This year is election year and the last budget this Government would be presenting. What this budget would present to a common man?

Before guess-estimating lets have look on various ruling factors:

1.    The Ruling Congress would be in minority in Rajya Sabha in April because of expiry of term of some members.
2.    Congress has lost most of the state and Bye elections.
3.    US recession and its likely impact on Indian markets.
4.    Rise in value of rupee hitting Indian exports

In these turbulent times with stock markets witnessing some of the biggest single day, single week losses, and the apparent root cause of US recession still looming large, retail investors have been shying away from the markets.

Most investors tend to get confused while choosing dividend or growth option when applying for a mutual fund. The real choice should not be so difficult to make.

Ask yourself a simple question, do you need the recurring income for yourself or the income so received in the form of dividend has to be reinvested again. If you have some other regular source of income then by choosing dividend option you are again creating a fund, which would be small in size unless augmented by other income, and won’t be of size that could be invested again in good channel of investment.

Is financial management too difficult practically? Not really, if you take little care of your transactions. We keep watching and listening to news informing how credit card debts have ruined the credibility and financial discipline of people. But, do not fret! We could solve this problem for you, if you keep some points in mind. Managing credit card does not need a degree in finance. It’s all about a few important steps, so that credit cards can actually prove to be your asset.

Good Credit card management is not everyone’s cup of tea. But, while using this plastic money, care and caution hold utmost importance. Wise handling of monetary matters always acts a good opportunity for credit card holders, but one needs to be wary of certain specific points. Let’s see what these vital points are.

With 2007 ending with highest annual gains in the indices, and reality sector prices sky rocketing, Investment in Bank fixed deposits are not likely to pick up at least till first two calendar quarters of the year.

Year 2006 saw the markets tumbling from 12000 to 8800 levels, though the markets partially recovered their losses in the later part of the year. Year 2007 witnessed the markets touching new highs. The year also would be remembered as one of the most volatile years in the stock market history of the country where gains or losses in a single day were equivalent to what were witnessed over 3 months in the past.

At this level of sensex, one needs to invest very cautiously, even if it means not earning money. Losses, at this level can be enormous, especially for those who invest in MidCaps or Small Caps for better returns in short term.