Upfront

Unfinished agenda
The new government may have come with a reforms mandate, but it has its work cut out as far as the financial sector changes are concerned.

2009-06-11

Quick fixes

Early bookings need not be a pre-requisite for economical travel. Here are some tips that can help save money even on an impromptu trip.

Technology

Choose your operating system

An OS is the software platform that enables the device and the applications to run on it. We look at six of the most popular systems.

Smart Spending

Second to none?

Buying used products can lead to big savings. But you also need to be more cautious.

Insight

When to get insured for the maximum term

Though life insurance is cheaper at a younger age, don't buy a long-term policy if you are very young.

Staff speak

The Kelly Global Workforce Index Survey 2009 highlights the importance of continued training and skill development. Here are the relevant portions.

Real Estate

Make a winning bid for a home

You can get a good price for a prime property if you buy during an auction. However, make sure you do your homework before bidding.

Portfolio Doctor

Right track, wrong goals

Vadodara-based Hitesh Desai has invested in the correct instruments, but he must downsize his goals and increase the investible surplus to consolidate his gains.

Query Corner

Which mutual funds are suitable for long term?

One should invest in diversified equity funds or balanced funds.

Economy

Will the Sensex hit 19K?

With a stable regime at the helm, the momentum is back in the markets. But this might not be the start of a bull phase.

My Idea

Hope on wheels

The need for timely medical help led five friends to set up Dial 1298 for Ambulance, an emergency service.

BASICS

Manage your financial risks

In times of economic instability, it is critical to ensure financial safety. Insurance is one way to achieve this. Here are the financial risks you are exposed to and ways to counter them.

Stocks

Sceptical of the spectacular

While our fund manager regrets being overly cautious, he explains why the steep rise in the stock market is not tempting him enough to hoard up on more stocks.

Talk Back

What are the most common premises for contesting a will?

Most wills are challenged on two grounds — that the document is forged or that the testator made it under duress or in an unstable mental state.

Editor's Note

From the Executive Editor

Fundamentals of the Indian economy aren’t likely to change much in the near future, and expectations have already had their impact on the Sensex.

New Business

7-sided cube

In developing software for corporates, Rajesh Varrier ran into reams of daunting data. He tapped the tedium of analysing it, and with six partners, rolled out activecubes.

Expert View

Gauge your needs for a healthy plan

To make your insurance stick, you should reveal everything about your health before signing up for a policy.

Road map for the UPA

The Congress-led coalition has been elected to govern the country, not to please the stock market.

Placing a premium on service

In the future, one would be in a position to tailor the policy to his specific needs.

Insurance

Customise your protection

Focus on your health requirements to navigate through the flood of insurance policies in the market.

Safeguard your start-up

Entrepreneurs can insure themselves against high risks and huge losses at very low premiums.

Insure your assets smartly

We help you gear up for this new world of insurance by offering a blueprint that will help you acquire the best cover - one that secures you well and suits your wallet. Safeguard your start-upCustomise your protection

Books