Author: CAGRfunds Team

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CAGR Insights – 12 Sep 25

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat 

The Wealth Gap You Don’t See

At a recent get-together, Meera and Rohan noticed a pattern. While most of their friends spent the evening discussing school admissions, tuition fees, and rising child expenses, the couple — both in their 30s, working in IT — stayed quiet. Not because they had nothing to add, but because their financial reality looks very different. They’ve chosen the DINK lifestyle — Double Income, No Kids.

At first glance, it may look like just a lifestyle choice. But financially, it’s a game-changer. With a household income of ₹30 lakh, Meera and Rohan spend about ₹18 lakh a year and invest the remaining ₹12 lakh into SIPs. At a conservative 12% return, they could build a corpus of ₹17 crore in 25 years — enough to retire nearly a decade early.

Now compare that with a similar couple raising a child. Monthly child-related costs like school fees, food, healthcare, and an education corpus easily eat up over ₹42,000 every month. This shrinks their investible surplus from ₹1 lakh to about ₹58,000. Over 25 years, that difference compounds into a staggering gap of more than ₹7 crore.

But here’s the real takeaway: the advantage isn’t simply in not having kids. It’s in what you do with the surplus. DINK couples who give in to lifestyle inflation — bigger cars, luxury vacations, premium apartments — lose the same edge.

The true gyaan? Financial freedom isn’t about whether you have kids or not. It’s about discipline. Channel your savings into consistent, goal-based investments — and let compounding do the heavy lifting.

Personal Finance

  • Can you change your tax regime from new to old and vice-versa, while filing ITR? Not always: For FY 2024-25, the new tax regime is the default, impacting ITR filing. Switching to the old regime requires careful consideration, especially for those with business income who must file Form 10-IEA before the due date. While revised ITRs allow regime changes, belated ITRs restrict this option, emphasizing the importance of timely filing. Read here

  • RBI may allow banks to lock the phones bought on credit if buyer defaults on repayment: Report: Last year, the Reserve Bank of India asked lenders to halt locking phones of defaulting borrowers, the sources said. The practice involved using an app installed at the time of loan issuance to lock the devices. Read here

  • No generational wealth, how a Reddit user grew net worth to Rs 60 lakh; check details: A Redditor explains his journey from a Rs 5,000 salary to a net worth of Rs 60 lakh through disciplined financial habits, highlighting the role of structured investments and strategic risk management. Read here

Investing

  • The Bar Only Gets Higher: Wealth-building is tougher than ever—global rivals, soaring costs, and AI raise the bar. But persistence beats all. Want to know the hidden edge to thrive today? Read here

  • How FIIs Have Played the Indian Market: FIIs master the art of buying low, selling high, and shifting between equity and debt. Want to know the biggest lesson they teach Indian investors? Read here

Economy & Sector

  • India’s Real Estate to scale up office and industrial assets beyond 2 billion sq ft by 2047: India’s real estate is set to scale into a $5–10 trillion market by 2047, driven by urbanization, demographics, tech, and sustainability. Curious how each asset class will transform? Read here
  • GST reform: Indian companies likely to witness up to 7% growth in revenues after new rates, says Crisil: Research agency Crisil says that due to the reduced goods and services tax (GST) rates, Indian companies are expected to witness a 6-7% rise in revenues in the financial year 2025-26. The new GST structure will be effective from 22 September 2025. Read here

  • India plans to put large infra projects in fast lane: India is accelerating its infrastructure development with a focus on mega-projects like bullet trains, shipbuilding yards, and access-controlled highways, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The government aims to boost economic growth through infrastructure creation, encouraging public-private partnerships to moderate spending. Ministries are directed to expedite project approvals, with a high-level committee reevaluating goals for faster clearances. Read here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

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CAGR Insights – 22 Aug 25

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

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Chart Ki Baat

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Source: Mike Zaccardi on X

Gyaan Ki Baat 

The Power of Missing Out

In investing, we’re often told to “never miss an opportunity.” Yet Warren Buffett himself admits that his biggest mistakes weren’t bad investments, but the ones he didn’t make—opportunities he let pass, sometimes worth billions. At first glance, this might sound alarming. But it’s deeply reassuring.

Why? Because it shows us that even the world’s greatest investor doesn’t (and can’t) catch every wave. Buffett and Charlie Munger famously ignored technology stocks for decades, passing on Google and waiting until Apple became less “tech” and more a consumer brand. Many see this as a failure. In truth, it was wisdom. For every Apple or Google, there were dozens of “next big things” that ended in disaster—Pets.com, WeWork, or Quibi. By staying within their circle of competence, Buffett and Munger avoided the far more costly mistakes of commission.

This is where the real lesson lies. Missing opportunities may sting in the short term but chasing investments you don’t understand can destroy wealth permanently. As Munger put it, “I try to avoid being stupid rather than trying to be very intelligent.”

For everyday investors, this is liberating. You don’t need to invest in every hot trend. You don’t need perfect foresight. What you need is discipline, patience, and the humility to say no when something lies outside your understanding.

Remember: the road to long-term wealth isn’t paved by catching every opportunity—it’s built by avoiding costly mistakes and staying within your circle of competence. That’s the real power of missing out.

Personal Finance

  • How to fix errors in your credit report and improve your credit score? Here are 6 key ways: Fixing errors in your credit report is essential for improving your credit score, ensuring accurate financial records, enhancing loan approval chances, and unlocking better credit opportunities with simple corrective steps. Read here

  • How wealthy investors use ETFs to skirt capital gains taxes. The strategy is ‘like magic,’ advisor says: Wealthy investors avoid capital gains taxes by using a 351 conversion to transfer profitable assets to an exchange-traded fund. The strategy seeds ETFs before launch, and the original investor defers capital gains until selling their shares. Read here

  • ‘How a car in India keeps you broke’: Middle class mistaking liabilities for assets: As economic pressures tighten, Sujith’s financial cautioning is striking a chord with a middle class caught between past optimism and present strain. Read here

Investing

  • Optimizing Ourselves to Death: Optimization culture has gone from helpful to harmful—turning health, time, and productivity into obsessions. But what if chasing perfection is ruining life itself? Read here
  • Why Every Bear Market Creates the Next Big Bull Run: History shows bear markets are short and painful, but bull runs last longer and deliver outsized gains. With current consolidation in India, patience matters—today’s declines could be the foundation for tomorrow’s powerful rally. Read here
  • Changing Indices and Your Investments: Ever wondered why big companies that once ruled the markets are nowhere to be seen today? From Hindustan Motors to Satyam, history shows indices keep evolving—dropping the weak, adding the strong. That’s why investing in indices is like riding with tomorrow’s winners. Read here

Economy & Sector

  • India’s private sector posts record growth in August: HSBC flash survey: The HSBC flash India Composite Output Index, which tracks month-to-month changes in combined output across manufacturing and services, jumped to 65.2 in August from 61.1 in July. Read here
  • U.S. tariff impact: India sees Asia’s biggest earnings downgrades: Earnings growth for Indian companies has been in single-digit percentages for five consecutive quarters, below the 15%–25% growth seen between 2020–21 and 2023–24. Read here
  • Centre removes cotton import duty till Sept 30 to aid textile sector: The Centre has waived the 11 per cent duty on cotton imports till September 30, providing relief to the textile industry facing higher US tariffs and intense global competition. Read here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

Posted on

CAGR Insights – 14 Aug 2025

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat 

Why “Too Safe” Can Be Risky in Retirement

When it comes to retirement money, many people think the safest strategy is to avoid all market risks. “No stocks, only fixed income!” sounds comforting — but being too safe can quietly eat away at your wealth.

Here’s the catch: inflation is the silent thief. Even at 6% inflation, what costs ₹75,000 today will cost more than double in 12 years and nearly ₹2.5 lakh in 25 years. If your money isn’t growing faster than inflation, you’re losing purchasing power every single year.

Take Mr. Patil’s example. With ₹2 crore in retirement savings and only debt investments, his money would last about 23 years. That means at 83–84, he could run out of funds — and that’s without any major medical surprises.

But add some equity to the mix, and the picture changes:

  • 33% Equity + 67% Debt → Lasts ~30 years
  • 50% Equity + 50% Debt → Lasts ~35 years

Equity brings growth, debt brings stability — together they create a portfolio that works with you, not against you. Even in market downturns, debt can cover living expenses so you’re not forced to sell equity at a loss.

The truth is, retirement isn’t the end of investing. It’s a new phase where your goal is to preserve wealth and outpace inflation. Avoiding equity entirely might feel safe, but it could be the biggest risk you take. The smart path? Balance — enough equity to grow, enough debt to sleep peacefully.

Personal Finance

  • Your 60s financial checklist: How to simplify money management before retirement: Hitting your 60s? It’s time to merge accounts, drop idle cards, move to safer investments, automate bills, and update your will—smart moves that protect wealth and peace of mind. Click to see how to make retirement truly stress-free. Read here

  • Overseas education: How remittances, loans and student earnings are taxed: Studying abroad? Beyond tuition and airfare, taxes in India and overseas can impact your budget. From TCS on remittances to local income tax on part-time jobs, smart planning can save you big. Click to avoid costly surprises. Read here

  • Are These 3 Money Myths Sabotaging Your Finances? Think budgeting is a must, renting is wasteful, or wants and needs are easy to separate? These “rules” could harm your finances. Click to uncover the truth of about 3 money myths—and how ditching them might improve your life. Read here

Investing

  • The Power of the ‘Bhav Bhagwan Che’ Principle in Stock Investing: In markets, “Bhav Bhagwan Chhe” means price tells the truth before news breaks. Paradip Phosphates proved it—big gains came before stellar results. Click to see how the BBC principle can help you spot trends early and avoid costly mistakes. Read here
  • The First $10,000 is the Most Important: The first $10,000 you save changes everything—more than $100k or even $1M later. It’s the leap from constant worry to stability, confidence, and freedom. Click to discover why escaping “Level 1” is the most life-changing money move you can make. Read here
  • How will asset tokenization transform the future of finance? Forget volatile crypto—asset tokenization could quietly transform global finance. By digitizing and fractionalizing real-world assets, it promises cheaper, faster, more transparent markets and unprecedented access for everyday investors. Click to explore how blockchain might reshape investing for billions worldwide. Read here

Economy & Sector

  • Will Trump’s India tariffs shut down world’s biggest cut diamond supplier? Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian diamonds are pushing Surat’s famed cutters to the brink, threatening 200,000 jobs. With lab-grown gems rising and exports plunging, the “Diamond City” faces its darkest hour. Click to see why this glittering industry may lose its shine. Read here
  • Who will be hit hardest by Trump’s 50% tariff on India? A sector-wise breakdown: President Trump’s doubled tariffs on Indian goods, now at 50%, are poised to severely impact key sectors. Auto parts, jewellery, textiles, and seafood industries face significant export losses, prompting businesses to explore alternatives in Dubai and Mexico. While pharmaceuticals are currently spared, broader economic consequences loom, including potential job losses, reduced investment, and a weaker rupee. Read here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.

Posted on

CAGR Insights – 08 Aug 2025

CAGR Insights is a weekly newsletter full of insights from around the world of the web.

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Chart Ki Baat

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Gyaan Ki Baat 

The One Conversation You Can’t Afford to Delay

Growing up, money was a taboo topic in most Indian households—especially between parents and children. But today, the silence is costing families more than they realise.

A recent report shows that nearly 70% of India’s elderly are financially dependent—either on their children or by working well beyond retirement age. And with inflation eating into savings and healthcare costs on the rise, the emotional and financial burden on the next generation is only getting heavier.

That’s why it’s crucial to have the “money talk” with your parents now—not during a crisis.

This isn’t about control; it’s about care. Start small. Ask them if they feel confident managing their expenses in the years ahead. Discuss their health coverage. Understand if their retirement income can sustain them. These conversations can reveal silent stress—and help you plan together for a more secure future.

If your parents are still 5–10 years away from retirement, help them balance equity and debt wisely based on their goals and risk appetite. If they’re already retired, explore options like Senior Citizen Savings Schemes, debt funds, or annuities that can offer regular, safe income.

Remember, the greatest gift you can give your parents isn’t money—it’s peace of mind. And that starts with one open, honest conversation.

Let’s not wait for hospital bills to bring us together. Let’s plan while there’s still time.

Personal Finance

  • Income Tax: What happens if you don’t file ITR for multiple years? Legal and financial consequences explained: Not filing income tax returns for multiple years leads to heavy penalties, interest, prosecution risk, and loss of financial benefits, making timely income tax filing essential for long-term compliance. Read here

  • Wealth management in times of layoffs – 7 money tips to keep you money stress free: Layoffs are hitting harder and faster than ever—are you financially prepared? From emergency funds to smart investing, here are 7 money moves you must make to stay secure when uncertainty strikes. Read here

  • Are you very frugal when it comes to spending? These signs could mean you’re over-saving but under-living your life: Chrometophobia is an extreme case of fear, anxiety and panic at the thought of spending money. A small fraction of people suffers from this irrational affliction. It’s not a very well-understood or diagnosed condition, but in some milder formats, it does exist around us. Some of us are able, but not willing to spend. Read here

Investing

  • It’s the Housing, Stupid: Meme stocks are booming, cash is piling into money markets, and millionaires are renting—what’s going on? It’s not a market frenzy—it’s a housing crisis. High prices and rates have broken the system. Curious how? Read here
  • How Market Cap Categories Have Evolved in India: India’s stock market has evolved massively in 20 years—today’s small caps are bigger than yesterday’s large caps! Learn how market cap definitions have shifted, what it means for investors, and why categorization may limit opportunity. Read here
  • The Psychology and The Math Behind Deep Drawdowns: A small loss is a scratch; a big one can bury your portfolio. The deeper the fall, the harder the climb. Know when to cut your losses—because recovery isn’t just math, it’s mindset too. Read here

Economy & Sector

  • From seafood to auto: How will Trump’s 50% tariff impact different sectors: Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Indian exports threatens jobs and cripples’ key sectors like seafood, textiles, and gems. With losses mounting and firms eyeing relocation, all eyes are on urgent India-US talks. What’s next? Read here
  • India’s services sector rises to 11-month high in July: India’s services sector just hit an 11-month high, driven by booming global demand—despite a hiring slowdown and rising inflation. Finance is thriving, real estate is lagging, and RBI’s next move hangs in the balance. Curious why? Read here

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That’s it from our side. Have a great weekend ahead!

If you have any feedback that you would like to share, simply reply to this email.

The content of this newsletter is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction. The content is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to sell or buy any security or other investment or undertake any investment strategy. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information outlined in this newsletter unless mentioned explicitly. The writer may have positions in and may, from time to time, make purchases or sales of the securities or other investments discussed or evaluated in this newsletter.