I am 24, and since last month have started investing Rs 1,000 in HDFC Top 200. I am thinking of investing in Reliance Growth and HDFC Equity from next month. My investment time-frame is 10-20 years and I am looking at investing Rs 4,000-Rs 6,0000 a month through SIPs. I want a stable fund that would give high returns.

Get the combination right

Business Standard

Yes, a good financial advisor costs money.

Should you pay for advice?

The penalty for late filing is actually not much.

Cost of delay

Spending is the main theme for most families during this time of the year. But doing it wisely will help in the long run.

Festive gift for the future

A rising stock market is a perfect time for companies to reward their investors, as well as increase the liquidity of the scrip. It is done in two ways, a stock split or issuing a bonus.

When a bonus comes your way...

I am 26 and am working in a public sector bank for the past four years. I generally invest in mutual funds. My only dependent is my wife, who has no income.

Good start? Now, consolidate

Ruling out any change in investment policies, the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has said it will continue to focus on investment in high-quality debt paper and keep away from equities.

EPFO not to invest in equity

Loans against gold can be used to retire credit card dues or personal loans.

Leveraging the yellow metal

One of the commonly asked questions in financial planning is about prepaying housing loans. While most households take a long-term loan, they are keen to de-leverage and pay off the loan before the completion of the term. They associate the loan with liability, which it is, and like having the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the home they live in is theirs, with no encumbrances.

Should you prepay that home loan?

With the stock market nearing its all-time high, the best way out is to sell them in tranches.

Profit booking in Esops can be taxing

Gifting a prepaid card this festive season can be a good option. Prepaid cards or pre-loaded cards with fixed cash limits are available off the counter at select banks.

Pre-loading your expenses

I have taken individual health insurance covers for my wife, my son and I. Last year, my wife was hospitalised twice, and we could not get the second claim as the cover was already used. I have read about family-floater schemes.

General Insurance: Ajay Bimbhet

Earn a premium by making your property presentable.

Better deal for your house

After CIL success, IPO space may see a lot of action. Here are useful tips on investing.

A peek into public offers

After cashing out of the recent stock market rally, investors aren&rsquo;t ploughing their money into just initial public offerings (IPOs), bonds or real estate. The feel-good factor has prompted many of them to splurge on luxury cars, exclusive holidays and designer brands.

Small investors swap stocks for luxuries

I invested in a unit-linked insurance plan (Ulip) three years ago. I have paid its annual premium regularly, and the fourth one is due soon. With the recent changes in Ulip regulations, will it be prudent to withdraw and invest the money in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds? Although I have not seen the latest fund value, as my Ulip is three years old, I think I may not make losses if I exit. Also, please suggest some good schemes for new investments.

Investing: Rishi Nathany

Unless you have the means to analyse them, better opt for listed companies.

Chasing IPOs

Start planning early and do our homework on good deals.

Holiday within your means

Bought a wrong product and repenting now? Here are a few steps to correct your mistakes.

Cut your losses

Use forms 15G and 15H to avoid tax at source.

Don't want to wait for tax refund?

This shorter term fund, under the HDFC high interest umbrella, seeks to be more liquid than its longer term variants. It will achieve this by investing more in short-term papers. Effectively, this fund chooses liquidity over excess returns.

Liquidity with security

Personal Finance: Read about the smart strategies for Personal Finance Planning, Investing, Insurance, banking, budgeting, loans Tax Planning, retirement and insurance. Browse Business Standard to learn more on Personal Finance.

Personal Finance: Investing, Planning, Retirement, Loans, & Insurance | Business Standard

Read about the smart strategies for Personal Finance Planning, Investing, Insurance, banking, budgeting, loans Tax Planning, retirement and insurance. Browse Business Standard to learn more on Personal Finance.

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