Question 1

What does working with Vinayaka Funds actually cost me?

Accepted Answer

You pay zero out-of-pocket fees. We earn a trail commission directly from the fund house, which is already built into the fund's expense ratio — at no extra cost to you. There are no advisory fees, no one-time charges, and no hidden costs. We earn only as long as you stay invested, meaning our only incentive is to see your wealth grow, not to churn your portfolio.

Question 2

How do you decide which funds to recommend?

Accepted Answer

We run a structured screening process. Funds must have at least 3 years of NAV history, consistent risk-adjusted returns (Sharpe and Sortino ratios), low drawdown relative to their category, and a stable fund management team. We never recommend based on recent 1-year returns alone — that is the most common way investors get burned. We explain our reasoning for every recommendation, so you understand what you own and why.

Question 3

How long does it take to start? What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

If your KYC is already complete, we can set up your SIP within 24 hours. If KYC is pending, we guide you through the online process — it takes about 30–45 minutes and requires your PAN, Aadhaar, a selfie, and your bank account details. Your KYC is complete if you have ever invested in mutual funds or opened a demat account before.

Question 4

Are you currently accepting new clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but we keep our client roster deliberately small so every family gets personal attention. If we are a good fit, we would love to work with you. If we feel a different setup suits your needs better, we will tell you that directly.

Question 5

Can I withdraw my investment anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for most funds. Open-ended equity, debt, and hybrid funds can be redeemed on any working day — proceeds arrive in your bank within 1–3 working days. ELSS funds have a mandatory 3-year lock-in per instalment (required for Section 80C deduction). Exit loads typically apply on equity funds redeemed within 12 months. We explain all lock-in and exit load terms clearly before you invest.

Question 6

I already have mutual funds. How do I move them to you?

Accepted Answer

We initiate a "distributor change" request through AssetPlus. The process takes 1–3 business days and involves no paperwork on your end beyond a digital authorisation. Your existing units stay in your folio — nothing is sold or transferred. We review your entire portfolio when we start and give you a plain-language assessment of what you hold.

Question 7

Is my money locked in?

Accepted Answer

No, with one exception. Most open-ended mutual funds — equity, debt, hybrid — can be redeemed on any working day. ELSS funds alone have a 3-year lock-in per instalment under Section 80C. Exit loads (typically 1% if redeemed within 12 months) apply on equity funds but are not the same as a lock-in — you can still exit, it just costs a small fee. We always flag any lock-in or exit load before you invest.

Question 8

Where is my money actually held?

Accepted Answer

Your money goes directly to the AMC — HDFC MF, SBI MF, etc. — not to us. We are a distributor, not a custodian. Your folio belongs to you, and you can view it, transact on it, or transfer it to another distributor at any time. If Vinayaka Funds closed tomorrow, your investments would be completely unaffected — they are held by the AMC and protected by SEBI regulation.

Question 9

What is the difference between Regular and Direct plans?

Accepted Answer

Both plans invest in the exact same portfolio of stocks or bonds. In a Regular plan, a small distributor commission (typically 0.5–1% per year) is paid from the fund's expense ratio — at no extra cost to you. In a Direct plan, this commission is not paid, so the expense ratio is slightly lower. The trade-off is that Direct plan investors must choose funds independently, monitor them, and make rebalancing decisions without guidance.

Question 10

What if I want to switch to Direct plans later?

Accepted Answer

You can switch anytime, and we will help you do it without pressure or friction. We would rather you move to Direct plans and continue investing than stop investing altogether because you feel locked in. The difference in returns between Regular and Direct plans is real but modest — what matters far more is whether you stay invested, review your portfolio periodically, and do not panic during downturns.

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