Page 726 - Personal Finance

Stay invested for making money

Otherwise, figure out the impact of taxes and brokerage costs if you think your trading or stock-picking skills can beat the index

EPFO to launch online PF transfer for PF trusts this month

EPFO has developed a mechanism by which PF accounts can be transfered online from an un-exempted firm to exempted organisation

Good time to buy commercial property

Since prices are at rock bottom, you will get capital appreciation on the property value. These also offer higher rental yields than residential property

Exit load is good for investors

But avoid sector funds that have such loads because of their cyclical nature

Deposit rating no investment recommendation

It only shows a company's quality. Invest if you can stomach the credit risk and then keep track of the rating, to avoid getting stranded later

Protect NCB by not claiming insurance for small repairs

If you transfer the policy to a new vehicle, the no claim bonus might help lower the premium

Sentiment isn't everything

It will be some time before things change on the ground. Don't get carried away

Case study

Realty check

Budget: Rs 50 lakh-Rs 1 crore

Do stock splits add value to a scrip?

Share prices of companies that have gone for a split in the past 2 years have mostly risen. However, the picture is not clear in the long term. Hence, go by the fundamentals

Banking: Prashant Joshi

Consumer-protection provisions need more teeth

RBI's cautiously optimistic approach

There could be a surge in 'catch-up' buying activity if the apex bank cuts rates in January

Stick to debt for short-term goals

If you shift entirely to equity and if markets fall, your investments will be hit

EPFO subscribers to get account update in real time from Oct 16

UAN member's portal will help EPFO to monitor whether their employers are depositing their PF contributions

Ensure policy proceeds reach the right person

Businessmen with liabilities can buy an insurance policy under the Married Women's Property Act to insulate the family from any default

Try MFs to benefit from e-commerce boom

Investing directly here is difficult. Retail investors can look at firms that will benefit from the sector's growth and go by this route

MFs buy on dips in September

Turn net-buyers in the second half of the month as market corrects

Return of purchase price means lower return from annuity

If you have no dependants you can opt for lifetime annuity & get more pension

Roll over FMPs only if you don't need cash

Otherwise, you could be better off investing in open-ended balanced funds with similar returns, tax efficiency