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| February 23, 2021 | | Looking to invest in mid and small-caps?
The BSE Midcap and the Small-cap Index have run up 25.3 per cent and 31.3 per cent respectively over the past year. Valuations are no longer cheap, notes Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| January 16, 2021 | | Small and mid-caps for big gains in 2021
While small-caps have delivered higher returns than their large-cap peers, investors would do well to recognise the incremental risk of investing in these companies.
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| January 11, 2021 | | Missed filing IT Returns?
'If you miss the deadline, you can still file a belated tax return till March 31, 2021, with a fee under Section 234F, which could be up to Rs 10,000, in addition to an interest under Section 234A and 234B of the Act.'
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| January 08, 2021 | | Bank liable for fraudulent card transactions
Consumer activist Jehangir B Gai explains a RBI circular that says the customer is not liable for unauthorised transactions that occur due to contributory fraud, negligence, or deficiency on the bank's part.
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| June 29, 2020 | | Why you must pay advance tax by June 30
'If this first instalment of advance tax is paid by June 30, instead of June 15, then the interest on delayed payment will be levied at 0.75% per month instead of 1% per month,' notes Homi Mistry, a partner with Deloitte India.
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| April 07, 2020 | | Start to save today to survive tomorrow
In times such as these, you need to make every rupee count. Use the money you save to add to your investments or to buy medical insurance, instead of subscribing to more OTT platforms, suggests Bindisha Sarang.
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| March 27, 2020 | | Coronavirus makes contactless payments inevitable
In times when the covid-19 outbreak is putting the entire populations under threat, and social distancing has become the norm, it does make sense to avoid transacting in cash, reports Bindisha Sarang.
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| March 25, 2020 | | Interest on small savings schemes set to be cut
Government is contemplating this step to facilitate faster transmission of interest rates, thereby assisting an economy that is rapidly approaching stall speed in the wake of lockdowns triggered by the covid-19 pandemic.
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| March 20, 2020 | | Lesson from Delhi riots: Insure your assets
It is important for businessmen and entrepreneurs to purchase insurance to safeguard themselves against events that can destroy all the assets they have built up over a lifetime, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| February 17, 2020 | | NRIs major gainers from govt's move to remove DDT
The rationale for the proposed amendment is that since foreign investors were unable to avail of credit on DDT in their home countries, it reduced the rate of return they were able to earn on equity capital, point out Homi Mistry and Reena Poddar.
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| February 12, 2020 | | It's time to look away from gold, at silver
Affordability is just part of the story. The metal is easy on the skin, comes with classy designs that can't be created in gold and is as just as good a style statement, if not better.
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| February 06, 2020 | | Budget: Why senior citizens may pay more tax
'There are no new benefits for senior citizens, but on the other hand senior citizens having sizeable dividend income may have to suffer tax at applicable slab rates,' says Mahesh Padmanabhan.
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| February 04, 2020 | | Live Budget Chat: Best mutual funds to buy now
Omkeshwar Singh, Head, Rank MF, a mutual fund investment platform, will answer all your budget-related queries on investing in mutual funds between 1 pm and 2 pm, February 4.
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| January 29, 2020 | | Investors must stay positive amidst the gloom
Investors must be prepared to believe that things will get better eventually, no matter how bad the current situation may look. If you don't possess this optimism, you will not possess the courage to invest and if you don't invest, you don't give yourself any chance to get wealthy, says Devangshu Datta.
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| January 24, 2020 | | Why mutual Funds are cold to infra investment trusts
'Mutual funds have not invested in InvITs in a big way so far as good options in the listed space have been limited,' said Ratnam Raju, associate director (group head, infrastructure and project finance), CARE Ratings.
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| January 22, 2020 | | Want better returns? Stop churning your investments
Over a 16-year period, an analysis shows that investor returns were 6.3 percentage points lower than returns provided by equity funds, mostly on account of frequent churning by investors, an over-reaction to short-term market noise, and a focus on short-term performance.
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| January 20, 2020 | | Life Insurance: Individuals can buy policy for others
>You can buy a life insurance policy for someone else only if you have an insurable interest or expect financial loss from that person's death, points out Tarun Chugh, MD and CEO, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, answering insurance questions.
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| January 15, 2020 | | Received VRS? How to generate passive income
People who are close to retirement and don't intend to go back to full-time work again should deploy a part of their VRS money in equities so that it keeps growing at a faster rate.
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| January 08, 2020 | | Should I invest in this gold scheme?
'In most schemes, where the monthly investment is a fixed amount, investors run the risk of the price of gold rising during the tenure of the recurring deposit,' notes Harsh Roongta.
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| January 03, 2020 | | 'Will my wedding gift be taxed?'
'When a gift is received in cash, it is likely to be questioned, and your father may need to explain its source.'
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| December 12, 2019 | | Heard about Codicil to a Will?
A Codicil is a document created by the testator to make changes to an existing will, points out Sarbajeet K Sen.
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| December 10, 2019 | | High risk investor? Check this out
Two factors play a predominant role in fetching good returns -- stock selection and allocation, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| December 06, 2019 | | Affected by Karvy crisis? Read this
In case of any grievance, file a complaint with Sebi on its SCORES (Sebi Complaints Redress System) web site, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| November 29, 2019 | | Property transfers through PoA not valid
An income tax tribunal held that the PoA could not be construed as an instrument of transfer concerning any right, title, or interest in the immovable property.
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| November 25, 2019 | | When botched surgery amounts to medical negligence
The Kerala consumer commission recently concluded in a medical complaint that while negligence had necessitated a second surgery, as there was no evidence to show that it was the cause of disability, it reduced the original compensation ordered, points out consumer activist Jehangir B Gai.
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| November 18, 2019 | | Buying Gold? Avoid unregulated deposit schemes
Those wishing to participate in a jewellery scheme should opt for large, reputed, national-level players as the chances of such entities absconding or defaulting are lower, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| November 13, 2019 | | Do not park too much money in co-operative banks
Do not go for riskier options like co-operative bank only for the higher return. Even if you go for them, park only a small portion of your capital there, say Tinesh Bhasin and Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| November 06, 2019 | | IT, pharma funds safe bets in a bad market
Investors, however, need to understand their prospects before deciding to raise their exposure to these export-oriented sectors, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| October 21, 2019 | | How not to get tricked by festive time discount sales
While the prices on many products are indeed lowered, e-commerce as well as physical retailers use tricks to make you spend more, or to make you purchase goods they want to sell, points out Tinesh Bhasin.
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| October 18, 2019 | | When should you exit a stock? Read this
Many stock market investors are like Abhimanyu. They know how to enter a stock, but fail miserably when it comes to exiting, says Sunil Damania.
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| October 10, 2019 | | Time to buy selectively in small-cap index, suggest analysts
With the small-cap indices on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) -- the Nifty Smallcap 50 and Nifty Smallcap 250 -- skidding nearly 31 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively, in the past one year (since August 20 last year), it is best to remain prudent, writes Puneet Wadhwa
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| October 07, 2019 | | Explained: How to reduce cost of health insurance
While the steep rise in premiums is a definite worry, it is essential to look at the co-pay (percentage of the claim amount to be borne by the insured) conditions and the cap on room rent, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen.
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| September 30, 2019 | | Taking a loan? Keep these points in mind
Nowadays, banks and fintech companies are ever willing to extend a loan, even to people who do not have much of a credit history, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| September 24, 2019 | | Gold or silver -- which is the best bet to build your portfolio?
From the start of the year to date, gold rose from Rs 31,489 per 10 grams to Rs 37,682 on August 20 on MCX futures, giving investors a return of 19.3 per cent. During the same period, silver rose to Rs 43,695 from Rs 8,245 per kg, a gain of 14.3 per cent.
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| September 20, 2019 | | Should you worry over signs of recession in US?
If investors are concerned about a slowdown in the US or even globally, then large, globally diversified businesses are the safest place to be invested in, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| September 18, 2019 | | RLLR-based or MCLR-based -- which home loan is better?
Should borrowers opt for an RLLR-based home loan over an MCLR-linked one? There is difference of opinion among experts regarding whether the two loan rates will be different, points out Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| September 13, 2019 | | Software exporters, FMCG safe haven for investors
The combined net profit of software and FMCG companies was up 6.9 per during the April-June 2019 quarter against a 10.1 per cent decline in the combined earnings of top listed companies, ex-financials and oil and gas.
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| September 09, 2019 | | Time to dump badly performing most value funds?
'One reason why value funds have done poorly is that the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi's) recategorisation circular only says that the fund should follow a value investment strategy, with a minimum 65 per cent in equity and equity-related instruments but does not impose market cap-related limits,' says Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| August 27, 2019 | | Don't stop your SIP in equity funds
SIPs in equity funds are for the long haul, at least 7-10 years. Investors should not change their horizon now, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| August 20, 2019 | | Mistakes investors should avoid with brokers
Brokers are meant to only facilitate buying and selling of securities. They are also permitted to offer advice on which stocks the client should buy or sell, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| August 14, 2019 | | HUF is losing its charm as a tax-saving tool
Wealthy families don't prefer it now as the courts have ruled that daughters continue to be an equal partner of their father's HUF even after marriage, reports Tinesh Bhasin.
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| August 09, 2019 | | How to gain from fall in rupee
Assume that the rupee will trend lower over the next 10 years as India increases overseas sovereign exposures, and your long-term asset allocation should be geared to deal with this trend, suggests Devangshu Datta
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| August 08, 2019 | | Burden of proving pre-existing disease is on insurer
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has noted mere allegation by the insurer would not suffice to oust the claim, and the allegation would have to be substantiated by furnishing evidence, points out consumer activist Jehangir B Gai.
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| August 05, 2019 | | Gold loans are good for emergency money
A gold loan can, in many situations, be a better option than a personal loan due to its quick processing time and minimal documentation, suggests Tinesh Bhasin.
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| July 19, 2019 | | Want to invest? Stick to simple products
It is easy to invest in exotic products but difficult to exit them. Think carefully before investing rather than being blown away by expected returns alone, suggests Mrin Agarwal, founder, Finsafe India.
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| July 10, 2019 | | Buying a house? How to avail benefits
Capital gains exemption benefits are available under Section 54 and 54F of the Income Tax Act. Individuals, however, need to be aware of the conditions attached to these provisions, suggests Archit Gupta, founder and CEO, ClearTax.
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| June 12, 2019 | | Transferring inherited assets can be cumbersome
If the property is inherited from one generation to another, the person who inherits it cannot pass it on as s/he wishes, points out Rajesh Narain Gupta, managing partner, SNG & Partners.
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| May 31, 2019 | | Should you invest in quant funds?
'Investors need to understand that these schemes may not do well in the market that is in a bull run, but quality stocks would protect the downside.'
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| May 21, 2019 | | Rented property income can't be business income
If you are merely letting out the property and enjoying the rent as an individual or as a company, in most cases, you will need to mention rental income under the head 'income from house property' in the income-tax return form, points out Tinesh Bhasin.
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| May 14, 2019 | | Brace for broad-based market rally
Investors may increase exposure to mid and small-cap stocks as their risk-reward profile is more attractive currently, suggest Nitin Singh and Vinay Joseph.
All you want to know about Reit
'Many of the challenges of investing in commercial real estate get taken care of when an investor takes the Reit route,' points out Suraj Nangia.
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| May 08, 2019 | | Summer stocks for your portfolio
Given the school break, this is the peak travel season and companies catering to the 'friends and family' segment are expected to gain.
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| May 07, 2019 | | Want to invest? Look at NSC
NSC scores high on all three parameters that conservative investors are seeking -- safety, tax-adjusted returns and liquidity.
5 reasons to buy gold this Akshaya Tritiya
On gold buying occasions such as Akshaya Tritiya, Chiraj Mehta points out, investors are often confronted with the question: Should I make just a token purchase, or should I buy more towards building my allocation in the yellow metal?
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| May 06, 2019 | | Property documentation onus lies on builder
The law does not permit a builder to handover possession under any situation, not even for 'fitout' unless the building completion certificate is obtained, points out Jehangir B Gai.
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| April 16, 2019 | | Want to invest in direct plans? Opt for an advisor
While a do-it-yourself approach in direct plans will help you save money, there is the risk of making poor investment decisions and suffering loss of capital, suggest Devang Kakkad, head of research, Equirus Wealth Management.
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| April 12, 2019 | | Top mid-cap stocks to watch out for
It is advisable to stick to mid-caps with sustainable financial metrics rather than those offering the promise of faster growth.
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| March 29, 2019 | | Jewellers re-start monthly deposit schemes
Jewellers initially feared the ban applied on them, too. However, after discontinuing their monthly schemes for almost two weeks, they've started accepting deposits again.
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| March 26, 2019 | | Why you must invest in gold
'Invest a part of your portfolio in a global currency that can't be printed, or meddled with -- gold,' suggests Chirag Mehta.
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| March 25, 2019 | | How to enhance your medical insurance coverage
A sum insured of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh may have been sufficient seven-eight years ago but would be inadequate today, especially for people living in metros, points out Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| March 20, 2019 | | 5 tips for investing in NCDs
Unlike bank FDs that are considered risk-free investments, NCDs do carry a certain amount of risk, primary among them is the risk of default, either servicing the interest payment or meeting their principal repayment obligations.
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| February 25, 2019 | | Want to become ace stock market trader?
To become an algorithmic trader, you need three things: Knowledge of financial markets, quantitative skills, and coding skills, suggests Nitesh Khandelwal.
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| February 12, 2019 | | How to save taxes, meet long-term goals
Three key instruments that can help you meet your financial goals, while also allowing you to enjoy tax deductions are ELSS, term cover and health cover.
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| February 07, 2019 | | Heard about side-pocketing in MFs?
Sebi has allowed mutual fund schemes the option of 'side-pocketing' which move will help both fund houses and investors.
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| February 05, 2019 | | Want to save LTCG on property sale?
'To save the LTCG, it's always better that the owner of the property that was sold also becomes the title holder in the new one.'
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| January 17, 2019 | | Special 26: These stocks outperformed markets for 5 years
Of these 26, Bajaj Finance, Associated Alcohols and Breweries, Garware Technologies, Filatex India, Tasty Bite Eatables, Aarti Industries and GMM Pfaudler saw an over 10-fold surge in price since 2014.
Want to invest in NPS? Please read this!
Given its features as a retirement product (long lock-in and compulsory annuitisation), investors should have other investments they can fall back on in case they need funds
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| January 10, 2019 | | An Investment Strategy For 2019
Spread investments in equities, bonds, gold and cash to tackle volatility advise Nitin Singh, MD and head, and Vinay Joseph, director, investment strategy, Standard Chartered Wealth Management, India.
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| January 02, 2019 | | Set your financial goals for 2019
Chances of staying true to your goals tend to be high when you don't lose sight of what you set out to achieve, advises Arun Thukral, MD & CEO, Axis Securities.
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| December 20, 2018 | | Don't panic if stock market and rupee tango
'From a retail investor's perspective, therefore, it is essential not to get swayed by the short-term correction in the equity market and macro noise, and stay the course with their long-term financial plans,' notes Ashwin Patni.
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| December 03, 2018 | | MFs hit by YES bank stock fall
With the stock coming under pressure, the MF holding value could have dropped to Rs 50 billion, back-of-the-envelope calculations show.
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| November 23, 2018 | | Looking to transfer home loan? Read this
If you have availed a home loan from an NBFC, you can shift your existing home loan to a bank and benefit from the MCLR regime, suggests Ratan Choudhary, head - home loans, Paisabazaar.com.
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| November 12, 2018 | | PE investing: Look before you leap
Before committing your precious money in PE funds, investors need to get very choosy, advises Ramesh Bukka, co-founder and director, Entrust Family Office Investment Advisors.
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| October 09, 2018 | | Why you must build a health care corpus
'Apart from providing you with the ability to withstand escalating medical expenses, a dedicated financial plan for health will also ensure financial independence in old age,' advises Arun Thukral, MD & CEO, Axis Securities.
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| September 26, 2018 | | The value of customised credit cards
If you use customised cards that suit your lifestyle needs, you could also end up availing of a variety of deals, rewards, and discounts.
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| September 25, 2018 | | Buying a term insurance plan? Please read this
'When buying a term insurance plan, you need to visualise today what could happen to your family tomorrow in your absence,' suggests Mahavir Chopra, director-health, Coverfox.com.
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| September 24, 2018 | | Ulips are attractive investments
'If you are looking to fulfil imminent long-term commitments, the new online Ulips are the right product for you,' notes Santosh Agarwal/Policybazaar.com.
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| September 19, 2018 | | DON'T rush to buy PSBs. Here's why
The recent three-bank merger seems to be grossly negative for Vijaya Bank and Bank of Baroda in the short term, as the negative net worth of Dena Bank will have to be absorbed by the merged entity
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| September 18, 2018 | | When investing, select a fund wisely
Investors should avoid jumping from their current funds into those that have outperformed lately, advises Arnav Pandya, a certified financial planner.
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| September 10, 2018 | | BEST options to beat higher home loan payout
It makes sense to shift to a home loan provider offering a lower interest rate or make occasional prepayments by using bonuses or other windfalls, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| September 04, 2018 | | Has gold lost its Midas touch?
Despite returns from gold down over 5% in the past three months, it is a good idea to keep this asset class in your portfolio.
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| August 30, 2018 | | Don't follow ace investors blindly
'If an investor wants to clone an ace investor's portfolio, s/he will be better off cloning the entire portfolio rather than cherry picking stocks selectively.'
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| August 09, 2018 | | How to become a successful investor
Gather information from diverse sources to ensure that your investment decisions are rooted in sound knowledge, says Sandeep Das.
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| July 31, 2018 | | Why FMCG stocks are booming
HUL, ITC, Nestle, Colgate, Dabur, Britannia, Asian Paints, P&G are trading at nearly 48 times.
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| July 24, 2018 | | 7 tax-filing mistakes to avoid
Archit Gupta -- founder and CEO, ClearTax.com -- lists common mistakes and how to avoid them for filing a hassle-free income tax return.
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| July 12, 2018 | | Uncertain times: Should you buy gold now?
Not only is gold a hedge against currency depreciation, rising crude prices and uncertainty, it is up 7 per cent (in dollar terms) in the past 12 months, says Devangshu Datta.
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| June 21, 2018 | | What homebuyers MUST know
Tinesh Bhasin explores the limitations of rights granted to homebuyers under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.
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| May 25, 2018 | | Want your kid to study abroad? Deal with falling rupee
If you are planning for a long-term goal like your child's education in a foreign university, invest about 20% of your portfolio in foreign assets that can provide a hedge against the rupee's depreciation.
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| April 17, 2018 | | Buying Mediclaim? An 8 point checklist
Instead of getting confused by what agents tell you, check waiting period, claim-settlement ratio, price comparison etc to make the right choice.
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| March 27, 2018 | | Is a bubble building up in IT midcaps?
As IT midcap stocks ride high, it has created speculation around a potential bubble with analysts picking the midcaps' client concentration as the biggest concern area.
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| March 14, 2018 | | Investing tips for seniors, young investors
While seniors seeking a regular income should switch to debt funds from balanced funds, younger investors should invest in balanced funds after understanding their risks.
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| March 05, 2018 | | Last minute tax tips...
Evaluate recurring investment products and do the numbers before making any investments.
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| March 01, 2018 | | How the NPS can benefit young investors
Raising equity exposure to 50 per cent in the National Pension Scheme will benefit young investors, provided they can stomach higher volatility.
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| February 22, 2018 | | Where to invest now
With the general election due in 2019 and interest rates moving upwards, the market expects uncertainty to rise, so the bulk of your money should be in shorter-duration funds, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| February 20, 2018 | | Bitcoin investors, exercise caution
Limit your investment in cryptocurrencies and make sure you have current holdings in your own custody until regulatory cloud blows over, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| February 15, 2018 | | LTCG tax: Why you must NOT quit equity funds
With the introduction of 10 per cent tax both on long-term capital gains and on dividend, choose funds based on investment horizon and risk appetite, not on tax advantage, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| February 13, 2018 | | Is the Nifty heading for a crash?
It is too early to judge if the fall in Nifty from an all-time high of 11,170 to February 12 closing of 10,539 is a big trend reversal or merely a short-term correction, says Devangshu Datta.
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| February 05, 2018 | | Don't rush to buy public sector bank stocks
Though most experts remain bullish on the banking space, they suggest investors buy only those banks whose NPAs are at a manageable level of 3% to 4% and there is credit growth or earnings visibility.
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| January 05, 2018 | | Top 10 Mutual Funds for 2018
Salil Dhawan reveals the MFs that have not only performed well in the past but have a promising outlook for the future too.
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| January 03, 2018 | | Why loan against property can be risky
Most borrowers of loans against property pin hopes on future cash flows from their business, but in case of failure to repay the loan, the lender can repossess the property and sell it.
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| December 20, 2017 | | Should you buy penny stocks?
While a little more than 140 penny stocks have doubled in value, 555 have given negative returns in the past year.
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| December 19, 2017 | | HDFC Housing Opportunities Fund: Should you invest?
Given its focus on the real estate sector, financial planners feel this scheme is not meant for first-time investors and any investor should only have 5 to 10 per cent exposure to this fund.
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| November 16, 2017 | | New NPS entry age: Good news for seniors
Raise in NPS entry age gives seniors another retirement-saving option but they should invest at least Rs 50,000 to avail of the additional tax benefit scheme provides, reports Sanjay Kumar Singh
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| November 15, 2017 | | Clarity needed on new PPF rules for NRIs
Because of a new notification, any retirement planning done by non-resident Indians through PPF will go for a toss, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| November 08, 2017 | | Time to swap your ULIPs for safer bets?
The good news is investors can make 5 to 6 switches during a year among funds depending on the insurance companies without incurring any costs.
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| November 07, 2017 | | Dream run continues for MFs
Amid lowering of bank deposit rates and falling yields from traditional investment vehicles like gold and real estate, investors are fast shifting to financial assets.
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| November 06, 2017 | | Are consumers always kings?
Goods and services provided without any consideration are out of ambit of Consumer Protection Act; investors, too, cannot approach a forum. Tinesh Bhasin reports
Don't buy PE-backed stocks blindly
Though stocks backed by private equity investirs are likely to have higher governance standards, investors should do their own due-diligence, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh
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| November 03, 2017 | | How this customer won against a retailer
John Aranha got an order from Central Mumbai District Consumer Forum that made Croma pay him Rs 26,300 for a fridge he had bought but was never delivered to him, says consumer activist Jehangir B Gai
Buying insurance cover: Do women matter?
There is discrimination against women in insurance cover. As a flood of insurance companies tap the capital markets with public issues, there is however, hardly any reference to this asymmetry. Subhomoy Bhattacharjee reports
Will gold prices bounce back?
Experts advise investors to buy at lower levels in the next few months and sell at the higher end of their range in the second half, reports Rajesh Bhayani.
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| October 30, 2017 | | Tips to invest in international mutual funds
By diversifying into developed market equities, Indian investors can mitigate the impact of cyclicality in returns as well as reduce currency risk, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| October 26, 2017 | | When tax plays spoilsport with ESOPs
The tax imposed on buyback of shares and employee stock options is different in case of listed and unlisted companies, says Sudipto Dey
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| October 24, 2017 | | 5 ways Sebi has brought cheer to MF investors
Market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, has set out five broad categories for mutual fund schemes, including equity, debt and hybrid funds that will benefit investors, says Ashley Coutinho
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| October 22, 2017 | | Good news for EPF account holders
Now, you can get EPF transferred to new employer automatically. Just ensure your Universal Account Number is activated and the employer had done KYC for it, reports Tinesh Bhasin
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| October 20, 2017 | | How hedge funds make money for HNIs
These funds give the wealthy an option to invest in strategies that other equity products like mutual funds and portfolio management services cannot, says Nishant Agarwal.
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| October 19, 2017 | | Should you buy or sell NBFCs now?
If you have an active trading account or have consumer loans or thinking of taking out a loan, consider investing in NBFCs, says Devangshu Datta
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| October 16, 2017 | | Investors beware: Watch out for what your broker is up to
At the time of filling the KYC (Know Your Customer) documents (when joining), do not sign wherever you are asked to. In particular, look closely at the power of attorney (PoA) section, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh
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| October 09, 2017 | | Car buyers get to pick and choose insurance
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued guidelines that will allow car dealers to become Motor Insurance Service Providers (MISP) and offer the policies of multiple general insurers, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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| October 02, 2017 | | Why banks lose money when you swipe your card
As you swipe your credit/debit card with carefree abandon at merchant outlets, banks are losing money to the tune of Rs 3,800 crore annaully, says Soumya Kanti Ghosh
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| September 30, 2017 | | Mistakes that retail investors make
Retail investors usually get caught up in the frenzy of a bull market and burn their fingers in IPOs, warns Tinesh Bhasin.
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| September 14, 2017 | | Annual reports: 5 red flags to watch out for
Companies' annual reports can hide as much as they reveal. Investors can get early warning signals of wrongdoing by frequently speaking to other stakeholders.
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| August 04, 2017 | | Beware of fake income tax e-mails
If you receive an email claiming to be from the income tax department that there's an outstanding tax demand that you need to pay immediately, don't get alarmed.
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| August 02, 2017 | | When India's taxman gets cool...
The I-T department's app is useful for those looking for information, grievance redress, and resolving PAN- or TAN-related issues.
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| May 03, 2017 | | Should you invest in NCDs?
'Many of those who invested in NCD issues are those who traditionally put their money in fixed deposits...'
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| April 20, 2017 | | Plan to surrender your ULIP? Don't!
A rightly chosen ULIP can be a competitive investment, but the investor needs to ensure that his relationship manager has put him ahead of the commissions that the product pays, says Anil Rego, CEO, Right Horizons.
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| April 12, 2017 | | 4 cool stocks to beat the heat
Johnson Controls-Hitachi, Voltas, Blue Star, Whirlpool recently recorded new 52-week highs but still haven't lost their steam
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| March 30, 2017 | | 10 PSU stocks worth buying
Known for stable returns, near debt-free status and dividend track record, these 10 PSU stocks are worth buying now.
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| March 28, 2017 | | Should you shift to NPS from EPF?
Now that the National Pension Scheme offers more choices than the Employees Provident Fund, is more transparent and also allows to choose the level of allocation to equities as investors like, should one switch to the NPS?
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| January 12, 2017 | | 5 financial resolutions for 2017
Start 2017 with these five simple financial resolutions and you will put your family on solid ground financially, says D P Singh, executive director and chief marketing officer, SBI Mutual Fund.
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| December 21, 2016 | | How to keep the taxman away from your life insurance
When Taragauri Doshi's husband died, an assessing officer wanted to tax the proceeds from a life insurance policy that had been bought abroad. Homi Mistry, Mousami Nagarsenkar & Hiral Tanna explain why such proceeds are not taxable in India.
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| September 29, 2016 | | How to stay financially fit after 60
After retirement, the pressure on finances increases in the absence of regular income. Here are a few suggestions to ensure a smooth post-retirement life
Three stocks that can make you RICH!
With the government's focus on environment-friendly fuel, Indraprastha Gas, Mahanagar Gas and Suzlon's earning prospects look bright
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| August 31, 2016 | | How to take action against an errant builder
If the developers continue to express inability to pay, buyers should file a petition in the SC and request it to initiate proceedings under Article 142 of the Constitution
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| May 07, 2015 | | Buying a household insurance cover? Read this!
The Nepal earthquake has driven home the importance of home insurance. What are the factors you need to keep in mind before insuring your property? Indrani Roy offers a checklist.
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| January 05, 2015 | | Filing returns? Check your tax office jurisdiction
A huge cadre restructuring in the I-T department, with the creation of over 20,700 posts recently, has brought about a number of changes in the existing jurisdictions of assessing officers of the department across the country.
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| December 01, 2014 | | Beware of get-rich-quick tips
The stock exchange does not store and display the numbers of investors. That would be like a bank publishing the details of its customers for everyone to see.
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| October 12, 2014 | | Why it's good time to buy commercial property
With a stable government at the Centre and the a renewed sense of confidence among the industry, there is expectation that there will be more demand for office space.
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| January 22, 2014 | | What to do when you get an Income Tax notice?
The details that you file regarding your income, investments and tax exemptions are verified by the Income Tax department with the details obtained as per your Permanent Account Number records.
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| September 16, 2013 | | Risk-free returns aren't enough
Indian households put bulk of savings in bank deposits and insurance; the returns are minimal. If you're part of this, change.
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| October 05, 2012 | | How to check Income Tax refund online
This is as easy as it gets and all one needs to do is to enter the PAN number and the assessment year on this site to access the current position of the tax refund.
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| June 06, 2012 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Wednesday, financial planning expert Vinay Mahajan offered some valuable investment tips
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| April 19, 2012 | | Buy a separate cover for home loan
For a loan of Rs 20 lakhs (Rs 2 million) from Axis Bank, Varadarajan was asked to pay Rs 31,630 at one go or under a single-premium insurance plan.
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| April 05, 2012 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, speak to financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.
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| March 21, 2012 | | How much tax can you save now?
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Wednesday, experts Vinay Mahajan and Devang Mehta offered some valuable tips.
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| March 19, 2012 | | How can you invest smart and be rich
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Monday, chartered accountant and Income Tax expert Chetan A Gandhi offered some valuable tips.
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| March 02, 2012 | | How to invest smartly and be rich
Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips during a chat on rediff.com on Friday.
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| January 05, 2012 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, personal finance expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.
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| September 22, 2011 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.
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| September 15, 2011 | | Some golden investment tips
Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips during a chat on rediff.com on Thursday.
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| August 25, 2011 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat with rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.
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| July 28, 2011 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.
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| July 21, 2011 | | Want to be rich? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.
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| June 17, 2011 | | Haven't got your tax refund?
Income tax refunds have always been a talking point on account of never reaching the assesses on time. And, they are either given a variety of reasons for the same or none at all.
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| June 10, 2011 | | 3 simple rules for managing your budget!
When we do not write our daily expenses, we will tend to miss out on many small bits, the Re 2 parking ticket, the 5 rupee beeda, the ten rupee toll fees, the 3.50 afternoon news paper and so on and so forth.
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| April 07, 2011 | | Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.
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| December 31, 2010 | | Citibank fraud: An eye-opener for HNIs
For high net worth individuals (HNIs), who hire wealth managers to take investment decisions on their behalf, the alleged Rs 400 crore-fraud by Citibank's wealth management team employee should come as a wake-up call.
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| November 22, 2010 | | Why you must take a joint home loan
The most significant advantage of a joint home loan is the increase in your loan eligibility. Incomes of the individuals taking a joint home loan are combined to determine the eligibility and it results in a higher loan amount.
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| October 19, 2010 | | Booked profits? Be careful about re-entering
In the last six months, investors have consistently booked profits and taken out money from both the secondary market and mutual funds. Since April, Rs 14,624 crore has been redeemed from mutual funds and another Rs 4,838.92 crore from the equity market.
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| October 18, 2010 | | How good is your financial health?
Your financial health, for instance, can be diagnosed by looking at a few ratios.
Why KYC is mandatory now
There is no escaping the paperwork while investing in financial products. Be it, opening a new bank account, demat account or buying insurance, filling the Know Your Client (KYC) documents is a mandatory procedure today.
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| October 04, 2010 | | Mutual funds are still the best bet
The Indian mutual fund industry has evolved greatly in the last few years and the regulator has pushed it to become more transparent and investor-friendly.
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| September 28, 2010 | | Investing? How a SIP can help
When an investor opts for a systematic investment plan (SIP) in mutual funds, the purpose is to average the cost of buying a bouquet of stocks, inculcate discipline and not having to worry about daily market fluctuations.
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| September 09, 2010 | | Investing in gold? Read this first
India is crazy about gold jewellery. With the World Gold Council aggressively marketing social and religious functions as gold buying events, the demand has shot up in the recent years to record levels.
ETF strategies to protect your investments
Experts say the worst is over for the global economic markets but the markets don't seem to fully agree as they still fluctuate and remain unpredictable.
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| August 12, 2010 | | Evading taxes? Here's how you could get caught
Tax evasion is an illegal activity which entails not filing income tax returns altogether or misrepresenting the tax payable amount.
Where should you get your gold? Here's help
Gold is a 'must have' in your investment portfolio. Frankly, there is no need to advocate investment in gold amongst Indian audiences. Traditionally it is a popular avenue of investment for Indians. However buying jewellery is not as good an investment as buying pure 24 karat gold. Hence, when we talk of gold as an investment, we mean gold coins, gold biscuits or gold bars – any piece of 24 karat gold. `
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| August 09, 2010 | | Cashless health cover: What you must do
When faced with a medical emergency, you pay cash or use your credit card, instead of asking why the hospital is not accepting your cashless medical insurance.
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| July 29, 2010 | | Tips to speed up your return filing process
It's that time of the year when the taxman is remembered the most. With just two days left to file tax returns, taxpayers have now awoken to the reality that the due date is at hand.
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| July 05, 2010 | | Tips on home loan repayment
Home loan repayment for an under construction property will get tax benefits only after the buyer takes possession.
Smart tips to grow your money
Traditional investments like fixed deposits are good and safe and one must have a part of their savings invested in such risk free options. However, your portfolio is not complete and balanced in the absence of stock investments.
Tax code exempts New Pension Scheme from tax
The revised DTC which will introduce several changes if implemented has brought New Pension Scheme under the tax exempt net. This new change will make NPS an attractive investment opportunity.
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| June 17, 2010 | | Tips to earn extra money as passive income
Everybody is in the race to earn as much as they can. While your job or occupation generates income and is the primary source of livelihood, you can earn extra money by means of passive income.
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| May 21, 2010 | | ETFs: Safe bet for passive investors
Exchange traded fund is an instrument listed on the stock exchange having characteristics of both a mutual fund and listed security.
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| May 20, 2010 | | Check out these options for your financial needs!
Financial markets in India now provide several loan products that will help you to keep intact your assets but at the same time provide you with the finances you need to tide over the situation.
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| May 18, 2010 | | Investing in foreign stocks to be easier now
Just as investors abroad can participate in Indian companies' issues through the American Depository Receipt and Global Depository Receipt route, Indian investors can now invest in foreign companies through the IDR. Standard Chartered Bank will be the first IDR issue, opening May 25.
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| May 13, 2010 | | 'Gold to give 15-20% returns for next 5 years'
With gold scaling all-time high levels and now trading at $1,241 per ounce, questions arise whether this is the right time to book profit from investment in gold or time to invest more.
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| May 11, 2010 | | Education loans set to become more attractive
The Union ministry of human resource development, headed by Kapil Sibal, has drafted a proposal on educational loans, which entails changes that will increase the accessibility of these loans -- the objective being an equitable distribution.
Advantages of a pre-approved home loan
A pre-approved housing loan is essentially an in principle sanction given by a bank for a particular loan amount. A fairly robust process is followed by the banks to determine the loan amount.
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| May 05, 2010 | | How to invest in 'unique' IPOs
The recent IPOs which fall into the category of unique business plays have delivered handsome gains compared to their offer price.
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| April 28, 2010 | | It pays to make yourself creditworthy!
On the consumer front, CIBIL is working towards simplifying the process of fetching credit scores -- it is tying up with a payment gateway which will help individuals fetch theirs scores online by making an online payment.
Buying property under construction? Read this first
If you want to free yourself from worrying about the builders' documentation and the legality of the construction, it's best to look for a pre-approved property.
What you need to know about Esops
Esops, which give employees a stake in the ownership of the company, are provided by the company to employees to boost their motivation and loyalty.
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| April 26, 2010 | | How to build an infrastructure stocks portfolio
An infra-focussed portfolio requires careful assessment of news and its impact on balance sheets.
How to read signals from the RBI
If RBI slashes its borrowing rate, banks lend at a lower rate. Also, deposit rates go down.
Wary of markets? Check these investment options
With the information revolution and the high amount of money chasing financial assets, it is imperative that investors look at alternatives to have an extra edge to their returns
Why you NEED a personal accident policy
examines why you need to get personal accident policy, now.
Got a pay hike? How to manage it well
The recession taught Indians value of money. So how to manage/use the salary hikes in an effective way so that it brings a fruitful return? Is it the time to splurge or go slow? Or is it prudent to continue with the austerity measures that one discovered during the lean time?
How to plan finances for you child
Any parent would be worried about how the various needs for his children would be met. The list too is long; that by itself is a cause of worry. This article will look at some of the common needs for children and ways to achieve them thorough financial planning.
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| April 23, 2010 | | Investing? Going beyond the numbers
With the corporate results season on, many investors would be keenly looking at companies they had invested in. There will be a range of experts with advise on buying and selling.
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| April 16, 2010 | | SBI's special home loan scheme
Under the earlier scheme, borrowers were charged fixed interest rate of 8.5 per cent for Year 2 and Year 3 for loan amount less than Rs 50 lakh (Rs 5 million) and a rate of 9 per cent for first three years for loan amount of greater than Rs 50 lakh. Year 4 onward the interest rate was fixed at PLR minus 2.75 basis points.
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| April 06, 2010 | | How a joint home loan saves you more tax
Do remember that though the banks insist that all co-owners of the property should also be co-applicants in a joint home loan, the reverse need not be true.
Buying a home? Read this first!
Here is a checklist of what you should consider when opting for a loan.
What you must know about your housing loan
Before getting a housing loan take stock of your finances and assess your loan repayment capacity. Then shop for the best offers available. You can also approach a financial counsellor for optimum allocation and utilization of your money.
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| April 01, 2010 | | Now, quote PAN or pay 20% TDS
The provision, made in Budget 2009-10, is applicable from today and is aimed at plugging the loopholes leading to tax evasion and compelling more and more people to obtain PAN.
Why a personal budget is a must!
Good control over your personal finances will help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself and cope with changes in your life. How can you achieve that? The answer is having your own personalised budget.
Buying ULIPs? Read on. . .
The last few months have been action packed for insurance companies having a ULIP (unit-linked insurance plan) product in their portfolio. This, primarily on account of a cap levied by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority on the total expenses that can be charged by insurance companies on such products with effect from October 1, 2009.
Insurance claims to cost more
Making non-life insurance claims is going to become more expensive in the new financial year.
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| March 31, 2010 | | Don't miss the tax returns deadline!
After the first-year breather come penalties. That is, if returns for 2007-08 are filed after March 31, 2009, there will be a flat penalty of Rs 5,000. Importantly, there should not be any tax liability.
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| March 22, 2010 | | RBI move: How it affects your loan EMIs
So for the time being, consumers need not worry about their EMIs on home loans, auto loans etc. going up. However, as April progresses the scenario could change.
Get your tax facts right!
When errors crop up due to lack of awareness you could end up evading tax unknowingly. That could turn out to be a costly mistake somewhere down the road. So be wise, get your tax facts right.
Last-minute tax planning? Here is a quick guide!
Tax incentives are given to encourage savings / investments. Savings form part of your overall financial plan which in effect means tax planning is a subset of financial planning. Your financial plan will set objectives for you based on your aspirations, your life style, your age group, size of family, et cetera.
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| March 11, 2010 | | Step-up home loans: The pros and cons
If you decide to go for a step-up loan, select fixed rate option instead of floating rate option, as it will let you control your EMIs. Besides avoid over-borrowing on this kind of a loan, to prevent financial problems later on.
Selling your property? Know your rights
Familiarise yourself with Transfer of Property Act. The rights and duties you have are outlined in the Transfer of Property Act.
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| March 09, 2010 | | Budget: Promises kept and not. . .
As a follow on to all the articles written about Budget 2009-10, here's a review of what took place, what is still taking place and what has not taken place.
Tax: Should you invest in Infrastructure Bonds?
r the people in the Rs 5-8 lakh bracket, it would be advisable to invest in infrastructure bonds if the period of investment is 3 years, but not for five years and for those in the Rs 1.6-5 lakh bracket, it would be an absolute no-no to invest in Infrastructure Bonds for tax-saving purpose.
Budget: Just who saves how much tax!
A back of the napkin calculation will tell us that people having a taxable income of Rs 500,000 will be paying a tax of Rs 34,000 in 2010-11 as against Rs 54,000 in 2009-2010. A saving of 37.04%!
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| March 04, 2010 | | Bankers to meet RBI on base rate tomorrow
Bankers are worried the new model will affect their business of giving short-term loans to corporate clients at cheaper rates (sub-PLR loans) as lending rates on such loans will go up at least by 2 per cent in the base rate system.
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| March 03, 2010 | | Health insurance plans: New kind of tax benefits
With the tax planning and investment season coming to an end this month, many are running around to get the best of the plans available in the market. Most of the limit available under Section 80C would have been over by now. Are there other ways to get tax benefits from taking up useful investments/expenses? Yes, there is always the health insurance plans.
Money lessons for your children
Children need to learn to handle money first, before they spend.
Financial advisors shun MFs
Though it has been more than six months since the ban on entry load on mutual funds (MFs) came into force, independent financial advisors (IFAs) are still shying away from selling MFs.
How to boost your savings kitty
The Union Budget, despite being constrained by a high fiscal deficit, gave some relief to the Rs 3-8 lakh income group.
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| February 24, 2010 | | Railway Budget, a commendable effort
The Railway Budget 2010 presented to Parliament on Wednesday by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been received with glee by most people.
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| February 22, 2010 | | Budget 2010: What IT, auto, telecom firms want!
With Budget announcements coming up this week, more industries have come up with their wish list. We expect the government to continue its focus on nation building areas like infrastructure, agriculture and social sectors. We present the wish list of companies across sectors.
Budget rants of a young Indian!
Rahul, a 23-something youngster from Chennai, voices his thoughts on the Budget and its implications for him. Given here is a light-hearted narrative of his thoughts. . .
RBI to ramp up credit monitoring
Now, RBI is taking it to the next level by introducing more credit information bureaus into the credit monitoring system. As the first step, it has now made official the in-principle approval it had provided Experian, a popular credit agency which has global operations.
Investing? Engineering cos are promising
This sector is a promising pick in a growing economy, but look at working capital, technology and clients.
Is it worth buying IT stocks now?
At 23 price-to-earning, the tech story is no longer compelling.
What you must know about Shield Plus
On scrutiny, Shield Plus has no special advantage over a fixed deposit.
How to save for your child's education
In this era of rapid change, the education of children has become a major component of financial planning.
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| February 12, 2010 | | How RBI move on base rate vs BPLR affects you
What is expected to change is the level of transparency in the retail and corporate lending market with banks expected to announce the rate changes as and when they happen and also display them at their respective websites.
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| February 11, 2010 | | Earning a salary? Save tax the smart way!
Earning a salary? Looking to save tax the smart way? Then you have two options. First is salary restructuring and second is tax saving instruments. Here we take a look at both these options and how to use them effectively.
Will TDS affect your tax returns?
TDS means tax deducted at Source. It is deducted by the banks if the interest earned on your fixed deposit exceeds Rs 10,000 in a financial year.
How to choose the right credit card
Here's the lowdown on how to choose a credit card that best suits your wallet.
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| February 10, 2010 | | Selling inherited gold? Pay tax!
Your mother gave you those ancestral bangles at the time of your marriage as streedhan. Now you want to sell it. Then be ready to shell out capital gains tax.
Late in filing tax return? Here's what to do
Usually July 31 is the last date for filing tax returns. It is important to file the returns on time in order to avoid paying penalty.
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| February 01, 2010 | | Tax burden on salaried employees to rise
The New Year doesn't seem to be bringing good tidings for salaried employees. The tax burden of certain benefits that was being borne by the employer so far has been shifted to the employees now.
Simple strategies for small investors
There are tools and methods to help ensure that you come out a winner.
Tax bomb: Why it is better to use company car
The new rules on perks make it better to use the company car than to get usage reimbursed, says .
Taxing P-Notes on back burner
This follows a renewed effort by CBDT to seek clarification on the issue.
How to make your dividends tax-free
Many smart investors use this dividend to profit from their investment, by using dividend stripping. Let us understand what dividend stripping is all about.
Gift Tax: The latest change in rules
The tightening of the rules related to gift tax will curb money laundering to a great extent. However it does protect genuine gifts from relatives and loved ones. Several guises used earlier to cover up transactions as gifts are now taxable.
12 per cent service tax likely to return
The government may take the first step towards fiscal consolidation in Budget 2010-11 by partially rolling back tax cuts given to the industry last year. The service tax rate may be restored to 12 per cent, while excise duty could be increased marginally.
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| January 29, 2010 | | Kraft-Cadbury deal: Does it hold promise?
While year 2009 did not see any large merger in the FMCG space, one deal which did hit the headlines was the Kraft Foods (Kraft) bid to acquire Cadbury. While the final deal is yet to be signed, it would consolidate the global FMCG sector.
Budget: What some industry sectors want
With the Union Budget barely a month away, various industry bodies see this as an opportunity to draw Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's attention to their sectors and put forth their demands so that he can address these issues in the forthcoming Budget.
How interim budget differs from full budget
There are no sops announced in a vote on account and there is no talk about generating income through taxes.
What's better? Term or whole life insurance?
Go for a term insurance if you are an unmarried individual. A simple whole life insurance would best suit a 40-plus married person with two grown up kids while the same with a term rider would be best for a married person less than 40 years with two kids!
Home, car, personal loan rates sure to rise
Home, car and personal loans are now certain to be more expensive with the Reserve Bank of India, under pressure to combat rising inflation, on Friday announced stringent steps like raising mandatory cash reserves of banks to suck over Rs 36,000 crore (Rs 360 billion) out of the system.
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| January 27, 2010 | | NRI home loans on the upswing
NRIs cannot claim tax benefits on home loans in India as they have to pay tax in the nation where they work and earn. However, they need to file tax returns to become eligible for home loans. But if they pay tax in India for income earned in India, they can claim tax rebate for the home loan.
Is it worth the risk to invest in international funds?
Experts are divided whether investing in international funds would prove to be as beneficial as they did last year. But if you are a staunch believer in the resilience of Indian markets and economy you could simply stay at home. All in all, if you choose to cross the border to invest, do it with care and expert guidance.
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| January 20, 2010 | | Need money? Try loan against shares
A loan against shares could be a viable option if you want to raise some money quickly. A closer look.
Tips for investing in art
If you're starting out as an investor, bidding at an auction could prove to be the smart way to start off an iconic collection.
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| January 19, 2010 | | Sale deed: What you should know!
Understanding the basics of a sale deed can help you stay protected from getting duped. Let us see the basics of a sale deed, its importance, how it is prepared, what does it contain and how does it work! Read on . . .
Borrowing money? Choose correct repayment option
Every borrower should go beyond this basic check list and find out if any of the different flexible repayment options would suit his needs. But why should you do this in the first place? And what are the types of flexible repayment options available today? Let's find out.
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| January 12, 2010 | | Tax burden on salaried employees to rise
The New Year doesn't seem to be bringing good tidings for salaried employees. The tax burden of certain benefits that was being borne by the employer so far has been shifted to the employees now.
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| January 05, 2010 | | Know all about MICR code
Many of you would have seen the magnetic inks bar codes printed on the bottom of your bank's cheque leaves. These bar codes are known as MICR code, an abbreviation for 'Magnetic Ink Character Recognition'.
Bubble trouble: What, why and how?
Unfortunately, investors know of bubbles only when it bursts! So how should you protect yourself from a bubble? Before that let us see what a bubble is and how it is formed?
How to invest in 2010
The point is not how to predict the markets, which no one can actually do, but how to keep ourselves prepared for unforeseen losses.
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| December 21, 2009 | | Securing finances for your daughter
Here's how you must plan for the important milestones in your daughter's life, which include higher education abroad, and a grand wedding.
How was 2009 for investments? A flashback
Overall year 2009 has been a year of appreciation for the investors. General economic conditions, corporate earnings and foreign capital markets have all shown sign of major recoveries.
Home loans: One teases, the other eases
Teaser and step-up home loans may look similar in the beginning, but they work out differently in the later years, says .
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| December 11, 2009 | | Now, extra cover on your car insurance
Bharti AXA General Insurance has introduced four new add-on covers under its motor insurance portfolio, which will be available with the company's existing product -- SmartDrive Private Car Policy.
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| December 10, 2009 | | Life insurance: What are mortality charges?
Whenever you buy a life insurance policy the company offering it will levy a charge for the insurance protection upon death and to cover certain other expenses. In a nutshell this is the actual cost of insurance.
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| December 07, 2009 | | How to benefit from hedging
Performance cycles indicate that hedging could be an opportunity and not just an imperfect risk management technique.
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| December 03, 2009 | | What is IIP? How it affects stocks?
With the news of recession hovering over the horizon, better IIP figures indicate increase in industrial production. It makes investors and stock markets become more optimistic.
How bonds add safety to your portfolio
Bonds are an excellent diversification tool for those looking for stability and tax-saving. But they also carry certain risks. It is advisable to find out the reputation of the borrower as well as your risk appetite before investing.
The best home loan rate war is on
With HDFC also jumping on the dual-rate bandwagon, a home buyer has some good options.
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| December 02, 2009 | | How to make your dividends tax-free
Many smart investors use this dividend to profit from their investment, by using dividend stripping. Let us understand what dividend stripping is all about.
Selling property? Remember this
When selling a property, you have to understand the costs affecting the returns from the property.
Make studying abroad cost effective!
Quality institutions attract plenty of students from around the world and their fees are quite high. Hence you need to plan your studies abroad carefully. Here is how to go about doing it smartly.
HDFC goes SBI way, offers dual-rate home loans
Months after dismissing State Bank of India's special loan scheme as a gimmick, mortgage player Housing Development Finance Corporation has decided to follow the country's largest bank.
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| November 30, 2009 | | How minimum investment can hit returns
Most people think that small investments will lead to lower risks. But the returns are adversely impacted.
Buying real estate? Read this first!
Traditionally, real estate has been the major investment avenue across the world. The trend is not due for a change as the capital appreciation is good. However there are some points to be thought about.
The fascinating story of Mercedes-Benz
Currently the brand is moving from strength to strength with improved quality ratings in J D Power quality surveys, surpassing even Toyota, awards for several of its models and plants. The way forward for Benz is clear and shining.
Get high returns from child MF plans
Choose the right scheme and occasional shifting will ensure safety with returns.
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| November 27, 2009 | | Which loan is best for a businessperson?
There is no way that one particular loan type can be said to be the best for all conditions. As the above discussion goes, there are so many variables that understanding the scenario is different aspects is required before a loan product can be considered for a business.
Gift Tax: The latest change in rules
The tightening of the rules related to gift tax will curb money laundering to a great extent. However it does protect genuine gifts from relatives and loved ones. Several guises used earlier to cover up transactions as gifts are now taxable.
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| November 23, 2009 | | How to get higher interest on savings bank account
How about some facility that would give you the best of both worlds, the liquidity of a savings account and the interest rate of a fixed deposit? Auto-sweep facility does exactly this.
Maternity insurance: Working women have the edge!
Broadly speaking, maternity insurance should include all costs related to pregnancy, from delivery to care in hospitals. There are some maternity insurance that also covers the prenatal visits. For example, ICICI Lombard's Health Advantage Plus offers health insurance with OPD cover that would include pre-natal tests and medication expenses.
Overseas holiday? The best ways to utilise funds
The key lies in the getting the right information about the right options to fund your foreign trip and other related details.
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| November 19, 2009 | | A worried wife's letter on financial woes
Take care not to give in to the tempation of your current lifestyle, where everything is screaming 'buy now': a bit of careful indulgence and careful planning could hold you good for the rainy days ahead, when you can sit back and enjoy in peace!
Here's how to select a good mutual fund
The fact is, not all funds are the same. There are various aspects within a fund that an investor must carefully consider before short-listing it for making investments. In this article we highlight some of those aspects.
The 8% interest rate lure: how good is it?
This article is a sample case study stressing on the fact that one should look beyond introductory offers to arrive at the actual total loan cost to truly compare various home loan offers from banks.
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| November 17, 2009 | | How ULIPs fare as an investment option
It is not without reason that ULIPs are currently the most preferred investment option in India. The point of caution is however not to look at them as short term investments.
How ULIP charges affect the way they work
Investors are divided on their opinions about the ULIP plans. This article is the first in the series that discuss ULIPs in detail.
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| November 16, 2009 | | What you must know about investing in gold
Gold only beats inflation. It fares poorly when compared to real estate or shares when compared on the basis of real inflation adjusted returns. Any serious investor, however, is advised to have a certain percentage of investment in gold to hedge inflation.
Topsy-turvy markets: Do I invest or do I exit?
The better option is to stay in the market. This is done by increasing the time period of investment and by increasing the frequency of investment and withdrawal.
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| November 09, 2009 | | The benefits of insuring your loan!
Loan insurance is a concept catching up in India. Most people taking a loan are not aware about what they would do in case they are unable to make the monthly payments towards the loan.
Reap the most from your down payment!
A 'down payment' simply put is the difference between the purchase price of a property and the mortgage loan amount. It underlines the buyer's commitment to complete the deal and indicates the buyer's fidelity in making the loan payments.
Credit card payment: Is EMI option good?
Issuers allow you to convert your credit card purchases to EMIs, but it comes with strings attached.
Tips for investing in stocks
Invest moderately in equities, and be ready to average down if market falls.
Investing? Start young, start well
For any long-term term investor, it is always advisable to have well-diversified large-cap funds as core holdings in your portfolio.
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| November 06, 2009 | | 3 tips on property investment process
When it comes to the process of making a property investment and exiting from it, there are a few things like transaction costs, liquidity and cash that you must keep in mind.
What makes real estate investments unique?
Real estate has a combination of characteristics that are not available through other asset classes, thus making it somewhat unique as an asset class.
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| November 05, 2009 | | Why prepaying home loan is a good tactic
Are there times when you feel really impatient about the fact that you need to wait several more years to free your home from debt? Well, here is a thought for you.
Why everyone must have a budget
Planning your budget makes you aware of your financial situation and helps you create a contingency fund to tap into, when in need. Now how do you start preparing to put money consistently into this contingency fund? Read on...
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| November 04, 2009 | | Read this before you opt for home loan!
There are many pitfalls that can turn this smooth process into a bumpy one. Here are some of those pitfalls that you should be aware of and avoid.
Warning! Check the home loan agreement carefully
A loan agreement is a 'contract' entered into between the borrower and the lender (banks and financial institutions) that regulates the terms of a loan. The loan agreement comes into picture immediately after the bank appraises your credit and the property that you have identified.
The awesome power of compounding!
How does compounding work? Well, when you save Rs 100 and get an annual interest of 10%, you will have Rs 110 at the end of one year. Due to compounding the next year you will get a 10% interest on Rs 110, which will then leave you with Rs 121. The next year, interest will be calculated on Rs 121 at 10% and so on. In time, these savings will grow exponentially.
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| October 29, 2009 | | Understanding a company's balance sheet
How do you determine if a company is financially strong? A company's balance sheet can give you the answer. Balance sheet is one of the most important and elemental financial statements found in a company's annual report.
All about block and bulk deals
The block or bulk deals can be considered only as a first level of investigation and an investor before investing in a share should look for more details like specific information about the company like its fundamentals, its performance and ranking in its industry, and its future plans and prospects.
How to get out of a debt trap
There are options like loan against property, stocks and life insurance policies.
Does IPO grading bring value to your investments?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India made it mandatory to grade all IPOs starting May 1, 2007.
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| October 16, 2009 | | Zero percent schemes, are they genuine?
It is an irrefutable fact that the demand for these schemes is highly felt during the festive season. Market experts believe that there is a marked spurt in sales of consumer durables due to these zero percent schemes.
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| October 13, 2009 | | How to get personal accident coverage
Personal Accident Coverage is a kind of insurance coverage that covers your financial losses resulting from an accident or disability.
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| October 09, 2009 | | All about tenant insurance
Tenants insurance offers a person living in a rented house cover against losses arising from theft, fire and natural calamities, among other things.
Need money? Sell off your insurance policy
While it is advisable to hold the insurance policy till its maturity, it is not always possible. Life throws up some unexpected challenges, and so we are forced to sell the policy, in order to raise cash to tide over these emergencies.
Buying a car? Here are some important tips
Many smart buyers wait for the year-end to buy a car. Auto makers and dealers come up with the best discounts in the month of December to clear stocks. But if you are planning to buy a car any time soon, the current festive season could be an equally attractive opportunity, thanks to the availability of cheaper finance.
The Ford legend
The new millennium has seen a downturn in profits for this brand. But knowing the legacy that is Ford, it can be safely said that success is just around the corner.
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| September 30, 2009 | | The best way to distribute your wealth
A private trust is a system where you create a trust and nominate yourself as the authorised owner of all the assets.
The smartest investment strategy
The key to savings is to identify, prioritize and plan your goals and work towards it else you might lose track of it. Remember, there might always be contingencies that could easily make a dent on your savings!
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| September 29, 2009 | | What is dual listing; why India may not adopt it
But what is dual listing all about? Why is India hesitant to adopt it? And what should be done? How does this issue stand between the Bharti and MTN deal? Let's find out.
What stock exchanges are all about
Everyday, stocks are exchanged and traded in numerous stock markets across the world. The liquidity they bring in is a vital component of economic growth. However, we seldom give the role of stock exchange any thought.
Of derivatives and their benefits
Derivates cover the entire gamut of trade and services available in the markets, from equities, equity indices, to commodities such as crude oil, cotton etc, to bullion like gold, silver and even weather derivates among others.
How does top-up insurance work?
A top up insurance would cost far lesser than a fresh insurance policy for a higher sum insured
Green homes: Good for your wallet, health and planet
A green home, when compared to a non-green home is more energy efficient, utilises less or optimum level of water and other natural resources, has green areas intended for plentiful sunlight and cross ventilation, all of which could save money and ensure better health
Understanding how value investing works
This article tries to clarify this term and help you gain a better understanding of how investments are made. But before we look at this term we have to understand that investments in stocks are made based on their value in the market.
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| September 28, 2009 | | Housing prices may go down
Global property consultancy firm, Knight Frank India, has said that prices in the residential property segment are likely to decline in a short time.
Wise strategy for smart investors
You can have an everlasting wait for corrections but that isn't sensible.
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| September 23, 2009 | | Check out these 6 different home loans
From buying a new home or property to renovating or extending an existing home or property, the home loans market has been witness to the arrival of more customised packages.
Dummies' guide to car insurance
Few insurance companies have launched new motor insurance policies which cover even depreciation and loss of driving license.
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| September 22, 2009 | | Protect your investments. Here's how!
Unless we do our home work right even the effective steps of the regulators will not help us. So, let us see what it takes to turn into a smart and wise investor that will help you protect and multiply your investment!
Secured credit cards, anyone?
In a scenario where credit card limits of credit card holders are being reduced or are being denied credit facilities due to bad credit history, what can one do? Secured credit cards can come to your rescue here.
Availing services of insurance broker? Read this!
An insurance broker is someone who acts as a go-between for businesses and insurance companies. Once you contact a business insurance broker and let them know what you need, they will search and find the best policies for your consideration.
How to choose an insurance broker
While selecting in an insurance broker, you need to remember that a good insurance broker: knows the industry; knows the procedures and processes of the various companies that offer coverage; can cut through the red tape and interpret the jargon found in most contracts; and has a good relationship with insurance companies.
Buying property? 5 must-dos!
Developers use this season to their advantage because they know that you will be most keen to make a real estate investment during these auspicious days. However, don't rush in blindly just because you want to buy something before this 'holy' period ends.
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| September 18, 2009 | | The truth about pre-approved loans
A pre approved personal/home/car loan is usually offered by banks to people who have a clean track record of loan repayment history.
Now, check your credit worthiness for Rs 142
All you need to do is fill up an application form available at Credit Information Bureau (India) or Cibil's website, attach a draft for Rs 142 and an identity proof and mail it to Cibil. The company's Managing Director Arun Thukral said that the report would reach you within a week.
Interest rate futures: The next big thing in derivatives trading
An interest rate future is a financial derivative. For the uninitiated, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which is 'derived' from a long-standing security such as a stock or a bond, or even an asset, or a market index.
Bank cuts rates, here's why your EMI won't change
Read on to find out the truth about how change in interest rates work and why a change in rate cut doesn't always mean an immediate lower EMI.
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| September 16, 2009 | | All about Bhavishya Nirman bonds
BNBs are bonds issued by NABARD. They are basically zero coupon bonds, meaning you don't get any interest on them.
How to insure your two-wheeler
When you purchase a two-wheeler, the dealer usually takes care of the hassles of registering the vehicle and getting it insured. However, you should know the types of insurance policies available and the features of the policies.
The benefits of single premium plans
Single premium policy is the insurance policy where you pay insurance only in the first year but continue to enjoy the life cover throughout the entire term of policy.
Even in a recession banks make merry, thanks to you!
The banking sector and particularly the banks in India, is probably the one industry that has not only managed to survive the economic slowdown but even thrive during these hard times. But how? Increased CASA deposits!
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| September 15, 2009 | | Home loan rates dive
Union Bank, Bank of India, ICICI Bank cut rates
How to find the real value of property
The sale value of a property may be different for the investor and the government. The first thing to work out is the difference in tax treatment for long-term and short-term capital gains.
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| September 14, 2009 | | The best small savings schemes
In the sharp media focus on stocks, FDs and gold, small savings schemes have been largely ignored by the public. But they must form a part of portfolio of every investor who is looking to save tax by investing small amounts.
When should I redeem my mutual fund?
Most portfolios are a mixture of stocks, bonds and cash equivalents. Usually, stock funds or equity funds are growth oriented, cash funds serve the liquidity purposes, and bonds yield income. As an investor it is wise to be in touch with your fund manager from time to time to relook at your asset allocation, which is an ongoing process.
Reduce EMI and loan tenure, save money!
Whenever you take a loan, you have to pay interest on the borrowed amount. This interest is an expense. Higher the interest rate, higher the amount you pay towards interest. So you end up paying more towards the loan, thus making the purchase costly. Hence it is essential for you to reduce the amount you pay towards your EMI.
How the market tells you when to stop
If you are having a string of winners, don't stop trading arbitrarily.
Have a fixed deposit? Get a credit card!
Four indian banks are offering cards with a credit limit of 80-90 per cent of the fixed deposit.
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| September 10, 2009 | | Cost of owning a bank account
Have you been made aware of the various costs in owning a bank account? Here are some important aspects you should be aware of
How the Shariah index helps Islamic investors
A Shariah Index is an index of companies that are found to be complaint with the stringent rules of the Shariah. The companies listed here on this index called the Shariah indices have been created and updated based on an existing index, which were already monitored by a separate board for conformity of the principles of the Holy Quran.
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| September 09, 2009 | | Are fixed-cum-floating rate loans right for you?
Fixed or floating rate loan? This is the most common question plaguing millions of borrowers. Which one is right for them? How will opting for one type of loan impact their finances? These types of questions are commonly faced by the borrowers. So in order to help the borrowers, financial institutions have introduced fixed cum floating rate loans. Here is a lowdown on this type of hybrid loan.
A simple three-step retirement plan
Retirement does not necessarily mean lazy around on a beach with nothing on your mind, but is more than that. You have to think about the uncertainty of pension benefits, unforeseen medical expenses etc.
Separating? Take stock of your finances!
While separation is traumatic for both the concerned, a woman is particularly more affected. This is where proper financial planning is important, so that if divorce occurs, the financial affairs are handled seamlessly. Here are the most important things that must be considered when separating.
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| September 08, 2009 | | All about employee perks
With the abolition of the fringe benefit tax, it is back to the old perquisite tax.
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| September 02, 2009 | | How an asset management company can help you
An assest management company invests its clients' pooled fund into securities that match its declared financial objectives. Asset management companies provide investors with more diversification and investing options than they would have by themselves.
Discontinuing your insurance policy: Some tips
If you find yourself stuck with a wrong policy situation, consult your financial planners or insurance advisors and then decide on continuing the policy based on the merits of the case and your finances, among other factors.
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| September 01, 2009 | | Which IT form is right for me?
When filing your tax returns, it is important to submit the correct form. Use the proper form to save yourself of the trouble later on.
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| August 31, 2009 | | Factors involved in planning your child's future
The purpose for kids could be - secondary education, higher studies, marriage, house, other facilities. So one has to enumerate what all is required to be catered to. Each of these items has a cost -some cost many more times than others.
All about taking loan against property
Loan against property can be taken against a self-occupied residence or a commercial building. The main requirement on the bank's part is that there should not be any other encumbrance.
7 things to do (and not do) in a downturn
The economic slowdown in India and the recession in many parts of the world are affecting us all in many ways. Here is a list of things that we need to do and some that we should not do during the downturn:
Will new PIN protect your credit card online?
Credit card fraud is a growing crime today. It is essential to take security precautions to prevent yourself from falling victim to the fraudsters.
Understanding core sector stocks
Core sector stocks are sector-specific. Here sector means, the core industrials sectors - power, construction, capital goods, telecom, etc. These stocks are good investment options because they are closely connected to the development of a country. As a country develops, so does the value of these stocks.
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| August 27, 2009 | | Free ATM usage now curtailed!
RBI has imposed a withdrawal limit of Rs. 10,000 per transaction at the third-party ATM as well as limited such transactions to 5 per month.
What is book building all about?
During the IPO or FPO, the company offers its shares to the public either at fixed price or offers a price range, so that the investors can decide on the right price.
Getting married? Insure your wedding!
Just like we have life insurance to protect our life, car insurance to safeguard our car and health insurance to secure our health, we have wedding insurance to ensure our wedding goes off smoothly.
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| August 26, 2009 | | What is excise duty all about?
An excise duty is a type of tax charged on goods produced within the country (as opposed to customs duties, charged on goods from outside the country). It is a tax on the production or sale of a good. This tax is now known as the Central Value Added Tax(CENVAT).
A note on the tax havens of the world
A tax haven, or a place in which certain taxes are imposed either at a low rate or not at all, is the best possible way out for those interested in reducing their tax liabilities.
Will the new direct taxes code hurt India Inc?
The proposal to levy a minimum tax based on assets undoes most of the good that the code seeks to do and will discourage capital-intensive industries.
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| August 25, 2009 | | Of NRIs and tax returns
If you are an NRI and have a business or asset in India, that provides you with income, you are required to pay income tax just like any other Indian. Indian taxation laws are quite different for NRIs and it is important that you are aware of what you are liable to pay.
Just who is an Ombudsman?
Who is an Ombudsman?
Can you recognize a counterfeit note?
The RBI has issued certain guidelines to detect counterfeit notes. Some of the common ways to detect fake are Watermark, Security Thread, Colour and Fluorescence.
Is the time ripe to buy a home yet?
For those planning on buying a house, it is the best time to start looking around and negotiating. Considering that banks are floating new schemes to fund home buyers, you can shop around for loans that give you the best deal.
How to ensure financial security for family
For generating fixed income, you can also look at the Post Office monthly income scheme, which will pay interest at 8 per cent per annum, taxable in the hands of the account holder.
Tips to choose the right ETFs
The exchange traded fund (ETF), the most exciting investment in the market, is capable of giving sweeping returns.
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| August 21, 2009 | | How businesses are affected by new tax code
The draft Direct Taxes Code promised by the finance minister is up for discussion. This article looks at the proposed changes in the new code which would affect businesses.
How new tax code affects individuals
What does the proposed Direct Taxes Code hold for the common man? A look at visible effects and implications of the proposals on our monies.
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| August 18, 2009 | | Is the stock market a gambling arena?
Long-term investors can never lose money in the stock market if the fundamentals are right!
Employer-backed health insurance not enough
The corporate health policy ceases under following circumstances: The company winds up; you resign or you are terminated from the company; you retire from the services at the age of 60; the company decides to withdraw the health policy benefit to employees, i.e. there is no law that the company should provide health policy to employee; most corporate policies also have restrictive covers.
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| August 17, 2009 | | Own a vintage car? Insure it now!
Car enthusiasts pride themselves on the car that they drive and care for it as though it's a part of their family and not just a mere mode of transportation. This is especially true for owners of vintage cars who draw their purse strings together when it comes to taking care of their beloved cars.
Direct taxes code: The debate has begun
The Direct Taxes Code is being mooted as a replacement to the Income Tax Act 1961. What is the idea behind replacing something that has been around for close to 50 years and what is the strategy behind the exercise?
All you want to know about hedging
Hedging refers to a method of reducing the risk of loss caused by price fluctuation.
Markets: How to make sense of trends
At the end of the day, you need to listen to what the price and the oscillators are telling you.
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| August 14, 2009 | | Gold loans: Best for urgent money needs
You can mortgage gold with any bank, with the minimum of paperwork and walk out with the money almost immediately. Some banks claim to process gold loans in three minutes, while most banks hand you the money within an hour!
How does forex trading work?
Forex trading is the act of trading currencies from different countries against each other. Forex is acronym for foreign exchange.
PE ratio: How it helps buy great stocks
PE ratio is one of the most widely used tools for stock selection. It is calculated by dividing the current market price of the stock by its earning per share (EPS). It shows the sum of money you are ready to pay for each rupee worth of the earnings of the company.
Does high turnover ratio mean higher returns?
In certain cases, the fund manager tends to buy stocks and hold onto them for a long time and only sells them if certain situations so demand. But in other cases, the fund manager keeps on buying and selling the stocks that his fund holds.
All about Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds
A Foreign Currency Convertible Bond (FCCB) is a type of convertible bond issued in a currency different than the issuer's domestic currency.
How to beat inflation
The most common method of benefiting from indexation is to prolong booking profits, such that it spreads out over two financial years.
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| August 13, 2009 | | How to make a good stocks portfolio
Recognize whether you are a day trader, punting on every rumour that you come across, or if you are a value investor who buys and holds for at least a minimum of 4-5 years.
Planning an overseas trip? Some tips
A holiday overseas is a dream shared by almost everyone. But a holiday, a time to just relax and enjoy, can quickly turn into a nightmare if not planned properly.
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| August 11, 2009 | | Basic math in investing!
Let us now try to understand basic mathematical techniques that will enable us to make informed decisions regarding our investments.
Understanding RBI's BoP review
The recently released RBI First Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2009-10 and the accompanying 'Macroeconomic and Monetary Developments First quarter review 2009-10 have indicated that on the basis of Balance of Payments (BoP) the export growth for 08-09 has declined by over 22% to 5.4% and also the import growth has declined by over 21% during the same period.
CanBank slashes home, car loan rates
Canara Bank, the Bangalore-based public sector bank, has slashed interest rates on vehicle loans and home loans, which will be effective for all loans taken after August 1, 2009.
How SBI scores over peers in home loans
Rate cut, increase in limit, withdrawal of processing charges are some of the pluses.
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| August 10, 2009 | | Making sense of a stock price chart
When you can't make sense of a stock price chart, try these.
A guide to new rules on ULIPs
The introduction of the new guidelines for expenses on unit linked insurance plans (ULIP) will mean that investors will benefit from the lower cost.
How online shopping is more secure
A recent directive from RBI makes it mandatory to have an additional authentication pass code verified by VISA or MSC (Master Secure Code) mandatory. This is over and above what is visible on your card. This is in effect from August 1, 2009 onwards.
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| August 06, 2009 | | 'Income' according to tax laws!
Here's a ready reckoner on how the taxman computes your income. This article tries to give an insight into what constitutes income and what does not according to the IT department.
Are child insurance plans really good?
Children's plans are insurance-cum-investment plans offered by insurance companies are similar to ULIPs (unit-linked insurance plans). However, the difference between a ULIP and a children's plan is that the parent starts investing in the children's plan right from the time the child is born and can withdraw the savings once the child reaches adulthood.
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| August 05, 2009 | | Understand risk, understand beta
Different sectors and funds have different levels of volatility. So their beta values will differ. However, beta should be used along with other factors like management expertise, future prospects and your investment horizon. The longer your investment timeframe, the lesser the volatility, and thus lower the risk.
The most essential life insurance plan
Term plans are products which are plain vanilla (no frills) that give us very high life covers for very low premiums.
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| July 31, 2009 | | All about loans for professionals
People like Doctors, Chartered Accountants, Interior Decorators, Architects, Company Secretary etc. fall in the category of self-employed professionals. Given here are the different categories of documents that a self-employed professional has to fulfil.
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| July 30, 2009 | | How to make money in volatile markets
In a falling market almost every diversified portfolio or mutual fund will lose money and an investor who expects a decline should be out of stocks altogether
How to handle collection calls/agents
How do you ensure that each time that they visit you, you are not left with a headache? Firstly, let's understand what these agencies are.
Military insurance: Will it come to India?
It is important to note that the military provides group insurance to military personnel. However, with the growing financial requirements while running a family, this insurance might not be adequate. We can only wait and watch, when such insurance will be available in India.
Is your pet insured?
The purpose of pet insurance is to mitigate the risk of incurring significant expense to treat ill or injured pets.
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| July 29, 2009 | | What you need to know about co-operative banks
Co-operative banks are small-sized units organized in the co-operative sector which operate both in urban and non-urban centers. These banks are traditionally centered around communities, localities and work place groups and they essentially lend to small borrowers and businesses.
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| July 28, 2009 | | How to ensure you have right amount of insurance
Here are the main steps when deciding the right insurance cover for you.
How to beat market ups and downs smartly
Market volatility means while the market can rise sharply, it can also go down dramatically. As a result, those who have invested their money will see the value of their investment sway sharply. Particularly new investors are affected during the market crash, when they see their investments being wiped out. Hence it is important for every smart investor to tackle market volatility intelligently.
Tips to select the right financial planner
If you aim to achieve your financial goals, choosing a right financial planner is the most important step. He should be qualified, competent, easily accessible and able to meet all your financial needs. He will be your partner in helping you reach your financial objective. So choose wisely to achieve your goals successfully.
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| July 27, 2009 | | Helpful tips on buying a car
Buying a new car can quickly turn from a beautiful dream to a horrible nightmare if you are not careful. Let's take a look at some tips for you to use when you plan to buy your car.
Retired? Invest here for higher returns
If you are wondering where to invest, here are some excellent investment options for you.
Investing in stocks: How 'moving averages' help
A simple moving average is formed by computing the average price of a security over a specified number of periods.
Is your income Indian enough?
A look at what constitutes Income on Indian soil and what is not from the perspective of the income tax department. The income tax department defines certain incomes as Accruing or Arising in India. This is the basis of calculating your income and income tax. Let's get to know a bit more. . .
Filing tax returns? These details are a must
Besides income and deductions, it is mandatory to mention some other specific details in your individual returns.
Investing in IPOs can be lucrative now
Promoters are likely to price them cautiously, thereby leaving value on the table for the primary investor.
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| July 24, 2009 | | Avoid these 2 mistakes and become rich!
You have extreme greed and extreme fear. What you see when you review long-term history is that when you have extreme greed, markets become very overvalued and bubbles occur, and, when you have extreme fear, markets become very undervalued.
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| July 21, 2009 | | A word on real estate foreclosures
Foreclosure is a procedure that takes place when the borrower is not able to pay the loan on time. Due to this reason the lender (banks, financial institutions) would declare the borrower as a defaulter. If the borrower is not able to meet the loan expectations for a prolonged period of time, then the lender would try to sell the property and recover the losses that were created by the lender.
Do you have disability insurance?
Disability insurance, often called disability income insurance, is a form of insurance that insures the beneficiary's earned income against the risk that disability will make working (and therefore earning) impossible. It includes paid sick leave, short-term disability benefits, and long-term disability benefits.
Don't let NAV mislead you
We all tend to look at the returns of the mutual fund before taking a decision to invest our hard-earned money in it. The returns actually denote the appreciation/depreciation of the NAV of the fund. Unfortunately, NAV (Net Asset Value) of the fund is grossly misunderstood. Here we attempt to clear the myth surrounding NAV.
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| July 17, 2009 | | Budget tips for frequent travellers
Do you have wings on your feet? Are you happy to travel until your money runs out? You're a free spirit, but what if your job's not waiting when you come back?
Got insurance? Remember the premium!
Generally, there is a grace period for paying your insurance premiums -- a period of one month. During this period, the policy remains valid. However, beyond one month, the policy lapses, and no claims will be entertained by the insurance company in case of any eventuality.
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| July 14, 2009 | | All about liquid funds
When we try and understand the term 'liquid' in financial terms, it means an asset which is as good as hard cash. Real estate is the least 'liquid' of all assets and a savings deposit is the most 'liquid' of all. Similarly, Liquid Funds are a kind of mutual fund or debt fund which can be redeemed in as less as 24 hours.
Understanding the price-inflation link
Inflation does NOT, however, mean an increase in the general price level of goods and services within a country. What inflation actually means is an inflation of the money supply, i.e. an increase in the total number of rupees in circulation.
Renting a flat? Here is a checklist!
The job of looking for an apartment on rent is not what you would call fun. However, if you know exactly what you want and where to look, you will find that it's not as bad as you thought. In fact, with these tips you may even start enjoying it.
Are you protected against floods?
Flood insurance denotes the specific insurance coverage against property loss from flooding. The protection offered by most policy covers losses incurred due to some failure at the home itself.
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| July 13, 2009 | | 7 reasons why wife must know about finances
This is the time to sit down and stress on the importance of your partner needing to be aware of all important financial information. This may not be the most entertaining of activities, but it is the key to taking the best possible care of one of the most important people in your life.
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| July 10, 2009 | | What the Budget holds for the coming year
Here is a quick round up of what budget 09-10 is expected to hold for the Indians this coming year.
Budget: Why it's a boon for small businesses
The Budget 2009 has spared small businesses from a lot of administrative hassles. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has submitted that small businesses below the turnover of Rs 40 lakh (Rs 4 million) have the option of declaring income at 8 per cent of their turnover and pay taxes accordingly.
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| July 06, 2009 | | The new tax slabs
With basic exemption for individual tax payers increased by Rs 10,000 for general tax payers and women and Rs 15,000 for senior citizens (i.e. 65 years and above), the tax slabs will stand as follows:
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| July 05, 2009 | | Don't get swept by Ulip talk
With the Securities and Exchange Board of India abolishing the entry load on mutual funds, sector experts believe distributors are likely to aggressively push high-commission insurance products. The quashing, applicable from August 1, will bring down their commission to less than half of what they earn right now. The result is likely to be aggressive selling of, for one, unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips).
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| July 04, 2009 | | Own part of a PSU and partner with FM?
From a consumer point of view too this would bring about an improvement in the service levels of these companies as there would be more pressure on these companies to perform better and get profits.
How will the Budget hit your wallet
Here's a quick compilation of items that could be impacted by the Budget, thereby affecting our personal finances. But do keep in mind that not all of these could happen, or happen in the magnitude that they are expected to.
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| July 03, 2009 | | Exempt Exempt Tax: Boon or bane?
There has been considerable discussion during the past few years about the Government changing from the EEE to EET Tax regime related to tax saving financial products. The acronyms have a simple expansion: Exempt -- Exempt -- Exempt and Exempt -- Exempt -- Tax. With the upcoming Budget expected to give some direction on this issue, its time we understood what these terms mean and their impact on our pockets.
Why the Rs 1 lakh tax-free investment limit is useless
A case study on why the Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000) tax-free investment limit for Section 80C of the Income Tax Act is ridiculously low and impractical.
Budget, interest rates and you!
The debate on interest rates continues on the days leading to the Budget. So what are its consequences on our household budgets and pockets? Read on. . .
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| July 01, 2009 | | Online security enhanced for credit cards?
In one of its recent announcements, the Reserve Bank of India announced that come August all online credit and debit transactions will need to go through one more step before they can be completed successfully.
Buying a car? Know your insurance premium
Insurance premium is not common for all types of cars. Hence, you should know the premium amount before you decide to buy a car.
Are index funds right for you?
These funds constitute their portfolio using the same stocks and in the same ratio as found in the index. These funds simply mirror the index. So their returns are in the same line as the returns generated by the index. They will never outperform the index.
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| June 24, 2009 | | Of NRIs and gifting property
No special permission is required for an Indian citizen residing outside India to acquire (by purchase or gift) any immovable property in India other than agricultural land, plantation property or a farmhouse.
Insurance: Waiver of premium rider
Riders are the additional benefits that you may buy and add to your policy. They are options that allow you to enhance your insurance cover, qualitatively and quantitatively. Riders can be mixed and matched based on one's preferences for a small additional cost.
Reduce tenure, not EMI, when home loan rates dip
Reduced EMIs may be very appealing to borrowers because of a lesser burden on a monthly basis, but there is a catch to it. If the tenure remains unchanged, there is a higher interest outgo.
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| June 23, 2009 | | Wacky insurance covers: Body parts
Celebrities are known by one of bodily features and it serves as their means of livelihood and fame. Therefore, it is important for them to safeguard what brings them fame and money!
Select the right diversified MF to prosper
If you are in a dilemma about how to select the right fund, then read on to get help on the selection criteria.
Some smart ways to save and still have fun!
We will discuss here how to tighten your belt, in a number of small-yet-effective ways, so that you can maintain your lifestyle, discover new and better habits, as well as save along the way.
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| June 19, 2009 | | Have you tried the multi-currency card?
What about when you go to different countries, and have to change from US Dollars to Pound Sterling to the Euro? Fazed by all the rates of exchange? Not quite sure how much you're losing with each transaction? Don't lose heart. In these times of instant cash and virtual travel, the multi currency card might just be the ticket.
Signing agreement with builder? 5-point checklist!
Let's take a look at the points you need to remember and the measures you can take against them while signing an agreement with a builder.
How to make a good household budget
A good budget allows you control over your money, helps you enjoy rather than worry over it, makes spending more purposeful, and protects you from financial problems.
Money tips for NRIs returning to India
While bringing over your money to India you should take care to ensure it is done in such a way so as to reduce your tax liability and let you repatriate it back to your residence abroad, should you opt to move back.
The implications of tax evasion
Simply put, tax evasion occurs when any trust, individual, or firm, seeks to avoid paying taxes by illegal and unfair means, by, for example, deliberately hiding income from the tax authorities to reduce the tax liability.
10 ways to use your credit card right!
Here are some pointers on what to do and what not to do in order to achieve this reality.
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| June 15, 2009 | | How to choose the right insurance policy
First and foremost, choosing an insurance policy must be based on your current and projected income or simply put your current and projected ability to pay the insurance premiums, your medical state, your age, future financial plans, etc.
Understanding some mutual fund terms
People are dabbling in the stock markets and you would always a find a group in an office talking about the market performance. With this changing trend it is important to understand some lesser known details of one of the most popular investment options -- mutual funds.
File tax returns in 3 easy steps; last date July 31
If you've passed the hurdle of paying taxes in the month of March, then the next task at hand is to file your income tax returns -- a necessity that most people consider a chore, or don't quite know how to go about.
Insurance relief for the elderly
Getting or renewing health insurance when not young remains a problem, but there's some limited relief now.
Make money with bars, candlesticks
These two charts will help you understand a bearish and a bullish trend.
Making sense of financial statements
It is important to know the company you are putting money in. And it isn't difficult either.
Real estate stocks: A trader's delight
Investors cannot follow a buy-and-hold strategy, but there can be short-term gains.
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| June 12, 2009 | | No demat, trading account for gold papers
Reliance Mutual Fund and UTI Mutual Fund have applied to Sebi to start schemes that will collect money directly from investors and buy units in Gold Exchange Traded Funds. Though at a slightly high cost, these schemes take away the hassle of maintaining demat and trading accounts with brokers. "These two factors were the biggest hindrance for gold ETFs," said Devendra Nevgi, ex-CIO, Quantum Asset Management. Nevgi started the gold ETF at the fund house.
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| June 10, 2009 | | Gilt funds can be double-edged swords
Gilt funds are nothing but debt funds that primarily invest in government securities (G-Secs). However they differ from conventional debt funds in that, while a traditional debt fund invests in all types of debt instruments, gilt funds have narrow investment objective. They just focus on G-Secs.
Returning to India? Pay your income tax
Here we take a look at income tax rules governing income tax for the NRIs in India.
Sellers have no clue about New Pension Scheme
Institutions that are supposed to promote and sell the product are more or less clueless about it even though it has been a month since the scheme was launched on May 1. Only few of the institutions that have been nominated to help investors enrol are aware of the procedures. There were no designated help desks. At best, one could only get the form.
E-payment, online application for NPS
The software is being developed in association with the Central Record-keeping Agency. It is expected to debut by the end of this year. PFRDA is also looking to have an ombudsman for redressal of investor grievances. To increase liquidity of the scheme, there could also be Tier-II accounts by the end of this year, which would allow investors to withdraw money at any given point of time.
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| June 09, 2009 | | Your guide to advance tax
Each year, the newspapers carry notices issued by the income tax department to pay advance tax by 31st March. What is advance tax? What are its pros and cons?
How to be more careful with your credit card
Can you imagine your life without a credit card? Whether it's to make payments online, shop till you drop, or for use as a lifeline in an emergency, the arrival of the credit card has been fortuitous both for the consumer, as well as the credit card company.
Learn more about tax-saving mutual funds
ELSS are mutual funds that invest in the stock market and give the tax benefit under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
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| June 03, 2009 | | Buying MFs: Check out the various charges
What are the points to consider when you evaluate a prospectus? Apart from looking at the fund's track record, latest performance and the credit worthiness of the fund managers, you need to look into the fund expenses as well.
All you want to know about the Monthly Income Plan
If you're looking at saving for a rainy day, and hope to have a steady stream of income when you retire, then the Monthly Income Plan might be just the ticket.
Don't invest in an MF just for dividend!
Here we take a look at what dividend is, why mutual fund dividend is not a true dividend and why investing just for the sake of dividend can make you poorer.
Buying stocks? 4 points to note!
Equity investment refers to the buying and holding of shares of stock on a stock market by individuals and funds in anticipation of income from dividends and capital gain as the value of the stock rises.
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| June 01, 2009 | | 7 things to do with your credit report
Now, many of you must be wondering how your credit report will look like, how to go about setting any mistakes in the report right, how to maximise the benefits of being able to access your credit score and other such issues.
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| May 28, 2009 | | Investing in right instruments can make you rich
Are you confused about where to invest your hard-earned money? Do you want to earn high returns while ensuring the security of your capital? Then here are some hot investment options that will help you maximize the returns on your investment.
Money market funds: Making your money work harder
Money market funds are mutual fund schemes that invest money in fixed income securities, whose maturity period is below one year. These securities can consist of treasury bills, commercial papers, certificate of deposits, short-term fixed deposits; and call money market.
Investing in an MF? Choose the right plan!
Looking to invest in mutual fund but don't know which mutual fund plan to go for? Are you confused by the recommendations given by various investment advisors about which mutual fund plan to select?
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| May 27, 2009 | | Ulip or term insurance? What's better?
Ulips are similar to mutual funds except that they provide life cover, tax benefits and need to be kept for long term.
What you need to know about hedge funds
A hedge fund is an investment vehicle that pursues absolute returns on its underlying investments, which includes stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, derivatives, etc., while applying non-traditional portfolio management techniques such as shorting, leveraging, arbitrage, swaps, and so on.
The perfect retirement savings plan
Everyone wants to have a comfortable retirement, but without adequate planning it probably won't happen.
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| May 26, 2009 | | Be Indian, go global with international funds
Global funds are mutual funds that invest their money in companies located in other countries. They can also invest their money in a particular region, like Asia. They may also choose to invest their money in companies operating in a particular sector like infrastructure.
Will TDS affect your FD returns?
Remember it is very important for an investor to consider even the taxation aspect of their investment as taxes can significantly lower your returns generated by the investment. In case of FDs, banks deduct TDS before letting you withdraw the final amount at maturity.
SIP your way to wealth!
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is one of the most effective ways of investing in equity markets. In SIP, you invest a certain amount each month into the equity mutual fund of your choice. This amount can be as low as Rs 100.
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| May 25, 2009 | | The best opportunity funds
If an opportunity fund is true to its calling, it will move all around, scouting for the right opportunities, be it in market-cap, sector-wise or theme-wise holdings.
Travel insurance: What you must know
Taking health insurance is part of going abroad, but watch when you choose to make small claims, says .
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| May 21, 2009 | | How investing in stocks can make you rich
If you want to grow rich, you need to both save and make your money work for you. When you have lots of time, but not lots of money in hand to begin with, the best way to build wealth is by investing in stocks.
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| May 20, 2009 | | How to get I-T refunds faster
If you are an individual, you will get your refunds quicker.
Want to borrow from friends? No tax!
A recent ruling by Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in the case of Chandrakant Shah stated that if you borrow interest-free money from friends and colleagues neither you nor the lender will have to pay tax.
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| May 15, 2009 | | Types of life insurance: What you must know
Why is life insurance important? Is it something that you should consider? Have you thought about your family's financial state, or your security after you've retired? How will you take care of them, or yourself?
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| May 14, 2009 | | How to select the right credit card
We answer some of your questions on how to select the right credit card for your needs.
Some basic facts about mutual funds
Investing in a mutual fund allows you to minimise risk and maximise returns, because it acts as a middle man for a group of investors with a shared and predefined investment objective. If your main objective is security in investment but you don't know how to begin, a mutual fund is one way to go.
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| May 12, 2009 | | How to start saving: 4 smart steps
You might wonder how to begin saving if your income is already over-committed. Efficiency and discipline are the answers.
Fixed deposits: Are they for you?
Every investor in a fixed deposit must remember that FDs are also an investment option and as with any investment option, they too have their own pros and cons. Check them out...
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| May 11, 2009 | | Renting a house? A legal checklist
Here are some basic guidelines, which should keep you out of trouble. Rental laws again differ from state to state and hence these guidelines are restricted to some general laws.
Pros and cons of personal loans
Before you rush out to get a personal loan, it is important for you to understand the pros and cons of personal loan, in order to make an informed decision.
Distributing wealth among your kids? Here's help!
While distributing wealth, parents need to ensure that their children's expectations are taken into account.
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| May 08, 2009 | | How do credit cards work?
Credit card is a powerful credit tool to help you tide over short term financial requirements.
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| May 07, 2009 | | What are sub-PLR loans?
Some banks provide loans and advances at a rate lower than the BPLR of the bank to customers availing finance for business purposes or short-term funds for various needs.
Car insurance: What you must know
Vehicle insurance (also known as auto insurance, car insurance, or motor insurance) is insurance purchased for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Its primary use is to provide protection against losses incurred as a result of traffic accidents and against liability that could be incurred in an accident.
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| May 06, 2009 | | Why you MUST have loan insurance
Loan protection insurance, or loan payment protection insurance, is a form of payment protection insurance. This type of insurance can help you protect your monthly loan payments if you become unemployed or suffer an accident or sickness.
Co-ownership of property & your rights
Co-ownership, or joint ownership, simply put is when two or more persons hold title to the same property.
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| May 04, 2009 | | All about ULIPs
With the changing financial scenario, more and more people are curious to know the intricacies of various financial instruments that are there for the picking. One such investment instrument is a United Linked Investment Plan (ULIP).
How to get a tax refund?
Once the formalities are completed, we think little about any tax refunds. Tax refunds are something that a few of us might get and a few of us might not. To be prepared it is prudent to know some basic information about tax refunds.
Card insurance: Too simple, too little
Card protection through insurance is a good idea, but stringent guidelines make it quite unattractive.
Saving accounts to become more lucrative
At present, though the interest calculation is done on a monthly basis, the account holder is paid the amount either at the end of three or six months. And the balance considered while paying the interest is the lowest amount in the account between the tenth and the end of any month. The new guidelines for interest calculation on savings bank accounts will increase returns significantly for account holders.
What you must know about making a Will
A will is a document to ensure that your wishes with respect to your estate are followed after your death, says financial advisor .
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| April 30, 2009 | | All about 'loan against rent receivables'
Do you have a residential or commercial property? Do you want to improve the condition of this property to enhance your prospects of earning higher rent, but lack the necessary financial resources for the same?
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| April 29, 2009 | | Housing prices could fall 25% more
While interest rate cuts by banks have been comparatively faster in being implemented, largely through the consistent efforts of the Reserve Bank of India, the builder community has been reluctant to follow suit with ready price cuts, even when the uncomfortable truth remains that there is no choice in the matter.
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| April 27, 2009 | | RBI to the rescue?
The most recent RBI effort could be the final push that would allow enough and more room for banks, builders and buyers to start moving towards change.
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| April 23, 2009 | | 10 don'ts for smart stock market investing
This is a great check list of 10 habits, impulses and tendencies you steer clear of in order to keep your investments healthy.
How to get out of credit card debt
Are you actually managing your finances, or do you swing from month to month on pure chance and luck? Now is the time to take control.
Some credit card options
The modern credit card was the successor of a variety of merchant credit schemes. It was first used in the 1920s in the United States, specifically to sell fuel to a growing number of automobile owners.
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| April 22, 2009 | | When NOT to take a personal loan
Getting a loan today has become very easy, what with the stiff competition prevalent among different banks. The easiest to get among the plethora of loans available are personal loans. Personal loans are easy to get, but they have their pros and cons:
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| April 22, 2009 | | When NOT to take a personal loan
Getting a loan today has become very easy, what with the stiff competition prevalent among different banks. The easiest to get among the plethora of loans available are personal loans. Personal loans are easy to get, but they have their pros and cons:
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| April 20, 2009 | |
An easy way to repay your home loan
You need not worry about the long tenure as you can prepay the amount that is around 3-4 times your EMI periodically like once a quarter or when your year end bonus comes through.
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| April 10, 2009 | |
A golden investment opportunity
Deposit a minimum 500 grams of gold to a selected SBI branch, specify the tenure and deposit the metal. The interest rate for a 3-year deposit is 1 per cent, for four years it is 1.25 per cent and for a five-year tenure it is 1.5 per cent. And, on top of it, the income from this deposit is tax-free. "This is possible because when you deposit the gold, SBI gives you a gold bond. And there is no wealth tax on gold held in paper or electronic form," said CA Kanu Doshi.
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| April 06, 2009 | |
Exchange stocks for a holiday abroad...
Investment advisers believe that it makes little sense to swap assets (shares) accumulated over time for an expense (holiday). "Selling shares of a blue-chip company only reflects that you don't believe in it," said Gaurav Mashruwala, a certified financial planner.
How to be safe from credit card fraud
Being vigilant while using your credit card is the only way of preventing fraud. Here are some tips.
Buying home insurance? Here are some tips
Home insurance is not unlike life insurance. In a life insurance scheme, your nominees or dependents are offered an amount in case of your untimely death, due to natural causes or otherwise.
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| April 01, 2009 | | Recession ripples? Just hang in there!
Experts predict that the slowdown will last through the first half of 2009 in India, after which a slow revival will begin. As and when that happens, a lot will need to be done to adjust to the new circumstances.
Credit cards: Of charges, perks and rewards
Apart from the exciting and often tempting credit card offers, have we ever looked at the fine print, the stuff that actually makes the difference between a good and a bad choice? Most probably, not.
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| March 31, 2009 | | 7 alerts for a money crunch!
It is time to take stock of your organisational skills, at least in your personal finance department.
The best time is here to buy a car
Over the past few quarters, the auto industry's sales had been badly hit due to the recession. As a result, auto companies, distributors as well as direct selling agents are doing their best now to sweeten the deal for prospective customers.
Tax smart: How a will can save you a lot of tax
A 'will' unlocks many exclusive tax advantages which are otherwise not available to taxpayers. Here are five important ways in which a will can save you tax. . .
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| March 27, 2009 | | NRI bank accounts: Some facts
Banking laws for NRIs allow for the following deposit schemes, or simply put, accounts with authorized dealers -- banks and financial institutions authorized by Reserve Bank of India to deal in foreign exchange -- to be maintained in Indian rupees and in foreign currency.
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| March 25, 2009 | | The truth about cash-back credit cards
Let's take a look at the features of one particular offering which has generated quite a following in recent times -- 'cash-back' offers, which are often promotional schemes for limited periods that are run periodically by all the credit card companies.
The basics of PPF
PPF is a long-term, government-backed small savings scheme of the Central government started with the objective of providing old age income security to the workers in the unorganised sector and self-employed individuals.
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| March 23, 2009 | | Crisis: Book loss to benefit
Booking one's loss will help investors in these trying times, says
Financial planning: A few year-end tips
With the financial year coming to an end, it's time to do that all important review. And there are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration. The financial review will include investing in tax-saving instruments under different sections, tax implications of equity and debt instruments and even rejigging the portfolio to keep the asset allocation in line with pre-defined goals.
Investing mantra: Keep it simple
Chances are that some so-called investment consultant will confuse you with so many permutations and combinations that you will resign yourself to buying something that is not needed.
Here are a few basics of investing
After the collateral debt obligations crisis, all the other 'quants' have been lumped together as fast dancers who do amoral complex things. This is an understandable perception, but unfair.
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| March 18, 2009 | | All you wanted to know about credit cards
A credit card is part of a system of payments named after the small plastic card issued to users of the system. It is a card entitling its holder to buy goods and services based on the holders promise to pay for these goods and services.
3 golden rules for a great financial plan
Even senior investors require equity in their investment basket. It may not be a question of whether they can afford to invest in equity, but whether they can afford not to.
Home buying: All about the down payment
'Down payment', simply put, is the difference between the purchase price of a property and the mortgage loan amount. It underlines the buyer's commitment to complete the deal and indicates the buyer's fidelity in making the loan payments.
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| March 17, 2009 | | Opting for a home loan? Check this first!
Decided to buy your own house? There are many pitfalls that can turn this process into a bumpy one. Here are some of those pitfalls that you should be aware of and avoid.
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| March 09, 2009 | | Single woman? Here's a financial planner for you!
When it comes to making investment decisions, women tend to shift this responsibility on their close family members. While trusting one's close family members is not wrong; completely depending on them can lead to trouble when one is left alone. The reasons could be an eventuality in the family or a separation from spouse.
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| March 06, 2009 | | 5 investment secrets of a self-made millionaire
Accept that you cannot judge the quality of a single trade or investment by whether you made a profit or loss.
All about reverse mortgage
A reverse mortgage (or lifetime mortgage) is a loan available to senior citizens. Reverse mortgage, as its name suggests, is exactly opposite of a typical mortgage, such as a home loan.
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| March 05, 2009 | | Loan against property: What you must know
There are many ways you could arrange for money, and one of those ways is taking a loan. You could take a personal loan for the amount required, or you could take a loan against your property.
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| February 23, 2009 | | The dream home bargain
Have you ever considered a home auction that is periodically conducted by several banks? You actually can get a house which is lesser by nearly 20 per cent of the current market value. Let us help you get started on some research for you to build the plan for your steal.
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| February 13, 2009 | | SBI's 8% home loan rate lure
The interest rate scheme where 8 per cent is frozen for one year may not actually be as profitable as it appears upfront.
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| February 02, 2009 | | Investing in MFs? Get up-to-date
Some fund houses have modified the terms of their schemes. How does it impact you?
Make money during a buyback
A market-savvy investor can also use this opportunity to make a quick buck. That is, purchase the share at a lower price from the market and sell it back to the company at a higher price.
Dividend or growth: Fund investment dilemmas
Can you redeem money invested in ELSS funds before the lock-in period is over? Mutual fund expert Value Research answers these and other queries related to investment in funds.
The best equity tax saver funds
You get a tax benefit when you invest in an ELSS scheme, dividends are tax free and when you sell the units after three years, you pay no tax. And it has the lowest lock-in period when compared to the other options under Section 80C.
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| January 30, 2009 | | Need more from your home loan? Here's help
To avail a top up loan, factors like your repayment capacity based on your income and commitment towards any other loans other than your home loan etc, will be factored in
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| January 29, 2009 | | Best investments options? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on Wednesday, financial planning expert Vicky Mehta offered some valuable investment tips.
Should you prepay your home loan?
If you can afford to make larger payments towards your home loan, perhaps because of a promotion or because of a bonus, then making prepayments towards your home loan is a very good idea as it will save you a lot of money over the term of the loan.
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| January 19, 2009 | | Investing in stocks? What you must know
In a balance sheet, it is important to look at some important numbers. Then compare these numbers with historical data. Accordingly, a clearer picture will emerge on how the company is progressing. Also, the balance sheet will talk about other important features like the company's assets like building and furniture, receivables and liabilities.
Attractive plans to save tax!
It is that time of the financial year, when tax payers start getting active about investing in Section 80C instruments.
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| January 16, 2009 | | Indians prefer life insurance to FDs
In these times of economic turbulence, more Indians prefer life insurance policies than fixed deposits, as an option to safeguard their capital, says a survey.
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| January 13, 2009 | | 10 rules of successful trading
This is a crucial advantage traders enjoy over investors -- the ability to make money whether the market is moving up or down. This fact should not, however, lead you to believe that trading is easy; it requires both a skill-set and rigorous discipline.
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| December 30, 2008 | | Banks responsible for card, PIN delivery
A bank customer has approached the Ombudsman with a complaint about withdrawal of funds through unauthorised use of his card. The complainant said that he had asked for a debit card and the bank responded by issuing a card with zero liability.
Loan rangers should hold their horses
While the fall in rates is certainly a good signal, is it a great idea to take a loan to purchase a home or car? Most experts felt that this may not be the right time to do so.
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| December 29, 2008 | | 5 great tips for investors
It's interesting how the investment scenario has radically changed over the last year or so.
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| December 23, 2008 | | Equity funds still the best
The category average returns from equity-diversified funds has been 14.5 per cent a year over this period. Banking funds, which invest in banking and other financial sector companies, have given returns of 23.66 per cent. Other categories that have done well are fast moving consumer goods, tax planning and hybrid (equity-oriented) funds.
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| December 22, 2008 | | Sinking markets? Move money from debt to equity
Most investors have this uncanny habit of going the whole hog. That is, when they are buying equities, they put most of their savings in them. But as soon as the tide turns, they rush to debt.
Plan to buy a home? Things look brighter
In the last six months, things have changed for the better for the home buyer. Most of the cities are witnessing a sharp drop in prices, almost back to where they stood in December 2006. While most developers and brokers are unwilling to admit this, sit across the table to negotiate and you just might be surprised.
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| December 19, 2008 | | Have idle cash? Invest in bond funds
If you are sitting on idle cash, it's better to invest the same in income funds and earn over 10 per cent returns, say investment advisers. They believe that falling interest rates will jack up returns from bonds and investors can earn high returns if they deploy the money with a horizon of six months to a year.
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| November 19, 2008 | | The rise and fall of FMPs
For FMPs, it's been quite a journey from seemingly-innocuous, yet popular investment avenues to limelight-hogging villains.
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| November 03, 2008 | | Buying insurance? Some good tips
The sum assured is just the premiums that you have paid plus some basic level of return. People often mix investments with insurance. This causes them to often look at the sum assured without understanding the death benefits of the policies in detail.
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| October 27, 2008 | | Stocks: Opt for a buy and hold strategy
Though valuations look attractive, the holding period will have to be longer. If you operate inside that timeframe of transaction-reversal, you can make trading profits. Otherwise, if you favour the safe philosophy of buying low and selling high, this is a good time to buy in terms of valuations.
Buying property? Why you MUST wait
While there has been some correction in property prices, there is a strong likelihood that there is more to come. Also, home loan rates, which are at 11-13 per cent (floating), will see some reduction. But all that will take some more time. And, in such times, it is best to wait. This holds true even if you are purchasing your first home. Property prices will come down, sooner than later.
FMPs vs FDs -- which is better?
Financial planners say that though FMPs have been offering stable returns in the past, caution should be the key word now. "I have been advising short-term FDs for the time being," admits Suresh Sadagopan, director, Ladder 7 Financial Planners. The reasoning is that though returns from FMPs are more attractive, investors in today's market have to be more cautious. Anyway, their portfolios in the equities are suffering because of a sharp fall in the stock markets.
Fixed deposits: Some valuable tips
First, it is important to gauge the financial strength of the bank. Second, the period of the deposit is vital. Often, a higher rate of return is available for specific time maturities like 10 per cent for 360 days and so on. Third, the amount is important. In most cases, if the deposit is above Rs 15,00,000, the bank offers a higher than normal rate of interest. Fourth, since there can be a big difference in the various rates of interest being offered, read the fine print.
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| October 20, 2008 | | Investment tips for crisis times
Stick to disciplined investing. Do your homework thoroughly before committing your funds or you will be speculating. This is not advisable on both counts of managing risk and enhancing returns. Preferably, add companies that are leaders in their respective businesses. The companies should have reasonably decent prospects, sound management and strong entry barriers, apart from healthy financials that will help them tide the current rough patch.
5 mantras to survive a slowdown
Reduce high-cost loans, create a contingency fund and play long term. These are the only mantras to survive during a slowdown.
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| October 14, 2008 | | Worried about your money?
There is complete panic among investors. There are many who would like to exit to just make sure that they reduce their losses. For lump-sum investors in mutual funds, it would be quite tempting to even book losses. However, for investors who have taken the systematic investment plan route, it makes little sense to do so.
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| October 13, 2008 | | Not planned your tax investments? Here's help
Regular investments in Section 80C instruments earn better returns as well as reduce the pressure on your funds. Instead, most of us end up in a last-minute scramble to invest to save tax in the month of February or even March. "This is why tax-saving products such as equity-linked saving schemes and unit-linked insurance product have the highest sales in the month of March," says Vikas Vasal, executive director, KPMG.
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| October 07, 2008 | | Why liquid funds can be good for you
In the last one year, liquid funds have returned between 7.7 per cent and 8.85 per cent. Liquid-plus funds, on the other hand, have slightly higher returns between 8.4 and 11.29 per cent. Obviously, that makes them a better choice as against money earning a dismal 3-3.5 per cent in your savings account.
Time to re-look at your investments?
Rebalancing your portfolio is an important part of money management. Here's when to do it and how.
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| September 29, 2008 | | Money lessons for women
Yes, while it's true that women are looking at everyday needs of the family, it's imperative as well that they keep a tab on their financial security to ensure a safe future.
Cash-crunch to cash-rich in 6 easy steps
To raise cash, you need not sell assets built over time. Instead, use them to meet immediate liquidity needs.
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| September 22, 2008 | | 2 plans to help you buy low and sell high
"Buy when there is blood on the street," advised the legendary investor, Baron Rothschild. But it takes enormous courage to buy when there is widespread gloom and panic around. However, once you decide your right investment mix between wealth-growing but volatile investment avenues, such as shares, and wealth-protecting ones such as bonds or bank deposits, formula plans can help you automatically achieve the golden key to stock market riches--buy low and sell high.
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| September 16, 2008 | | Do you feel let down by your MF investments?
Even investors in equity mutual funds have borne the brunt of falling markets. As a result, several investors are in panic mode. Some are even contemplating redeeming all their mutual fund investments and instead making investments in risk-free avenues like fixed deposits and bonds.
What sets aggressive equity funds apart?
Aggressively managed equity funds can be differentiated by either the style of investing or the nature of the underlying investments. Investors often make the mistake of investing in mutual funds without fully understanding the implications of the investment. One common area where investors are confused is with regards to aggressively managed equity funds.
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| September 15, 2008 | | Debt funds: Liquid versus liquid plus
While most investors appreciate the importance of investing in debt (like debt funds, for instance), the lack of knowledge about debt instruments and their complicated nature, prevents them from venturing into this segment. Moreover, the jargon associated with debt instruments can be confusing for the average investor. That explains why debt investment remains a mystery for a majority of investors.
Credit card caution: use it wisely
Impulsive plastic money spenders face the prospect of paying interest rates in excess of 40 per cent a year.
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| September 12, 2008 | | Credit card addict? Switch over to cash
For those, who cannot control the urge to splurge, using an alternative-payment mechanism is a better idea.
Ulips will soon be less confusing
Buyers of unit-linked insurance plans may soon find it easier to compare features and charges of these products across companies, with life insurers deciding to standardise the product.
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| September 10, 2008 | | Beware of counterfeit notes
There is no mechanism to ensure that the customer gets his money back and nor are there any guidelines or rules to protect the customer from this problem
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| September 09, 2008 | | Pay up before the auction action begins
Home loan borrowers perpetually worry about the consequences of defaulting. And whether they wish it or not, there could be situations where they are forced to do so. For instance, after the Mumbai bomb blasts on July 11 2006, a large number of affected families found themselves in deep financial trouble leading to difficulties in servicing their home loans
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| August 26, 2008 | | 6 rules for rebalancing your portfolio
Changes in market and economic conditions keep constantly altering your investment portfolio. Accordingly, you need to periodically rebalance your portfolio so that it matches your investment goals and target asset allocations.
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| August 22, 2008 | | How the currency futures will work
Trading in currency futures will soon become a reality for the retail investor. With the Reserve Bank of India and the Securities and Exchange Board of India issuing trading norms, exchanges are readying themselves to launch this product in the next few weeks.
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| August 19, 2008 | | FMPs match fixed deposit returns
With banks increasing their fixed deposit rates in the past couple of weeks, fixed maturity plans by mutual funds are also offering higher 'indicative' returns. FMPs can only indicate and not guarantee returns.
5 questions investors are asking now
With equity markets descending from their record highs, several investors want to know if this is the right time to invest in equities.
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| August 11, 2008 | | Retired? 6 great investment plans
The key lies in understanding one's needs and then forming a portfolio based on the same. Also opting for the services of a qualified and experienced financial advisor would be a prudent decision.
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| July 28, 2008 | | Has HDFC Top 200 delivered?
Investors would do well to consult their investment advisors/financial planners to determine the suitability of HTF in their portfolios.
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| July 24, 2008 | | Which is the best SIP?
The SIP is simply an investment mode i.e. a means to invest in mutual funds and not an investment avenue.
What falling AUMs mean for your mutual fund
Investors who are led to believe that falling net assets is a sure sign that the fund is in trouble and must therefore exit the fund at the earliest, must consider some points first.
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| July 21, 2008 | | When to exit your mutual fund
Generally, getting into a mutual fund is associated with a long-term relationship whereby, there are good times as well as bad times. However, most investors are willing to enjoy the upside, but at the slightest hint of a downside, they start crying foul.
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| July 18, 2008 | | Investing through SIPs? Choose wisely
There is no best time to invest. Even now would not be a bad time to get started. A word of advice: be sure of the risk you can take on venturing into equity mutual funds. Apart from equity funds, maybe you could consider balanced funds as well, says personal finance expert Irfan Rupani.
5 rules on how much insurance you need
If you are an earning member of your family, and there are members of your family who are financially dependant on you, you need life insurance. But how much life insurance do you need?
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| July 15, 2008 | | Has Magnum Contra delivered?
A contra fund operates on the premise that investment opportunities fall in two categories a) those that are identified by most investors and therefore already form part of their portfolios and b) those that are ignored or not yet identified. Since investment opportunities under Category A are identified by most they are overbought and are therefore trading at higher valuations. The investment opportunities in Category B are what really interest the contrarian investor.
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| July 12, 2008 | | Do you have a core portfolio in place?
In the mutual funds segment, well-managed diversified equity funds, balanced funds and monthly income plans with proven track records could form the core portfolio. Of course, the investor's risk profile and investment objectives would play a part in determining the core. Once this core is in place, the investor can consider (if at all) allocating a smaller portion of his investible surplus in ancillary offerings like thematic/sectoral funds and global/international funds.
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| July 10, 2008 | | Are monthly income plans safe?
Typically, MIPs are suited for investors with a low-moderate risk appetite. For instance, investors who wish to clock higher returns than those offered by fixed deposits or bonds and are willing to take on commensurately higher risk should consider adding MIPs to their portfolios. Also MIPs appeal to investors in higher tax brackets for their ability to deliver more competitive post-tax returns vis-à-vis avenues like fixed deposits.
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| June 30, 2008 | | 5 common investment dilemmas
These dilemmas are usually a result of the lack of knowledge among investors about various investment options
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| June 25, 2008 | | All you want to know about gratuity
Job-hopping may be in vogue, but those who do decide to spend dedicated years in an organisation are eligible for a free lump sum that you can put to work
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| June 12, 2008 | | How to keep recovery agents at bay
No one wants a recovery agent breathing down his neck. But if you slipped up on your debt, you may have to deal with him. Here's how to make the best of a bad situation
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| June 11, 2008 | | Don't exit SIPs in a falling market
When the NAV falls, you are going to get more units of the fund. That means when the market turns around, you will get much more returns
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| June 06, 2008 | | Have infrastructure funds delivered?
Over the past few years, when equity markets rose almost secularly, the investment scenario became rather skewed. Any fund that took on above-average risk was capable of delivering a superlative performance. As a result, some prudently managed funds ended up looking rather mediocre and some mediocre funds managed to pitch in noteworthy performances.
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| May 30, 2008 | | 5 investment myths debunked
Few would dispute the fact that investors today are better informed as opposed to their counterparts from previous generations. The barrage of investment advice and information from various quarters is largely responsible for this phenomenon. However, the prevalence of investment myths is something that hasn't changed over the years. And acting on a myth while getting invested, always has the same result -- an incorrect investment decision.
US-64 windfall: Be age wise before investing
These tax-free bonds were issued in 2003 to bail out Unit Trust of India's flagship scheme US-64, which got into trouble because of lack of transparency in its portfolio composition and investment strategy. Now these investors will finally get their due. And if you are among those, who have still not decided on what should be done with this windfall, financial advisors say the money should be channelled in instruments depending upon your age and risk profile.
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| May 29, 2008 | | About tax-saving funds and SIPs
If your risk appetite permits investing in a tax-saving fund, now is the time to scout for one and start off an SIP.
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| May 28, 2008 | | A 4-step plan to manage your insurance portfolio
Insurance has many options often confusing the individual
Ulips set to get costlier
Life insurers have decided to pass on service tax to customers. The chief financial officers of life insurance companies met last Wednesday and have decided to pass on the service tax burden to customers, confirmed officials of various life insurance companies.
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| May 26, 2008 | | How to rent a hassle-free house
With surging real estate prices ensuring a slowdown in property purchases, renting has become a viable option. Here's how to land the best deal
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| May 19, 2008 | | Have you declared your annual investments?
During the first two months of the financial year, it's usual that your company will send a piece of document with a lot of columns that need to be filled up. Typically, this means that you have to declare the investments, which you will be making, during the current financial year.
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| May 16, 2008 | | Investors, beware of such practices!
Many a time, investors get carried away by the high returns offered by a particular offering. Out of sheer ignorance most investors do not bother to question the authenticity or the transparency of the examples/illustrations that have been used to project the high returns.
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| May 14, 2008 | | How to select a financial planner
The financial planner is someone who can help you invest across investment avenues based on your risk profile and investment objectives
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| May 13, 2008 | | FMPs turn unattractive for investors
If you are planning to invest in Fixed Maturity Plans, think twice. Because most mutual fund managers believe that FMPs are unlikely to give higher returns as they did last year. And, this is beginning to show in their collections as well. In March 2007, FMPs had collected Rs 30,869 crore (Rs 308.69 billion). In March 2008, they attracted only Rs 21,688 crore (Rs 216.88 billion). Even in April this year, 62 schemes collected only Rs 1,126 crore
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| May 09, 2008 | | All you want to know about thematic funds
The constraints of managing funds that invest in a select few sectors can often prove to be demanding for fund houses. As a result, it isn't entirely uncommon to find a sector/thematic fund changing/expanding its investment objective/style in due course. This bears testimony to the intrinsic inadequacy of a sector/thematic fund in terms of sustainability over the long-term. Nonetheless sector/thematic funds continue to be launched at regular intervals.
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| May 05, 2008 | | Mutual fund roundup: April 2008
In recent times, 'inflation' has emerged as a buzz word of sorts. Simply put, inflation is a situation wherein too much money chases a limited number of goods. This leads to a fall in the value of money. Inflation is often expressed as a rise in the price level. For example, a product that costs Rs 100 now, would cost Rs 105 a year hence, assuming that prices rise at 5 per cent annually.
Daily investment through mutual funds
A systematic investment plan that invests every day in the stock market can capture the movements for the investor. An analysis of its performance.
Negotiating salary? 4 important tips
There are many of us who get lured with the numbers that show in our CTC package, but when the actual take-home salary comes in our hand, it causes a lot of heartache
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| May 02, 2008 | | Mutual fund 'schemes' of a different kind
Of course, not all AMCs use such marketing schemes; certain AMCs have told us that they would have preferred to keep an arm's length from these tactics, but their hand was forced by other AMCs. The bottom line is that investors/agents are regularly bombarded with rewards/incentives by AMCs and core factors like the fund's investment proposition and track record are conveniently pushed to the background.
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| April 29, 2008 | | FMPs vs FDs: Which side are you on?
Fixed Maturity Plans can be termed as the mutual fund industry's answer to Fixed Deposits (FDs). Over the years, FMPs have established themselves as an option for debt fund investors (i.e. risk-averse investors). In many cases, they occupy the slot that used to belong to FDs. This is not surprising given that both the avenues cater to the same investor category.
Use tax sops and buy a house
Make the Income Tax Act work for you by using its tax saving provisions to fund the purchase of not only your first house, but also of the second one.
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| April 28, 2008 | | Good portfolio=15% return per year
Invest in a basket of well managed equity funds. If your asset allocation demands that you need to be invested, go ahead and invest some money; do an sip. Be sure to select the funds best suited to you, says mutual fund expert Rahul Goel.
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| April 25, 2008 | | US64 Bonds up for redemption: What's next?
Over the tenure of US64 Bonds, the investment scenario has changed radically. Mutual funds (equity funds in particular) have come of age and found greater acceptance among investors. So it should come as no surprise, if you find yourself being persuaded from all quarters to invest the redemption proceeds of US64 Bonds in equity funds. For example, investors in US64 Bonds have received letters urging them to invest the redemption proceeds in equity funds from UTI Mutual Fund.
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| April 19, 2008 | | Principal large cap: Doesn't make the grade
It's not like we are against NFOs for the sake of it. Our view on this subject is if the NFO offers something truly unique (i.e. distinct from existing funds) and can aid the investor significantly in achieving his long-term goals, he can consider investing in the NFO. Failing this, investors are better off investing in existing mutual funds with proven track records across time frames and market phases.
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| April 18, 2008 | | 4 tips to make the most of your money
Following some rather elementary tips can go a long way in not only saving money, but also deriving maximum benefit from it. Perhaps it's the demanding nature of our everyday chores that make us overlook these tips. In this article, we discuss 4 tips that will help you make the most of your money.
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| April 15, 2008 | | 4 tips to make the most of your money
Following some rather elementary tips can go a long way in not only saving money, but also deriving maximum benefit from it. Perhaps it's the demanding nature of our everyday chores that make us overlook these tips. In this article, we discuss 4 tips that will help you make the most of your money.
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| April 14, 2008 | | 4 ways to ace falling markets
But when markets collapse like they did earlier this year, many of these 'great' investments suddenly start appearing like great mistakes. Nonetheless, there are lessons to be learnt from falling markets and we have a 4-step strategy on how you can ace falling markets.
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| April 10, 2008 | | Stocks vs mutual funds: What's better?
Within the domain of investments, two options that investors regularly grapple with are stocks (i.e. direct equity investing) and mutual funds. Both have their advantages, although this note does not get in to that debate. Instead, in light of the present discussion about investing being a full-time activity, let's see how stocks and mutual funds face off against one another.
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| April 09, 2008 | | MFs: The winners and losers of March
Mid cap stocks (and subsequently mid cap funds) have been the worst hit in the recent stock market crash. Investors who added mid cap investments to their portfolios without understanding their true nature are a dismayed lot. Typically, mid caps are presented as an opportunity to make quick money; sadly, investors are rarely made aware of the higher risk involved. While there is no doubt that if identified correctly, mid caps can contribute significantly.
FMPs: The devil is in the assumptions
There is never a dearth of ideas among the AMC (asset management company) think tanks, when it comes to drawing investors towards their offerings. The AMCs usually adopt innovative ways to promote their products. Often these ideas have the desired impact and get investors all interested.
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| April 07, 2008 | | Core sector stocks: High risk, high profit
The best performing industries of the past two years have included power, engineering, construction, capital goods, telecom, etc. Broadly, these are infrastructure-related industries that have seen strong, even geometric growth. These are also, by and large, not industries that receive very high discounts globally. In India however, they have been treated as growth sectors that deservedly, receive growth industry discounts.
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| April 04, 2008 | | JM Mutual Fund: Mid caps rock the boat
When it suits them, fund houses promote a star fund manager to draw investors. The star fund manager's track record in identifying stocks/trends is publicised extensively. NFOs (new fund offers) are launched on the premise that the star fund manager will repeat his stellar performance and give investors a good enough reason to invest in the NFO.
New to mutual funds? Go for SIPs
SIPs should be entered for 12 months at a time, and then renewed. You should use the renewal as an opportunity to review the portfolio. SIPs are a great way to invest in our view. if the environment is volatile, then SIPs are probably the best way for most investors, says mutual fund expert Rahul Goel.
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