Page 18 - Your Money

Seek mid, smallcap exposure but fear volatility? Try multicap funds

According to the latest data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi), multi-cap funds received net inflows of Rs 4,708 crore in June 2024, the highest among diversified equity schemes

BAFs: Check equity exposure range; select fund based on risk appetite

Currently, retail investors perceive equity market valuations to be expensive

Stop revolving credit card dues and replace with lower-cost debt

"Credit cards demand responsible usage. Due to high interest rates, late payments on credit card bills can snowball, pushing you into a debt trap," says Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar

Simplify investing: Allocate bulk of core portfolio to broad index fund

These index funds eliminate the complexity of selecting individual schemes. Investors do not have to worry about how much to put into various market caps

Play it safe: Match your horizon with gilt fund's average maturity

By taking the mutual fund route, investors can take exposure to gilts with small amounts

Fear the market turbulence? Ulips will keep your investment safe

Some insurers have been advertising their mid- and small-cap funds heavily. Some distributors and agents have also piggybacked on the popularity of mutual funds (MFs) to sell Ulips

Wish to carry forward losses, get TDS refund? File nil Income-Tax Return

According to the Income-Tax (I-T) Act, it is not mandatory for individuals earning less than the basic exemption limit to file an ITR.

Opt for deductible to reduce premium, ensure sub-limits are reasonable

The main benefit of a senior citizen plan is witnessed at the time of issuance

Reversion to mean: Why frequent switching of SIPs should be avoided

Long-term investors should never stop their SIPs during market corrections

Mutual funds or NPS? Go for both if you don't mind latter's lock-in

MFs offer investors access to a wider range of assets (gold and international funds), fund houses and fund managers. Barring ELSS, the open-ended funds offer anytime liquidity

Business and economic cycle funds: Dynamic style provides the edge

Business cycle funds invest in themes expected to do well over the medium to long term, such as digital businesses, prem­ium­isation of consumption, and urbanisation

How to handle demands for outstanding dues on credit card that's not yours

Check your credit report, either monthly or quarterly, to stay informed about your credit transactions

Manufacturing funds are hot in markets, but beware of concentration risk

Investors with a long horizon and aggressive risk appetite may consider these funds

Check mid-market exchange rate in global currency when sending money abroad

Ensure the money transfer provider is a licensed entity

Using private car as a cab can lead to insurance claim rejection

Customers should be mindful of factors that can lead to motor claim rejections and take steps to avoid them

Don't chase past performers in equity markets, build all-weather portfolio

The bottom line: switching strategies does not boost returns

Special situation funds: Ideal for high-risk investors with long horizon

These funds at times invest in companies going through corporate restructuring, such as mergers, demergers, or buybacks

Resolve inaccuracies in AIS promptly with real-time status update tool

Reconciling financial transactions with Annual Information Statement before filing return can prevent inquiries by taxman

Bet on IT funds to gain from digitisation, generative AI adoption

Limit allocation to 10% of equity portfolio and enter with a five to seven-year horizon

Retirement MFs: Equity allocation, flexible withdrawal options key benefits

Stay invested even after lock-in ends to gain from compounding