable avenues and become financially self-sufficient. For those of you who have important women in your lives, educate them about finances and motivate them to invest. An empowered woman can enrich others’ lives. So, be empowered in investments too and become an all-rounder. 

Disclaimer: Investment in securities and other investment products is subject to market risks; read all the related terms and documents carefully before investing.