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Showing posts from April, 2020

Why the 30's are the best time to lay a solid foundation for securing your finances

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The financial decisions that are made during this decade (in your 30s), have a big impact on how the rest of your financial life will be. More so because, in the 30s, you have the benefit of time that an older person does not. You can use the time to your advantage if you play your financial cards right in this decade. So here are few points to consider if you are somewhere between your 30s and 40s. Upgrade/Adjust Insurance policies:  As simple as this may sound, it is critical. Find out what the right life insurance cover is for you and then have it in place as soon as possible. Don't just buy random covers of Rs 5-10 lakh through traditional insurance plans. Stick to term plans and calculate the right cover. Do not just depend on your employer for health coverage. Buy a family floater for yourself too. Buffer for Emergencies:  Do you have funds set aside for at least six months' worth of expenses of your family? If not, try to do something...

Just invest and sit back, Timing the market won't help much

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2020 has already proved to be a volatile year, with the Sensex being down by 23 percent year-to-date. The market has experienced a roller-coaster ride. While there was a day when the Sensex closed -13 percent from the previous day close, there was also a day when it closed up nine percent. Amid this, it is unnerving for an investor looking to enter the market to decide the right time to do it. Should one wait for that dreadful day when the Sensex again takes a big hit? Or should one invest irrespective of the market's performance? We tested this hypothesis to the period of the global financial crisis during 2008-09. During that time, it took more than a year (Jan'08 to Mar'09) for the Sensex to reach its bottom and correct by 61 percent. Most of the days were negative return days. On the other hand, the median return during such days was -1.9 percent. Further, the market even fell by 11 percent on one of such days. Usually, during such periods, ...

Are You One of the 86% of Indians Without a Will?

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Why You Need a Will Do you have a will? That is, do you have a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your property after your death? The document should also spell out other important considerations like the legal care of your minor children upon your passing. Around 86% of Indian adults don't have a will . But do you need one? The answer is a resounding yes if you answer yes to any of the questions below: Do you care who gets your property if you die? Do you care who gets your money if you die? Do you care who is appointed the guardian of your minor children if you die? Who Needs a Will? Wills are not just for the rich and wealthy. Regardless of how much or how little money you have, a will ensures your wishes are heard. It states that whatever personal belongings and assets you have will go to family or the beneficiaries you name or designate. If you own a business, a will can help ensure a smooth legal...