Today I am happy to share with you all that Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB India) accepted my application and now I am a Certified Financial Planner and permitted to use the certification marks such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM or 
 with my name. This was issued after I underwent exams, experience and credentials which they require.
It is common perception to judge Bond as safe investment like Bank Fixed Deposits in terms of returns and risk. But their are so many risks associated with it. Hence I thought to share those with you all. First I will make you familiar with Bonds and it’s terminologies.
Bonds in simple language is, loan you are giving to the government or to company which in return will give you specified Coupon amount (return on your investment). Coupon is either on specific intervals or you can get it on maturity. Bonds which not pay any coupons during it’s tenure is usually  called Zero Coupon Bond. You will get the discounted rate to Face Value (Maturity Value) while purchasing for Zero Coupon Bonds. Difference between Issue Price (Purchasing Price) and Face Value is your return.
Now I will show you the risks associated with it.
1) Interest Rate Risk- When interest rate falls, Bonds Prices rises, conversely, when interest rate increase, Bond Prices decrease. Longer the maturity period of Bond higher the interest rate risk. So, wise thing now as RBI is steadily decreasing Interest Rate means start to invest in Bonds.
2) Reinvestment Risk-When the trend is declining interest rate then investor has no choice but to invest in prevailing interest rate which may cause him receiving less return for his future goals.
3) Inflation Risk-Higher Inflation means higher Interest Rates. Higher Interest Rates means lower Bond Price. Hence Bond prices are also associated with Inflation risk.
4) Call Risk-Some companies have attached “Call Option” with bonds. Which means, after certain period they may call back bonds by paying you the returns. Hence when interest rate in market down compare to what you are getting in Bonds then their is certainty that the issuing company may exercise this option. By this you may loose good return at that time.
5) Liquidity Risk-When investor intends to sell bonds in secondary market, he may not get the buyers. This is specifically with low rated bonds.
6) Default Risk-The issuing company may default you in paying coupon amount or maturity amount due to it’s financial crunch. Hence choose the Bond which have good rating.
These are the few risks which you need to look for before investing in Bonds. So choose the Bonds which have good rating by rating agencies. In my view this is the best time to purchase as everyone is predicting interest rate decline in future. Hope these points made you clear about the risks associated with Bond.
Hi. I am keen to know if these govt bonds such as NHAI and HUDCO are they secured bonds. Do they ever fail to pay the capital amount on redemption. Does government have rights to write off these bonds like what happened in case of Laxmi Vilas Bank. Also are there any upcoming issues of bonds in above named entities in near future. Kindly reply
Dear Ashita,
As of now default from NHAI and HUDCO not happened. Regarding what happens if they default, it mainly depends on the types of bonds. Hence, it is hard for me to guide blindly. Currently, there are no such offerings from these companies (except capital gain bonds).
I am going to retire from my services in next 3 years. Looking at the downward trend of interest on Bank FDs I am thinking of investing in Tax Free AAA rated bonds to be purchased from Secondary Market. This will at least secure steady income for 15 years post my retirement.
Can you please let me have your views on the above.
Gautam-Think of liquidity issue and also in case you sell the same in secondary market then it will attract capital gain tax. Based on these two issues, consider your buying.
Hello,
Thank you for the insights, I have question regarding bonds you mentioned that when interest rate rises bond price falls is the coupon rate not fixed is this the same scenario with Govt., issued bonds ?
Raghunandan-Coupon is always fixed, I am saying PRICE of bond than interest you get it yearly or half yearly. This I said when people tend to buy or sell the bonds in secondary market instead of holding it for long and enjoying coupon.
What is required to be a “Certified Financial Planner”?
Bhavik-Visit FPSB site. You will get all details.