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6 reasons why first-time borrowers find it tough to maintain a healthy credit score
First-time borrowers often damage their credit score due to poor awareness, high utilisation and missed repayments, making disciplined financial planning essential for building a strong and sustainable credit profile.
Lumpsum vs SIP: What mutual fund investment will make you more money? Here's which to choose
SIPs and lumpsum are two approaches an investor can take when venturing into mutual funds. Here's a look at how both work, what are the benefits and which you should choose depending on your risk appetite and financial goals.
Bajaj Life rolls out Nifty 500 Low Volatility 50 Index Fund for ULIP investors: All you need to know
Bajaj Life Nifty 500 Low Volatility 50 Index Fund offers ULIP investors stable, long-term growth through a disciplined, low-volatility equity strategy.
Small habits, big bills: Why convenience costs more than you think
Hidden fees and spending traps in food delivery and OTT apps are eroding your savings.
Market fall exposes flaws in aggressive mutual fund bets. Time for a reset?
Fund investing, which investors once saw as easy to manage independently, suddenly looks very discomfiting and complex in 2026. Investors feel unsure if their portfolios are constructed correctly, whether their choices carry good long-term prospects, and doubt their capability to generate returns.
New labour laws: Here's how much your in-hand salary changes for 6 lakh CTC
Effective from this fiscal year, the new labour laws are reshaping your monthly compensation structure with more focus on long term and retirement savings. Here's how much your in-hand salary is likely to be impacted for 6 lakh CTC
PPF rules explained: Why your investment may stay locked in for more than 15 years
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) has a 15-year lock-in period, starting from the end of the financial year in which the first deposit is made. However, investors may face a longer lock-in period, depending on the deposit date.
Mutual funds deploy Rs 1,878 crore across 4 IPOs in March. Check details
Mutual funds invested Rs 1,878 crore across four IPOs in March, led by Sedemac Mechatronics and Central Mine Planning & Design Institute. The data highlights strong institutional participation in new listings, with sizeable allocations and shareholdings reflecting confidence in select offerings during the primary market activity.
Mutual fund SIPs not enough for Rs 3 crore goal in 12 years? Heres how to bridge the gap
Planning for long-term financial goals through mutual funds requires not just consistency, but the right asset allocation and regular portfolio reviews.
Steady wealth creation can be achieved through mutual fund SIPs, as investors should continue to focus on disciplined investing, rupee cost averaging, and compounding amid global market volatility.
Why Aditya Birla Sun Life MF's Balasubramanian sees a 10-year bull market beyond the dip
A. Balasubramanian, CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, views market corrections as conviction tests, urging investors to increase allocations during red periods to lower average costs. Mint explores the funds strategic deployment of cash into mid- and small-caps
New tax regime allows meal card benefit 5 conditions to claim 200 per meal tax-free
From April 1, 2026, the tax-exempt limit on employer-provided meals have been increased to 200 per meal, up from 50 earlier. Here are the key conditions to claim the benefit.
Individual policy, family floater, or top-up: Which is the most cost-effective?
With employer insurance often falling short, a top-up plan can offer a cost-effective way to build adequate family health protection
8th Pay Commission: NCJCM's 69,000 basic pay proposal and 3.83 fitment factor explained
8th Pay Commission proposal sparks buzz as NCJCM suggests 69,000 minimum basic pay for Group C employees, based on an elaborate table of expenses, driven by rising living costs, higher fitment factor and detailed expense-based calculations.
Mutual funds raise tech exposure in March after 8-year low. Tactical move or trend reversal?
Mutual funds raised tech exposure in March after an eight-year low, driven by tactical rebalancing and improved valuations. Experts say global cues like US tech recovery and easing rate concerns are aiding sentiment. Despite recent losses of up to 25%, the sector outlook remains gradually positive, supported by AI and cloud trends, though near-term volatility persists.
6 mutual funds made complete exit from 12 smallcap stocks in March
Six mutual funds fully exited 12 smallcap stocks in March as part of active portfolio rebalancing, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities. HDFC, SBI and Nippon India Mutual Funds led the exits across multiple stocks, while others trimmed select holdings, reflecting cautious positioning and ongoing churn in the smallcap segment.
PPF investment: How 5K monthly grows to 41 lakh and why investing before the 5th matters
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings option favored by risk-averse investors for its government backing and tax benefits. Here's how much 5K, 10K and 12K investments can grow over 15 years and with 5-year extensions.
Multi-asset funds offer consistent returns if not quite the big bang
The strategy has, however, lagged higher-returning asset classes such as gold and global equities, with 14.7% and 18.6% annualised returns, respectively, over the same period. How gold, equity or debt behaves in isolation is very different from how a well-constructedcombination performs, said Aashish Sommaiyaa, ED & CEO, WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund.
The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing salary hikes and pension structures for central government employees, with various consultations scheduled in 2026. Here's how the fitment factor, DA, arrears and other elements are decided.
New labour laws: Here's how much your take-home pay changes for 10 lakh CTC
Take-home salary to decrease? Effective from this fiscal year, the new labour laws are reshaping how your salary is credited each month with more focus on long term and retirement savings from the government.
How much monthly income does 10 lakh FD generate in 2026? Check bank-wise returns and interest rates
Steady wealth creation meets certainty, as 10 lakh FD monthly income highlights how bank rates, tenure choices and geopolitical complications make fixed deposits even more attractive in 2026.
Want to leverage your gold for a line of credit? We explain what gold loan and gold overdraft facility is, what you get you and which is the better choice based on your needs.
How much should your SIP be to make 2.5 crore in less than 25 years?
The right approach is to work backwards from your financial goals. These typically include major life milestones such as purchasing a house, funding childrens education, marriage, and planning for retirement.
Gold loans are not easy money in a volatile market
The gold loan market has reached a record 16 trillion, but rising delinquency rates signal emerging credit stress. As market volatility triggers margin calls, experts warn that over-leveraged borrowers risk financial exclusion if gold prices continue to fluctuate.
Estate planning: What is a settlement deed? Can it override a will? We explain
Estate planning is crucial for family clarity after one's passing. Here's all you need to know about a settlement deed, why it is prepared, how it functions alongside a will, and what key factors to consider before opting for one.
Zero tax beyond 12 lakh salary: How to stretch it to 15 lakh
From EPF and NPS to meal allowances and car leases, the new tax regime rewards how your CTC is built.
New labour codes: Why your tax burden may rise under revised salary structure explained
With the introduction of new labour codes, salary structures are changing, requiring basic pay and allowances to constitute at least 50% of total CTC. This shift could increase taxable income, particularly affecting mid- to senior-level earners in key sectors, according to experts.
Rule of 72 decoded: This is how long PPF, FD, SCSS and SSY take to double your money
The Rule of 72 shows how various small government schemes, such as PPF, FD, SSY and SCSS, help investors estimate wealth-doubling time, compare returns and plan long-term safe savings effectively.
SIP portfolio under pressure? Heres how to plan for a Rs 3-4 crore retirement corpus
A 34-year-old investor's Rs 30,000 monthly SIP portfolio, despite diversification, has seen short-term losses amid market volatility. Experts advise a more aggressive equity allocation and disciplined investing to achieve a Rs 3-4 crore retirement corpus by age 56, emphasizing compounding and regular reviews.
NFO Alert: SBI Mutual Fund launches two constant maturity index funds in financial services
SBI Mutual Fund has launched two new passive debt index funds, targeting short-term investment needs in the financial services sector. These funds, SBI CRISILIBX Financial Services 36 Months Debt Index Fund and SBI CRISILIBX Financial Services 912 Months Debt Index Fund, offer transparent, low-cost solutions. The NFO is open until April 20, with a minimum investment of Rs 5,000.
The Wealth Company MF unveils SIF brand, launches two funds with differentiated strategies
The Wealth Company Mutual Fund, part of the Pantomath Group, has launched its SIF brand WSIF along with two new funds featuring differentiated long-short strategies. The new fund offerings aim to combine equity investing with tactical hedging approaches, marking the fund houses entry into the emerging Specialised Investment Funds category.
AMFI reshuffle: Mazagon Dock, GAIL may slip to midcap; Vodafone Idea eyes largecap upgrade
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and GAIL are among eight stocks that may be downgraded to the midcap category, while Vodafone Idea, currently a midcap, could be upgraded to the largecap segment in AMFIs semi-annual rejig in H2 CY26, according to Nuvama Institutional Equities.
Transfer tax on shares, mutual funds: When it is tax-free and when it is not explained
Equity shares or mutual fund units can be transferred within families without capital gains tax if they are gifts. Here are the documents you need to avoid disputes, along with other details.
5,000 SIP: regular vs step-up, how a small tweak can add lakhs to your corpus
Power your wealth creation with disciplined investing: a mutual fund SIP comparison between a regular SIP and a step-up SIP with a 2% annual increase shows that compounding builds higher long-term returns.
Mutual funds made complete exit from 7 stocks in March. Check details
Mutual funds made a complete exit from seven stocks in March, according to monthly data released by Prime Database.
Gold ETFs shine amid rising geopolitical tensions and strong gold price rally: ICRA Analytics
Gold ETFs have seen a sharp rise in investor preference amid geopolitical tensions and a strong rally in gold prices, ICRA Analytics said. AUM surged nearly 65% CAGR over five years to Rs 1.71 lakh crore, while inflows jumped to 2,266 crore in March 2026, highlighting growing demand for safe-haven assets.
8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM Staff Side seeks 69,000 minimum pay, 6% increment annually check details
The National Council-JCM proposes a minimum basic pay of 69,000 for the 8th Pay Commission, aiming to benefit over 50 lakh government employees. Recommendations include higher increments, pay restructuring, and HRA indexing to inflation for better financial support amid rising costs.
The tax regime debate is back, and your salary for this year just got dragged in
Income Tax Rules 2026 have made the old regime more attractive by raising exemption limits. For FY27, salaried individuals must recalculate before choosing between old and new.
Gold and silver ETFs surged up to 9% on Wednesday, driven by falling crude oil prices and renewed hopes of US-Iran talks easing Middle East supply concerns. Softer oil prices also alleviated inflation worries, boosting sentiment for precious metals. Experts suggest current levels offer a timely opportunity for long-term investors to accumulate precious metals for portfolio diversification amid global uncertainties.
PPF can turn 1.5 lakh a year into 1 crore tax-free. But here's what most investors miss
PPF, a popular investment in India, offers tax benefits and stable interest rates for conservative investors. Here's how much you need to invest each year to build a 1 crore corpus and how long it takes.
SIPs one of the most effective ways to ride out uncertainty: DSPs Aditi Kothari Desai
Aditi Kothari Desai of DSP Asset Managers is the guiding light for investors grappling with market turbulence. Emphasizing the trio of discipline, consistency, and patience, she warns against knee-jerk reactions to headlines, particularly amid geopolitical unrest. For her, Systematic Investment Plans are essential lifelines in these unpredictable times.
MFs power up local themes, banking on valuation reset
Indian mutual funds bought more shares in March as the Nifty index fell. They focused on banks and financial companies, seeing better value. Power sector stocks also saw increased investment. This shows a move towards domestic growth areas. Concerns about global conflicts are influencing these investment choices.
Debt MF outflows hit record Rs 2.9 lakh crore in March
Among debt fund schemes, overnight funds recorded redemptions of 40,227 crore followed by money market funds with an outflow of 29,207 crore, and low-duration funds, which recorded an outflow of 25,227 crore.
Gold loan portfolio grows 3.8x, outstandings surpasses personal loans in December 2025 What we know
As of December 2025, outstanding gold loan borrowings surpassed personal loans, totaling 16.8 lakh crore from 4.7 crore borrowers, as per a TransUnion CIBIL report. It also noted increasing ticket sizes and borrower exposure.
The RBIs proposed one-hour payment pause on select transactions aims to curb digital fraud. However, experts highlight potential friction, delayed settlements and challenges to a seamless payment experience.
What US green card holders should know about exit tax and gifting rules
Under US tax law, individuals who give up citizenship or relinquish a long-term green card (held for eight years or more) may be subject to the exit tax provisions under the internal revenue code
Avoid crisis on a rainy day: What is an emergency fund and how much you should save, explained
An emergency fund is essential for covering unexpected expenses without incurring debt. Build the fund gradually and keep it in safe, liquid accounts. Here's key things to know:
Nomination is mandatory for investors to ensure a seamless transfer of assets after death. However, an investor can opt out of the nomination process. Here's what happens to MF and equity folio if an investor dies without a nominee.
Confusion around PPF investment rules often leads to the misconception that both parents can contribute 3 lakh to a childs PPF account, however the annual PPF investment limit is capped at 1.5 lakh per individual account as per regulatory guidelines, regardless of parental contributions.
S Naren sees better valuations, but no outsized gains. Check his 10 pieces of advice
Sankaran Naren advises starting SIPs as valuations improve, but cautions against 2020-like returns, favors IT, pharma, energy, remains wary on midcaps, sees selective smallcap opportunities, and stresses disciplined, macro-driven investing.
Buying term insurance? 6 costly mistakes you must avoid to protect your family
Avoid costly errors when choosing a term insurance policy to secure long term financial protection for your family by understanding coverage, riders, disclosures and insurer reliability across different policy offers.
US tax deadline tomorrow, April 15: How to get 6 months extension without paying penalties
As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, taxpayers can request an automatic extension until October 15 by submitting a form. However, payments are still due by April 15 to avoid penalties, which can accrue for late filings and unpaid taxes.
Can you claim insurance for AYUSH? What policyholders must know
With the government boosting AYUSH institutes and medical tourism ambitions, policyholders must check whether Ayurveda and other traditional treatments qualify for cashless insurance cover.
6 AMCs had over Rs 10,000 crore cash in their portfolios in March. Check details
Despite market volatility, six AMCs held over 10,000 crore in cash in March, reflecting a cautious stance even as fund managers actively deployed liquidity to buy equities during the correction.
From conflict to curve: How rising yields hit debt funds and where opportunity lies
Rising yields after the US-Iran conflict have dragged long-duration debt funds into losses. But fund managers see selective opportunity at the long end of the curve.
AI job losses may kill income tax in five years: British bank Monzo's founder issues grim warning
Tom Blomfield, founder of Monzo, suggests replacing income tax with a levy on AI infrastructure within five to six years, as AI technology rapidly transforms the job market.
Avoid pension delays in FY 202627: Submit digital life certificate on SPARSH in 6 simple steps
Avoid pension delays with this step-by-step Digital Life Certificate guide on SPARSH, helping defence pensioners in the country ensure smooth verification, timely payments and hassle-free annual compliance.
9 equity mutual funds cross Rs 60,000 crore AUM; Parag Parikh Flexi Cap tops list
Nine equity mutual funds exceeded Rs 60,000 crore AUM by March 2026, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap. Major contributors include HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Kotak, and Nippon India funds leading.
The great FPI exit: Why this may be a long-term opportunity
Foreign investors have pulled 1.8 trillion from Indian equities in FY26 a 34-year record. But history suggests such sentiment-driven sell-offs may offer long-term investors rare entry points.
High AUM mutual funds arent always a concern, but experts recommend tweaking SIP strategy and diversification to manage risks and optimise returns.
TDS, TCS changes explained: What NRIs, students, travellers and investors should know in FY 2026
Starting 1 April 2026, new TDS and TCS rules aim to streamline tax processes, reducing errors and mismatches. Key changes include lower TCS rates, simplified property transactions for NRIs, and a unified TDS declaration form to ease taxpayers' paperwork.
Overseas equity mutual funds outperform as Indian stock market slumps
Equity MFs, which invest in global markets and ETFs, have surged 55.2% on an average in the one-year timeframe and provided 6.7% returns on an annualised basis so far in 2026
How to ensure your retirement savings sustain you through inflation, risk and other uncertainties
Smart planning for your retirement is part of fiscal responsibility for the future years. Here's how to ensure your retirement savings can sustain you through cost of living, medical inflation and other risks.
SIP and SWP: From auto-debits to regular deposits Here's what investors should know
While young investors are considering entering mutual funds, senior investors are looking to make the most of their investments. Here's an explainer on SIPs and SWPs, how they differ from each other, the benefits and considerations.
Zero tax liability? 5 reasons filing nil income tax return in FY 2025-26 is a smart move
Smart filing builds compliance strength and financial credibility, even with zero tax liability. Filing a nil income tax return helps secure refunds, loans, visas and carry-forward benefits.
New labour laws: Do changes impact your in-hand salary and tax regime? We ask experts
India's new Labour Codes focus on salary structure and long-term savings, according to experts. We ask them if it will also impact your in-hand salary and preferred tax regime. Here's are your questions answered
Smart borrowing for a new car begins with carefully comparing car loan interest rates. In April 2026, leading banks offer competitive rates that vary by interest charges, fees, credit score impact and repayment terms across the country, making comparison essential before choosing any loan offer.
A car lease in CTC helps reduce your tax outgo. Here's how
Car lease fits within the definition of wages under the new labour codes, unlike HRA, LTA, or variable pay, which makes it easier for employers to include it as part of overall compensation.
Public Provident Fund: How many times can you extend your PPF account after maturity?
The public provident fund (PPF) is a top choice when planning your finances for retirement. With guaranteed tax-exemption and a fixed interest rate of 7.1% this quarter it is among the safest investment options in India.
Short-term pain, long-term gain: what the numbers say
A sharp correction has rattled investors, but five-year gains, currency effects and global comparisons suggest the damage may be less severe than it looks.
Equity mutual funds see renewed inflows in March, led by five schemes attracting nearly Rs 100 crore each, highlighting selective investor interest across domestic, international, and alternative strategies.
The major consultation phase opens as the 8th Central Pay Commission meetings move into stakeholder engagement across Delhi and Maharashtra. These interactions will shape revised pay structures for government employees and pensioners in the country.
SBI WhatsApp Banking: How to register yourself, check balance, get mini statement and more
To use WhatsApp Banking services of SBI, you need to have your registered number on the bank linked with WhatsApp. Here is how you can register on WhatsApp Banking services and use the benefits.
Planning to transfer equity portfolio in family accounts? Heres the process and tax rules
Transferring equity within family accounts involves specific procedures and tax implications heres a quick guide to the rules, costs, and key considerations.
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund exits Swiggy, 20 other stocks; adds ICICI Pru AMC and 9 more in March
JioBlackRock Mutual Funds Flexi Cap Fund exited Swiggy and 20 other stocks in March, while adding ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and nine more. The fund also increased exposure to key largecaps, reflecting active portfolio reshuffling amid evolving market opportunities and valuation dynamics.
ESG data is reshaping Indias credit decisions: What borrowers must know
Credit decisions are shifting towards incorporating ESG data as essential for assessing borrower risk. The RBI's new framework encourages banks to integrate ESG factors into lending practices, impacting MSMEs' access to credit and necessitating robust ESG data reporting.
How US employment income is taxed in India on return
Assuming you were in India for more than 182 days during FY2526, you would qualify as a tax resident in India. If ii is a short stay in the US, it is unlikely that you would satisfy the additional conditions to be treated as a resident but not ordinarily resident
Senior Citizen FD Rates April 2026: SBI, PNB Bank of India and other PSU banks offer up to 7.25%
Senior Citizen FD Rates for April 2026 reveal that top PSU banks are offering up to 7.25%, highlighting safe, stable income options for retirees amid evolving economic conditions and serious geopolitical problems related to the US-Iran war.
Mutual funds significantly reduced their cash holdings in March. This move indicates fund managers actively invested in the market during a period of correction. Despite global uncertainties, this strategy aimed to leverage potential investment opportunities. Several asset management companies deployed substantial cash reserves. This shift reflects a proactive approach to market dynamics.
Small, mid and largecap mutual funds see sharp inflow surge in March. Is investor confidence rising?
Equity mutual funds saw a significant surge in monthly inflows during March, despite market downturns. This rise reflects a shift in investor behavior, with corrections now viewed as buying opportunities. Robust SIP flows and sustained confidence in India's growth outlook are key drivers behind this trend.
12-crore stock scam: Supreme Court AOR warns of rising fraud tactics; 5 tips to stay safe
A 12 crore stock scam exposes the rising cyber-fraud risks in the country, as a Supreme Court AOR warns that awareness remains the strongest defence against increasingly sophisticated financial traps.
Best flexi cap mutual funds to invest in April 2026
Flexi cap mutual funds offer fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations and sectors, making them suitable for moderate investors seeking long-term wealth creation with a five to seven-year horizon.
How to get 2.17 crore from your 2,000 SIP investment? CA explains step-up SIP strategy
A step-up SIP is an investment strategy where you increase your SIP contributions in mutual funds by a fixed amount or percentage at regular intervals, for example every year.
Income tax deadlines for FY27: From ITR filing to TDS certificate, key dates you should remember
Income tax calendar: Income tax last dates are not limited to just the ITR filing deadline, and taxpayers have to keep a tab on other payments like TCS, TDS, advance tax and more.
Want to build a good credit score? Here's how you can do so even without a credit card
Building a good credit score is achievable even without a credit card. It takes consistent fiscal practices and financial discipline to form a strong credit profile for future borrowing needs. Here's a look at how you can do so
Kisan Vikas Patra: Here's how long it takes to double your money
Kisan Vikas Patra is a 115-month small savings scheme offered by India Post and some banks, that doubles your investment at end of tenure. It has a minimum investment of 1,000. Here's all you need to know
SIPs facilitate monthly contributions, promote financial discipline, and offer other fiscal benefits compared to lump-sum investments. Here's a look at why you should consider SIP for investment in mutual funds
With Indian households holding significant gold assets, alternatives such as Gold ETFs and Digital Gold are worth exploring. Here's a look at the features and tax implications, and other important details.
Can a non-salaried professional declare 50% income as profit under presumptive tax?
Under Section 44ADA of the Income Tax Act, 1961, an assessee opting for presumptive taxation is not required to maintain books of account, provided income is declared at 50% or more of gross receipts
Borrowers maintaining a good CIBIL score enhance their prospects of securing favourable home loan terms, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
