Page 11 - Your Money

Where should your emergency fund sit, and how large should it be?

The existence of an emergency fund matters most if you encounter a financial setback, such as a job loss, health emergency, home repair or some family responsibility

Direct stock investing vs mutual funds: What suits a young professional

Earning from stocks depends on discipline and how effectively you give your time and knowledge

Credit cards, personal loans, BNPL: Features, costs, eligibility explained

Financial products must be used in a disciplined way as they weigh on credit score and loan eligibility

Started retirement planning at 40? Here's how to catch up in time

Step up savings rate, build equity-heavy portfolio, and automate investments

QR scams, fake apps, suspicious links: All about digital-payment safety

Never scan any QR code to receive money and don't install apps from random links

Needs, wants and emergencies: Cash-flow planning for young earners

Start a mutual fund subscription and buy an insurance policy as soon as you start earning

Beginner's guide to mutual funds: Choosing schemes, SIPs and key terms

Guide to mutual funds for beginners covering SIPs, fund types, risk, costs, NAV, asset allocation and tips on choosing schemes for long-term financial goals

Credit scores: What shapes them and how to check and improve your record

Explainer on credit scores covering how scores are calculated, how to read credit reports, spot errors, raise disputes and improve repayment behaviour for better loan access.

Arbitrage to yield: 25 terms everyone should know before investing

Mastering basic terms helps beginners understand risks, evaluate opportunities and avoid mistakes

Capital-gains tax: How assets are taxed and how is liability calculated

Explainer on capital gains tax across equities, gold, property and mutual funds, covering LTCG, STCG rates, exemptions, loss set-offs and return filing tips

Expenses, emergencies, indulgence: Budgeting for real-life finances

Assess your financial health by totalling all expenses and comparing them with your net monthly income

Smallcap valuations have moderated; understand the risks before you enter

The performance of these funds will hinge on a strong earnings recovery

Understand risks and liquidity constraints before investing in an SME IPO

Understand why listing day gains are harder to book than might appear

Why you should not rely solely on AIS data for filing tax return

Information contained in AIS should be cross-checked against data in various statements of financial transactions

How to prevent rejection of EV insurance claim: Key precautions to take

As EV adoption rises, insurers warn that improper charging, unauthorised modifications, and delayed reporting can lead to claim rejection

Preparing a will? Avoid these common mistakes to make it unchallengeable

Avoid vague drafting, interested witnesses, unsigned corrections, and multiple, contradictory documents

Participating plans: Should they be in your investment portfolio?

Only highly conservative investors who are satisfied with steady but low returns over a long span may consider them

Sometimes, borrowing against MFs is more sensible than redeeming them

Instead of borrowing to the hilt, maintain a buffer to avoid margin calls during spells of market volatility

FY26 ITR filing: How to choose the ITR form that best reflects your income

Taxpayers should carefully match their income profile with the applicable ITR form, as filing returns in the wrong form could lead to defective returns or tax notices

One more REIT now available, but are they the right instrument for you?

Interest rate cycle affects the attractiveness of REITs; a longer horizon is essential to overcome its impact