Those who have binged on credit must spend less, cut discretionary expenses, and focus on repayment.
Passive funds appeal to investors seeking to avoid the risk of underperformance by the fund manager and minimise the need for frequent chopping and changing of funds.
Young earners with high incomes and few responsibilities can save more than 30 per cent, while those with low salaries and high expenses may save less.
Before signing up for a BNPL plan, read the fine print carefully and watch for red flags like unclear repayment terms, vague information on interest or late fees, and marketing that downplays the cost of default.
'Having a separate healthcare corpus is extremely important even for those already covered by health insurance.'
'They are a poor fit for anyone with near-term goals, low volatility tolerance, or a need for steady income or liquidity.' 'First-time investors should typically avoid them.'
For homebuyers, the OC is not just an administrative formality but the very basis of lawful possession. Without it, the property is deemed unauthorised, exposing buyers to risks such as eviction, denial of utilities, or even demolition.
Quoting an incorrect PAN during property registration can invite penalties and prosecution.
'It takes time and the experience of a few market cycles to develop awareness about one's true risk appetite.'
Those who have long retirement horizons of 15 to 20 years and seek higher long-term returns may opt for MSF. Investors nearing retirement (under 10 years) or those with low risk tolerance should stay away.
Investors having a moderate-risk profile can use these funds in their retirement portfolios.
New investors should not allow themselves to fall prey to FOMO and rush headlong into gold.
The 100 per cent withdrawal provision and the 25 per cent minimum balance provision have led to some confusion.
The income tax department will allow people to file 'belated return' until December 31.
Every 1 per cent per annum of investment costs is a matter of life or death, points out Avinash Luthria.
Investors can meet cash needs without selling their securities.
Medical negligence arises when a medical professional deviates from reasonable standards of care, causing injury to the patient.
'Do exhaustive research and then select the one that best fits your budget and requirements.'
Loan against fixed deposit is cheaper and comes with fewer charges.
'A price of $6,600/oz is now a reasonable target for gold.'
'Some buyers get carried away by festival offers and purchase higher variants or larger vehicles than they truly need, which impacts running cost and long-term affordability.'
Do not panic on receiving a notice. Verify if your work falls under professions notified in Section 44AA(1).
Zero depreciation cover ensures that the insurer pays the full replacement cost of parts such as bumpers, headlamps, side mirrors, and plastic fittings.
Use these loans to meet emergency needs, and not to fund holidays or luxury purchases.
'Investing in these funds makes sense if their net yield over better-quality funds -- corporate bond funds or banking and PSU funds -- is meaningful.'
'Always keep accurate and transparent records of the source of the investment or property's funding: Loan agreements, transfer records of the property, and bank statements of co-owners if available.'
New investors should avoid short-term, tactical entries and instead go for staggered buying via ETFs to manage volatility.
'They are positioned as defensive products and can potentially give marginally higher returns than liquid funds.'
Retirement-focused products that promise certainty can look attractive. The returns are guaranteed, and locking into a fixed rate feels reassuring at a time when deposit rates are declining.
'Legally clean farmland is difficult to find. It requires time, money, and legal effort to verify the title.'
'Such stocks may be useful for aggressive portfolios, but should not be part of the core holdings.'
Investors may wait for six months and then take another look at the stock.
'A staggered investment approach (using SIP or STP) can help investors benefit from this opportunity while reducing timing risk.'
The biggest risk for investors isn't the market, but their own minds, biases and emotions often lead to poor financial choices.
Young investors with a higher risk appetite are better off with a combination of term insurance and equity funds.
'Reits are suitable for investors seeking regular income and real estate exposure without managing physical properties, especially NRIs and retirees.'
'First-time investors, busy professionals, NRIs and those with modest sums looking for curated strategies may find FoFs especially appealing.'
SOFs can be a diversification tool for investors seeking alternatives to conventional large, mid, or smallcap portfolios.
'Active funds have the ability to manage downside risk.'
'Maintain a balanced approach with a preference for short-to medium-duration funds.'
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