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Reduce risks: Invest in multi-manager funds
In simple words, a fund of funds is a mutual fund which invests in other mutual fund schemes. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of investing in fund of funds.
How to calculate the EMI on bank loans
Before opting for the right loan, it is important to understand the most integral part of any loan, and that is, its equated monthly instalment.
Direct Tax Code: What does it mean to tax savers?
The Direct Tax Code recently been proposed by the Government of India, will bring about a change in the whole taxation system of the country. But how will it impact tax savers?
Buying life insurance? Choose the right plan
An easy guide to help you buy the right insurance plan for you.
Saving tax through Infrastructure Bonds
From April 1, 2010, section 80CCF would provide an additional tax deduction, over and above the existing 80C deduction, in respect to investments made in long term infrastructure bonds.
9 investment lessons to learn from Warren Buffett
This knowledge on value investing will help drive investors to make sound investment decisions.
Now view your tax credit online, Form 26AS decoded
Income Tax department has introduced a new facility this financial year 2009-10 (AY 2010-11) for viewing your tax payments made it is called 'Tax Credit Statement' or PAN LEDGER or Form 26AS.
Growth or dividend? MF concepts simplified
Don't understand the basic difference between dividend payout, dividend re-investment, growth or bonus options? This will help to make an informed decision while investing.
Gold: Should you buy, sell or hold now?
Though gold prices have been softening in the last couple of weeks, in the past decade, gold has appreciated around seven-fold in value. Here's the answer to if you should buy, hold or sell gold now.
New ULIP rules: What's in it for you?
The Insurance regulator has come out with a series of changes in the ULIP structure that will go into effect on September 1 2010. Will investors benefit now?
5 simple tips to evaluate mutual fund risk
Find out if a mutual fund is worth investing your money. Perform a small 5-step exercise to evaluate riskiness of particular mutual fund scheme to find out if a mutual fund is worth investing your money.
Best mutual fund SIPs to invest your money
Systematic investment plans of top mutual funds that you can invest your money for better returns. InvestmentYogi advises on the top mutual funds for SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) under categories like equity diversified, tax saving funds and balanced funds.
5 steps to build your child's education corpus
As parents, it is but human to have expectations about our child's future -- whether it is fulfilling their trivial wishes, education or marriage. In fact, we Indians so strongly believe in the adage 'education is insurance',
Kisan Vikas Patra or KVP is one of the many fixed income financial products offered by the Indian Post Office department. It is a fixed income instrument that offers to double the investment in 8.7 years. Anyone wishing to invest their money at a safe place can invest in KVP.
Investmentyogi.com lists some solid reasons for acquiring a PAN card (if you don't have one) and filing your ITR within the due date, which is 31st July every year.
Home loan borrowers have always been concerned about their financial outflow while repaying debts. With interest rates easing out in the recent past, many borrowers are considering home refinance as an option to reduce this burden.
For common people like you and me, the credit is something we do not want to be associated with and to add to this fear the daily headlines flashing 'Credit Crisis' across some part of the world almost every other day makes credit a taboo for us.
With so much transparency, access to information and expert advice available through the internet and media -- print and electronic -- evaluating a mutual fund should be child's play. Well if that's what you think here's news for you. It is not.
Filing of Income Tax Return (ITR) is mandatory for every individual whose total income for the previous year has exceeded the maximum exemption limit. The last date of filing income tax returns for individuals is July 31 each year.
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on February 26, 2010 presented the Annual Budget, proposing simplifying the task of filing IT returns for individuals. Following this, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified the New ITR-1 form applicable for FY 2009-10 (assessment year 2010-11).
Bestselling author tells you how to get rich
InvestmentYogi attended a talk in Silicon Valley, California, by the bestselling author, Ramit Sethi, who recently wrote I Will Teach You to be Rich.
Financial planning tips for newly married couples
Getting married is a time of bliss, hope and optimism. As spouses, each individual sets out to spend their life with the other. However, while exchanging wedding vows,
Investing in company fixed deposits? Dos and don'ts
The concept of a fixed interest investment with high security has long been the most attractive option for the Indian investor. As much as 60 per cent of one's savings find their way to the bank fixed deposit.
Want steady monthly returns with lower risk?
Monthly Income Plans are a good option for risk-averse investors looking for a higher return and more liquid alternative to bank fixed deposits.
Mother's Day: Give her the gift of financial security
Chances are you've picked up your negotiating skills by watching your mother get the better of sundry salesmen during your childhood.
What banks look at before giving you a credit card
The creditor hath a better memory than the debtor: James Howell
Gratuity and its tax implications for you
Gratuity is a part of salary that is received by an employee from his/her employer in gratitude for the services offered by the employee in the company.
All you should know about asset allocation
The topic of asset allocation has been discussed over the past 18 months with a high degree of intensity across forums (including the media) and rightly so.
Understanding the benefits of investing in National Savings Certificate
The reliable National Savings Certificate (NSC) looks like it may have lost popularity with countless competing investment options available such as equities, mutual funds, unit linked insurance and fixed maturity plans
Why your savings account will earn more interest now
Idle money never has worked better for you. Your deposits lying in your Savings Bank Account will work better for you now than they did earlier. Effective April 1st 2010 the RBI has issued an announcement by changing the terms of interest calculation for Savings Bank account deposits.
The stock market regulator in India the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has brought in sweeping changes for the mutual fund industry. It's impact will be felt on the investor in more ways than one.
Are guaranteed products good, bad or ugly? Any of these could be a fitting opinion depending on the person under consideration. Several factors need to be well thought out before pronouncing a judgment on these products. Is it for a 20-year-old or a 50-year-old?
Summer holidays are fast approaching and this is the perfect time to plan a vacation with family and friends. But a vacation in these times of high inflation can be taxing on the pocket. Here are some tips and tricks which can help you plan smartly and save more.
How inflation eats into your investment returns
As financial planners, inflation is a big reality that we deal with every day of our lives through the plans that we make for our clients. Assuming a 6 per cent rate of inflation, a goal of a lakh of rupees in today's value for a holiday for two in the Malaysia-Thailand circuit will require nearly double this amount
Understanding taxes: What is your tax slab?
It's that time of the year again when many of us find ourselves in a mad rush to make our investments and get our paperwork in order. As tax filing season rolls around, it's not uncommon to feel totally lost about the taxes you need to pay to the government and the documents you need
Structure your salary to maximise your take-home
We all know the numbers on the CTC (cost to company) but the take home is vastly different. This is mostly due to one single component -- Taxes. Taxes are applicable on most aspects of our salary. However, there are a few ways you can save on taxes by way of deductions.
A do-it-yourself guide to calculate your net worth
Your net worth is simply the value of what you own (total assets) less what you owe (total liabilities). The first step in calculating your net worth is to estimate the value of your total assets. The tables given below and the values highlighted in each of the tables to follow are for illustrative purposes.
Understanding taxes: Your options under Section 80C
As the end of financial year approaches investors are suddenly woken up to the existence of the Income Tax department. If you haven't done the tax planning in advance then this is the time to carefully select
How to earn risk-free returns on your investment
The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (PO MIS) appeals to conservative investors with traditional values, and for good reason. This scheme offers monthly income and is a safe, guaranteed-by-the-government option.
A beginner's guide to the Union Budget
As finance minister Pranab Mukherjee gets ready to present the much anticipated budget for financial year (FY) 2010-11 on February 26, here is what you ought to know about the Union budget. It will help you understand and analyse the budget.
All you need to know about ULIPs
As the advertising onslaught grows in the tax season it is important to understand what ULIPs really are. InvestmentYogi presents a quick guide to understanding ULIPs.
Financial Ratios to check your fiscal health
Financial ratios are decision-making tools which tell you how good or bad your financial health is.
How to improve your credit rating
What is your credit rating and why is it important? Read on to find out...
How to get out of credit card debt
One needs to understand how credit card debt works. Ignorance can be fatal to your fiscal health.
How to become a crorepati? It's easy
Becoming a crorepati by saving and investing smartly is easier -- but it requires discipline and patience -- than waiting for Lady Luck to smile on you.
Why you should invest in exchange traded funds
Here's how exchange traded funds work, and their advantages, disadvantages for the uninitiated.
Best mutual funds to invest in 2010
The characteristics of growth oriented mutual fund categories and the top funds under each category based on last 5 years' performance are reviewed here.
How to choose the right tax-saving investments
A look at the best tax-saving products for you and what better time than now! After all you must invest by March 31, 2010 to avail the benefits.
In your twenties? Plan your finances!
Planning for your future can be tough for anyone especially in this age of unlimited spending and investment choices. But with these pieces in place, you'll be well on your way to financial security.
How to select the best mediclaim policy in 2010
InvestmentYogi tells you how to select the best mediclaim policy for yourself and your family in 2010.
Money management tips for working women
Women need to have a holistic financial plan, that too from a very early age. And here's how.
7 tips to save money in 2010
Do you want to save more but feel helpless about your spending habits? It is a dangerous situation as it may lead to debt and keep you away from meeting your financial goals.
Best tax-saving mutual funds for 2010
ELSS is a great instrument for tax planning which also ensures good returns. But investment should be carefully planned.
How not to get fooled by your financial advisor
Do you find yourself wondering how good your financial advisor is? How trustworthy? Do you ever feel uncomfortable sharing information with him? Maybe it is time to ask some hard questions and get some peace of mind.
How to get your credit report in 3 easy ways
Here's how you can get a copy of your own credit report if you are curious to know about your credit score/credit rating in India.
Best and worst of personal finance in 2009
2009 was an eventful year and as we look back there were many landmark personal finance news and developments that will accompany us into the New Year. It is important to understand their impact and learn so that we become better at managing our finances and investments.
Insurance planning lessons for 2010
Some ground rules you should bear in mind for the new year.
6 financial resolutions for 2010
As 2009 draws to a close Investmentyogi presents some New Year Resolutions for 2010 which will go a long way in making you financially fit. All you need is will power and determination to follow these simple tips.
Investment planning tips for 2010
It is time to take stock of your savings and investments for this year and see how you have fared. Keep the following investment planning tips handy for 2010.
12 Money mantras for 2010
As 2009 draws to a close we present to you some New Year Resolutions for 2010 which will go a long way in making you financially fit. All you need is will power and determination to follow these simple tips.
Buying a child insurance plan? Read this
A review of leading children insurance plans in 2009 which you should consider as investments for your children.
Best tax saving investment options for 2010-11
Learn about the best tax saving investments and options for the assessment year 2010-11.
Don't fall into a debt trap this festive season
Investmentyogi tells you how to use your credit cards judiciously during this festive season and avoid falling into a debt trap.
Plan your finances, be your own CFO
Investmentyogi tells you how to think like a CFO and manage your money like a professional.
Gold at record high! How should you invest now
Gold has reached an all-time high recently when it crossed the Rs 18,000 per 10 gram level. A guide on why and how to invest in gold now.
Insurance products for every stage of your life
Different products address different needs in a person's life. Here's how you should choose your insurance product.
5 top tax-saving investments for you
Investment decisions should never be made in a hurry. InvestmentYogi tells you avenues to maximize tax benefits available under Sec80C & Sec80D.
Money mantras for the young and working
In this day and age of ‘quick’ money, it is important for youngsters not to lose sight of few basics in managing their money.
10 insurance myths – BUSTED
Insurance is a highly misunderstood product and it's often bought and sold for the wrong reasons.The primary objective of insurance should be to provide protection to your family and to build a corpus for your future needs.
Insurance products for every stage of your life
Increasingly people are aware of life insurance and the important role it plays but choosing an insurance plan can be very challenging.
Why you need personal accident insurance
you understand that a good part of the insurance need can be fulfilled by personal accident insurance at a cost which is just 2 per cent to 5 per cent of premium to be paid for a normal endowment type life insurance policy.
How to calculate Your insurance needs
If choosing the right insurance for you is hard, imagine having to calculate how much you need to buy!
Understanding taxes: How to use ELSS to save your money
Equity linked saving schemes (ELSS) have become an important tool for tax saving ever since the finance minister raised the limit of investing in ELSS u/s 80-C from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
6 money mantras for the perfect vacation
Keep a little money aside every month rather than tapping into your savings to pay for the whole vacation at once.Sticking to your budget is much more important than creating one that's worthwhile to do some research about the cost of vacationing at a place.
5 ways to make your child financially smart
Use this Children's Day as an opportunity to gift financial literacy to your child. In the long run this will be more valuable than anything else. Here's how:
5 mantras to invest your money smartly
Irrespective of good times or bad times, if you follow these basic rules with your money you are sure to reap rewards and a secure future.
How and why to create an emergency fund
We all need to deal with emergencies at some point or the other whether it's a job loss, a medical emergency in the family or a car breakdown.
Why you must buy a term insurance cover
Term insurance is the purest form of insurance and is widely used by people of all backgrounds.
Four reasons why you must buy term insurance
A term insurance policy is one of the most misunderstood products in India.
Must-knows before you swipe your credit card
Always read the terms and conditions before using the credit card because once you use the credit card it is assumed that you have accepted the same.
Seven financial planning mistakes you Must avoid
A good financial plan always does a great deal to secure your financial future.
10 smart ways of spending this festival season
2009 is almost coming to an end with just Diwali, Christmas and of course the New Year left to celebrate. Festival spending is always a source of a lot of emotions anticipation and excitement on one hand and stress on the other.
5 things to do to avoid the tax blues
It's a typical day in March when you see people running helter skelter to invest, to save on taxes.