Karthik Jerome

Revised return deadline extended to help belated filers, global earners

Bear in mind that substantial changes in a revised return can invite closer examination by tax authorities

Home affordability: Consider peripheral localities, smaller house sizes

If going from a 2-BHK to a 3-BHK pushes the EMI beyond comfort, the bigger house becomes a risk rather than a solution

Tackling portfolio overlap: Invest fresh money in underrepresented segments

When building a portfolio, diversify by market cap, style, and geography to minimise chances of overlap

Flexi-cap funds: Invest if you prefer managers to handle market cap mix

Poor sector and stock selection calls can, however, lead to underperformance

Investing in Bitcoin: Use price correction to accumulate for next upswing

Investing systematically can help investors benefit from volatility rather than be overwhelmed by it

Home loan mistakes: Don't equate eligibility with repayment capacity

Be warned that incomplete, outdated and inconsistent documents can delay loan approval and disbursal

Skip duration bets, stick to short and medium-duration debt funds in 2026

Do not chase past returns, as the interest-rate environment that produced them no longer exists and gains from falling rates are largely behind investors

Home loan balance transfer: Higher residual principal tenure drive savings

A high credit score is critical as it enables the borrower to secure the new loan at an attractive rate

Rupee slide, overseas inflation key when planning foreign education

Factoring in only domestic inflation could lead to a shortfall

Avoid exiting Balanced Advantage Funds based on short-term underperformance

Balanced Advantage Funds have had a weak year, but advisors warn against knee-jerk exits, saying investors should stay invested unless a fund persistently lags peers and benchmarks

Maternity coverage: Buy early, cross waiting period before need arises

With waiting periods and sub-limits, experts advise early planning and careful policy checks to manage delivery expenses

Bitcoin price correction: Stay calm and avoid locking in losses on exits

New investors entering now should be cognisant of high volatility, regulatory risks and cybersecurity threats

Midcap and smallcap funds: Continue SIPs despite recent anaemic performance

Maintain allocation to these higher-growth segments because of their potential to offer superior returns over the long term

Partial hospital bill payout: Boost policy cover to secure full claims

In particular, avoid room rent caps that lead to proportionate deduction

Banking, financial services funds: Enter via SIPs with a 5-year view

If loan growth does not rise towards the 12-13 per cent range, valuations may shrink

Half of urban Indians now prioritise early retirement planning: Study

India's retirement readiness improves with the IRIS Index rising to 48; health and financial awareness up but emotional well-being remains a concern, says Axis Max Life

Tackling festive debt hangover: Repay high-rate loans on priority

Curtail new discretionary spending until existing EMIs are cleared; use secured loans to clear high-cost debts

Value funds help balance growth portfolios; invest with 5-year view

Those unable to withstand periods of underperformance may avoid these funds

Investors should book partial profits if gold allocation is over 10%

Instead of falling prey to FOMO and diving in headlong, new investors should enter gradually and with a long horizon

Indian investors remain risk-averse, Sebi urges diversified portfolios

Sebi's 2025 survey finds most Indians prioritise capital preservation; experts say align risk with time horizon and personal comfort level