Gratuity and its tax implications for you
Gratuity is one of the least understood components of salary. InvestmentYogi explains everything about Gratuity and the tax implications for you. How to plan and achieve your financial goals
Financial planning helps you to focus on the cost estimation in a rational manner which in turn can help you in properly assessing the amount required to be saved periodically to achieve your goals. Home loans: Is your builder misleading you?
Home loan expert Harsh Roongta answers your home loan queries. How to make bank fixed deposits work for you
Bank fixed deposits schemes, flexible rate deposit schemes, and sweep-in/sweep-out facility provide for higher interest rates compared to bank savings account and with the same degree of safety. Investment tips: All about 'asset allocation'
A more methodical and balanced approach to all asset classes depending upon individual risk appetite is among the best way to create long term wealth. Understanding the benefits of investing in NSCs
There is no ignoring the respectable returns given by National Savings Certificate, which are not only assured, but also tax-exempt under Section 80C and government-guaranteed. Faulty credit report? How you can set it right
Has your personal loan, or home loan, or car loan been rejected off late despite having cleared all your previous bank dues? Perhaps it's your faulty credit report at work. It's about time you know how to get it corrected. Demystifying financial planning:One step at a time
The first of a four part series that endeavours to simplify the tedious process of financial planning. Have a query about health insurance? Here's help
Have a query regarding health insurance or mediclaim policy? Maybe we can help. Drop us a line and our expert, Harsh Roongta, CEO of Apnapaisa.com, will answer it. Why your savings account earns more interest now
Effective April 1, 2010 your savings bank account deposits is going to earn more interest for you. Here's how. How many credit cards you should own
There is a general tendency to carry more and more credit cards nowadays. But how many credit cards should one hold? Six financial planning myths -- BUSTED
Most individuals think that financial planning is an arcane world and believe in myths propagated by friends and those who do not understand much about the subject. All about investing in equity mutual funds
Choosing mutual funds based on last year's performance irrespective of the fund's objective may not be the right investing strategy. To help you make better investment decisions, we have tried to put together a brief tablet on various types of equity funds based on their investment objective. How to choose the best portfolio management scheme
Portfolio management services popularly known as PMS are specialised investment products for lump sum investments. Here are some yardsticks that will help you choose the best portfolio management schemes. 7 steps that will benefit mutual fund investors
The stock market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has brought in sweeping changes for the mutual fund industry. And here's how they will benefit you. Cash-strapped for your vacation? Try travel loans
If you don't have enough money to spend on your vacation you can always go for travel loans. But you must also watch out for pitfalls. Choosing the best MFs: Tax-saving vs equity funds
For someone looking at equities, you have to deal with downsides as much as with upsides. Be it ELSS (equity-linked saving schemes) or diversified equity mutual funds, both are higher risk instruments. How to buy your own home without a home loan
All it requires is to begin early and a bit of discipline. Here's a to-do list for those in who want to buy their own home without going for a home loan. Don't try to make your kid the next Warren Buffet
Here's how you must teach financial literacy to your children. Guaranteed NAVs: Are they worth a second look?
Are guaranteed products good, bad or ugly? Any of these could be a fitting opinion depending on the person under consideration. However, several factors need to be well-thought out before pronouncing a judgment on these products. Studying without financial worries
A look at some of the trust-based scholarships on offer for higher education. Buying stocks? Know your basics first
Don't get fooled by your friend's or broker's tips to invest in stock markets. Learn your basics, do your own research first and then dabble in stocks. Plan your summer vacation smartly and save big
Summer holidays are fast approaching and for a lot of working people this is just the time to escape routine life and take a break. But a vacation in these times of high inflation can be taxing on the pocket. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan smartly and save more. What makes bank fixed deposits so attractive
Fixed deposits never lost their sheen and have always remained a favourite with investors particularly those who do not have high-risk appetite. Here's why. How inflation eats into your investment returns
Inflation is a silent killer and if you don't take steps to protect or hedge from it, it can seriously dent your investment gains. FAQ: How to claim leave travel allowance
Here's all you wanted to know about how to claim your leave travel alowance but did not know whom to ask. Service tax on cashless mediclaim:Will you suffer?
Union Budget 2010-11 seeks to impose service tax on the services rendered by the hospitals where the payment is made to them by insurance companies and/or the TPAs. How will this affect you? Stock market and guaranteed NAVs never go together
Don't get lured by the concept of highest NAV guaranteed. Here are a few questions you must ask to seek the truth behind such schemes. 7 deadly sins that can ruin your investment gains
Here are the seven emotions that can ruin your investment gains. Understanding taxes: What is your tax slab?
Investmentyogi.com provides the income tax slab rates for FY 2009-10 (corresponding to Assessment Year 2010-2011). Structure your salary to maximise your take-home
A few components that can be used to reduce the tax liability on your salary income. Four mutual fund misconceptions demystified
Don't buy mutual funds for these wrong reasons. Here's what you should be aware of while investing in mutual funds. Home loan deductions: Some myth busters
Contrary to popular opinion, there is no overall restriction of Rs 1,50,000 on the interest payable on a loan taken to acquire/construct a house property or in respect of more than one property. How to file a complaint against your bank
Here's how you can solve your banking woes if youtr bank fails to take action based on your complaints. A do-it-yourself guide to calculate net worth
Your net worth is simply the value of what you own less what you owe. Here's a step-by-step guide to calculate your net worth. Understanding taxes: Your options under Sec 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 the investment products under Section 80C. Topping-up on your home loan? There's a catch
If you are a home loan customer, top-up loans are for you in case you have additional requirement of loan for extension, renovation, etc. But is there a catch? Buy gold, add some glitter to your portfolio
Gold made a remarkable comeback in 2008 when all was not well in the markets. The volatility in the market only thrust the investor to move towards 'safe haven'. Now it is on an upward spiral and it seems like there is no end to the upside one would derive. Mutual Funds vs ETFs: What should you choose
With more exchange traded funds coming into the market, are they a better alternative to mutual funds? What every woman should know about money
With International Women's Day slated for March 8 explains why it is important for women to strive for financial independence. Budget 2010: In favour of the salaried class
Overall the budget is in favour of the salaried class people by introducing new tax slabs, simplifying tax filings and adding some new deductions. How to earn risk-free returns on your investment
Here's what you must know about the Post Office Monthly Income Scheme and why it offers risk-free returns on your investments. How expenses affect your investment gains
You have to constantly monitor expenses incurred on your investments because they have a direct impact on the profits earned on them. 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, we tell you what you ought to know about the Union budget. Self-employed? Here's how to get a home loan
A simple guide that explains how self-employed professionals can avail of home loans by satisfying certain eligibility criteria. A win-win way of claiming tax exemptions
Here's why you can claim tax deduction on interest paid on your home loan as well as claim deduction on house rent alowance. Financial Ratios to check your fiscal health
Financial ratios are decision-making tools which tell you how good or bad your financial health is. Claiming tax deduction on study loans? Read this
Here's what you must watch out for if you are claiming tax deduction on education loans. Reader responses: Getting out of credit card debt
We asked readers to send their advice on how to get out of credit card debt. Here are some more suggestions and tips. 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. Reader responses: Getting out of credit card debt
We asked readers to send their useful ideas and advice on how one can get out of credit card debt. Here are the first four useful suggestions and tips. Reader invite: Getting out of a debt trap
We invite our readers to send their useful ideas and suggestions on how to get out of a credit card debt trap for the benefit of those who are finding it difficult to cope with it. Will home loan rates ever be transparent?
Your guess is as good as mine. Unless something changes dramatically, the expectation that loan interest rates will be fixed in a more transparent manner, is likely to take a long time to realise. All about m-commerce and secure transactions
How secure are your m-commerce transactions and what are the benefits that such a services provides? Read on to find out. V-Day special: Checking financial compatibility
Why is it important to discuss finance and be financially compatible before marriage. Salaried? Your last chance to save taxes is NOW
In the final part of this series on how salaried employees can save taxes of Right Horizons gives some smart tips on, what else, but saving taxes. All you need to know about personal loans
Need quick cash? A personal loan might just be the answer. 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. All you need to know about Portfolio Mgmt Services
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about PMS, answered! Earning less than Rs 25 lakh? Save Rs 78K in taxes
Wonder how this is possible? Read on how to plan properly to optimise your tax outgo every year. 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. All you must know about ELSS and saving taxes
Here's all you must know about equity linked saving schemes and how they can help you save taxes as well as optimise returns.