Your Money

Investing in NCDs: Assess credit ratings and financials, diversify holdings

With equity returns uneven, non-convertible debentures are gaining traction as a middle path between FDs and stocks-but investors must weigh credit risk, liquidity, and issuer quality before investing

Mid, smallcap fund recovery may not sustain; experts urge cautious moves

New investors should enter only if they have the required investment horizon and risk appetite, not merely because these funds have rallied

Presumptive taxation: Explain income-investment gap with clear proofs

Reconcile investment details with bank records, Form 26AS and AIS before tax filing

Young buyers dropping health cover risk savings, debt, investment setbacks

Combine base policy with super top-up, opt for policy with favourable bonus norms to manage premium cost

Life insurance onboarding: Disclose ailments, habits; take tests if needed

Appoint a guardian for minor nominees; update nominations after major life events

Multi-asset fund-of-funds: Active option suits alpha, risk control seekers

Multi-asset FoFs offer diversification in one fund, but investors must weigh costs, tax rules, and active vs passive strategies before investing

Old vs new tax regime: Higher allowances, HRA changes warrant a review

Employees whose cost to company includes these components may find the old regime more beneficial this year

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

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

Annuity plans: Compare payouts from various options, understand trade-offs

To tackle inflation, consider hybrid or increasing annuities, or combine fixed annuity with mutual funds; for legacy planning, opt for return-of-premium options

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

Health insurance claim rejections: Check coverage, exclusions first

Make full disclosure of existing conditions, lifestyle habits, and past treatments