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

Business Standard

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

I had booked an expensive resort for a family vacation with a leading holiday company. According to the terms of booking, if I cancel my trip (for any reason), the booking amount won&rsquo;t be refunded (not even partly). I had to pay the room rent &mdash; Rs 1 lakh &mdash; 15 days in advance when booking the place.

NON-LIFE INSURANCE: Gaurav Garg

But are you aware of it? Sometimes, banks simply deduct the outstanding from your account.

No longer a borrower

Individuals are no different from businesses and the basic principles stay the same.

Create your own cash flow

Yes, banks might flood you with card offers. But too many of them can spell trouble.

Creditworthy can go awry

Banks take unfit rupees out of circulation. Here&rsquo;s how to identify them.

Know your note

Delay your asset reallocation, take a call on debt after a few months.

Don't move money too fast

After a road accident, when an insurance surveyor assessed that Ashwin Trivedi should get 75 per cent of the claim for damage to his car, he was satisfied. But, the insurance company wasn&rsquo;t happy. So, it sent a second surveyor, who reduced it to 60 per cent. Then, a third brought it down to 40 per cent, which the insurer agreed to pay.

Weak option for insured

I have some outstanding on my credit card for the last three months. I want to change the due date for payment on my card. I want to know how it will affect the interest levied on my outstanding.

LOANS: Manju Srivatsa

Pan card has to be submitted for financial transactions. otherwise, tax burden will go up.

A number for all transactions

Yes, It sounds funny. But like driving, following a few rules makes it worth the while.

Seeking safety in stocks?

Banks are coming up with innovative products to attract B-school aspirants.Take your pick...

Investing in a better degree

State-owned Union Bank of India will raise retail term deposit rates by 25 to 50 basis points with effect from Monday, the bank said on Saturday.

Union Bank ups term deposit rates 25-50 points

Credit card owners can get a personal loan with little or no paperwork, and the rates are quite comparable.

A loan with no frills, cheaper too

State-owned Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) might consider an upward revision in its deposit and lending rates after the Reserve Bank of India's Annual Monetary Policy Statement for 2010-11 on April 20, Chairman TY Prabhu said on Monday.

Oriental Bank may raise rates after April 20

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 914 - Personal Finance