Page 2 - Guide To Personal Finance

Dividend yield funds: For risk-averse investors seeking lower volatility

The dividend yield acts as a cushion that prevents stocks from falling further

Budget 2025: Tax-free income limit under new regime rises to Rs 12 lakh

Old tax system remains unchanged

Budget 2025: Relief on 2 self-occupied properties, without riders

Annual limit of Rs 2.4 lakh for TDS on rent increased to Rs 6 lakh

Yellow metal: Maintain allocation; tariff battles may sustain bull run

"Central banks usually purchase about 400 tonnes of gold annually. However, in 2022 and 2023, they bought over 1,000 tonnes each year," says Vikram Dhawan

Non-life insurers' profit in green in FY24 after 2 straight years of losses

Net profit of life insurance companies rose by 10.79% Y-o-Y in FY24 to Rs 47,407 crore

Over Rs 20k cr of unclaimed amounts lie with life insurers at end of FY24

Irdai also adopted several measures to reduce existing unclaimed amounts, asking insurers to prompt policyholders to update their contact details at the time of renewal

Say no to NFOs, buy direct plans and seek suggestions from Sebi RIAs

Sebi's new rule is a positive step towards investor protection. It will reduce mis-selling by aligning distributor incentives with investor interests and discourage unnecessary portfolio churn

Algo trading: Understand risks, have realistic return expectations

The circular is expected to provide retail investors access to registered and approved algos, ensuring their interests are protected

Housing in tier-II cities: Assess job prospects, infra before investing

Tier 2 cities are emerging as attractive real estate destinations due to expanding employment opportunities

Align investment horizon with portfolio duration for short-term debt funds

While all investors should have some allocation to shorter-duration debt funds for portfolio stability, the exact proportion should depend on their risk appetite

Reducing home loan: Switch to lower-cost loan if credit profile improves

Until repo rate cuts begin, borrowers can explore other options to lower their home loan burden

Go with regulated entity: Listed bonds subject to ratings, oversight

Unlisted securities, issued by smaller companies, often promise high interest rates of 15-18 per cent to attract investors

Consumption funds: Strong returns await investors who can endure slowdowns

Over the past year, consumption funds yielded returns of 28.6 per cent, lower than PSU (46.4 per cent), pharma (42 per cent), infrastructure (39.1 per cent), and technology (37.8 per cent)

Is NPS Vatsalya retirement scheme for your child too far-fetched an idea?

While the scheme allows you to plan for your child's retirement well after you may be gone, you should focus first on your retirement and kids' education

Health claims rise: Combine base policy, super top-up for high coverage

To combat rising health insurance expenses, an adequate sum insured is essential

Business Cycle Funds: Macro-driven funds that can fall prey to timing risk

Business cycle funds aim to optimise returns by aligning their portfolios with different phases of the economic cycle

Link UPI app to bank account having limited funds; set daily limits

Fraudsters also place fake QR codes over legitimate ones-on parking meters, donation boxes, etc. When users scan them, the payment goes to fraudsters' accounts

Buy more, hold, or sell? Let fundamentals, valuations guide decisions

High valuations are the primary reason behind the correction in mid- and small-cap stocks

Beating insurance mis-selling by banks: Use e-banking, reduce branch visits

Echoing her views, Debasish Panda, chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), also underscored growing concerns regarding banks mis-selling insurance products

Investing in ETFs: Ensure low tracking error, alignment with risk appetite

Investors should approach ETFs as long-term investments and avoid frequent trading