Page 509 - Personal Finance

Only one out of five life insurance holders have term insurance: Survey

Term insurance, despite being the most fundamental and cheapest form of financial protection, still lacks a significant uptake in urban India

Planning to invest in mutual funds? Avoid these common mistakes

In fact, equity mutual fund investors should exploit such opportunities by topping up their existing SIPs with fresh lumpsum investments in a staggered manner

Frequent large cash deposits, withdrawals can lead to tax scrutiny

Tax experts say frequent cash transactions usually raise red flags with the department. It's not uncommon for them to send a notice in such cases, and ask for a detailed explanation

Plan to buy term insurance? Choose from multiple claim settlement options

Opt for lumpsum payment if you have liabilities. Staggered payout can provide regular income to the family

Loan against fixed deposit is cheaper, more flexible than a personal loan

The effective rate of interest comes to 1-2%

A ride worth it

Buy three small cap funds and hang on to them for three-five years even though it could be a stomach-churning ride

Want to lock in current high yields? Why an FMP works better than an FD

However, with so many companies facing credit-related issues, opt only for portfolios where the bulk of securities have AA and above ratings

Algorithmic trading a 'prerequisite' for surviving tomorrow's markets

With technology, data sciences and automated trading beginning to play a big role, this skill is fast becoming a prerequisite

Single-disease plans good for insurance sceptics, but not fit for long term

Combination of comprehensive health insurance and critical illness cover a must to meet healthcare needs

Sprucing up your pad? Here's what's trending in the world of home interiors

Contemporary interior designers are skillfully blending a set of diametrically opposite styles that complement, rather than clash with, each other

Fund pick: Franklin India Income Opportunities

Fund pick: Franklin India Income Opportunities

Enhance insurance coverage, beat medical inflation with a super top-up

When buying a TU/STU, consider the insurer's brand strength, claim settlement ratio, and product features

Tipping point: Is it advisable to invest in technology sector funds?

Don't invest more than 5-10% of equity portfolio in sector funds

Realty check: Current rates, unit sizes in Rs 30 lakh-50 lakh price range

If you are looking at buying real estate, an idea about prevailing rates would come in handy

Reader's corner: Life insurance

During the purchase of a term plan, the requirement for a medical examination varies for individuals

Excessively diversified portfolio will never give extraordinary returns

Diversifying too much may reduce risk, but it also hurts returns

Telecom companies can't force e-billing

Menon sought compensation for loss in practice. However, in the absence of any evidence, she was granted Rs 25,000

A complete guide to investing and I-T rebates under Section 80C

Once you know the amount required for availing maximum deductions under Section 80C, it's time to select the investment option(s) based on their liquidity and taxability of returns.

Low-risk investors may opt for retirement schemes offered by mutual funds

Most come with 5-year lock-in period, but some do not offer tax benefits

Buying insurance from car dealer is costlier, consider getting it online

Before buying, compare premiums online, and opt only for those add-ons that you need