GOLD: Best investment or ultimate BUBBLE?
Investing (or not investing) in gold may be a function of whether you're betting on or against the global economy. Investing advice from the Man Who Foresees Disasters
Famed investor Jeremy Grantham wrote the 'The Longest Quarterly Letter Ever' to his investors recently. Here are some highlights. The top 10 reasons why PPF is an ATTRACTIVE investment!
Some basic facts about PPF and also what makes it an extremely attractive investment option. 5 GREAT investment options when interest rates FALL
Attractive investment options available in the current market for retail investors. 6 reasons why Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire
Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg deserves the position because he dreamed it, planned it and worked it out. Term insurance vs endowment plan: Which benefits you more?
Here's why term insurance always scores over endowment plans. Stock markets CRASHING? No problem. Try STP
Current stock market volatility is making investors wary. There is no clear direction as to how markets will pan out over the next couple of months. In such times, a staggered approach to investing can be a good option. Here's how SIPs will make you RICH!
This tried-and-true investment method not only protects capital but also makes money for you. It helps investors navigate volatile markets and avoid emotional investment decisions. How to become a financial planner
The future presents ample opportunities to financial planners and advisors to launch themselves into various corporate and entrepreneurial assignments. Investing in stock markets now? AVOID these 4 MISTAKES
Or how you can be on top of your stock market strategy and make money. Why you should not buy these 5 insurance plans
You may easily skip buying these insurance plans without losing much. Buying any kind of insurance product, after all, should be based on your needs, feels Amit Sethi. Is your mutual fund's RETURN worth the RISK?
There's more than meets the eye when it comes to a mutual fund's returns. Here's how you can check a fund's risk-adjusted return. How to AVOID paying TDS on fixed deposits
There are in fact four easy ways to earn interest on fixed deposits and keep it too. Why you should save and invest money?
To beat inflation and maintain living standards as time passes not only is it important to save and invest but equally important to do so wisely. How many mutual funds should you own? Find out
Morningstar conducted a study to find out the number of funds you should own in your portfolio. Here are some interesting findings. MUST READ: 10 things to know before filing tax return
Taxmantra has come up with few points which should be kept in mind before filing income tax return. This will enable you to file return without any encumbrances. Switching your home loan lender? Read this first
Readers' queries on when, why and how to change their home loan lenders answered. GOLDEN RULES to invest in gold and silver
How should investors go about investing in gold and silver? Here are some simple rules. EXISTING home loan customers, REJOICE! Here's why
With ICICI Bank amongst country's three topmost lenders already offering better home loan rates to existing customers post RBI's 0.5 per cent cut in repo rate in April, competitors too are likely to follow suit. Govt's latest tax-saver: Don't invest before reading this!
Should taxpayers invest in Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme to save tax? How much tax will they actually save? And what are the pros and cons you should check out before going for this scheme? Salil Dhawan offers his take. How to spend your money wisely
While many individuals focus most of their time and energy on learning how to earn more money, it is important to note that without learning how to spend the earned money wisely along with the discipline of saving and prudent investing, they may not be able to create a promising future for themselves and their families. How to hedge your risks against health hazards
How to hedge your risks against health hazards The last thing on your mind at the beginning of a new financial year is planning for your health hazards, but then, couldn't the need for it arise for anyone, at any time? Here are some useful tips on how to hedge your risks against health hazards. Filing IT return with multiple Form 16s
Stuck with multiple Form 16s from a number of employers you switched during the course of a financial year and don't know how to file your income tax return? Here's help Running HUGE CREDIT card bills? Here's why
A look at how finance charges and other fees are calculated on your credit card expenses. DEFAULTED on a LOAN? Here's what to do!
First of all, do not PANIC and do something drastic. There are various ways to get out of the debt mess that you could be in. Buying gold this Akshaya Tritiya? What you must know
Here are some significant facts about Akshaya Tritiya and options available to buy gold. Online insurance: Important dos to buy the RIGHT policy
Carefully observe these important steps before you hit 'buy' to buy an online term insurance policy. 4 ways to secure your online banking transactions
Four tips to enjoy a secured online banking experience. Repo rate cut: Expect only TOKEN CUTS in home loans
Home loan consumers shouldn't rejoice yet expecting a cut in their home loan rates, feels Harsh Roongta, CEO, Apnapaisa.com, a day after the banking regulator Reserve Bank of India cut the repo rate by 0.5 per cent. 4 reasons why your savings account earns more for you now
Let us discuss what has made your savings bank deposits a worthwhile avenue to park your funds now. UNFRIENDLY credit card CHARGES you must know
Be careful about what and how you spend using your credit card while travelling abroad. REVEALED: Six secrets to reduce your car loan EMIs
A look at few things about car loans which can save a lot of money for every car loan customer. Filed income tax online? You are NOT DONE yet
Now that you know what you must do BEFORE and WHILE filing income tax returns online, here's what you must do AFTER you have filed returns online. DON'T file your TAX return online before reading this
Filing income tax returns in a hurry without adequate information about the procedure could add to your woes. A dummy's guide to set you FREE from DEBT
In spite of steady, regular income there are many individuals who live paycheque to paycheque, carry their credit card outstanding, and fail to save anything for retirement. If you belong to this tribe, now is the right time to take urgent action. Now, SECURE your INSURANCE policies in demat form
Just like investors holding dematerialised shares with depository participants, individual insurance policyholders will be able to stack their insurance policies too in electronic form very soon, thanks to some path breaking initiatives by the insurance regulator, Insurance Regulatory Development Authority. Now, using credit and debit cards will COST you LESS
Move over Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Here's an indigenous, cheaper alternative that will not only benefit Indian banks but Indian who use debit cards and credit cards to make payments. Study Abroad: Cough up more security or top-up your loan
The new visa norms mean a student's budget goes up by Rs 4-5 lakh on average, besides the rupee volatility. Co-branded debit cards: How GOOD are they?
Debit cards have been increasingly gaining importance as well as acceptance amongst Indian customers. The Indian customer being more of conservative in attitude finds better cash management with the debit card. The increased usage of debit cards led to the advent of co-branded debit cards. But are they any good? Budget 2012: 8 ways it impacts the SALARIED
Budget 2012 announced by honourable finance minister Pranab Mukherjee will have impact on individuals also: salaried individual as well as self-employed. In this write-up we have tried to summarise various amendments which would have impact on them. Simple ways to SAVE and become RICH
Money earned is money saved. But the question we face is why to save and how to save? We try to answer the two questions in some simple ways. Banking online? TOP 6 MALWARE you should be BEWARE of
These can filch your passwords, deplete your bank accounts and even infiltrate highly secure bank web sites. What you need to know about mobile money transfers
Salil Dhawan of Investment-Mantra.in evaluates Airtel Money -- a mobile money transfer service started by mobile service operator Bharti Airtel. How to manage money while travelling abroad
Do you often travel abroad on business or leisure? Here's a simple guide to help you keep a track of how much you spend, swipe and withdraw from international ATMs. Get the BEST possible deal insuring your car!
Some common factors which are taken into consideration while deciding insurance premium. Budget 2012: A perfect GIVE and TAKE!
Financial expert Anil Rego feels that there is nothing much Union Budget 2012-13 offers to the taxpayers. Budget 2012: What is in it for YOU?
Should you be popping the champagne or perhaps sulking around? Salil Dhawan decodes the budget and tells what it has in store for people like us. MUST READ: Why Budget 2012 disappoints the salaried class
Salil Dhawan lists out the many disappointments that this year's Union Budget has for the salaried class of people. BUDGET: A start-up's open letter to Pranab Mukherjee
Moulya Software's founder Pradeep Soundararajan in an open letter to finance minister Pranab Mukherjee pleads for a budget that would encourage start-ups to become tomorrow's Infosys, Tata and Reliance. Direct Taxes Code: A game-changer for taxpayers?
Financial and tax expert Anil Rego of Right Horizons has his doubts. How to SECURE your child's financial future
A look at some investment options available for planning your child's future. Banking online? How to avoid identity theft
A look at the features of your password protection policy that compromise online decit/credit card transactions and how to secure them. Tips to OPTIMISE your take-home salary
With the tax-filing season upon us here's a quick recap of what salaried employees can do to minimise their tax liability and increase take-home salary. Top 5 BEST value-for-money smartphones above Rs 20,000
Here are five smartphones that offer best performance for every buck spent. Why you should BUY bank stocks in 2012
Why the banking sector is so very important for the economy, its performance in the year 2011, key challenges in the year 2012 and why it can be a turnaround story in the year 2012. 6 tips to manage your financial problems
Six issues affecting your financial management and their possible solutions. Top 5 apps to calculate your tax for FREE
Here are apps for Android and Symbian platforms that will tell you all about Indian tax laws and also help you calculate your tax liability. These investments will give better returns than FDs
Now that interest rates are headed downwards fixed deposits will no more be attractive to investors. Stock markets too have run up too fast since January 2012. Here are some alternatives to earn higher and relatively risk-free returns. The pros and cons of personal loans
Personal loans are just not about goodies. There are costs too. 7 lessons for investors as stock market rallies
In case you have missed the bus again -- like retail investors in the stock markets often do -- here's what you must keep in mind even as the stock market rally continues. Real estate hotspot: Trends in Ahmedabad
In the third part of the series on real estate hotspots in India, estatelister.com highlights why Ahmedabad could emerge as a long-term investment bet. Are you adequately insured? Here's how to find out
People end up buying insurance policies assuming they are securing their family's future but little do they realise that their choice of policy is often not right and they are often grossly under-insured. 7 financial facts you must know about your Valentine
Know these facts about your Valentine to keep bitter surprises away. Most promising real estate hotspot in Pune
In the second part of this series that identifies fastest emerging real estate hotspots in India, Estatelister.com explains why Kharadi, close to Pune Airport in Maharashtra, is emerging as a new investment hub. How to stop financial leaks and save more
Invest the amount you BURN every month on smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and eating out at luxury hotels according to this plan. The end result: Better health and higher savings. Treat stock market falls like discounts. SIP on every dip
When markets crash it is indeed time to be cautious. But here's why and how buying makes sense at such times. Investing: 6 things you wish should happen in 2012
The first month of the New Year began with a bang for the stock markets. Here are six other things we wish should improve for investors, borrowers and savers as we go ahead. A roadmap for smart investors in 2012
Should investors buy stocks, debt, gold and real estate in 2012 after a forgettable 2011? Read this to find out. Have a bad credit history? Here's a loan just for YOU!
Just because you have some blemishes on your credit score card or an uneven income stream shouldn't disqualify you from getting a personal loan. Buying real estate at property fairs? Beware!
Here's what you must watch out for while inquiring about real estate deals at property exhibitions. 4 reasons CONSUMERS should look forward to 2012
Here is a quick go-through of the four biggest decisions on consumer rights in the year 2011 that augur well for them in 2012. How to make good use of your annual bonus
A list of financially prudent things (in the order of priority) that you can do with your annual bonus. Financial planner vs adviser: Know the difference!
There is a real confusion among investors over who a financial planner is and who an investment advisor is. These terms are used very loosely, so it is necessary that one understands the function of each of these professionals and approach the right people. 4 reasons why India is a good country for education loans
Last year the Indian government came up with many proposals for modifications in the existing education loan system. These proposals are helping students seek education loans on better terms. Tax benefits under Sec 80C, 80CCF, 80D, 80G and 80E
There's more to tax0-saving than just Section 80C. The other sections mentioned here too offer good tax deductions to taxpayers. How to prevent cheque frauds
Even in this electronic age cheques are still the preferred mode of payment and banking transactions. Naturally, cheque frauds are rising too. But you can easily prevent them. How to make your money work hard and earn good returns
Asset allocation, is actually both an art and a science. Here's how to make the most out of your asset allocations to various sectors. Organise your financial life, keep a record online
People may make right financial decisions but unless backed by efficient record keeping, the task is only half done. The importance of effective record keeping cannot be undermined. Here are a few tips to help keep your financial records in order. Why you must invest in ELSS funds
Find out why equity linked savings scheme is the best investment option for tax savers, why it is a favourite of tax-savers, what factors you must to consider while investing in ELSS mutual funds and how to choose them. 5 reasons you shouldn't invest along the Yamuna Expressway
In the second part of the series on real estate investments in and around various hotspots in India we take a look at the Yamuna Expressway. Estatelister.com gives five reasons why the Yamuna Expressway will not turn out to be a multi-bagger in the next five years. Savings rate war: Don't switch your bank
With a slew of banks alluring customers with 6 to 7 per cent annual return -- instead of the staid 3 to 4 per cent -- on savings account deposits, customers are confused if they should switch their account to these banks. Salil Dhawan of Investment-mantra suggests you should not. Pay insurance premium smartly and save extra money
Paying the insurance premium annually under this strategy will provide Rs 1 lakh extra by the time your policy matures. 5 financial blunders to avoid and become richer in 2012
Most investors sell in panic, act like a trader, don't understand the difference between price of a stock and its value, are not consistent in their investment strategy and deviate from their asset allocations that leads to wealth destruction, writes Ramalingam K. Most promising real estate hotspot in Navi Mumbai
Here's a series that will help you understand the factors responsible for why some areas in India are fast emerging as real estate hotspots and help you make informed choices while investing in real estate. Studying abroad? Why you MUST insure your education loan
While the murder of an Indian student in UK in December 2011 can never be condoned the incident brings to forefront as to why Indians going abroad for expensive higher education must insure their education loan. A dummy's guide to understanding insurance riders
A brief evaluation of what insurance riders are actually about and which one of them could be most appropriate for you. 4 reasons why a FALLING rupee means EXPENSIVE homes
While high interest rates, huge inventory of unsold stock is making one feel the prices of homes would come down, a fall in the Indian rupee over the past four months is making your dream homes expensive. Here's how. Buying insurance ONLINE? A must-read 7-point CHECKLIST
Do you think that buying term insurance online is a headache one must avoid? This 7-point checklist will help ease your anxiety. Top 5 mutual funds to watch out for in 2012
The top five recommended ELSS based on Fundsupermart.com's in-house research methodology. Top 10 personal finance news that affected your money in 2011
Here's a summary of top financial events that affected your money directly in 2011. A GUIDE to different types of credit cards
12 types of credit cards you must know of and when you become eligible to own one. Investing in stocks: TOP 3 sectors to watch out for in 2012
2011 was not a particularly bullish year for Indian stock market investors as the Sensex reported a fall of 23 per cent. While 2012 too begins on a pessimistic note, Salil Dhawan, editor, Investment-Mantra, suggests three sectors that could provide decent -- if not stellar -- returns in the New Year. 9 mutual funds that survived the market crash in 2011
Here's what helped them stand tall amidst a falling market and what you can expect from them in 2012. 5 things we hate about Indian customer care services
As the people on the other side who suffer the interaction with customer care service agents, here are 5 things about Indian call centres that leaves us exasperated. 8 financial resolutions you should keep in 2012
As 2011 rings out, it is time to reflect on the year gone by. It is also the time to look forward to the New Year. Use this year-end to review your financial scorecard for 2011 and make necessary changes to create an action plan to improve the score in 2012. 5 GOLDEN RULES of retirement planning
Retirement planning is a long-term goal. Follow these well chalked out rules that will help you retire early. Buying resale property? 9 things you must know
Buying a resale property involves many legal and other procedural requirements. It is prudent, therefore, to first understand the various procedures and safety measures for buying resale property to avoid hassles in future. Here's why you must have an emergency fund
Being ready to meet a financial emergency is an integral part of financial planning but is often ignored. Here's why you must have an emergency fund. How to choose a traditional insurance plan
The traditional insurance plan is complex and difficult to understand when compared to the ULIP. In this article, we will discuss the important points that need to be looked before choosing a traditional insurance plan. Nokia Money: Is India ready to switch to mobile payments?
Nokia Money works with basic feature phones. It allows most basic monetary transactions ranging from mobile top-ups to ticket booking, without the necessity of having a bank account. But are we ready? Five HOTTEST real estate cities to watch out for in India
Siddhesh Joglekar, founder of Estatelister.com lists out reasons why these five cities could emerge as the best real estate investments in the New Year. 9 tips to close your home loan in the New Year
Here are a few useful recommendations to help you close your home loan early and save on interest costs. Single? Simple investment tips to make YOUR life easy!
Follow these and you will find yourself in a comfortable financial situation. How this AMAZING technology will revolutionise the way we pay!
Get Ahead reader Manmohan Singh explains how NFC technology will revolutionise the way we make secured payments. How to make the most of the Insurance Ombudsman
Insurance Ombudsmen are officials, who can solve all your insurance related woes and queries in an efficient and effective manner. Here's how to make the most of this dispensation. 7 important income tax documents you MUST know of
Here is a quick guide to help you understand the typical documents and forms required for filing returns. A clear understanding helps you to file your returns correctly and accurately. 7 insurance myths debunked
Remember insurance is, first and last, a safety mechanism for your dependants. Let not these insurance myths jeopardise your family's future. 10 money lessons to learn from 2011
As 2011 comes to an end, we take a look at crucial money lessons we learnt during difficult times of 2011. These lessons will keep you in good stead if the difficult times continue in 2012. QUIZ: The difference between personal and credit card loans
Here are ten questions to test your knowledge of personal loans. Take this quiz to understand why individuals should take special care while opting for personal loans. Must read: What happens when a cheque bounces?
Read on to see what trouble a dishonoured cheque (that is, a bounced cheque) can cause you. Five most important personal finance ratios you must know
Let's look at some of the ratios that individuals should track to ensure they do not end up in financial distress. 8 money tips for those planning to get married
Planning to get married in 2012? Here are eight things you must know before you say 'I do'. Is your partner cheating financially on you? Find out
Here is how you can find out if your partner is guilty of financial infidelity. Taking an auto loan? Crack this quiz first!
There are many factors that govern auto loans. Take this quiz to find out just what you know and must know about borrowing money for a new car. How to prepare an investment statement
Here are certain important aspects you must know before preparing an investment policy statement. Buying health insurance? 11 exclusions you must know
Know when these come into play before buying a health insurance policy. Want to trade in global stock markets? Read this
Hurrah! Indians can invest in global derivatives markets now. Let's try to figure out how exactly this arrangement works and how an individual investor can gain from this opportunity. 11 money lessons for college students
Let's have a look at some significant money lessons for students to help them become financially successful. Buying a laptop? 9 things you must know
Depending on your usage, here are nine things you must know before buying a laptop. Four reasons why YOU don't make money in stock markets
In the last 10 years, if you had invested Rs 1 lakh 10 in the BSE Sensex, you could have made Rs 5.14 lakh today. But did you? Here are the reasons why... Quiz: Test your home loan knowledge
How well do you know your home loan. Take this quiz and find out. Want to file a case against recovery agents? Here are 5 tips
Polite to the point of sounding subservient and sugar coated in their approach while selling a loan to a customer, your bank can suddenly take on the avatar of a ruthless Shylock, after your pound of flesh, in the form of these recovery agents. Here, then, are five tips to file a case against these recovery agents. SIX reasons why property prices WILL NOT fall in your city!
Siddhesh Joglekar, founder of Estatelister.com lists out reasons why there is little chance of property prices falling in your city. How to invest in banking stocks
Five ratios you must know before putting your money into banking stocks. 10 effective ways to spend less money
Here are some small changes that you can bring about in the way you use money to help you effectively curb impulsive spending and yet not make you feel as if you are restraining yourself. Workshop on 10 investment mistakes and how to avoid them
A workshop on 10 common mistakes that most investors make and how to avoid them to be conducted by Harsh Roongta, personal finance expert and CEO, ApnaPaisa.com on November 25. Buying real estate? Keep your eyes open for these hidden costs
From the time you check out a property and sign on the dotted line the price of your dream home could well cost you 25 per cent more. Here's why... Infosys or TCS: Which is better investment bet in IT sector?
We evaluate both the IT majors as against recent growth parameters. Read on. 18 ways to reduce car insurance premium
The following tips will help you choose the right car insurance and save money in the process. How to educate your children about money
It's important that your children, as they grow, should understand the value of money. Here, then, are some suggestions to teach your children how to save and spend money. 'Gold in any form is a great investment'
TV actor Yashashri Masurkar shares her money mantras. Here's how to avoid credit card frauds
How crooks try to trick the system and defraud credit card transactions and how you must protect yourself from such scams. How to calculate return on endowment and money back plans
Though insurance is primarily a risk mitigation tool, many people use insurance for the purpose of long term investment. Here, then, how to calculate returns on your insurance investments. Top three ways of increasing your take home pay
How to use the various components of a CTC to our advantage and hence not pay higher tax. Why health insurance is important in financial planning
Why one must take health insurance seriously to achieve the best in financial planning. How to calculate your life insurance coverage
There are different ways in which you can calculate the life insurance coverage. Here are some simple ways to find out your life's worth. Know your RIGHTS as an airline passenger
This article provides details of the new policy made by Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding compensation for cancelled flights. 8 tips to make the most out of your mutual fund
Investing in mutual funds is a challenging task. Here's what you must know before you start your mutual fund investments. 'The perfect way to ruin a friendship is to lend money'
Film and television actor Arif Zakaria shares his tips on money and relationship mantras. How not to get CHEATED by your stock broker
We discuss some basic tips to follow while dealing with stock brokers so that a financial crisis is avoided in future. Zoya Akhtar: Do what you love, money will come
The director of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara shares her take on life and career. Should you buy gold NOW?
Gold prices are again moving up after a downward slide. But will this upward movement sustain? More importantly, should you buy more of the yellow metal now? Here's the answer. 6 must-know ratios to make money in stocks
Six ratios that give investors a better picture of the health of the company that they plan to invest in and make money. 'I was wrongly advised by my bank relationship manager'
Singer Shibani Kashyap shares her money mantras, credit card dos and don'ts, her first salary and investments and what she plans to buy this Diwali with Rediff.com. 6 financial planning myths demystified
Here are 6 financial planning myths debunked to help you make a successful financial plan. 'The first time I bought gold'
Tell us about your first experience buying/investing in gold. Do women make poor money managers? NO!
Here's the biggest myth of the financial world: Women make poor money managers. If anything, the argument has swung in favour of the fairer sex in the midst of this global financial crisis. Here are 5 rules then that women investors must always follow. TV star Romit Raj: How I invest my money
TV actor Romit Raj of Gharki Laxmi Betiyaan fame shares his money secrets with Rediff.com. Withdrawing cash from ATMs? Know your rights
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when you're using an ATM. How to earn AMAZING returns on your fixed deposit
Can't believe that your humble fixed deposit investment can ever give you a return of 23 per cent per annum? Well, you need some simple math, some smart jugglery and the numbers add up. Four tips to spend your annual bonus smartly
Do not splurge your annual bonus or luxuries. Instead plan how you can optimise it to meet your long-term goals. Lessons to learn from losses made by this MF investor
Learn how not to make losses by learning your money lesson from mutual fund portfolio of an investor. Buying term insurance? A must-read checklist
A bird's eye view of what you should check out before buying term insurance policies. The ABC of pre-approved loans
Almost every day banks use tele-marketing executives to sell pre-approved loans to prospective borrowers. But do such loans actually make sense? And how minimal are the formalities? Insurance portability: Follow a wait and watch strategy
Now that insurance companies are offering portability the one question uppermost in every mind is: Should one opt for it? While it is too early to provide an answer in black and white the best strategy policyholders could follow now is wait and watch, says Salil Dhawan. Six factors to consider before investing in IPOs
Looking at the history of IPO success and failure stories, you would be smart to first fully understand the various aspects behind such offerings and makes the right choice to invest or not in IPOs. 10 things you must ask your life insurance agent
Here are 10 things you must ask your insurance agent to ensure you buy a policy that is most suitable to you. Decoding your restaurant bill
Have you ever faced terms such as 'service tax', 'VAT' and 'service charge' while eating out at a restaurant. However, instead of asking the restaurant authorities about these terms and their application, have you simply paid up to avoid any potentially embarrassing social encounter? Fear not, after reading this article, you won't face any such problems again. All you need to know about tax deduction on LTA
Read the illustration here to find out how you can milk your LTA benefits to the maximum. EMI on credit card: Should you go for it?
A lowdown on the strings attached to such credit card schemes and when you should and should not opt for them. January - September 2011 | May - December 2010 | February - April 2010