Mutual funds: The most hassle-free investing option

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You're on the hot-seat in a trick and trivia gameshow, sweating as the host leans in and smiles. This is it - the moment that will decide whether you'll spend your retirement somewhere on a clean beach sipping endless pina coladas, or staring outside your window wondering where you went wrong. "Are you ready for the last question?" You nod. Sweat drips. The audience holds its breath. "Which of the following is the best way for you to grow your money? Option A: Lend your kidney — sorry, your money — to your childhood best friend, who's finally starting her bakery business that she's been talking about and working for since childhood. Option B: Buy a 10 per cent stake in your cousin's new startup — a genius business that promises to rent out designer sarees for weddings and never-repeat outfits. The demand is real and the PowerPoint is solid. Option C: Invest in gold — but not just any gold, the good kind. Your mother's jeweller whispers about limited-edition temple jewellery that will appreciate in value. It also comes with blessings." You think hard. All options seem interesting, but all of them are risky. This is basically gambling. The clock is running out. "C!" you blurt out. The host smirks. "WRONG! The answer was Option D!" The audience gasps. "

This article was originally published on March 06, 2025.