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May 18, 2023
Alert! Cheque Bounce May Land You In Jail
Keep sufficient funds in your bank account until the cheque is cleared.

May 17, 2022
Weakening Rupee? How To Neutralise Impact
Having exposure to international funds and gold is a must for those who have foreign currency-denominated goals.

January 15, 2022
Start Financial Planning for Retirement
Those who have crossed 50 must show the greatest urgency.

July 31, 2021
Switch to Laggards for Stock Rewards
The laggards include FMCG (16 per cent), Energy (37 per cent) and Media (34 per cent).

April 27, 2021
Will COVID-19 surge hit MFs?
Stocks mutual funds had invested in had risen almost to pre-pandemic levels in March.

March 15, 2021
Want to invest in foreign equities? Read this
To select the right platform, get the opinions of a few existing users or browse online for feedback.

March 09, 2021
Investors, avoid long-term funds
If you plan to invest in an FD, go for the 12-15-month tenure.

March 05, 2021
Low gold prices? Use it to build portfolio
'You should always maintain an allocation to gold as it has the ability to counterbalance any correction in the equity market.'

February 25, 2021
Opt for NPS for higher returns
But be ready for lock-in till the age of 60.

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.

February 16, 2021
Sensex at 52k. Time for profit-booking
'Do some profit booking and bring your equity allocation back to its original level.'

February 10, 2021
What type of funds you should invest in?
Retail investors may safely invest in shorter-duration funds, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

February 09, 2021
Want to invest in US-focused funds? Read this
Investing in the US market provides Indian investors a hedge against the rupee's long-term tendency to depreciate against the dollar.

January 20, 2021
Want to invest in IPOs
Check the company's business model.

January 19, 2021
Equity schemes see Rs 330 billion outflow
Outflows are likely to continue, experts say, till such time as the markets see a significant correction.

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.

January 15, 2021
10 large caps for good returns in 2021
Investment in market leaders with a safety-first approach could yield reasonable returns across sectors.

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.'

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.

January 06, 2021
From cheque payment to FASTag, rule changes that will affect YOU in 2021
Cheque payments will be safer; the limit for contactless card transactions hiked.

December 19, 2020
COVID-19 vaccine: Don't rush to buy logistics stocks
'Most Indian logistics firms do not have the facility to store and transport COVID-19 vaccine right now.'

November 05, 2020
Want to invest in Corporate FDs? Read this
When looking for alternatives, consider several parameters -- your investment horizon and liquidity requirement, post-tax returns, and risk.

October 15, 2020
How Sebi's 'riskometer' grading of MF schemes helps investors
The markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), recently introduced fresh guidelines to determine the place of a mutual fund (MF) on its riskometer tool.

September 08, 2020
Buying a used car? Read this
Buying a used vehicle is a lot more complicated.

August 26, 2020
Should you invest in these 5 stocks?
These five stocks, which have lagged the markets over the last two years, have doubled in value since March 23.

August 12, 2020
Watch out for these five banking stocks!
The coming years could be exciting for Bandhan Bank, IDBI Bank, IDFC First Bank, Federal Bank, and CSB Bank.

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.

May 02, 2020
Is this a good time to invest in gold bonds?
You also avoid capital gains tax during redemption in case the gold price is higher, making them tax efficient.

April 28, 2020
Why you need to watch out for April SIP numbers
Due to tax associations with the fiscal-ending, April is a month of SIP renewal. So, the April numbers will be important and may perhaps, mark a change in retail attitude.

April 27, 2020
Why investors MUST book partial profits in gold
Such an economic environment tends to be positive for gold, the ultimate safe-haven asset. Since gold cannot be debased by central banks, it naturally gains in value.

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.

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.

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.

March 23, 2020
Stay away from sectors impacted by coronavirus, warn analysts
'Sectors like airlines and hotels are directly affected. Also, cyclicals like metals and oil exploration companies have been the most impacted.'

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.

March 19, 2020
The first health insurance cover for coronavirus is here
The cover ranges from Rs 25,000 to Rs 200,000.

March 18, 2020
Time ripe for bargain hunting in stocks
Here's a list stocks across sectors that could bounce back strongly once the macroeconomic dust settles in.

March 17, 2020
Planning trip abroad? Check if insurance covers coronavirus
If you have health insurance it will cover you if you travel to a destination within the country. But what if you are travelling to an international destination, asks Bindisha Sarang.

March 12, 2020
Confused between old and new tax regimes? Read this
Remember that by opting for one of the tax regimes, individual taxpayers don't get locked into it forever.

March 09, 2020
Investments in the time of coronavirus
Gold, forex assets, IT sector, pharma.

March 06, 2020
Must-read money tips if your children live abroad!
If your children live abroad, rely more on financial assets as they are easier to liquidate and move across borders.

March 02, 2020
NRIs, check the number of days you spend in India
The Budget has changed the rules for Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin visiting India.

February 27, 2020
Complaint is possible for Ulip claim
Consumer activist Jehangir B Gai explains an important new ruling by the National Commission.

February 21, 2020
How to protect e-wallet from KYC frauds
The KYC fraud has become so rampant that even the Delhi police's Twitter account has issued a word of warning, points out Bindisha Sarang.

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.

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.

February 10, 2020
Check your investments, tax-payers, it's that time of the year
Keep in mind your asset allocation, risk appetite and investment horizon when selecting your tax-saving plans, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

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.

February 03, 2020
Budget Chats: Will new tax slabs benefit you?
Tax experts G Srikanth and Anil Rego will answer all your tax queries in two different chats between 1 pm and 4 pm on Monday, February 3.

January 31, 2020
Why real estate rules for NRIs need to be simplified
There seems to be a fundamental flaw in the way some of the income tax provisions are administered that hurts non-resident Indians' real estate investments in India, says Harsh Roongta.

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.

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.

January 23, 2020
Why gold may turn out to be a good investment this year
Given the global turmoil -- US's attack on Iran, Brexit and other uncertainties -- the yellow metal may turn out to be a haven this year, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen.

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.

January 21, 2020
As markets peak, investors look at exit routes from MFs
Staggered pull-out will help investors if the market continues to rise.

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.

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.

January 14, 2020
What financial gifts can you give your kids?
Jimmy Patel, MD & CEO, Quantum Mutual Fund, suggests some valuable financial gifts for your children.

Want to navigate market volatility? Read this
When you invest in equities, either directly in stocks or via equity mutual funds, tell yourself this: "I am fine with volatility if in the long term there is a good chance of earning higher returns," suggests Ankur Choudhary.

January 13, 2020
Now is the time to focus on mid and small-caps
Long-term investors should consider moving into smaller stocks.

Do you know what Small-ticket insurance is?
The benefit offered under small-ticket insurance may not be huge, but it is better to have cover, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen.

January 10, 2020
How vulnerable are bank ATMs?
The war between hackers and banks over ATM security will be dynamically redefined, notes Atanu Biswas.

How to use ATMs smartly to avoid hassles
As a customer, there are a few things every ATM user needs to know that will help them tackle unfortunate situations, suggests Bindisha Sarang.

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.

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.'

January 02, 2020
Investment Lessons Learnt From 2019
A flavour-of-the-season approach does not work in investing, suggests Deepesh Raghaw.

December 19, 2019
Explained: Why Bharat Bond ETFs is good investment option
These ETFs will also carry interest-rate risk, especially the 10-year ETF. The investor can overcome this risk by holding them till maturity, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

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.

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.

December 03, 2019
Want to gift a financial product? Read this
Each financial product is governed by a different regulator and the rules for gifting vary, points out Tinesh Bhasin.

December 02, 2019
Investing via digital platforms easy, but options limited
Even investors with sums as low as Rs 1,000 per month can start their investment journey.

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.

November 27, 2019
Is compensation received from employer taxable?
There are judicial precedents where it has been held that if payment is made for temporary disablement, it would be taxable, points out Tinesh Bhasin.

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.

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.

November 15, 2019
Think twice before exiting SIPs prematurely
Investors may have already borne most of the pain and hence should not give up now, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

November 12, 2019
Index funds better than active funds in terms of returns
Though active funds charge 10-50 times the fee of index funds, most do not give remarkable returns, points out Avinash Luthria.

November 11, 2019
In financial mess after festive splurge? Here's what to do
Many would have racked up debt this Diwali, using credit cards and consumer loans. Here are a few simple steps on how to fix your financial mess, says Bindisha Sarang.

November 08, 2019
Don't let downturn put you off investing in equities
Those having a high allocation to equities now should maintain it despite the downturn, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

November 07, 2019
Buying a new car versus leasing it. What should you do?
Over the long term, owning a car is much more cost-effective than subscription or leasing, says Tinesh Bhasin.

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.

November 05, 2019
Lessons for Indian investors from WeWork fiasco
In an environment like India, investors must be extra careful about buying into catchy acronyms and hype, warns Devangshu Datta.

November 04, 2019
Stockbroker in trouble? How to protect yourself
Given the frequency with which brokers get into trouble, clients must select them carefully for the sake of preserving their wealth, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

October 31, 2019
Cancelled trip? Here's how to reduce penalty
The new passenger charter, introduced in March this year, doesn't do much to tackle the high cancellation charges by airlines, points out Tinesh Bhasin.

October 30, 2019
Did you know? Employers' gifts over Rs 5000 are taxable
Gifts are, however, not taxable only when the person receives it from close relatives, which includes relatives such as parents, spouse, siblings, siblings of the spouse etc, points out Tinesh Bhasin.

October 24, 2019
Check out three essential covers against natural calamities
Most people believe that having enough life cover, preferably through a term insurance plan, is enough. But natural calamities can wipe out your assets completely, warns Sarbajeet K Sen.

October 23, 2019
Buying a car? Compare cost of BS IV with BS VI
Customers looking for a good deal and keen on lower cost of ownership may buy a BS IV vehicle, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

October 22, 2019
How to offset the impact of depreciating rupee
Direct stock investors should go by the thumb rule that exporters gain from rupee's depreciation while importers take a hit, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

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.

October 17, 2019
Buying insurance cover online? Read this first
If you are buying a policy online there are some basic checks that you need to carry out, points out Tinesh Bhasin.

October 16, 2019
Start early in life for retirement planning
It seems reasonable to plan for expenses till at least the age of 90, suggests Prateek Mehta.

October 15, 2019
Investors should include passive funds in their portfolio
The main benefit of passive funds for investors is that they are low cost, which results in more of the investor's money working for him, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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

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.

October 03, 2019
Why home buyers shouldn't drag builders gone bust to NCLT
Homebuyers should keep IBC as the last resort; if the delayed project is without encumbrances, they should explore self-development, says Tinesh Bhasin.

October 01, 2019
Explained: Capital gains on sale and purchase of gold
Today, an individual can buy gold in many forms - physical, digital, exchange-traded fund, and sovereign gold bonds. The taxation of such instruments could vary, says Tinesh Bhasin.

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.

September 27, 2019
Explained: Should borrowers go in for SBI's repo-linked home loan?
SBI's product has some interesting things to offer to the potential borrower, points out Joydeep Ghosh.

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.

September 23, 2019
Planning to take home loan? Read this first
Borrowers should select home loan tenures carefully, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

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.

September 17, 2019
What insurance agents say, and what they mean
Check out five common sales pitches by insurance agents which can mislead buyers, says Sarbajeet K Sen.

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.

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.

September 06, 2019
Avoid long-duration funds despite good 1-year returns
Investors should continue to remain invested in funds where the duration does not exceed two-three years and the average maturity is not more than four-five years, advises Sanjay Kumar Singh.

September 05, 2019
Gold funds help investors offset losses from equities
Gold funds' rally can be expected to continue for some more time as global and domestic volatility have added to the safe-haven appeal of the yellow metal, reports Jash Kriplani.

September 04, 2019
Is there a bubble brewing in bonds?
'This is an issuers market. You may be able to raise money at silly yields.

August 30, 2019
Markets down? Hedge with gold or currency
But whatever you do, be prepared to hold on to your positions and keep your nerve, advises Devangshu Datta.

August 29, 2019
Why retail investors prefer FDs over T-bills, g-secs
Stockbrokers say that lack of a secondary market is the biggest reason why retail investors have stayed away from these instruments, reports Tinesh Bhasin.

August 28, 2019
Planning a car loan? Pay maximum down payment
This will reduce your interest cost over the tenure of the loan. It will also allow you to opt for a lower tenure or lower EMI, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

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.

August 16, 2019
Ready-to-move-in homes are always a better bet
If you do decide to invest in the under-construction project of a mid-level player, check his financials. Avoid heavily-leveraged ones, advises Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

August 13, 2019
Gold loan disbursals by NBFCs are on the rise
A customer can get a loan within half an hour if he has the gold and Know Your Customer (KYC) documents ready, reports Tinesh Bhasin.

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

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.

August 07, 2019
Hold on to good stocks even if market falls
If you hold stocks in sectors which have seen stock prices melt, what should your strategy be?

August 06, 2019
How to choose better finance sector stocks
The better managed NBFCs should be able to exploit lower rates and grab market share as well, says Devangshu Datta.

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.

August 01, 2019
Why home-buyers may have to renegotiate with builders
After the NHB asked housing finance cos to desist from offering interest subvention schemes, disbursement of loans are likely to get delayed, points out Tinesh Bhasin.

July 25, 2019
What to do if your MF is exposed to DHFL
Take a call to stay put or opt our based on whether you think the company will be able to find a strategic investor, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

July 18, 2019
How to steer clear of online classified sites fraudsters
It's best to avoid deals that sound too good to be true.

July 15, 2019
How to get health cover for senior citizens
A number of insurers offer health policies designed especially for senior citizens.

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.

July 08, 2019
Policyholders prefer to buy insurance physically
The online channel has only been successful in making inroads in metro cities.

July 02, 2019
5 key mistakes to avoid while filing I-T returns
Incomes such as dividend, interest on tax-free bonds, eligible gifts, etc should also be reported even though they are tax exempt, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.

June 26, 2019
Want to invest in start-ups? Here's how
Investing in start-ups can be highly rewarding, but direct investing is not meant for everyone.

June 14, 2019
Buying property? Please read this!
Before buying property, please carefully study the agreement with the builder, advises Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

June 05, 2019
Why small investors must avoid gilt funds
If you are a retail investor, you can allocate a portion of the portfolio to the medium- to long-term debt fund category instead of gilt funds.

Planning to sell property? Here's how to save on tax
Selling property below market value can lead to litigation. Tinesh Bhasin offers tips on how to avoid it.

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.'

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.

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.

May 13, 2019
When you should disclose jewelry, cash in your tax returns
Those earning over Rs 50 lakh a year need to disclose all jewellery and cash in their returns, says Tinesh Bhasin.

May 09, 2019
Deductions claimed? Keep documents ready
Employers will now need to furnish detailed break-up of exemptions that an employee has claimed.

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.

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?

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.

May 02, 2019
Looking for a stockbroker? Read this
Investors need to evaluate the offerings of a broker in totality before selecting one.

April 30, 2019
Right time to invest in small-cap funds?
Exposure to these funds should not exceed 10% to 15% of the equity portfolio and the investment horizon should be at least seven years.

April 17, 2019
How your health insurance policy may soon change for the better
Irdai to allow 12 minor changes including expansion of critical illness and day care procedure lists, premium payment in instalments, change sum assured, etc.

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.

April 15, 2019
Want to be a great investor? Ask these 7 Qs
In essence, follow the private-equity approach to personal investing and treat each investment decision as if it is a matter of life-or-death, because it is, suggests Avinash Luthria.

MF's asset growth rate slips to 7-year low
Both the debt and equity markets have seen sharp volatility in recent months.

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.

April 08, 2019
Who were the winners and laggards in MFs in March quarter?
Among individual fund houses, SBI MF was the biggest gainer in absolute terms; its AAUM rose Rs 66,090 crore, compared to its asset base in the corresponding period of FY18, reports Jash Kriplani.

April 03, 2019
Should you invest in credit risk funds?
Investors should take limited exposure in credit risk funds.

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.

March 28, 2019
Enter midcaps with a 5 year horizon
Investors not stop their SIPs or STPs due to election-related uncertainty.

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.

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.

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.

March 19, 2019
Current bear market is a tough phase for stock pickers
There is little sense in trying to find stocks that will not be vulnerable in a situation where 87% of the market is trending down and India is getting set for a crucial election, says Devangshu Datta.

March 15, 2019
Insurance cos shift focus from market-linked products
Market-linked products have been driving the growth of private insurers for some time now. But, the market volatility has forced the companies to re-think their strategies, reports Subrata Panda.

March 14, 2019
Why fixed maturity plans work better than FD
Heed your liquidity needs before investing in an FMP.

March 11, 2019
MF equity inflows take hit 4 months in a row
'The decline was inevitable as one-year returns have been negative.'

March 06, 2019
Can SBI Mutual Fund be the top AMC?
In 5 years, the AMC has clocked a growth rate of 40% with its AUM up nearly 4 times.

March 05, 2019
Fixed-maturity plans to take a hit
'Investors need to find out how the FMP's assets are distributed and ensure the investments are in high-quality names.'

March 04, 2019
Which settlement plan must you opt for in term insurance?
While buying a term plan, do check how much money will be paid in lumpsum and how much of the money will come to the surviving family as a regular payout, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen.

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.

February 14, 2019
It's cheaper to buy car insurance online
'Online aggregators offer discounts of 70% to 75%.'

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.

February 11, 2019
Equity schemes hit 2-year low
Investors sinking lump sum money in equities seem to have applied the brakes.

February 09, 2019
Now you can insure your pets!
'Our pet insurance policy is similar to the health insurance for humans.'

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.

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.'

January 31, 2019
Coming soon! Changes in Health Insurance
Ashish Mehrotra, MD and CEO, Max Bupa Health Insurance, explains the changes we can expect in health insurance this year.

January 29, 2019
5 MUST-HAVE insurance policies
What are the various insurance covers in your portfolio?

January 25, 2019
Good time to take stock of your equity portfolio
'Historically, the lead-up to a general election tends to be excessively volatile and big losses are perfectly possible.'

January 24, 2019
Ahead of polls, how should you invest?
Investors should consider debt mutual funds, banks fixed deposits or high-rated corporate debt instruments.

January 22, 2019
Continue your SIPs in 2019 please!
When you buy a stock, especially a mid- and small-cap one, have a price target.

January 21, 2019
Floating rate borrowers need easy portability
Most borrowers may not be aware, but quite a few banks already offer external benchmark linked home loans to favoured borrowers, says Harsh Roongta.

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

January 16, 2019
'Don't think you can predict the markets'
Financial planners advise against putting capital to work by anticipating what might go up or down.

Problems with loans? Read this please
For a borrower, who has serviced his loan without missing any repayment, the banks will be willing to take over the loan, give a top-up, and would offer lower interest rates, says Tinesh Bhasin.

January 14, 2019
Credit Suisse bets big on industrial stocks
'Our preference remains for the less-expensive industrial stocks, which are showing good earnings momentum.'

Want to buy Life insurance and Term plan?
Cover the spouse under the same policy. A joint life plan offers assurance that one will continue to receive the same financial care in case of an unforeseen loss of a partner, advises Pankaj Razdan.

January 11, 2019
Don't fret if your claims get rejected
Customers should be fully aware of what their policy covers and should follow claim procedures meticulously, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.

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.

January 07, 2019
NRIs ahoy! You need to shift to financial savings
With real estate -- NRIs's favourite investment vehicle in the past -- unlikely to do well in the near future, there is a strong case for NRIs to shift to equity and debt mutual funds, says Prateek Mehta.

Wanting to buy a house? It's a good time!
If you have been planning to buy a house, don't postpone your purchase.

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.

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.

December 19, 2018
Why expensive gifts are bad tax news
Tinesh Bhasin explains the tax liabilities that accompany receiving a gift.

December 17, 2018
DON'T leave unutilised funds in your trading account!t
Suppose you have transferred money to your trading account but did not use it to buy securities, the broker could misuse this money, warns Sanjay Kumar Singh.

December 14, 2018
Investors: Focus on companies facing the consumer
The most consistent wealth creators since 2008 are all consumer-facing companies, says Devangshu Datta.

December 13, 2018
Should you invest in smart-beta funds?
'Investors should allocate about 5% to 10% to such funds.'

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.

November 29, 2018
BEST way to take care of your credit card debt
Balance transfer is a facility in which you can transfer outstanding balance from one credit card to another. It works well if you have multiple cards.

November 28, 2018
Keep an eye on your fund's total expense ratio
If your fund's expense ratio has risen dramatically after Sebi's recent changes, compare it with the category average before switching.

November 26, 2018
SIP returns turning negative? Don't worry
Long-term investors should not reduce or stop their equity mutual funds through SIPs.

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.

November 16, 2018
Which stocks should you invest in this election season?
Analysts caution a non-BJP government is not an impossible scenario.

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.

November 09, 2018
Go Digital for car insurance renewal
Two types of deductibles are associated with auto insurance -- compulsory and voluntary.

November 06, 2018
Shop first, pay later -- without a credit card
Today pay-later services are available for practically anything under the sun.

November 05, 2018
Want to buy gold this Dhanteras? Look at Sovereign Gold Bonds
The best part is that an investor gets price appreciation and earns interest income as well, which is unique only to sovereign gold bond.

October 31, 2018
Why it makes sense to invest in silver now
The bullish outlook for gold is seen as a trigger for silver to perform better going ahead.

October 29, 2018
How NOT to get your insurance claim rejected
While buying health policies, customers should reveal any pre-existing diseases. This is the only way to ensure that the insurer does not reject claims.

October 25, 2018
Mobile wallets vs UPI-based apps: Which should you use?
UPI transactions are growing faster, but wallets remain relevant for those without a bank account and seeking cashbacks.

October 23, 2018
How to get a long investment horizon
Running a SIP plan for more than six years almost completely eliminates the chances of earning negative returns.

October 22, 2018
Investing in Indo-global funds? Here's a checklist
'For the same level of return, you can reduce portfolio volatility significantly with a 10% to 15% exposure to international funds.'

October 19, 2018
This Dussehra, hike gold allocation in your portfolio
Analysts say investors should increase their exposure to gold up to 10% of their portfolio, depending on their comfort with a 2-year horizon.

October 15, 2018
Investing in PMS? Here's what you MUST do
Don't forget to ask for quarterly audited statement of transactions in your account.

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.

October 04, 2018
Why it makes sense to invest in small savings schemes
Those willing to take a higher risk for higher returns can look at AAA-rated non-convertible debentures from reputed issuers.

October 01, 2018
Midcaps, smallcaps see biggest monthly fall since October 2008
'The velocity of the market correction in September was so fierce that 9 stocks declined for every one that advanced,' reveals Samie Modak.

September 28, 2018
Good time to enter mid- and small-cap space
'Allocate 30% to 35% of your equity portfolio to mid-cap funds and 10% to 15% to small-cap funds.'

September 27, 2018
Can closed-end funds choke your portfolio?
One category which stands out is fixed maturity plans due to its tax benefits, notes Prateek Mehta, CEO and company-co-founder, Upwardly.in.

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.

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.

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.

September 21, 2018
MF assets surpass Rs 25 trillion
This feat was achieved 25 years after the mutual funds industry was opened to private players.

September 20, 2018
SEBI action against high return schemes
Delhi brokers under SEBI's glare for drawing investors through ads promising unrealistic returns.

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

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.

September 12, 2018
Buying a car? Opt for bundled auto insurance
Experts suggest that it's best to go for the bundled product that has only one-year own damage cover.

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.

September 06, 2018
Investors, know what covered calls are?
Sebi may allow mutual funds to make use of covered calls as part of their equity strategy.

September 05, 2018
Beat a weak rupee by investing in international funds
Investors in international funds should have a horizon of more than five years.

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.

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.'

August 27, 2018
No-claim bonus can impact mediclaim costs
Given that medical inflation is estimated at 15% to 20%, a no-claim bonus can provide added benefit

August 23, 2018
Planning to sell bonus shares? Watch out for LTCG tax
If your equity gains are less than Rs100,000 in a financial year, you can breathe easy.

August 22, 2018
Want to sell stocks? Read this
'Investments are like motion pictures rather than still photographs.'

August 21, 2018
Buying property from an NRI? IMPORTANT tax tips!
Both NRIs and those who make payouts on sale of property need to understand the TDS provisions that are applicable or risk punishment, warns Sanjay Kumar Singh.

August 16, 2018
Which funds should you invest in after RBI rate hike?
Invest in liquid funds if you have a horizon of three months, ultra-short-term for six months, and low-duration funds for one year.

August 14, 2018
What you must know about the new car insurance policy
For the vehicle-owner, the overall cost of buying a car can go up by 2% to 3$%.

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.

August 08, 2018
Paytm's MF foray fails to rattle fund distributors
Unlike most MF distributors in India, Paytm Money will be offering low-cost direct plans, which don't charge for distribution expenses

August 07, 2018
Buying life insurance? Please read this
Agents often influence customers into buying new products every year instead of continuing with their existing policies

August 06, 2018
How to spot a Ponzi scheme and avoid it
Ponzi schemes have characteristics that the informed investor can spot easily.

August 03, 2018
Why small investors should shift from dividend to growth option
Sooner the investors shift, the better it is as a majority of equity funds have single-digit returns since January 31.

July 31, 2018
Why FMCG stocks are booming
HUL, ITC, Nestle, Colgate, Dabur, Britannia, Asian Paints, P&G are trading at nearly 48 times.

July 26, 2018
Quick tips for easy tax filing
Proper documentation can help take half the pain out of filing your income tax return, says Amar Pandit.

July 25, 2018
5-yr motor insurance: Who benefits, who loses
Advait Rao Palepu reports how a recent Supreme Court order will impact motor vehicles insurance policies.

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.

July 18, 2018
Rising interest rates: What debt fund investors should do
For existing investors, it may be prudent to redeem their current investments in gilt or dynamic schemes and invest it in short-term funds, if the exit load is not very high, advises Malhar Majumder.

July 13, 2018
6 reasons you must buy cancer insurance NOW!
Given the high cost of treating cancer and the reasonable premium rates at which these plans are available, one should opt for a cover at the earliest.

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.

July 11, 2018
Work in the gig economy? Read this
Don't worry about volatile, erratic cash flows, freelancers.

July 10, 2018
Own a fancy car? Tips to protect your car
Owners of high-end vehicles should explore more options such as engine protection, invoice cover and plans that cover accessories, says Animesh Das.

July 06, 2018
How PolicyBazaar's Yashish Dahiya changed India's insurance scene
Dahiya's first internet-based venture to sell insurance failed, but he was convinced digital was the future

July 03, 2018
PE Big Bang: Record $8.2 bn investment in April-June
While 2017 was a record year for private equity investments in India after $23.5 billion in 660 deals, 2018 too has begun with a bang.

Market crash: Worried about your MF investments?
There will be tough periods in equity investing, but investors should not stop their SIP investments under any circumstance, advises Arnav Pandya.

July 02, 2018
A win-win for traders, brokerages and exchanges
With equity and commodity exchanges allowed to enter each other's areas from October, brokerages are pump-priming their businesses to allow their clients seamless trading in commodities and equities.

Living Will: Accepting death on your terms
Using a Living Will, individuals can specify that they don't want any resuscitation if the death is apparent.

June 29, 2018
Forget stocks, MFs. Become a PE investor for just Rs 25 lakh
Private equity investing can be rewarding, but an investor needs to be patient as exiting can be tricky and these assets do not provide instant liquidity.

Using a relative's ATM card? DON'T
The bank can declare a withdrawal by you as illegal and deny any remedy in case a problem arises.

June 28, 2018
How to make more out of your MF investments
For investors, every cost-saving means higher returns.

June 27, 2018
Borrowers, investors, beware these GST red flags
GST will now apply to mutual funds, loan instalments and credit card dues.

June 26, 2018
Mid- and small-cap crash: What you can do
A market correction is a good time to reassess the quality of your portfolio and purge the poor quality names from it, says Ramesh Bukka

June 25, 2018
How to make money this monsoon
If you are bullish on the consumption theme, consider specialised mutual funds that focus on this theme.

June 21, 2018
What homebuyers MUST know
Tinesh Bhasin explores the limitations of rights granted to homebuyers under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

June 20, 2018
Why small savings investments have risen to Rs 1.55 trillion
Demonetisation is the biggest reason for the rise in preference for small savings.

June 19, 2018
The key risk for the Indian stock market
High networth individuals selling stocks to buy real estate is among the key risks for the Indian markets.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan: Dos and don'ts
Systematic withdrawal plans in equity funds can spell trouble in a falling market, points out Deepesh Raghaw.

June 18, 2018
Planning to invest in NBFCs? Please read this
Keep a close eye on credit quality, financials of NBFCs before investing.

June 15, 2018
Want to insure your car against tree falls, flood damage?
Buy comprehensive motor insurance policy to guard against natural calamities.

Are you ready for IPOs worth Rs 20,000 crore?
Half a dozen companies looking to tap the market as the Indian rupee stabilises and oil prices cool down.

June 12, 2018
MFs woo small town India with incentives
Fund houses have conducted investor camps and awareness programmes in more than 400 cities.

June 11, 2018
Planning to buy an e-car? Do read this
Parts of electric cars are costlier and repairing often means replacing an entire system, which drives insurance premium rates up.

Filing IT returns? What you must know
If you miss the July 31 deadline, there is a late filing fee of up to Rs 10,000.

June 08, 2018
How she won her battle against an insurance firm
Sukhwinder Kaur doggedly pursued her case against Bharti Axa Life Insurance in the consumer courts.

These funds earn bigger returns than MFs
'The ability to tailor schemes to market conditions and invest in unlisted equity and real estate, as well as commodities, makes Alternative Investment Funds a sought after platform.'

June 07, 2018
Why these stocks fell steeply in 2018
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code bound stocks have witnessed a steep fall in 2018.

Loan against MF? Yes, and it's online too
Customers need to weigh whether they will be better off selling their mutual fund holdings or taking a loan against it.

June 06, 2018
Should you buy insurance when single or married?
It is ideal to purchase life insurance as soon as you become financially independent.

Want to earn 12%-36% return as a lender?
Lending on peer-to-peer platforms is fraught with higher risks but investors can earn as much as 12% to 36%.

June 05, 2018
Flying abroad? Check forex card charges
Experts tell Tinesh Bhasin how to pick one to save money as well as some troubles later

June 01, 2018
Investment picks up to a seven-quarter high of 14.4% in Q4
Economists, however, caution against interpreting the data as a broad-based revival

BSE Midcap index set for worst monthly fall in 18 months
The BSE Midcap index has declined 5.7% thus far in May 2018. In comparison, the S&P BSE Small-cap index has lost 5.6%

May 31, 2018
Are BIG mutual fund bets going wrong in 2018?
Importantly, is there hope going forward?

May 30, 2018
How crypto mining can hijack your computer
Install blockers to prevent falling prey to cryptojacking.

May 29, 2018
Post Sebi rationalisation, no major change in number of MF schemes
Drop in the number of schemes is less than 3%, despite merger of 38 schemes between Sept 2017 and May this year

What's the true value of Flipkart?
Walmart is rumoured to be looking to listing Flipkart in a few years.

Invested in NCLT cos? You could lose all your money
'When a company goes into insolvency, by definition it means that existing shareholders have been wiped out.'

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.

May 24, 2018
Should you invest in passive funds?
Why the case for investing in passive funds is becoming stronger.

May 23, 2018
Active vs passive funds: And the winner is...
A large proportion of passive funds has beaten actively managed large-cap funds with average one-year category returns for large-cap at 10.2 per cent

May 21, 2018
Equity, debt or liquid: Which fund is most suitable for you?
Equity debt, gold - these all are terms you may have heard of when reading on funds but not quite sure where to start with or which one most suits your needs.

How to make the most from your NPS investments
Restrict investment to Rs 50,000 for tax benefits, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh, but caution that taxation at maturity and compulsory annuities are dampers.

May 16, 2018
Star fund managers jump ship even as assets soar
Exodus of top managers an unintended side effect of roaring MF industry

Meet Dalal Street's wealth creating machines
From MRF to Shree Cement: 23 companies which delivered 30% CAGR in 15 years.

May 14, 2018
What can Payments banks do for You?
Priyadarshini Maji evaluates the impact that payment banks are likely to have on your financial life.

Want 45% discount on auto insurance?
Your behaviour is the key.

May 11, 2018
Smart homes are now within your budget
Whether you have a two bedroom or a three bedroom house, you can convert it into a smart home starting at Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000.

May 10, 2018
Buying health insurance? Honesty is the best policy
If you contract a disease a few years after buying a health cover, disclosure isn't mandatory.

May 09, 2018
6 golden tips for the golden years
Naveen Kukreja explains the finer points to keep in mind while planning for your retirement.

Planning to buy insurance? Important advice for you
K G Krishnamoorthy Rao, managing director and CEO, Future Generali India Insurance, answers insurance queries.

May 08, 2018
Buying a house jointly with spouse? Define ownership first!
Define ownership proportionately at the time of registration to ensure that you don't face problems on taxation front.

May 07, 2018
Want to make big money in stocks? Go contrarian
Contrarian stocks can help investors generate much higher returns than buying shares of companies that have shown consistent high growth for years.

Ouch! Last-minute tax planning can hurt
As long as the money has been 'paid or deposited in the previous year', an assessee should be eligible for tax relief, says Harsh Roongta.

May 04, 2018
Hot Buys: IT, FMCG, auto, metal stocks
The surge in IT, auto and FMCG stocks were led by investors seeking safety against market volatility.

May 03, 2018
Why filing tax returns is not easy anymore
New ITR forms indirectly force small businesses to maintain books of accounts, something that wasn't needed earlier, says Anupam Jain.

May 02, 2018
Smart tips to take care of high medical bills
Instead of enhancing the sum insured of your basic policy, a more cost-effective option is buying a super top-up policy.

Mutual funds or Ulips? Has LTCG tipped the balance?
Mahavir Chopra compares mutual funds and Ulips to help investors decide.

April 27, 2018
Obtaining justice via consumer courts is difficult
'Some cases do not get a single hearing for 6 to 8 months, while some have been pending for as long as 8 years.'

Investors: Beware of your broker
If you leave too much money lying in your trading account or hand over your securities to brokers, there is always the risk that they could use it to trade in the markets.

April 26, 2018
Want to earn risk-free 8% annually?
Investors can earn risk-free income of 6% to 8% annually by lending stocks.

April 25, 2018
2019 election: How investors hedge their profits
As the 2019 election draws near, investors focus on long-dated options.

April 24, 2018
A new milestone in protection of consumer rights
Overbooking by an airline cannot be done ignoring the sense of duty or liability towards passengers with confirmed tickets, the national commission ruled.

DON'T CHEAT while filing IT returns
If your case is picked up for random scrutiny, any of the tricks that you or your financial advisor may have used to avoid tax will be easily detected.

April 23, 2018
FRDI Bill: What it means for banks and their depositors
Mutual funds, bonds, PPFs, equity and real estate are some options which offer varying rates of return.

Will real estate stocks return 37% this year?
Puneet Wadhwa and Debashish Pachal locate real estate stocks to watch out for.

Is it time to switch your home loan lender?
New borrowers should go for banks over housing finance companies as the new benchmark -- MCLR -- is more transparent.

April 21, 2018
EMIs shouldn't exceed 35% of net income
Also build a contingency fund equal to 9 to 12 months of expenses.

April 19, 2018
How to beat Nifty returns
Investors should look at actively managed funds, says Devangshu Datta.

April 18, 2018
Know how to claim your PF money?
Want to know how to claim tax deduction on property income you earn?

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.

April 16, 2018
How to make money from the US-China trade war
Move 10 per cent of your portfolio to the yellow metal.

Want to invest in MFs online?
Various online platforms let you invest in direct mutual funds.

April 13, 2018
Revamping your MF portfolio? What you must keep in mind
Do keep the tax impact and exit load in mind before you take a decision to sell, says Vishal Dhawan.

April 12, 2018
How Rakesh Jhunjhunwala beat the market meltdown
How did marquee Dalal Street investors fare in the Jan-Mar quarter that saw the BSE Sensex tank 10 per cent?

April 11, 2018
Could the next rebound be the mother of all bull runs?
'The business of investing is essentially about competent doubt management: If the market knocks off 3,000 points, the doubt will be whether it will ever rebound (making it one man's doubt against another man's conviction),' says Mudar Pathreya.

It makes sense to invest in small savings schemes
SBI has twice hiked interest rates on fixed deposits within a month, but an investor still gets better returns at the post office.

April 10, 2018
New ITR form: More pain for salaried employees
The new ITR forms have shifted the entire onus on the taxpayers to prove their claim for deductions, expenses or exemptions.

April 09, 2018
Mediclaim rejected on assumptions? Fight it out
Treatment of duodenal ulcer perforation was covered under the policy.

April 06, 2018
How expense ratio impacts MF returns
The average difference in expense ratios between a regular and direct plan is 100 to 120 basis points.

April 03, 2018
Will IPOs this year give huge returns?
The most sought-after IPOs of 2017-2018 reap handsome gains for investors, but will IPOs this year do well after listing?

Buying a car vs leasing it: The pros and cons
Besides the thrill of changing cars quite often, a higher tax deduction is available, experts tell Tinesh Bhasin

April 02, 2018
Here's some good news for insurance buyers
After the Delhi high court's ruling, blanket exclusion of genetic disorders from coverage is likely to become a thing of the past.

March 29, 2018
Not yet filed FY16 tax return? HURRY!
Miss the March 31, 2018 deadline to file belated tax return for FY16, and risk an I-T notice and a hefty fine.

How to play the debt market
If you are in credit opportunity funds, income funds or dynamic bond funds for a long-term goal, stay put.

March 28, 2018
Coming soon: The Big Bear Market
'The Indian market has all the factors at the moment: Over-valuation, over-confidence, reliance on some source of massive fund flows and massive scams.'

The reality of Indian realty: More downs than ups
Raghavendra Kamath reports on what ails India's real estate sector.

Should you buy the free health check-up policy?
The amount for which free check-up is offered can be quite low, while in some policies it comes only after a considerable waiting period.

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.

March 23, 2018
Not happy with Indian equity returns? Buy international funds
Apart from sustaining your portfolio when the domestic market is faring well, global diversification also safeguards it against currency risk.

March 22, 2018
Want to beat volatility with decent returns?
Use fixed maturity plans to tide interest rate volatility if you're okay with lock-in because longer duration.

Are Indian crypto exchanges going slow on Bitcoin?
Cryptocurrency exchanges face issues with their current bank accounts.

March 20, 2018
Rising rates: What to do about EMIs, FDs...
With home loan rates headed north, experts advise how borrowers should cope with their rising liabilities.

Who is offering best fixed deposit rates?
While it is okay to hunt for banks that offer higher rates, the safety aspect is equally important.

March 19, 2018
Is it a good time to buy gold?
At a time when the whole world is going ga-ga over stocks and debt is too easy to borrow, do not forget gold, says Anil Rego.

How to make more money when markets are volatile
Apart from SIPS and STPS, value- averaging can help investors make more money, says Devangshu Datta.

March 17, 2018
Have $500,000? You can become a US citizen
Under the EB-5 visa programme you can become a US citizen provided you invest $500,000 in an approved project and create targeted employment.

Hotel liable for guest's stolen car from its parking lot
Merely stating that parking was 'at owner's risk' would not absolve the hotel of its liability.

March 15, 2018
Don't rush to buy PSU bank stocks yet
'Investors should not commit fresh money to these stocks right now, unless they can hold for the next three to four years.'

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.

March 13, 2018
Planning retirement? Buy these MFs
Investors across age groups and risk appetite can invest in these schemes.

March 12, 2018
Jaitley's tax boon for stock market investors
The grandfathering clause and set-off provisions can be used to reduce the tax payable on sale of bonus shares, says Arvind A Rao.

Play safe in 2018: Add gold to your portfolio
Investors should allocate 10 to 15 per cent in their portfolios to gold through sovereign gold bonds.

March 09, 2018
<i>Achche din</i> for IPO investors
2017 saw the highest-ever mobilisation by way of IPOs of close to Rs 700 billion.

March 08, 2018
Can these stocks shine amid market gloom?
Investors turn their attention to export-driven sectors.

How to protect your assets from spouse's bad loans
If the spouse is the guarantor of husband's business loans, banks can hold her liable for default.

March 07, 2018
'Higher volatility to persist due to fiscal slippage'
'As the growth momentum reverses benefiting from re-monetisation, it will be accompanied by a rise in inflation.'

March 06, 2018
PNB scam + NPAs = Long-term bear market?
'Retail investors have been selling since the Budget and Foreign Portfolio Investors started selling.'

Borrowers, be prepared to pay for the Nirav Modi scam!
'The RBI can make a change in EMI the default option, when interest rates rise or fall, rather than a change in the loan tenure,' says Harsh Roongta.

March 05, 2018
Last minute tax tips...
Evaluate recurring investment products and do the numbers before making any investments.

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.

February 27, 2018
Should you buy OPD, diagnostics insurance?
Before you buy a cashless benefit plan at lower premiums, check if you can make full use of it.

February 23, 2018
ULIPs vs MFs: Where should you invest?
While there's tax arbitrage advantage in ULIPs now, experts say investors should prefer mutual funds for long-term savings.

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.

February 21, 2018
How to beat rising interest rates and save tax
What are FMPs and should you invest in them?

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.

February 19, 2018
How to buy the best health insurance
Health insurance expert Anil Rego in an online chat with readers answers health insurance queries.

February 16, 2018
4 ways the Budget cheers senior citizens
Thanks to Budget 2018, seniors can invest more and also save more.

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.

February 14, 2018
How to buy diabetes insurance
Mahavir Chopra tells you what to check before you choose a diabetes insurance plan.

The Stockmarket: What Next?
'My sense is that we should be braced for a correction.'

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.

February 09, 2018
Insurance to protect your valuables in bank lockers
Did you know that your home insurance covers valuables in bank locker?

8 ways to identify fake financial apps
Install a security software that has an app advisor function, advises Tinesh Bhasin.

February 07, 2018
Stay invested in MFs with sound track record
It is best not to get carried away by returns or take a short-term view of the markets, says Bhavana Acharya.

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.

February 01, 2018
Will higher crude prices spook this bull market?
Crude oil prices have more than doubled, pushing up India's import bill and raising fears of a higher current account and fiscal deficit.

January 31, 2018
Is TCS moving too fast, too soon?
Street may be ignoring TCS headwinds as the stock's peak valuation doesn't seem justified by BFSI weakness, likely higher US tax rates and stronger rupee, reports Ram Prasad Sahu.

How you can find out if your Aadhaar was misused
Now you can check your Aadhaar authentication history online to track if anyone misused your unique identity.

January 29, 2018
Insurance: 5 factors to watch out for
Raise the amount of life cover you own if your liabilities and responsibilities have increased during the year, says Arvind A Rao.

January 27, 2018
Listed equities: Should exemption on long-term capital gains go?
An argument used for removal of this exemption is that it is used to launder black money and bring it in as clean tax paid money by manipulating the price of less liquid shares in the market, says Harsh Roongta.

January 25, 2018
Forget Aadhaar, protect your phone first
From your fingerprint to most private images and financial info -- all your privacy is under constant threat from hackers.

January 20, 2018
Don't stop SIP till you need money!
Despite uncertain times and market volatility ahead, investors should continue with their disciplined investing via SIPs.

January 16, 2018
How to make most of your money in 2018
'The best way to start is to understand your finances.'

January 14, 2018
Why this policyholder lost his insurance claim case
Carefully read the policy and understand the scope of coverage and benefits available.

January 13, 2018
Why NFO mobilisation is at 9-year high
Equity NFOs had a boom period in 2005-2008 where over 170 new equity schemes hit the market.

January 11, 2018
'Buy 10 good stocks and you are set for a lifetime!'
'Trust a fund manager, buy some small-cap funds and stay invested.'

Have you renewed your insurance policy?
Your entire contribution can go down the drain if policies are not renewed on time

January 10, 2018
Investing in 2018: Stay safe, stay alert
Stockmarket Gurus Raamdeo Agrawal, Manish Gunwani, S Naren and Nilesh Shah discuss their favourite themes for the New Year.

January 09, 2018
10-year ELSS to save tax: Should you buy?
The tax filing season is here, and mutual funds have launched tax-saving products.

Is it time to consolidate your loans?
If your are hassled with too many EMIs, bring them all under one umbrella and pay a single amount

8 golden money lessons to keep your finances healthy through the year
Managing your money in January will set the trend for rest of the year, says Adhil Shetty.

January 08, 2018
6 money tips to secure your post-retirement
If you plan to withdraw money from your corpus regularly to meet expenses, have a portfolio of stable instruments.

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.

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.

January 02, 2018
What equity investors can expect in 2018
Earnings growth is expected to accelerate as lingering toxic effects of note ban ease off and GST settles down. However, stock valuations are high and that means market is also overdue for correction, says Devangshu Datta.

Investing in tax-savings funds? 7 things you must know
A mistake here can prove costly.

January 01, 2018
Should you go for a zero-cost medical loan?
Here's what borrowers must pay attention to before going for such medical loans.

December 30, 2017
Investing in bitcoin? A word of caution
Don't invest more than 5 per cent of your portfolio in bitcoin.

December 29, 2017
6 lessons from the stock markets in 2017
Salil Dhawan shares his stock market wisdom as 2017 is all set to ring out.

December 28, 2017
Payments banks vs wallets: What should you opt for?
While a wallet is convenient, payments bank offers interest on deposits and ATM facility.

December 27, 2017
Will stocks crash globally in 2018?
Just when stocks are seen as invincible, we should worry, warns Akash Prakash.

December 26, 2017
Where you should invest in 2018
Shift your money to fixed income and gold.

December 22, 2017
Simple tips to prevent Aadhaar misuse
Don't share information over phone with anyone.

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.

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.

December 15, 2017
Low-cost ways to get out of credit card debt trap
If banks won't lend, seek a loan from fintech lenders or P2P platforms to help you get out of a debt trap.

December 14, 2017
How to reduce your insurance premium by 30%
Staying healthy can reduce your next premium.

December 13, 2017
5 stocks to bring on Xmas cheer
Mudar Patherya lists companies whose shares can bring on Xmas cheer for investors.

December 07, 2017
Cheers! EPFO subscribers will now get mutual fund units
'A subscriber will know exactly how much of his money is in debt and how much in equity.'

Time to create mother of all mutual funds
The time is ripe for a merger of eight fund houses indirectly owned and controlled by the central government, says N Sundaresha Subramanian.

December 05, 2017
Nifty's realty index is up 90 per cent! Where should you invest now?
After giving negative or low returns from 2013-2016, the Nifty Realty Index is up a whopping 91.14 per cent, making it the best performer year-to-date. Can you still make money in this sector? Sanjay Kumar Singh finds out.

December 04, 2017
Beware! Plenty of froth in IPO market
Retail investors may burn their fingers investing in them, especially if the markets correct, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh

December 01, 2017
Active funds vs ETFs: Where should you invest?
ETFs may be an option if you are considering only large-cap funds, experts tell Tinesh Bhasin.

November 30, 2017
Home loan at 4 per cent! Should you go in for it?
Sanjay Kumar Singh speaks to experts to find out if Tata Housings new loan offer should interest you.

November 28, 2017
Handing over power of attorney? Read this first
Build trust and confidence and do not pass on your powers in haste.

How to secure your family's financial future
Use whole life term policies for legacy planning. By doing so, your annual outgo will come down and returns will improve, suggest Chirag Madia and Tinesh Bhasin.

November 24, 2017
How EPFO subscribers will gain from equity investment
The 15% invested every month in equity would be allotted to subscribers in the form of units.

November 23, 2017
Why you must not buy bundled home loan insurance
You will be much better off buying the required plans directly from life and general insurers, experts tell Chirag Madia

November 21, 2017
4 reasons why agents mis-sell insurance policies
Dilip Kumar Jha explains what the buyers must do to protect their own interest.

How to save the property market
The real estate sector is a major employment provider and the economy cannot afford its hard landing. Harsh Roongta suggests measures that can revive the under-construction market

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

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.

November 14, 2017
Demo impact: Real estate prices are dropping and how!
While Gurugram sees biggest drop in house prices, housing sales in Bengaluru dropped by 45 per cent followed by Kolkata, a 44 per cent decrease, and Ahmedabad, a 42 per cent decline.

7 money lessons your children must learn
This Children's Day, groom your child to be financially responsible, says Arun Thukral, MD &amp; CEO, Axis Securities.

November 13, 2017
When you can't access your spouse's bank account
How can you access the bank account of an incapacitated person?

November 10, 2017
5 Questions on GST answered!
Does a doctor need to pay GST and other queries...

November 09, 2017
How MF investors can make money from bank recap
Invest 5 to 10 per cent in a banking sector fund.

Made a Bitcoin fortune? Pay the tax now!
Based on the holding period, the profit you make is liable to short-term or long-term capital gains tax, experts tell Tinesh Bhasin.

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.

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.

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

November 05, 2017
Should you swap your FD for stock market bet?
Most financial planners believe that destabilising your portfolio, just for the sake of a quick buck, will not bring excessive incremental returns.

November 04, 2017
Want to make your car smart and save money too?
Start-ups are offering smart devices that can help you be a better driver, track the vehicle and give real-time car health information, reports Tinesh Bhasin

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.

November 01, 2017
BUSTED: 6 myths about investing in InvITs
Understanding InvITs properly will enable investors to make an informed decision, says V K Bansal.

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.

October 29, 2017
Taxpayers, here's some good news for you
You need not worry even if there is a mismatch between your income and deduction in Form 16/16A and Form 26AS, says Ashley Coutinho

Why fund managers are not happy with Sebi
The stock market regulator's definition of large, mid, and small-cap companies has irked mutual fund managers, reports Samie Modak.

October 28, 2017
How lenders game the system
Yet, no bank has been taken to task for its actions, says Harsh Roongta.

October 27, 2017
Closing insurance policy midway? YOU are the loser
Allowing it to lapse leaves you unprotected and can, in some cases, cause loss of premiums paid, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh.

Want to make money betting on gold?
Tinesh Bhasin explains the pros and cons of trading in gold 'options', which were introduced in India this Dhanteras

Armchair investing in EPF may soon be over
If the changes being considered by the EPFO become a reality, investors may have to be more active in deciding equity preference and when to withdraw money, reports Sanjay Kumar Singh

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

October 25, 2017
Should you move away from large-cap funds?
Sticking to smaller and mid-cap companies can be more fruitful, suggests Devangshu Datta.

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

October 23, 2017
Going for a fancy home loan scheme? Read this
Look at effective interest rate on home loan offers. Availing of ICICI Bank's cashback offer will mean you lose the flexibility to switch or prepay the loan, reports Sanjay Kumar Singh

Why you must buy shorter-term debt funds
With RBI holding on to rates, investors should avoid longer duration funds for the near future, experts tell Joydeep Ghosh

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

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.

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

October 17, 2017
Four stocks that may buck the trend
It would be advisable to look to companies that reported attractive growth during the first quarter, says Mudar Patherya

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

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.

October 06, 2017
Guaranteed returns for golden years? Go for annuities
Conservative investors and those in the lower tax bracket should opt for these, experts tell Sanjay Kumar Singh

October 05, 2017
4 smart ways to save big when shopping online
Websites that compare product prices and offer cashback can help you get attractive deals and discounts.

October 04, 2017
The most important lesson for SIP investors
To make money, invest in both good and bad times; otherwise the entire exercise is futile, experts tell Joydeep Ghosh & Sanjay Singh

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

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.

September 29, 2017
Investors should look at large-cap stocks
Focus on large-caps and ensure that the portfolio is balanced.

September 28, 2017
Will Indian stock markets rise or fall? Track the FPIs
A falling rupee and lower foreign buying in equities are signals investors should watch out for, says Devangshu Datta

Banks, NBFCs are India's new m-cap kings
'The government is encouraging consumption through fiscal spending in a bid to push up economic growth in the face of a slowdown in corporate investment and exports.'

September 25, 2017
E-com complaints: Consumers have more power now
Consumers can easily file cases against e-tailers now.

September 22, 2017
Now, invest in diamonds for just Rs 125!
Diamond prices vary purely on demand and supply. You can make extraordinary returns within six months or it can even take years.

September 19, 2017
Stocks: How to navigate the next big fall
The longer a bear market lasts, the more the eventual returns are, says Devangshu Datta.

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.

September 13, 2017
Insuring your home is a MUST!
Flooding this monsoon underscores the need to buy home insurance, says Tarun Mathur.

September 12, 2017
Markets are in the bubble zone
'The mismatch between valuations and fundamentals is startling,' warns Devangshu Datta

September 11, 2017
Why direct MF plans make more money
The gains from investing in direct plans can be higher than the difference in expense ratios.

September 09, 2017
Insurance portability can be tricky for you
Most customers still don't understand this concept and are unable to benefit from it.

September 07, 2017
Investing in debt funds, but afraid of risks?
While debt funds have emerged as the flavour of the season, not all investors understand debt funds.

August 27, 2017
Most Indians not financially ready for old age. Be the smart minority
As households age, they pile up debt, a peculiarity unique to Indians, a Financial Stability and Development Council report has found. Here are the key takeaways.

August 24, 2017
4 tips to maximise your MF returns
Don't spread your investments too thin.

August 18, 2017
Markets at new highs? Don't sell and exit entirely
You may invest even at current market levels provided you have an investment horizon of five years or more.

August 17, 2017
GST: 3 challenges for professionals/freelancers
'The professional or the freelancer needs to pay taxes from his pocket first and then wait for payments from his clients.'

August 14, 2017
Investment mistakes to avoid during bull runs
Investing heavily in a top-performing fund during good times can cause long-term pain.

August 11, 2017
Pay all bills, make investments from one place
BBPS allows you to pay electricity, telephone, water supply, gas and DTH bills.

August 07, 2017
6 ways to make a fortune when stocks crash
Experts suggest six ways to play stocks that tank suddenly and make money as Sanjay Kumar Singh listens in

Why this is the best time to buy low-cost house
Provisions of RERA, subsidy under PMAY and relaxation in PF withdrawal to buy a house will aid affordable housing, points out Harsh Roongta.

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.

August 03, 2017
Want property returns? A 6-point checklist
Such investments come with their own share of risks and buyers may need to hold on for at least 5 to 10 years.

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.

July 27, 2017
<em>Achche Din</em> ahead for these three stocks
Hamsini Karthik reveals why the ongoing business rejig will help unlock value for shareholders of Grasim, Reliance Capital and Tube Investments

July 26, 2017
Investors beware! Save your investments from ruin
When selecting investments, pay attention to potential return, risk and how easily you can exit it.

July 24, 2017
How high bank charges hurt us
Some of their tactics would put a snake oil salesman to shame, says Harsh Roongta.

July 21, 2017
6 ways filing IT returns has become more complicated
New ITR form may be simpler, but some changes could stump you.

July 14, 2017
Are you a serial tax dodger? Then better be careful
Section 276CC provides for prosecution and makes tax evasion punishable with rigorous imprisonment of three months to seven years along with a monetary penalty depending on the amount dodged.

Fund managers struggle to beat red-hot market
Fund managers have been advising investors not to keep their return expectation higher

July 12, 2017
How to profit from share buybacks
Before participating, consider company's long-term prospects, premium offered and acceptance ratio.

July 11, 2017
Want steady returns? Stick to mutual funds
Mutual funds are better than Portfolio Management Schemes where costs crystallise only at the end of the investment period, says Shashank Khade.

July 06, 2017
Claiming money that is rightfully yours
Priya Nair finds out how investors of mutual funds, shares, unclaimed bank deposits, insurance policies can redeem long-forgotten investments.

July 05, 2017
6 common mistakes to avoid while filing income tax returns
With the online tax filing and automation of the tax process the number of mistakes made by taxpayers during filing of taxes have been reduced, but considering the importance of the information, a mistake or an error will be an invitation to trouble.

4 rules to make money in a bull market
'A fund investor could pick, say, three of the top active funds in any given category.'

July 04, 2017
Is this a good time to buy debt funds?
While an impending rate cut is a good reason to enter debt funds, another is the high valuations in equity markets.

June 22, 2017
What to check when you buy a car online
A consumer wins a case against a financial company for selling him a car online, but not transferring the ownership in his name.

June 21, 2017
When to exit expensive insurance policies
You can exit Ulips after five years.

June 19, 2017
10 stocks you can bet on
These consistent performers are expected to maintain momentum.

June 15, 2017
Use technology to make more money
Priya Nair tells you how you can use technology to invest better and maximise returns.

June 13, 2017
Playing the stock markets? Filing returns can be tricky for you
A salaried individual needs to file returns as a business owner if s/he has a high turnover while trading in stocks or futures & options, reveals Tinesh Bhasin.

June 08, 2017
Why home loans are set to get cheaper
To spur war among lenders to grab existing loans

Mudar Pathreya's picks: 7 eye-catching stocks
From a jute company to a paper mill to a pharma company, these companies seem to have turned around with their superb quarterly numbers, says Mudar Pathreya

June 07, 2017
Mid-cap selloff: Don't press the panic button, say experts
Despite the recent fall, the Nifty Midcap 100 index has outperformed by gaining 20 per cent till date in this year calendar year.

May 31, 2017
How not to lose money in stocks
Overcome your greed.

May 30, 2017
Want to buy a home? It's a good time now!
While Indians don't buy property during May-September due to the holidays/rains/ religious reasons, buyers should scout for property now.

May 29, 2017
Why you should buy gold bonds now
If you missed the primary market bus but still want to invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds, then feel lucky.

May 25, 2017
This mutual fund can make your parents rich
UTI Mutual Fund has launched UTI-FAMILY (that allows investors to buy mutual fund units in their name, but the returns go straight to a parent's bank account.

May 24, 2017
When markets heat up: Stay invested or sit on cash?
Monitor how long the high cash position lasts.

May 17, 2017
Let algos make money for you in stocks!
'Small investors usually rely on tips or recommendations from a friend for stock picking.'

May 11, 2017
Why liquid funds are better than savings accounts for idle cash
When selecting a liquid fund, stick to schemes with an AUM of above Rs 1,000 crore.

May 04, 2017
Is it too risky to bet on Indian stocks now?
The Nifty Index features 50 of the largest companies in the country and represents close to 50 per cent of total market capitalisation.

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...'

May 02, 2017
Is a bubble building up in debt MFs?
'Indian non-bank lenders stand exposed to a deteriorating credit quality environment.'

April 28, 2017
Watch out for these stocks this monsoon
What stocks will gain from a normal monsoon?

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.

April 17, 2017
Want insurance protection for your jewellery?
Have a question about insurance?

April 13, 2017
Investing in mutual funds: Why small is beautiful
Experts say you may invest in small-sized funds and benefit from their nimbleness.

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

April 07, 2017
Repo Rate unchanged, but it's still a good time to transfer or pre-pay your loans
MCLR-linked loans are more responsive to RBI's rate movements, and rate cuts may be transmitted to borrowers in a manner useful to them.

Of saving tax and giving back to society
Do you know you can invest in funds to donate money for a good cause?

April 04, 2017
Insurance IPOs will be hot in 2017
With at least three IPOs in the offing this year, stock market investors have a lot to look forward to.

Why you should stay away from 'politically-linked' stocks
The P-75 index, a subset of BSE 500 stocks, has severely underperformed the broader market across time horizons

April 03, 2017
Investors be warned: Aping FPIs can be painful
Investors who play follow-the-leader and invest wherever the Foreign Portfolio Investors are going may face painful losses.

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.

March 29, 2017
Filing revised I-T returns? Take these 5 precautions
Salaried individuals may not need to file revised returns as they have only one source of income and there are lesser chances of erring while filing returns

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?

March 25, 2017
Should you invest in this public sector ETF?
Given that the ETF has given exceptional returns over the past year, start small and buy more in a staggered manner.

March 24, 2017
Investing in affordable housing? Don't!
Given that some reputed builders are also present in this segment and the cheap rates, does affordable housing make a good investment option?

March 16, 2017
New Pension scheme rules: How to invest wisely now!
From April 1, subscribers will be able to change investment option & asset allocation twice a year, instead of once.

March 03, 2017
Why it doesn't make much sense to invest in a house, now
In the Budget, the government has banned cash transactions above Rs 300,000. This means that people will have to pay stamp duty and registration charges on the actual cost of transaction.

Planning to invest in balanced funds? Read this first!
Balanced funds are suitable for investors who have low-risk appetite or are new to equities.Those with more than seven-year investment horizon should look at funds that have higher equity exposure.

February 20, 2017
It's difficult to escape the taxman now!
With big data analyses, your investments, spends and big purchases are being tracked more closely now by the income tax department.

February 16, 2017
The Modi factor: NRIs show love for equity assets
The Indian diaspora remain bullish despite single-digit equity market returns since May 2014, says Pavan Burugula.

January 24, 2017
NPS returns better than EPF
Taxation has played spoilsport despite double digit returns.

January 21, 2017
Trump jitters for Indian equities
Stockmarket participants expect the Budget to be a major trigger for Indian equities.

January 19, 2017
Budget may restore standard deduction
In simple terms, it refers to a deduction allowed in income tax, irrespective of expenses incurred or investment made by assessees.

January 15, 2017
Auto gains, IT slips in MFs allocations
Money managers have turned cautious about the technology space.

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.

December 29, 2016
Demonetisation = Up to 25% increase in monthly budget
Joydeep Ghosh takes stock of personal finances after the life-altering surprises of 2016.

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.

October 18, 2016
Loan against property: The dos and don'ts
Frequent balance transfer in search of a lower rate can be tricky for borrowers, if property prices fall

Watch out for these 4 small-cap stocks
Calculated guesses, taking a position on what the future could hold

October 17, 2016
This is how the recent rate cut affects your fixed deposits
You must remain invested in bank deposits, unless you are considering the idea of earning higher returns by moving to gilt or liquid funds, says Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar.com.

October 06, 2016
Penniless in the middle of the month? Check out these loan options
Short-term loans from NBFCs can be more convenient but come at higher cost

October 03, 2016
Why it's prudent to buy property in resale market
Read the investor-developer agreement carefully before signing the cheque

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

September 28, 2016
Why you MUST NOT share real personal data while downloading free apps
You should rather use nicknames, incorrect date of birth and if possible make a separate e-mail address for such apps and services. You should also not share your phone number

September 26, 2016
Use credit card with discretion this festive season
While it is a convenient mode of payment, it is not an efficient way of borrowing. Repay your dues fully every month if you decide to use it

September 23, 2016
Why you need to promptly rebalance your portfolio
With stock prices at elevated levels, investors must cut valuation risks in their portfolio

September 22, 2016
One stock that you should NOT buy!
With two top exits and uncertainty on growth strategy, Jubilant is likely to remain under pressure

September 20, 2016
Read this before you invest in non-convertible debentures!
For the wealthy, post-tax returns of debt funds would work out better

September 19, 2016
Convenience, safety or discount? The dilemma of how to pay your bills
A mobile wallet may offer discounts but allows transactions of limited amounts. And, while a bank app or internet account allows larger transactions, it might be less convenient

Selling a house? This is how you can claim tax benefits
If a house is sold and the proceeds are used to buy another, whoever contributed to the purchase of the first house can claim exemption on capital gains tax

5 stocks that stood out in Q1
From paper company to auto parts, 5 companies that stood the test of time

September 18, 2016
Settle your financial affairs before moving abroad
Those taking up a job abroad should notify their bank about the change in status and open appropriate NRI accounts

September 16, 2016
Why virtual trading is not a substitute for real world
Such platforms are good for novices, and help seasoned players test their investment strategies

Tech bubble has burst? Funds prune allocation to IT stocks
Underweight on the sector since January amid concerns over growth prospects; no early reversal seen

September 15, 2016
The real story behind delayed tax refunds
Prompt refunds have been made for small amounts. For larger amounts, time has been sought till March 2018

September 09, 2016
Does it make sense to opt for co-branded cards?
While the number of points per spend is higher, one needs to make substantial expenditure on the credit card to get big benefits

September 05, 2016
Check out these three small-cap stars
What the basic quarterly numbers reported by companies say

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

August 22, 2016
Bank frauds: Limited liability for customers?
If RBI's recommendations are finalised, it will give more teeth to the existing fair practice code

Don't wait, buy a house within your budget
It will bring down the cost of a second house because of tax benefits and price appreciation

July 27, 2016
Didn't quote PAN with big transactions? Here's help!
The department gets data of high-value transactions under the Annual Information Return.

July 22, 2016
Retirees must ensure corpus lasts 25 years
Retirees must also try and purchase a senior citizens' policy, despite steep premiums.

June 29, 2016
Will PSU bank shares be a good buy now?
A section of analysts feel now may not be a bad time to buy select PSBs.

Markets are volatile: Diversify your portfolio
According to experts, volatility could last for three months or even more.

June 27, 2016
Banking gets faster, easier and highly secure
New offerings by banks are changing the way you transact.

June 13, 2016
Lending to friends and family can be risky
You can, however, stick to certain principles to avoid confrontations.

Small tax hikes? Impact is big
When the Centre collects money through cess, it can retain the entire fund for the particular scheme.

May 23, 2016
Should you opt for National Pension System?
On maturity, 40 per cent of the accumulated corpus can be withdrawn tax-free.

May 16, 2016
How to avoid TDS on your investments
Use Forms 15G or 15H, depending on age, to avoid tax deduction at source if you don't have taxable income

May 04, 2016
Analysts see more gains for auto stocks as sales rev up
Implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, One Rank, One Pension are the other triggers going ahead, analysts say

April 26, 2016
Is your pension fund regulated?
Ask your HR department for details about the fund, trustees and returns

Is robust hiring in the offing?
As of now, 12 million Indians join the workforce every year.

April 25, 2016
Prepaid forex cards the best way to carry money abroad
Some banks might charge you a nominal amount of Rs 100-150 for issuing the card.

Your retirement is closer than it appears
The whole idea is to have a balance between long-term and short-term goals.

April 18, 2016
Health insurance for your parents: Myth and reality
Follow these steps diligently to ensure that there isn't any hardship when your parents fall ill

Foreign e-commerce sites can be cheap but risky
Be extra careful while using credit cards because there is a risk of misuse

April 04, 2016
Golden tips to manage your money this new financial year
If new goals have emerged, this is the time to make fresh investments.

March 31, 2016
Home, car loans to change from April 1
While existing base rates and loans linked to it will continue, new loans will be linked to the MCLR, which is likely to be lower

March 29, 2016
How NRIs should manage finances on homecoming
When an NRI returns to India, he should be aware of his tax residency status.

After life, health policies, buy home insurance
With natural and man-made calamities posing a risk to your home, it makes sense to buy home insurance

March 28, 2016
Golden investment tips that you just can't miss
Go for high quality and low-to-medium-duration funds in your debt portfolio

India's super rich now have a new toy to play with
Stressed asset funds could offer higher returns than traditional fixed-income funds, but holding period will be longer due to the risky underlying assets

March 25, 2016
Company FDs require extra due diligence
Keep regular track of financials, including cash flow and management changes

March 24, 2016
Good time to dabble in cement, steel and construction stocks
These three industries might offer a roller-coaster ride and stocks would have to be held for a significant time.

March 22, 2016
Are some of the new features in your health plan worth paying for?
While the benefits offered by the new-generation products are alluring, choose a plan that offers features you may actually need in the future

March 21, 2016
Tax planning: Time to rush
An Aadhaar card can fast-track the KYC procedure for some instruments.

March 18, 2016
Have you been served an I-T notice?
A normal assessment notice is served under Section 148.

March 14, 2016
NPS and EPF should get same tax benefits
The 40 per cent exemption benefit is applicable only for employees.

We are moving closer to a cashless society
Things are expected to change dramatically in a few years for urban consumers.

March 07, 2016
What to do when the taxman pops up online
Any company resident in a country has to pay both indirect taxes as well as Income Tax.

March 01, 2016
Tax on pension corpus: Jaitley just shrank your retirement kitty
Withdrawals from EPF and NPS to have same tax rates.

February 16, 2016
7 tips to survive the stock market downturn
Only tactical investors lose money in a downturn due to their short investment horizon

January 22, 2016
Why you must be very careful before buying cheap stocks
There cannot be value in every stock, whether large cap or otherwise. Thus buying a stock cheap does not always translate into value buying

January 04, 2016
Claiming insurance for damages caused by flood? 4 golden rules
Insurers have eased the documentation process to file claims so that they can be settled faster

January 03, 2016
How to choose the right financial planner
Look for one with the right mix of qualification, experience, ethics knowledge, and communication skills

December 28, 2015
Why tax sops under Section 54 are money-launderer's delight
Section 54 provides a tax-free method to convert unaccounted money into accounted money, says Harsh Roongta.

Why 2015 has been unhappy for investors
Fund managers weren't too worried in 2014, as it was a year of positive surprises.

December 21, 2015
Happily ever after, financially
A new couple's financial situation changes from their bachelor days.

December 14, 2015
Financial overhaul? Few circumstances you must consider
Every financial plan needs to be tweaked periodically.

Looking for an under-construction property? You must know pros and cons
As under-construction properties turn riskier, due to slowing sales, a buyer needs to protect his interest in the property.

December 08, 2015
Gift an 'experience' this wedding season
You can gift a day at a spa, a curated gourmet meal at a pool side or an offbeat travel trip.

Why investing in IPOs may not always be a great idea
Financial planners also believe that retail investors should avoid the IPOs or direct stock route because it is too risky for them.

December 07, 2015
Now, use your house as a tax haven: Here's how!
Long-term tax on capital gains arising from selling a house can be invested in another property under Section 54.

Planning a world tour? Read this!
These trips can be as short as a month to 45 days.

December 01, 2015
How do whole life insurance policies work?
Deciding whether a whole life insurance plan is a smart option or not hinges on the financial situation of the insurance buyer

November 30, 2015
Retirement homes? You must read this!
These projects are targeted at financially well-off and upwardly mobile Indians.

November 23, 2015
Want to retire at 45? Here's your action plan
Perils of retiring at 45 His goals include retirement by 45, after which he would pursue his passion for golf, travel and music.

November 03, 2015
Investing across multiple MF schemes? Here's how to go about it
With a common account number, you can use the MF Utilities platform to invest in any fund house's scheme.

October 12, 2015
Unless unique, avoid investing in IPOs
Unless unique, avoid investing in IPOs.

September 22, 2015
Investing in tax-free bonds? Here's a checklist
Rates on tax-free bonds are linked to government securities.

September 01, 2015
5 stocks that can give amazing returns even in a dull market
After last Monday's massive fall in the Indian markets, a lot of quality stocks have fallen significantly.

August 20, 2015
Telco shares likely to perform well, time to go bottom-up
Telecom companies (Airtel, Vodafone, ABNL-via Idea Cellular), which enjoy larger reach, appear to be better placed among the key companies bagging payments bank licences.

Not filed I-T returns yet? A checklist of dos and don'ts
Avoid common mistakes, figure out how to file returns if you invest in stocks and other concerns

Should you file tax return even without taxable income?
Yes, if you are planning to apply for a loan or want to claim refund

August 17, 2015
Right time to invest in banking stocks? Here are few expert tips
Laggards yet, a number of smaller PSBs in the category have balance sheets which do not give much comfort.

Why bank stocks may be a good bet
Laggards yet, a number of smaller PSBs in the category have balance sheets which do not give much comfort.

August 14, 2015
Invested in mutual funds? You must know how the industry fared
Mutual fund houses do have several challenges ahead to win more investors.

August 03, 2015
Legal heirs need to file returns for deceased
Any income earned after the date of death is taxable.

Spend a little money, improve the value of your property
Launches and sales of house property have seen a continuous drop.

July 23, 2015
Smaller cities, lower medical premiums
Some insurance companies offer zone-based pricing.

July 20, 2015
If you are a victim of banking fraud, here's what you can do
For online fraud, approach cyber cell and file a complaint.

July 14, 2015
Don't fret over your China-focused funds
Experts believe that one should not allocate more than 5-10 per cent of one's equity portfolio to international funds.

July 13, 2015
Here's a brief guide to calculate your tax liability
Calculate the tax already paid via TDS, and accordingly arrive at your tax liability for the year.

July 10, 2015
Investing in an IPO may get you good returns but tread with caution
About 55 per cent of the public offers that hit the market since 2008 are still trading below their issue price.

July 08, 2015
Now, you can make 'will' online
The only caveat is that your will should be a simple one.

June 17, 2015
Few investment options at a time when gold outlook appears bleak
Risk-averse investors can hold up to 10 per cent of their portfolio in gold, while aggressive ones can keep five per cent.

June 15, 2015
Don't bet on value funds in a rising market
In a growth market, these funds should not form more than 10-15% of your portfolio. Invest with a horizon of at least 5 years

June 04, 2015
Will the gold for cash scheme pay off?
Gold schemes are offering attractive returns to investors.

June 01, 2015
Try these tips to get maximum benefits from your insurance policy
Its not so tough to improve insurance coverage at nominal cost.

May 28, 2015
Keen to invest in equities? These stocks will give you good returns
Most stocks get included in the model indices after their growth story becomes successful or evident.

May 20, 2015
Benefits you can avail if gold monetisation scheme becomes a reality
Gold monetisation scheme will help unlock value of gold.

May 18, 2015
How does a falling rupee affect you?
There are some advantages of a falling rupee.

May 16, 2015
Investors' handbook on demat, universal KYC
KYC done while opening a bank account can be used to open a mutual fund account.

All you need to know about contactless debit and credit cards
Contactless denit and credit cards increases the ease and convenience of transactions.

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.

May 05, 2015
Should you sell stocks in May?
Since its peak, the S&P BSE Sensex has dropped nearly 3,000 points.

May 04, 2015
Why you should deduct tax at source while buying property
This taxation applies to all types of transfer of property.

April 30, 2015
Looking to make a will? This is what you should know
For ageing parents it is crucial to make a water-tight will.

April 29, 2015
Gift your parents a property
Individual should be extra careful when taking money from parents or relatives to buy a property

April 28, 2015
Nepal earthquake a lesson: Insure your property NOW!
The cover will pay only for the construction cost of the building.

April 26, 2015
Don't miss retirement goals for children's higher education
Parens must start preparing to save fortheir children's higher education at an early stage.

April 20, 2015
Buying gold this Akshaya Tritiya? Think again
Returns on godl have depleted in past few years,

April 13, 2015
Seeking alimony? Here's what you need to do!
About 90% of divorce cases end as a fight about alimony.

April 07, 2015
Now, get higher returns from your EPF
EPFO may start investing up to five per cent of its incremental corpus in the equity market.

April 06, 2015
How to make the most of falling interest rates
Most bankers say they will look at reducing deposit rates from April.

March 31, 2015
Should you buy mid-cap and small-cap stocks?
Real test of the rally in this segment will be the upcoming result season.

March 23, 2015
The cost of filing belated tax returns
Returns for income earned till FY12-13 can be filed till March 31.

March 17, 2015
International funds: Invest with caution
In these times of global uncertainty, be cautious in selecting the right market and fund.

March 16, 2015
Buying and selling a property? Here are a few useful tips
Right steps you can considerably reduce the tax outgo.

March 15, 2015
Spouse's credit score can hurt your loan prospects
Each partner should discuss retirement accounts, property owned prior to marriage.

March 11, 2015
Saddled with unsolicited loans, cards? Here's help!
In July 2013, RBI warned banks against sending unsolicited cards.

March 05, 2015
How useful are the new medical insurance limits?
The higher limit will be useful for senior citizens in particular

February 08, 2015
Five reasons to buy whole-life plans
A whole-life policy can also be a source of credit for other purposes.

February 04, 2015
Stock market investor? Be disciplined to get attractive returns
According to Rahul Rege, business head (retail) at Emkay Global Financial Services, it is difficult to track more than 10 stocks.

January 06, 2015
Buying retirement plans? These options can be of great help
Insurance firms have designed amazing retirment plans to lure more customers.

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.

December 31, 2014
Victim of online fraud? Here's what you can do
The most difficult case for the consumer is when your card is cloned and used online.

December 12, 2014
Golden tips to invest wisely and save tax
Few options that can help you plan taxes wisely.

December 02, 2014
I-T returns filing is incomplete if you don't send ITR-V
If you are one of those who are relying solely on your chartered account friend for all income tax assessment submissions, make sure to check for the ITR-V submission to avoid any problem in the future.

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.

November 28, 2014
Balanced funds can work wonders for first time investors
Balanced funds may be a good option for first-time investors.

November 27, 2014
Guaranteed plans will give lower returns than FDs, debt
Life insurers are launching these again. Invest if you are conservative.

November 18, 2014
Don't miss Nov 30 deadline for sending tax returns verification
Not mailing ITR-V on time has many negatives. You might be fined Rs 5,000 a return for failing to file returns by the end of the assessment year.

November 10, 2014
Golden tips to maximise returns on investments
Subramaniam feels it does make sense to have some overlay in lump sum if one has the cash to do so.

November 05, 2014
Why you should choose a young nominee for your investments
A charitable organisation supporting a cause close to the investor's heart can also be a nominee.

November 03, 2014
Golden tips to build an emergency fund
An emergency fund, as the name suggests, is one in which you have three months to six months' salary.

October 30, 2014
How poor health can impact your long term savings
Experts have been talking about the perils of being uninsured or underinsured.

October 28, 2014
Things you should know before buying a health policy
Health insurance has almost 23 per cent market share in the general insurance space.

Keep these factors in mind before investing in mutual funds
Ask about the fund house's other schemes and how these have performed over time.

October 23, 2014
How to maintain a good credit score
Each enquiry could pull down the credit score by 5-10 points.

October 14, 2014
Festive season fails to cheer real estate sector
Delayed project delivery and unrealistically high real estate prices, which developers are unwilling to lower despite piled up inventories, have adversely hit the sector.

October 13, 2014
Stay invested in the markets to make money
A 'timing plus SIP' method could match the commitment of x in ordinary months and commit say, 2x or 3x in months where there has been a big correction.

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.

October 07, 2014
The new Insurance Bill will breathe life into the ailing sector
The new Insurance Bill will boost investment in the sector

October 03, 2014
10 mid-cap stocks that can give you attractive returns
More, many market gurus expect the Sensex to reach 30,000 levels by December and 40,000-45,000 in three to four years.

October 02, 2014
Investment advice: Try e-commerce for good returns
These stocks are overvalued and, therefore, one should not adopt a buy and hold strategy.

October 01, 2014
Fixed deposits may not give you higher returns in future
Slow credit off-take to put pressure on margins

September 30, 2014
Which one to opt for: Consumer or credit card loan?
A discount on the product may make a credit card loan seem cheaper than a consumer durable loan. But missing a payment in case of the former will mean exorbitant charges.

September 26, 2014
Applying for a home construction loan? Some important tips
The estimated cost breakdown is one of the most important forms in the construction loan package.

September 25, 2014
Balanced funds can give you attractive returns
Investors with moderate risk profile and investment horizon of over three years could look at investing in balanced funds.

September 19, 2014
Kashmir floods: An eye opener for buying travel policies
The shortest duration for which one can buy travel insurance is seven days.

September 15, 2014
Are realty investments in smaller cities profitable?
An analysis of the National Housing Bank's Residex shows from 2007 to now, almost all tier-II cities have seen their residential property prices appreciate by 45-120 per cent.

September 11, 2014
Benefits of buying insurance policy at an early age
Most policies have a 30-90 days waiting period, during which you will not be able to claim any hospitalisation expense, except in case of accidents.

September 09, 2014
Does paying rent means wasting your hard earned money?
Contrary to popular belief, it does make sense to live on rent in your dream house, and own a smaller property, says .

How to give your child a head start
The hard truth is that unless you start investing for your children in advance, in appropriate investment avenues, you are risking their future aspirations.

Ensure that your TDS reaches the Income Tax department
If not, an assessee might be charged interest for not paying TDS on time.

September 08, 2014
Fixed-rate home loans are back -- should you take them?
Despite intermittent attempts by lenders to come out with fixed rate home loan products, the high interest rates (as compared to floating rate home loans) ensured that they were not considered as a real option by consumers.

New PF rule may lower take-home pay
But increase in the statutory contribution will boost retirement corpus

Why FDs are still the most popular saving options
The interest rate on FDs hasn't changed much over the years.

September 04, 2014
Don't let your insurance policy lapse
Now insurance companies will train agents not only to get new business but retain existing customers.

6 investment mistakes you should avoid
Investors should diversify their portfolio to reduce risks.

September 03, 2014
Want to make money in the stock markets? Here's how!
Market experts say booking profits could be unwise. If you are nervous, go for dividend-yield stocks.

September 02, 2014
Going abroad? Don't forget your travel card
Travel cards are like debits cards-loaded with the currency of your choice or which the lenders offer.

Is this good time to invest in gold?
Gold prices have eased off in recent months after the formation of a new government bringing in positive sentiment back to the stock market.

August 28, 2014
Five best personal finance tools
Online and mobile based personal finance applications have gained importance over the past few years.

August 26, 2014
Don't do systematic investment in short-term debt funds
This works only for longer-tenured ones such as income funds, as the element of interest rate risk is reduced.

August 11, 2014
Why it's good time to scout for property
With prices unlikely to run up sharply, genuine buyers can start readying deals before the festival season starts.

August 04, 2014
Is it right to phase out insurance plans?
It is advisable to convert all investment plans into a paid-up one.

Why systematic investments in top equities make sense
It's also important to understand the rationale behind choosing particular stocks and when to sell.

July 25, 2014
Should you roll over your FMPs for 3 years?
One should base the decision on one's potential liability under the new tax rules.

May 21, 2014
Cashless motor insurance has limited benefits
Hurdles such as approvals for repair and fixed rates can make the process time-consuming.

May 09, 2014
Do you have an inoperative bank account?
The Reserve Bank of India has told banks not to levy penal charges for non-maintenance of minimum balances in any inoperative account.

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.

January 20, 2014
Beware! Ignorance can damage your credit history
There are organisations who help individuals to improve their credit health.

Financial blunders to avoid in a marriage!
There are a lot of things that a couple must clarify right at the onset of their marriage such as life goals and financial aims.

December 20, 2013
Reduce choppiness in debt funds with SIPs
In the last few months, the 10-year G-Sec has been gyrating sharply and has crossed the 9-per cent-yield mark four times.

December 16, 2013
Should you buy online term plans with high claim rejection rates?
Online policies are cheap because there is no agent's fee involved, other administrative costs of the insurance company are lower and, most importantly, these use the latest statistics for calculating premia.

December 03, 2013
Keep a lower exposure to the banking sector
While stocks are at cheap valuations, the volatility can be unnerving.

November 18, 2013
Keep records of transactions or face penalty
It is the duty of a tax payer to record all his/her transactions, to explain sources of payments made by him/her and to declare the true income in the returns of income filed every year.

How to keep your health insurance premiums low
Is the cost of medical cover too high? Opt for co-payments or deductible plans. Here's more on when they work the best.

October 21, 2013
A few popular alternatives to personal loans!
What if you could have an option apart from personal loan in times of crisis?

Cash back or reward points -- which one to choose?
Credit cards prove useful when making high value transactions.

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.

September 11, 2013
Travel insurance segment feels the pinch of rupee fall
The rupee, which has depreciated about 23 per cent since May, has increased the loss ratios for the travel insurance segment.

Why insurers don't want to cover weight-loss surgery
While there has been a rise in obesity reduction surgeries, it may still take time before health insurance cover is made available for these.

August 23, 2013
Why it's important to maintain a healthy credit record
If you score well in your credit report with anything between 700 and 900 points, your demand will be easily processed and approved.

August 06, 2013
Don't forget to file Income Tax returns
Not doing so might mean a penalty, not being able to revise returns or carry forward losses and forfeiture of interest on refund

July 29, 2013
Why one shouldn't delay EPF withdrawal
If your account is idle for over five years, there could be issues with acquiring EPF details.

July 19, 2013
Address your tax grievances the traditional way
I-T dept will soon issue a unique number to address your refunds and grievances. But the traditional route is still better.

July 08, 2013
Changing jobs? Declare past income to new employer
Ensure you don't get benefits that get reversed, while filing returns.

June 28, 2013
A health cover for diabetics
Group policies are more suitable for diabetics; these are negotiable & flexible.

June 25, 2013
No catastrophe insurance cover yet
In the wake of the natural disaster in Uttarakhand, the proposal for 'catastrophe insurance' is in spotlight.

June 24, 2013
Looking at MNC stocks? Think again
If you are not happy with the price offered at buybacks, you could be in for a long haul.

June 20, 2013
Indian hedge funds seek foreign money
With response tepid so far from domestic investors, these funds might soon approach FIPB for approvals.

June 11, 2013
Inflation-indexed bonds are disappointing
Debt returns are always negative for investors in India, unless they are willing to take huge risk

Extend your insurance cover on paid-up policies
After the policy gets paid up, opt for ETI plan if you wish to extend your life cover or take the reduced paid-up if you need cash in hand

January 21, 2013
How to build a better retirement kitty
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contribution should no longer be restricted to 12% of basic and dearness allowance, according to a recent circular.

Marriage, a licence for cheaper car insurance premium
Insurers have introduced new profiling parameters such as marital status, income and even ownership of flat.

Renting a bank locker isn't easy
Scarcity of space, high rentals and slow redressal procedures are all issues.

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.

June 27, 2012
Where should you invest? Stocks or MFs?
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Wednesday, stock market and investment expert Vinay Mahajan offered some valuable investment tips.

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

May 15, 2012
Markets volatile: Which stocks should one buy now?
Stock market and investment expert Vinay Mahajan offered some valuable investment tips

April 26, 2012
Here's what to do when the market is volatile
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.

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.

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.

March 22, 2012
How to invest smarly and be rich
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

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.

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.

March 15, 2012
Want to invest smart and be rich? Read this!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.

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.

January 05, 2012
Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, personal finance expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

December 29, 2011
Invest smart and be rich this New Year!
Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

December 22, 2011
Here is how to invest wisely and be rich
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, personal finance expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.

December 20, 2011
Want to invest wise and be rich? Read this!


December 01, 2011
Investment tips that can make you rich
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

November 17, 2011
Want to save smart and be rich? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

November 10, 2011
Golden tips to invest smart and be rich
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

November 03, 2011
How to invest smart and be rich
Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips during a chat on Thursday.

October 20, 2011
Want to invest smart and be rich? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

October 13, 2011
Want to invest smart and be rich? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

September 29, 2011
Want to be rich? Here are some valuable tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Thursday, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

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.

September 15, 2011
Some golden investment tips
Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips during a chat on rediff.com on Thursday.

September 08, 2011
Want to invest smart and be rich? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, personal finance expert Shailesh Multani offered some valuable tips

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.

July 28, 2011
Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

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.

July 20, 2011
Invest in companies with low debt
Three veteran investors, who, have braved the bad times, give their advice to retail investors.

July 11, 2011
Immovable property deals without PAN on I-T radar
Empowered CIB to play lead role in recovering tax evaded.

July 08, 2011
What is Electronic Clearing Service?
ECS is an electronic mode of funds transfer from one bank account to another.

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.

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.

May 31, 2011
Why financial planning is relevant
Majority of Indians do not feel a serious need for financial planning.

May 27, 2011
Investments that will make you rich
During an online chat on rediff.com, Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

May 19, 2011
Best investment options? Read this!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.

April 07, 2011
Some golden investment tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

March 31, 2011
Here's how to invest wisely to be rich
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

March 17, 2011
Last minute tax saving plan: Here are a few tips
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable tips.

February 07, 2011
Understand the MF returns formula
When the gain or loss in a portfolio is expressed as a percentage of the invested capital, it is known as the absolute return.

Want to save money? Make a financial plan now
A financial plan gives you a roadmap, which helps you take the right decisions and avoid expensive blunders.

How to set up a healthcare fund
It is important to be prepared with a corpus to meet expenses that arise suddenly.

February 03, 2011
Avoid impulsive buying, plan ahead
You need not compromise on your lifestyle spends. Just avoid impulsive buys and plan for big-ticket purchases in advance

Rate hike should not hurt cash flow
Rising interest rates can affect cash flows, especially long-tenure loan

Equity is not same as equity funds
Many get confused between investing in equities and equity mutual funds. They think equity funds are the same as equities or stocks

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.

December 30, 2010
Fixed income investors spoilt for choice in 2011
While, bank fixed deposit rates underperformed inflation, debt mutual funds schemes also could not generate positive inflation-adjusted returns.

December 27, 2010
Mutual Funds: High returns, low risk
Choose schemes correctly, and with a historical record. The rest is easy...

How tax saving bonds can help you
Section 54EC bonds give positive returns, despite a lock-in and tax on interest income.

December 13, 2010
Tips to plan for your child's graduate studies
If you can, invest in property to insulate your investments from inflation.

December 08, 2010
Protect your money with diverse investments
A 75:25 debt-equity investment strategy ensures no loss of principal, plus returns as well.

How to learn to live with inflation
The value of money will continue to be hit by inflation. The only way to counter it is by having investments that give better returns.

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.

November 15, 2010
Not using your bank account? You will be fined
If you fail to carry out any transaction for 24 months through your bank account, it can be frozen.

November 09, 2010
Investing in stocks? Get richer without losing money
Use a range of investment options to get an assured return even as you shelter your principal.

November 08, 2010
Don't worry about Sensex
Risk appetite should be the prime concern.

October 27, 2010
Profit booking in Esops can be taxing
With the stock market nearing its all-time high, the best way out is to sell them in tranches.

October 25, 2010
Should you pay for financial advice?
A good financial advisor costs money. But he takes the responsibility of ensuring your financial stability.

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.

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.

October 05, 2010
Loans? New agencies to ensure speedy approval
More credit bureaus to ensure faster dispute resolution.

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.

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.

September 27, 2010
Are pension products good for retirement?
Financial services and products are rarely evaluated rationally and thoroughly before a decision is taken

MFs: Why 5-star rating won't work always
If you thought high ranking was enough to invest in mutual funds, it's not.

Policy lapse? Check out the revival options
More than nine million policies with a combined risk cover of over Rs 1,00,000 crore lapsed in 2008-09, reveals the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda).

6 financial tools to secure your child's future
The following is a list of six financial instruments which parents can consider for building enough financial resources to take care of their child's future.

How to master stock market investments
Some tips to become a master of stock market investing

September 23, 2010
Financial planning: Some useful tips
It is good you have invested in the equity market with a long-term horizon of 10 years.

Investing? Consumer durables stocks bullish
While demand for consumer durables has been growing fast, investors need to be selective as stock valuations have risen even faster.

September 20, 2010
Bad investments? Curse your strategy, not luck
Avoid timing the market: A smart investor should follow a regular and disciplined investment approach.

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.

September 08, 2010
Private insurers to adopt PSU rates for cashless mediclaim
By packaging rates and stabilising costs, insurers expect to cut expenses.

Know more about these tax deductions
Would you like to save some tax money? Have you made use of all the tax deductions that the law provides? There may be eligible deductions in many of the expenses that you incur.

Which is the best credit card for you?
A credit card offers convenience and safety along with well packaged privileges and benefits. Here is an overview of various credit card types offered by banks.

September 07, 2010
What the new tax code unfolds for the taxpayers
The revised draft of DTC has proposed some major changes for the taxpayers. However, the changes in the revised draft are far from being the bold changes envisaged in the earlier draft.

Irregular income? Here's what you should do
Professionals with erratic incomes need to make lump sum decisions in terms of buying insurance and investing.

August 27, 2010
Income tax deductions that you must not miss
Knowledge of the income tax laws is indispensable. There may be tax deductions available that you may not be aware of.

New tax code: Hardly any savings for the salaried
Let's take a quick look at how the salaried class will be affected post the implementation of the New Direct Taxes Code in its latest avatar.

August 16, 2010
How to deal with debt carefully
Avoid long-term debt funds for the next couple of months and track the direction of interest rates till October.

Planning finance for disabled family members
Invest in the right instruments to ensure that disabled family members do not face any financial crunch.

Understand key words before investing
Intricate trading strategies, lots of jargon and arcane pricing formulae are what make derivatives' trading difficult to understand.

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. `

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.

August 05, 2010
Investment options for NRIs in India
ADRs are traded just like stocks.

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.

July 12, 2010
Paying taxes? Get the benefit
A taxpayer should ensure getting the benefit of all the steps taken on compliance.

Want assured returns? Be careful
Seek professional help to manage your money. But monitor the holdings and performance.

How to make money from forex trading
Forex trade can be a very profitable venture. But while the money market movements are small, they can hurt big.

Tax code change to hit payees
The changes to the original draft of the Direct Taxes Code are going to cost taxpayers, with the government planning to significantly alter the slabs.

July 07, 2010
Stock market: What are circuit breakers?
Circuit Breaker is a system to sustain sanity of the stock market

July 06, 2010
Now, check out more options for pension plans
Irda's new guidelines for pension plans guarantee returns, but the rate is too low to beat inflation

How good is the senior citizen savings scheme
Extend your scheme by three years, especially if you have not crossed the limit of Rs 15 lakh.

Credit card misused? You are liable to pay!
If the credit card limit is exceeded, it is your problem. And, that is true even if the card is stolen.

Investing? How to avoid mistakes
Most people starting their careers feel liberated that they are finally earning money and, can actually spend it without seeking it from parents. They forget several important things, saving for the future, creating a retirement corpus and taxes.

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.

June 29, 2010
Know your taxes to save better
Keeping a track of the latest developments will help you plan your investments wisely

Personal finance management tips for women
Women need to handle their finances differently from men because of the differences in the earning patterns and priorities that women set for themselves.

June 24, 2010
Real estate: How the new tax code impacts you
Here is a list of some of the noteworthy changes proposed in the draft code.

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.

June 08, 2010
Car insurance gets costlier on rising collisions
The special hit could be for 'own car insurance', better known as 'comprehensive motor insurance policy'. This covers damage for both, third party and self.

June 04, 2010
Rent an apartment or take company leased accommodation?
A company-leased apartment is treated as a 'perquisite.

June 03, 2010
What to do when markets are jittery
Buy on dips, redeploy funds and, most important, stay invested.

How tax on retirement corpus can hit you
Investors in the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF) and insurance plans for retirement have a reason to worry.

May 24, 2010
Mutual funds: Beyond returns
A look at stocks in the portfolio, corpus size and comparison with peers can help in selecting a fund.

Gold loan: A more precious debt option
The amount of documentation and the excessive verifications before your personal loan gets processed can be a nightmare.

Equity always pays in long-term
If you understand industry trends, invest in blue-chip stocks.

Going abroad? How to use cash
The challenge for individuals is to consider several other factors that determine the manner of usage of this amount.

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.

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.

May 19, 2010
New fund offers ride on reforms theme
Fund houses bet on growth, divestment and deregulation.

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.

May 17, 2010
How to define risks and rewards
Sharpe and Treynor ratios are important. However, there is no guarantee that future performance will resemble the past.

Tips to cut bank charges
Small charges might seem inconsequential. They can pile up, though.

Invest in these steady funds
The long-term track record is good for these funds.

MFs: Don't be confused by face value
When mutual funds change their unit values, investors think there is a real change. In reality, it is not.

May 14, 2010
A cheque is not just a piece of paper. Know more
It's imperative for you to know more about cheques to ensure that you don't end up losing your hard-earned money.

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.

May 12, 2010
Sensex: Expect 15% returns in two years
Though the bailout package for Greece brought some cheer to the global markets, doubts remain about how long the party will last and the impact on domestic markets.

How timing the markets can fetch better returns
Even in an idealised case, where two people make exactly the same decisions buying and selling the same stock on the same day, very different returns can result.

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.

May 10, 2010
Investing for good post-tax returns
Investors often get very excited when banks and companies offer returns of 8 per cent and 10 per cent because they seem extremely high.

Hurry! Invest in tax-saving plans now
If salaried, do early homework on your tax-saving investments.

Educational loans may get cheaper
Recently, there have been reports that the government is working on a scheme to offer education loans at a minimum rate of interest of 4 per cent.

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.

May 03, 2010
Selling shares? How to reduce your tax outgo
Are you aware of the impact corporate actions (rights issue, bonus, split, dividend) have on you from a tax perspective? If not, it is essential you understand the same so that you are able to minimise tax incidence and increase return on investment.

Learn to allocate between active and passive investing
Neither active nor passive investing style is an automatic winner; learn when to apply which and why.

A close look at taxation for gifts
While most non-cash gifts are taxable, How the I-T department values them is the tricky part.

Benefits of a demat account
A demat or 'dematerialised' account holds shares in electronic form, thus saving you the bother of holding shares in paper form.

Buying health insurance? Read your policy with care
Knowing the inclusions and exclusions of the insurance plan tells the coverage limit of your plan.

April 30, 2010
Get rid of loans, start investing
Bank employees will get a lumpsum that should be used to meet financial goals.

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.

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.

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.

April 21, 2010
Defaulted phone, power bill? You may not get bank loan
Banks might reject your loan application if you defaulted on your telephone or electricity bill, soon.

Right time to invest in short, 1-yr debt schemes
With the Reserve Bank of India raising the repo rate, reverse repo rate and cash reserve ratio by 25 basis points in the annual monetary policy, fund managers expect ultra short-term and short-term funds to continue to do well. However, if

April 19, 2010
Why telecom stocks are hot picks
Investors with a 3-4 year time horizon should pick up telecom stocks.

Investing: Be careful about paperwork
Neglecting the administrative work on an investment is a common mistake. It could prove costly

Keep adding to your wealth with SIPs
For building long-term wealth, financial planners always advise that the systematic investment plans (SIPs) in equity funds is the best way.

Earn more with these diversified funds
Higher than average returns, lower risk and a well diversified portfolio make these funds a sound proposition.

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.

April 15, 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.

Things to learn before you invest in stocks
A detailed analysis of the company's financial statements is important before investing in its stock

How to save yourself from credit card fraud
Here are a few things one can do to guard your credit cards.

A health insurance policy that covers you even after retirement!
Firm offers no-pain switch from company cover.

April 12, 2010
Why Sebi view on ULIPs is good for investors
Sebi has done a good job on regulating mutual funds so Sebi's move to regulate ULIPs may be a blessing in disguise for ULIP investors.

How daily interest on savings bank a/cs is calculated
From April 1, 2010, interest on all savings bank account deposits is being calculated on a daily basis, thereby earning account holdres higher interest income.

April 07, 2010
Tips to benefit from credit card reward points
credit cards offer card owners an opportunity to earn while they spend through reward programmes

Buy your dream home now
Buying a house it somewhat like a gamble. Knowing the market scenario is important to make a decision.

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.

April 05, 2010
Check out these funds for high returns
The investment strategy would revolve around structuring the portfolio so as to capture the positive price movements and minimise the impact of adverse ones.

Non-residents must obtain PAN for proper TDS
The department feels that the non-quoting of PANs by deductees is creating problems in the processing of returns of income and in granting credit for tax deducted at source, leading to delays in issue of refunds.

Rules to make stock market investment safer
Stocks with high dividend yield are preferable.

Banks offer innovative education loans
Banks are coming up with innovative products to attract B-school aspirants. Take your pick...

A loan with no frills, cheaper too!
Credit card owners can get a personal loan with little or no paperwork, and the rates are quite comparable.

Tips for investing in stocks
Individuals following this approach need to be more disciplined, optimistic and need some serious luck.

No PAN number? Tax burden to rise
Pan card has to be submitted for financial transactions. Otherwise, tax burden will go up.

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.

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.

March 30, 2010
The best time to plan your tax-saving investments
Is it ok to make tax planning investments at the end of the year? This article will address this question.

Tax: You can claim HRA and home loan benefits
Let us evaluate various possible situations an individual can find himself in and understand what the Income Tax Act permits him to do.

March 29, 2010
Tips for planning the perfect vacation
Summer vacations are fast approaching and tour operators are leaving no stones unturned to advertise attractive tour packages for various domestic and foreign destinations

Factors to consider before buying Ulips
Irda's advertisement is silent about the High cost of Ulips that all Investors should know.

Gold funds: Not so glittery
Gold fund of funds may not offer more than Exchange Traded ones

Reap double benefits by investing in debt funds
Debt fund investors get double indexation benefits. This lowers their tax liability

What to do when markets are going nowhere
The averaging down strategy works best, especially in a choppy market.

March 25, 2010
How to attain your financial goals via tax planning
Your financial plan will set objectives for you based on your aspirations, your lifestyle, your age group, size of family, etc.

March 24, 2010
Tips to avoid retired life financial crisis
Planning a suitable income source for post retirement years is very essential

Know your tax rules for a tension-free life
The rental income for a house and the capital gains from the possible sale of a house come under the "income from other sources"

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.

March 18, 2010
EPF Vs PPF: A foolproof guide
A provident fund is created with a purpose of providing financial security and stability to elderly people

Tips to make your MF investments a better bet
If you save regularly and you buy funds that fit your asset-allocation mix, you will do as well as, or better than, most professionals in the financial world.

March 17, 2010
Declare tax benefits to new employer
Otherwise, while filing returns, you may have to pay additional tax.

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.

March 10, 2010
Great mantras to unlock stock market riches
Formula plans can unlock the door to stock market riches -- by helping you, automatically, buying low and selling high. Check out how.

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%!

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.

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.

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.

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.

February 19, 2010
Teaser home loans: Here today, gone tomorrow!
Teaser home loans carry attractive interest rates and discount offers during the initial phase of the loan. After a specified time period, they relapse back to the then prevailing interest rates.

Of risk, investment and getting rich!
The quantum of bank deposits in India is a whooping Rs 41 lakh crore (Rs 41 trillion). In comparison the quantum invested by Indians in equity oriented mutual funds is a mere Rs 2 lakh crore (Rs 2 trillion).

Stopping your SIP now is bad strategy
One can equate SIPs to the recurring deposit.

Investing in mutual funds? Choose SIPs
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Wednesday, financial planning expert Trideep Choudhary offered some valuable tips.

Invested in stocks? Book profits regularly
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com, financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offered some valuable investment tips.

February 15, 2010
From April 1, more clarity on loan rates
Base rate system set to replace BPLR system for loan rates.

Direct Taxes Code: How you are affected!
The biggest impact of the new tax system is the significant widening of income slabs. According to this, people with annual income not exceeding 1.6 lakh (Rs 160,000) will not have to pay any tax.

Tips for investing in aviation stocks
Given that debt is a major problem for most airlines, investors with a medium-term horizon should look at them.

Filing tax returns? Read this
The salaried usually do not have any extra record and hence they need some special effort, otherwise they might end up paying interest for no payment of advance tax.

Strategy to invest in debt instruments
Compare the post tax returns and tenure of debt instruments before investing.

Stocks: How to get higher returns
A combination of quantitative and fundamental models can give higher returns with lower risks.

Need money? Take a loan against property
In the past one year, banks have actively beefed up their loan against property portfolio. Post October 2008 credit crunch, bankers looked for products that were secured and Loan against property (Lap) was an obvious choice.

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.

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.

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.

February 09, 2010
Is yours an Indian income? Here's what the taxman says
A look at what constitutes as Income on Indian soil and what is not from the viewpoint of the income tax department.

All you wanted to know about a flexi bank account
As the name suggests these bank accounts are flexible in the sense they give you the higher interest of a fixed deposit and the liquidity of a savings account.

February 08, 2010
SIP or VIP! How to decide?
Literally new to the market, VIP is available only with Benchmark MF.

All you want to know about TDS
The TDS collections account for 40 per cent of the total taxes collected in the country.

February 05, 2010
What is a flexi bank account?
Even the conventional banking industry is no exception to this new trend.

Need to control rude recovery agents
Some incidents make one wonder whether banks deliberately flout RBI guidelines on recovery, says S Saroja.

Divestment: Will the govt speed it up?
Divestment in India has been a painfully slow process. Will the government finally press the gas?

February 04, 2010
Here's how to find the right tax-saving option!
How about analyzing the right tax saving product for you? Want to know how? Read on.

February 03, 2010
Buying a dream house? Check these hidden costs!
Before you go for that dream house, know some hidden costs that can skew your budget.

Of controlling inflation and the Budget
One needs to wait for Budget 2010 to see how the best brains in the country are planning to face the immense economic and budgetary issues facing them.

February 02, 2010
Some interesting trivia on loans
Individuals who lent money on interest have played a major role in structuring our current banking system.

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.

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.

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.

January 25, 2010
Basics of filing income tax returns
If saving taxes is a cause for concern, filing tax returns is an equally worrying thing for most taxpayers. Thanks to the complex system of tax filing, with its various forms and exclusions that invariably change every financial year, taxpayers are left in the lurch!

Low-cost investment plans for your children
It's best to stick with a term plan and invest the balance in a low-cost investment.

Simple strategies for small investors
There are tools and methods to help ensure that you come out a winner.

How to save bank charges
There are various ways of reducing transaction costs by banks.

Taking a personal loan? Remember this!
Personal loans enable you to take care of immediate requirements without much hassle.

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.

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.

January 18, 2010
Glimpses of RBI's history
The Reserve Bank of India will announce the third quarter review of its Monetary and Credit Policy on January 29.

Start investing when you are still in your 20s
Managing money is something that most Indian parents are not very comfortable teaching.

January 13, 2010
Is your property on mortgage? Know your rights!
A look into the legal rights of the mortgagor or any encumbrancer during the mortgage and more importantly after pay up of the mortgage money.

Borrowing money? Choose the right repayment option
The biggest advantage is that choosing the right flexible repayment option would reduce your EMI load.

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.

January 11, 2010
Why SIP is the best investing style
SIPs worked better than other investing styles in the last 15 months, and you did not need to be an expert to succeed.

Investing? Check out these funds
The fund is a good pick for the conservative set of investors who want a good night's sleep, as compared to top-notch returns.

January 07, 2010
Spending lessons for singles
Use credit wisely, save, take insurance and sensibly invest in equities.

January 06, 2010
Use company car, decline its leased flat: Experts
There are a few things, though, that they can do from next year to ensure their tax outgo is lower.

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.

January 04, 2010
A pill for your investment woes
During uncertain times investors flock to pharmaceutical stocks. Here's how to evaluate them.

Will there be a boom in 2010-11?
If there is a boom in 2010-11, it cannot happen without the financial sector's participation.

Commodity stocks gave best returns in 2009
The BSE metal index tops the sectoral gainers list with an appreciation of 233 per cent.

December 31, 2009
Investing? Tips to get better returns in 2010
For an investor, gold is a necessity in the portfolio.

December 28, 2009
Home loans for NRIs
Indians living abroad are equally eligible for housing loans from banks here but with some riders.

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 .

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 .

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.

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.

December 08, 2009
Ramp up a financial plan for your child. Here's how!
"Planning might not yield best results but saves from the worst ones!".

Tips on how to build wealth from stocks
One can definitely have an investment plan such one can have a good night sleep in present without having to worry about the future. Read on...

Investing? Check these 4 new funds
These schemes are the Axis Equity Fund, Sundaram BNP Paribas PSU Opportunities Fund, DSP BlackRock World Mining Fund and the Fidelity Equity Fund

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 25, 2009
Two launches set the field for customer value
The minimum entry age for both plan is 18 years.

November 24, 2009
Futures & Options: Are they investments?
Futures and options are not investment tools. They are part of the broader tools called derivatives used for hedging of assets and to protect profits.

Is your company delisting? Know your rights as investors
Delisting in India is protected by one of the strongest laws in the world. According to the new Sebi delisting regulations, delisting can happen only in the rarest of rare cases.

Govt won't stop insurance agents' commission
Minister of state for finance Namo Narain Meena said 'No' in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha when asked whether the government is considering any proposal to discontinue insurance agents' commission.

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 12, 2009
Home loan: Benefit from prepayment
Public sector banks charge 1 to 1.5 percent as prepayment penalty on the outstanding loan amount and in the case of private banks it is between 2 and 4 percent.

How insider trading can impact you
Never invest in a company or an industry that you have never heard of even if you get a tip-off.

How safe is your money in banks?
Deposit insurance is a system in place in many countries including India that protect bank depositors.

Getting married? How a prenuptial pact can help
A prenupt could help cut down the exorbitant divorce settlement costs and also make sure that there is no bone of contention between the partners including a joint account when divorce happens.

Should children be allowed to handle money?
This whole thing about keeping children out of money matters was probably a wrong idea. Children have to be introduced to money and how it works. Children should be allowed to take money decisions, make mistakes and learn from them when we can still hold their hands.

Mutual fund transactions just a click away
The first phase of this online platform will be in place by March 2010

Indulge in sector funds, cautiously
Even if they are a small part of your portfolio, these funds can help reap rich returns.

November 10, 2009
Should you invest in gold now?
The best way to invest in gold is in a staggered manner, to take benefit of any sharp corrections that could come in it.

How to pick the right software: Tips for investors
For investors and traders, who want to do technical analysis, there are a number of software packages for intra-day charting and end-of-day (EOD) software.

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.

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.

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...

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.

November 02, 2009
Pre-payment penalty on loans? Banks under lens
Several banks and housing finance companies have come under the scanner of the competition watchdog for imposing penalty on pre-payment of loans.

Why it's risky to become a guarantor
Gauge your financial strength and the borrower's before sticking your neck out.

7 point checklist for investing in real estate
Investing requires discipline. One cannot blindly invest money without knowing what one is getting into.

October 30, 2009
Why you should invest in gold
The most compelling reason for putting money in gold is its role as a long-term or strategic asset.

Income statement: Understand the basics
As an investor understanding the fundamentals of the income statement will help you take an informed decision before buying new stocks.

Cash flow statement: What it tells you?
Here we will read about the basics of a cash flow statement, its different sections and what cash flow statement can tell you about a company.

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.

October 28, 2009
Opting for insurance? Term plans are the best
Financial planning expert Sailesh Multani offers some investment tips.

How you can cut your tax liability
Section 54 EC, if availed properly can bring several benefits for the taxpayer.

Why RBI policy may not hit common man
The monetary policy will not affect the common man directly in the near future. The increase in the SLR (to 25 per cent) does not have any impact as the scheduled commercial banks are already having the SLR at 27.6 per cent.

How you can profit from India's big tax-free haven
N J Yasaswy suggests two approaches to profit from this tax haven and how to spread the joy of tax-free gains to your entire family.

October 27, 2009
4 impacts of the RBI policy
The impact of RBI's monetary policy on the Aam Aadmi of India is going to be minimal.

October 26, 2009
How new tax code will hit savings schemes
Insurance receipts and other savings plans post Direct Tax Code.

October 23, 2009
Why invest in debt mutual funds
The average return from the top 15 debt mutual funds in the last one year has been 25.96 per cent.

Tips to invest in stocks and bonds
The world has changed with people changing from being cautious about their money to being better risk-takers.

All about offshore investing
Offshore Investing involves investing money in investment avenues in a foreign country rather than your home country. This is done through targeting benefits offered to investors by firms and governments across the globe.

Benefits and risks of strategic investment
Strategic investment gives the investing company access to resources at a fairly low cost.

The pros and cons of investing in fixed deposits
Bank deposits serve the purpose of preserving capital, which is the most wanted at certain times.

Forex versus commodity trading
Commodity trading and forex trading are two of the most popular ways to invest and two of the markets which are easiest to make money in.

7 myths about Swiss bank accounts busted
What many don't know is that Swiss banks are just like any bank in the world.

Exploring Public Provident Fund as an investment avenue
The purpose of the provident funds is to help people in their retirement periods. Hence the EPF and PPF are for long term savings.

Tax code from fiscal 2011-12: Pranab
The proposals in the code are only 'illustrative' and are open for discussion and there is no need to think that these 'have been decided,' finance minister Pranab Mukherjee told PTI.

Growth or dividend stocks: Which are better?
Usually, companies issuing dividend stocks that yield high dividends are sound, have high cash reserves and do not depend on large capital investments for their growth.

October 22, 2009
Understanding the risk profile of an investor
Risk can be related to market or any particular investment or an investor. In this article we discuss about risk profile of an investor.

Loans available, but not easily
Keep some cash in hand for tackling last-minute hurdles.

October 21, 2009
Borrowing to invest? Things to remember
Some points that you should remember when leveraging to invest.

Debit or credit: How to decide
Here's how do you decide whether to use your debit card or your credit card when you pay a bill at a retail shop, restaurant or any other establishment.

October 20, 2009
Paying the developer? Remember this
Do you understand the nuances of your payment plan to your developer?

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.

October 15, 2009
Know your credit worth and better it! Here's how
There are many advantages if you have a good credit score. You can get loans at lower rates of interest particularly for unsecured loans like personal loans.

Know about the penalties under Income Tax Act
This article tries to strip off the jargon and present the contents of the current act with respect to the punishments and penalties applicable to various offences as defined by the tax man.

Now, pay risk premium at will
Irda nod to policies with flexible premium, sum assured and tenure.

Move your money, manage it better
It's time to book a little profit and realign your portfolio according to your preferred debt-to-equity ratio.

October 14, 2009
Loan offers lend colour to the festive season
It is that time of the year when banks and finance companies lend color to the festive season by rolling out the red carpet for customers.

Gold: What you must know this Diwali
If you are in the market to buy some gold this holiday season, it is important that you spend the next 2 minutes reading this simple guide.

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.

October 12, 2009
The role of gold in your portfolio
Experts recommend that your portfolio must include up to 10 per cent allocation to gold.

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.

October 08, 2009
How banks disburse home loans
Banks typically fund about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the cost of a property

October 07, 2009
Floating rate loans to become more transparent
According to the latest move proposed by BCSBI, the member banks affiliated to the Board would have to make public the reference rate to which its floating rate loans are linked to.

Funds transfer: What you should know
The main differences between NEFT and RTGS are the time taken for transfer of funds and in the way it operates.

October 06, 2009
How to calculate your net worth?
Net worth takes into account both your assets and liabilities to arrive at the true picture of your financial status. It is the sum of all your assets minus your liabilities.

Buy or rent a house? How to decide!
Buying a house now makes financial sense, more so for the reason that buying a house would mean an asset that would keep appreciating in its value.

IPOs? Why you should be careful
There are all kinds of IPOs - the good, the bad and the ugly. But even though different IPOs are of different qualities, there are some general realities you need to keep in mind.

How foreign currency value can hit your investment
The returns in Mutual funds get adversely impacted by currency movements.

How to spot industries that outperform the market
It is usually better to buy those shares which are members of an industry group which is leading the market's move.

October 05, 2009
Why interest rates may soon rise
High inflationary expectations may lead to higher interest rates by end-FY10.

Cupboards don't give returns, invest smartly!
It makes sense to keep the same money, which you would otherwise put away in your cupboard, in a bank where it is more secure and can also get you returns based on a rate of interest.

October 01, 2009
Buying a second home? Read this first
Let us see some of the important factors that you should consider before buying your second house.

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!

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.

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.

September 25, 2009
How does a stock exchange function?
How many investors who play the markets regularly actually know what a stock exchange is, how did it come into being and its importance?

Tax truths about leave encashment
The tax rules for leave encashment are treated differently.

How to free yourself from personal loan
A personal loan is always a risky alternative finance with a higher rate of interest and it is better to close the loan as early as possible.

September 24, 2009
Why prices of same model cars vary
Ever wondered why the difference between a Santro Xing GL and a Santro Xing GLS was over Rs 30,000 although both looked the same?

Which car is ideal for you? A checklist
Planning to buy a new car? Confused as to what type suits you and which model to buy? This is a ready reckoner for models available in India.

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.

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.

September 21, 2009
Reverse mortgage: Income solution for sunset years
If banks offer a higher loan-to-value ratio, reverse mortgage will become more attractive.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

September 08, 2009
All about employee perks
With the abolition of the fringe benefit tax, it is back to the old perquisite tax.

September 07, 2009
Learn from your mistakes to master the art of investing
Listen better so you can learn better. Learn better so you can invest better.

September 03, 2009
All you want to know about Swiss bank accounts
This article aims at shattering some myths surrounding Swiss bank accounts.

Financial lessons from Thirukkural
The Thirukkural is an ancient non-religious literature that guides people on better living.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

August 24, 2009
Investing? Understand the profit-booking theory
Once you understand the common gaps and what they mean, you can profit by correctly assessing them.

Is a fixed-cum-floating loan good?
The initial fixed rate of interest is deliberately kept low to encourage more people to move towards such loans.

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.

August 20, 2009
Can bonds give more returns than interest rate?
Bonds are debt (loan) instruments with a typical coupon rate (interest rate) and term (time period). The issuer (borrower) is normally a company, a municipality, a large utility or the government itself.

Enter free, but pay to exit!
A look at the new entry load and exit loads for mutual funds.

How to make money trading chart patterns
Chart patterns offer a framework for analyzing the battle raging between the bulls and bears by providing a complete pictorial record of all the trading action in the market.

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.

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.

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.

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.

August 12, 2009
Check out these great short-term investments
For short-term investments, short-term FDs and floating rate funds are excellent options offering high returns.

Going bungee jumping? Insure yourself!
Well, if you are someone who craves adventure and indulges in activities like paragliding, scuba diving, bungee jumping and mountaineering, you may want to see what you can do about insuring yourself.

Simple tips for making a will
Making a will is one of the most important and integral part of personal financial planning.

4 steps to successful investing
Here is a set of actionable steps that you must keep in mind to help you with building your stock portfolio.

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.

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.

August 07, 2009
Buying mutual funds? 5 rules to follow
Mutual funds are the right way to invest in stocks and bonds for individual investors.

Is money market mutual fund for you?
Making MMMFs part of one's portfolio should bring the overall risk down but one also needs to look at when these funds could be more revenue-adding to the portfolio.

Motherland calling: NRI investments in India
NRIs are preferred borrowers in India and their assets in India and other property rentals are accepted as supportive income streams.

All you wanted to know about arbitrage funds
Arbitrage is a strategy that consists of concurrent buying and selling of equal or comparable securities from at least two markets in order to profit from the variation in their prices.

Want to invest in multiple funds? Choose FoF
An FoF is a mutual fund that invests in other mutual funds belonging to the same fund house or belonging to other fund houses.

Long-term debt funds can be a necessary evil
If you are looking to invest in this category of funds keep the following things in mind.

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.

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.

August 03, 2009
Money mantras for a happy married life
Religiously put aside 30 per cent of your earnings into carefully chosen investments. Spend the rest of the money, the way you want and please.

Indian money on a global tour
Still comparatively new, but the funds do broaden choice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 20, 2009
How to make money from stocks
Do not worry too much about index levels, high or low. Over 15, 20 or more years, it does not matter.

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.

July 16, 2009
Buying stocks? Go to sleep, wake up rich
Don't watch your stocks or mutual funds every day. Don't be influenced to trade by articles you read on the "hot funds to buy now".

July 15, 2009
It's time to start planning your future
The future is closer than you think. Pick targets early and give them the right kind of support to see your plans mature well

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.

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.

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.

July 09, 2009
10 rules for multiplying personal wealth
Paradoxically, to make personal investing really profitable, you have to realize there are also lots of things more important than money.

July 07, 2009
How Budget has changed your personal taxation
As far as personal taxation goes, there were positive changes overall, even if the magnitude might not have been as high as expected. Here are 7 changes that you will be affected by:

FBT gone? Your take-home pay may be less now!
Under the 2009-10 Budget, FBT has been abolished. While this is going to be received very favourably by the finance departments at companies, the impact on your personal finances might not be the most optimal for you.

Cash or no cash, pay the tax
Non-cash gifts to be taxed.

Rich get richer, rest get consolation
Windfall for taxpayers with income of Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) and above as the 10 per cent surcharge is abolished.

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:

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).

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.

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. . .

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.

June 30, 2009
Caught in loans you cannot repay? Read this!
Here are some helpful tips to follow in case you are in trouble.

Card tricks: Minimum balance or EMI?
So what do we do when the purchase is beyond the repayment capacity? We are presented with 2 options: Pay the Minimum Balance, or Convert the purchase into an EMI.

June 25, 2009
The perfect portfolio for loss-proof investing
Functional asset allocation recognises that there are three basic asset allocation categories.

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.

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.

June 22, 2009
Investing in stocks? Some must-knows
Signals to look for before deciding when to enter, lie low or get out of stock markets.

Understanding stock market jargon
Doing so can help you invest in the right stocks, says .

How does a daily SIP work?
A Daily SIP collects a small sum from an individual on a daily basis and invests it in the market. It operates like any mutual fund, where the disbursement and handling of the money is the fund manager's prerogative.

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.

June 17, 2009
9 great tips from stock market masters
Those who lack discipline, persistence and self-confidence lose the never-ending challenge of trading profits.

June 16, 2009
How does securities transaction tax apply to you
Securities Transaction Tax is applicable on purchase or sale of equity shares, derivatives, equity oriented funds and equity oriented mutual funds.

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.

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.

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.

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.

June 08, 2009
7 simple tricks to a happy financial life
Take the good out of both and ensure that our life is to the fullest, with the best of both worlds.

June 05, 2009
The dark side of Fixed Maturity Plans!
They are closed-ended funds, meaning you can invest in them only when they are open for purchase.

Elders need emergency kitty to back insurance
Buying a cover at a late age is expensive; the benefits, too, are limited.

8 key ratios to spot the right stocks
Want to enter the market? Learn the tricks yourself instead of depending on what the analysts say.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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?

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.

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...

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.

May 08, 2009
How do credit cards work?
Credit card is a powerful credit tool to help you tide over short term financial requirements.

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.

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.

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 .

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?

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.

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

April 15, 2009
10 golden rules for investing in stocks
Overcoming bouts of panic and greed in down and up market phases is not an easy matter to master.

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.

April 08, 2009
Investing in mutual funds? Some golden tips
Stay away from hot stocks and stick with the long-term performers that fit within your asset allocation needs.

April 07, 2009
All about business loans
One more option of sourcing funds is to obtain a loan against your assets, for example, a loan against property is especially useful for such purposes.

All you wanted to know about education loans
Here are answers to some generic queries that rise in regards to educational loans.

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.

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.

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. . .

March 30, 2009
Tips for investment planning
Investment planning needs to be done at the beginning of the year.

The perfect medical claim
Ensure maximum payout from the insurer when opting for a non-network hospital.

Key lessons in investing
Just because you work for a blue chip company does not mean that you should invest most of your money in it.

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.

March 26, 2009
Watch out for these 7 money facts!
Check out some basic truths about your hard earned money.

All about terror insurance
Terrorism insurance is insurance purchased by property owners to cover their potential losses and liabilities that might occur due to terrorist activities.

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.

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.

March 20, 2009
How to keep a small business afloat
If an economic storm has your business taking on water, we provide tips for bailing yourself out.

How to plan for unemployment
Job insecurity is a fact of life for most modern workers. The best way to deal with this challenge is to be prepared.

March 19, 2009
Your money: Why bonds are better than FDs
With fixed deposit rates coming down, bonds are once again proving to be an attractive investment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

March 02, 2009
7 golden ways to beat inflation woes
If finances are wisely coordinated, it can greatly help in controlling the continuous process of rising prices. To handle your finances during inflation, this is what you should do. . .

Investing? No TDS on these options
Investing in debt instruments requires careful attention.

How top-up insurance can help you
The top-up policy is cost effective for both users and companies.

Switching loans: Does it make sense?
In the last five months, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced four rate cuts, primarily to ease the liquidity crisis that has besieged the financial markets. These cuts have encouraged the public sector banks to slash rates.

February 24, 2009
What is contra investing?
This basic idea is to protect the downside when markets are falling.

Need help to settle credit card dues?
Banks are willing to help cardholders to settle dues.

Check out some cheap investment options
Cheap investment options that offer quick entry and exit.

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.

February 21, 2009
Best mutual funds to buy? Here's help!
In an hour-long chat on rediff.com on Friday, financial planning expert Vicky Mehta offered some valuable tips.

February 19, 2009
How HUF status can save you tax
Ccertain tax advantages are attached with HUF under the income tax and wealth tax laws.

February 17, 2009
How to keep your business going
Don't dig into personal reserves, avoid personal and short-term loans.

February 16, 2009
MFs that offer good pension plans
Pension plans by mutual funds have a three-year lock-in like ELSS.

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.

February 11, 2009
Best investment options? Here's help!
Investment expert Vinay Mahajan offered some valuable investment tips during a chat on Tuesday.

February 09, 2009
Does it make sense to buy a house now?
Both property prices and interest rates have fallen sharply.

February 05, 2009
8 ways to remain financially safe
Just being able to make your credit card payment doesn't cut it. Find out what does.

4 fatal financial fantasies
These dreams are likely to burst - and may blow away your financial future in the process.

5 tax-planning tips for salaried people
There is a need for salaried individuals to devote adequate effort to the tax planning exercise and be aware of the various benefits that they can avail of.

February 03, 2009
10 rules to earn most from your investments
There remains an elite group of investment professionals who manage to produce market-beating returns, year after year.

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.

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

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.

January 27, 2009
Financial indicators that matter
Ratios such as CAGR, PBV and PE of Sensex can help in investment decisions.

Mediclaim and critical illness policies: What you must know
Mediclaim, a health insurance brand offered by general insurance companies, is a reimbursement plan whereas critical illness insurance is a benefit plan that both life and non-life insurance companies offer.

Not planned your tax investment yet?
Tax-saving investments should be part of the overall portfolio, but if you haven't had the time till now, just concentrate on saving as much tax as possible, says .

January 23, 2009
Taking a home loan? Beware of these facts
These clauses are overlooked by most home loan borrowers and some of them eventually end up paying interest rates

January 22, 2009
All you need to know about Gilt Funds
Gilt funds are mutual funds that predominantly invest in government securities

All you need to know about life insurance
Without doubt, insurance products would rank among the most aggressively sold ones during the tax-planning season.

10 cost cutting tips for now
A penny saved is a penny earned

Best investments options? Here's help!
Financial planning expert Vicky Mehta offers some valuable investment tips.

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.

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.

January 15, 2009
The avalanche effect of compounding interest
The earlier you start saving for your rainy day (read retirement) the richer you will be when it finally arrives.

January 14, 2009
How to master a bear market
Learn how your portfolio should evolve to suit bear market conditions.

Factors that influence your loan rate
Let's take a quick look at what all these terms mean to see how they affect the loan interest rates.

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.

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.

December 29, 2008
5 great tips for investors
It's interesting how the investment scenario has radically changed over the last year or so.

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.

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.

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.

December 15, 2008
Why debt funds are a safer option for now
In the next 12 months, most sectors are likely to suffer.

How to get loan against home
Your house can be a good vehicle to raise cash.

Under 30? A great investment plan for you
But before you start doing so, make a simple mantra: Consistent investing with conviction.

December 08, 2008
Investing in stocks? Don't make this mistake
Calculating the percentage fall or gain is a wrong way of looking at numbers.

Insurance cover for terror? Here's help
Most life insurance policies cover terrorism. Even the process is often simpler.

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.

November 17, 2008
Why you MUST invest when the market falls
If you are investing with a three-year perspective, start now and invest more heavily at every fall, says .

Have a credit card? Get free insurance
Credit cards come with insurance covers that help in circumstances like accidental death or loss of goods, says .

Get rich with SIP
SIPs can give better returns in a volatile market because they gather more units over time, says .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

October 03, 2008
Your credit card fees may soon rise
Many banks have started upgrading their customers to platinum or titanium cards.

Home, life insurance is not 'wealth'
The strategic portfolio should be tinkered with only once in two or three years. Ideally, the trading part should not be more than 5-10 per cent of your total portfolio.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

September 02, 2008
SIPs: A long-term investment strategy
Investors often mistake SIPs as an investment avenue rather than a mode of investing in mutual funds

September 01, 2008
Is tax-planning on your 'to do' list?
Investors would do well to appreciate that tax-planning forms an integral part of their financial planning

Incurring losses? Don't be scared, here's help
Losses on various financial transactions can be set off against gains, which leads to reduction in tax liability.

Credit card: A few tips on balance transfer
Balance transfer gives you an opportunity to reduce the card burden. However, use this method judiciously.

August 29, 2008
SIPs: A long-term investment strategy
Investors should ideally invest via SIPs over at least 2-3 years.

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.

August 25, 2008
Should you convert credit card oustandings to personal loans
Converting credit card outstandings to a personal loan reduces the interest burden. But one needs to select the right tenure.

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.

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.

August 18, 2008
Paying EMIs on time, but still a defaulter!
Home loan documents have an important clause, which allows banks to ask for a lumpsum payment, if the property price falls below the loan value.

Beware! High returns are not always good
Outperforming the market is not a great signal for investors. A bit of caution needs to be exercised while investing in such instruments

August 13, 2008
Bear markets? Ulips are still a good bet
Falling markets have not spared Ulips, but their long-term mandate still keeps them worthwhile

August 12, 2008
Are structured products good enough?
Most investors believe that structured products are designed in a manner that equips them to deliver superior returns

The whys and hows of investing in SIPs
Regular investment is the key to reaching a financial goal, irrespective of the waves in the equity market

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.

August 06, 2008
Having second thoughts about your ULIP?
ULIPs combine the benefits of an insurance policy and a market-linked investment

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

July 14, 2008
How to earn high returns on bank deposits
Debt instruments of a long-term nature could help you to tide over this difficult period. Here's why.

Of tax sops, inflation and home loans
The finance minister's tax giveaways are what have saved tax-payers from the impact of inflation and higher home loan rates.

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.

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.

June 30, 2008
5 common investment dilemmas
These dilemmas are usually a result of the lack of knowledge among investors about various investment options

June 28, 2008
Is DSP ML Balanced Fund a good buy?
DMBF has succeeded in delivering an impressive showing across the risk and return parameters vis-a-vis peers.

June 26, 2008
Shaky market? Here's what you should do
When everyone around you is losing his head, it's a good time to keep yours

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

June 24, 2008
5 reasons to sell your mutual fund
It is important to note that the 'right time to redeem' does not mean that there is a timing element involved over here.

June 23, 2008
Investing in stocks is NOT gambling
It's high time that those who think stock investing is a game of luck, overcome their misconceptions and fear.

June 18, 2008
4 great tips for safe investing
Building an investment portfolio requires the investor to put in a fair degree of thought and time

June 16, 2008
Retiring? Some quick money tips
once you actually retire, it becomes even more important to choose the right instruments to park the accumulated funds.

Banking funds are good for every portfolio
BSE Bankex has delivered an annual return of 35 per cent

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

May 20, 2008
Becoming a crorepati is not that difficult
All you need is a well-defined investment objective and a plan to get there.

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.

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.

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

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

May 12, 2008
How to tackle rising interest rates
As if any proof was needed, the spate of Cash Reserve Ratio hikes clearly underlines the Reserve Bank of India's intention to clamp down on inflation before the situation deteriorates any further.

Want to buy a term plan? Well, best of luck
Buying a term plan from insurance firms and finds it a tad difficult.

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.

May 07, 2008
5 mutual fund myths debunked
In the mutual funds segment, not everything is what it seems.

Index funds fast losing the low-cost edge
Index funds - the so-called passively-managed funds - are no longer a low-cost affair.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

April 11, 2008
Safe investment? Hold 5% of assets in gold
However, for those investors, who are simply looking at earning a return inline with the markets, index funds are great.

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.

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.

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.

April 05, 2008
SIPs vs active investing: Which is better?
Investors must remember that merely investing through SIPs will not deliver the results.

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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