Livemint

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

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.

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

8th Pay Commission fitment factor discussions are reshaping salary expectations as Indias pay commission history highlights major changes in government pay, pensions and employee benefits over decades.

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 today announced a 2% hike in DA for state government employees, effectively increasing the component to 60% of basic pay from 58%.

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.

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.

Newly married couples can build stronger personal finances with smart budgeting, emergency savings, early investing and insurance planning for long-term financial stability and wealth creation.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SpaceX plans to go public, targeting a $75 billion IPO and a valuation of $1.75 trillion. Elon Musk will maintain significant control post-IPO, raising concerns over corporate governance and valuation risks. The filing reveals $18.7 billion revenue in 2025, driven mainly by Starlink's growth.

Recent inflation data suggests a potential increase in Social Security COLA for 2027, with estimates rising to 4.2%. The Senior Citizens League also adjusted its projection to 3.9%. Inflation has significantly impacted living costs, affecting the purchasing power of benefits since 2016.

The Federal Reserve proposed a new payment account category for fintechs and non-traditional institutions to access payment systems, aiming to enhance innovation while managing risks.

Jeff Bezos proposed eliminating federal income taxes for the bottom half of earners, advocating for significant tax reform without detailing implementation. He highlighted the burden on lower earners and noted the disparities in income and tax contributions between different income groups.

I gave 50,000 to ChatGPT and asked AI to plan my solo international trip. In return, it gave me a detailed travel plan.

EPFO: We take a look at if EPF amounts be attached for liabilities and what happens if your employer recovers contribution but doesnt deposit it, among other top FAQs. Here's a look

One effective way to improve your home loan eligibility is to add a co-applicant with an independent source of income.

ITR forms for FY26 / AY27 have been notified by the tax department, and Excel Utility for the ITR-1 and ITR-4 forms has also been enabled by the I-T department. Here's how you can use e-pay to clear income tax dues

There is no universally superior choice here, as every individuals financial landscape is unique. While the avalanche path optimises your total savings, tackling a massive principal balance first can feel slow, sometimes draining your motivation.

While a car EMI of 16,000 seems reasonable, actual ownership costs can exceed 36,000 per month due to hidden expenses such as depreciation and insurance. ChatGPT gave me the entire estimate.

The 50/30/20 rule is a widely used budgeting strategy that divides your monthly post-tax income into three main categories: needs, wants, and savings.

The RBI has proposed stricter loan recovery rules, including mandatory certification for recovery agents, safeguards against harassment, grievance redressal mechanisms, and compensation for wrongful recovery actions. Lenders also cannot block mobile phones over unpaid loans.

Sebi proposed allowing third-party payments in mutual funds for specific scenarios, with aim to ease investing while protecting against misuse, and includes provisions for social cause contributions. Here's what could change for investors 

Analysing your spending patterns can feel stressful and may reveal some uncomfortable habits. Pause if necessary, but remain committed to uncovering the true reality of your financial situation.

The 8th central pay commission has invited applications from eligible candidates to fill vacancies for full-time and part-time consultant roles on a contractual basis for fixed one-year in the commission.

EPFO has chosen WhatsApp to enhance member services, leveraging its extensive user base in India. This initiative aims to streamline grievance resolution, reduce legal backlogs and facilitate real-time communication for services such as PF balance checks and claim tracking.

Dearness Allowance: The Maharashtra state government has approved payment of DA arrears for state employees under the 5th, 6th and 7th central pay commission. The total payout is 800 crore.

EPFO subscribers will soon withdraw provident funds via UPI, with direct transfers to bank accounts. The initiative aims to streamline service delivery and enhance member access to funds, facilitating quicker transactions for various needs.

Launched as a bridge between mutual funds and PMS, specialized investment funds have seen rapid AUM growth in seven months. The next phase may demand broader risk-taking and new categories.

A 9% import duty hike and tighter silver import rules may disrupt local supply and ETF premiums, even as experts remain structurally bullish on gold and silver.

With the rupee at 96/$ and education loans at 12%, the cost-to-salary math of studying abroad is under stress. Rising fees, tight visas and weak job markets are stretching repayment timelines.

Employee Provident Fund account: You may have multiple EPF accounts with the retirement body but can request online transfers through the official EPFO portal. Here's a stepwise guide how

The new income tax regime offers lower rates but eliminates many deductions. Taxpayers can choose between old and new regimes, with the old providing more tax benefits. Details here.

The Income-Tax Department has released ITR 1-7 forms for FY26/AY27, including Excel utilities for forms 1 and 4 for offline preparation. Here's why experts advise salaried taxpayers to wait till June 15 to file their income tax returns

The EPFO plans to launch a WhatsApp chatbot for user queries and account requests, enhancing outreach and member services. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced this initiative to streamline communication.

What is the new West Bengal government's Annapurna scheme? We explain who the beneficiaries are, how much monthly financial support they can expect, how to apply, check eligibility and all you need to know.

Karnataka bus workers' unions have called for a strike tomorrow, on 20 May. Here's a look at what their demands are From salary hike, arrears, and dearness allowance (DA) increase. 

The government has extended the free online Aadhaar document update service until June 14, 2027, allowing users to upload and verify identity documents without fees. Details here.

A guide to what a will is in India, explaining the legal meaning under the Indian Succession Act 1925, eligibility, key rules, and the importance of writing a valid will.

Women investors manage 11.3 trillion in AUM across mutual funds. This accounts for 35% of total inflows, indicating a shift towards long-term investing and diversified strategies in India's mutual fund industry. Details are here.

8th Central Pay Commission: Here are the pension reform-related demands made by big employee groups the NC-JCM, the AIDEF and the Maharashtra Old Pension Organisation to the 8th CPC in their memorandums.

An elderly man in Karnataka has lost 75.4 lakh in a WhatsApp investment scam. Fraudsters posing as advisors tricked him into investing in the fraudulent scheme. The rising number of such incidents highlights the need for vigilance.

The West Bengal government has approved the formation of its 7th pay commission to address compensation for state employees. The decision was made on 18 May. There was, however, no word on the DA hike. Here's all we know.