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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.
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.
Top 5 flexi cap mutual funds to consider for SIP in a volatile market
Flexi cap funds are types of equity mutual funds that invest at least 65% of their collected money in equity and related instruments. They invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
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.
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.
NPS withdrawal rules 2026: how the new Retirement Income Scheme works
PFRDAs new NPS Retirement Income Scheme lets retirees keep non-annuitized corpus invested and withdraw it gradually till age 85. Here is what you need to know about the two withdrawal options and how to choose between them.
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
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.
Foreign investors have withdrawn over 2,20,000 crore from Indian equities in 2026, influenced by high oil prices and inflation. How should retail investors navigate this situation? Read to know
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
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.
Why the first crore feels slow, but the next comes faster 8-4-3 rule of compounding explained
Investing benefits from compounding over time, highlighted by the '8-4-3 rule' which shows how wealth accelerates. FundsIndia's report emphasizes patience, revealing that equities show true potential after seven years, with returns significantly outweighing contributions in the long run.
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.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the resumption of issuing new ration cards from May 15 after 13 years. The government has cancelled 7.72 lakh invalid cards and is inviting fresh online applications, with eligibility limits for annual family income raised from 1 lakh to 1.20 lakh.
National Pension System: PFRDA clarifies NPS charge structure what you need to know
The PFRDA has clarified that NPS Tier-II accounts will incur annual maintenance charges (AMCs) similar to Tier-I accounts. The AMC for dormant accounts will be 10% and PRAN opening charge shall apply only at the time of initial PRAN generation.
Petrol and diesel prices rose by up to 91 paise per litre, marking the third increase in less than 10 days. Analysts predict further hikes may be necessary as oil companies face significant losses due to elevated crude prices stemming from the West Asia conflict.
Bank holiday today: Are SBI, HDFC Bank, and other banks closed on Saturday, May 23?
All banks in India are closed on May 23, 2026, due to the scheduled bank holiday on the fourth Saturday. This closure is part of the RBI's holiday schedule, with banks also closed on specific Sundays and local holidays varying by state.
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.
8th Pay Commission: Key Lucknow meetings begin on 22 June all you need to know
8th Pay Commission Update: The commission's Lucknow visit is scheduled for 2223 June and appointment requests have to be submitted before 10 June. Check out the latest developments and how the fitment factor has risen from 1.86 to 2.57.
Income tax returns 2026-27: Should pensioners file ITR? Tax rules, forms and deductions explained
Many retirees may believe that ITR filing is optional. Pension income is taxable, requiring ITR submission based on total income. ax rules, forms and deductions explained here.
How multiple credit card applications impact your CIBIL score and approval chances explained
Requesting an additional credit card requires strategic planning to enhance approval chances and protect financial health. Frequent applications can negatively impact credit scores, so stagger requests to minimise adverse effects while considering your credit history.
Smart financial planning tips for parents: SIPs, insurance, savings & child investment plans
Financial planning for children includes SIP investments, term insurance, health cover, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, emergency savings and legal protection to secure a prosperous future for every family across the country.
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?
A seven-day Sweden trip sounds romantic on paper, but when flights, visas, hostels and daily costs are added up, is Sweden actually realistic for a middle-class Indian traveller on a 1.5 lakh budget? We asked ChatGPT for a brutally honest financial and logistical breakdown.
Struggling with retirement calculations? These 4 rules can help you estimate the future corpus
Compounding and discounting are key personal finance concepts that help investors understand wealth creation and the present value of future money. The article explains the Rules of 72, 114, 144 and 70, highlighting how investments grow over time, how inflation erodes purchasing power, and why time value plays a critical role in financial planning.
India-focused offshore equity funds and ETFs struggle in 1 year. Check bottom 5 performers
India-focused offshore funds and ETFs underperformed the MSCI India USD Index over the past year, with mid and smallcap exposure dragging returns lower. Several funds posted losses exceeding 20% amid market volatility.
PPF investment with disciplined annual contributions and long-term compounding can help investors build a 1 crore corpus and generate more than 50,000 stable monthly income through guaranteed interest returns, all one needs is proper planning and patience.
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.
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund suspends subscription of units in its retirement fund
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund has suspended fresh investments in Franklin India Retirement Fund from May 20, following Sebis move to discontinue solution-oriented mutual fund schemes. The temporary halt covers lump sum investments, SIPs, STPs and switches, while the industry transitions towards new life cycle fund structures with dynamic asset allocation strategies.
Should retirees in India use credit cards? Key benefits and risks explained
Credit cards for retirees offer secure cashless payments, rewards, emergency liquidity and credit score benefits, but disciplined usage is essential to avoid debt, fraud risks and financial strain. Proper professional guidance must be taken before deciding on any particular credit card.
An ideal annual travel budget for someone earning 15 lakh, with monthly EMIs of 20,000 and fixed expenses of 30,000, ranges from 1.2 lakh to 2.5 lakh, allowing for meaningful travel without compromising financial goals.
A stable income allows flexibility in emergency fund duration. A 9-12 month runway is advisable in tech for financial security. For a 30 lakh earner with 90,000 monthly expenses, a six-month fund of 5.5-6 lakh is baseline, while 11-12 lakh is ideal for a year.
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.
Multi-asset funds reward tactical bets amid volatile market
Multi-asset allocation funds, once seen as a guaranteed win, showed a wide performance range last year, from 3.3% to 24.6%. Investors flocked to these funds as volatile markets made asset allocation challenging, with top performers favoring gold and silver. Future success will depend on fund managers' tactical asset allocation and selective equity positioning.
The PFRDA is assessing the demand to increase the monthly pension cap under the APY from 5,000, according to PFRDA Chairman S Ramann. The subscriber base is projected to exceed 10 crore in FY27, showing an 18% growth.
Overdraft vs Personal Loan: What is the difference and how to choose the right one for you?
An overdraft is a credit facility generally offered by banks and financial institutions, primarily to business owners to manage short-term financial requirements related to their operations.
Income-tax return forms released: Here's all you need to know about ITR-1 Sahaj Top FAQs answered
The Income-Tax department has released ITR forms for AY27/FY26, enabling offline preparation via Excel Utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4. Taxpayers can file returns online through the official portal, with a deadline for individual filings set for 31 July 2026.
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
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
Indian mutual fund assets under management have surged. Equity funds saw a significant rise in assets and investor numbers. Flexicap funds led net sales, attracting substantial inflows. SIP flows doubled in under three years, reaching new highs. The industry's AUM grew substantially over the past decade, indicating strong investor confidence and growing participation in mutual funds.
Does your portfolio needs a global hedge in a weaponised world?
Geopolitical shifts are prompting Indian investors to reconsider strategies as economic equities become tools of statecraft. Experts emphasise the need for global diversification to mitigate local volatility and capture international growth amidst changing dynamics.
Secured credit cards: Unlocking credit and building a credit score for millions
If you are struggling to get a credit card due to income or age restrictions, there is a way out. Secured credit cards, which are backed by fixed deposits, offer underserved populations a pathway to financial inclusion.
Wholesale inflation hits a 42-month high but does it really spell bad news for your wallet?
India's wholesale inflation hit 8.3% in April, a 42-month high, mainly due to rising energy prices from the West Asia conflict. Experts note a weak correlation with consumer prices, suggesting retail inflation may not rise significantly despite the wholesale increase.
Gold turned 1 lakh into 15 lakhs in 20 years - Here's how equities, real estate and debt compare
Equities in India and the US have outperformed fixed deposits, debt, and real estate over the long term. Mid-cap and small-cap stocks yielded the highest returns, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment.
These 5 smallcap mutual funds deliver over 20% annualised return in 3 years. Check toppers
The ET Alpha Summit gathers top market minds to decode global risks, AI disruption, and investment opportunities, offering investors a clear roadmap for smarter, future-ready wealth decisions.
Taiwan-focused mutual funds soar 200% in a year. Experts warn against FOMO investing
Mutual fund investors are exploring international and thematic schemes, with some delivering up to 200% returns. Technology and semiconductor funds, especially those with Taiwan exposure, have seen significant gains. Experts suggest starting global diversification with broader US funds. While past performance is strong, future returns may vary.
Stay prepared for Income Tax Return Filing 2026 with essential documents including Form 16, AIS, Form 26AS, bank statements and investment proofs to ensure accurate AY 2026-27 ITR filing, faster refunds and hassle-free tax compliance.
Mutual fund factsheets are no longer compliance documents theyre becoming investor playbooks
As more investors go direct and digital, mutual fund factsheets are evolving from compliance-heavy disclosures into sharper communication tools aimed at helping investors make decisions.
Large cap funds have lagged mid and small caps across various time horizons, showing muted or negative returns in shorter periods. Experts suggest increasing allocation to large caps for stability and better risk-reward due to attractive valuations, especially for first-time investors and through SIPs.
The EPFO's UPI payment gateway for provident fund withdrawals is set to launch soon, with testing completed. Members can access their funds directly in bank accounts, improving service delivery for over seven crore users.
Gold and silver prices fell on Thursday amid weak global cues, US Fed tightening fears and easing oil prices. MCX gold futures slipped 0.21%, while silver declined 0.40%. Check the latest 22K, 24K gold and silver rates in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai.
Your employer may soon pay your SIP from salary: Sebi's new mutual fund proposal explained
Your employer might soon invest in mutual funds directly from your salary. Sebi is considering a new proposal to allow this. Employees can choose their funds, and employers will deduct the amount from salaries. This aims to simplify investing and increase participation. Redemption proceeds will still go to the employee's account.
Best banking & PSU mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Banking & PSU debt funds offer a relatively safe investment option for a few years, investing primarily in government-backed entities. These schemes gained popularity after past debt market turmoil. While risks like private bank exposure and interest rate changes exist, they are considered minimal for short-term investors.
