I am 35 and have a term plan (cover Rs 25 lakh) with an insurance company. My annual premium is around Rs 8,500. I have come across companies that offer the same cover for less than half the premium I am paying.

LIFE INSURANCE: Kamesh Goyal

Business Standard

A dip in the market is an opportunity if you have missed out on the action earlier or even to rejig the portfolio.

Welcome, correction

When you apply for a home loan, banks normally sanction between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of the loan-to-value ratio. The eligibility can be increased if collaterals are provided in the form of life insurance policies, national saving certificates (NSC) and other investments.

Increase your home loan eligibility

In an effort to step up credit to farmers, State Bank of India (SBI) has slashed interest rates on crop loans above Rs 3 lakh and up to Rs 25 lakh by over 175 basis points. At present, crop loans upto Rs 3 lakh are available to farmers at 7 per cent. They get additional 2 per cent concession for prompt repayment, SBI said in statement.

SBI cuts rates for farm loans

Life cover to be bundled with pension plan from July.

Unit-linked pension plans may lose charm

On Friday there was a sharp fall in the prices of stocks belonging to Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), namely Reliance Power, Reliance Natural Resources, Reliance Infrastructure and others. On the other hand, Reliance Industries (RIL) belonging to Mukesh Ambani gained.

Go beyond the numbers

Investors often get very excited when banks and companies offer returns of 8 per cent and 10 per cent because they seem extremely high. And especially, in a volatile equity market, an assured return of 8 per cent in a bank fixed deposit (FD ) seems like the best bet.&nbsp; However, look at absolute returns while making investment decisions.

What is the real benefit?

At the beginnning of the financial year, the salaried need to fill up a declaration form and give to their respective companies. This declaration form provides the snapshot of all the necessary investment that the salaried person proposes to undertake during the year. Based on this statement, companies give tax reliefs. However, this often is an intimidating paper for a lot of people, especially because it mentions various sections of the Income Tax Act that people are not familiar with.

Declare the correct investment details

Recently, there have been reports that the government is working on a scheme to offer education loans at a minimum rate of interest of 4 per cent. The Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) also plans to extend loan repayment periods for those who aspire to become doctors, engineers, fashion designers and/or information technology professionals.

Educational loans to get cheaper?

Withdrawing the amount each time you move to a new job can make a huge dent in the retirement corpus.

Transfer EPF money when you quit

Big banks provide personal loans for holidays with a longer tenure. Take your pick.

Smaller banks, better deals?

The pharma sector is considered defensive. However, in recent times, it has not been behaving as one.

Investing: Hemant Rustagi

A nominee is simply a custodian for most assets, except in case of equities.

Nominee versus legal heir

I have gold jewellery worth Rs 3,00,000 in my bank.

NON-LIFE INSURANCE: Ajay Bhimbet

Policyholders of unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) with a top-up option might find the going tough in the next few months. Reason: Insurers are confused about the recent guidelines issued by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda). Apart from directing companies to provide a sum assured for retirement products, an Irda circular has mandated a cover for top-up premiums, too.

Confusion over top-up Ulips

High networth individuals (HNIs) will now have more options to choose from. Banks, broking houses and asset management companies are coming up with innovative products for targeting them. For example, one product offers a combination of debt and options in the CNX Nifty that can be bought either in India or abroad.

Less risky, reasonable returns

Many financial planners are advising me to invest in international equity funds.

FINANCIAL PLANNING: Gaurav Mashruwala

Amfi says trail commission in case of transferred mutual fund accounts be put in an investor education fund.

Zero trail commission for transferred MF accounts

When mutual funds change their unit values, investors think there is a real change. In reality, it is not.

Don't be confused by face value

Small charges might seem inconsequential. They can pile up, though.

Banks may be at your service but look at costs

Though it is growing very fast, the auto sector needs constant innovation and cash.

Care for a speed demon?

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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