While investors are often advised to invest in mutual funds (MFs), there is little information available on the whys and hows of investing.

Here, we list out the benefits MFs offer and also deal with the ABCs of 'how to invest'.

Professional expertise:

Investing in the markets needs professional expertise, something that not many retail investors possess. Conversely, MFs are run by professional portfolio managers with experience in managing money. Not only is investing their specialization, they have access to analysts and research reports, which make them better equipped to take investment decisions.

Diversification: An MF portfolio holds multiple instruments, thereby offering diversification. For instance, in an equity scheme of a fund house, prices of certain shares falling can be offset by rising prices of others, thereby keeping the overall portfolio afloat. Then there are hybrid schemes offering diversification across asset classes by simultaneously investing in equity and debt instruments.

No need to time the markets: Investing in MFs via the systematic investment plan (SIP) route does away with the need to time the markets. A fixed amount is i nve s t e d eve r y m o n t h through the ups and downs of the market, thereby helping to reduce the investment cost over the long term.

Easy on the pocket:

 You can start an SIP for as little as Rs 500 per month. Also, expenses charged by the MF are capped by the market regulator Sebi. In effect, MFs are affordable investment tools for every investor.

Having discussed the benefits, now let's take a look at a how you can invest in MFs in five easy steps:

Step 1: Engage an adviser

A qualified and competent adviser can go a long way in helping you with the investment process. Don't hesitate to engage one even if it entails paying a fee for his/ her services.

Step 2: Set goals

Decide why you want to invest: Is it for creating wealth, to provide for children's education, for their weddings, for your retired life or for any other purpose? For each goal, you should have a distinct MF portfolio in place. The adviser has a part to play here too – helping you choose the right funds and set up a suitable portfolio.

Step 3: Select funds

Along with your adviser, study funds on both qualitative and quantitative parameters to select the ones that are most suitable for you.

Step 4: Become KYC-compliant

To invest in MFs, you must comply with Know Your Client (KYC) norms put in place by Sebi. Among others, submitting copies of the income tax PAN card and a proof of address are mandatory. If your adviser is an AMFI-empanelled mutual fund distributor, he can help you with the paperwork. Once a KYC process is completed, that will be valid for all your MF investments, and you don't need to repeat the process for any subsequent investment.

Step 5: Start an SIP

Submit an ECS mandate form (of the bank with which you have an account) to the MF to enable regular debits from your bank account. Also, you need to fill up and submit an application form for each fund you want to invest in.