Articles

Birth of a child – how should your financial planning change?

Birth of a child – whether it is a boy or a girl – brings a lot of responsibilities on you as a parent. What are the financial changes that you should make to secure your child’s future? Here is a list.

Highlights of the New Pension System / Scheme (NPS) for non-government employees

The New Pension System (NPS) (also called the New Pension Scheme) is being introduced in India from 1st April, 2009.

What are its features? What are its advantages and disadvantages? How does it compare with provident fund (PF) and public provident fund (PPF)? Is the NPS right for you?

Let’s find out.

An introduction to Varishta Pension Bima Yojana from LIC

Some years bank, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched a pension scheme guised as an insurance plan – the Varishta Pension Bima Yojana. Here’s everything you would want to know about this policy.

Post Office MIS and Recurring Deposit Combo: Safe investment, great returns

The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) is quite popular among investors. But is there any way the returns from such a safe investment be enhanced further?

Yes, there is! Read on.

Post Office Time Deposit Account (Fixed / Term Deposit)

The Post Offices of India offer a fixed deposit product, called Post Office Time Deposit. This article introduces you to the features of this scheme.

Fixed Deposit (FD) – A favourite for generations

What is a fixed (or term) deposit? What are its features? Where can you open an FD? Should you invest in an FD? This article explains it all.

An introduction to Post Office (PO) Recurring Deposit (RD) Account

Apart from various banks, the Post Offices in India also offer recurring deposits. Here’s all you would want to know about the PO RD accounts.

An introduction to Recurring Deposit

What is a recurring deposit? Where can it be opened? Is it a good avenue to invest your money? Where does it stand compared to a systematic investment plan (SIP)?

Here are your answers.

Money Fundamentals: Spending, Investing, Credit, Debt

When you earn money, you can either spend it or invest it. Even when you don’t have enough money, you can borrow and spend.

But how are earning, saving, investing, loans, credit and debt related? Let’s find out.

An introduction to Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (PO MIS)

The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme, more commonly known as MIS, is very popular among safety-seeking investors.

Here are all the details that you should know about PO MIS.

Auto Sweep Facility: Smart way to make your money work harder

Wouldn’t it be nice if any extra money with you could earn a good rate of interest, instead of the dismal rate that you get from your savings account? There is a great way to achieve this – through hybrid accounts and auto-sweep facility. Read on...

Retirement money: How to invest, where to invest

At the time of retirement, you get a large sum of money. It can be from your provident fund (PF), superannuation, leave encashment, commutation of pension, or any combination of these.

The biggest question that faces you at that time is: How and where to invest this money? Which investment avenue is safe, yet gives a good return?

This article explains the characteristics of a good retirement fund investment avenue, and suggests some options.

[This article has been inspired by queries from users Roli and T R Nimade]

Do you have an SIP? Don’t stop it!

Many people are considering the option of stopping their Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). Is it a wise decision? Should you stop your SIP? Is it good for your finances? This article finds that out for you!

Early retirement – Why a fixed deposit (FD) is not a good choice

Many people are aspiring to retire early. The big question is: How to get a steady cash flow every month once you retire?

The traditional approach is to park money in fixed deposits (FDs), and use the interest every month to take care of day-to-day expenses.

But is it the right alternative? Can it sustain the cash flow till you live? This article shows that a term / fixed deposit (FD) is not the best choice for someone retiring early.

You are 30 – Think of 50: Impact of inflation on your budget

It is 2008, and you are 30 years old. You are in your prime, are progressing well, and life looks very comfortable!

What would the scenario be like in 20 years, when you turn 50? How would the prices of essentials be? How would your monthly budget (and expenses) be affected by price movements?

This article discusses these things, and tells you how to keep yourself away from financial trouble in spite of inflation.

All you wanted to know about Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is often referred to as the best alternative for the elderly to invest their money. Is this justified? Here's a detailed look at all the features of the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, and an analysis of whether you should invest in it or not.

An introduction to Hedge Funds

We often hear the term “hedge fund”. Many business news papers and TV channels in India blame hedge funds whenever the stock market falls. So, what are hedge funds? How do they work? Do they operate in India? Let’s explore.

Provident Fund (PF) and Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF)

Provident Fund (PF) and Voluntary PF (VPF) are two investment avenues that most salaried people invariably encounter. This article explains what PF is, and also talks about Voluntary Contributions to the PF account. Here’s how you can use PF and VPF to create a great base for a great retirement.