Many of my posts are based on the Financial Planning / Mutual fund training class that I do. One question that normally people ask me about where to keep their emergency funds. I do give a variety of answers, but here is what I have done:
A friend who is an investment adviser has a brother [...]
In a country like USA where there is a decent press, democracy and a vigilant SEC, the financial fraud culprits are brought to book quite slowly, if at all. What will happen to Indian customers who have been had? How does one react to the CEO of a foreign bank saying “we will make up [...]
It is customary for life insurance salesmen (by whatever name called) to sell life insurance by showing what is called an “illustration”. What is wrong with this “illustration” that is shown to potential customers?
Simple, it does not mean a thing!
IRDA has stipulated that the illustration should be made with 2 projected returns: 6% and 10% [...]
Ego and pride are not really useful elements while investing. Many investors I know have made money because of luck. And many others have made money because about say 30 years back (or say 50 years back) it was not very fashionable to “trade” equity. So when an electrode supplier liked the way L&T or [...]
Investing is a lot about luck – any investor will tell you that. I have said this in an earlier post also. For example I sold hdfc, l&t, and tata power (skill, I thought they were overpriced in a slowing down market) – they are still way below my sale price. Then I used some [...]
Warren Buffett has some advice for young people, like college students, who want to remain financially independent. It’s not new and its not a surprise, but it is solid counsel on avoiding a very common money pitfall, and worth repeating:
“The biggest suggestion I have is to avoid credit cards. Interest rates [...]
How to reduce your cost of living
The basic needs of man are food, clothing, shelter and circus (entertainment?). However, most of us have today graduated from needs to wants and luxuries.
However, when the headline inflation numbers hit 11.9% there is a serious worry about people not being able to meet even their basic [...]
Today it is very easy to live beyond ones’ means. If you take any magazine you will find about 15 advertisements – of this about 14 will extol you to live beyond your means. If you can afford a Ford Ikon, they will urge you to buy a Honda City. If you can buy a [...]
Which is the best channel to watch if you are an investor?
Cnbc? Ndtv Profit? Zee Business? …
Well what about Animal Planet?
O.k. Okay…I am wrong, but please read ahead especially if you are asking me …
Will watching Animal Planet help me answer the following questions?
Will inflation touch 17% six months from now?
Where will oil be six [...]
The easiest product to mis-sell in the markets for the past 2-3 years has been the SIP! Why do you ask?
The answer is simple. The press has been supporting and extolling the virtues of SIP – we all are guilty of this including yours truly. However SIPs work over long periods of time – the [...]