Personal Finance

Keep overdraft use limited to urgent needs, avoid rolling over dues

Availing of this facility without a clear repayment plan can lead to financial stress and higher borrowing costs over time, experts warn

Loan guarantors face risks; negotiate cap on liability in loan deed

To protect insurance policies purchased for spouse from recovery proceedings, place it under Married Women's Property Act

Owning property in UAE? What investors must know about wills, succession

UAE succession laws differ from India, making local wills essential to protect assets and intended heirs

New tax law from April 1: What it means for income, filing, and compliance

Taxpayers must be able to distinguish between matters where the old tax law still applies and those where the new one does

G-Secs gain popularity: Match investment horizon with tenor to reduce risk

Reinvestment risk can be dealt with by laddering investments

Retirement portfolio beyond FDs: Diversify for inflation, longevity risks

The entire retirement corpus will not be needed on day one, so it should be split into growth and income-generation buckets to manage inflation and longevity risks

Moving from gas to induction? A buyer's guide to induction cooktops

As LPG shortages disrupt kitchens amid West Asia tensions, induction cooktops are gaining ground. Here's a practical guide to choosing the right model for Indian cooking needs

Crude at $100: Should you lock in home loan rates before FY26?

Rising crude oil prices amid tensions in West Asia could affect inflation and the RBI's rate trajectory. Borrowers may consider locking in home loan rates before the financial year ends

Correction in banking, financial funds: Exit if unable to handle volatility

Stay invested only if you have strong conviction, understand the sector, and can time your entry and exit

Tax-saving contributions face March 31 deadline; align investments wisely

Last-minute choices made without considering needs could exact a high financial price

When markets fall: Should you worry or invest more amid volatility?

History shows that sharp falls are not unusual. Since 1980, the Indian stock market has corrected by more than 30 per cent on eight occasions

Arbitrage funds: Investors in higher tax bracket may invest for 6-12 months

Arbitrage funds aim to capture the price difference between the spot price of a stock or index and its futures price when futures trade at a premium

Draft digital fraud compensation norm: Payout one-time, vigilance still key

Under the draft, an eligible victim will receive 85 per cent of the net loss amount, or ₹25,000, whichever is lower

Tackling West Asia conflict's impact on investments, household budget

Avoid panic selling, keep SIPs going: Past wars caused transitory selloffs

Stranded due to West Asia conflict? It may affect your tax residency status

Incorrect assessment of status and failure to fulfil tax-related obligations can have serious consequences

Recovery over raves: How fitness is reshaping weekend spending

Urban professionals are increasingly trading nightlife for fitness studios, run clubs and wellness cafes, signalling a shift in how India's city dwellers socialise, spend and recharge over the weekend

Choosing between RERA and consumer court for action against builders, dues

Carefully assess nature of grievance before choosing forum

Women home loan borrowers: Co-borrowers must ensure they are co-owners

Besides enjoying a share in the property, this will make them eligible for tax benefit

Value and contra funds: Add the other if it diversifies your portfolio

Sebi's new rule allows AMCs to offer both value and contra funds with limited portfolio overlap. Here's how the two strategies differ and which investors they suit

Home insurance: Burden of proving exclusion in a claim lies on insurer

If an insurer wants to deny a claim based on an exclusion, it must provide clear evidence that the incident falls under that exclusion