Your Money

Accumulate gold through SIP if portfolio allocation below 10-15%

The yellow metal may struggle if interest-rate cuts in the US are not significant, and the US economy remains stronger than expected

Gold loan: Low-cost option and credit score no bar, say experts

If the price of gold plunges, a borrower can be asked to put up additional collateral

Covid-19 second wave: Should you avail of RBI's relief on loan repayment?

If you opt for restructuring, your interest cost will rise and there could be other charges

Is Covid-19 home treatment covered? Check the fine print to find out

While many policies cover it for the entire sum insured, others have sub-limits

Combine your SIPs with long-investment horizon for better results

Expert advice on how to many the most of your systematic investment plans

Personal loans: Keep your EMIs at less than 50% of your after-tax pay

If you are thinking of availing of a personal loan, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of getting it

Go long to make the most of strong run in the small-cap fund category

Allocate 10-15% to these funds for a 10-year period, don't just rely on history

MF distributor or registered investment advisor: Whom should you choose?

Those who need advice on multiple products should go with a registered investment advisor, suggests Sarbajeet K Sen

Buy add-on covers to protect against damage due to natural calamities

Since consequential damage is not covered under the base policy, this will be an additional safety net to protect you

ELSS: Get potentially higher returns with shortest lock-in tenure

Give these equity-linked instruments at least seven years to yield good returns

Why you should be saving aggressively if you have a travelling job

But today a significant number of individuals have jobs that involve managing global teams and it may take a toll on your health and savings

IRDAI draft proposal to suit customer needs, provide more benefits

Proposals in IRDAI's draft product guidelines like similar minimum death benefit across all ages and extending the revival period to five years are positives

Estate planning: Here's why delay in writing a Will can prove costly

Create a list of your assets and share it with a trusted relative

Can't find your car keys? File a police complaint, forward copy to insurer

The original set of keys comes in handy during the insurance claim-settlement process

Ownership change at fund houses: Be watchful, halt SIPs if necessary

If the ownership changes at DSP are accompanied by exit of key personnel, you should stop your SIPs and resume them only when things stabilise

Your money: A Will is better than gifting when passing on assets

Gift deed's language is closely scrutinised by the I-T dept, leading to problems for the receiver

Your money: Higher tax-free gratuity to benefit senior employees

The limit for tax-free gratuity payment to employees has been revised to Rs 20 lakh

Higher tax-free gratuity to benefit senior employees more

Salaried employees in the private sector may soon be able to enjoy up to Rs 20 lakh tax-free gratuity. The Labour Ministry has proposed an amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act following a meeting with the central trade unions. The amendment is likely to be passed by the government by April. This proposal will bring private sector employees on par with government and public sector undertakings'. Increasing the tax-free gratuity to Rs 20 lakh was one of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which been approved. Gratuity is one of the mandatory benefits enjoyed by salaried employees, the other one being the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). All employers who have more than 10 employees have to mandatorily pay gratuity. As per the Payment of Gratuity Act gratuity is to be paid after five years of service on separation or retirement with a limit of Rs 10 lakh. Though some companies do offer gratuity without the waiting period of five years. Broadly, there are two sets of employees. ..

Use greater flexibility offered by pension scheme judiciously

From FY18, subscribers will be able to change investment option & asset allocation twice a year

Your money: File joint complaint to fast-track your consumer case

SC ruling allowing consumers to jointly file case in national consumer forum will also mean lower legal costs