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Stock trading is an activity through which individuals can engage in buying and selling financial securities, like stocks of different companies. It is considered one of the effective investment options offering numerous opportunities to generate profits. Investors can consider trading with the spare funds they want to utilise to earn more.
Why Retirees Consider Stock Trading
- Individuals can indulge in stock trading after retirement, as they have sufficient time to devote to attain financial and market knowledge. They can learn how a stock can perform over time and give an investment opportunity.
- The other upper hand is the experience gathered over the years from different types of businesses or services offered to companies. They can use experience in making rational stock investments.
- Senior citizens aged 60+ can avail of tax benefits and reduce their tax burden.
- Online demat accounts have made stock trading convenient than ever and seniors can employ their funds in the stock market from the comfort of their places.
However, trading in stocks is always considered risky due to volatility. Since the stock market is a fast-changing structure due to changing economic conditions, individuals need a trading plan and diversified investment portfolio. There should be a balance among various allocations towards different financial assets, like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), etc.
Is trading the Best Investment Option after Retirement?
Individuals, until retirement age, create a substantial corpus over the years from their savings, which leads them to be in a safe and secure position. It leads senior citizens to be in a position where they need not worry about their future expenses and financial resources. Some funds can be used for trading purposes.
In some cases, individuals may not have created a sufficient capital balance by the retirement age, which reduces their ability to use their funds for stock trading. Stock trading is considered risky due to market uncertainty and may lead to losing the capital invested. However, there are various options that allow seniors to invest a small amount of money and provide significant returns. Open an online demat account and continue reading posts to find out such options in stock trading.
It can be said that depending on the financial conditions, stock trading after retirement can be considered a good option. It can be combined with other alternative investment options following a balanced approach for maximum benefits.
ELSS Investments for Senior Citizens
ELSS funds are less risky than direct equity trading. Mutual funds are among the best stock investments considering diversification and professional management. One type of mutual fund is ELSS. These funds are equity funds that put funds in equity or equity-related instruments, majorly. These are called tax-saving schemes also. Seniors who do not have huge money or do not want to put a huge amount at risk can consider ELSS.
- ELSS can offer the highest returns among all 80C investment options. If invested carefully, it can be the best investment for senior citizens. It can offer inflation-adjusted returns, unlike fixed deposits or PPF accounts.
- Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961, ELSS investments allow seniors to defer taxes up to Rs.46,800.
- Further, ELSS investors are eligible for a deduction of up to Rs.1.5 lakhs.
- The lock-in period is also the shortest among all 80C options, i.e. three years, making it an ideal choice for seniors.
- There is an option of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) to start investing with a small amount.
Requirements for Online Stock TradingÂ
Stock trading requires a bank account, a demat A/C, and a trading account. These accounts help in establishing a protected space where multiple instruments can be stored without worrying about risks like theft and fraud.
- The bank account can be a savings account or a current account.
- A trading account is a medium to approach stock exchanges operating electronically and facilitating online trading.
- A Demat account is required to hold financial assets, including shares, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, etc.
Discount brokers offer cost savings on online trading activities.
Thus, seniors can consider stock trading after retirement if their risk profile allows it. Look at options available in the stock market and make the most of the invested funds to enjoy their golden years.