Page 557 - Personal Finance

New ITR forms for AY 2018-19: Things you must know before you file returns

The new Sahaj form wants you to disclose specific details about your salary. Here are a few things you as an Income Tax Returns (ITR) assessee must know

Exit options for Indian cryptocurrency investors

They could request friends or family members abroad to sell them, or sell to another investor abroad at a small discount

Stick largely to accrual funds despite softening of 10-yr govt bond yield

Moving into duration-oriented funds could be risky; as for dynamic bond funds, stay invested if you have already done so

Save money when dialing abroad: These apps can bring down call cost by 98%

Such savings are possible if you use an app that lets you make calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP or IP telephony)

Looking for property in Rs 20-25 mn range? Current rate list of 7 cities

These are bonds whose returns are linked to an inflation index

Go for tried-and-tested scrips and do not invest aggressively in IT firms

The sharp turnaround is good news for investors who are holding on to these stocks or mutual fund schemes

Modi govt's promise on tax terrorism lies in tatters even after 4-year rule

Although most courts have ruled in favour of societies, tax department continues to tax the hardship allowance developers pay

Filing stock-related complaints against erring companies gets easier

Firms need to respond within 30 days of filing complaint

Small savings schemes still attractive despite fixed deposit rate hike

State Bank of India has twice hiked interest rates on fixed deposits within a month, but an investor still gets better returns at Post Office

Mediclaim policy: A numbers-driven approach to buying health insurance

Instead of getting confused by the spiel of agents, use parameters like waiting period, claim-settlement ratio and price comparison to make the right choice

Reduce portfolio volatility by investing across asset classes, says expert

Equities tend to be volatile in the short term but can offer good returns over the long-term

Legacy plan: Whole-life Ulips can be used to bequeath funds outside of Will

In a whole-life Ulip, the sum assured can also be higher than regular Ulips, where it is 10 times the annual premium

Crude oil holds the key

If prices mitigate, oil marketing companies might become investment-worthy again

Write a will to safeguard your child's future, choose the guardian wisely

Appoint a personal guardian, someone to look after the child's financial affairs, and someone to manage any real estate you may bequeath to the child

Monitor card usage with smart apps to stave off the cyber thief

You can switch on and switch off card usage using a new third-party mobile app, and also through the bank's own mobile app and internet banking channel

Tipping Point: Restrictions put on sales of Reliance Small Cap Fund units

Direct investors in equities should focus their research efforts towards other market segments

Banks unwilling to extend loan to new borrowers without credit history

New-to-credit customers should use secured credit cards to build up a track record, or turn to digital lenders and P2P platforms for loans

Mediclaim policies cannot be rejected on the basis of assumptions

It can't be assumed that duodenal perforation, the cause of death, was due to alcoholism

Is expense ratio the most important criteria while choosing MF schemes?

Average difference in expense ratios between a regular and direct plan is a good 100-120 basis points

Readers' Corner: Financial planning

ELSS is a combination of a tax saving scheme and a great investment idea