Treasury bills cannot withstand inflation risk since a fixed amount is promised to be repaid when the treasury bill is issued. No market fluctuations are later considered when the investment attains maturity. The other options, however, are impacted by the highs and lows of the market and inflation as well. So although inflation makes the purchasing power of our money low, investments like gold, equity investments, and mutual funds, which achieve high gains during market highs, compensate the loss of our real income. This is absent in fixed income securities like treasury bills.

It is estimated that 70-80% of the pre-retirement income is likely required to maintain a similar kind of lifestyle during retirement. It is necessary to factor in the tentative expenses and sources of income that one might have during the retirement, and risks  like inflation, tax obligations, falling interest rates, etc. while making retirement decisions.

Junk bonds are very low rated investments which are issued by companies with low credit ratings. These offer very high returns but are subject to high risks. Since these offer very high returns at great risk, these are speculative in nature.

Different banks have different minimum net monthly income requirements for car loan eligibility. However, most banks offer the loan if the individual has income in the range of ₹20000- ₹25000 per month.

After exhausting the ₹1.5lakhs limit under Section 80C, one can file an additional claim of ₹50000 contributed towards National Pension Scheme to avail the benefit of deduction under Section 80CCD(1B). The other cases fall under Section 80C and any additional claim is not allowed.

Real income is the earning of an individual that remains after factoring in the effects of inflation. Say, the income was ₹100 and the inflation rate 10%. This means a pen costing ₹10 earlier would cost ₹11 now. With ₹100, one could earlier buy 10 pens. But after the change in price due to inflation, the same ₹100 can now buy only 9 pens.

Sales loads are commission or charges incurred by an investor while buying or redeeming shares in a mutual fund. These are determined by the mutual fund company and vary according to different share classes. There are two common sales charges incurred- front-end load and back-end load. Although, no load funds are increasingly in demand.

The most efficient plan for retirement is to create alternative sources of income that can generate revenue during the retirement phase. Any income source that generates cash inflow can be considered as a viable retirement income option. Present income source worth ‘n’ number of years is an exhaustible fund. Also, its purchasing power will ultimately get reduced due to inflation. Whereas, royalty income, rental income, and mutual funds dividends are good sources of passive income, which ensure a continuous flow of income without having to constantly work on it. So, one should try to create such sources for a comfortable retirement.

The average monthly interest rate applicable on credit cards in India ranges mostly from 2.5- 3.5%.