Credit cards: How to use them smartly without going overboard? 8 key tips
The festive season is a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness. It’s a time to shower loved ones with gifts, decorate your home, and indulge in delicious food. However, it’s also a time when it’s easy to overspend. Therefore, before you go trigger happy with your credit card spends, remember to do it prudently. The […]
Personal Loan: What is a debt trap and how to avoid getting into one?
Financial constraints are a reality for many at some point in their lives. In challenging times, taking out a loan can provide temporary relief. However, this can sometimes lead to a more significant problem known as a debt trap. What is a debt trap? A debt trap occurs when you take on new debt to […]
From young investor to seasoned pro: How to evolve your strategy with life’s changes
As you move through the various stages of life, your financial needs, goals, and risk tolerance naturally change—just like the terrain you’re driving through. What worked for you in your 20s might not be the best approach in your 50s. That’s where life cycle investing comes in. It’s a strategy that adapts your asset allocation […]
How to save for retirement: Investment tips for moderate risk takers
I am 35, and recently started a new job with a monthly income of ₹1.5 lakh. I have no significant liabilities and can save 40% of my income. My investments include: ₹10 lakh in MFs (large- and mid-caps, and debt funds); ₹5 lakh in fixed deposit; and ₹3 lakh in PPF. I aim to accumulate […]
Credit card consolidation: How to effectively pay off debt? Here are 6 key ways
As reported by TransUnion CIBIL, the average credit card debt per borrower in India was approximately ₹36,000 in 2021. While this figure may not seem alarming at first glance, the reality is that many individuals struggle with substantially higher credit card debt, often exacerbated by the temptation to swipe that plastic card for every purchase. […]
Mary Holm: How to kill debt without selling that classic car or treasured artwork
If you really love your classic car, perhaps keep it if you can, rather than sell it. Photo / 123rf Q: I’m in my mid-forties, with the mortgage on our family home about $150,000 remaining. Our other assets – in various states of liquidity across shares, index funds, crypto, classic car – are also about […]
How to avoid falling for offers during sales
The drawers were overflowing with skin care products and makeup – three different blushes, many eyeshadows, a dozen different mascaras, foundation and serum samples sitting unused for years. Still, Eduek Brooks counted on seasonal sales, especially for skin care, to grab the best deals. It was her retail therapy, chasing dopamine hits, she said. “A […]