Sanjay Kumar Singh

Homebuyers should assess the actual savings from festive real estate offers, negotiate for useful benefits and verify project approvals, costs and delivery timelines before committing.

Check policy conditions for co-payments, exclusions, waiting periods and claim restrictions before opting for unlimited health cover; compare premiums and super top-up alternatives

Read the rating rationale, compare yields and match maturities to when you need the money

Both options can lower premiums, but they increase out-of-pocket expenses during claims. Understand how they work before choosing a health insurance policy

Higher rates could lift deposit returns while raising borrowing costs and affecting debt fund returns

Investors should compare the premiums under NPS Swasthya with those of the standalone super top-ups offered by insurance companies

Check whether weak returns reflect the market cycle before changing your pension fund manager

Consider investing through platforms with access to foreign markets or via MFs in GIFT City

Check the notices and possession records; report a secret or forcible seizure promptly; and seek urgent relief before an auction

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

The regulator's action against Canara HSBC Life highlights how elderly buyers can be mis-sold unsuitable insurance products and what safeguards they should follow

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

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.

Benefit-based plans offer a fixed payout on diagnosis but have a narrow scope; buyers with regular health insurance should assess whether they need supplementary protection

Trace the title chain, check encumbrances and verify every owner's right to sell before buying a property; mutation, tax records and possession alone do not establish ownership

Buying into an unregistered housing project can expose homebuyers to legal, financial and construction risks. Here's how to verify a project and seek redress

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

Besides a high current yield, it is also crucial to assess whether it will sustain

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

Compare total cost and maintain a buffer to reduce auction risk