34 C 
A systematic withdrawal plan generates monthly or quarterly income for investors while keeping the remainder of their mutual fund corpus invested. Here's all you need to know about SWP
How expensive is Gurgaon really? Woman breaks down the real cost of living as a couple in the city
A Gurgaon-based woman has gone viral after sharing a detailed breakdown of her and her husbands monthly household expenses, revealing that the couple spends around 75,000 to 80,000 every month.
7 hidden credit behaviours that may be hurting your credit score
Protect your credit score from silent damage caused by hidden credit behaviours that reduce creditworthiness, from high utilisation to missed payments and credit report errors.
TDS on FD interest decoded: Who pays, how much banks deduct, and exemption rules
Fixed deposit interest provides passive income for many Indians but is subject to TDS under the Income Tax Act. TDS is deducted at 10% if interest exceeds 50,000, with senior citizens enjoying a higher exemption. Forms 15G and 15H can help avoid TDS.
How multiple credit card applications influence your credit report and loan approval chances
Multiple credit card applications can lower your credit score due to repeated hard inquiries, which increase lenders' risk perception, while spaced applications and responsible credit usage help maintain a healthy credit profile.
Estate planning: Financial mistakes families make after a loved ones death and how to avoid them
The death of a family member disrupts finances, making it crucial to focus on financial matters. Key steps include obtaining a death certificate, listing assets and liabilities, managing insurance claims, and re-planning finances to ensure stability during this difficult time.
Buying a car is a significant milestone for many Indians. Tax benefits for home and car loans differ, with deductions for the latter only available under certain circumstances. Here's a look at how it works
Account holders and registered bank customers are eager to know whether 9 May is a bank holiday. Check if SBI, HDFC, PNB and other banks are open or closed on Saturday with RBI's holiday calendar.
Tax-saving FDs explained: Lock-in period, tax benefits and banks offering highest interest rates
Fixed deposits remain popular among Indians for their safety and reliable returns. With tax-saving FDs offering deductions up to 1.5 lakh and interest rates as high as 7.90%, they are ideal for risk-averse investors seeking stable wealth accumulation.
I asked ChatGPT how to fund a Europe tripSIPs or credit cards? its answer was practical
To fund a Europe trip, SIPs are safer and predictable, requiring monthly savings of 24,000- 25,000. Credit cards can be cost-efficient if repayments align with bonuses, but delays can lead to high costs. A hybrid strategy is recommended for cost efficiency.
RBI moots safeguards to curb digital payment fraud: How will they protect bank customers?
To curb digital payment fraud, the RBI has suggested measures such as lagged credit, a trusted person authenticating transactions for vulnerable individuals, prescribing a ceiling for annual aggregate credits in a bank account, and providing customer-induced controls, including a kill switch.
FD premature withdrawal rules: How much penalty do banks charge? All you need to know
Whether driven by urgent medical costs, emergency home repairs, or other sudden financial requirements, liquidating a fixed deposit prematurely carries significant implications.
Sebi proposes allowing online bond platforms to offer IFSCA-regulated products, tax-saving bonds
The new framework seeks to bridge the gap regarding IFSCA-regulated services, proposing that OBPPs operate within the GIFT-IFSC in a manner similar to Sebi-registered stockbrokers.
The demand for travel insurance is rising, with 22% growth in policy issuance in 2026. Here's how these policies work and everything a flyer needs to know before their next trip.
Investors reassess asset allocation strategies amid market volatility, focusing on equity, debt, gold, and cash based on their risk appetite and goals. Here's a complete guide to allocate 10 lakh in the current market scenario for different investor profiles.
The Department of Posts now requires depositors to quote their PAN for all specified financial activities
Income tax calendar for May 2026: Check key dates, deadlines for TDS and TCS
From the mandatory deposit of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for April 2026 to the issuance of vital certificates and filing of key financial statements, numerous due dates are set throughout the month.
Sebi plans CKYC 2.0 rollout in July: Experts decode impact on investors and borrowers
Unified KYC is being designed on the lines of the Centre's One Nation One KYC plan. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also recently spoke about this while speaking at Sebi's foundation day event last month.
After the account holder's death, PPF account closes, and the nominee or legal heir can claim the balance. The account continues to earn interest until the claim is settled, but no new contributions can be made posthumously.
The meetings will prioritise pensioners, associations, and stakeholders representing personnel from railways and defence.
Money management: Top five lessons Indian mothers taught us long before financial advisors did
Indian mothers have long instilled money management lessons in their children, focusing on disciplined spending, saving, and prioritizing education.
How long will it take to double your investments? Heres how the Rule of 72 works
The Rule of 72 helps investors estimate investment doubling time by dividing 72 with annual return rate. It simplifies compound interest calculations, though results remain approximate for extreme interest rates.
Quant Small Cap Fund exits HDFC Bank, Jio Financial Services and 5 other stocks in April
Quant Small Cap Fund reshuffled its portfolio in April, exiting seven stocks including HDFC Bank and Jio Financial Services while adding new names and trimming exposure in select counters. The fund maintained a defensive stance with higher large-cap allocation, aiming to manage volatility and improve liquidity amid broader market uncertainty.
On April 18, the Centre raised the dearness allowance for employees by 2%, increasing it to 60%. The next DA hike is expected in July 2026, with a potential increase of 2-3% depending on inflation trends, benefiting approximately 50.46 lakh employees and 68.27 lakh pensioners.
Wealthy families are turning to AI-driven investment and strategy advisory firms - Here's why
AI is transforming investment strategies, exemplified by Tony Cowell's new firm, Cynren, which focuses on serving wealthy families. With an AI-driven approach, Cynren aims to provide unique advisory services, emphasising impact investing and direct access to senior leaders
Invesco Mutual Fund resumes subscription in 3 international funds
Invesco Mutual Fund has resumed subscriptions for three international funds, including Global Equity Income, Pan European Equity, and Global Consumer Trends, effective May 8. Subscriptions will be permitted up to available headroom without breaching overseas investment limits as of February 1, 2022. The fund house reserves the right to temporarily suspend subscriptions if limits are approached.
I asked ChatGPT to plan an international family holiday in June these destinations made the list
A budget-friendly 10-day international family trip from Mumbai can include destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, all within a budget of 23 lakh.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched its Contra Fund, open for subscription until May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally sound but undervalued stocks. Experts suggest this strategy suits patient investors with a 3-5 year horizon, especially during market volatility.
EPFO 3.0 update: PF withdrawal via ATM, UPI soon Check the expected launch date
EPFO subscribers will soon be able to withdraw funds via ATMs, enhancing convenience. This change, part of the EPFO 3.0 initiative, is expected to be implemented by the end of May, allowing quick access to provident funds with minimal paperwork.
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in May 2026
Large and mid-cap mutual funds offer a mix of large and mid-cap stocks. These funds suit aggressive investors with a long-term view. Fund managers adjust allocations based on market outlook. Investors can choose funds tilted towards large caps for safety or mid caps for growth. Performance updates for recommended schemes are provided.
An emergency fund should be easily accessible and low-risk. You will have to allocate your funds such that they can be liquidated for immediate needs while giving optimal returns without compromising safety.
The revised NPS was launched on the lines of the Centre's unified pension scheme (UPS), a default pension scheme rolled out for the new recruits joining central government jobs starting 1 April 2025.
Unable to find work in her field, she accepted the first opportunity that came her way managing Airbnb apartments, which involved cleaning rooms, handling laundry, and responding to guest queries.
The cost-of-living index comparison between India and the United States highlights key differences in housing, healthcare, salaries, and purchasing power. It will help individuals and families make informed decisions on relocation and financial planning.
The Arunachal Pradesh state government on Wednesday announced a 2% hike in dearness allowance component in salaries of serving employees, raising the rate to 60 per cent of basic pay and pension.
I asked ChatGPT to calculate corpus for retirement to vacation location at 55, factoring in inflation, healthcare, and a sustainable withdrawal rate. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
The AIDEF submitted demands to the 8th CPC, including a minimum pay of 69,000, a fitment factor of 3.833, and risk allowances for hazardous jobs. Here's a look at demands from civilian employees with the defence ministry
Secure your future early with EPFO, as EPF, EPS, and EDLI contributions can steadily help in building retirement savings, lifelong pension benefits, and family financial security for salaried employees across the country.
A fixed deposit of 25 lakh can offer a stable monthly income as many banks give up to 7.75% interest. However, before deciding on any investment product, one should consult a certified financial planner.
The PIB Fact Check unit clarified that a video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing an investment platform is fake and was created using AI. It also warned against online investment scams.
Explained: Why mutual fund expense ratios are suddenly looking higher
Why your health insurance won't cover the true cost of ageing
While platforms such as Bima Sugam make buying insurance easier, better access doesn't solve the deeper problem: policies are designed for medical crises, not the recurring, ongoing costs of ageing.
NFO Update: Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund launches Motilal Oswal Contra Fund
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched the Motilal Oswal Contra Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on a contrarian investment strategy. The NFO opens on May 8 and closes on May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in undervalued companies with turnaround potential across market cycles.
A woman from the US, who has been living in Bengaluru, spoke about rental problems in the city. From the hefty security deposit to the annual rent hike, she explained why the same practices would be illegal in her home country.
NFO Alert: Kotak International announces launch of Kotak Indo-Pacific Defence UCITS ETF
Kotak International has launched its first UCITS ETF focused on the Indo-Pacific defence sector, offering exposure to rising military spending across key Asian markets. Developed with HANetf, the fund includes nearly 30% allocation to Indian companies, aligning with Kotaks strategy to expand global, theme-based investment offerings.
FDs, Real Estate or Gold: Where does Tamil Nadu CM contender Vijay invest most?
According to the 15-page election affidavit filed by Vijay ahead of Assembly polls, and archived by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), this is what his investments look like:
Can Rs 85,000 monthly SIP create Rs 2 crore corpus in 7 years? Heres what calculations show
An investor investing Rs 85,000 monthly may not reach Rs 2 crore in seven years. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs by Rs 68,000 to Rs 1.53 lakh. The portfolio strategy needs adjustment as the goal nears. Reducing exposure to volatile small and midcap funds is advised. Shifting to largecap or index funds will stabilize returns and protect the corpus.
ICRA Analytics said investors should blend active and passive mutual fund strategies to navigate volatile markets driven by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. The report highlighted that balanced portfolio allocation based on risk appetite, goals and investment horizon can help investors stay resilient through market cycles while pursuing long-term wealth creation.
Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company gets approval to sponsor pension funds under NPS
Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company has received PFRDA approval to operate as a Pension Fund Sponsor under the National Pension System. The company will establish a separate pension fund entity to manage NPS assets and retirement investments, aiming to strengthen its presence in Indias long-term retirement planning and pension management ecosystem.
New Income Tax Rules 2026 explained: 6 key form changes and what they mean for taxpayers
Major tax overhaul streamlines compliance as Income Tax Rules 2026 transform key forms, merging TDS, PAN and AIS systems to simplify filing and improve accuracy nationwide
Looking for largecap mutual funds amid market volatility? Check these top 5 funds to invest in May
Top largecap mutual funds were shortlisted using rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and asset size, with select schemes delivering around 1516% returns over the last five years.
Retirement 2.0: How seniors are turning passion into paychecks
Retirees are turning skills, hobbies and decades of experience into new income streamsfrom homestays and startups to care homes and social ventures.
Sensex down nearly 7,200 points in 2026 so far. Should you continue SIPs or pause?
The BSE Sensex has seen a significant drop this year. Experts recommend investors continue their Systematic Investment Plans. This strategy allows for acquiring more mutual fund units at lower prices. For those with extra funds, staggered lump sum investments are also suggested. Market corrections are viewed as normal and beneficial for long-term wealth creation.
A social media user who works at Google shared his monthly expenses, including rent, utility bills, travel costs, groceries and more. Reacting to it, some called it even more expensive than the cost of living in London.
Dearness Allowance: DA for Pensioners Who is eligible, how does it work? Here's all you need to know
Retired central govt employees are eligible for individual or family pensions which are adjusted every time the CPC rolls out a DA hike or cut, depending on inflation computation. Here's all you need to know
The 8th Pay Commission will conduct stakeholder meetings in Delhi on 13-14 May to discuss pay and pension reforms. Interested parties can apply through the official portal to take part.
National pension scheme: The NPS Vatsalya Scheme allows children below 18 years to partially withdraw funds from their accounts under certain circumstances. We take a look at the process and how it works
Fixed deposit investment strategies can help retirees and senior citizens generate a safe, predictable monthly income of 50,000 through fixed deposits, small savings schemes, and a balanced portfolio allocation strategy.
I asked ChatGPT to calculate the required financial independence, retire early aka F.I.R.E. number to create retirement corpus with 15 lakh per annum salary at 35. Here is what the artificial intelligence chatbot said
I asked ChatGPT to create a budget that ensures retirement by 55, with enough savings to support myself and my parents, buy a home and build a good retirement corpus. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
7th Pay Commission for West Bengal govt staff: Will BJP keep its poll promise? Here is what we know
West Bengal government employees are closely tracking developments on the 7th Pay Commission. As the new BJP government is set to take charge, heres a look at how its potential implementation could impact salaries, allowances, pensions, and overall benefits.
NFO Update: Groww Mutual Fund launches Groww Nifty Private Bank ETF
Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty Private Bank ETF, a passive scheme tracking the Nifty Private Bank Index TRI. The NFO is open until May 20. The fund offers exposure to private banking stocks with a low-cost, rules-based approach, aiming to minimise tracking error and deliver benchmark-aligned returns.
11 equity mutual funds with over Rs 1,000 NAV offer upto 24% CAGR since their inception
Around 11 equity mutual funds with NAVs above Rs 1,000 have delivered strong long-term returns, with CAGRs reaching up to 24%. Most of these funds have been in the market for over two decades, highlighting the role of time and compounding in wealth creation across categories like mid cap and flexi cap.
RBI also laid ground rules for how these seized assets must be handled, including how long the lenders can keep them, and who is banned from buying them back.
The inflation-growth double whammy: how investors should rebalance now
With inflation rising and growth forecasts trimmed, investors face a double whammy. Heres how to recalibrate portfolios across debt, equities, real assets and global exposure.
Using mutual funds as collateral? Avoid these 5 errors before taking loan
Loans against mutual funds offer liquidity without redeeming investments, but require careful handling. Investors often overlook loan terms, valuation risks and repayment discipline. Comparing lenders and avoiding unnecessary borrowing are key to preventing financial strain while using mutual funds as collateral for short-term funding needs.
PPF account: You will remain a crorepati despite drawing 1 lakh monthly pension for 20 years
PPF accouont holders can expect 1,54,50,911 maturity amount after 30 years, assuming a flat PPF interest rate of 7.10% throughout this period
RBI informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks are now integrated with the UDGAM portal, allowing legal heirs to search unclaimed deposits online. The PIL highlights the need for greater integration of assets such as post office deposits and insurance. The SC will hear the matter on 19 May.
Earning 3% on idle cash? Sweep-in FDs may offer a smarter fix
Savings accounts offer safety but little return. Sweep-in facilities promise FD-level interest without sacrificing liquidity. Heres how they work, what they cost and when they make sense.
My Portfolio: How your mutual fund SIP can help you create Rs 7 crore corpus in 15 years
A 30-year-old investor aiming for Rs 7 crore in 15 years faces a shortfall despite a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP with a 27% annual step-up. Expert Vishal Dhawan suggests consolidating mid-cap and small-cap funds to reduce overlap, retaining Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund as core. Increasing contributions is key to bridging the Rs 2.2-2.5 crore gap.
The great money reset: how Indias Gen Z can turn paycheques into wealth in the age of AI
AI is reshaping how young Indians budget, save and invest. But while tools are powerful, disciplinenot algorithmswill decide whether Gen Z builds lasting wealth or just spends smarter.
Why fund managers have turned cautious on long duration funds
Investors who were looking at gilt funds as a tactical play, expecting yields to normalise in the medium-term, would be better off waiting for fresh triggers to emerge.
The rupee hit a record low on 5 May 2026, amid the United States and Iran conflict. After a weak opening, it fell to 95.43 against the US dollar, making its lowest-ever so far. Here's what an NRI shared about its impact on real estate investments in India.
Why MF expense ratios are showing higher numbers
Mutual fund expense ratios are rising due to new Sebi guidelines mandating the inclusion of trading-related costs in the Total Expense Ratio (TER). This revised reporting offers investors a more transparent view of all scheme expenses, including brokerage and transaction fees, previously excluded from the headline number.
SBI employees to go on a 2-day strike on May 25,26: Check their 16 key demands
State Bank of India employees plan a two-day strike on May 25-26, 2026, to demand better working conditions and job security. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation cites administrative neglect and anti-employee policies as reasons for the protest.
The new Income-Tax Act 2025 replaced the original Tax Deducted at Source forms Form 15G and 15H with a single Form 121, as part of the government's move to streamline and simplify India's tax codes.
Tenant rights in India: How much of security deposit can be legally deducted by your landlord?
Security deposit rules in India, guided by the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, vary by state and dictate how much landlords can collect and under what conditions deductions may occur. Details here.
CA Kaushik believes that ordinary investors should not take advice from influencers who push for 100 crore retirement fund, calling it a mathematical impossibility and math scam. He feels that 2-3 crore or even up to 5 crore are strong, realistic numbers.
Buy Now Pay Later: Here's how BNPL works, who is eligible and how it impacts your credit score
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a short-term financing option allowing customers to buy items and pay in installments. Here's all you need to know about how it works, who is eligible and how it impacts your credit score
The rupee fell to a record low against the US dollar on 5 May 2026 due to rising US-Iran tensions and soaring crude oil prices. This could impact India's economy as well as household spending. Details here.
Income tax returns: From salaried individuals overwhelmed by the process to first time ITR filers Here's a checklist of necessary documents, including Form 16, PAN Card, and investment proofs to ensure a smooth proper.
EPF vs PPF: Key differences, rules, tax benefits and returns explained
EPF and PPF are key long-term savings instruments in India. While EPF is for salaried employees, PPF is open to all. Both offer tax benefits and fixed interest rates, but differ in eligibility, contributions, and withdrawal rules.
Dearness Allowance: What are the types of DA? How often are they revised? We answer the top FAQs
Dearness Allowance is of two types, one which is revised quarterly based on CPI, and the other revised semi-annually. Both these aim to mitigate inflation effects for households of central government employees.
Looking for safe returns? These 5 government-backed schemes offer over 7.5% interest
Several government-backed savings schemes in India offer annual interest rates of 7.5% and higher. These options cater to various groups and provide tax benefits, attracting conservative investors.
Loan waiver offer? RBI says it could be a scam; 5 ways borrowers can protect themselves
RBI warns borrowers about rising fake loan waiver scams nationwide, urging verification with banks, avoiding upfront fees, and relying on official sources to prevent financial losses and credit damage.
The 8th CPC has extended its deadline for stakeholders to submit their memorandum of suggestions for the panel ahead of its recommendations. Here's a look at the top updates six months into the process
A digital living will: What it means for your family's financial decision
Maharashtras digital living will framework may seem like a small administrative step. But for families that use it, it does something estate planning often cannot
9000 monthly SIP can help you retire at 45 with 2 lakh monthly pension
A 25-year-old investor can accumulate 3,64,92,972 in the next 20 years through a disciplined monthly SIP of 9,000, potentially providing a monthly pension of 2 lakh post-retirement at 45 through a SWP for the next 40 years
Investing Rs 20,000 a month for 25 years? See how much wealth you can create
Investing Rs 20,000 monthly via SIP for 25 years at an expected 12% return can build a corpus of around Rs 3.40 crore. Out of this, Rs 60 lakh is the invested amount, while the remainder is generated through compounding over the long-term investment horizon.
About seven equity mutual funds delivered over 25% CAGR in the past three years, out of 246 schemes analysed by ETMutualFunds. Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list with a 30.24% CAGR, followed by midcap funds such as HSBC Midcap Fund (26.55%) and ICICI Prudential Midcap Fund (25.92%).
