Himali Patel

Protect your portfolio, household budget from rising inflation and rates

Review spending, reduce costly debt, favour quality equities and avoid longer-duration funds unless you have a matching horizon

Don't let fake discounts and paid rankings distort online shopping deals

Track price history, compare the final payable amount and keep screenshots

Drive less, pay less: Is pay-as-you-drive insurance cover right for you?

Estimate annual mileage carefully, choose the right slab and check top-up terms

How to choose the right broker based on your investment style and needs

With demat account openings rising, investors should choose brokers based on trading style, platform reliability, costs, margin rules and safety record

Pharma funds rally: How to pick right one based on portfolio, risk, costs

Compare portfolio mix, risk and costs; keep exposure small and invest with a long horizon

Used-car loan traps: How to reduce borrowing risks, keep EMIs manageable

Compare rates, choose a short tenure, make a larger down payment, and keep EMI within manageable limits

Choosing a balanced advantage fund? Look beyond returns to strategy, risk

Balanced advantage funds are raising equity exposure, but investors must assess allocation models, portfolio risks and downside protection-not just past returns

Gold surge: Should you invest, book profits or rebalance your portfolio?

Avoid chasing the rally; stagger fresh investments and rebalance if gold exceeds your target allocation

Retail traders' F&O losses stay high: How investors can limit the damage

Nearly 88% of individual F&O traders lost money in FY26. High leverage, frequent trading and behavioural mistakes can amplify losses, making disciplined risk management essential

Unclaimed deposits: How heirs can trace and claim the money from banks

Forgotten bank deposits can remain claimable even after transfer to the DEA Fund. Knowing how to search UDGAM and navigate nominee or legal-heir rules can make recovery easier

Largecaps for stability, mid and smallcap funds for higher returns

Maintaining exposure across various market-cap categories is important as leadership can change during different market phases

RBI sets new loan recovery rules: What changes for borrowers in 2027

RBI's binding rules on recovery will restrict contact hours and recovery-agent conduct, while safeguarding against wrongful device locking, but third-party agents could pose challenges.

Property, REIT or index fund: How to pick the right real estate investment

Compare capital needs, liquidity, diversification and risks before selecting an investment route

Ensure product suitability so you stay the course with life insurance

Low policy persistency often reflects unsuitable product choices. Careful evaluation of insurance needs, affordability and investment goals can help policyholders avoid lapses and stay invested.

GIFT City Outbound Funds: With international funds closing down for SIP

With international mutual funds shut for fresh SIPs, GIFT City IFSC funds offer Indian investors a new route to global diversification through the LRS framework

Momentum factor funds: Invest only with 5-yr horizon, high risk tolerance

Use them as part of a portfolio containing multiple factor strategies

Momentum funds can see sharp reversals; limit satellite portfolio exposure

Check the underlying index and concentration, and invest for at least five years

File full and accurate details in tax return forms to claim deductions

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information can have penal consequences

Use short-term insurance to cover time-bound financial liabilities

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

Map spending pattern, pick credit cards that align with it to boost savings

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