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

Banks may be at your service but look at costs

Business Standard

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

Care for a speed demon?

The number of credit cards in circulation fell below the 20-million mark in March, as issuers continued to cull inactive and defaulting accounts and focus instead on increasing spends.

Fewer swipes: Number of credit card holders slips to 18.3 mn in March

Investing in foreign stocks will become easier through Indian depository receipts.

The world is your oyster

What is your view on companies in metal-related business? Experts are predicting that the demand is bound to fall hereon and there is surplus. I have holding in some companies.

INVESTING: Rishi Nathany

I have been holding two life insurance policies and two Ulips for the last five years. I have got a job abroad and will be shifting shortly. But, I do not know for how long.

Life insurance: Deepak Sood

Zero in on the right model before looking for the &lsquo;best price&rsquo;.

Leads for buying LED TVs

Analysts see steady long-term gains, say volatility to last for a short while.

Invest in gold, but via ETFs

I retired two years back and shifted to Mumbai. I opened a bank account for my daughter and informed the bank about my change in address (I was staying at some other place initially, for a short period, when we moved to Mumbai). Still the bank sent the credit card in my daughter&rsquo;s name to my old address and the family staying there, started using the card. But, when the bills were not paid for few months, the bank representative came to my new house. The family refuses to accept they used the card. I wrote to the bank to take action against them, which never happened, it&rsquo;s been three months. I still keep getting calls to pay the bill, which is escalating, and I will be sued if I don&rsquo;t pay up.

BANKING: Prashant Joshi

If you have gold jewellery to offer as collateral for personal loan, procedural hassles are minimal and banks don&rsquo;t check your credit score.

A more precious debt option

A look at stocks in the portfolio, corpus size and comparison with peers can help in selecting a fund.

Mutual funds: Beyond returns

These stocks can make up for the capital loss in a sliding market.

When dividends pay

Individuals travelling abroad will now carry more currency. The reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the maximum amount limit to $3,000 from $2,000. The challenge for individuals is to consider several other factors that determine the manner of usage of this amount.

Cash options for foreign travel

I am 42, with two dependents - wife and 6-year old daughter. My monthly pay is Rs 68,000. I have invested Rs 17,500 in four small-cap stocks (currently valued at Rs 16,900). I have Rs 55,000 in my savings account.

Equity always pays in long-term

I am 61, retired and have paid all loans. I need Rs 40,000 as monthly expenses. I never invested in mutual funds but want to do so now. I have saved Rs 8 lakh. Please suggest some good funds I can invest in. My risk appetite is very low and I want regular returns.

MIPs give returns, regular pay

Don&rsquo;t buy or dump a stock simply because it becomes a part of &mdash; or is dropped from &mdash; a known index.

The ins and outs of index stocks

I recently completed my graduation and took up a job. My monthly income is Rs 16,000. I am planning to do an MBA after three years. The cost of such a course, at present, is around Rs 4 lakh.

Financial planning Sumeet Vaid

The proposal to cap surrender charges may ensure buyers get back some &mdash; just some &mdash; of their investment.

Unit-linked plans: More lip service

I have been actively trading in the stock market through my broker for the past few years. He recently suggested I should try investing in the commodities market.

INVESTING: Hemant Rustagi

A computer is now recognised as a necessity, not a luxury. With both local and international brands flooding the market with their products, the percentage of people using assembled computers (white-box) is slowly going down.

Welcome to the world of free software

When asked to choose between gold and silver, most investors would immediately opt for gold. It is primarily because they feel gold can be easily purchased and sold. But, silver is not a bad option either.

Good option, but few avenues

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 913 - Personal Finance