Invest with a 5 to 7 year horizon so that you are able to ride out price volatility and benefit from the long-term trends of demand and macroeconomic shifts.

If you lack an emergency fund or it is depleted, use part of your bonus to build or replenish it.

Using credit or debit cards abroad can prove costly.

'Allocate up to 20 per cent of your core equity portfolio to quality funds.'

Self-employed individuals often face hurdles in buying term insurance due to financial documentation that doesn't fully reflect their earnings. This complicates underwriting.

While festive offers can reduce costs, borrowers should also consider the lender's transparency and service quality. Customers need to be mindful of their repayment capacity.

'Accidents are unpredictable, whether it's a mishap during Diwali, a fracture during travel, or a fall in the bathroom.'

'Credit card debt comes with high interest cost and stringent penalties.' 'If you do not repay on time, the costs balloon.'

'A 10 to 15 per cent allocation to gold in portfolios reduces risk without compromising on potential returns.'

While SGBs are a sound investment, they aren't worth buying at any price. The interest income you earn from them will not justify paying a high premium.

When evaluating bonds, returns shouldn't be the sole factor. Pay close attention to the bond's credit rating. It should ideally be AA or higher.

Momentum funds can be 10 to 15 per cent more volatile than the Nifty 50.

'Splitting must result in tangible benefits for the customer, otherwise it will only mean more work for them in maintaining the policy and for their nominees.'

'With tuition fees for international students rising, education loans have become critical for bridging the gap between savings, scholarship, and full cost.'

Many senior citizens 'underestimate the impact of inflation, taxation, health-related expenses, and the heavy premium they will have to pay on health insurance.'

Younger people, who usually have a longer investment horizon which allows them to handle the interim volatility, may go for them.

Only borrow an amount that can be repaid comfortably. The ratio of total EMI to take-home salary should not exceed 40 per cent.