This refers to the MT Basics in your previous issue (Score Better Credit, 14 May). Most people are not aware of institutions like the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) and CIBIL, the credit bureau. The story explained the construction of a credit score very clearly and it will help readers upgrade their credit records.
Bal Govind, Noida
Though most people are familiar with credit scores, they are not aware of the determining parameters. The story aimed to clear some misconceptions and help the readers improve their scores.
The story on the economic policies of various political parties (Investing in the Election IPO, 14 May), provided a unique perspective on the elections. Usually, a discussion on ideology takes a backseat in favour of coalition strategies and political gimmicks. So it is laudable that you gleaned information about the policies that will affect the finances of the voters. Keep it up.
Nadira Rumani, Mumbai
Your story on class action in the real estate sector through Net communities was very informative (Net Gains for Realty Buyers, 14 May). Is such consumer activism limited to property buyers or have there been such instances in other financial sectors too?
Kalyani Chatterjee, Kolkata
Yes, consumer activism has been on the rise during the slowdown as some companies are misleading consumers and investors for their profit. Please read the cover story in this issue for more details.
I recently bought a television from a department store and as part of a combo deal I got a DVD player free with it. The store claimed that the deal would save me Rs 5,500. However, another department store is offering such a deal for Rs 1,000 less. Can I complain against the store from which I bought the TV and DVD player?
Radha Trivedi, e-mail
Unless a combo deal is launched by the manufacturer, stores can bundle products as per their choice. Even though the television and DVD player are of the same brand, the models may differ, and hence, the price difference. In case this is not so and the two deals are for exactly the same products, you still cannot claim that the department store duped you. The onus of price comparison is on the consumer. To understand your spending patterns better, please refer to the story ‘How to be a Smart Spender’ at our website www.moneytoday.in.
This refers to your story on inflation (False Security, 14 May) in which you said that the CPI-UNME will come down to 4-5% in the next few months. Is it correct to surmise that the CPI-UNME follows the movement of the WPI after a lag of some months?
Kamesh Rai, e-mail
No, even though this is a popular conception, it may not happen all the time as the weightages of the two indices are very different.
