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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.
Planning FD? Here's how much you should invest to earn 10,000 monthly interest see calculation
Fixed deposits are popular for stable income, particularly among retirees. Banks provide various payout options, and non-cumulative FDs offer periodic interest payments. Here's how much investment is needed to earn 10,000 monthly income.
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.
Star-rated flexi cap funds have generated 15%+ returns in 3 years, with schemes from Parag Parikh, HDFC, and Quant emerging as top performers amid strong equity market momentum.
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.
I asked ChatGPT how to fund a Europe tripSIPs or credit cards? its answer was practical
To fund a Europe trip, SIPs are safer and predictable, requiring monthly savings of 24,000- 25,000. Credit cards can be cost-efficient if repayments align with bonuses, but delays can lead to high costs. A hybrid strategy is recommended for cost efficiency.
RBI moots safeguards to curb digital payment fraud: How will they protect bank customers?
To curb digital payment fraud, the RBI has suggested measures such as lagged credit, a trusted person authenticating transactions for vulnerable individuals, prescribing a ceiling for annual aggregate credits in a bank account, and providing customer-induced controls, including a kill switch.
FD premature withdrawal rules: How much penalty do banks charge? All you need to know
Whether driven by urgent medical costs, emergency home repairs, or other sudden financial requirements, liquidating a fixed deposit prematurely carries significant implications.
Sebi proposes allowing online bond platforms to offer IFSCA-regulated products, tax-saving bonds
The new framework seeks to bridge the gap regarding IFSCA-regulated services, proposing that OBPPs operate within the GIFT-IFSC in a manner similar to Sebi-registered stockbrokers.
The demand for travel insurance is rising, with 22% growth in policy issuance in 2026. Here's how these policies work and everything a flyer needs to know before their next trip.
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
Sebi plans CKYC 2.0 rollout in July: Experts decode impact on investors and borrowers
Unified KYC is being designed on the lines of the Centre's One Nation One KYC plan. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also recently spoke about this while speaking at Sebi's foundation day event last month.
After the account holder's death, PPF account closes, and the nominee or legal heir can claim the balance. The account continues to earn interest until the claim is settled, but no new contributions can be made posthumously.
The meetings will prioritise pensioners, associations, and stakeholders representing personnel from railways and defence.
Money management: Top five lessons Indian mothers taught us long before financial advisors did
Indian mothers have long instilled money management lessons in their children, focusing on disciplined spending, saving, and prioritizing education.
How long will it take to double your investments? Heres how the Rule of 72 works
The Rule of 72 helps investors estimate investment doubling time by dividing 72 with annual return rate. It simplifies compound interest calculations, though results remain approximate for extreme interest rates.
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.
Invesco Mutual Fund resumes subscription in 3 international funds
Invesco Mutual Fund has resumed subscriptions for three international funds, including Global Equity Income, Pan European Equity, and Global Consumer Trends, effective May 8. Subscriptions will be permitted up to available headroom without breaching overseas investment limits as of February 1, 2022. The fund house reserves the right to temporarily suspend subscriptions if limits are approached.
I asked ChatGPT to plan an international family holiday in June these destinations made the list
A budget-friendly 10-day international family trip from Mumbai can include destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, all within a budget of 23 lakh.
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched its Contra Fund, open for subscription until May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in fundamentally sound but undervalued stocks. Experts suggest this strategy suits patient investors with a 3-5 year horizon, especially during market volatility.
EPFO 3.0 update: PF withdrawal via ATM, UPI soon Check the expected launch date
EPFO subscribers will soon be able to withdraw funds via ATMs, enhancing convenience. This change, part of the EPFO 3.0 initiative, is expected to be implemented by the end of May, allowing quick access to provident funds with minimal paperwork.
Best large & mid cap funds to invest in May 2026
Large and mid-cap mutual funds offer a mix of large and mid-cap stocks. These funds suit aggressive investors with a long-term view. Fund managers adjust allocations based on market outlook. Investors can choose funds tilted towards large caps for safety or mid caps for growth. Performance updates for recommended schemes are provided.
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.
The cost-of-living index comparison between India and the United States highlights key differences in housing, healthcare, salaries, and purchasing power. It will help individuals and families make informed decisions on relocation and financial planning.
The Arunachal Pradesh state government on Wednesday announced a 2% hike in dearness allowance component in salaries of serving employees, raising the rate to 60 per cent of basic pay and pension.
I asked ChatGPT to calculate corpus for retirement to vacation location at 55, factoring in inflation, healthcare, and a sustainable withdrawal rate. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
The AIDEF submitted demands to the 8th CPC, including a minimum pay of 69,000, a fitment factor of 3.833, and risk allowances for hazardous jobs. Here's a look at demands from civilian employees with the defence ministry
Secure your future early with EPFO, as EPF, EPS, and EDLI contributions can steadily help in building retirement savings, lifelong pension benefits, and family financial security for salaried employees across the country.
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.
Why your health insurance won't cover the true cost of ageing
While platforms such as Bima Sugam make buying insurance easier, better access doesn't solve the deeper problem: policies are designed for medical crises, not the recurring, ongoing costs of ageing.
NFO Update: Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund launches Motilal Oswal Contra Fund
Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched the Motilal Oswal Contra Fund, an open-ended equity scheme based on a contrarian investment strategy. The NFO opens on May 8 and closes on May 22. The fund aims for long-term capital appreciation by investing in undervalued companies with turnaround potential across market cycles.
A woman from the US, who has been living in Bengaluru, spoke about rental problems in the city. From the hefty security deposit to the annual rent hike, she explained why the same practices would be illegal in her home country.
NFO Alert: Kotak International announces launch of Kotak Indo-Pacific Defence UCITS ETF
Kotak International has launched its first UCITS ETF focused on the Indo-Pacific defence sector, offering exposure to rising military spending across key Asian markets. Developed with HANetf, the fund includes nearly 30% allocation to Indian companies, aligning with Kotaks strategy to expand global, theme-based investment offerings.
FDs, Real Estate or Gold: Where does Tamil Nadu CM contender Vijay invest most?
According to the 15-page election affidavit filed by Vijay ahead of Assembly polls, and archived by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), this is what his investments look like:
Forgot your EPFO PPO number? Here are 5 easy steps to retrieve it
Easily recover EPFO PPO number online through simple steps using the EPFO portal to ensure smooth pension payments, uninterrupted benefits and quick access to pension records.
Can Rs 85,000 monthly SIP create Rs 2 crore corpus in 7 years? Heres what calculations show
An investor investing Rs 85,000 monthly may not reach Rs 2 crore in seven years. Experts suggest increasing monthly SIPs by Rs 68,000 to Rs 1.53 lakh. The portfolio strategy needs adjustment as the goal nears. Reducing exposure to volatile small and midcap funds is advised. Shifting to largecap or index funds will stabilize returns and protect the corpus.
ICRA Analytics said investors should blend active and passive mutual fund strategies to navigate volatile markets driven by geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. The report highlighted that balanced portfolio allocation based on risk appetite, goals and investment horizon can help investors stay resilient through market cycles while pursuing long-term wealth creation.
New Income Tax Rules 2026 explained: 6 key form changes and what they mean for taxpayers
Major tax overhaul streamlines compliance as Income Tax Rules 2026 transform key forms, merging TDS, PAN and AIS systems to simplify filing and improve accuracy nationwide
Looking for largecap mutual funds amid market volatility? Check these top 5 funds to invest in May
Top largecap mutual funds were shortlisted using rolling returns, consistency, downside risk, outperformance, and asset size, with select schemes delivering around 1516% returns over the last five years.
Retirement 2.0: How seniors are turning passion into paychecks
Retirees are turning skills, hobbies and decades of experience into new income streamsfrom homestays and startups to care homes and social ventures.
Sensex down nearly 7,200 points in 2026 so far. Should you continue SIPs or pause?
The BSE Sensex has seen a significant drop this year. Experts recommend investors continue their Systematic Investment Plans. This strategy allows for acquiring more mutual fund units at lower prices. For those with extra funds, staggered lump sum investments are also suggested. Market corrections are viewed as normal and beneficial for long-term wealth creation.
A social media user who works at Google shared his monthly expenses, including rent, utility bills, travel costs, groceries and more. Reacting to it, some called it even more expensive than the cost of living in London.
Filing income-tax returns online has become easier, but first-time taxpayers may find it confusing. Income Tax notices can be issued for various reasons, here's what to do if you get one
Dearness Allowance: DA for Pensioners Who is eligible, how does it work? Here's all you need to know
Retired central govt employees are eligible for individual or family pensions which are adjusted every time the CPC rolls out a DA hike or cut, depending on inflation computation. Here's all you need to know
The 8th Pay Commission will conduct stakeholder meetings in Delhi on 13-14 May to discuss pay and pension reforms. Interested parties can apply through the official portal to take part.
Fixed deposit investment strategies can help retirees and senior citizens generate a safe, predictable monthly income of 50,000 through fixed deposits, small savings schemes, and a balanced portfolio allocation strategy.
I asked ChatGPT to calculate the required financial independence, retire early aka F.I.R.E. number to create retirement corpus with 15 lakh per annum salary at 35. Here is what the artificial intelligence chatbot said
I asked ChatGPT to create a budget that ensures retirement by 55, with enough savings to support myself and my parents, buy a home and build a good retirement corpus. Here is what artificial intelligence chatbot said
7th Pay Commission for West Bengal govt staff: Will BJP keep its poll promise? Here is what we know
West Bengal government employees are closely tracking developments on the 7th Pay Commission. As the new BJP government is set to take charge, heres a look at how its potential implementation could impact salaries, allowances, pensions, and overall benefits.
NFO Update: Groww Mutual Fund launches Groww Nifty Private Bank ETF
Groww Mutual Fund has launched the Groww Nifty Private Bank ETF, a passive scheme tracking the Nifty Private Bank Index TRI. The NFO is open until May 20. The fund offers exposure to private banking stocks with a low-cost, rules-based approach, aiming to minimise tracking error and deliver benchmark-aligned returns.
Car loan interest rates May 2026: SBI, ICICI, HDFC and top banks offer from 7.60% Full comparison
Car loan interest rate comparison for May 2026 covers leading public and private banks. Check competitive rates, EMI planning, repayment strategies and key factors influencing total borrowing costs and financial decisions.
11 equity mutual funds with over Rs 1,000 NAV offer upto 24% CAGR since their inception
Around 11 equity mutual funds with NAVs above Rs 1,000 have delivered strong long-term returns, with CAGRs reaching up to 24%. Most of these funds have been in the market for over two decades, highlighting the role of time and compounding in wealth creation across categories like mid cap and flexi cap.
RBI also laid ground rules for how these seized assets must be handled, including how long the lenders can keep them, and who is banned from buying them back.
Using mutual funds as collateral? Avoid these 5 errors before taking loan
Loans against mutual funds offer liquidity without redeeming investments, but require careful handling. Investors often overlook loan terms, valuation risks and repayment discipline. Comparing lenders and avoiding unnecessary borrowing are key to preventing financial strain while using mutual funds as collateral for short-term funding needs.
PPF account: You will remain a crorepati despite drawing 1 lakh monthly pension for 20 years
PPF accouont holders can expect 1,54,50,911 maturity amount after 30 years, assuming a flat PPF interest rate of 7.10% throughout this period
RBI informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks are now integrated with the UDGAM portal, allowing legal heirs to search unclaimed deposits online. The PIL highlights the need for greater integration of assets such as post office deposits and insurance. The SC will hear the matter on 19 May.
Earning 3% on idle cash? Sweep-in FDs may offer a smarter fix
Savings accounts offer safety but little return. Sweep-in facilities promise FD-level interest without sacrificing liquidity. Heres how they work, what they cost and when they make sense.
My Portfolio: How your mutual fund SIP can help you create Rs 7 crore corpus in 15 years
A 30-year-old investor aiming for Rs 7 crore in 15 years faces a shortfall despite a Rs 10,000 monthly SIP with a 27% annual step-up. Expert Vishal Dhawan suggests consolidating mid-cap and small-cap funds to reduce overlap, retaining Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund as core. Increasing contributions is key to bridging the Rs 2.2-2.5 crore gap.
Looking for best mutual funds to invest in May 2026? Here are top 10 performers
Here are some of the top-performing mutual funds for May 2026, based on recent performance, consistency, and category leadership across large-cap, flexi-cap, midcap, and thematic segments:
The great money reset: how Indias Gen Z can turn paycheques into wealth in the age of AI
AI is reshaping how young Indians budget, save and invest. But while tools are powerful, disciplinenot algorithmswill decide whether Gen Z builds lasting wealth or just spends smarter.
Why fund managers have turned cautious on long duration funds
Investors who were looking at gilt funds as a tactical play, expecting yields to normalise in the medium-term, would be better off waiting for fresh triggers to emerge.
The rupee hit a record low on 5 May 2026, amid the United States and Iran conflict. After a weak opening, it fell to 95.43 against the US dollar, making its lowest-ever so far. Here's what an NRI shared about its impact on real estate investments in India.
Why MF expense ratios are showing higher numbers
Mutual fund expense ratios are rising due to new Sebi guidelines mandating the inclusion of trading-related costs in the Total Expense Ratio (TER). This revised reporting offers investors a more transparent view of all scheme expenses, including brokerage and transaction fees, previously excluded from the headline number.
SBI employees to go on a 2-day strike on May 25,26: Check their 16 key demands
State Bank of India employees plan a two-day strike on May 25-26, 2026, to demand better working conditions and job security. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation cites administrative neglect and anti-employee policies as reasons for the protest.
The new Income-Tax Act 2025 replaced the original Tax Deducted at Source forms Form 15G and 15H with a single Form 121, as part of the government's move to streamline and simplify India's tax codes.
