Cover Story

How to plan your finances through different phases in life
Money Today tells you how to prepare a financial plan to tackle all the special situations that may arise in your life - job, marriage, children, retirement.

Someone has died in the family? Here's how to manage your finances
The weeks following the death of a loved one are harrowing for the family. It becomes even more so if the person happens to be the family's bread-earner.
Financial planning tips for divorcees, single parents
Divorce is a huge emotional setback. But should it be a financial setback as well? Not necessarily. We give a checklist for couples as they plan a future after divorce.
10 steps that can ease your financial stress
Here's how you can reduce the stress caused by too many financial products.
Planning to retire? Here are some tips to manage your finances
With people living longer, they need to plan well if they want to continue with the lifestyle they have before retirement.
Financial planning tips for when you become a parent
Couples with children face multiple challenges they may not be aware of. While most plan for children's education, they do not account for an increase in regular expenses still. These expenses can upset the budget.
Rupee, stock market fall? How a financial planner can help you
Financial planning involves managing money so that you can achieve life goals without hiccups. Here's how you can work out your finances with help from a planner.
Financial Planning tips for when you lose your job
Whether you are asked to leave the job or you quit yourself, the result is the same-a heavy strain on finances. According to financial planning experts, first, one must keep six months' expenses in a liquid investment to avoid panic.
Financial planning tips: When you get married and have responsibilities
Marriage means sharing goals and aspirations as well as assets and liabilities. So, finances, too, need to be planned out together.
Started earning? Here's how you should manage your finances
When you kick-off your professional career, the pay cheque may not be fat, but you also do not have many responsibilities. Try to save as much as possible for the future.

2012-05-31

Digital

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Tax

Money Today experts answer financial queries

Money Today experts answer reader queries on tax changes, loan buying, real estate issues, insurance policies etc.

How filing income tax returns has changed post Budget 2012-13

The new disclosures in Budget 2012-13 make the government's intent loud and clear - track understated income and overseas assets.

Technology

What happens to your online data after death?

All of us have a big footprint on the Net. So, what happens to all that we have stored in the cloud and in servers across the globe, after we die?

Drop-shipping: The unusual way of setting up e-commerce business

How about an online business where all that you need to do is collect payments? Sounds too good to be true? Thanks to the drop-ship business model, it is a possibility.

Mutual Fund

Mutual fund: DSP Blackrock Equity has outperformed its benchmark 11 times

Since inception, DSP Blackrock Equity has outperformed its benchmark 11 times.

Mutual Fund watch - Gold ETFs a winner in past 5 years

Gold ETFs emerged clear winner among all other categories of funds in the past five years, but analysts feel gold has run its course and is due for correction in future.

Perspective

Earn more than Rs 10 lakh a year? You will have to file your tax return online

E-filing has been made compulsory for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families with total assessable income in excess of Rs 10 lakh for financial year 2011-12 onwards.

RBI rate cut set to boost consumer optimism, investment

For the first time in three years, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has slashed the key policy rate by half a percentage point, or 50 basis points (bps), to add momentum to the country's growth.

Now, ombudsman to address your insurance grievances

The insurance industry is also looking to increase the number of ombudsmen from the existing 12 and allow them to arbitrate disputes in insurance contract of over Rs 20 lakh.

A look at recent rulings which can affect you.

Small saving instruments to fetch more money in 2012-13

The interest rates on various instruments under the Union government's small-savings scheme have been increased by 20 to 50 basis points (bps, or one-hundredth of a percentage point).

Insurance

Single premium insurance policies hit by Budget 2012 proposals

Budget 2012 has proposed that a life insurance policy be eligible for tax benefits only if the annual premium is 10 per cent or less than the sum assured on death. Sum assured under single-premium policies is usually less than 10 times the premium.

Tips to choose the best travel insurance plan

Travel insurance is cheap and can save you a lot of expenses in emergencies, but make sure you pick the right plan.

Investment

Investor tip: Penny stocks can give multiple returns but come with risks

A penny stock trades at a very low price, usually below Rs 10. Though these stocks give multiple returns, they come with risks you may do well to avoid.

Infra stocks likely to gain from pick up in investment, fall in interest rates

With the Reserve Bank of India reducing the repo rate and hope of reforms and huge investments, the infrastructure sector looks ripe for a turnaround.

Income

HNIs on the rise despite economic turbulence of 2011

Economic turbulence failed to curb the rise in the number of ultra-wealthy in 2011. Emerging economies will continue to outpace the developed world in creating rich individuals.

Commodities

Commodities trading: Experts bust myths, share tips to optimise gains

For years, commodity trading has been a part and parcel of the economy. Money Today speaks to market players to clear the misconceptions around commodity trading.

Stocks

Stock tips: Maharatna firms offer mixed investment opportunity

Like the gems, or ratnas, of ancient courts, the five Maharatna companies, owned by the government, are leaders in their space. They can be good investment options.

Stock watch: Havells India among top gainers in last 6 months

Havells India is among the top gainers in the last six months with return of over 60 per cent.

Stock watch: Will PSU banks outperform private banks on stock market

That bank stocks are on a comeback path is clear. What is not so clear is which of the two - public sector banks or private sector banks - will give better returns. Experts, however, say PSU banks have many things going for them.

Be cautious when investing on recommendations of brokerages

With almost all brokerages worth their name coming out with research reports on stocks, one should be alert to which ones to be relied upon.

Careers

Career tips: Right course of study can boost your career

Why should you seek additional qualifications? The reasons could range from becoming eligible for a promotion, to changing your line of work or just to pursue an interest.

Banking

Best banks to take loan from: Data up to April 14, 2012

Are you scouting for a loan to buy a house, a car or for your child's education? Given below are the best deals on offer from public and private sector lenders.

Gold loans from NBFCs or banks? Here's how to decide

As gold loans are secured, NBFCs relax the due diligence process. Banks, which have to follow strict Reserve Bank of India, or RBI, norms on bad loans and minimum capital, do not have such liberal rules on giving loans, either secured or unsecured.

Talk Back

Money Today readers write back to the editor with their feedback

Money Today readers write back with their feedback on the magazine's content.

Smart Spending

Keen on mobile banking? Here's how it works

Phones are emerging as a medium for money transfer. Learn how to transact at the push of a key.

Review: Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, HTC One X, HTC One V and more

Sam Abraham introduces new products and services to help you zero in on those that offer value for money.

Real Estate

Real estate prices touch sky, experts rule out price bubble

If you look at the real estate market on prices alone, it seems the demand is growing. But on the ground, the demand in six major real estate markets has fallen significantly.

Realty tips: Builder floors good option for independent living

Builder floors are a good option for those who want independent living at a low cost.

Editor's Note

Financial planning can help you a great deal, writes Money Today executive editor

Not having a financial plan of your own, whether for the near term or for the distant future, could mean severe hardship should things turn for the worse.

Cover Story

PREVIOUS EDITIONS