Understand it first. Then invest.

Pooled, professionally managed portfolios of shares, bonds or both, bought in units at the day's NAV.

A fixed amount invested automatically every month, so you build a habit and average your buying price.

Owning shares of listed companies directly, buying in IPOs, and how the stock exchanges work.

Low-cost funds that simply copy an index such as the Nifty 50, instead of trying to beat it.

Lending money to a company or government in return for regular interest and your money back at maturity.

Treasury bills, government bonds and state development loans backed by the central or state government.

Bank and company deposits that pay a fixed interest rate for a fixed term.

Government-backed schemes like PPF, NSC, SCSS and Sukanya Samriddhi, with rates set every quarter.

A low-cost, regulated retirement account with a mix of equity, corporate bonds and government bonds.

Gold ETFs, gold mutual funds and Sovereign Gold Bonds: owning gold without storing jewellery or coins.

Listed trusts that own rent-earning offices, malls, roads and power lines, and pass most of the income to you.

Privately pooled funds for venture capital, private equity, private credit and hedge strategies.

A professional manager runs a portfolio of stocks or bonds held directly in your own demat account.