Himali Patel

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

Long-duration bonds: Match investment horizon with the bond's tenure

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

Smallcap funds are rising: Should investors raise the exposure now?

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

Home loan protection plan or term cover: How borrowers should choose

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

Should investors choose passive funds for smallcap market exposure?

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

Indispensable checks you must run before using Form 16 to file ITR

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

Multi-factor funds: Choose the right mix to balance risk and returns

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

Smallcap valuations have moderated; understand the risks before you enter

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

How to pick a study-abroad loan amid weak rupee, tougher work visa regime

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

Sometimes, borrowing against MFs is more sensible than redeeming them

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

High gold prices boost exchange schemes: What customers must know

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

Contra funds: Can you weather the long periods of underperformance?

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

NSE's Electronic Gold Receipts: What needs to be checked before investing

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