Resolutions for a 2020 financial vision
The Hindu Business Line|January 01, 2020
Here are a few steps that can help your buck travel far in the New Year, and beyond
ANAND KALYANARAMAN
Resolutions for a 2020 financial vision

The New Year is here, and it’s time for resolutions. Never mind that many such plans may have a short shelf-life. Intent matters. And, sometimes, we miraculously do manage to translate intent to reality, don’t we? So, here are a few money resolutions that can help your buck travel far in 2020 and beyond.

Cover yourself

If you haven’t done it already, this should be the first on your list. Do yourself and your family a favour, and get enough life and health insurance. The wise don’t harbour illusions of immortality or invincibility. If your family depends on you, your absence could leave it in deep financial trouble if something happens to you. Also, illness can strike anyone, anytime, and a big-ticket medical expense can burn a big hole in your pocket.

Get your life covered for at least 10 times your annual income. If you have loans outstanding, especially home loans, make sure the sum assured is large enough to cover these liabilities, too. The best way to buy life cover is to go for online, term insurance plans that offer significant cover at relatively low premiums. For a typical family of four, buy health cover of at least ₹5 lakh with a family floater policy to start with, and increase the cover gradually through cheaper top-ups.

Build a contingency fund

Next on your list should be a contingency fund. Emergencies — job loss, calamities, sudden major expense, etc — can strike without warning and drain your finances. To prepare for such rainy days, build up a contingency fund that’s about six to 12 months’ expenses including loan repayments. Don’t take risks with this money and chase returns. Put it in safe bank FDs, post office deposits, or in lowrisk liquid debt funds that you can easily access. Use this money only when there is an emergency.

Start early, meet deadlines

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 01, 2020 من The Hindu Business Line.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 01, 2020 من The Hindu Business Line.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE HINDU BUSINESS LINE مشاهدة الكل
Covid Presents An Opportunity For India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Presents An Opportunity For India

India must attract investors exiting China post-Covid. Streamlining of project clearances and relaxation in FRBM norms will help

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The Hindu Business Line

Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?

The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
How To Put Aircraft To Bed
The Hindu Business Line

How To Put Aircraft To Bed

Preserving grounded planes, to get them up and flying at short notice, is a challenging task. Ashwini Phadnis captures the process

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
The Hindu Business Line

There Can Be No Going Back On WFH

Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
The Hindu Business Line

UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data

Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
The Hindu Business Line

With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants

Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
The Hindu Business Line

Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders

Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India

Compared to Italy and the US, India’s rate of infection spread has been slow. This can be attributed to the strict measures in place

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
The Hindu Business Line

How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid

China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
The Hindu Business Line

How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office

Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls

time-read
3 mins  |
April 28, 2020