Your Money

Choosing the right NPS fund manager requires evaluating returns, risk, and portfolio strategy across equity, debt, and government securities for long-term stability

The exuberance seen in 2023 and early 2024 is no longer evident. Elevated property prices have strained affordability and slowed down the pace of transactions

To tackle inflation, consider hybrid or increasing annuities, or combine fixed annuity with mutual funds; for legacy planning, opt for return-of-premium options

New investors may make a staggered entry with a horizon that matches these funds' portfolio maturity

Make full disclosure of existing conditions, lifestyle habits, and past treatments

Holding gold and global assets can help Indian investors hedge against rupee depreciation, manage inflation risks, and meet dollar-denominated goals such as overseas education and travel

Sophisticated investors who manage diversified portfolios and don't wish to outsource asset allocation may avoid them

Employers are using credit history to assess candidates for roles involving clients' money, credit decisions, and sensitive financial data

With high-value immovable property gifts now under SFT reporting, scrutiny will rise, making accurate disclosure of such transactions in income tax returns increasingly important

Existing investors who have become overweight after the bull run of the past year should book partial profits and rebalance

Everyday mistakes, from delayed reporting to unauthorised vehicle use, can lead to a claim being denied

Diversify internationally, continue SIPs in equity funds, and move towards medium and shorter-duration debt funds

Maintain a liquidity buffer in case you get a margin call due to falling gold prices

Disclose the property every year under Schedule FA of your income-tax return

Availing of this facility without a clear repayment plan can lead to financial stress and higher borrowing costs over time, experts warn

To protect insurance policies purchased for spouse from recovery proceedings, place it under Married Women's Property Act

New investors should stick to diversified equity funds; if they invest, they should take limited exposure in satellite portfolio

Reinvestment risk can be dealt with by laddering investments

The entire retirement corpus will not be needed on day one, so it should be split into growth and income-generation buckets to manage inflation and longevity risks

Do not exit in panic or buy falling stocks without reassessing fundamentals; instead, build a watchlist and invest gradually with a disciplined, long-term approach