# Best Financial Planning Tools in India: A Practical Toolkit for NRIs and Resident Indians
Author: Ankur Choudhary
Author URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/author/ankur-choudhary/
Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Personal Finance
Category URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/category/personal-finance/
Meta Title: Best Financial Planning Tools in India (Comparison)
Meta Description: The best financial planning tools in India, compared. Tax calculators, AIS, CAS, MFCentral, account aggregators and goal planners.
Tags: Personal Finance
Tag URLs: Personal Finance (https://getbelong.com/blog/tag/personal-finance/)
URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/financial-planning-tools/

When did you last see all your money in one place?

For most people we speak with, the honest answer is "never". Mutual funds sit with one app, stocks with another, FDs across two banks, and insurance in an email folder.

At [Belong](https://getbelong.com/), we see this every week with NRIs and resident Indians alike.

The good news is that India now has strong, often free, financial planning tools. Many are run or regulated by the Income Tax Department, SEBI or RBI.

This guide compares the best ones and shows how they fit together.

## The Short Answer: Our Top List

Rank

Tool

Best used for

1

Income Tax Department tax calculator

Comparing the old and new tax regimes

2

Annual Information Statement (AIS)

Checking what income the tax department sees

3

Consolidated Account Statement (CAS)

One statement across demat and mutual funds

4

MFCentral

Viewing and servicing all mutual funds together

5

Account Aggregator apps

Consent-based view of bank and investment data

6

SEBI Goal SIP Calculator

Working out the SIP needed for a goal

7

CIBIL score check

Tracking credit health before loans

8

Our GIFT City and FD tools

FD rates, GIFT City funds and market signals

9

A simple net worth sheet

Pulling everything into one personal view

We ranked these by trust, cost, usefulness and how often you will actually use them. Official and regulated tools sit at the top for a reason.

**Tip:** A planning tool is only as good as the data you give it. Start with official sources, then build your own view on top.

## Why Most People Use the Wrong Tools First

Most people start financial planning with a return calculator. They enter a hopeful number and feel good about the result.

That is backwards. Planning starts with knowing what you own, what you owe and what you earn.

Think of it as three layers. First you see, then you plan, then you act. Every tool below fits into one of those layers.

## Layer 1: Tools That Show You the Truth

### 1\. Annual Information Statement (AIS)

The AIS is a free statement on the Income Tax portal. It gives a full view of your tax information before you file. This is per the [Income Tax Department's AIS FAQs](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ais-faq).

It shows TDS and TCS, financial transactions reported by entities, tax payments and refunds. It also groups income such as salary, interest and dividends.

You can give feedback if an entry looks wrong. The portal then shows your value alongside the reported value.

**Why it matters for NRIs:** Do you have NRO interest, rent or share sales in India? AIS shows what was reported against your PAN. Our guide on [AIS mismatches for NRIs](https://getbelong.com/blog/ais-mismatch-tax-filing-for-nris/) explains how to handle errors.

**Why it matters for resident Indians:** The AIS FAQs list outward foreign remittances under "Other Information". If you invest abroad under LRS, expect it to appear.

**How it compares:** AIS shows what others reported about you. CAS and MFCentral show what you actually hold. You need both views.

Read more in our guide to the [Annual Information Statement](https://getbelong.com/blog/annual-information-statement/) and why you should [check AIS before filing your ITR](https://getbelong.com/blog/check-ais-before-filing-itr/).

### 2\. Consolidated Account Statement (CAS)

A CAS is one statement covering your mutual fund and demat holdings. SEBI's [investor page on CAS](https://investor.sebi.gov.in/consolidated_account_statement.html) describes it as a combined statement of transactions during a month.

As per [AMFI's CAS page](https://www.amfiindia.com/investor-corner/investor-center/cas.html), investors without a demat account receive a mutual fund only CAS. It goes out monthly when there are transactions, and every six months otherwise.

It lists nomination status, KYC status and opening and closing balances. Those details are often where problems hide.

**How it compares:** CAS is a snapshot you receive. MFCentral is a portal you can act on. CAS also covers shares in demat, which MFCentral does not.

**Tip:** Open your CAS once a quarter and check nomination status. Missing nominees cause long delays for families later.

### 3\. MFCentral

[MFCentral](https://www.mfcentral.com/) is an investor services hub built by CAMS and KFintech, the two main mutual fund registrars.

It lets you view holdings across fund houses in one place. You can also raise service requests, such as bank mandate or contact detail changes, across folios together.

**For NRIs:** MFCentral does not clearly state NRI eligibility on its home page. Check with its support team before relying on it.

**How it compares:** Unlike a broker app, MFCentral covers funds bought on any platform. It does not cover direct stocks, bonds or FDs.

### 4\. Account Aggregator Apps

Account Aggregators are RBI-regulated entities. They pull your financial data from banks and other providers, but only with your consent.

The [RBI Master Direction on Account Aggregators](https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewMasDirections.aspx?id=10598) makes consent mandatory. Aggregators cannot store your login credentials, and you can revoke consent.

Many budgeting and planning apps now use this framework to show bank balances and investments together.

**For NRIs:** Coverage depends on whether your bank participates, so NRE and NRO data may vary.

**How it compares:** It gives the widest single view of the tools here. But it shares data, so review each consent carefully.

## Layer 2: Tools That Help You Plan

### 5\. Income Tax Department Tax Calculator

The [official income tax calculator](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/e-filing-services/income-tax-calculator-um) estimates your tax under the old and new regimes. It also compares the two.

The help page says it is open to both registered and unregistered users of the e-filing portal.

**Why it matters:** Many salaried resident Indians pick a regime by habit. A few minutes on the calculator can show which one suits this year's income and deductions.

**For NRIs:** It helps estimate tax on Indian income such as rent or NRO interest. NRI rules differ in places, so confirm with a professional before filing.

**How it compares:** Private calculators are often simpler to use. The official one follows the department's own rules, which matters more.

Read our guide to the [old vs new tax regime](https://getbelong.com/blog/old-tax-regime-vs-new-tax-regime/) for context.

### 6\. SEBI Goal SIP Calculator

SEBI's investor website has a [Goal SIP Calculator](https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/goal_sip_calculator.html). You enter a goal amount, a time period and an expected return. It shows the monthly SIP needed.

SEBI's page notes that market returns are not fixed and cannot be predicted. That reminder is worth taking seriously.

**How it compares:** It is simpler than most AMC calculators and comes from the regulator. It does not adjust for inflation by itself, so use a realistic return.

Understanding [future value](https://getbelong.com/blog/future-value-meaning/) and [real return](https://getbelong.com/blog/real-return-meaning/) helps you use any goal calculator more honestly.

**Tip:** Run every goal calculator at a lower return than you hope for. If the plan still works, it is a good plan.

### 7\. CIBIL Score Check

Your credit score shapes your loan options and rates. [CIBIL](https://www.cibil.com/blog/check-your-free-cibil-score-once-a-calendar-year) states you can check your score and report free once every calendar year.

It also states that checking your own score does not lower it.

**For NRIs:** If you plan to buy property in India, your Indian credit history matters. Our guides on your [CIBIL score](https://getbelong.com/blog/cibil-score/) and [NRI home loans](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-home-loans/) explain what lenders look at.

**How it compares:** It is the only tool here focused on what you owe. The others focus on what you own and earn.

## Layer 3: Tools That Help You Act

### 8\. Our GIFT City and FD Tools

We built our tools to answer specific questions our users kept asking. They work best as comparison shortcuts, not as replacements for advice.

**For NRIs:**

- Our [NRI FD rates tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/nri-fd-rates/) compares fixed deposit rates across banks.

- Our guide on [GIFT City FD vs FCNR vs NRO and NRE FDs](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-city-fd-vs-fcnr-vs-nro-and-nre-fds/) helps you choose a deposit type.

- Our [USD fixed deposits](https://getbelong.com/products/usd-fixed-deposits/) offer a way to hold dollar deposits through GIFT City.


**For resident Indians:**

- Our [GIFT City mutual funds tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/) lists USD-denominated funds in one place.

- For larger tickets, our [GIFT City AIF tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-alternative-investment-funds/) compares alternative investment funds.

- Our [live GIFT Nifty tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-nifty/) shows early market signals before Indian markets open.


**How it compares:** Official tools tell you where you stand. Our tools help you compare options for the next step.

We operate under IFSCA licences, which you can check on our [licences page](https://getbelong.com/licenses/).

### 9\. A Simple Net Worth Sheet

No app replaces a personal sheet you update yourself. It forces you to look at everything together.

List your assets and liabilities once a quarter. The difference is your [net worth](https://getbelong.com/blog/net-worth-meaning/). Add a row for monthly income and spending to track [cash flow](https://getbelong.com/blog/cash-flow-meaning/).

**How it compares:** It is the least automated tool here. It is also the only one that covers every asset, in every country, in your own words.

Our guide on how to [track your finances](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-finances/track-finances/) shares a simple structure. If you are in the UAE, compare options in our list of [portfolio tracking apps](https://getbelong.com/blog/portfolio-tracking-apps-uae/).

## How the Tools Compare Side by Side

Tool

What it covers

Main limitation

AIS

Income and transactions reported to the tax department

Shows reports, not holdings

CAS

Demat and mutual fund holdings

Statement only, no actions

MFCentral

All mutual funds across fund houses

No stocks, bonds or FDs

Account Aggregator apps

Bank and investment data with consent

Depends on provider participation

Tax calculator

Old vs new regime tax estimate

Estimate only, not a filing

SEBI Goal SIP Calculator

SIP needed for a goal

Return assumption is yours

CIBIL

Credit score and report

Only covers borrowing

Our GIFT City and FD tools

FD rates, GIFT City funds, GIFT Nifty

Comparison aid, not advice

Net worth sheet

Everything you own and owe

Manual effort

## A Simple Rhythm: When to Use Each Tool

The tools only help if you use them regularly. Here is the rhythm we suggest.

How often

Tools to use

What to check

Monthly

Bank app, account aggregator view

Spending, savings and cash flow

Quarterly

CAS, MFCentral, net worth sheet

Holdings, nominees and allocation

Before filing taxes

AIS, tax calculator

Reported income and regime choice

Once a year

CIBIL, SEBI Goal SIP Calculator

Credit health and goal progress

Our [review framework for mutual funds](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/review-framework/) gives a fuller checklist for your quarterly review.

## Planning Scenarios: NRI and Resident Indian

### If You Are Working in Dubai

Say you have NRO interest, an Indian SIP and a flat in Pune that earns rent.

Each year, start with AIS. Check that NRO interest, rent TDS and any share sales match your records. Then download your CAS to see all holdings together.

What happens if you skip this? A mismatch between AIS and your return can trigger a tax notice. Fixing it later takes far longer than checking now.

If filing feels heavy, our [tax filing service](https://getbelong.com/services/tax-filing/) helps NRIs reconcile AIS and file correctly.

For portfolio structure, read our guide on [asset allocation for NRIs](https://getbelong.com/blog/asset-allocation-for-nris/). Planning to return someday? Our guide to [retirement corpus planning](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-retirement/retirement-corpus-planning/) helps you work backwards from your goal.

### If Your Portfolio Is Entirely in India

Say you are 34, live in Mumbai, and invest only in Indian mutual funds and an FD.

Every tool above will show you a tidy Indian portfolio. None of them will tell you it is concentrated in one economy and one currency.

This is the blind spot most planning tools miss. A rupee that weakens over time reduces your spending power for foreign goals, like a child's overseas education.

Our [global allocation guide](https://getbelong.com/blog/global-investment/allocation-guide/) explains how much global exposure may suit you. You can also read how to [invest in the USA from India](https://getbelong.com/blog/invest-in-usa-from-india/).

For USD exposure without opening foreign accounts, many Indian investors look at GIFT City funds. Examples include the [DSP Global Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/dsp-global-equity-fund/) and the [Edelweiss Greater China Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/edelweiss-greater-china-equity-fund/).

NRIs wanting India exposure in USD often review the [Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/tata-india-dynamic-equity-fund/). Another option is the [Sundaram India Mid Cap Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/sundaram-india-mid-cap-fund-gift/).

**Tip:** Global investing is a planning decision, not a market call. Decide your allocation first, then pick funds.

## Mistakes We See With Planning Tools

Mistake

What goes wrong

Better habit

Trusting one app for everything

Assets bought elsewhere go missing

Cross-check with CAS

Ignoring AIS until filing day

Mismatches surface too late

Check AIS mid-year

Using optimistic return assumptions

Goals look fully funded but are not

Plan with conservative returns

Sharing data consent carelessly

Data reaches more apps than needed

Review and revoke old consents

Never updating nominees

Families face delays

Check nominee status quarterly

A pattern worth naming. Many investors download several planning apps in a burst of enthusiasm. A month later, none of them are updated. A simple routine beats a large toolkit.

## Turning Tools Into a Plan

Tools give you data. A plan gives that data a purpose.

Start with a three-bucket structure for short, medium and long-term money. Our guide to the [3 bucket strategy](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-finances/3-bucket-strategy/) explains it simply.

Keep an emergency fund before investing for growth. Read our guide to [emergency fund planning for NRIs](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-fund/emergency-fund-planning-for-nris/).

Then match investments to goals. Our guide on [choosing funds by financial goals](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/how-to-choose-funds-financial-goals/) helps here. If you are unsure how much to set aside, see [what percentage of income to invest](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-finances/what-percentage-of-income-invest/).

When you are ready to act, explore our [mutual funds product](https://getbelong.com/products/mutual-funds/). You can also see our [IPO product](https://getbelong.com/products/ipo/) and our guide to the [GIFT City IPO](https://getbelong.com/blog/ipo/gift-city-ipo/). Experienced investors can study our [futures and options product](https://getbelong.com/products/futures-and-options/), but derivatives rarely belong in a core plan.

## Market Context Without the Noise

Some planning decisions depend on how markets are moving. A lump sum or a rebalance often comes with timing worries.

GIFT Nifty gives an early read on how Indian markets may open. Start with our guides to [GIFT Nifty futures](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-futures/) and the [weekly GIFT Nifty outlook](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-live-weekly/). Our [GIFT Nifty historical data](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-historical-data/) and guide to [reading the GIFT Nifty chart](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-chart-explained/) add context.

Use them for perspective, not daily decisions. A good plan should not depend on tomorrow's open.

## Do Not Forget the Liability Side

Planning is not only about investments. Credit cards and loans shape your cash flow too.

If you are choosing a card, compare options in our list of the [best credit cards in India](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-credit-cards-in-india/). For long-term stock ideas once your plan is set, see our list of [best stocks](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-stocks/).

## Our Final Word

The best financial planning tools in India are often free and official. AIS, CAS, MFCentral and the tax calculator cover most of what you need.

Add a goal calculator, a credit check and a simple net worth sheet. Then review on a fixed rhythm.

Clarity comes from routine, not from the number of apps on your phone.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the best free financial planning tool in India?

There is no single best tool. AIS and the Income Tax Department calculator cover tax, while CAS and MFCentral cover holdings. Together they give a strong free foundation.

### Can NRIs use AIS and the income tax calculator?

Yes. NRIs with a PAN can access AIS on the Income Tax portal. The tax calculator is open to registered and unregistered portal users.

### Is it safe to share data through Account Aggregator apps?

Account Aggregators are regulated by RBI and require your explicit consent. They cannot store your login credentials. Review and revoke consents you no longer need.

### How often should I review my financial plan?

Check spending monthly and holdings quarterly. Review AIS before filing taxes, and revisit goals and your credit score once a year.

### Do these tools track investments outside India?

Mostly no. Indian tools focus on Indian accounts. A personal net worth sheet helps you include foreign assets in one view.

## Sources

- [Income Tax Department FAQs on AIS](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ais-faq)

- [Income Tax Department tax calculator help page](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/all-topics/e-filing-services/income-tax-calculator-um)

- [SEBI investor page on Consolidated Account Statement](https://investor.sebi.gov.in/consolidated_account_statement.html)

- [SEBI Goal SIP Calculator](https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/goal_sip_calculator.html)

- [AMFI page on Consolidated Account Statement](https://www.amfiindia.com/investor-corner/investor-center/cas.html)

- [RBI Master Direction on Account Aggregators](https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_ViewMasDirections.aspx?id=10598)

- [MFCentral](https://www.mfcentral.com/)

- [CIBIL on free annual score checks](https://www.cibil.com/blog/check-your-free-cibil-score-once-a-calendar-year)


## Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not investment, tax or legal advice. Tool features and eligibility change over time. Please confirm details on each official website. Consult a qualified advisor for decisions specific to your situation.


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