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Higher NPS returns: The PFRDA has sets up a panel to explore adding more asset classes to the national pension scheme to improve returns for pensioners, according to Chairman S Ramann. Here's all we know
How to move your PPF account between banks or post offices; Can it transferred to another person?
PPF account holders can transfer their accounts between banks and post offices without losing continuity. However, it cannot be transferred from one individual to another. Details here.
EPFO: What is scheme certificate, why do EPF members need it, and who is eligible? Top FAQs answered
EPFO: The Employee Provident Fund Organisation issues scheme certificate to EPF account holders. Here's why you may need it, when it is issued to members, who is eligible and other such FAQs answered
Buying a flat? Heres what no EMI till possession actually means
Real estate developers offer 'no EMI till possession' schemes to attract buyers, allowing them to defer home loan payments until property completion. Here's how it works.
PPF vs SIPs: Here's how much corpus an investment of 2,000 per month for 30 years give you?
PPF vs SIPs: Planning your long-term investments? Take a look at how much corpus is generated from an investment of 2,000 per month for 30 years with the public provident fund and in mutual funds through systematic investment plans.
What is tax residency certificate and how to receive it in India? Details here
Indian residents earning income abroad and non-residents earning in India may face double taxation. To avoid this, double taxation avoidance agreements exist. Tax residency certificates are required to prove residency and claim benefits.
How to update demat account details online? Complete guide for investors
Investors should keep their demat account information updated, especially KYC details. Changes in personal information must be promptly reported to avoid compliance issues. Here's how to update demat account details online.
How to redesign a 12 crore portfolio for clarity and long-term stability
A 42-year-old entrepreneur with 12 crore across equity, real estate and debt wants simplicity. Heres how to declutter holdings, align with goals, and structure surplus wealth smartly.
Dearness Allowance: Tripura has declared a 5% increase in the DA component of basic pay for state government employees, hiking salaries and pension payout of retirees from 1 April. Here's all we know
Switching brokers or gifting stock? Heres how to transfer shares to a new demat account
Investors may transfer shares between demat accounts for various reasons, such as switching brokers or gifting. Transfers can be done either through the online or offline method.
Gold ETF vs EGR vs digital gold: Whats the smarter way to invest in yellow metal?
There are several ways to invest in gold, including Gold ETFs, Electronic Gold Receipts, and Digital Gold. But which option is best for regularly investing your surplus monthly income? Lets explore.
Credit card fees and charges: Here are top things to watch for to manage credit effectively
Credit cards incur various fees such as joining, annual, transaction, cash advance, and late payment charges. Fees can vary widely and may be waived based on spending. Understanding these costs is essential for managing credit effectively.
Equity MFs gain over 5% last week with international funds leading. Check top 7 with over 3% return
Hard vs Soft credit inquiries: 5 important differences that can impact your credit score
Knowing the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries is important for maintaining good credit health. Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score, whereas multiple hard inquiries within a short period can reduce it. Responsible credit habits can help you build a strong credit profile.
These 5 largecap mutual funds delivered over 20% annualised returns in 3 years
5 equity mutual funds offer over 19% annualised return on SIP investments in 10 years. Check details
I gave ChatGPT a 10,000 budget for a summer trip Heres whether It chose Goa or Puducherry
Goa is ideal for energetic group vacations with nightlife and beach activities, while Puducherry offers affordability and relaxation. Goa's costs range 10,000- 12,000, whereas Puducherry can fit within 8,000- 10,000, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers seeking a peaceful experience.
On May 24, gold prices in India remained stable with 24-karat gold at 159,340 per 10 grams. Silver prices also showed limited movement. The MCX is closed on weekends, affecting live trading rates.
Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Behna Yojana offers 1,250 monthly to over 1.25 crore women. Government employees are ineligible, while salaried women in private jobs can apply if their family income is below 2.5 lakhs. The scheme promotes women's economic empowerment since its launch in June 2023.
Investing through SIPs, it's essential to prioritize consistency and cash flow over frequency. Monthly SIPs are preferred for their efficiency and discipline, offering similar long-term returns as daily SIPs, while quarterly SIPs may underperform due to longer idle periods before investment.
US-focused funds have outperformed Indian equities over the past decades, raising questions on allocation. Abhishek Kumar warns against excessive investment in US equities, advocating for a 5-15% allocation for diversification while noting the risks and tax implications for Indian investors.
The most honest market advice right now: I dont know
As markets grapple with war, oil shocks and uncertainty, the temptation to forecast grows. But the most valuable advice may still be the simplest: stay invested and admit what no one knows.
Bank holiday next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed on these days between 25 and 31 May; check here
India's banks will be closed for two days next week, including May 27 for Bakrid. The RBI has declared nine holidays this month. Online banking remains operational during these closures, allowing customers to conduct transactions anytime.
What happens if you file the wrong ITR form? Consequences and how to fix it
The Income Tax department has notified ITR forms for FY 2025-26. Taxpayers must select appropriate forms to avoid defects that delay processing and refunds. Here's what happens if a person files the wrong ITR form.
In Bengaluru, high living costs limit savings for professionals. A ChatGPT inquiry about spending 20,000 monthly on an iPhone or investing it reveals significant financial implications, with potential wealth loss of 1417 lakh over five years if not invested.
Short on capital to buy stocks? Heres how margin trading facility can help
Margin Trading Facility (MTF) allows investors to buy stocks by paying a portion upfront, with brokers funding the rest. While it offers opportunities, it carries risks as borrowed amounts incur interest. Details here.
ChatGPTs opening response was direct and reassuring: Your goal should be to double your savings from 25,000 to around 50,000 per month
No Will? The crucial need for succession planning among modern women
For a Hindu woman dying intestate (without a Will), the legal line of succession depends entirely on the asset's originspecifically distinguishing between self-acquired and inherited property
Can freelancers use presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA? Rules explained
Freelancers in India can simplify tax filings using Section 44ADA, allowing them to declare at least 50% of gross receipts as taxable income. Details here.
A Reddit post highlights a family's struggle to locate a deceased father's financial assets, sparking discussions on the importance of organizing financial information for families. Here's what experts recommend to avoid such a situation.
Bandhan Small Cap among top 5 smallcap funds with highest risk-adjusted returns. Check details
Bandhan Small Cap Fund topped the list of small cap schemes with the highest Sharpe ratio, indicating superior risk-adjusted returns over three years. ITI Small Cap Fund, Invesco India Smallcap Fund and two smallcap index funds also delivered strong performance with balanced risk metrics.
Can every EPF subscriber claim pension after retirement? Rules explained
The EPF scheme supports retirement savings with both employees and employers contributing 12% of basic salary. The EPS provides pensions for eligible employees after retirement. Details here.
PPFAS Mutual Fund introduces choti SIP in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, Large Cap and 3 other schemes
PPFAS Mutual Fund introduced the Rs 250 choti SIP facility across five schemes to encourage first-time investors and improve financial inclusion. The initiative allows eligible investors to start monthly SIPs with low-ticket investments under specific conditions prescribed by SEBI and AMFI.
Retirement planning: We asked experts how much corpus a 27-year-old freelancer, living in Chennai and planning to retire to Munnar, will require to support parents and slow work by 55 years of age. Here's what they said
Does debit card EMI affect your credit score? Everything you need to know
Debit card EMI influences credit score based on repayment behaviour, with timely payments improving credit profile while defaults or multiple loans may negatively affect borrowing capacity across financial institutions.
With a dedicated credit limit for business expenses, the card can be used across a wide range of expenses including office supplies, digital marketing spends, SaaS subscriptions, and business travel.
Thailand is ideal for nightlife and shopping, while Vietnam excels in affordability and culture, making it the best value. Sri Lanka offers a peaceful holiday. For 50,000, Vietnam provides a premium experience with quality accommodation and food.
Financial experts advise first-time SIP investors to focus on diversified equity mutual funds for long-term goals, avoid panic during volatility, limit exposure to sectoral funds, and rely on professional fund managers for balanced asset allocation and disciplined wealth creation over time.
Missed a home loan EMI? Here are smart steps to avoid credit damage and manage loan repayment stress
Missing a home loan EMI can hurt your credit score and weaken your financial stability. Timely communication with your lender, smart repayment planning and expert financial advice can help you manage the situation effectively.
Parents can build a 1 crore corpus for their child by age 18 through early investments, averaging 8,000 10,000 monthly via SIPs. Compounding plays a key role, and delaying investment increases monthly contributions significantly.
I asked ChatGPT which SIP date gives best returns? Here's what AI said based on historical data
There is no single best SIP date for maximizing long-term returns; historical trends show negligible differences between dates. Staggered SIPs on the 1st, 15th, and 25th offer a balanced approach. Factors like increasing SIPs and maintaining asset allocation are more important for wealth creation.
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.
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.
Can PPF investors open multiple accounts in different banks? Rules explained
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme in India, offering 7.1% interest with tax benefits. Individuals can only maintain one account to prevent misuse of tax benefits.
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.
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.
EPFO to allow PF withdrawal via UPI soon: Heres how instant EPF withdrawals will work
EPFO will soon enable members to withdraw Provident Fund money via UPI, according to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Heres how instant EPF withdrawals will work.
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.
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.
West Bengal's Annapurna Yojana will replace the Lakshmir Bhandar program, offering 3,000 monthly assistance to eligible women from June 1.
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.
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.
Amid global uncertainty, Sundaram Mutual Fund's Anand Radhakrishnan advises investors to stay disciplined. First-time investors should begin with balanced funds and short-duration debt. Gradually increase equity exposure and rebalance portfolios periodically. Avoid emotional decisions and maintain diversification across asset classes and geographies. Crude oil prices are a key variable to watch over the next six to twelve months.
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.
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.
What happens when you close your loan early? All you need to know about prepayment charges
Repaying a loan ahead of schedule can help reduce the total interest payable and shorten the duration of your debt.
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.
As job insecurity rises globally, building an emergency fund is essential for financial stability amid layoffs, inflation and AI-driven restructuring, ensuring protection through disciplined saving strategies.
4 SIFs and mutual fund NFOs open for subscription now. Check details
