When we are wondering if we can afford something, the simple mistake most of us make is that we think in terms of our monthly earnings.

Here’s a quick checklist for getting a head start on your financial planning for the year.

I have an unanticipated expense coming up during this year, but I don’t want to touch my emergency fund. I still have a few months till I need the money and I want to transfer some of my savings from equity SIPs to a debt fund temporarily. Does this make sense?

Many argue that why not own your own place considering the high rents? We want to counter that, renting may be the wiser approach until you reach a particular financial position.

What is more important for investors like us amidst all this news is knowing what constitutes “good equity investing” now? What will get us to where we want to reach given the money we earn and have?

When I started investing myself, I too believed in these metrics blindly and chose based on that. It took many years of learning and real-life investing experience for me to realise a subtle truth. That truth was simply that growth rates matter but they are still subservient to one key factor which is much more in your control than the markets.

From bank accounts to HUF accounts to property transfer, there is a whole lot going for it in terms of having a joint ownership. While it is a convenient way to do so in a mutual fund it does come with certain limitations.

With every new gadget launched in the market aimed at making human life more straightforward, the allure of instant gratification has led many into the inevitable debt trap. So, here are some ways to plan your short-term life goals.