iArista Blog
Insights on your money.
Practical financial guidance — mutual funds, insurance, tax, retirement — written for real people.
What Is Risk Profiling in Mutual Funds? Why It Matters for Investors
You've made up your mind to start investing in assets. You might have known something about SIPs, mutual funds, or perhaps want to diversify beyond fixed deposits. However, before you select a mutual fund or make an investment portfolio, one question needs an answer: what is your investment risk profile?
Large Cap vs Mid Cap vs Small Cap Funds
Best Investment Options in India for 2026 If you're building or rebalancing your equity mutual fund portfolio in 2026, one question comes up before almost any other: should you invest in large cap, mid cap, or small cap funds? Each category invests in a different slice of the market, carries a different risk level, and behaves differently depending on where we are in the market cycle. Here's how the three compare, how each has behaved in 2026 so far, and how to think about your own allocation. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute personalised investment advice — for guidance tailored to your goals, talk to our team or take a free Financial X-Ray.
RBI Just Held the Repo Rate Again Here's What It Actually Means for Your EMI, FD, and SIP
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% for several meetings in a row, holding a neutral stance even as the rupee weakens and global uncertainty rises. If you have a home loan, a fixed deposit, or a SIP, this “no news” decision still affects you. Here's how
The Increment Trap: How to Strategically Protect Your Raise from "Lifestyle Creep"
Is your salary hike disappearing before you can invest it? Learn how to avoid "Lifestyle Creep" and the "Invisible Leak" that drains your wealth. Discover how a simple Step-Up SIP strategy and the 50/50 Rule can help you enjoy your raise today while adding lakhs to your future portfolio.
5 Reasons SIP Beats Lump Sum Investing (Most of the Time)
Timing the market is a fool's game. SIPs remove the guesswork, build discipline, and let rupee-cost averaging work silently in your favour.
The NPS vs Mutual Fund Debate Has a Clearer Answer Than You Think
NPS offers a genuine tax edge that equity mutual funds can't match. But it comes with real strings attached. Here's how to think about both — without the sales pitch.
Term Insurance vs Whole Life: What You Actually Need
Insurance agents love selling whole life plans because the commissions are high. Here's what an advisor with no conflict of interest would tell you.
Buying a Home in 2026: When It Makes Sense and When You're Just Feeling the Pressure
Property prices in most Indian metros have surged 20–40% in three years. That doesn't automatically make buying a bad idea — but it does mean the maths deserves more honesty than it usually gets.
How to Save Tax with ELSS Before March 31
ELSS funds give you an 80C deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh while keeping your money in equities. The 3-year lock-in is the shortest among all 80C options.