In India, younger workers willing to work at lower salaries are easily available, so you could find yourself out of a job before 60. Therefore, save for retirement with urgency, advises Sanjay Kumar Singh.
Before you invest, check the fund manager's track record in managing such a strategy, asserts Sarbajeet K Sen.
Investors need to get the timing of entry and exit right to make money in thematic and sector funds, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen.
Having exposure to international funds and gold is a must for those who have foreign currency-denominated goals.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced new rules for credit cards, applicable from July 1. "These directions cover the general and conduct regulations relating to credit, debit and co-branded cards which shall be read along with prudential, payment and technology & cyber security related directions applicable to credit, debit and co-branded cards, as issued by the Reserve Bank," the circular by RBI said. Business Standard culled out key rules from the list, and asked financial experts for advice on them, along with the thumb rules one needs to follow while using credit cards.
Treat silver as part of the procyclical or growth assets in your portfolio, advises Sanjay Kumar Singh.
Stick to low-cost ULIPs launched in the past few years. Go with an insurer with a good investment team and solid track record of long-term returns, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
It is advisable to avoid a fund until it develops a track record.
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.
Experts say this is a good time to buy a house for self-use, points out Sanjay Kumar Singh.
If one compares returns, the two public-sector ETFs have done better over the past year, but the ELSS category has done better over the trailing three and five years.
'Decide on an asset allocation you are comfortable with and stick to it for the long term.'
Is the latest mobile or car or a house the goal? If so, the savings and investments should be aimed at catering to it. The amount needed has to be worked out, and money needs to be saved, accordingly, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen.
Don't worry about volatile, erratic cash flows, freelancers. Vishal Dhawan explains how you can invest and achieve your financial goals despite irregular income.
Since NPS is used for a long-term goal like retirement, allowing younger investors to have higher exposure to equities will give them a chance to earn higher returns.
Sanjay Kumar Singh suggests key factors investors need to keep an eye on while choosing the direct investment route.
Given the uncertainties around gold's future course, stagger your purchases and buy on declines, says Sanjay Kumar Singh.
To select the right platform, get the opinions of a few existing users or browse online for feedback. Select a platform that offers a seamless experience. Check that the platform you are going with is a regulated entity, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
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.
Assume the worst regarding how long your unemployment could last and make conserving cash your topmost priority, suggests Sanjay Kumar Singh.
Another major development is REITs coming closer to reality
Investors should allocate 10 to 15 per cent in their portfolios to gold through sovereign gold bonds.
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.
Do keep the tax impact and exit load in mind before you take a decision to sell, says Vishal Dhawan.
Monitor how long the high cash position lasts. If it lasts for a month or two, it is fine. But if it continues for a couple of quarters, seek your advisor's opinion on whether to exit the fund.
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.
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.
The gains from investing in direct plans can be higher than the difference in expense ratios.
If a risk taker and young, NPS would suit her/him. Otherwise, s/he should go for EPF.
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.
When selecting investments, pay attention to potential return, risk and how easily you can exit it.
The Budget has changed the rules for Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin visiting India. Instead of 182 days, the number of days has been reduced to 120. You will be treated as a resident of India for tax purposes if you stay in the country for more than 120 days in a financial year and 365 days in the past four years. One consequence of the change will be that people of Indian origin who reside outside India will be able to spend a smaller number of days in the country if they wish to keep their non-resident status intact, points out Sanjay Kumar Singh.
From April 1, subscribers will be able to change investment option & asset allocation twice a year, instead of once. Use greater flexibility offered by pension scheme judiciously.
Sending money to families in India will get more expensive
When looking at fund returns, avoid looking at just the past 12 months' performance, says Sanjay Kumar Singh
These funds carry low risk and should be able to beat the returns from fixed deposits.
Those just starting their careers should avoid adding to their liabilities, especially if they already have an education loan. They should think hard before taking a car or home loan.
While govt has decided to maintain status quo, don't use the money for house, marriage or education
With natural and man-made calamities posing a risk to your home, it makes sense to buy home insurance
How investors can tweak their fixed income investments to earn more in the current environment.
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