Five investment mistakes you must avoid in 2016

Making mistakes is part of the learning process. However, it's all too often that plain old common sense separates a successful investor from a poor one. At the same time, nearly all investors, new or experienced, have fallen astray from common sense and made a mistake or two. Being perfect may be impossible, but knowing some of common investing errors can help deter you from going down the well-traveled, yet rocky, path of losses. This time...

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How to book stock market losses and make money

Booking losses at the right time forms the most important part of wealth management strategy. Do you book profit or book loss? You have bought the shares of ABC Ltd at a rate of Rs.100 per share. The current market price is Rs.150 per share. Also you have bought the shares of XYZ Ltd at a rate of Rs.200 and the current market price is Rs 125. Do you book profits by selling ABC or book losses by selling XYZ. Rule No.1: Never lose money....

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Stashing Your Cash: Mattress or Market?

When stock markets become volatile, investors get nervous. In many cases, this prompts them to take money out of the market and keep it in cash. Cash can be seen, felt and spent at will, and having money on hand makes many people feel more secure. But how safe is it really?  Read on to find out whether your money is safer in the market or under your mattress. All Hail Cash? There are definitely some benefits to holding cash. When the...

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Seven product combinations for different financial needs

A variety of ingredients come together to make a complete meal. In personal finance too, it's about getting the mix right.  Here are seven product combinations for different financial needs for you to consider. 1. Tax Planning ELSS + PPF + NPS When choosing products under Section 80C, opt for a mix that will not only help you preserve capital and save tax, but also make your wealth grow. ELSS gives the benefit of superior wealth accretion...

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5 Retirement Planning Mistakes and How to Fix Them

It's not too late to fix a retirement planning mistake. No one's perfect. If you've messed up your retirement planning, here's how to get back on track. The average 65-year-old man retiring this year can expect to have another 17 years of living in front of him. For a woman, that number jumps to 20 years.  That’s a lot of time to travel the world, enjoy hobbies and make memories with family and friends. On the other hand, it can...

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Consider These 7 Things Before You Invest

Investing and planning for the future can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider in creating and managing your portfolio, and you may find it difficult to find a financial professional you trust for unbiased advice. Every investment decision has an upside and a downside. Know your risk tolerance before choosing an investment vehicle. Below are seven considerations to help prepare you to make investment decisions and...

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Never fool yourself into confusing "Speculation" with "Investment"

Why do you suppose the brokers on the floor of the Stock Exchange always cheer at the sound of the closing bell - no matter what the market did that day? Because whenever you trade, they make money - whether you did or not. By speculating instead of investing, you lower your own odds of building wealth and raise someone else's. According to Benjamin Graham “An investment operation is one which, upon thorough analysis, promises safety of...

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Credit Card Terms you should know

If you are new to using credit cards or have been using one without knowing what a bunch of things mean on the credit card statement, get started here. Credit limit This is the maximum amount of money that you can swipe/borrow on your credit card. It is a pre-stipulated amount that is fixed by the card issuer. If you display good credit behavior, your credit limit may be enhanced by the lender, but do not use it as an excuse to become reckless...

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