29 C 
Establishing an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability, covering unforeseen expenses without affecting daily finances. Regular monitoring and automation of savings can help build this financial cushion effectively.
New ITR disclosure norms for FY26: What investors, traders and salaried taxpayers should know
The Income Tax Department has revised ITR forms for 2026-27 to enhance transparency and simplify the tax filing process. Here's a list of changes in each ITR Form.
Annual Information Statement: Here's how to Download Form 26AS Stepwise guide
Form 26AS, also known as the Annual Information Statement (AIS), is a comprehensive display of a taxpayer's financial statement for a given tax year. It has been replaced by Form 168 under the new Income Tax Act, 2025.
Discover home loan rates from Bajaj Finserv, PNB Housing, & 6 leading HFCs this May 2026. With rates starting at 7.15%, unlock affordable borrowing with lower EMIs, flexible repayment options, & competitive offers. Learn essential factors beyond the headline rate to secure your dream home.
Cumulative vs non-cumulative FD Which is better for retirees? Know which suits you
Fixed deposits offer safe, stable returns and comes in cumulative and non-cumulative types, catering to different needs, such as wealth building for long-term savers or regular income for retirees. Details here.
Fixed deposits and recurring deposits are bank deposit options that give you low-risk investment option with guaranteed returns. Here's a look at which is suitable for you, how they work and how you can use them to reach your financial goals
I asked ChatGPT to calculate the required monthly savings to build a good education corpus for my children's higher studies for medical or engineering college in Delhi. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
What happens if you forget to extend your PPF account after maturity? Rules explained
A PPF account matures after 15 years, allowing withdrawals or extensions. Failing to submit Form 4 within a year limits contributions. Details here.
FD rates 2026: How much will 1 lakh, 5 lakh and 10 lakh earn in top banks of India?
Fixed deposits remain a favored choice for conservative investors, offering stable returns influenced by repo rate changes. Major banks in India offer FD rates between 6% and 7.25%, with higher rates from small finance banks.
Joint, mutual or separate wills? How couples should plan their estate
Joint and mutual Wills may sound similar, but the legal consequences are vastly different. Heres how couples should choose the right structure under Indian lawand avoid costly ambiguity.
ChatGPT devised a plan for a Bengaluru family earning 20 LPA. AI emphasises the importance of adequate coverage for financial security.
Switching tax regimes? Key things salaried employees must know before choosing between old and new
Salaried employees can choose between old and new income tax regimes, while the new tax regime remains the default option. The Union Budget 2026 maintained existing tax slab rates. Here's what all you should consider before making a choice.
Mothers Day 2026: Does money transfer to your mother help reduce your tax liability?
Transferring money to your mother is treated as a tax-free gift under Indian income tax law and does not reduce your tax liability. However, tax savings are possible only through specific payments like health insurance premiums under Section 80D in the old regime.
Taxpayers should be aware of the necessary documentation and deadlines for filing ITR. For FY2025-2026, the deadline is 31 July 2026, with delayed filing until 31 December, incurring additional costs.
The Iran war has caused significant market volatility, prompting experts to advise investors to focus on long-term planning rather than panic trading.
ChatGPT warns that a 1 lakh salary is not enough to comfortably sustain a debt-heavy lifestyle with 36% credit card interest. The chatbot recommends cutting variable expenses sharply, stopping credit card usage entirely and restructuring repayments to become debt-free within 25 years.
On May 10, gold prices in India remained stable with 24-karat gold at 153,140 per 10 gm and 22-karat at 140,378. Silver was priced at 262,350 per kg. Trading rates are unavailable as MCX is closed on weekends.
Jeffrey Gundlach advises investors to hold cash, gold, and real assets in 2026, warning against risky investments if the Fed raises rates. He recommends 20% in cash and commodities, and suggests buying gold if it dips below $3,500 an ounce, amid concerns over future debt restructuring.
The Clarity Act, aimed at regulating cryptocurrency, will be reviewed by senators next week. If approved, it will clarify asset classifications, address stablecoin policies, and potentially enhance digital asset adoption while resolving conflicts between crypto firms and banks.
Mothers Day 2026: Why mutual fund SIPs, emergency funds, and insurance are essential for mothers
Financial experts emphasize smart planning for mothers' future security, urging early and consistent investing. Flexi-cap and large-cap funds are recommended for growth, while debt and hybrid funds suit retirement. Working mothers can afford higher equity exposure, whereas homemakers benefit from a more conservative approach.
Rajeev Thakkar and Sankaran Naren see value in IT despite AI disruption concerns
Veteran fund managers Rajeev Thakkar and Sankaran Naren believe select Indian IT stocks are becoming attractive despite AI disruption concerns. While Naren called the sector a contrarian valuation play with possible risks, Thakkar argued Indian IT firms have historically adapted to technological shifts, and AI-driven productivity could ultimately expand demand.
70 LPA but zero savings, salary breakup from Bengaluru goes viral: Middle class or fool?
How much is enough to live comfortably in Bengaluru? Ankur Warikoo's post has left netizens divided. Here's why he thinks 70 lakh per annum still makes someone a middle class.
In May 2026, small finance banks in India offer attractive FD interest rates, some up to 8%. Senior citizens receive extra rates of 0.20%-0.50%.
Mutual fund NFOs: 2 passive funds to open for subscription this week; check key details here
Two new passive mutual funds are launching this week to expand fund houses' offerings. DSP Nifty FMCG ETF opens May 12-14 with a Rs 5,000 minimum, while HDFC Gold Silver Passive FoF opens May 15-29 with a Rs 100 minimum. Investors should choose based on their risk appetite and goals.
Navneet Munot, Nilesh Shah and Kalpen Parekh caution investors against chasing unrealistic returns
Top mutual fund managers at the Groww India Investor Festival 2026 advised investors to avoid unrealistic return expectations, emotional investing and social media-driven decisions. They stressed disciplined SIP investing, asset allocation, patience and behavioural awareness as key drivers of long-term wealth creation while remaining optimistic about Indias long-term growth prospects.
The most important Mothers Day gift isnt jewelry. Its financial independence
Across every stage of motherhood new, working, single, entrepreneurial, senior the financial system treats women as signatories, not decision-makers. The cost of that exclusion is real, compounding, and entirely preventable.
90,000 adulting bill: Gurugram man leaves internet stunned by his monthly spending breakdown
A 25-year-old product manager from Gurgaon has gone viral after sharing a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses in an Instagram reel. From 18,000 rent for a 2BHK apartment to 30,000 spent on a trip, his candid take on adulting in a metro city has sparked debate online.
Working women planning to extend maternity leave should rethink finances, focusing on budgeting for increased costs and decreased income.
Stablecoins are becoming crucial in linking traditional finance with digital assets, with projections estimating the market could reach $500 billion to $2 trillion by 2028.
Why confident predictions about markets usually get the most important things wrong
Investors often build neat chains of logic from one fact to a firm conclusion. But markets are self-correcting systems, not dominoesand straight-line thinking can be costly.
Bank holiday next week: SBI, HDFC, others closed on this day between 11 and 17 May; check here
Banks in India will close for one day next week, with nine holidays listed by RBI. Key closures include May 17 and regional holidays. Online services remain available for banking transactions, and customers should check with local branches for specific holiday schedules.
What is NPS Sanchay? Check eligibility, withdrawal rules and investment details
India's pension regulator has launched NPS Sanchay for the informal sector. It aims to ease retirement savings for individuals with limited financial guidance. Full details here.
Filing the correct Income Tax Return form is crucial. and taxpayers must select forms based on income sources. Here are the details about forms that salaried taxpayers and freelancers should choose.
How to divide monthly salary between rent, EMI, SIP, insurance and savings?
Effective management of monthly salary is crucial for financial stability. The 50/30/20 rule allocates income into essential expenses (50%), lifestyle spending (30%), and savings (20%), promoting disciplined budgeting, investment, and insurance coverage for long-term wealth building.
ITR filing 2026: Why waiting until June 15 could help taxpayers avoid notices
The ITR filing deadline for FY 2025-26 is July 31, 2026. Tax experts advise against filing before June 15 to ensure all documents are updated, as early submissions may lead to discrepancies and incorrect reporting in certain cases. Details here.
FD laddering strategy: How to split 10 lakh for better returns and liquidity
FD laddering involves spreading investments across multiple fixed deposits with varying maturities, enhancing liquidity and flexibility. Here's how it works and how the strategy benefits investors when repo rate is changed by RBI.
ChatGPT suggests a 3.25% withdrawal rate for early retirement in India, requiring an investment of 10-17 crore, depending on the city. It recommends maximising earnings before transitioning to lower-cost cities.
Senior citizen FD vs SCSS: Which gives better monthly income after retirement?
Senior citizens can choose between FDs and SCSS for income post-retirement. SCSS often yields higher returns, whereas FDs offer flexibility in contributions and payout structures. Full comparison here.
SCSS account rules: Who can invest, how much interest you get and what tax applies
The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers Indian retirees a secure investment with guaranteed returns. Eligible individuals can invest a minimum of 1,000, with a maximum limit of 30 lakh. The scheme provides attractive quarterly interest payouts and tax benefits under Section 80C.
Leema Rose, wife of lottery baron Santiago Martin, has declared a staggering net worth of 5,863 crore in her nomination affidavit filed with the Election Commission of India. Leema is first-time AIADMK MLA from Lalgudi seat.
Mumbai takes it back quietly: Investment bankers 1.3 lakh monthly expense breakdown goes viral
From 60,000 rent in Worli to 10,000 on Uber rides just to save timeMumbai-based investment banker Yash Verma breaks down his 1.3 lakh monthly burn rate, proving that in Indias financial capital, time is the ultimate luxury.
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
NFOs : 7 mutual funds and 3 SIFs are open for subscription. Check details
Seven new mutual fund schemes and three Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) are currently open for subscription, offering investors fresh opportunities across equity, debt, hybrid, and thematic categories.
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.
New to mutual funds? Experts suggest using 50-30-20 rule to build a smart investment strategy
New investors often find mutual funds daunting. Experts advise focusing on personal goals, risk tolerance, and investment timelines over market noise. For beginners, starting with stable categories like large-cap or index funds is recommended. Hybrid and dynamic funds can also ease the journey. Emotional reactions to market dips should be avoided; consistency is key.
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.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increase stake ITC, TCS, HDFC Bank and 14 other stocks in April
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund boosted its holdings in ITC, TCS, and HDFC Bank during April. The fund also increased its stake in fourteen other companies, including Indraprastha Gas and HCL Technologies. Exposure was reduced in Coal India and Power Grid Corporation of India. The fund made a complete exit from Balkrishna Industries.
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.
BlackRock Inc. plans to launch two money-market funds for stablecoin investors, including a digital version of its $6.1 billion liquidity fund and a new tokenized fund for crypto wallet users.
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.
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.
For the April-June 2026 quarter, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana continues to lead with an 8.2% yield, while the PPF rate remains at 7.1%.
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.
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.
Searching for mid-cap mutual funds? Here are 5 funds for investing in May
ETMutualFunds has shortlisted top midcap mutual funds based on rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance and asset size. Funds from Axis, PGIM India, Invesco, Kotak and Tata featured in the list. Experts suggest midcap funds are suitable only for investors with high risk tolerance and long investment horizons.
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
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.
Quant MFs Sandeep Tandon says this is Indias biggest buying opportunity since covid
Quant Mutual Fund founder and CIO Sandeep Tandon says fear around crude, the rupee and FII exits has created opportunity in undervalued pockets of the market, even as investors crowd into consensus trades.
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 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.
The newly approved Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 could potentially benefit around 1.1 crore MSME accounts, helping businesses tide over disruptions arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to a report by State Bank of India (SBI).
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.
