Personal Finance

Pension fund managers: Why consistency and risk matter in your choice

Choosing the right NPS fund manager requires evaluating returns, risk, and portfolio strategy across equity, debt, and government securities for long-term stability

Housing price growth slows: Developers with high inventory may negotiate

The exuberance seen in 2023 and early 2024 is no longer evident. Elevated property prices have strained affordability and slowed down the pace of transactions

Display steady credit behaviour for 3-6 months for easier card approval

Repay loans on time, keep credit utilisation below 30%, and avoid too many applications within a short period

What are the available rates and tenures for Personal Loans?

A personal loan can be very useful in a sudden funds crunch, but may carry higher interest rates due to the higher risk it carries

Holiday homes turn income assets as rental villas gain traction

Second homes across India are increasingly seen as income assets, with buyers balancing lifestyle aspirations and rental yields amid rising demand for managed villas and short-term stays

Negative returns in long-duration funds: Stay invested if horizon extends

New investors may make a staggered entry with a horizon that matches these funds' portfolio maturity

Invest in gold, global funds to cushion portfolio against fall in rupee

Holding gold and global assets can help Indian investors hedge against rupee depreciation, manage inflation risks, and meet dollar-denominated goals such as overseas education and travel

Retirement funds: Invest if you are prone to panic-selling amid volatility

Sophisticated investors who manage diversified portfolios and don't wish to outsource asset allocation may avoid them

Begin work on improving credit score a year before applying for BFSI job

Employers are using credit history to assess candidates for roles involving clients' money, credit decisions, and sensitive financial data

What are the best term insurance plans for working women?

Term insurance becomes crucial after 30 as premiums rise with age; locking in early ensures stable costs and financial protection for dependents, helping secure long-term goals and liabilities

FY27 bring new real estate tax rules: What stays, what gets easier

Real estate investors gain long-term certainty as new tax rules prioritise policy stability and streamlined compliance for NRI transactions

Disclose high-value property gifts, taxable or exempt, in tax return

With high-value immovable property gifts now under SFT reporting, scrutiny will rise, making accurate disclosure of such transactions in income tax returns increasingly important

Correction in silver funds: Enter gradually with minimum five-year horizon

Existing investors who have become overweight after the bull run of the past year should book partial profits and rebalance

Year-end portfolio review: Book partial profits in silver and gold funds

Diversify internationally, continue SIPs in equity funds, and move towards medium and shorter-duration debt funds

Margin calls in gold loans: Avoid borrowing over 50-60% of pledged value

Maintain a liquidity buffer in case you get a margin call due to falling gold prices

Foreign property purchase: Remit own, tax-paid funds via authorised banks

Disclose the property every year under Schedule FA of your income-tax return

What are the interest rates senior citizens can get on fixed deposits?

Senior citizens get a slightly higher rate of interest on fixed deposits across public and private banks, as well as NBFCs

Canvas to capital: How art is becoming India's new investment asset

Indian art is moving beyond aesthetics into portfolios, as wealthy investors seek diversification, cultural capital, and long-term value in an asset class once seen as niche

Keep overdraft use limited to urgent needs, avoid rolling over dues

Availing of this facility without a clear repayment plan can lead to financial stress and higher borrowing costs over time, experts warn

Loan guarantors face risks; negotiate cap on liability in loan deed

To protect insurance policies purchased for spouse from recovery proceedings, place it under Married Women's Property Act