Karthik Jerome

Use time-based buckets, limit withdrawals and retain growth assets

Compare the annual percentage rates across players, and also compare the total cost of cash and EMI options to understand the actual cost

Only 51 per cent of households earning more than Rs 15 lakh consider Rs 1 crore sufficient, as Indians report accumulating just 28 per cent of their target corpus

Calculate the internal rate of return, assess surrender costs and make sure the long-term premium commitment fits your goal before opting for guaranteed-benefit insurance products

Work backwards from an affordable EMI, make a bigger down payment than banks require, and stress-test loans against rising interest rates

Read the RHP, compare valuations and do not chase grey market premiums or listing gains. Investors should check whether the fundraise is for business purposes or for existing shareholders.

High-yield bonds can offer double-digit returns, but investors must weigh default, credit, liquidity and concentration risks before chasing higher yields

India's pet population rose from 28.5 million in financial year 2019-20 (FY20) to 39.2 million in FY25 and is projected to reach 60.5 million by FY30, according to industry estimates

A higher amount can be taken to provide a cushion to those who are likely to become financially dependent on the student in the future

How to pare discretionary expenses, handle investments and debt, and migrate from a group to a personal health insurance policy

Avoid leverage, respect valuations and let earnings, cash flows and balance sheet strength, not narratives, guide investment decisions

Check sub-limits and exclusions, document damage promptly, and avoid permanent repairs before inspection

Investors should restrict margin trading facility use to liquid stocks, maintain adequate cash buffers for margin calls, and avoid excessive leverage during periods of market stress

How the continuing reforms in the MF space have created an over ₹82 trillion powerhouse

Combine a robust base health plan with a super top-up, critical illness cover and a dedicated medical corpus to protect household finances from soaring treatment costs

If you wish to stay safe, stick to the minority that has a Sebi-registered investment adviser or research analyst licence

Standard motor insurance covers many monsoon-related losses, but add-ons such as engine protect and zero-depreciation can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses

A card with zero cross-currency conversion charge will allow you to load US dollars and then spend in any currency without incurring further charges

Beware that funds with higher exposure to mid- and smallcaps are likely to be more volatile

Credit utilisation ratio should remain below 30%