What you need to know about LTA
If you don't use the two LTA exemptions by December 2013, one can be availed of in 2014-17. How to SAVE more, invest wisely this financial year
Steps like depositing the entire PPF amount before April 5 or preparing a household budget will ensure this financial year goes well. images: How to ensure good resale value of flat
Potential buyers appreciate basic furniture fixtures in the kitchen and living room and are likely to pay a premium for such ready-to-use services. Tax benefits for children? Here are a few TIPS!
School fees, education loan and health costs qualify for exemptions. Colour code for mutual funds WON'T curb mis-selling
While Sebi's colour code will help investors, mis-selling might not reduce substantially. Invest Rs 40 lakh for tax benefit of Rs 20,000
The Budget proposal for additional home loan deduction will have little impact on the market. Job change should not deprive you of PF
Keep transferring the account, as unclaimed amount will not earn interest after three years. Is your builder going BANKRUPT? Find out...
There are some tell-tale signs such as slowdown in construction or absence of communication. How an angel investor is changing rules of the game
Blume Ventures sets a breakneck speed in two years of existence; time will tell if the strategy works. Money transfer, card usage: New norms to prevent MISUSE
RBI has asked banks to implement these security and risk control measures from 30 June 2013. 5 TIPS to invest in the stock market
If one has the money and drive to grow their income, the stock market is one of the top of mind options for many investors. Budget 2013 -What's in it for me?
As direct tax rates are unchanged, the impact on individuals is fairly neutral. Too many loans for buying real estate can be risky
No asset class performs forever. So, it makes sense to diversify. Don't just pay tax; file return as well
Make all tax-saving investments before March 31 and file your return before July 31. Getting refund is more painful than tooth extraction
Though the income tax rates are reasonable, our tax laws can hardly be called stable because of constant amendments. It's a Budget with balance
Mr Chidambaram could have done more to calm investors. First women's bank in India
It will be a public sector bank and Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated to it. Luxury homes to COST more
Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday announced a Rs 2,000 crore urban housing fund, while making luxury homes costlier by cutting abatement on service tax on a flat with a floor area of over 2,000 sq ft, or prices exceeding Rs 1 crore. Tax credit of Rs 2,000 if your income is up to Rs 5 lakh
The proposal will benefit 1.8 crore tax payers Budget 2013: What is cheaper, what is costlier
While the finance minister made the tax payers slightly happy by raising the individual tax exemption limit to Rs 300,000, he made many others unhappy. Tax sops in RGESS extended to 3 years: Chidambaram
the limit for investors wanting to invest in RGESS has been raised to Rs 12 lakh from Rs 10 lakh earlier. NO change in tax slabs, super-rich to be taxed
Finance Minister unveiled the Budget proposals for 2012-13 in the Lok Sabha Good news: Home loan exemption limit raised
Home loan exemption limit raised. What common man can EXPECT from Budget 2013
Don't expect less tax on your income. The Finance Minister can, however, delay DTC, incentivise equity investments, and give a higher tax break for home loans. Not a taxing Budget this one?
Headline excise and service tax rates might not change but select sectors could get tax sops and tax holidays. Budget: India Inc expects tax for super-rich
While 83 per cent of respondents do not expect major changes in the corporate taxation rates, they expect increase on the limits of tax savings investments especially linked to housing loan and principal repayments, the survey says. How credit card FRAUDS take place
Reduce the credit limit on your card if you do not use it. Most banks have this facility, and the original limit can be restored if you need it. Why salaried class wants more IT exemption
The survey was conducted in major places like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Dehradun on 'Budget 2013: Common man's expectations from the FM', the industry body said. All that you wanted to know about HRA
A look at different scenarios in which you can and cannot claim HRA. Filing returns can save you from future I-T trouble
You need to file returns if your income is not taxable. Rate cut: How it affects your LOANS and DEPOSITS
The new effective repo rate for the third quarter is now fixed at 7.25 per cent while CRR rate has revised to 4 per cent. Why investing in commodities is still the SAFEST best
Let's take a look at some commodities and see how they are expected to perform in the next two years. How you can SAVE TAX by investing in MFs
This is an equity diversified fund and investors enjoy both the benefits of capital appreciation, as well as tax benefits. Home loan: Better chances for women borrowers
A younger co-borrower may help you get a longer tenure loan, while income of a non-taxpayer co-borrower can be shown as savings to get a bigger loan. Women are seen as more responsible when it comes to repaying loans. Soon, option to pay home loan EMIs for 30 years
RBI committee nudges banks for long-term fixed loan product. What you must do to SAVE taxes
Before jumping to meet the investment target, check if you really need to. 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. Don't bring new taxes in Budget, India Inc tells FM
Stresses on need to boost investor sentiment through stable regulation. Last minute tax planning: A COMPLETE guide
Broadly, there are three ways toensure that you pay optimal tax; Claiming tax free income, incidental actions that bring tax benefits and finally investing/saving for tax benefits. How to plan your finance post wedding
It is important that as a newly married couple you take time to focus on your combined finances. A rush to SAVE taxes can cost you dear
It often leads to unnecessary investments, which might not be able to serve your goals. Bank-linked insurance may not be cheaper
Many of these are group products and don't get tax benefits; compare premiums and products, make sure they fulfil your needs. 10 New Year resolutions that can help you save money!
When you make those New Year resolutions, you're thinking about fresh starts and the year ahead. What you might not realize is that they also could save money. MISTAKES to avoid while buying a house
Buying your first home is a dream come true. But it can easily become a nightmare, if things go wrong. Tax-free bonds may get the axe
CBDT was considering discontinuing these bonds in the coming Union Budget. Buying a Term Plan? What you must KNOW
If the insured dies due to any reason during this tenure, the death coverage is offered to the beneficiaries. 8 New Year resolutions to make you financially secure
Everyone steps into a new year with optimism and positivity. The beginning of the year is when you can start afresh and make changes to all the unsuccessful financial practices adopted in the previous year. Here are eight financial resolutions, which will help you to make better and smarter financial decisions going forward. What are the investment avenues after retirement?
Retirement is usually associated with investing in safe avenues, which are reliable and generate a regular source of income. Watch out for these 5 hidden costs when buying property
Property is a person's biggest purchase. While buying one, you don't just pay for the house value - there are hidden costs that can take up to 25 per cent of the property value. Tips to control your urge to spend
Unrestrained and random spending can be very harmful, both in the short term as well as in the long term. 4 stocks that gave positive returns since 2008
PI Industries, GCPL, Colgate and HUL have delivered positive returns every year since 2008. Mutual funds try to 'switch' off direct plans
Impose steep exit loads on existing investors moving to direct plans, whereas moving from a direct plan to a distributor-supported plan attracts no such fee. 50 stocks that you can BUY for 2013
Here is a list of stocks spanning various sectors that brokerages and research houses across the country are recommending for 2013. Why it makes sense to start investing early!
For most people, investing may not even be on the priority list when they start their career. Planning to buy a dream home? Read on...
Owning a home is a dream for most of us and thanks to the diverse home loan schemes available to make that dream a reality. Investing in platinum? Here are a few tips
While investing in gold and silver has been going on, another investment avenue that is blooming since past few years is the 'noble metal' or platinum. Stocks overshadow gold's glitter with strong rally
Gold has been glittering bright for investors for many years, but the year 2012 saw Indian equities overshadow the yellow metal's sheen with returns of more than 25 per cent. SILVER offered higher returns than gold in 2012
Silver outperformed gold in 2012 in the domestic as well as international markets on resumed stockists' demand amid expectations of a revival in global industrial activity. How and when TDS deductions can be avoided
There is no uniform rate for TDS deduction. Depending on the source of earnings, it can range from 1% for sale proceeds to 30%. Know all about the cheque truncation system
India processes as many as 1.2 billion cheques annually and, therefore, the implementation of this system would drastically cut down the waiting period involved. The system will be implemented nationwide from January 1. Good news: Markets can give 14% returns in CY13
As reforms and favourable rate cycle kick in, we could see further improvements in earnings growth and market re-rating. Should you stay away from STOCKS right now?
It's been a tough three years for retail investors. With the Sensex giving barely 4 per cent annual returns, even lesser than the inflation rate, it is very difficult to keep waiting. Investors are, therefore, booking profit and exiting the markets. Should you? Disputed property title could block your ownership
A thorough background check will ensure hassle-free title for an immovable property. Ensure that all the parties are involved in the process of sale. Your money, their business
Family offices provide investment advice, plan succession and even help buy airplanes. E-gold, gold plans or ETFs: What's best?
While e-gold is cheaper than gold plan, it's not tax-friendly like gold ETFs. INVEST to make homes eco-friendly, reap rich rewards
Buying and installing the equipment are the major cost factors, which can be recovered in a few years. There is no AUSPICIOUS day for investing
While some investors follow fundamental research and price charts to invest in stocks, there some who rely on planetary movements to invest. Here are some heuristics investors resort to and ways to avoid it. Popularity of Indian stocks at 11-month LOW
BofA-ML global fund manager study says investors 11% underweight on Indian stocks in November, down from about 5% in the previous month. STOCKS: Where should you put your money this Diwali?
As investors struggle to find quality stocks following the sharp rise in the benchmark indices, four brokerages give their picks. Why having a clean credit history is important
Even before the first salary is credited, there is an EMI to be paid. Pre-paid cards: BEST for the festive season!
For all those who face a tough time choosing gifts, a pre-paid gift card is an excellent option. Invest in gold; Prices don't matter
Besides being an investment instrument, it is hedge against inflation and store of value. How to plan for HEALTH-related expenses
You need to start much early considering costs have risen 40-70% in just five years. Should you HOLD on to a controversial company's stock?
Often, the stocks of companies mired in controversy continue to do well. What should you do? How to make your PORTFOLIO inflation-proof
With the average WPI-based inflation at 7.5% and CPI-based one above 10%, a bit of aggression is required to beat inflation. Four experts give their views. Buying electronic goods on EMIs doesn't make sense
Check for hidden costs such as processing charges, especially for products below Rs 50,000. Don't get CONNED: Insurance is not investment
Agents are still misleading consumers by suggesting insurance products are good investments. Want financial freedom? Decide the goals
In spite of having sufficient money, the absence of direction leads to losses. One withdrawal from PF can cost you Rs 21 lakh
Withdrawing the amount each time you move job(s), or otherwise, can make a huge dent in your retirement corpus. All about index funds and COSTLY errors
Even funds don't promote these as low-cost options. Relationship manager is NOT the best advisor
They hawk the 'best loan, credit card, insurance products, forex deals'... but you may not need them. How to EXIT stocks before they fall sharply
Satyam Computer, Pyra-mid Saimira, KS Oils and Kingfisher Airlines are among those companies whose shares have fallen like eggs on the floor. Holding illiquid stocks? Don't panic, there are options
You could exit on completion of your set target or on spurt in the stock price. How life insurance policies can help NRIs
Indians have spread to virtually every corner of the globe and have made their mark in the chosen line of business or profession. How to increase home loan eligibility
The eligibility is calculated on the basis of repayment capacity of the applicant on a monthly basis. Existing borrowers can opt for loan conversion
Borrowers can make a home loan switch to a bank that is offering a lower interest rate. 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. How to build a portfolio
Before jumping to build a portfolio of stocks impacted by the recent reforms, choose the ones which will benefit the most. Why borrowings will be cheaper post reforms
Though household expenses are up, borrowing will be cheaper. Applying for a loan? Know your credit report
A credit report is an accumulation of all your loan accounts, loan repayment history, and delinquencies, if any. Selling jewellery? Be careful, it's actually a big LOSS
Documents like sellers' ID, receipts, residence proof will be required. Also, be ready to lose 10-15%. Good news! Permanent PF a/c number by 2013
Come March 2013, salaried employees will be able to switch jobs, without worrying about withdrawing or transferring their savings with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). 'Good time for retail investors to enter market'
These are testing times for the mutual fund industry. May - August 2012 | January - April 2012 | August - December 2011 | May - July 2011 | January - April 2011 | August - December 2010 | April - July 2010 | February -March 2010