in mind that there are different considerations when you buy real estate for investment and for self use where to begin investing in real estate isnt a cakewalk finding a good property with decent amenities in a good neighbourhood which is close to your place of work school and markets is a huge challenge however a little homework can help you zero in on a good deal you first need to work out a budget to finance the down payment for the house and subsequent emi payments remember that you will have to meet the emi obligation month after month also factor in the expenses you are likely to incur after the purchase these expenses are anything but ancillary painting furnishing and maintenance can add up to a huge sum shopping for a home loan is another aspect requiring homework for firsttime home buyers lenders will have marginal differences in interest rate processing fees margin money prepayment options etc go through the fine print carefully before signing on the dotted line firsttime buyers should opt for a readyforpossession property there are too many hassles involved in one under construction says sadagopan top rules for stocks invest only what you can afford to lose avoid investing large amounts at one go buy small quantities at regular intervals and try to get a feel of the market avoid trying to time your entry even professional investors find it difficult to catch a stock at its lowest price buy a stock in which you have strong conviction ignore tips and hot trends often first investments are driven by friendly tips or prevailing hot trends traders love beginners as they chase the hot trends and drive prices higher however the traders bail out leaving beginners in the lurch have realistic expectations of returns stocks can create enormous wealth but dont expect to hit the jackpot early on you might not earn good returns initially and may in fact suffer losses dont succumb to emotions stocks are inherently volatile even a good stock can fall if the market turns bearish dont let fear and greed drive your investment decisions top rules for debt consider the reinvestment risk be clear how you will deploy the money when the instrument matures and you get the money back along with the interest or capital gain check the tax efficiency of investment the interest from fds and ncds is taxed at the rate applicable to your income slab the income from debt funds is treated as capital gain if the investment is for over a year match investments with cashflow needs match investments with cashflow requirements if you need money in three years invest in an fd or fmp if you can wait go for instruments with longer terms top rules for gold invest purely for diversification invest in gold for diversification and stability of your portfolio dont be misled into believing that gold prices will only rise over time limit your exposure to 1015 do not try