Karthik Jerome

High-yield bonds: Understand risks before chasing double-digit returns

High-yield bonds can offer double-digit returns, but investors must weigh default, credit, liquidity and concentration risks before chasing higher yields

Buying pet insurance? Check sub-limits, exclusions before choosing a policy

India's pet population rose from 28.5 million in financial year 2019-20 (FY20) to 39.2 million in FY25 and is projected to reach 60.5 million by FY30, according to industry estimates

Students' term cover: Buy adequate sum insured to cover education loan

A higher amount can be taken to provide a cushion to those who are likely to become financially dependent on the student in the future

How to handle your finances after a job loss: Cut costs, manage debt wisely

How to pare discretionary expenses, handle investments and debt, and migrate from a group to a personal health insurance policy

Rallies and reversals since 1991: The lessons for Indian investors

Avoid leverage, respect valuations and let earnings, cash flows and balance sheet strength, not narratives, guide investment decisions

Flood-damaged home? Know what insurance policy covers and how to claim

Check sub-limits and exclusions, document damage promptly, and avoid permanent repairs before inspection

Using MTF? Keep sufficient cash for margin calls, avoid forced selling

Investors should restrict margin trading facility use to liquid stocks, maintain adequate cash buffers for margin calls, and avoid excessive leverage during periods of market stress

Reforms@35: From UTI monopoly and assured returns to SIP investment boom

How the continuing reforms in the MF space have created an over ₹82 trillion powerhouse

Build layered health cover to shield finances from critical illnesses

Combine a robust base health plan with a super top-up, critical illness cover and a dedicated medical corpus to protect household finances from soaring treatment costs

How safe is it to accept finfluencers' investment recommendations?

If you wish to stay safe, stick to the minority that has a Sebi-registered investment adviser or research analyst licence

Motor insurance: Prioritise 'engine protect' rider this monsoon season

Standard motor insurance covers many monsoon-related losses, but add-ons such as engine protect and zero-depreciation can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses

Compare forex cards on total costs and complete transparency in charges

A card with zero cross-currency conversion charge will allow you to load US dollars and then spend in any currency without incurring further charges

Equal-weight funds: Pick broader universe if risk appetite, horizon permit

Beware that funds with higher exposure to mid- and smallcaps are likely to be more volatile

Credit cards & Gen Z: Spending should not exceed 20-30% of take-home income

Credit utilisation ratio should remain below 30%

Old health cover may leave you underinsured as medical costs rise

Review the sum insured at every renewal, upgrade while healthy, and use a super top-up to raise cover affordably

What is new about the EPF 2026 Scheme and what it means for subscribers

While subscribers get greater flexibility in making partial withdrawals, they should exercise this freedom judiciously so that they don't deplete their retirement corpus drastically

Avoid a costly early exit: Steps before surrendering an insurance policy

Assess the policy's returns, risks and liquidity restrictions, and ensure that you can sustain the premiums throughout its term

Aggressive hybrid funds offer equity exposure with lower volatility

Check both equity and debt portfolios before investing

Verify hospital's cashless status before admission to avoid claim hassles

If reimbursement becomes unavoidable, submit a complete file at the earliest

Verify hospital's cashless status before admission to avoid claim delays

If reimbursement becomes unavoidable, submit a complete file at the earliest