A person would need to pay higher taxes on profits made from sale of an asset, according to the draft Direct Tax Code.

Capital gains conundrum

Business Standard

If your loan amount is high, prepay to lower the monthly outgo; Invest the extra money at hand, if your loan is fixed at low rate.

Surplus management: prepay or invest

The cost can be as high as personal loan, with processing fees and service taxes.

Turning credit card bills into monthly instalments

If you are planning to buy a term insurance policy, consider buying one online. Close on the heels of Aegon Religare Life Insurance Company&rsquo;s online term insurance plan, iTerm, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched a similar plan &mdash; iProtect. Aegon Religare&rsquo;s plan has been in the market for over a few months now.

Buy online plans, but only for limited sum assured

I am a 22-year-old student. I want to start investing in the stock market with a long-term perspective. I work with a travel agency (for three-four hours a day) and earn Rs 5,000 per month. I want to invest small amounts regularly.

Investing: RIshi Nathany

&ldquo;My entire staff is looking forward to a holiday,&rdquo; says J Hari Narayan, chairman, Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Irda).

Irda begins clearing new Ulips

Last week, Tata AIG General Insurance launched a jewellery and valuables insurance cover for high net worth individuals &mdash; a first of its kind. While both public and private general insurance companies have jewellery insurance covers, they are a part of the householder&rsquo;s policy.

Accurate valuation is the key

I purchased a group accident policy from a general insurance company for my family on May 6. But after reviewing it, I realised it did not suit my requirements. I called up the customer helpline on May 9 and 10 to get the policy cancelled. They suggested that instead of cancelling it, I downgrade it to level-I solely for myself and exclude the other members. I would, thus, save Rs 99. I agreed to modify the policy, but it has not been changed as yet. I have also not received the premium refund.

Non-life insurance: Gaurav Garg

But fixed maturity plans are risky, and you need to stay put for the entire tenure.

High returns, more tax benefits

Whether it is jewellery, games or even spas, everything is available at a discount on special deal websites. But, don&rsquo;t become a victim of bargain shopping.

Life in a web of deals

Twenty six-year-old Yogesh Tiwari already has plans for his increment. The information technology (IT) employee at Scorp Enterprises wants to buy a camera, which will cost him twice his monthly income.

Save before splurging

My twins have just started college. I want to inculcate in them the habit of using plastic money wisely.

Financial Planning: Sumeet Vaid

After the recent name change to Tata Global Beverage (formerly Tata Tea), the company spelt out its new roadmap on Tuesday. From the present bouquet of tea, non-tea non-carbonated beverages and mineral water, among others, the company intends to foray into food and fortified health drinks. Tata Global Beverage (TGB) intends to become a diversified global beverage company.

Brewing ambitious plans

Disfavours insurers&rsquo; plan to have life agents sell non-life plans.

Irda no to short cut on agent sales

Structured products offer the prospect of safety with returns, within broad limits.

Investments tailored to your preferences

It&rsquo;s never too late to work out retirement needs. Check the options for investing and get aggressive.

Crossed 45 and panicking?

Life becomes less taxing

It helps to have a third party&rsquo;s vetting for your business.

How bank guarantees work

I am 35 and have articulated my goals below.

Ways to raise equity exposure

I have invested in numerous diversified equity funds through SIP. I want to put money in sector funds from Reliance Mutual Fund. These include schemes in sectors such as pharma, banking and power. These funds are doing well over the past five years.

Few bank options for online purchases

DTC Bill has some significant changes from the earlier draft, not all being concessions to taxpayers.

Some cheer, some loss, some things unclear

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.

Page 904 - Personal Finance