Himali Patel

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

Treat these novel strategies as diversifiers, not as core holdings

Treat SIFs as satellite holdings, not replacements for core mutual fund holdings, as management and threshold compliance risks remain

Gold bars, coins: Factor in premiums, making charges and GST costs

Indians continue to favour physical gold for tradition and security, but ETFs offer a more efficient, low-cost route for long-term investment

Real estate: Flexible payment plans offer ease but carry hidden costs

Those choosing such plans may also forgo the 8-10 per cent savings often available under down-payment option

Young buyers dropping health cover risk savings, debt, investment setbacks

Combine base policy with super top-up, opt for policy with favourable bonus norms to manage premium cost

As credit card benefits decline, leverage offers to earn more rewards

The best way to optimise benefits is to keep multiple cards and use the one offering highest rewards for each spending category