Your Money

Term plans with return of premiums: Count the real cost before you buy

Compare the higher premium with pure term cover, factor in inflation, and examine lapse and surrender terms

Buying under-construction property? Don't skimp on due diligence

Tie payments to project's progress; verify title, approvals and Rera disclosures

Consumer durable loans: Avoid hidden costs and risk of overleveraging

Compare the annual percentage rates across players, and also compare the total cost of cash and EMI options to understand the actual cost

EPFO wage ceiling rises to Rs 25,000: Will your take-home salary decrease?

The change will extend EPF, pension and insurance benefits to more than 5 million workers, with contribution rules yet to be detailed.

Beyond Traditional Equity: Where REITs, InvITs and International Funds Fit

REITs, InvITs and international funds can diversify a portfolio, but their tax treatment, liquidity constraints and specialised risks require careful evaluation.

The Tax-Saving Trap: Why Deductions Should Never Dictate Your Portfolio

Investment choices should be based on financial goals, risk and liquidity, with tax efficiency considered only after the portfolio's core structure is determined.

Don't let fake discounts and paid rankings distort online shopping deals

Track price history, compare the final payable amount and keep screenshots

The Myth of Corporate Safety: Why Employer Health Insurance is Not Enough

Corporate health cover may offer convenience, but low limits, co-payments and employment-linked protection can leave families financially exposed during a medical crisis.

How to Think about Retirement If You Are in Your 20s and Hate the Word

Starting early can turn modest investments into long-term financial autonomy, providing the freedom to change jobs, take a sabbatical or pursue a different career.

How to Rebalance Your Portfolio Once a Year

Annual rebalancing helps investors correct asset-allocation drift, manage risk and restore their target portfolio mix without reacting to market noise.

How to Match Investment Products with Your Time Horizon

Aligning investments with goal deadlines can balance liquidity, market risk and inflation while preventing costly timeline mismatches.

How to Know Whether You Are Investing or Just Reacting

Goal-based investing, fixed asset allocation and periodic reviews can help investors resist market noise, emotional impulses and costly portfolio churn.

What ongoing costs should first-time renters remember

First-time renters should budget beyond rent for setup costs, monthly bills and replacements, while prioritising essentials and avoiding debt-led overspending.

How to Create a Low-Stress Portfolio If You Hate Volatility

Risk-averse investors can balance growth, stability and liquidity through diversified assets, disciplined allocation and annual rebalancing.

Rera or consumer commission: Why forum should be chosen with care

Avoid duplicate claims, and enforce an existing order in the same forum

How senior citizens should protect themselves from insurance misselling

The regulator's action against Canara HSBC Life highlights how elderly buyers can be mis-sold unsuitable insurance products and what safeguards they should follow

Check returns and exit costs before buying non-par insurance plans

Calculate the internal rate of return, assess surrender costs and make sure the long-term premium commitment fits your goal before opting for guaranteed-benefit insurance products

Drive less, pay less: Is pay-as-you-drive insurance cover right for you?

Estimate annual mileage carefully, choose the right slab and check top-up terms

How to choose the right broker based on your investment style and needs

With demat account openings rising, investors should choose brokers based on trading style, platform reliability, costs, margin rules and safety record

What to do if your lender loses the original papers of your property

Keep a document inventory, complain in writing and seek compensation for delays or loss