Sebi&rsquo;s new move will lower costs for customers and make shifting brokers easier.

Single KYC, multiple options

Business Standard

While choosing to buy a traditional insurance plan or Ulip, it is important to analyse financial needs, goals and objectives before deciding on the type of plan. For example, if a customer is planning for his child&rsquo;s education, then he could look for a plan with guaranteed returns. Hence, he may buy a traditional plan with guaranteed returns for the benefit of the child.

Life insurance: Deepak Sood

If following an asset allocation approach, check if the scheme's investments are in line with its mandate.

Don't get swayed by returns

The loan, on expiry of the fixed-rate period, switches to floating rate at a margin of 200 bps over the then base rate.

Rates offset discount, as more banks join spree

Customers must spot lapses before credit bureau, bank can take corrective steps.

Cleaning the credit scorecard

To protect small and marginal account holders, it has been made mandatory for banks to insure each account up to Rs 1 lakh. The rider is: The insurance amount becomes payable only when the bank goes into liquidation. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) tries to prevent the liquidation and winding up of the bank, and instead attempts to revive it by granting protection, which often runs into years. So, the account holder is left high and dry, in a catch-22 situation where he can neither access his money nor avail the insured amount. This is not justified, according to a ruling by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Comm-ission in 2008 in the case of Reserve Bank of India v/s Eshwarappa &amp; Anr in revision petition number 2528 of 2006 and other connected matters.

Remedy against bankrupt banks

With debt being the flavour of the season, this week has seen launch of two debt mutual fund schemes. Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund is offering a short-term fixed maturity plan (FMP), while L&amp;T Mutual Fund has launched a short-term debt fund.

Investments depend on liquidity needs and interest rate outlook

In the event of any unforeseen medical or non-medical emergency while travelling abroad, you need to register the claim first on the insurance company&rsquo;s helpline numbers. There is generally a cashless facility available for travel insurance customers in case of medical claims. In case of reimbursement, you will need to send the requisite documents to the claims department in India after your arrival. The claims settlement takes a fortnight after receipt of the requisite documents.

General Insurance: Bhargav Dasgupta

Employers are negotiating with insurers for a better deal on behalf of employees.

Now, firms facilitate group health cover for parents

If you are waiting for your performance-linked bonus at the end of the year, you might be in for a rude shock. You will probably get less than what you got last year. Some unlucky ones may not even get their much-awaited bonus.

Prepare for pay cuts amid poor results

I am 45, earning about Rs 65,000 monthly. I have been investing in mutual funds for the past nine years (equity-diversified funds with a growth option). Should I switch over to the dividend option? The volatility in the market is making me nervous.

Investing: Rishi Nathany

Bank fixed deposits offer assured returns but are entirely taxable. Ultra short-term debt funds can&rsquo;t specify returns but are tax efficient.

Toss between safety & return

Lower premiums or higher benefits for the same cover justify a switch. But watch out for hidden costs.

Do you know when switching policies makes sense?

I had bought two unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) five years before (for wife and daughter). I am advised to redeem my wife&rsquo;s Ulip, as it&rsquo;s doing badly. And, given the mortality rate and other fees, there are slim chances of getting a positive return.

Life Insurance: Deepak Sood

As the time for readying investment declarations for tax purposes approaches, some tips on what to do.

Look beyond tax-saving tags

Unable to clear rising credit card dues? Facing the brunt of steep interest charges? You are sure to have got calls to pay back in EMIs (equated monthly instalments). If you do not agree, credit card issuers give another option &mdash; of balance transfer.

Balance transfer helps save revolving charges

Credit card transactions in October were worth Rs 8,997.63 crore, up 33.1 per cent from that in the corresponding period last year.

Credit card deal value up 33% in October

Press Trust of India

The esteemed readers of this column are well aware of the benefits of a Systematic Investing Plan (SIP) and the discipline required to go with it. I just have to add that you can consider investing in any Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that tracks either the Nifty or the Sensex. The most liquid equity ETF is GS Nifty BEES. GS stands for Goldman Sachs. You may choose any ETF that tracks the Nifty or the Sensex. I have used this only as an example.

Keep sipping for healthy returns

Adopt varied strategies for investing across sectors, but after emergency planning.

Bracing for a bumpy ride

The rising cost of medical insurance has prompted India Inc to provide lower cover to employees. A 2011-12 employee benefit survey says the average sum assured under the group medical cover offered by companies has come down by 40 per cent &mdash; to Rs 300,000 from Rs 500,000 &mdash; over the last two years.

Employers adopt cost containment steps for group medical policies

I, 47, am a government employee. My investments are: EPF = Rs 18 lakh, PPF = Rs 5.5 lakh, recurring deposit = Rs 3 lakh and FD = Rs 2 lakh. I have also subscribed to postal life insurance of Rs 1 lakh, postal recurring = Rs 500 (monthly), postal monthly income scheme (Rs 20,000). I invest in SBI gold fund (SIP = Rs 1,000). I have pension, health and money-back policies from LIC (annual premium = Rs 1 lakh).

Financial planning: Gaurav Mashruwala

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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