Page 8 - Himali Patel

Improve score, opt for secured credit card to tackle squeeze in issuances

If you are finding it hard to get a personal loan, try to get a collateral-based one

Dynamic bond funds: Outsource duration investment bets to fund managers

Some dynamic bond funds could take on higher credit risk to boost returns as there is no regulatory curb on them in this regard

Buying a cardiac plan? Check waiting periods and co-payment requirements

Customers should also watch out for sub-limits on room rent and specific treatments

After recent silver rally, limit exposure to 5%, enter with 7-year horizon

A weaker US dollar and lower Treasury yields have enhanced the appeal of precious metals

Diwali bonus: Splurge, but also repay costly debt, replenish emergency fund

Those without high-cost debt can invest the money to achieve financial goals

Make your investment portfolio more resilient by adding a quality fund

Investors are shifting from growth and speculative stocks towards quality stocks, which offer predictable earnings and tend to perform well in challenging market conditions

Festival offers on home loans: Avoid teaser rates that reset after months

Compare offers from various lenders on criteria like interest rates, processing charges, tenure, discounts, repayment flexibility

Term insurance for self-employed: Get 10-15X cover, add premium waiver

Self-employed individuals often face hurdles in buying term insurance due to financial documentation that doesn't fully reflect their earnings. This complicates underwriting

Travel tip: Use prepaid forex card when abroad, avoid currency fluctuations

Avoid dynamic currency conversion by paying in the local currency instead of Indian rupees

Festive car loan offers: Compare lender cost; higher rates may offset perks

Besides negotiating a good deal on the car, buyers must secure a favourable loan offer

Love bungee jumping? Take accident cover before your next adventure trip

A medical cover may handle medical expenses but does not provide for the temporary or permanent loss of income during the recovery period and after, and expenditures such as travel costs

Festival spending: Maximise rewards with right cards, stick to planned buys

While credit cards have become the preferred payment option for many, this has also raised concerns about overleveraged, particularly during the festive season

Buy base policy, super top-up from same insurer to simplify claims

The deductible is the amount paid through the base policy or out of pocket before the super top-up kicks in. A higher deductible reduces the premium

Accumulate gold through SIP if portfolio allocation below 10-15%

The yellow metal may struggle if interest-rate cuts in the US are not significant, and the US economy remains stronger than expected

Buy-and-hold investors, avoid high secondary mkt premiums on SGBs

A key reason for the current delay is that SGBs have become an expensive borrowing route for the government

Investing in NBFC bonds: Strike a balance between return and rating

With more NBFCs tapping the bond market, interest rates are currently attractive

Momentum-based factor funds: Volatile but rewarding strategy for investors

"Factor investing is growing rapidly in India. Among factor funds, momentum is the largest and the most popular strategy," says Pratik Oswal, chief of business, passive funds, Motilal Oswal AMC

Consider benefits, costs before agreeing to insurance policy splitting

While splitting is common in life insurance, it sometimes happens in health insurance as well

Consider interest rate, collateral, cosigner terms when selecting lender

Indian students typically approach banks, NBFCs, and a few international lenders for foreign education loans

SIP myths debunked: When investors should step up, pause, or stop them

An SIP allows investors (particularly the salaried class) to match their cash flows with their investments