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At 6% inflation, 1 crore will lose significant purchasing power over 20 years, equating to roughly 31 lakh today. Investing wisely can help maintain value, as leaving money idle in savings accounts risks financial stability due to inflation's impact on real income.
Why most SIP investors fail midway And how the 7-5-3-1 rule can help you create real wealth
The main challenge in mutual fund SIPs is staying invested long enough to benefit from compounding. The 7-5-3-1 rule emphasises patience, diversification, and emotional discipline to build long-term wealth, showing that staying invested for at least 7 years significantly increases portfolio value.
SBI Mutual Fund : HDFC Bank and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in March
Wipro among 18 stocks from which these 7 mutual funds made complete exit in March. Check details
Centre approves 2% DA and DR hike for central govt employees, pensioners ahead of 8th Pay Commission
The government has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. Details here.
What are arbitrage funds? How they work, who should invest, and other details
Arbitrage Funds are low-risk hybrid mutual funds that profit from price differences between cash and futures markets. While minimising risks, these funds are not entirely risk-free and may underperform in bearish markets. Here's all you need to know.
Akshaya Tritiya remains proven entry point for gold investors: Motilal Oswal
Gold continues its role as a trusted asset for Indian households, blending tradition with financial security. Investors are showing increased interest in flexible gold options alongside traditional purchases. Global factors like geopolitical tensions and economic growth concerns support gold's appeal. The outlook for gold remains constructive for medium to long-term investors, with a 'buy on dips' strategy recommended.
Gold funds vs ETFs: Where should mutual fund investors place their bets this Akshaya Tritiya?
Gold ETFs and Gold Funds offer different advantages for investors. Gold ETFs are more cost-effective and tax-efficient. Gold Funds provide easier access for those without a demat account. Experts suggest Gold ETFs for first-time investors seeking direct exposure. Gold's outlook remains constructive, though near-term volatility is expected. Investors should view gold as a hedge, not a core portfolio allocation.
Planning to buy Gold on Akshaya Tritiya? Heres how to check hallmark and purity of 24K, 22K Gold
With Akshaya Tritiya near, gold buying is set to rise. Buyers must ensure jewelry authenticity using these steps
Mutual Fund SIP: Why is making the first crore the hardest thing to do?
The toughest part of building a 10 crore retirement fund is reaching the first 1 crore, which may take 14 years. However, with compounding and consistent SIP investments, subsequent crores can be accumulated significantly faster
Hidden cost of delaying investments: Starting SIPs late can kill crores from your portfolio
Starting early in investment significantly impacts wealth creation due to compounding. Aman, investing 5000 at 25, accumulates 2.75 crore by 60. Delaying investment reduces returns, emphasizing the importance of timing over the amount invested.
Credit cards provide a grace period for interest-free payments if the full amount is repaid by the due date. Paying only the minimum incurs high interest on remaining balances, late fees, and potentially losing the grace period. Details here.
Capital gains from property sale? How to balance tax saving with long-term wealth creation
Investors selling property face a choice: reinvest for tax savings or maximize long-term wealth. Financial expert Shweta Jain advises a balanced approach for a 10-year horizon, suggesting a mix of high-growth equities and stable instruments. While reinvesting in property offers tax benefits, it limits liquidity. Diversification is key for optimal returns and financial flexibility.
The official reference date for the 8th Pay Commission is 1 January 2026. But because the commission has 18 months to submit its final report, it would place the finalisation around mid-2027.
8th Pay Commission: 32,400 to nearly 69,000 basic pay? Fitment factor for govt salary hike decoded
8th Pay Commission: Fitment factor is the multiplier that converts old basic pay into revised basic pay. Here's how the minimum basic pay could rise depending on the various fitment factors demanded by employee unions, and those projected by brokerage firms
The child education allowance has been raised from 100 to 3,000 per month per child, while the hostel allowance has gone up from 300 to 9,000 per month per child. Here's a breakdown of how much one can save on tax, who can claim, other details
National Savings Certificate vs tax-saving FD: Which offers better returns?
While both NSC and tax-saving FDs have a standard 5-year duration, they differ in several key factors, including interest rates and compounding intervals.
As equity markets hit their lowest point in six years, conservative investors are increasingly gravitating toward fixed deposits.
Millions of Indians are investing every year, but not everyone is building wealth Heres why
A large share of those new entrants are first-timers. Many came in during a bull run and haven't yet seen a serious correction. That matters, because the biggest threat to their wealth won't be a bad fund, it'll be their own reaction when markets turn.
Early investment in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana secures a stronger financial future for a girl child through long-term compounding, tax-free returns and disciplined savings.
PMS or AIF: Where are HNIs finding better risk-adjusted returns?
Studies show that top PMS strategies have generated around 60 basis points of excess return per month over benchmarks. More importantly, roughly 7 out of 10 PMS strategies have beaten their benchmarks. Thats not easy, especially in markets where beating the index itself is tough.
In India, people buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya, depending on specific muhurat timings which vary from one city to another. From Kolkata, Delhi to Mumbai, other cities we bring you a list of the city-wise timings for Akshaya Tritiya
6 AMCs see over Rs 50,000 crore AUM drop in March; top 2 see Rs 1 lakh crore fall
PSU mutual funds see Rs 4,498 crore outflow in March: Report
PSU mutual funds saw Rs 4,498 crore in outflows in March, a mild improvement from February, according to Vallum Capital. While PSU funds posted strong long-term returns, sector trends were mixedconsumption saw withdrawals, but manufacturing, infrastructure, defence and pharma attracted fresh inflows, signalling a pivot toward domestic capex themes.
Want regular income from mutual funds? Here is why SWP offers more control than dividend
Generating a steady income from investments is a common goal for many investors, especially those looking to balance growth with regular cash flow.
Income tax penalties can occur due to default in tax payments, incorrect reporting of income, and, in some cases, misreporting of income, which is considered a severe issue. Here's when 50% and 200% fines apply.
Zero tax on 20 lakh CTC? How a smart car lease can cut your tax under the new regime
Smart salary structuring unlocks major tax savings on car leases under the new tax regime, showing how a 20 lakh CTC can significantly reduce taxable income and enhance take-home efficiency.
Your Cibil score could update faster. Here's what changed
RBI has mandated lenders to report credit data weekly instead of fortnightly to ensure more accurate and fresh credit scores. This shift enables faster loan approvals and quicker score recoveries for borrowers but also means defaults are detected much faster.
PPF investment: How to build a 1 crore corpus at 7.1% and how long it takes
The PPF crorepati reality check shows that disciplined, long-term investing at 7.1% can build 1 crore over 25 years, highlighting tax-free compounding, stability, and the need for patience.
HDFC Mutual Fund: HDFC Bank and Infosys among top 10 stock holdings in March
7 mutual funds trim stakes in 20 midcaps. Heres how money moved in March
Twelve stocks signaled bullish momentum by moving above their 200-day moving averages, indicating strengthening trends and potential upside continuation.
Best aggressive hybrid mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Hybrid mutual funds, particularly aggressive hybrid schemes, offer resilience in volatile markets due to their equity and debt mix. These funds, mandated to invest 65-80% in stocks and 20-35% in debt, help conservative equity investors manage risk while aiming for wealth creation. Regular profit booking by fund managers can also enhance returns.
PPF vs ELSS vs NPS: Where does 5,000/month grow the most? 15-year returns compared
PPF, ELSS, and NPS are popular tax-saving investments, differing in structure, eligibility, and returns. Here's the best tax saving option.
Trump accounts explained: Eligibility, contribution limits, tax benefits for parents
Trump accounts explained: A new savings scheme, referred to as Trump accounts, is designed to help families start building wealth for children from birth. Here's how it works.
Investing in children's future is crucial for parents, with options like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, NPS Vatsalya Yojana, and PPF accounts. These plans help build savings for education and healthcare, offering tax benefits and high interest rates, ensuring financial stability.
Secure retirement planning can turn a 50 lakh retirement corpus into a balanced income engine. Here is how you can blend SCSS, mutual funds, equities and debt for inflation-beating, tax-efficient long-term financial stability.
Asset allocation involves distributing investments across various asset classes to manage risk and return. Common categories include fixed-income instruments, equities, and precious metals. Here's what investors should know.
6 reasons why first-time borrowers find it tough to maintain a healthy credit score
First-time borrowers often damage their credit score due to poor awareness, high utilisation and missed repayments, making disciplined financial planning essential for building a strong and sustainable credit profile.
Bajaj Life rolls out Nifty 500 Low Volatility 50 Index Fund for ULIP investors: All you need to know
Bajaj Life Nifty 500 Low Volatility 50 Index Fund offers ULIP investors stable, long-term growth through a disciplined, low-volatility equity strategy.
Small habits, big bills: Why convenience costs more than you think
Hidden fees and spending traps in food delivery and OTT apps are eroding your savings.
AMFI Rejig: BSE and Vodafone India among 8 midcap stocks that may get largecap status
Nuvama Institutional Equities predicts eight mid-cap stocks may be upgraded to large-cap status by AMFI in its H2 CY26 rejig. This potential upgrade is based on current market capitalization trends, with the largecap cut-off expected to be around Rs 1.04 lakh crore. Indian Bank, Bosch, Jindal Steel, and Indus Towers are among the prominent names anticipated to transition.
Which sectors attracted mutual fund interest in March? Check details
Mutual funds favored Healthcare, Technology, and Utilities in March, increasing their weights. While most sectors saw value declines, Infrastructure, Technology, and Healthcare experienced the least. Private Banks maintained the highest weightage despite a slight dip, and NBFC-Non Lending saw significant over-ownership.
Market fall exposes flaws in aggressive mutual fund bets. Time for a reset?
Fund investing, which investors once saw as easy to manage independently, suddenly looks very discomfiting and complex in 2026. Investors feel unsure if their portfolios are constructed correctly, whether their choices carry good long-term prospects, and doubt their capability to generate returns.
New labour laws: Here's how much your in-hand salary changes for 6 lakh CTC
Effective from this fiscal year, the new labour laws are reshaping your monthly compensation structure with more focus on long term and retirement savings. Here's how much your in-hand salary is likely to be impacted for 6 lakh CTC
Equity-oriented mutual funds saw a 17.38% year-on-year growth in average net assets under management in March 2026, driven by strong investor confidence. Flexi cap funds emerged as the largest and fastest-growing category, with average net AUM rising 25.10% to Rs 5.28 lakh crore.
PPF rules explained: Why your investment may stay locked in for more than 15 years
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a 15-year lock-in period, starting from the end of the financial year in which the first deposit is made. However, investors may face a longer lock-in period, depending on the deposit date.
Mutual fund SIPs not enough for Rs 3 crore goal in 12 years? Heres how to bridge the gap
Planning for long-term financial goals through mutual funds requires not just consistency, but the right asset allocation and regular portfolio reviews.
Steady wealth creation can be achieved through mutual fund SIPs, as investors should continue to focus on disciplined investing, rupee cost averaging, and compounding amid global market volatility.
Why Aditya Birla Sun Life MF's Balasubramanian sees a 10-year bull market beyond the dip
A. Balasubramanian, CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, views market corrections as conviction tests, urging investors to increase allocations during red periods to lower average costs. Mint explores the funds strategic deployment of cash into mid- and small-caps
New tax regime allows meal card benefit 5 conditions to claim 200 per meal tax-free
From April 1, 2026, the tax-exempt limit on employer-provided meals have been increased to 200 per meal, up from 50 earlier. Here are the key conditions to claim the benefit.
Individual policy, family floater, or top-up: Which is the most cost-effective?
With employer insurance often falling short, a top-up plan can offer a cost-effective way to build adequate family health protection
8th Pay Commission: NCJCM's 69,000 basic pay proposal and 3.83 fitment factor explained
8th Pay Commission proposal sparks buzz as NCJCM suggests 69,000 minimum basic pay for Group C employees, based on an elaborate table of expenses, driven by rising living costs, higher fitment factor and detailed expense-based calculations.
Consent-driven credit: Why consumer-controlled data is shaping the future of lending
Consent-driven credit is reshaping lending in India by giving consumers control over their financial data through the Account Aggregator framework. This shift is improving credit access, accuracy, and trust, especially for underserved borrowers.
Mutual funds raise tech exposure in March after 8-year low. Tactical move or trend reversal?
Mutual funds raised tech exposure in March after an eight-year low, driven by tactical rebalancing and improved valuations. Experts say global cues like US tech recovery and easing rate concerns are aiding sentiment. Despite recent losses of up to 25%, the sector outlook remains gradually positive, supported by AI and cloud trends, though near-term volatility persists.
PPF investment: How 5K monthly grows to 41 lakh and why investing before the 5th matters
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings option favored by risk-averse investors for its government backing and tax benefits. Here's how much 5K, 10K and 12K investments can grow over 15 years and with 5-year extensions.
Multi-asset funds offer consistent returns if not quite the big bang
The strategy has, however, lagged higher-returning asset classes such as gold and global equities, with 14.7% and 18.6% annualised returns, respectively, over the same period. How gold, equity or debt behaves in isolation is very different from how a well-constructedcombination performs, said Aashish Sommaiyaa, ED & CEO, WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund.
The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing salary hikes and pension structures for central government employees, with various consultations scheduled in 2026. Here's how the fitment factor, DA, arrears and other elements are decided.
New labour laws: Here's how much your take-home pay changes for 10 lakh CTC
Take-home salary to decrease? Effective from this fiscal year, the new labour laws are reshaping how your salary is credited each month with more focus on long term and retirement savings from the government.
How much monthly income does 10 lakh FD generate in 2026? Check bank-wise returns and interest rates
Steady wealth creation meets certainty, as 10 lakh FD monthly income highlights how bank rates, tenure choices and geopolitical complications make fixed deposits even more attractive in 2026.
Want to leverage your gold for a line of credit? We explain what gold loan and gold overdraft facility is, what you get you and which is the better choice based on your needs.
How to build 50 lakh tax-free corpus using Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to secure your daughter's future
A powerful long-term savings plan through Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) can help parents build a 50 lakh corpus for their daughter through disciplined monthly investing, tax-free growth, and early financial planning.
How much should your SIP be to make 2.5 crore in less than 25 years?
The right approach is to work backwards from your financial goals. These typically include major life milestones such as purchasing a house, funding childrens education, marriage, and planning for retirement.
Estate planning: What is a settlement deed? Can it override a will? We explain
Estate planning is crucial for family clarity after one's passing. Here's all you need to know about a settlement deed, why it is prepared, how it functions alongside a will, and what key factors to consider before opting for one.
Zero tax beyond 12 lakh salary: How to stretch it to 15 lakh
From EPF and NPS to meal allowances and car leases, the new tax regime rewards how your CTC is built.
New labour codes: Why your tax burden may rise under revised salary structure explained
With the introduction of new labour codes, salary structures are changing, requiring basic pay and allowances to constitute at least 50% of total CTC. This shift could increase taxable income, particularly affecting mid- to senior-level earners in key sectors, according to experts.
Rule of 72 decoded: This is how long PPF, FD, SCSS and SSY take to double your money
The Rule of 72 shows how various small government schemes, such as PPF, FD, SSY and SCSS, help investors estimate wealth-doubling time, compare returns and plan long-term safe savings effectively.
SIP portfolio under pressure? Heres how to plan for a Rs 3-4 crore retirement corpus
A 34-year-old investor's Rs 30,000 monthly SIP portfolio, despite diversification, has seen short-term losses amid market volatility. Experts advise a more aggressive equity allocation and disciplined investing to achieve a Rs 3-4 crore retirement corpus by age 56, emphasizing compounding and regular reviews.
NFO Alert: SBI Mutual Fund launches two constant maturity index funds in financial services
SBI Mutual Fund has launched two new passive debt index funds, targeting short-term investment needs in the financial services sector. These funds, SBI CRISILIBX Financial Services 36 Months Debt Index Fund and SBI CRISILIBX Financial Services 912 Months Debt Index Fund, offer transparent, low-cost solutions. The NFO is open until April 20, with a minimum investment of Rs 5,000.
You can accumulate 55.88 crore by initial savings of 30 a day
How to become rich: Using the 15% annual step-up, one can accumulate 55.88 crore in 35 years by saving 30 a day and investing them in monthly SIP
The Wealth Company MF unveils SIF brand, launches two funds with differentiated strategies
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, part of the Pantomath Group, has launched its SIF brand WSIF along with two new funds featuring differentiated long-short strategies. The new fund offerings aim to combine equity investing with tactical hedging approaches, marking the fund houses entry into the emerging Specialised Investment Funds category.
Transfer tax on shares, mutual funds: When it is tax-free and when it is not explained
Equity shares or mutual fund units can be transferred within families without capital gains tax if they are gifts. Here are the documents you need to avoid disputes, along with other details.
5,000 SIP: regular vs step-up, how a small tweak can add lakhs to your corpus
Power your wealth creation with disciplined investing: a mutual fund SIP comparison between a regular SIP and a step-up SIP with a 2% annual increase shows that compounding builds higher long-term returns.
Mutual funds made complete exit from 7 stocks in March. Check details
Mutual funds made a complete exit from seven stocks in March, according to monthly data released by Prime Database.
Gold ETFs shine amid rising geopolitical tensions and strong gold price rally: ICRA Analytics
Gold ETFs have seen a sharp rise in investor preference amid geopolitical tensions and a strong rally in gold prices, ICRA Analytics said. AUM surged nearly 65% CAGR over five years to Rs 1.71 lakh crore, while inflows jumped to 2,266 crore in March 2026, highlighting growing demand for safe-haven assets.
8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM Staff Side seeks 69,000 minimum pay, 6% increment annually check details
The National Council-JCM proposes a minimum basic pay of 69,000 for the 8th Pay Commission, aiming to benefit over 50 lakh government employees. Recommendations include higher increments, pay restructuring, and HRA indexing to inflation for better financial support amid rising costs.
The tax regime debate is back, and your salary for this year just got dragged in
Income Tax Rules 2026 have made the old regime more attractive by raising exemption limits. For FY27, salaried individuals must recalculate before choosing between old and new.
Flexi-cap mutual funds attracted record inflows in March, reflecting strong investor demand for diversified and flexible equity strategies amid market volatility. Experts view the surge as a sign of growing confidence in the category, driven by its ability to dynamically allocate across market caps during uncertain times. While concerns about overcrowding remain, the trend largely indicates disciplined investing and a preference for flexibility rather than momentum chasing.
Gold and silver ETFs surged up to 9% on Wednesday, driven by falling crude oil prices and renewed hopes of US-Iran talks easing Middle East supply concerns. Softer oil prices also alleviated inflation worries, boosting sentiment for precious metals. Experts suggest current levels offer a timely opportunity for long-term investors to accumulate precious metals for portfolio diversification amid global uncertainties.
SIPs one of the most effective ways to ride out uncertainty: DSPs Aditi Kothari Desai
Aditi Kothari Desai of DSP Asset Managers is the guiding light for investors grappling with market turbulence. Emphasizing the trio of discipline, consistency, and patience, she warns against knee-jerk reactions to headlines, particularly amid geopolitical unrest. For her, Systematic Investment Plans are essential lifelines in these unpredictable times.
MFs power up local themes, banking on valuation reset
Indian mutual funds bought more shares in March as the Nifty index fell. They focused on banks and financial companies, seeing better value. Power sector stocks also saw increased investment. This shows a move towards domestic growth areas. Concerns about global conflicts are influencing these investment choices.
Debt MF outflows hit record Rs 2.9 lakh crore in March
Among debt fund schemes, overnight funds recorded redemptions of 40,227 crore followed by money market funds with an outflow of 29,207 crore, and low-duration funds, which recorded an outflow of 25,227 crore.
Gold loan portfolio grows 3.8x, outstandings surpasses personal loans in December 2025 What we know
As of December 2025, outstanding gold loan borrowings surpassed personal loans, totaling 16.8 lakh crore from 4.7 crore borrowers, as per a TransUnion CIBIL report. It also noted increasing ticket sizes and borrower exposure.
The RBIs proposed one-hour payment pause on select transactions aims to curb digital fraud. However, experts highlight potential friction, delayed settlements and challenges to a seamless payment experience.
What US green card holders should know about exit tax and gifting rules
Under US tax law, individuals who give up citizenship or relinquish a long-term green card (held for eight years or more) may be subject to the exit tax provisions under the internal revenue code
Near-record-high prices are reshaping gold and silver buying decisions for Akshaya Tritiya this year. While pre-booking ensures price protection, it carries risks, making cost evaluation and smarter investment choices essential for aspiring buyers before locking in on any offers.
Avoid crisis on a rainy day: What is an emergency fund and how much you should save, explained
An emergency fund is essential for covering unexpected expenses without incurring debt. Build the fund gradually and keep it in safe, liquid accounts. Here's key things to know:
Nomination is mandatory for investors to ensure a seamless transfer of assets after death. However, an investor can opt out of the nomination process. Here's what happens to MF and equity folio if an investor dies without a nominee.
Confusion around PPF investment rules often leads to the misconception that both parents can contribute 3 lakh to a childs PPF account, however the annual PPF investment limit is capped at 1.5 lakh per individual account as per regulatory guidelines, regardless of parental contributions.
S Naren sees better valuations, but no outsized gains. Check his 10 pieces of advice
Sankaran Naren advises starting SIPs as valuations improve, but cautions against 2020-like returns, favors IT, pharma, energy, remains wary on midcaps, sees selective smallcap opportunities, and stresses disciplined, macro-driven investing.
Buying term insurance? 6 costly mistakes you must avoid to protect your family
Avoid costly errors when choosing a term insurance policy to secure long term financial protection for your family by understanding coverage, riders, disclosures and insurer reliability across different policy offers.
