Page 6 - Personal Finance

Run-up in US funds: Invest for market, currency hedge with 7-year horizon

A resurgence of inflation could keep policy tight. Prolonged high interest rates could weigh on valuations and multiples

Travel Insurance: Check these things before taking that summer vacay abroad

With flight disruptions rising amid geopolitical tensions, travellers must check insurance coverage, exclusions, and claim conditions carefully before heading abroad this summer

Akshaya Tritiya gold buying: Match consumption, investment with purpose

On Akshaya Tritiya, choose gold wisely-jewellery for sentiment, ETFs and SGBs for returns; verify purity, costs, and tax impact before investing

Senior living projects: Assess developer track record in service delivery

As senior living projects expand rapidly, experts advise buyers to assess developers' track record, service quality, costs and long-term sustainability before investing

Indoor luxe: Curated greenery redefines Indian homes' wellness, luxury

From curated plant corners to designer planters, indoor greenery is emerging as a symbol of wellness, design sensibility, and understated luxury in India's high-end urban homes

Car loans: Best interest rates and what buyers should know

With rising car prices and growing EV push, loans are helping buyers manage costs by spreading payments over manageable tenures aligned with monthly income

Investing in FDs via digital platforms offers wider choice, easy access

Digital platforms make FD investing easier, but investors must weigh risks, diversification, and post-tax returns instead of chasing high interest rates

Flexicap funds: Look for consistency of return, resilience during downturn

Flexicap funds see record inflows, but investors should focus on suitability, risk, and fund manager consistency rather than chasing short-term returns

Health insurance for cardiac patients: Specialised plans help, check terms

A specialised indemnity heart policy makes sense for someone diagnosed with a coronary disease, or one who has undergone a procedure like angioplasty or bypass surgery

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

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

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