Insuring your family's health in the New Year
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Top 10 personal finance news in 2010
2010 was indeed an eventful year from the personal finance perspective. The year had its share of controversies, forward looking policies as well ones which will pinch your pocket more in days to come. Here is a look at top 10 news items (in no particular order). Realise your financial dreams with your spouse
If only one partner handles personal finance, there could be a lot of mismatch between you and your partner in saving and spending money. This can lead to marital stress. Why verifying your tax credit is important
A step-by-step guide to preparing and registering online for viewing the credit of taxes you paid to the income tax department. Buying a new home? Two most important things to do
In the second of this three-part series on buying a home, we clarify on the two most important aspects while buying a new home: documentation and the various costs you would incur. Watch out for these gimmicks before investing
Don't get carried away by lofty promises and hard-to-believe sales pitches because there is more often than not a catch. Why you MUST buy travel insurance
It doesn't take a lot to insure yourself before you take that big trip to the Swiss Alps or anywhere else for that matter. Eight simple ways to plan your taxes
Take some time out this week and spend a little time organising your tax plan. Here's how: Five reasons you should shop online
With most brands having their presence online, it makes immense sense to ditch your local mall and head to your PC instead Make home-buying a pleasant experience
In the first of a three-part guide, we help you wade through the tricky process of home-buying and make your first realty plunge a pleasant and rewarding experience. SMART way to achieve financial goals
A step-by-step guide on what these SMART financial goals are and how you can achieve them. Smart tips to avoid risks of online shopping
There is always a chance that you may become a victim of hazards of online shopping. But if you are smart you can easily avoid them. I Dream: Of optimising my taxes
In the fourth part of the 'I Dream' series Anil Rego shows the way that will help you to optimise your taxes. Common mistakes to avoid while taking a home loan
If you take some care you can avoid the common mistakes that most people make while taking a home loan. VIP: A plan that offers safety, reasonable returns
Value averaging investment plan (VIP) is a powerful investment concept which provides considerable safety from the market volatility, discipline and reasonable guarantee of returns. A personal finance checklist for newlyweds
In recent studies, many couples ranked financial matters as one of the most essential factors when it comes to happiness in a marriage. It is also one of the key factors causing marital stress. Here then, is a checklist for couples that takes them through the art of managing money post marriage. 5 dumb money mistakes and how to avoid them
Out of a long list that each of you may have drawn at some point in your life, here are five common money mistakes that we make. I Dream: Of owning a home
In the third part of the 'I Dream' series Anil Rego explains how you can not only dream but actually plan and buy your dream home. 6 tax-saving tips for working couples
For a working couple, an efficient tax plan can be achieved by jointly making use of their dual income to invest, and the income tax rules to their advantage. Here are six smart tips from Investment Yogi, to help couples save more and maximise wealth. 6 checkpoints before buying a mediclaim policy
A mediclaim has many factors woven into it and it is important to know about these properly besides undertaking the arduous task of reading the fine print. 5 easy steps to calculate your tax
Here is a look into the slabs for the current financial year to help you prepare your investments and income, and to be able to file your tax returns accurately in the following assessment year. I Dream: Of leading a debt-free life
In the second part of the 'I Dream' series Anil Rego explains how you can endeavour to lead a debt-free life. 'I left home at 15 to carve out my own identity'
In our series on How Young Indians earn, spend and save, we present the story of a farmer's son who left his village as a teenager and led a difficult life because he wanted to stand on his own feet. E-Gold: The new, safe way to invest in gold
e-Gold, a product launched by National Spot Exchange Limited has the ideal combination of both the forms -- physical and electronic gold. Here are some enticing reasons why you must buy e-Gold. Why teaser home loans trick borrowers
As a home loan borrower, it is very important to understand what a teaser loan is and what the implications in short- and long-term are. Have you insured your home loan?
Home loan protection insurance is the perfect tool to protect your family against home loan liability and subsequent default. Five ways to tackle constant price rise
Shun fixed deposits but invest in the new pension scheme, commodities, gold and equity to tackle ever-increasing prices and protect your investment returns from losing in value. I Dream: Of becoming a millionaire by 30!
Beginning today we start a weekly series that dwells on dreams. Here's then on how to fulfill your dream of becoming a millionaire today. Tips to buy mediclaim policies that suit you
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Get richer by avoiding this money mistake
Mental accounting is one such money mistake even smart people commit. Understanding this mistake and avoiding this could make you richer. Why FMPs give better post-tax returns than FDs
Fixed maturity plans are definitely a better investment option than bank fixed deposits. Here's why... Buying a resale property? Do your homework first
Important tips to help you smoothen purchase of resale properties. Dummy's guide to understanding reverse mortgage
InvestmentYogi's detailed analysis of reverse mortgage, financial planning and retirement planning solution for senior citizen and retirees. Is this the end for teaser rate home loans?
With interest rates rising there are doubts if teaser rate home loans offered by banks will come to an abrupt halt. 10 golden rules for investing in stock markets
A look at 10 things that investors need to understand and follow to avoid common investing blunders in an overheated market. Common sense ideas to avoid overspending
Here are some of the common sense-based rules that can be useful for all of you to make sure you do not repeat the cycle of overspending during festive seasons year after year. 3 simple steps to become richer by next Diwali
The good thing is you don't have to employ some highly esoteric investment strategies or complex algorithms to become richer in a year's time. Some simple reorganisation in your personal finance management could help you hit your target. Easy tips on raising financially smart kids
As parents, we need to take a moment to teach our children about being financially smart. It is a lesson that they cannot afford to miss. Will your gifts be taxed this festive season?
With the holiday season quickly approaching InvestmentYogi takes a minute to look at the 'cost' of receiving and giving gifts and the effect it could have on your tax returns. The new, safe way to invest this Dhanteras
This Dhanteras, try a newer way to invest in those precious metals, without having to worry about its safety. Unusual Diwali gifts for your child and parents
Diwali is less than a week away and you must already be busy thinking of what to gift your dear ones this year. 10 times you should NOT use your credit card
InvestmentYogi explains 10 occasions when credit card usage should be restricted, to avoid the vicious circle of debt. Protect your money, avoid this investment mistake
An investment technique or tool needs to be in sync with the basic investment principles. Here's why... Easy tips to help plan your retirement
A scenario analysis on how much one needs to save / invest to build a good retirement corpus. 8 popular investment myths debunked
After reading through these myths you will know why individual investors fail miserably in achieving their financial goals and how you can avoid being one of them. Your health insurance queries answered
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Simple steps to retire young and wealthy
The mindset of today's young professionals is changing radically. They would like to have a semi-retired life in their late forties or early fifties by taking up a hobby instead of a regular job. Here's then how to retire sooner and richer. Understanding CTC and your actual salary
Whether you are joining your first job or changing jobs, it is important to understand the difference between cost to company (CTC) and take home salary. It will help you in better negotiation with the HR and structuring your salary. Income tax refund: How to get it QUICK!
Here's the procedure of getting your income tax refund quickly which you have not been able to get within stipulated time. Money and self-control: Spend smart, save more
To save more, you need to spend smart. To spend smart, you need to understand your spending patterns and your emotional urges. The ABC of your loan break-up and why it matters
Amortisation, or break-up of your loan into interest and principal, is the key that can unlock the secrets of your loan by lifting the numerous curtains that banks put on it when offering you credit. Quiz: Test your mutual fund gyaan
With the ever-changing finance industry and the new rules brought out by SEBI, are you sure you are up-to-date on your mutual funds gyaan? Earn interest income while you invest in IPOs
In view of flurry of IPOs expected in the immediate future, here is a simple tip which will make investors' participation in IPOs more profitable and enjoyable. 11 ways to get out of debt, stay out of debt
Here are a few quick ways that can help you become debt free faster. Twitter can cost you insurance money!
In the personal arena we have all read stories of people have been caught cheating because of their status updates and friends list with some cases even leading to divorces due to this. To this list of areas in which the social media is having an impact please add your financial lives as well. 10 smart tips to plan your retirement
Don't put off today what you can't afford to do tomorrow. Here are 10 things you must do to plan for your comfortable retirement. Mobile trading of shares: What an idea, Sirji!
This is how trading in shares using your mobile handset will change your world. Four insurance goof-ups you shouldn't commit
Examine the selling tools that insurance agents use, and check the list in this article to find out how many of these errors we have made by listening intently to what they said. Taking a personal loan? 10 mistakes to avoid
Personal loans could well be the answer to many immediate financial needs. However, with the myriad of loans available in the market, each claiming its competency, how do you ensure you do not end up in a bad debt or a huge loan liability? Can I get mediclaim for pre-existing diseases?
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. 6 steps to securing your child's financial future
If you are a young parent, take a look at some simple steps to securing your child's financial future. Want to repay high-cost debt? Try a top-up loan
If you have taken a home loan which is six-month old, with a regular repayment record and are in need for additional loan to repay your personal loan or credit card over dues which is on higher rate of interest or want to redo your home for the festival season, top-up loan on your existing home is best suitable option available in market. Invest in FMPs for safety, returns, tax efficiency
Since the last year, fixed maturity plans, or FMPs in short, have been gaining considerable popularity among conservative investors. The prime reason for this lies in investors seeking a safer alternative to equity funds, with decent returns and tax efficiency. Direct tax code: How good is it for the salaried?
The long awaited direct tax code bill (DTC) proposes to simplify Indian taxation system. Here's how it will affect and benefit the salaried class. Are you guilty of financial infidelity?
Find out what happens when you keep your family/partner unaware of your financial mismanagement. All you wanted to know about company FDs
Want to know the pros and cons of investing in company fixed deposit schemes? How to identify risky copmany FDs and the risks of investing in them? Read this Is this the right time to invest in stocks?
The stock markets in India are again scaling dizzying heights. But will you make money if you invest now? Check online with CIBIL for your credit history
You can even check your CIBIL status or credit history by yourself. This can be done online by just logging on to www.cibil.com and submitting certain details. Can you make profits from a mediclaim policy?
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Buying travel insurance? How to minimise hassles
You must choose a travel insurance package carefully because that is what will determine how soft the blow of an emergency will be when you're abroad. Here are five things to remember when choosing a travel insurance plan. All about Portfolio Management Services
Typically a high-end product, designed specifically for high net worth individuals, PMS should be looked at after your basic financial goals, and liquidity requirements are adequately taken care of. Reduce risks: Invest in multi-manager funds
In simple words, a fund of funds is a mutual fund which invests in other mutual fund schemes. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of investing in fund of funds. How to calculate the EMI on bank loans
Before opting for the right loan, it is important to understand the most integral part of any loan, and that is, its equated monthly installment. The dos and don'ts of buying a mediclaim policy
Checklist before buying a mediclaim policy for you and your family. 7 tips for achieving financial security
Every cloud has a silver lining. The recent global economic slowdown too has reinforced the virtues of austerity. But you don't have to wait for that big stock market crash or the next big bank to go kaput to strengthen your financial immunity. Here are some tips to help you ensure your finances stay strong come hail or high waters... Want to invest in gold? Try gold fund
For the beginners, this is a step-by-step process. First and foremost you will need to open a demat account with a depository participant before opening an account with a broker. To find out more, read on... Save tax, make money: Invest in ELSS mutual funds
Before deciding to go for mutual fund ELSS, here are some points to ponder over. Want to retire rich? Invest Rs 3,980 per month
If you want to retire rich, it is not too difficult. Here are some tips by P V Subramanyam, author of Retire Rich: Invest Rs 40 a Day. Direct Tax Code: What does it mean to tax savers?
The Direct Tax Code recently been proposed by the Government of India, will bring about a change in the whole taxation system of the country. But how will it impact tax savers? Do you have to pay extra for cashless mediclaim?
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Give yourself a financial check-up
Reviewing your financial plan should not be a one-time process. It is important to review your current financial situation on an ongoing basis. A millworker's son who wants to become a scientist
In our series on How Young Indians earn, spend and save, we present the story of a mill worker's son who has struggled his way up and dreams of becoming a nuclear scientist one day. Buying life insurance? Choose the right plan
An easy guide to help you buy the right insurance plan for you. 13 tips to trim your monthly food bills
Food inflation is high. But it is possible to beat it by being a smart food shopper. Here are the tips that can help... Saving tax through Infrastructure Bonds
From April 1, 2010, section 80CCF would provide an additional tax deduction, over and above the existing 80C deduction, in respect to investments made in long term infrastructure bonds. You don't need insurance only when you die
Everyone thinks that they need insurance only when they die, but surprisingly, you need more insurance when you live. Surprised? Read on to know why. 9 investment lessons to learn from Warren Buffett
This knowledge on value investing will help drive investors to make sound investment decisions. Seven-step guide to organising your financial life
Is chaos the first word that pops into your mind when you think of your finances? Take these seven steps to straighten out your financial life and regain control over your money... Now view your tax credit online, Form 26AS decoded
Income Tax department has introduced a new facility this financial year 2009-10 (AY 2010-11) for viewing your tax payments made it is called 'Tax Credit Statement' or PAN LEDGER or Form 26AS. Growth or dividend? MF concepts simplified
Don't understand the basic difference between dividend payout, dividend re-investment, growth or bonus options? This will help to make an informed decision while investing. Cell phones: Too many telecallers?
Do you have a funny or harrowing experience to share about your rendezvous with pesky telemarketers? Simply write in to us at getahead@rediff.co.in with the subject 'You are not alone Pranab da' and we'll publish the best stories right here on rediff.com! Lending money:'I paid the price of my blind faith'
Two Getahead readers narrate their experiences on how they lost their friends after lending money to them. Can you claim double reimbursement on mediclaim?
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Car loan prepayment blues? Here's help
Important points to remember while going for a car loan and while prepaying the borrowed money to the lender. Gold: Should you buy, sell or hold now?
Though gold prices have been softening in the last couple of weeks, in the past decade, gold has appreciated around seven-fold in value. Here's the answer to if you should buy, hold or sell gold now. Neither lend money to, nor borrow, from friends
Borrowing or lending money surely creates a divide between friendships. Why you need financial planning: Case study
A case study that charts financial plans of two individuals with different goals and responsibilities. New ULIP rules: What's in it for you?
The new ULIP structure will come into effect from September 1, 2010. Will investors benefit now? How mediclaim helps protect your family
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. How young India earns, spends and saves
Rediff.com launches a weekly series that will provide insights into how Young India lives. We will speak to Young Indians across the country about how they earn, spend and save, their ambitions, their dreams, and their goals. 5 simple tips to evaluate mutual fund risk
Not fall prey to mutual fund marketers who show you the moon. Find out if a mutual fund is worth investing your money. 6 checkpoints before investing your money
Instead of blaming the person who sells us a particular financial product, which ultimately helps her/him earn hefty commissions, we should blame ourselves for our short sight. But then there is something better than blaming self: know what, how, why and where you are investing your money. 6 simple checkpoints to know before beginning the blame game. Best mutual fund SIPs to invest your money
Systematic investment plans of top mutual funds that you can invest your money for better returns. Dummy's guide to stretching paychecks
Investment options that can help you minimise your tax outgo and stash that little extra away for a rainy day. A step-by-step guide to claiming motor insurance
All you want to know about claiming insurance for your damaged vehicle after an accident. 5 steps to build your child's education corpus
A few effective steps to build a suitable education corpus for your bundle of joy. Double your money in 8.7 years without any risk
Kisan Vikas Patra or KVP is one of the many fixed income financial products offered by the Indian Post Office department. It is a fixed income instrument that offers to double the investment in 8.7 years. InvestmentYogi looks at its prominent features. FAQ: The benefits of filing income tax return
There are some solid reasons for acquiring a PAN card (if you don't have one) and filing your ITR within the due date, which is 31st July every year. Used right, credit cards make good friends
Debt trap, credit quicksand, money tangle... credit cards have often been called a number of names by the savvier-than-thou. But used right, they can actually prove to be boons. Here are some benefits of owning the plastic... Why you must not change your health insurer midway
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. All you must know about contra and value MFs
In a chat with Getahead readers on June 22, Dhruva Raj Chatterji research manager at iFAST Fundsupermart.com, AMFI registered mutual fund distributor, answered queries about contra and value mutual funds. For those who missed the chat here is the transcript. How to prepare financially for a divorce
Here's what MoneyQuin.com suggests women should do about their finances when headed for a divorce. How home refinance can reduce your loan burden
Investmentyogi explains how borrowers can use the home loan refinance route to improve their financial management. Will buying ULIPs earn higher returns now?
Here's a quick look at the likely changes proposed for selling unit linked insurance plans from September 1, 2010 and how they will impact investors. How to make your credit card work for you
If used wisely, credit cards can actually work for you. Here are three simple steps that can help you get more out of your credit cards. Evaluating mutual funds? It's not an easy game
With so much transparency, access to information and expert advice available through the internet and media -- print and electronic -- evaluating a mutual fund should be child's play. Well if that's what you think here's news for you. It is not. Home loans: Problems young Indians face
Harsh Roongta, CEO, Apnapaisa.com, throws light on the frustrations faced by India's young working population when they try to avail of home loans to buy a house in their city of birth even as they work out of another city. Get mediclaim expenses without hospitalisation
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Is your husband handling your money for you?
Rakshanda, 30, a marketing executive and a MoneyQuin follower is worried. Her husband has decided to invest her income without even seeking her approval at times. Here's what MoneyQuin would tell Rakshanda. 5 things to know before filing tax returns online
Filing your income tax return online this year? 5 points you should know to avoid hassles later. Beware! That flashy ad could be an investment trap
Here's what you must know before buying investment products that companies and agents hardsell. How to manage all your extra stocks and MFs
Managing 5-6 investments is easy. But when the number of investments increases significantly, the problem starts creeping in. Best insurance policies for your family
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Dummy's guide to tax refunds
Tax refunds take their own sweet time to arrive. But there are ways you can ensure that you are not a tax refund case. How to manage your money: A step-by-step guide
Budgeting is very crucial for your financial strength irrespective of your background. Dividend or growth MF: Confused what to buy?
Here's how to make a wise choice between dividend and growth mutual fund depending on what kind of investor you are. Is it wrong to make money in stock markets?
Investing in stock markets and mutual funds for the long term is the only surefire way of making money, claims Ashutosh Wakhare What to do if your insurance claim is rejected
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Save tax: Claim deduction without HRA
No HRA deduction component in your salary? You can still claim deductions and save tax. How to file your taxes with the new ITR-1 form
Filing your income tax return will be easier this financial year (FY) 2009-10. Want to know how? Read on. 5 checkpoints to sell your mutual funds
Exiting a mutual fund is an emotional decision. Five checkpoints that will tell you when to sell. Are index funds playing with your money?
Aren't index funds mandated to mirror the underlying index they track? What does it mean when your index funds returns outperform or underperform the index they track? Don't wait for Sensex to hit 21000. Buy stocks NOW
If you want to buy into the stock markets don't wait for tomorrow. The right time to buy stocks is NOW. And here's why... Buying mediclaim? 7 important things you must know
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. SIP by SIP to your tax freedom
One of the best ways to beat the market is through SIP (Systematic investment plan) which is based on a simple rupee averaging principle. 7 most frequently asked investment questions
How many of you have had doubts when it comes to investing your hard earned money? Here's an attempt to answer 7 most frequently asked questions about investing. The risks of delaying financial decisions
Are you spending enough time on your investment decisions so that you can make them on time? If not, then what are all the consequences? A simple checklist for buying mutual funds
Picking the right mutual fund(s) has become a challenge nowadays. Here is simple checklist that could help in making your investment decision easy. Simplifying the dreaded income tax return forms
Choosing the right ITR form for your income tax return filing can be quite confusing. Investmentyogi simplifies the ITR forms and all the jargon associated with it. Keep it handy for your returns in 2010. Bestselling author tells you how to get rich
InvestmentYogi attended a talk in Silicon Valley, California, by the bestselling author, Ramit Sethi, who recently wrote I Will Teach You to be Rich. Here are his mantras to become rich. Why you should not prepay your home loan
Instead of prepaying your home loan before the term ends it's better to invest the amount you would save on prepaying the loan and earn good returns on investing the same. Why you should not be scared of online banking
If anyone would have asked me 10 years back to transfer even Rs100 online, I would have refused. More than the money, I was concerned about my credentials being stolen! However, online banking has undergone a tremendous change since then. Real estate investments made simple
Depending upon your risk tolerance and time horizon you can now invest in real estate too without many hassles. Do your homework well before buying gold
Rushing to join the gold rush even as gold prices keep climbing every day? Here's what you must know before you invest. How to invest to optimise your returns
The fourth and final part of the series on financial planning -- how to invest to optimise your returns for your retirement days. Mediclaim: Can you claim money for medical tests?
Health insurance expert Harsh Roongta answers queries sent by readers on various aspects of mediclaim. How to manage your money: A step-by-step guide
Have you been earning a steady salaried income? Here's a step-by-step guide to make a budget and manage your expenses, savings and investments. Financial planning tips for newlyweds
Managing your finances together through proper planning from this moment on is as crucial as fulfilling your marital vows. InvestmentYogi tells you how and why. Investing in company fixed deposits?Dos and don'ts
Though company fixed deposit offer a higher rate of interest than bank FDs there are certain important things an investor must know about them. Buying a mediclaim policy? Things to watch out for
Health insurance expert Harsh Roongta answers queries sent by readers on various aspects of mediclaim. How to become a successful stock market investor
The time for which your money remains invested in the stock market is more important than buying on dips and selling on tops. Financial planning: Making wise investment choices
The final step in the financial planning process is choosing where the saving amount will be parked (investments) so that at the material time the accumulated amounts are available for satisfying your goals. Want steady monthly returns with lower risk?
Monthly Income Plans are a good option for risk-averse investors looking for a higher return and more liquid alternative to bank fixed deposits. Also a list of best MIP mutual fund schemes for 2010. Mother's Day: Gift her financial security
This Mother's Day, why don't you gift her something that she will truly appreciate -- a financial health check-up. 9 money mantras my mother taught me
Just as everything else mothers plays a very important role in the financial literacy of their children. Since financial literacy What banks look at before giving you a credit card
There are several conditions that banks look at before giving out credit cards. Here's what you must know before applying for a credit card. Tips for easing your tax burden
Tax-saving is the first level of financial planning. If you are salaried this would start from the declaration of investments that will be made at the beginning of the financial year. Here are some tips for easing your tax burden. February - April 2010