Page 4 - Karthik Jerome

Should you continue holding SIPs in mid, smallcap funds or stop them?

Those significantly overweight on these categories must book profits to rein in exposure. A lot depends on your horizon and risk appetite

Debt MF outlook: Divide portfolio between long- and low-duration funds

The Indian economy requires rate cuts and a supportive monetary policy to sustain growth, which is slowing

Health insurance for senior citizens is expensive: Here's what they must do

Those who find premiums unaffordable should go for a plan with deductibles

Updated income-tax return: Ensure accuracy as revisions are not permitted

Only those with additional tax to pay can file an updated return

Budget 2025: Relief on 2 self-occupied properties, without riders

Annual limit of Rs 2.4 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh

Banking sector funds: Invest now to capitalise on credit growth pickup

The ideal time to invest in sector funds is during a downturn so that investors can capitalise on a turnaround in 1.5-2 years

Assessing fund performance: Run the numbers, then do qualitative checks

Rely on multiple metrics to derive a holistic picture of performance. Also, compare a fund's performance with its category peers or the appropriate benchmark

Tackling rising home prices: Research pricing, demand-supply for best deals

Buyers with a limited budget should explore upcoming locations

Wrongful tax claims: File revised, updated ITR before I-T dept's scrutiny

Once a wrongful claim is detected, penalties follow

Dealing with recovery agents: Know your rights, study RBI guidelines

Escalate complaint to bank grievance officer, ombudsman, and finally consumer court

PSU funds: Recovery may take a while; stay put if you've long horizon

Stocks in areas such as defence, capital goods, railways, and PSU banks had rallied significantly

Health cover against cancer: Check policy for exclusions, sub-limits

Cancer-specific policies, which only cover cancer, are available as indemnity-based or fixed-benefit plans

Sector-thematic NFOs: Beware lack of track record, concentration risk

With growing awareness, demand for passive funds has also risen, prompting fund houses to launch more products

Managing multiple loans: Lower interest cost via debt consolidation

Borrowers with multiple loans-such as credit card, personal, and home loan-can pool them into one large loan with a lower interest rate

Select index factor fund based on high conviction and risk appetite

A market cap-based index selects and assigns weights to stocks based on market cap, favouring larger companies

Suspect a loved one had bought a policy? Search life insurers' websites

Unclaimed amounts often result from outdated customer details, making it difficult for insurers to trace policyholders or their nominees

Choosing a financial advisor: Look for experience of multiple market cycles

Financial advisors also assist in selecting cost-effective and tax-efficient products

Say no to NFOs, buy direct plans and seek suggestions from Sebi RIAs

Sebi's new rule is a positive step towards investor protection. It will reduce mis-selling by aligning distributor incentives with investor interests and discourage unnecessary portfolio churn

Insurance portfolio review: Up term cover with rising income, liabilities

A good rule of thumb is to purchase term cover amounting to 7-10 annual income, plus outstanding liabilities

Steep rise in premium, poor claim experience? Consider porting your policy

Check for loopholes in coverage, like sub-limits, and evaluate whether you need to augment coverage through a super top up policy