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1 lakh monthly salary plan: How much should go to SIP, FD, PPF and emergency fund?
An effective financial blueprint should ideally include allocations to SIPs, fixed deposits, Public Provident Fund, and an emergency fund.
B-khata to A-khata: Bengaluru camps to offer on-the-spot help to property owners from 16 May
Karnataka's Bhoo Guarantee 2026 scheme allows Bengaluru property owners to convert B-Khata to A-Khata with a 60% fee reduction. Full details here.
Marginal relief helps those earning slightly above a certain tax limit, making the tax burden more manageable under both the old and new tax regimes and ensuring fair taxation across all income levels. Full details here.
30 lakh CTC breakdown: How much in-hand salary can you actually get?
The elements of the wage framework include Base Salary, House Rent Allowance, Leave Travel Allowance, Special Allowance, Performance Bonus, Employee Provident Fund, and Income Tax.
Gift tax rules explained: Who can give you money or assets without tax implications?
Gifts exceeding 50,000 are taxable under the Income Tax Act as income from other sources. Exemptions apply for gifts from relatives or on special occasions. Full list of exemptions here.
You can earn up to 69,000 monthly income from 1 crore FD in small finance banks. Here's how
Small finance bank FDs can help deliver attractive monthly income on 1 crore deposits, with senior citizens earning higher returns through competitive fixed deposit interest rates.
The domestic travel insurance policy provides protection against several travel-specific risks and crises, including a personal injury benefit reaching 3 lakh and medical facility coverage up to 1 lakh during transit.
EPFO plans auto-settlement for final PF withdrawals. How will it benefit its 7 crore members?
The EPFO auto-settlement facility aims to accelerate final PF withdrawals, reduce paperwork and streamline account transfers through a fully digital system for its more than seven crore members.
UPI's per-day and per-transaction limit set at 2 lakh in Europe. What it means for users
The per-transaction and per-day limit for UPI Global Acceptance in Europe (peer-to-merchant) has now been increased to 2 lakh. Each member bank may set its own norms, subject to the overall applicable limits, NPCI has said.
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund: RIL, Infosys, HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in April
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, Indias second-largest fund house with Rs 11.72 lakh crore AUM, reshuffled holdings across banks, autos, energy, and IT, with HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank topping exposure, while RIL, Infosys, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, NTPC, and Maruti Suzuki saw selective buying and selling changes.
Did you receive money in your bank account by mistake? Follow these steps to avoid tax liability
Unexpected bank credits can become taxable unexplained income; follow prompt stepsdo not use funds, notify the bank and sender, document everything, and consult a tax professional to avoid tax liability.
What happens to your EPF account if you become an NRI? Rules explained
The EPF account remains active when an Indian becomes an NRI, but rules for contributions and withdrawals change. NRIs must meet eligibility conditions to withdraw funds online. Details here.
How rising crude oil prices and market volatility could impact your personal finances
Stock market volatility driven by rising crude oil prices, FII sell-offs, and inflation concerns reshapes the personal finance outlook, underscoring the importance of disciplined SIP investing, diversification, and long-term wealth creation.
The Senate Banking Committee advanced the CLARITY Act, aiming to regulate cryptocurrencies amid industry tensions. Supported by some Democrats, the bill moves to the full Senate, indicating a shift towards structured crypto policymaking and potential global regulatory implications.
Petrol and diesel prices in India increased by 3 per litre, with CNG rising by 2 per kg. This hike aims to offset losses from rising crude oil prices, but concerns about its impact on retail inflation persist, especially in sectors like agriculture and transportation.
Capitalmind Flexi Cap Fund exited Reliance Industries, Bank of Baroda, and L&T Finance in April. The fund also increased stakes in Titan Company, MCX, and 16 other stocks, including NTPC and ONGC. It added MTAR Technologies, Tata Steel, and Kirloskar Oil Engines as new holdings, expanding its portfolio to 42 stocks.
Income Tax return filing for AY 2026-27 begins: Check who can file ITR-1 and ITR-4
ITR filing for AY 2026-27 begins as the Income Tax Department enables Excel utilities and online filing for ITR-1 and ITR-4 on the e-Filing portal for eligible taxpayers in the country.
Gold price today: Gold rates dropped on the MCX on Friday morning amid a stronger US dollar, driven by elevated crude oil prices. International gold prices declined to an over one-week low, looking set for a weekly decline.
Flexi cap mutual funds attracted a record Rs 10,147 crore in April, despite moderating equity inflows and market volatility. Experts suggest this reflects investor trust in fund managers for flexible allocation across market caps, rather than caution. This category is also seen as a strong starting point for new investors.
In May, Indian consumers experienced a significant rise in fuel prices, with petrol and diesel increasing by 3 per litre, the first hike in four years. CNG prices also rose by 2 per kg, reflecting the impact of escalating global crude prices due to the West Asia conflict.
Best aggressive hybrid mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Hybrid mutual funds, particularly aggressive hybrid schemes, are recommended for their resilience in volatile markets. These funds balance equity and debt, offering wealth creation potential with reduced risk. Experts suggest these schemes for conservative equity investors seeking long-term financial goals, highlighting their mixed portfolio and tax advantages.
Petrol, Diesel Price hike news LIVE: Petrol and diesel prices across India were raised by 3 per litre on May 15, pushing fuel costs higher in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities. The hike comes amid surging global crude oil prices and rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Petrol and diesel prices increased by 3 per litre after four years without revisions. Petrol now costs 97.77 in Delhi, while diesel is 90.67. Prices vary by city, with significant increases attributed to rising global energy costs amid geopolitical tensions.
Living in Mumbai on 25,000? Womans monthly budgeting formula goes viral It's hard girl, just own it
A woman claims that 25,000 is sufficient to live in Mumbai, sharing her budgeting tips in a viral video. While some praise her financial skills, others question the feasibility of her budget, noting her expenses seem to exceed her claimed limit.
Clarity Act clears key Senate hurdle: What it means for crypto users, stablecoins and exchanges
The Senate Banking Committee advanced the Clarity Act, establishing cryptocurrency regulations. With bipartisan support, the bill aims to create transparency in crypto transactions and anti-money laundering rules
How to combine investment styles through factor investing
Factor funds are aligned to indices that are variation of regular indices, but with a specific investment trait
Clarity Act: Long-stalled Crypto market bill wins key Senate committee vote
The Senate Banking Committee advanced a landmark digital asset market structure bill Thursday after months of negotiations, signaling fresh momentum for the long-stalled measure.
EPF account inoperative? Here's what EPFO members can do to access their account Stepwise guide
Worried about inoperative EPF account? Here's a breakdown of how the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation categorises such accounts, how the funds can be redeemed and what steps members can take to recover it.
Mismatch in ITR? Here's how to address and correct it online
The Income-Tax department can issue notices for discrepancies in tax returns. A notice doesn't imply trouble but may require correction. Taxpayers should verify notices online and respond promptly with necessary documents to avoid penalties.
I asked ChatGPT: How should I spend my first salary? AI gave me the most underrated advice
ChatGPT advises young professionals to avoid lifestyle inflation and focus on building financial systems. Key habits include increasing investments with salary hikes, avoiding fixed obligations, and prioritising income expansion.
Delaying SIP by 10 or even five years can have significant impact on your final corpus a difference of as much as 5 crore in the final value. Here's a look at how much wealth 5,000 per month in SIPs over varying number of years, can generate for you
Census 2027 introduces QR code-based ID cards for enumerators to enhance security and reduce cyberfraud risks during door-to-door data collection. Here's all you need to know.
Retail participation in F&O trading is on the rise. However, individual traders keep losing significant sums of money, whereas institutions earn through algorithmic strategies. Here's how traders can stay ahead in the game, as advised by ClearTax CEO Archit Gupta.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana returns explained: What yearly investments can grow into
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account is presently providing 8.2% earnings per period, calculated yearly
Public Provident Fund vs Fixed Deposits vs SIPs: Which one should a first-time investor start?
PPF vs FDs vs SIPs: A first-time investor's choice should depend on your particular financial situation and future goals. Take a look below to assess, which works best for your lifestyle and planned retirement targets
Turning 60? Here are the top 5 health insurance plans for senior citizens in 2026
Senior citizens' health insurance plans should offer better claim support, chronic illness coverage, restoration benefits and flexible features. These 2026 plans will help protect the elderly against rising healthcare costs.
The 8th central pay commission is consulting with stakeholders to gather input for its recommendations. Meetings are scheduled across various states and territories to collect feedback. Here's what some of the biggest employee groups are demanding
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund files draft papers with Sebi for its first multi-asset allocation fund
AlphaGrep Mutual Fund has filed draft documents with SEBI for its first scheme, the Multi Asset Allocation Fund. The open-ended fund will invest across equity, debt, commodities and derivatives, aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation through a diversified, rules-based portfolio.
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund announces launch of hybrid long-short fund under Platinum SIF
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched the Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund under its Platinum SIF platform. The interval investment strategy will invest across equity, debt and derivative instruments, aiming to deliver risk-adjusted returns through arbitrage, collar strategies and high-quality debt exposure across market cycles.
50-30-20 vs envelope vs zero-based budgeting: Which method suits you best?
50-30-20, envelope, and zero-based budgeting: three personal finance systems that help manage income, control spending, and improve savings discipline through structured planning, flexible methods, and financial clarity.
Six equity mutual funds received inflows of over Rs 7,000 crore each in April, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Nippon India Small Cap Fund. Strong investor participation boosted assets under management across flexi-cap, mid-cap, hybrid and small-cap categories during the month.
Nikhil Kamath proposed a gold-backed stablecoin to monetize idle gold in Indian households. CoinSwitch's Ashish Singhal noted existing global products but highlighted challenges with India's gold, including regulation, trust, and storage of non-standardized gold assets.
Where are mutual funds placing their bets? A look at Aprils sectoral trends
Mutual funds increased exposure to capital goods, NBFCs, utilities and logistics in April, while trimming weights in technology, banks and healthcare. Private banks remained top holdings despite marginal moderation in allocations.
7 mutual funds make complete exit from 18 smallcap stocks in April. Check details
EPFO deadline alert: File April 2026 ECR, deposit PF dues by 15 May to avoid penalties
The EPFO ECR filing deadline reminder urges employers to submit the April 2026 returns and deposit provident fund contributions by 15 May to avoid penalties, interest charges and compliance issues.
Mutual funds raise cash holdings by Rs 12,700 crore despite market rebound in April
Mutual funds boosted cash holdings by over Rs 12,000 crore in April, reaching Rs 1.98 lakh crore. This occurred even as Indian stock markets like Nifty 50 and Sensex saw significant gains. Several fund houses increased their cash positions, while others reduced them. SBI Mutual Fund held the largest cash reserves.
Income isnt wealth: The silent trap of high-flying executives
High income, high lifestyle, zero strategy. Why even top executives with stellar careers often fail at wealth creation and how misplaced confidence and poor execution derail financial futures.
Helios Flexi Cap Fund, backed by Samir Arora, boosted its holdings in Tata Motors, Eternal, and Paytm during April. The fund also increased its stake in eight other companies, including Hero MotoCorp and Bharat Electronics. Conversely, exposure was reduced in HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, and Ather Energy. Titan Company and Axis Bank were added as new investments.
Mirae Asset launches SIF-based Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund key details explained
Mirae Asset Mutual Fund has launched the Platinum Hybrid Long-Short Fund under the SIF category, offering conservative investors risk-adjusted returns through hedged equity, arbitrage and debt exposure in the country.
Gold and silver prices fell in India on 14 May amid key global developments. MCX gold futures slipped 0.37% to 1,62,270 per 10 gm, while silver futures dropped 1.61% to 2,96,160 per kg. Markets remained focused on the Trump-Xi summit, the new US Fed chair, and oil market volatility.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the cabinet will discuss Dearness Allowance and the Seventh Pay Commission on May 18. A recent 4% DA increase brings it to 22%, but state employees still lag behind central staff due to differing pay commissions.
Warren Buffett flags three dangerous trends for investors in 2026: Thats not investing
Warren Buffett cautioned against the growing trend of gambling in investing as markets reach record highs, citing excessive greed driving asset prices. He pointed to the rise of one-day options trading and prediction markets as alarming developments that misprice securities.
The Bihar government has approved a Dearness Allowance increase for state employees and pensioners, raising it by 5 percentage points for the 6th Central Pay Commission and by 9 points for the 5th, effective January 1, 2026. This is a key financial decision by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
Pharma, NBFCs see fresh mutual fund buying in April
Indian fund managers focused on defensive stocks in April. Pharmaceuticals saw increased investment due to opportunities like the semaglutide patent expiry. NBFCs and asset management companies also received attention. PNB Housing Finance was added as funds shifted towards retail lending. This strategy reflects concerns over oil prices and West Asian geopolitical tensions.
Sebi plans broader use for intraday borrowing by MFs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India, Sebi, is proposing changes to how mutual funds use intraday borrowing. Currently limited to redemption payouts, Sebi wants to allow these borrowings as a cash management tool. This aims to improve fund management flexibility and returns by addressing timing mismatches in fund outflows and receivables.
HDFC Mutual Fund withdraws NFO of Gold-Silver FoF
HDFC Mutual Fund has withdrawn its proposed Gold-Silver Passive Fund of Fund NFO, citing concerns over rising precious metal imports and their impact on India's trade balance. This decision follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal to curb gold and silver purchases and a significant increase in import duties, aiming to conserve foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic uncertainty.
Locked EPFO account? Here's why it happened and how you can recover it
See an EPF account locked message when you try to log into your employee provident fund. This can happen due to multiple reasons. Here's what steps EPFO members can take to resolve the issue and access their account
Why is the EPFO launching a new website? Here's all you need to know about E-PRAAPTI portal
The EPFO is all set to launch a new web portal soon, known as the E-PRAAPTI, to help members recover their old and inoperative employee provident fund accounts. Here's all you need to know
I asked ChatGPT how to build fintech startup in 5 years on 10 LPA job: AI didn't sugarcoat anything
A Bengaluru tech professional sought a realistic startup plan from ChatGPT. The advice emphasised using a stable job as financial capital, maintaining low fixed expenses and focusing on genuine problems over trendy ideas.
Income-tax rules: Here's how capital gains generated from digital, paper (which includes gold ETFs, gold mutual funds and sovereign gold bonds) physical and inherited gold are taxed for residents and NRIs.
ITR filing 2026: Sold property at a loss? Heres how you can claim income tax relief this year
Property sales can sometimes result in capital losses due to various reasons. Taxpayers are allowed to set off such losses against capital gains. Both short-term and long-term losses can be carried forward for up to eight years. Full details here.
Public sector lender Canara Bank on Tuesday (12 May) hiked its MCLR rates by 5 bps. We explore how this increase will likely impact borrowers' repayments for car loans, home loans and personal loans.
8th Pay Commission consultations are gaining pace, with stakeholder meetings, regional visits, and an extension of the memorandum deadline, as central government employees and pensioners await updates on salary and pension revisions.
To file an FIR for a cybercrime involving elderly parents or family members, swift evidence collection, online fraud reporting and bank notification are crucial. Quick action will help minimise financial losses and protect the victim's rights.
The NC-JCM, led by Shiv Gopal Mishra, submitted a 51-page memorandum to the 8th CPC, proposing salary hike, increased minimum pay and expansion of family units for salary calculations from 3 to 5 to reflect current realities.
Sebi proposes to ease borrowing norms for mutual funds
The regulator is now considering allowing intraday borrowing for a wider set of uses, including meeting trade settlement obligations, forex transactions, derivative margin requirements, and other liquidity needs
Pension amount for elderly, widows under NSAP unchanged since 2012; inflation makes it worse
When adjusted to the current Consumer Price Index (CPI), a pension of 200 should cost 353 to retain its original purchasing power.
Axis Mutual Fund has temporarily suspended subscriptions to three overseas fund-of-fund schemes, including Global Equity Alpha, Global Innovation and Greater China Equity schemes, effective May 13, 2026. All new lump sum, SIP and switch transactions after 3:00 PM will be rejected, while existing SIPs will be paused and refunded promptly.
NFO Update: DSP Mutual Fund announces launch of DSP Nifty FMCG ETF
DSP Mutual Fund has launched a new exchange-traded fund, the DSP Nifty FMCG ETF. This fund will track the Nifty FMCG Index, offering investors exposure to leading consumer goods companies. The new fund offer is currently open for subscription until May 14. Investors can gain diversified access to the resilient FMCG sector through this passive investment option.
Bank FD vs SCSS: Which investment gives better returns over 5 years?
SCSS vs FD comparison highlights higher assured returns from government-backed schemes than bank fixed deposits over five years, with SCSS offering superior maturity value alongside FD flexibility for investors.
A study by WhiteOak Capital Mutual Fund suggests gold can do more than just act as a safe-haven asset, helping improve portfolio returns when combined with equity and debt investments. Analysing data from September 2001 to April 2026, the study found that adding equities to debt portfolios boosted returns without a proportional rise in risk.
Dearness Allowance: After the Finance Ministry and IBA, the Indian Railways has also hiked DA component of employees' salaries by 2%, from 58% to 60%, with effect from 1 January 2026. Here's all you need to know
How can NRIs simplify investing between India and their country of residence?
From NRE vs NRO confusion to tax treaties and GIFT City access, heres a practical roadmap for NRIs to simplify cross-border investing and build one coherent global financial strategy.
NFO Alert: SBI Mutual Fund launches two target maturity debt index funds
SBI Mutual Fund has launched two target-maturity debt index funds focused on government securities and SDLs, with the NFO open between May 14 and May 19. The schemes aim to provide predictable fixed-income exposure through low-cost, rule-based investment strategies linked to sovereign and quasi-sovereign instruments across defined maturities.
HDFC Mutual Fund: Eternal, RIL and HDFC Bank among top 10 stock holdings in April
HDFC Mutual Funds April 2026 portfolio remained banking-heavy, led by ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, while increasing exposure to Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Eternal.
Canara Bank hikes MCLR lending rates; Bank of Baroda keeps rates unchanged check details
Canara Bank MCLR hike by 5 bps may raise EMIs on floating-rate loans like home, auto and personal loans, while Bank of Baroda keeps rates unchanged, impacting borrowers linked to MCLR resets from 12 May 2026.
Mutual funds injected Rs 30,600 crore into Indian equities in April, with significant buying in ICICI Bank, SBI, and Sun Pharma. Key reductions were observed in Wipro, HDFC Bank, and Hindalco Industries across large, mid, and smallcap segments. This active portfolio management reflects ongoing strategic shifts by fund managers.
He owned Bitcoin and Ethereum, but this coin made him rich: Ripple ex-CTOs crypto strategy decoded
Ripple's former CTO, David Schwartz, has revealed that XRP significantly increased his wealth compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum. He once held 26 million XRP, which peaked at $3.65, while he regrets selling Ethereum too early.
Aditya Birla Health Insurance launches Activ Yuva, a wellness-first plan offering unlimited hospitalisation cover, OPD benefits, income protection, and rewards for healthy lifestyle habits through its HealthReturns model for young consumers.
Outsourcing house chores is the new and easy norm, but is it burning a hole in your pocket?
App-based domestic help platforms promise reliability and ease. But as promo prices fade and surge fees kick in, urban users are rethinking whether the convenience justifies the rising monthly bill.
Gold prices soar after duty hike should you buy, hold or rebalance? Expert says, good time to
The Indian government raised import duties on gold and silver to 15% to curb rising import costs due to the West Asia crisis. This hike may lead to higher domestic gold prices and reduced jewellery demand, with investors advised to rebalance their portfolios accordingly.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme 2026: 9 lakh investment earns 66,600 yearly, full maturity details
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme 2026 offers guaranteed monthly income, capital safety and stable returns at 7.4% interest, making it suitable for conservative investors seeking low-risk savings options in the country.
HDFC Defence Fund increase stake in HAL, Bharat Electronics & 6 other stocks in April
HDFC Defence Fund, the sector's sole actively managed offering, significantly boosted its holdings in Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Bharat Electronics during April. The fund also increased its stake in six other companies, including Aequs, while reducing its exposure to Rishabh Instruments. Its portfolio remained stable with 22 stocks across various sectors.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: ITC and Coal India among stocks bought and sold in April
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Funds assets under management rose to Rs 1.40 lakh crore in April as the fund increased exposure to several large-cap stocks, reduced holdings in Coal India and Power Grid, and exited Balkrishna Industries completely. The fund maintained a sizeable cash allocation amid its long-term investment-focused strategy.
Retiring with a large EPF corpus? Heres how to allocate money across fixed income and mutual funds
Retirees with large EPF corpus need to balance safety with growth. Financial planners advise focusing on stable, tax-efficient income generation and long-term growth for surplus funds. Expert Shivam Pathak suggests a mix of government-backed schemes, G-Secs, and diversified mutual funds to meet these objectives.
Gold and silver ETFs rally up to 15% after government raises import duty. What should investors do?
Gold and silver ETFs rallied on Wednesday after prices of the precious metals surged on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, following goivernemt announced higher import duties. Most gold and silver ETFs logged broad gains, while experts urged investors to avoid timing the spike and instead use SIPs to navigate the volatility.
Best focused mutual funds to invest in May 2026
Focused equity mutual funds invest in a maximum of 30 stocks. These schemes offer concentrated portfolios where fund managers make high-conviction bets. While successful stock picks can lead to significant gains, wrong calls can result in substantial losses. Investors with a higher risk appetite and a seven-year investment horizon may consider these funds.
Clarity act up for vote tomorrow: Will it change how you use crypto? 5 Key provisions to watch
The US Senate Banking Committee released the Clarity Act text, defining financial regulators' jurisdiction over cryptocurrencies. Key provisions address stablecoin rewards, anti-money laundering compliance for crypto firms, easing SEC fundraising rules, and others
As of May 13, gold is priced around 161,410 per 10 gm, while silver reached 296,570 per kg, driven by demand and currency fluctuations.
Social Security May 2026 payments start this week: Who gets paid today, May 13?
The first wave of May Social Security payments is scheduled for distribution this week. Payments are based on birthdates, with recipients born between the 1st and 10th receiving payments on May 13, followed by others on May 20 and May 27.
