Page 21 - Joydeep Ghosh

Dear Mr Chidambaram

It's not just the archaic tax laws but the anomalies that make the taxpayer's life difficult

At the negotiating table

The I-T Settlement Commission gives you a one-time chance to resolve pending issues

Lessons for the stock market

Experts say retail investor does not need to look at the indices on a daily or even monthly basis and should invest regularly

Stop buying too many policies

Lapsing of 16 million life policies clearly shows many of us are buying but not renewing

Young and unsettled

Over reliance on debt and distribution bottlenecks are some of the main problems that the industry needs to resolve

Is it time to start an SIP?

Experts say investing lumpsum with a three to five-year horizon could be better option

Not the time to re-jig your portfolio

RBI still unwilling to cut rates, Sensex is volatile and the outlook for gold isn't clear

Mis-selling or fraud?

The onus is on you to reject financial products that don't suit your needs

Use the free-look period to your advantage

If you want to surrender the policy, do so. It is better to pay underwriting charges than let the policy lapse in future

Inflation-indexation bonds: Not much for retail investors

They can skip the first auction today, as RBI has indicated the bonds could be linked to CPI in future

Lower risk weight will improve pricing, perception: NHB chief

Will help improve risk perception of real estate sector, will help pricing of loans for project financing of residential properties

A policy of intent: Action awaited...

The RBI governor has set tight deadlines to bring out a slew of proposals on gold, real estate and other areas. Expect a lot of action the next few months

Saradha: Sebi, government should take over chit funds

There are thousands of chit funds all across the country which promise unbelievable returns, cheat investors and run away, and these need to be regulated

Focus on intermediaries

Regulators, especially the RBI, need to put strong guidelines for agents and relationship managers

Just sit tight

We might have entered a phase when all asset classes could fall for some time. It's time to play safe

Gold loan firms swing into action as falling prices spell trouble

May recall loans in extreme cases; loan-to-value ratio at 60% but scrap value 75%

Lower your gold holdings

If you are sitting on profits, book these now. Don't try to average out costs

Financial plan for 2013-14

Steps like depositing the entire PPF amount before April 5 or preparing a household budget will ensure this financial year goes well

Household budgets will continue to bleed

With administered prices keeping food inflation high and loan rates unlikely to go down, life won't get any easier

Vote, or pay more taxes

The number of rural rich is rising but urban India continues to bear the tax burden