Today's woman is slowly but steadily breaking away from the stereotypical images created about her. Besides taking care of the family’s everyday needs, she participates actively in investment decisions.

It is therefore important that women understand the investment avenues available to them and how they can meaningfully benefit from them.

Options for financial investments range from equities to fixed income to physical investments like gold, real estate, etc. As such, change in gender does not really impact the investment choices available.

It is essential to understand the risk appetite that the lady of the house can take. Equally important is to note if she is the bread winner for the family or whether she tops up her spouse’s income.

Alternatively, she could be a home-maker, planning the family’s investments. Wealth creation should also be factored in; not mere earnings. Equities therefore should form the key part of the portfolio for a woman investor, with allocations varying depending on the kind of cash flows needed at various points in time.

Investment choices Non-traditional, fixed income investments are often neglected as one usually resorts to traditional avenues such as bank fixed deposits, public provident fund (PPF), etc. One can also look at fixed income solutions offered by mutual funds.

Indians have always had a fascination for gold. Besides physical purchase, women should be urged to use investment vehicles such as gold ETFs and bonds as part of the investment portfolio. Gold must be treated as a term insurance cover for your portfolio and not as an investment.

Financial literacy is important for women to take decisions. To this end, the mutual fund industry has set aside 2 basis points for investor awareness programmes.

Independence is a matter of pride — be it for the nation or financial independence of women. It gives a sense of ownership and of being in control of finances. Orientation towards investments also helps a woman pass on the baton. This collectively contributes to achieving success.

Good start Education has to be a two-way process. It is equally important for a woman to be willing and confident enough to assume this responsibility.

Age-old and time-tested systematic investment plans (SIPs) could be a good starting point even for the uninitiated. One needs to steer clear of noises that may come along the way of investment decision making. Longevity in horizons certainly helps.

In that context, it is pertinent to quote Mark Twain “It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so!”

Being a woman myself, I’m convinced that women should take on the mantle of being accountable for investment decisions. After all, if you educate a man, you educate an individual. But, if you educate a woman, you educate the entire family.

The writer is CIO (Debt) & Head – Products, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Co. Ltd. The views are personal

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