Edition: July 2014

Cover Story

Teena Jain Kaushal/Money Today

Here's how you can claim insurance money faster

Clearly, timely settlement is good for the policyholder as well as the insurer. By walking that extra mile in understanding what it takes to file a claim you can do your bit to speed up the claim process.

How to ensure a smooth settlement of health claims Policyholders will have better experience if they are mindful of the points mentioned here before filing for health claims.
Tips to file third-party motor insurance claims Third party insurance covers the owner against legal liability owing to death or injury to any person or damage to any property caused by the vehicle.
You must disclose all facts while buying life cover Very prudent life insurance company manages its funds in a manner that genuine claims are paid. This is ensured through appropriate selection of lives at the proposal stage and investigation of early/suspicious claims.

Mutual Fund

Infrastructure funds make a smart comeback

After languishing for the past few years, infrastructure funds have made a smart comeback as stocks rallied in the hope that the new government will encourage investment in the sector.

Mutual Fund watch: HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities has outpaced its benchmark by 10.7pc annually over past 5 years

Tax

N Anandan and Saranya V

Filing tax returns? Keep your papers in order

While preparing your returns, back-up documentation is necessary as it supports subsequent tax assessment. With e- filing of tax returns becoming mandatory, no document needs to be filed with the authorities; however, it is important that a salaried tax payer maintains adequate documents in support of his tax return.

Claiming both HRA and home loan deductions? Be careful Some individuals cross the thin line between tax planning and tax evasion and end up on the wrong side of law. One such instance is taxpayers claiming deduction on house rent allowance (HRA) as well as interest paid on home loan while living in their own house.
How to get your tax planning right as filing deadline nears Most of us have faced the consequences of late tax planning some time or the other in our life. That's why the best tax planning advice experts give is simple-Start Early.

Stocks

Rahul Oberoi/Money Today

Fertiliser companies stocks to maintain gains this year

Market experts say the rally in fertiliser stocks since the start of the financial year can be attributed to the upbeat sentiment after the general elections and company-specific news.

Query Corner

Your personal finance queries answered

Money Today experts answer your personal finance queries -

Editors Note

Sarbajeet K Sen/Money Today

From the Executive Editor: July 2014

In our cover story, we tell you all you need to know to ensure smooth claims processing across life, health and general insurance claims and also give you some valuable tips to help you remain prepared.

Commodities

Rahul Oberoi/Money Today

Less rainfall likely to affect kharif crops production

How investors can make gains from a deficit monsoon

As a commodity investor, you can take advantage of the resulting shortages pushing up prices. For instance, in 2002-03, when El Nino disrupted the monsoon, castor seed production fell 34 per cent. As a result, its price zoomed 30 per cent during the summer season.

Talk Back

Letters to The Editor

The cover story of June 2014 issue (Mutual benefit) was informative and gave an extremely balanced view of the mutual fund market.

Smart Spending

How you should get air conditioner installed in your car

This summer if you are without an AC in your car, here is how you should get one installed.

The Hot and not so Happening gadgets We introduce new products to help you zero in on those that could offer value for money.

Perspective

Team Money Today

Sebi moves to rev up IPO market with slew of reforms

A number of large government-owned companies are likely to bring initial public offers, or IPOs, with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) telling them to dilute at least 25% stake to the public.

HC raps SBI life, tells it to refund policy holder In a landmark judgement, the Allahabad High Court has asked SBI Life Insurance to return Rs 50,000 to 72-year-old Virendra Pal Kapoor.
RBI increases remittance limit to $125k The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the remittance limit under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme from $75,000 to $125,000.
Sebi sets floor for NCD issue size at 75 per cent If a public issue of debt securities such as Non Convertible Debentures (NCDs) fails to attain 75% subscription, the money that has been collected from the public will to be refunded within 12 days.
How recent rulings affect your investment All life insurers will have to tie up with all five repositories and change at least 1,000 or 5% of existing individual policies, whichever is less, into the demat format from July 1, 2014.