Page 4 - Karthik Jerome

Health insurance: Choose policy with guaranteed bonus, unaffected by claims

While premiums may rise over time, a good bonus-linked policy lowers the per lakh cost of sum insured

Defensive funds: Focus on consistency across cycles, not just performance

Funds that curbed their losses may not necessarily lead the rebound

US's crypto reserve plan a booster, but Indian investors must be cautious

Lack of regularity clarity in India and high volatility mean investors should take only limited exposure

Home insurance: Cover should suffice to rebuild structure, replace contents

A home insurance policy covers damage from earthquakes, fires, explosions, floods, landslides, cyclones, storms, aircraft damage, and acts of terrorism

Income-Tax Bill 2025: File tax return by due date to be eligible for refund

Deductions related to salary, including standard deduction and leave encashment, are now grouped under a single clause

New India Co-op Bank crisis: Higher returns come with greater risk

Many cooperative banks fall prey to political interference, unreliable accounting practices, loan evergreening, and frauds

Builder-buyer agreement: Better after Rera, but buyers must remain vigilant

Builder-buyer agreements tended to be one-sided. "Delivery schedules frequently stated 36-42 months but were vague about when this period began

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