Himali Patel

They should be used as top-ups, not as the base cover for providing long-term protection to the family

Relying on generic cards that offer flat, low reward rates can reduce your savings

Check post-tax returns, and preferably hold till maturity to reduce interest-rate risk

After a sharp rebound in recent months, smallcap funds are back in favour. Experts weigh the opportunities, risks and suitability for different investors

If you give greater priority to flexibility, then opt for a term insurance plan

While active smallcap funds have traditionally outperformed benchmarks, passive and smart-beta options offer lower costs and diversified exposure. The choice depends on investor preference and convict

Before filing ITRs, salaried taxpayers should reconcile Form 16 and Form 16A with AIS, Form 26AS and personal records to avoid errors and notices

Check the track record of the factor combination, tracking error and expense ratio before investing

The performance of these funds will hinge on a strong earnings recovery

Taking a rupee loan and deciding a loan amount based on conservative estimates of earnings prospects should keep you safe

Instead of borrowing to the hilt, maintain a buffer to avoid margin calls during spells of market volatility

India's gold recycling market is expanding rapidly as rising prices push households to exchange old jewellery, but customers must watch for purity checks, deductions and opaque valuation practices

Make sure the fund manager does not abandon this strategy in a bull run

Costs, liquidity, and the mechanism for conversion to physical gold are aspects you must understand before taking the plunge

Treat SIFs as satellite holdings, not replacements for core mutual fund holdings, as management and threshold compliance risks remain

Indians continue to favour physical gold for tradition and security, but ETFs offer a more efficient, low-cost route for long-term investment

Those choosing such plans may also forgo the 8-10 per cent savings often available under down-payment option

Combine base policy with super top-up, opt for policy with favourable bonus norms to manage premium cost

The best way to optimise benefits is to keep multiple cards and use the one offering highest rewards for each spending category

A resurgence of inflation could keep policy tight. Prolonged high interest rates could weigh on valuations and multiples