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Life Insurance Corporation: How to pay LIC premium online and through app Top FAQs answered
Life Insurance Corporation: For policyholders who choose either annual, bi-yearly, quarterly or monthly basis, here's how you can pay your LIC premium online through app. We also take a look at the top FAQs answered.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is aiding women hosts in North America to earn from tourism by renting their homes. Many see it as a vital income source amid rising financial pressures, allowing them to cover expenses and invest in personal ventures.
Income-tax returns: Here's how to access and submit your ITR-1 form using the official e-filing portal
Grant Sabatier, author of Financial Freedom, asserts achieving FIRE is increasingly feasible, despite current challenges like inflation and housing costs. For those wanting to retire early, we explore the opportunities
Investors often err by trying to time stock purchases. Stock SIPs allow regular investments in stocks, similar to mutual funds. While they can yield significant returns, they can also backfire.
Market participation is not wealth creation: 5 mistakes retail investors should avoid
Experts underscore that there is a world of difference between rebalancing your portfolio and churning it. The former is good, the latter not.
Can a 15 lakh FD generate 1 lakh annual income? Here's the simple calculation
A 15 lakh fixed deposit can deliver a steady annual income with the right interest rate. See how a 15 lakh FD can generate around 1 lakh yearly, compare current bank FD rates, and understand the impact of taxes before investing.
8th pay commission: The panel will visit various railway departments in Mumbai to gain firsthand experience of employees' working conditions. On the agenda is observation of daily operations, duties and job risks.
Doesnt matter if you win or lose, Rafael Nadal on his business ventures and what tennis taught him about investingDoesnt matter if you win or lose, Rafael Nadal on what tennis taught him about investing
Which equity mutual funds topped SIP returns? These AMCs dominated the rankings
Small-cap and mid-cap funds dominated the SIP return charts over three, five and 10 years. The rankings also reveal a handful of AMCs that consistently produced some of the best-performing equity mutual funds.
DA hike: Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (HPSFDC) employees are set to receive a 3% hike in dearness allowance, minimum wage hike, and bonus for staff who draw up to 21,000 monthly salary.
Debt mutual funds: Only 4 schemes delivered over 10% SIP returns in 10 years
Very few debt funds have delivered double-digit SIP returns over the past decade. See which schemes topped the charts over three, five and 10 years.
Quant Mutual Fund expects Indian equities to consolidate after the recent rally but believes micro-, small- and mid-cap stocks will drive alpha. It remains bullish on energy, infrastructure, select financials, telecom and pharma while advocating active portfolio management over passive investing.
7 personal finance rules everyone should know before turning 30 to build lasting wealth
Strong money habits build lasting wealth. These personal finance rules can help young Indians save smarter, invest early, avoid costly debt, and plan for retirement with confidence. Small financial decisions today create greater security and long-term financial success.
8th Pay Commission: 18,000 to 69,000? Here's the math behind the demand
Employee unions have proposed raising the minimum basic pay to 69,000 from 18,000. Here's a breakdown of the key calculations behind the demand.
Despite recent underperformance, experts continue recommending Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund for its consistent long-term, risk-adjusted returns and disciplined large-cap bias. They advise investors to evaluate funds over complete market cycles instead of chasing short-term performance or recent category leaders.
Looking for the best mutual funds to invest in? Check top 10 picks for July 2026
Choosing mutual funds solely on past returns can be misleading. ETMutualFunds shortlisted 10 funds across five equity categories using rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size, helping investors align investments with their goals, risk appetite and time horizon.
Income Tax: Can you claim bad debt deduction during recovery? ITAT explains
The Ahmedabad ITAT has ruled that businesses can claim a bad debt deduction once the amount is written off in their books and statutory conditions are met, even if recovery proceedings are still pending. The Tribunal also allowed the claim as a business loss under Section 28 of the Income-tax Act.
A stronger credit score starts with smart habits. You can improve your credit score from 600 to 750 by repaying your debt obligations on time, keeping credit utilisation low, avoiding unnecessary applications and checking your credit report regularly for steady financial progress.
EPF withdrawals are tax-exempt after five years of service. Early withdrawals are taxable unless in specific situations. Here's how they are taxed and how to report such withdrawals in ITR.
EPFO discontinues UAN activation on portal: What PF subscribers should know
EPFO has restored its Unified Member Portal after a major upgrade. However, UAN activation and new UAN generation have moved to the UMANG app. Here's everything PF subscribers need to know.
5 red flags investors should watch out for before choosing a financial product
If an investment product promises exceptionally high returns and claims little or no risk to the amount invested, you should consider it as a clear red flag.
Check RBI calendar to know if SBI, HDFC, ICICI, others are open or closed on 4 July. RBI's holiday schedule provides comprehensive detail about non-working days for banks under Negotiable Instruments Act and other under Banks Closing of Accounts in addition to weekend offs.
You can now add, update email to Aadhaar for free: Check how, last date and other details
UIDAI is now allowing people to add or update email IDs to their Aadhaar card directly through the mobile application. The service was enabled on 1 July 2026 and will be free to use for six months.
The new income tax form initially lacked a section for certain tax exempt receipts. Now, it includes an additional dropdown for Receipts not in the nature of income. Experts decode what this news head means for taxpayers.
Dearness Allowance: DA is revised twice a year by the All-India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) to match cost-of-living. Here's a look at the numbers and whether employees could get 3-4% DA hike this month
The central government has introduced the EPF Scheme, 2026, mandating a fixed monthly contribution of 1,800 each from employees and employers. Here's how the new rules may shrink your final provident fund corpus.
I-T dept allows charitable trusts to seek fresh approval post deadline, taxpayers to get 80G relief
The deadline to apply for fresh approval expired on 30 September 2025. Following this, all the applications made by charitable trusts were rejected purely on the grounds of delay in seeking approval. With the latest circular, the I-T department has provided relief to these charities.
Retirement planning involves personalized strategies for investing according to risk appetite and anticipated lifestyle changes. Factors like inflation and healthcare costs must be incorporated into calculating the necessary retirement corpus.
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation: We take a look at the top four reasons an EPF subscriber's claim for their employees' provident fund may be rejected. Check the reasons here, explained.
The Wealth Company Asset Management announces appointment of Unmesh Kulkarni as managing director
The Wealth Company Asset Management, part of Pantomath Group, has appointed Unmesh Kulkarni as its Managing Director. With 29 years of experience in wealth management and capital markets, Kulkarni previously co-founded Merrill Lynch and Julius Baer's wealth management arms in India.
Paytm Europe has been granted a payment institution licence by the Luxembourg financial supervisory authority CSSF to conduct credit and funds transfers, and payment transactions. Here's all you need to know
Bank of India Small Cap among 6 equity funds to deliver over 15% return in 6 months. Check details
Six small cap mutual funds delivered over 15% returns in the past six months, led by Bank of India Small Cap Fund with a 21.04% gain. Other performers include TRUSTMF, JM, Motilal Oswal, Union, and ITI funds, reflecting strong momentum in the small cap segment.
ITR 2026: Who must file tax return even if their income is below 4 lakh?
Many taxpayers mistakenly believe they only need to file an income tax return (ITR) if their income exceeds 4 lakh. However, various situations, such as high-value transactions and foreign assets, require mandatory ITR filing regardless of income level.
IRDAI plans to implement staggered commissions, spreading payouts over the policy term to improve transparency, reduce churn and align distributor incentives with customer needs across Indias insurance market.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the most profitable tournament ever, with a prize pool of $871 million and the winning nation receiving $50 million. Ticket prices and broadcasting rights are significantly higher than in previous tournaments.
EPF Scheme 2026: PF above 1,800 now voluntary; what changes for you?
PF contributions above 1,800 a month are no longer mandatory under the new EPF Scheme. The contribution rate, wage ceiling and EPF interest rate remain unchanged.
Eleven equity mutual funds turned investors lumpsum investments into more than four times their original value over the past seven years, led by small-cap schemes. Quant Small Cap Fund topped the list, while mid-cap, flexi-cap and ELSS funds also delivered strong long-term wealth creation, according to ETMutualFunds' analysis.
5 hidden credit card fees that can quietly increase your borrowing costs
Hidden credit card charges can quietly increase your borrowing costs and reduce your savings. Understanding key fees, payment terms and reward costs helps you manage your credit card wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses while making smarter financial decisions.
LTCG below 1.25 lakh? Why you may still need to file your income tax return
Many investors believe that tax-free long-term capital gains also mean they can skip filing an income tax return. Experts say the 1.25 lakh exemption under Section 112A only determines tax liability, not whether ITR filing is mandatory.
Smart tax planning for retirees: Pensioner ITR 2026 guide to deductions, benefits, and tax regimes
Smart tax planning for retirees can unlock valuable savings in ITR 2026. This guide explains pensioner tax deductions, old vs new tax regime benefits, key exemptions, and essential filing tips to help reduce taxable income and improve retirement finances.
SGB redemption July 2026: 8 Sovereign Gold Bond series eligible for early exit
Investors holding eligible Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) tranches can opt for premature redemption after completing the mandatory five-year holding period.
Which is the best Nifty-based index fund to buy basis expense ratio and tracking error?
Choosing the best Nifty-based index fund involves more than just a low expense ratio. Experts emphasize that tracking error, which measures how closely a fund mirrors its benchmark, is crucial for long-term returns. While low costs are attractive, consistent replication accuracy, indicated by low tracking error, often proves more vital for passive investors aiming to capture market performance effectively.
Gold and silver prices today, 3 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
EPFO introduces 3-day PF claim settlement: What it means for subscribers
EPFO has introduced a three-day timeline for settling eligible PF claims as part of a broader overhaul of its services. The reforms also simplify withdrawals, expand auto-settlement and pave the way for more digital member services.
Clarity on TDS on rent paid to joint owners shows the 50,000 threshold applies per landlord, not per property. Joint ownership rent splits decide tax deduction, ensuring accurate compliance under Section 194IB and avoiding unnecessary deductions.
8th Pay Commission: Odisha and West Bengal meetings take centre stagetop 5 updates you must know
The 8th Pay Commission is entering a crucial stage, with stakeholder meetings being held in Odisha and West Bengal to discuss salaries, pensions, allowances, and the fitment factor.
Rethinking wealth creation: Why a 70:30 portfolio is gaining traction
Investors seeking a balanced approach to wealth creation are increasingly favoring portfolios that blend equities with debt. A recent study highlights that a 70% equity, 30% debt mix, with strategic rebalancing, yielded impressive returns with significantly lower volatility compared to an all-equity index. This strategy helps investors remain invested through market ups and downs, offering a more stable investment journey.
I asked ChatGPT how many credit cards are too many; Experts filled in the gaps with what AI missed
Several banks have altered credit card rewards, which may make cardholders reassess how many cards they need. I asked ChatGPT how many credit cards are too many and experts filled in the gaps with what AI missed.
I asked ChatGPT how rich Indians must become for the country to be considered developed. We then compared the responses to what Axis Bank's chief economist Neelkanth Mishra said on the matter. Here's a look...
Working for a foreign client means income may be taxed in both the foreign country and India. However, Indian residents can claim foreign tax credit by filing Form 67. Details here.
The government's new EPF Scheme 2026 has come into effect as part of the Social Security Code 2020. Today, we explore and explain how and what has changed for EPFO subscribers and what remains the same.
EPS-2026 rules: Will you get pension if you leave your job before completing 10 years of service?
The central government has implemented EPS, 2026, replacing older pension schemes. Key provisions remain intact, but questions about eligibility for employees leaving before 10 years persist. Here's what the new rules say.
JioBlackRock to offer full MF bouquet in 3 years; plans more SIFs, ETFs, GIFT City products
Jio BlackRock is set to significantly expand its mutual fund offerings over the next three years, venturing into more specialized investment funds (SIFs), ETFs, and offshore products via GIFT City. Following the launch of its Prism Hybrid Long-Short fund, the company plans another SIF in the equity long-short category soon. ETFs are also on the horizon, promising wider access to global investment strategies for Indian investors.
EPS-2026 replaces EPS-95: Does the 1,000 minimum pension continue? Here's what has changed
The Centre has introduced the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, replacing older versions. While procedural changes have been made, the minimum monthly pension remains fixed at 1,000, unchanged since 2014.
Bajaj Auto's 5,632 crore buyback: How will your buyback proceeds be taxed?
Bajaj Auto's 5,632.8-crore share buyback will be taxed under the new capital gains framework that came into effect on April 1, 2026, changing how shareholders report and pay tax on shares accepted in the buyback.
Mis-sold insurance? How to challenge a forced insurance policy sold as an FD
If an insurance policy has been issued without informed consent or through misrepresentation, the policyholder has the right to challenge the transaction.
8th pay commission: With discussions underway, we calculate how much of a salary hike the minimum estimate of 1.83 fitment factor could provide for central government employees and pensioners. Here's a look
Why Schedule FA is about complete disclosures, not precise valuations
Indian residents with foreign stocks, employee stock ownership plan or bank accounts must disclose them in Schedule FA regardless of whether they were sold.
Why every loan default deserves a different recovery strategy
AI and behavioural data can help lenders tailor debt recovery to each borrower's circumstancesimproving repayments while replacing aggressive collections with more empathetic engagement.
The Supreme Court clarified income assessment for motor accident compensation, addressing salaried and self-employed individuals, and non-filers. Details here.
Income tax refund: Why you may receive less than the amount claimed in your ITR
The refund amount calculated while filing your ITR is not always the amount you'll receive. Here's why the Income Tax Department may issue a lower refund after processing your return and what you should do if the amount doesn't match
Top 10 equity mutual funds deliver over 25% returns in 2026. Do you own any in your portfolio?
Ten equity mutual funds delivered over 25% returns in 2026 so far, led by Nippon India Taiwan Equity Fund with 102%, driven by international, emerging markets and technology themes.
Top 5 overnight funds based on 1-year returns: Bank of India Overnight Fund leads with 5.59% return
Based on one-year CAGR performance, Bank of India Overnight Fund emerged as the best-performing scheme in the category with 1-year return of 5.59%, followed by Franklin India Overnight Fund and Bajaj Finserv Overnight Fund.
New fund offer: 8 mutual funds and 2 SIFs are now open for subscription. Check details
Around eight mutual funds and two specialised investment funds (SIFs) are currently open for subscription across categories including hybrid, index, multi-asset, overnight and life cycle funds. Offerings from Zerodha, ICICI Prudential, Invesco, JioBlackRock, JM, Tata, HDFC and Choice are accepting investments before their respective closing dates.
How to verify and reconcile stock market transactions in AIS before filing your ITR
Annual Information Statement (AIS) stock market transaction reconciliation helps taxpayers ensure accurate ITR filing by matching broker records with AIS data. It improves capital gains accuracy, prevents errors and supports compliant income tax reporting for investors in equity markets.
NFO Alert: Invesco Mutual Fund launches equity long-short fund under its SIF platform Summit
Invesco Mutual Fund has launched Summit SIF, an equity long-short fund offering both long and limited short exposure via derivatives. The NFO closes on July 16 and targets alpha generation through dynamic strategies combining stock selection and tactical shorts, managed by Hiten Jain and benchmarked to the BSE 500 TRI.
SIP in stocks or mutual funds: Which strategy offers better returns?
Should investors choose SIPs in stocks or mutual funds? According to Hercules Advisors founder Aditya Shah, while direct equities may offer higher returns, they demand constant monitoring and carry greater risks. For senior citizens and passive investors, diversified mutual funds with professional management and appropriate asset allocation can be a safer and more practical route to long-term wealth creation.
Planning SIP this July? Here are mutual fund options that could suit aggressive investors
ETMutualFunds presents SIP portfolio ideas tailored for conservative, moderate and aggressive investors. The allocations span three investment brackets, starting from Rs 2,000 to above Rs 10,000, combining flexi cap, large cap, hybrid, mid cap and small cap funds. Selection is based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and fund size.
EPFO extends outage for the third time, here's when PF services will resume
EPFO has extended its ongoing system migration for the third time, delaying the restoration of online member and employer services until July 3. The prolonged outage continues to affect PF claim filing, passbook downloads, UAN login and other digital services.
Does a higher active share make a mutual fund better managed? Experts explain
Active share measures how much a mutual fund's portfolio differs from its benchmark, helping investors assess whether they are paying for genuine active management or closet index investing.
Sebis pump-and-dump crackdown: 5 ways to protect yourself from stock market scams
To avoid stock scams, verify information, consult certified advisors, and focus on disciplined investing. Beware of unsolicited tips, unusual price movements, and FOMO tactics. A diversified portfolio can protect against manipulation. SEBI's crackdown highlights the need for investor vigilance.
New vs old tax regime: How much tax do you pay on a 25 lakh salary?
Choosing the right tax regime can significantly reduce your tax outgo. Here's a comparison of the tax liability on a 25 lakh annual salary under both the new and old tax regimes, and when each one makes sense.
TRUSTMF Small Cap Fund emerged as the best-performing equity mutual fund over the past year, delivering a 22.78% return and outperforming both its benchmark and category average. Experts attribute the performance to strong stock selection but advise investors to focus on long-term asset allocation, disciplined SIPs, and realistic return expectations.
Gold and silver prices today, 2 July: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Top 10 mutual funds to invest in July 2026
ETMutualFunds decided to put out a list of top 10 mutual fund schemes. We have chosen two schemes from five different equity mutual fund categories - aggressive hybrid, large cap, mid cap, small cap and flexi cap schemes which we believe should be enough for regular mutual fund investors.
EPF Scheme 2026: New rules on withdrawal, eligibility and limits explained
EPF Scheme 2026: Here are the new withdrawal rules, eligibility, limits and conditions to help EPF members understand partial withdrawals under the revised framework.
ITR filing 2026: Do taxpayers need to file two ITRs? The tax department answers
The shift from Assessment Year to Tax Year has sparked questions about return filing obligations. A clarification from the Income Tax Department explains why taxpayers won't need to file two ITRs for the same income.
When should young investors pivot from aggressive bets to capital preservation for retirement?
During the accumulation stage, investors will have access to regular income and a long investment horizon, allowing them to take advantage of the potential for growth in assets such as equities.
HDFC Bank credit card caps SmartBuy brand voucher rewards from July 1 What changes for customers?
HDFC Bank has revised its SmartBuy rewards program, introducing a cap on reward points for brand voucher purchases on major premium credit cards. Here's what changes for customers.
Buying the dip vs SIP: Which strategy delivers better returns? Here's what math says
Market swings often lead investors to seek ideal buying moments. However, historical data shows systematic investment plans outperform market timing strategies, as cash on the sidelines incurs opportunity costs.
The Centre has implemented the EPF Scheme, 2026, replacing the 1952 scheme. Effective June 29, 2026, it retains contribution rates while enhancing digital compliance and simplifying withdrawal processes for members. Details here.
SK Hynix commands a significant share of the HBM market and its Nasdaq listing may raise billions for expansion. However, the overall demand is high, suggesting both SK Hynix and Micron can grow together despite increased competition in memory chips.
Dream Sports will shut down its fintech platform Dream Money on July 30. Here's what happens to your mutual funds, fixed deposits and digital gold.
Selling property or stocks? These 5 smart hacks can help you save capital gains tax
Capital gains tax can be minimized through strategic planning and compliance with the Income Tax Act. Taxpayers may claim exemptions, utilize capital losses, consider holding periods, maintain accurate records, and time sales effectively to reduce their tax liability legally.
Edelweiss AMC crosses Rs 1 lakh crore equity AUM milestone, SIP book at Rs 690 crore
Edelweiss Asset Management Company crossed Rs 1 lakh crore in equity AUM, with total assets reaching Rs 1.78 lakh crore. The milestone reflects growing retail participation, strong SIP inflows, consistent fund performance and rising investor confidence in long-term wealth creation.
Zerodha's Nithin Kamath highlights long account-opening processes as a barrier for NRIs to benefit from FCNR deposits. The RBI's favorable changes make it easier, but slow onboarding could diminish interest.
SEBI has proposed a performance-based fee framework for mutual funds, linking fees to a fund's performance rather than a fixed ratio. However, industry hesitance stems from operational challenges and complexities associated with variable fee structures.
Magnificent 7 lost $2.3 trillion in June: Is it time to trim your US tech stocks?
The Magnificent Seven tech stocks lost $2.3 trillion in value in June due to uncertainty over AI investments. Major declines were noted for Microsoft and Nvidia. Investors are advised to diversify portfolios and consider market concentration to mitigate risks amidst fluctuating valuations.
ITR filing 2026: 6 costly mistakes salaried taxpayers should avoid before 31 July deadline
As the last date of filing ITR looms closer, it is important to be careful about certain key factors. These include choosing the right ITR form and regime, and cross-verifying taxable income against the disclosures made in AIS/TIS.
