Page 54 - Investment

Don't panic if documents are lost

File a complaint, place newspaper announcements and approach the authority concerned for a duplicate

Banking rally doesn't support fundamentals

With data indicating the banking system is not in the best of health, the surge lacks depth

Get ready for single-window payment for all bills

RBI's proposed centralised bill payment system is set to revolutionise how you pay your bills. This is the way it will work

Guard your portfolio against volatility

Buy Nifty puts to reduce losses

Limited benefit of no-interest period in credit cards

The extension in repayment time is quite small, making it an unviable proposition

Protection or aggression?

Both have a role to play in ensuring that you have enough to fund financial goals

Stock market gains will help real estate

But given its risky profile, the sector could collapse if the bull run fails to take off

Tax-saving investment can be done within calendar month

Taxpayers need not invest proceeds from sale of property strictly within 180 days from date of sale to get exemption under Section 54EC

Don't get swayed by events

Understand how an event will impact the companies that you are invested in or want to invest in

Letting out your apartment as hostel or serviced flat?

Though you will see a good jump in rent, you have to incur a high cost for providing various facilities and ensuring good maintenance

Readers' Corner: Bhargav Dasgupta

I own a family floater plan (sum assured Rs 5 lakh) from a private general insurer

Connectivity with commercial, residential hubs a boon

Jagatpura has been witnessing frenetic real estate activity over the past two to three years, with a host of hotel projects and residential projects under development

Zero prepayment fee not enough to ensure fair deal for borrowers

This is a welcome step, since Indian borrowers have been charged high interest rates through a unique form of floating rates by all lenders

Getting big returns from small stocks

These are currently rising faster than their large-cap counterparts. Yet, tread carefully and invest only in sound companies

DG portfolio is low-risk, focuses on stable biz

Through the long term, total returns from such portfolios seem to beat inflation handsomely

Loan pricing guidelines to benefit retail borrowers

RBI's suggestions include rates based on customers' risk profile, transparency in how interest is fixed and differential rates for borrowers wanting to prepay

How stock-based incentive plans work

Keep in mind the vesting, exercise and lock-in periods. Also remember that such plans are taxed in two stages

Steps to render the claims process a breeze

Delay in settling an insurance claim could be on account of mistakes made while buying the policy

Rupee may weaken soon

Traders can build long-term strategies assuming the rupee will weaken by the year-end

Safeguard your special child's financial needs

Setting up a private trust is the best option, as parents can include specific clauses for the child's welfare