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Paytm Pocket Money to FamApp: 8 apps helping teenagers make digital payments without bank accounts
Teen-focused fintech apps like Paytm Pocket Money and FamApp are helping young Indians make digital payments without bank accounts through prepaid cards, UPI access, parental controls and budgeting tools.
On 23 May, gold prices in India remained stable, with 24-karat gold priced at 159,320 per 10 grams. Silver prices also showed limited movement, with 999 Fine silver at 272,250 per kg. MCX trading is closed on weekends, limiting live updates.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the resumption of issuing new ration cards from May 15 after 13 years. The government has cancelled 7.72 lakh invalid cards and is inviting fresh online applications, with eligibility limits for annual family income raised from 1 lakh to 1.20 lakh.
National Pension System: PFRDA clarifies NPS charge structure what you need to know
The PFRDA has clarified that NPS Tier-II accounts will incur annual maintenance charges (AMCs) similar to Tier-I accounts. The AMC for dormant accounts will be 10% and PRAN opening charge shall apply only at the time of initial PRAN generation.
Petrol and diesel prices rose by up to 91 paise per litre, marking the third increase in less than 10 days. Analysts predict further hikes may be necessary as oil companies face significant losses due to elevated crude prices stemming from the West Asia conflict.
Bank holiday today: Are SBI, HDFC Bank, and other banks closed on Saturday, May 23?
All banks in India are closed on May 23, 2026, due to the scheduled bank holiday on the fourth Saturday. This closure is part of the RBI's holiday schedule, with banks also closed on specific Sundays and local holidays varying by state.
Why rushing to file your income tax return (AY 202627) could be a mistake
Modern tax compliance has transformed into an entirely data-driven process. Contemporary income tax returns are never evaluated independently
Taxpayers who earn capital gains are required to report them when filing their income tax returns using the appropriate ITR form.
ITR filing: How NRIs and foreigners are taxed in India and why residential status matters
Tax liability of individuals is influenced more by residential status than citizenship under Indian tax law. NRIs and foreign citizens may be taxed based on their days in India and income nature. Here's what you need to know.
Missed life insurance premium payments? Know when your policy may lapse and revival rules
Life insurance provides financial protection for policyholders' families upon their death. Premiums can be paid regularly or as a lump sum. Here's when your policy lapses and ways to revive it among other details.
8th Pay Commission: Key Lucknow meetings begin on 22 June all you need to know
8th Pay Commission Update: The commission's Lucknow visit is scheduled for 2223 June and appointment requests have to be submitted before 10 June. Check out the latest developments and how the fitment factor has risen from 1.86 to 2.57.
Income tax returns 2026-27: Should pensioners file ITR? Tax rules, forms and deductions explained
Many retirees may believe that ITR filing is optional. Pension income is taxable, requiring ITR submission based on total income. ax rules, forms and deductions explained here.
How multiple credit card applications impact your CIBIL score and approval chances explained
Requesting an additional credit card requires strategic planning to enhance approval chances and protect financial health. Frequent applications can negatively impact credit scores, so stagger requests to minimise adverse effects while considering your credit history.
Smart financial planning tips for parents: SIPs, insurance, savings & child investment plans
Financial planning for children includes SIP investments, term insurance, health cover, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, emergency savings and legal protection to secure a prosperous future for every family across the country.
How to achieve financial stability with smart budgeting on 1 lakh monthly salary
Smart budgeting on a monthly salary of 1 lakh depends on effectively managing in-hand income, controlling expenses, prioritising savings, and diversifying investments for long-term financial stability.
Credit card EMI vs minimum due: Which option is better for your credit score?
Credit card EMI conversion lets you pay off large transactions in smaller, fixed monthly instalments with interest. Here's how it is different from paying the minimum due and which option is better for your credit score.
How long will it take to build Rs 2 crore with a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP?
Equity, debt or gold? This portfolio mix delivered the best risk-adjusted returns
Asset allocation is crucial for long-term wealth creation. A balanced portfolio of equities, debt, and gold offers stability and higher returns, as shown in FundsIndia's report. Diversification reduces volatility and downside risk, ensuring a smoother investment journey over time.
A seven-day Sweden trip sounds romantic on paper, but when flights, visas, hostels and daily costs are added up, is Sweden actually realistic for a middle-class Indian traveller on a 1.5 lakh budget? We asked ChatGPT for a brutally honest financial and logistical breakdown.
Struggling with retirement calculations? These 4 rules can help you estimate the future corpus
Compounding and discounting are key personal finance concepts that help investors understand wealth creation and the present value of future money. The article explains the Rules of 72, 114, 144 and 70, highlighting how investments grow over time, how inflation erodes purchasing power, and why time value plays a critical role in financial planning.
India-focused offshore equity funds and ETFs struggle in 1 year. Check bottom 5 performers
India-focused offshore funds and ETFs underperformed the MSCI India USD Index over the past year, with mid and smallcap exposure dragging returns lower. Several funds posted losses exceeding 20% amid market volatility.
PPF investment with disciplined annual contributions and long-term compounding can help investors build a 1 crore corpus and generate more than 50,000 stable monthly income through guaranteed interest returns, all one needs is proper planning and patience.
Looking for smallcap mutual funds? Here are the top 4 picks for May 2026
Top-performing smallcap funds delivering strong returns amid sustained market momentum.
Time to buy rupee assets? DSP Mutual Fund lists 5 reasons favouring Indian equities and bonds
DSP Mutual Fund has urged investors to allocate towards rupee-denominated assets despite concerns over crude oil prices, currency weakness and foreign outflows. The fund house cited undervalued REER levels, narrowing India-US inflation differentials, resilient external sector buffers, attractive largecap valuations and cyclical forex trends as key reasons favouring Indian equities and bonds.
How long do you need to stay invested to avoid negative returns? This data has an answer
FundsIndia's report highlights that long-term equity investment, defined as 7 years or more, is essential for wealth creation. Historically, equities have shown strong recovery after market downturns, with significant returns over extended periods compared to real estate and debt instruments.
Got a bonus to invest? Gold at record highs and markets choppy, this 50:50 formula may work better
Investors are facing challenges in volatile markets, with traditional options like fixed deposits yielding 6-7.5%. Experts recommend a disciplined investment approach, splitting funds between Arbitrage Funds and Nifty 50 Index Funds for long-term growth.
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund suspends subscription of units in its retirement fund
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has suspended fresh investments in Franklin India Retirement Fund from May 20, following Sebis move to discontinue solution-oriented mutual fund schemes. The temporary halt covers lump sum investments, SIPs, STPs and switches, while the industry transitions towards new life cycle fund structures with dynamic asset allocation strategies.
Should retirees in India use credit cards? Key benefits and risks explained
Credit cards for retirees offer secure cashless payments, rewards, emergency liquidity and credit score benefits, but disciplined usage is essential to avoid debt, fraud risks and financial strain. Proper professional guidance must be taken before deciding on any particular credit card.
An ideal annual travel budget for someone earning 15 lakh, with monthly EMIs of 20,000 and fixed expenses of 30,000, ranges from 1.2 lakh to 2.5 lakh, allowing for meaningful travel without compromising financial goals.
A stable income allows flexibility in emergency fund duration. A 9-12 month runway is advisable in tech for financial security. For a 30 lakh earner with 90,000 monthly expenses, a six-month fund of 5.5-6 lakh is baseline, while 11-12 lakh is ideal for a year.
Gold prices fell on MCX on Friday morning as a stronger US dollar weighed on the yellow metal. Gold has remained under pressure over the past two months following the US-Iran conflict, with soaring crude oil prices boosting the dollar and raising concerns about a fresh spike in inflation.
8th Pay Commission: How to use fitment factor calculator to estimate your revised salary
Discussions on the 8th Pay Commission focus on the fitment factor, crucial for salary and pension hikes for central government employees.
Best corporate bond mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Investors can consider corporate bond funds for near-term and three-year goals. These funds invest in high-rated company papers, offering relative safety. Safety and interest rates are key factors. HDFC Corporate Bond Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund, ICICI Prudential Corporate Bond Fund, and Sundaram Corporate Bond Fund are recommended for May 2026. Continue existing investments in these schemes.
Why Invesco MF's Vikas Garg sees a tactical opportunity in long-duration debt funds
After a sharp rise in bond yields driven by oil prices, fiscal worries and possibility of US Fed hike, Invesco MFs Vikas Garg says long-duration debt funds may still offer a tactical opportunity.
Multi-asset funds reward tactical bets amid volatile market
Multi-asset allocation funds, once seen as a guaranteed win, showed a wide performance range last year, from 3.3% to 24.6%. Investors flocked to these funds as volatile markets made asset allocation challenging, with top performers favoring gold and silver. Future success will depend on fund managers' tactical asset allocation and selective equity positioning.
The PFRDA is assessing the demand to increase the monthly pension cap under the APY from 5,000, according to PFRDA Chairman S Ramann. The subscriber base is projected to exceed 10 crore in FY27, showing an 18% growth.
Overdraft vs Personal Loan: What is the difference and how to choose the right one for you?
An overdraft is a credit facility generally offered by banks and financial institutions, primarily to business owners to manage short-term financial requirements related to their operations.
Income-tax return forms released: Here's all you need to know about ITR-1 Sahaj Top FAQs answered
The Income-Tax department has released ITR forms for AY27/FY26, enabling offline preparation via Excel Utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4. Taxpayers can file returns online through the official portal, with a deadline for individual filings set for 31 July 2026.
The 8th Central Pay Commission has started consultations with employee representatives to recommend salaries and allowances for central government employees and pensioners. Here's why central government employees may get pay hike only in 2027
75.5% of Indians lack a retirement plan, while 77% avoid financial advice: 1 Finance survey
A growing retirement planning gap in India is raising concern as 75.5% of middle-aged earners lack a detailed plan while 77% have not sought financial advice, reveals a 1 Finance survey.
Hindu Undivided Family: Who is eligible to form HUF and how much tax can be saved?
HUF is treated as a separate taxable entity from its family members. Family income can be legally divided and reported under the HUF to avail additional tax advantages
8th Pay Commission fitment factor discussions are reshaping salary expectations as Indias pay commission history highlights major changes in government pay, pensions and employee benefits over decades.
Fixed Deposits: Can you save tax on FD interest? Key rules every depositor should know
Interest earned on fixed deposits is treated as Income from Other Sources under income tax rules. It gets added to your total annual income and taxed according to the income tax slab applicable to you.
DA demands: Here's what the big three employee groups NC-JCM, AIDEF and Maharashtra Old Pension Organisation are demanding for Dearness Allowance. From inflation-linked compensation, 4% hike, merger and more, here's all we know
Dearness Allowance: Uttar Pradesh announces 2% hike in DA for state government employees
Dearness Allowance: Uttar Pradesh today announced a 2% hike in DA for state government employees, effectively increasing the component to 60% of basic pay from 58%.
Top 5 India-focused offshore equity funds and ETFs with highest 1-year returns. Check details
India-focused offshore funds and ETFs underperformed the MSCI India USD Index over one year, though Aryabhata India Fund emerged as the top performer with the smallest decline among peers.
4 SIFs and mutual fund NFOs open for subscription now. Check details
Indian mutual fund assets under management have surged. Equity funds saw a significant rise in assets and investor numbers. Flexicap funds led net sales, attracting substantial inflows. SIP flows doubled in under three years, reaching new highs. The industry's AUM grew substantially over the past decade, indicating strong investor confidence and growing participation in mutual funds.
Does your portfolio needs a global hedge in a weaponised world?
Geopolitical shifts are prompting Indian investors to reconsider strategies as economic equities become tools of statecraft. Experts emphasise the need for global diversification to mitigate local volatility and capture international growth amidst changing dynamics.
Newly married couples can build stronger personal finances with smart budgeting, emergency savings, early investing and insurance planning for long-term financial stability and wealth creation.
Secured credit cards: Unlocking credit and building a credit score for millions
If you are struggling to get a credit card due to income or age restrictions, there is a way out. Secured credit cards, which are backed by fixed deposits, offer underserved populations a pathway to financial inclusion.
Wholesale inflation hits a 42-month high but does it really spell bad news for your wallet?
India's wholesale inflation hit 8.3% in April, a 42-month high, mainly due to rising energy prices from the West Asia conflict. Experts note a weak correlation with consumer prices, suggesting retail inflation may not rise significantly despite the wholesale increase.
Gold turned 1 lakh into 15 lakhs in 20 years - Here's how equities, real estate and debt compare
Equities in India and the US have outperformed fixed deposits, debt, and real estate over the long term. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks yielded the highest returns, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment.
These 5 smallcap mutual funds deliver over 20% annualised return in 3 years. Check toppers
The ET Alpha Summit gathers top market minds to decode global risks, AI disruption, and investment opportunities, offering investors a clear roadmap for smarter, future-ready wealth decisions.
Stay prepared for Income Tax Return Filing 2026 with essential documents including Form 16, AIS, Form 26AS, bank statements and investment proofs to ensure accurate AY 2026-27 ITR filing, faster refunds and hassle-free tax compliance.
Mutual fund factsheets are no longer compliance documents theyre becoming investor playbooks
As more investors go direct and digital, mutual fund factsheets are evolving from compliance-heavy disclosures into sharper communication tools aimed at helping investors make decisions.
Large cap funds have lagged mid and small caps across various time horizons, showing muted or negative returns in shorter periods. Experts suggest increasing allocation to large caps for stability and better risk-reward due to attractive valuations, especially for first-time investors and through SIPs.
The EPFO's UPI payment gateway for provident fund withdrawals is set to launch soon, with testing completed. Members can access their funds directly in bank accounts, improving service delivery for over seven crore users.
Gold and silver prices fell on Thursday amid weak global cues, US Fed tightening fears and easing oil prices. MCX gold futures slipped 0.21%, while silver declined 0.40%. Check the latest 22K, 24K gold and silver rates in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai.
Your employer may soon pay your SIP from salary: Sebi's new mutual fund proposal explained
Your employer might soon invest in mutual funds directly from your salary. Sebi is considering a new proposal to allow this. Employees can choose their funds, and employers will deduct the amount from salaries. This aims to simplify investing and increase participation. Redemption proceeds will still go to the employee's account.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Banking & PSU debt funds offer a relatively safe investment option for a few years, investing primarily in government-backed entities. These schemes gained popularity after past debt market turmoil. While risks like private bank exposure and interest rate changes exist, they are considered minimal for short-term investors.
SpaceX plans to go public, targeting a $75 billion IPO and a valuation of $1.75 trillion. Elon Musk will maintain significant control post-IPO, raising concerns over corporate governance and valuation risks. The filing reveals $18.7 billion revenue in 2025, driven mainly by Starlink's growth.
Federal Reserve proposes new payment accounts for fintechs: What's allowed, what's not
The Federal Reserve proposed a new payment account category for fintechs and non-traditional institutions to access payment systems, aiming to enhance innovation while managing risks.
Jeff Bezos pitches major US tax overhaul: Bottom half should pay 0%, not 3%
Jeff Bezos proposed eliminating federal income taxes for the bottom half of earners, advocating for significant tax reform without detailing implementation. He highlighted the burden on lower earners and noted the disparities in income and tax contributions between different income groups.
Sebi moots MF payment by 3rd parties in select cases
Sebi is proposing new rules for mutual fund investments. Third parties can now make payments in certain situations. Employers can invest on behalf of employees through salary deductions. Asset Management Companies can pay distributors in mutual fund units instead of cash. A framework for investors to donate to social causes is also suggested.
Long-term SIPs deliver consistent gains as market volatility eases over time
Investing in equity through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) offers greater predictability and reduced risk over extended periods. A study reveals that longer tenures, ideally 10 years or more, allow investors to navigate market cycles and benefit from rupee cost averaging.
I gave 50,000 to ChatGPT and asked AI to plan my solo international trip. In return, it gave me a detailed travel plan.
EPFO: We take a look at if EPF amounts be attached for liabilities and what happens if your employer recovers contribution but doesnt deposit it, among other top FAQs. Here's a look
Co-applicant home loan rules: How joint loans affect EMI, tax benefit and credit score
One effective way to improve your home loan eligibility is to add a co-applicant with an independent source of income.
ITR forms for FY26 / AY27 have been notified by the tax department, and Excel Utility for the ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms has also been enabled by the I-T department. Here's how you can use e-pay to clear income tax dues
While a car EMI of 16,000 seems reasonable, actual ownership costs can exceed 36,000 per month due to hidden expenses such as depreciation and insurance. ChatGPT gave me the entire estimate.
How much money should you keep in a savings account and where to park the rest?
The 50/30/20 rule is a widely used budgeting strategy that divides your monthly post-tax income into three main categories: needs, wants, and savings.
The RBI has proposed stricter loan recovery rules, including mandatory certification for recovery agents, safeguards against harassment, grievance redressal mechanisms, and compensation for wrongful recovery actions. Lenders also cannot block mobile phones over unpaid loans.
SEBI proposes EPF-style investing in mutual funds Here's all you need to know
Sebi proposed allowing third-party payments in mutual funds for specific scenarios, with aim to ease investing while protecting against misuse, and includes provisions for social cause contributions. Here's what could change for investors
How to create a family budget that works: Here is a step-by-step guide
Analysing your spending patterns can feel stressful and may reveal some uncomfortable habits. Pause if necessary, but remain committed to uncovering the true reality of your financial situation.
The 8th central pay commission has invited applications from eligible candidates to fill vacancies for full-time and part-time consultant roles on a contractual basis for fixed one-year in the commission.
Sebi proposes to permit third-party payment in mutual funds in certain scenarios
The current regulatory framework mandates that all payments for investments in mutual funds must originate directly from the investor's own bank account and be routed exclusively through RBI-authorised payment aggregators or Sebi-recognised clearing corporations.
EPFO: Is 24x7 support available for members? Can they contact via WhatsApp?
EPFO has chosen WhatsApp to enhance member services, leveraging its extensive user base in India. This initiative aims to streamline grievance resolution, reduce legal backlogs and facilitate real-time communication for services such as PF balance checks and claim tracking.
Can Sebis 50% overlap limit improve diversification in mutual fund schemes?
Sebis new mutual fund overlap rules aim to improve diversification by limiting duplicate stock holdings across schemes, encouraging investors and fund houses to reduce redundancy and maintain more efficient portfolios.
EPFO subscribers will soon withdraw provident funds via UPI, with direct transfers to bank accounts. The initiative aims to streamline service delivery and enhance member access to funds, facilitating quicker transactions for various needs.
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund removes subscription limit and resumes fresh SIP/STP in its Aqua FoF
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has removed the Rs 5 lakh daily cap on lump sum investments and resumed fresh SIP/STP registrations in its Baroda BNP Paribas Aqua Fund of Fund from May 20. The move comes as overseas investment headroom improves, though subscriptions will remain subject to regulatory overseas investment limits.
NFO Update: Tata AIA Life Insurance launches dividend leaders index pension fund
Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched the Tata AIA Dividend Leaders Index Pension Fund to help investors build long-term retirement wealth through Indias leading dividend-paying companies. The NFO is open until May 27, with units priced at Rs 10. The passively managed fund tracks the BSE 500 Dividend Leaders 50 Index and invests in 50 consistent dividend-paying firms, combining market-linked growth with life insurance protection for disciplined retirement planning.
SIFs at seven months: baby steps now, broader risk canvas ahead
Launched as a bridge between mutual funds and PMS, specialized investment funds have seen rapid AUM growth in seven months. The next phase may demand broader risk-taking and new categories.
Twelve equity mutual funds delivered over 10% returns in the past year, led by TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund with 19.24%. Midcap schemes from ICICI Prudential, HSBC and Mirae Asset also featured among the top performers. Overall, 284 schemes were analysed, with returns ranging from 11.51% to 9.86%.
NFO Alert: The Wealth Company Mutual Fund launches large & midcap fund
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, backed by Pantomath Group, has launched its 10th fund, The Wealth Company Large & Mid Cap Fund. This open-ended equity scheme, open from May 21 to June 4, aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in both established large-cap companies and growth-oriented mid-caps, employing a unique research framework.
Looking to invest via SIP for 5 years? Here are the top 10 mutual funds to consider
Top-performing mutual funds delivered strong five-year SIP returns, led by gold, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and smallcap categories, though investors should prioritize risk appetite, goals, and investment horizon over past performance alone.
Gold and silver import duty hike: here is what it means for prices and ETF premiums
A 9% import duty hike and tighter silver import rules may disrupt local supply and ETF premiums, even as experts remain structurally bullish on gold and silver.
A 53-year-old investor aims for a Rs 5 crore retirement corpus in seven years without a pension. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs to Rs 1.2 lakh with annual 24% step-ups and shifting to an 80:20 equity-debt allocation. A bucket-based SWP strategy is recommended for post-retirement income, potentially generating Rs 1.67-2.5 lakh monthly.
A weaker rupee and tougher job markets are reshaping the economics of foreign education
With the rupee at 96/$ and education loans at 12%, the cost-to-salary math of studying abroad is under stress. Rising fees, tight visas and weak job markets are stretching repayment timelines.
Inside Mutual Fund Portfolios: The role of cash holdings
Fund managers hold cash in equity schemes for various reasons, including market overvaluation, difficulty finding quality stocks, and to meet daily redemption requests. While cash offers a downside buffer, high levels can lead to underperformance if markets rally, potentially causing investor outflows.
