SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 33    C

Livemint

Economy / Livemint

The vacation-home dreamand the cost of keeping it alive

A second home can offer family time, rental income and a future retreatbut upkeep, distance, vacancies and changing circumstances can make it far more demanding than expected.

30 Sep 2026 3:18 pm
Before chasing new investments, ask yourself these six questions

SIFs, GIFT City investments and other new products can look attractive, but investors should look beyond return expectations and assess risk, portfolio fit, costs, liquidity and taxation first.

30 Sep 2026 3:16 pm
Can a housing society evict a tenant? Legal expert explains renters' rights and protections

Can a housing society evict a tenant from a rented flat? Know who has the legal right to seek eviction, how the Transfer of Property Act and rent-control laws protect tenants, and what renters should do if a society threatens forced eviction.

30 Sep 2026 2:44 pm
IRDAIs proposed 2% commission cap could hurt rural insurance access, warns Coverfox founder and MD Sanjib Jha

Coverfox founder and MD Sanjib Jha has raised concerns over IRDAIs proposed 2% commission cap on loan-linked insurance, warning it could make servicing rural and underserved borrowers economically unviable.

30 Sep 2026 2:35 pm
Cardiac treatment can cost lakhs: What policyholders should check before buying health insurance for heart care

Health insurance buyers should check more than the sum insured for cardiac care. Experts recommend reviewing coverage for advanced procedures, device caps, sub-limits, waiting periods, room-rent restrictions and pre-existing cardiac conditions.

30 Sep 2026 2:13 pm
Bank holidays in October 2026: Banks to remain closed on multiple days for festive season | Check RBI calendar

Customers are advised to plan their branch visits accordingly or utilise digital banking services for immediate transactions.

30 Sep 2026 1:03 pm
Renting forever vs 30-year EMI trap: Expert explains what homebuyers should compare before choosing to buy or rent

Rent vs buying a house is not just about comparing rent with EMI. Buyers must factor in loan interest, down payment, ownership costs, financial commitments, expected stay and the flexibility that renting offers.

30 Sep 2026 12:25 pm
Hotmail's Sabeer Bhatia reiterates his support for 55% inheritance tax, says it will primarily affect super-wealthy

Sabeer Bhatia backed his proposed inheritance tax, saying it would only hit the top 2-3% of the super-wealthy who control disproportionate assets, leaving 97-98% unaffected.

30 Sep 2026 11:35 am
Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund debuts in SIF segment with an equity long-short fund

Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund has launched the MSIF Equity Long-Short Fund under its specialised investment fund platform. The fund, aiming for long-term capital appreciation, will invest in listed equities while employing short positions through derivatives. 

30 Sep 2026 11:20 am
8th Pay Commission: Shamli pensioners' 12 demands include coverage for retirees before 1 Jan 2026

8th Pay Commission: Pensioners in Uttar Pradesh have sought inclusion of those who retired before 1 January 2026, along with a pension revision, 18 months of DA/DR arrears, restoration of the old pension system and other benefits.

30 Sep 2026 11:19 am
Apple Pay launches in India with Axis Bank as first card partner: Check where you can use it and how to make payments

Apple Pay has launched in India with Axis Bank as its first card partner. Eligible Visa and Mastercard credit card users can make contactless payments through iPhone and Apple Watch at participating merchants, apps and websites.

30 Sep 2026 10:05 am
Parents helped fund your home purchase? ITAT ruling shows why bank trail is crucial to avoid tax scrutiny

Mumbai ITAT deleted a 55.20 lakh addition after finding that a jointly owned house had been funded by the taxpayer, his father and wife th The ruling highlights why homebuyers should maintain a clear document trail when family members contribute to a property purchase.

30 Sep 2026 9:40 am
Gold, silver prices today, 30 September: Check retail rates of 24K, 22K gold, 999 silver in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata

Gold and silver prices today, 30 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.

30 Sep 2026 9:33 am
How much term insurance do you need? Experts explain the right way to calculate your cover

A 1015 times income rule is only a starting point for term insurance. Experts explain how loans, childrens education, dependants, inflation, future goals and existing assets can change the cover you need.

30 Sep 2026 8:11 am
8th Pay Commission: OROP demand for central government civilian pensioners explained

8th Pay Commission: The Commission is considering pension-related demands, including OROP for Level 1-18 civilian employees. Here is what notional fixation, pension parity and career progression could mean for central government pensioners.

30 Sep 2026 7:52 am
10 lakh to 1 crore: When does hiring an investment adviser make financial sense? Here's what experts recommend

There is no fixed corpus at which investors need an investment adviser. Experts say 25 lakh to 50 lakh can be a practical range to consider professional advice, but financial complexity, tax planning, debt, family responsibilities and investment experience can matter more than wealth alone.

30 Sep 2026 7:37 am
Life-cycle mutual funds vs DIY portfolio: Automate investing or manage it yourself for 30 yearswhat experts suggest

Life-cycle mutual funds automatically adjust their asset allocation as a goal approaches, while a DIY portfolio lets investors decide how to divide their money across equity, debt and gold or silver ETFs. Experts explain how the two approaches differ and which one you should choose.

30 Sep 2026 1:41 am
Bigger home, but at what cost? How cheaper suburban rent quietly eats into your money, precious time and peace of mind

Suburban homes may offer more space for less, but hidden costs like commuting can diminish savings. It's vital to evaluate total living expenses and time lost when considering relocation. 

30 Sep 2026 12:10 am
Top 5 hybrid mutual funds: Quant Multi Asset tops the 10-year return chart at 18%; check which schemes lagged

Hybrid mutual funds span categories with different equity, debt and asset-allocation strategies. Over 10 years, returns have varied sharply across these categories. Heres a look at the funds that delivered the highest returns and those that were at the lower end of the list.

29 Sep 2026 11:56 pm
Do homebuyers lose claim to interest on delayed flat once you accept possession? Here's what Allahabad HC ruling states

Accepting possession of a delayed flat does not bar a homebuyer from claiming interest, according to the Allahabad High Court, which added that RERA rules do not specify a limit period on such payment. 

29 Sep 2026 11:50 pm
Want SIFs in your portfolio? Should you invest directly or choose the new mutual fund PRIM route experts explain

SIFs offer investors access to specialised strategies with a 10 lakh minimum investment, while the new PRIM route allows professionally managed portfolios with a 25 lakh minimum. Heres how direct SIF investing differs from PRIM and what investors should consider.

29 Sep 2026 11:24 pm
NPS Vatsalya: Who can make gift contributions to a child's account? Explained

NPS Vatsalya allows parents to secure their child's financial future by opening an account for minors. Launched in September 2024, it is regulated by the PFRDA, requiring a minimum annual contribution of 1,000.

29 Sep 2026 11:02 pm
NPS for small traders: Is 3,000 monthly pension after 60 enough for retirement? Experts highlight harsh reality

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) for Traders offers eligible shopkeepers and self-employed persons an assured 3,000 monthly pension after 60. But with inflation and retirement expenses rising, is this enough? 

29 Sep 2026 10:50 pm
Paid off your personal loan? Why your credit score might not jump right away

Loan closure is not just about making the final payment. Borrowers should also complete the necessary documentation and ensure that the lender updates the account correctly.

29 Sep 2026 10:27 pm
Gen Z now constitute 38% of investors Here's why they choose capital markets, how India's wealth inclusion has evolved

Indians under 30 years of age, or Gen Zs, now constitute 38% of investors. A report explores how India's wealth inclusion has evolved and why the capital markets have gained popularity as a choice of investment. 

29 Sep 2026 10:06 pm
Reliance Industries fell 25% this year: Which mutual funds have the highest exposure and should you be worried?

Reliance Industries has fallen 25% in 2026, putting mutual funds with high exposure to the stock in focus. While some schemes have larger allocations than others, the impact varies across fund categories. Heres what investors should know about their exposure and portfolio risk.

29 Sep 2026 9:58 pm
Does 35% gold, silver and InvIT allocation flexibility make equity mutual funds a better buy? Experts explain

Under the revised SEBI framework, eligible equity mutual funds can allocate their residual portfolio to assets such as gold ETFs, silver ETFs, and Infrastructure Investment Trusts.

29 Sep 2026 9:51 pm
Moving back to India with a foreign job: will your salary be taxed here?

An NRI returning to India may become taxable on salary for services rendered from India, even if the employer is Canadian and the salary continues to be credited to a Canadian bank account.

29 Sep 2026 9:11 pm
EPFO: What is minimum balance? Check rules for early withdrawal, full list of reasons for partial withdrawal here

EPFO members can withdraw funds for medical, educational, or housing needs. Here's a look at the EPFO's rules for partial and early withdrawal by subscribers and the full list of reasons you can use to access your provident fund corpus.

29 Sep 2026 8:46 pm
Debt mutual funds: Axis MF suggests where to invest as RBI may raise rates by 50-75 bps over next 6 months

Interest rates may stay higher for longer as the Fed resumes hikes. Axis MF expects the RBI to tighten rates and favours 1-3 year corporate bonds, while remaining cautious on long SDLs. Heres what debt mutual fund investors should know as bond yields rise.

29 Sep 2026 8:30 pm
With 30 LPA salary, should you buy a luxury car worth 50 lakh? EMI maths explained

A 30 lakh salary can make a 50 lakh luxury car seem affordable, but monthly expenses like insurance and servicing can consume up to 50% of your income. 

29 Sep 2026 8:20 pm
Beyond metros: Tier 2 and 3 cities, women and young investors to drive Indias next wealth wave, says EY report

More than 100 million Indians could join long-term investing by 2035, says an EY report.

29 Sep 2026 7:36 pm
Bank unions strike: IBA, UFBU form high-level committee to discuss 5-day banking, other demands Here's all we know

A high-level committee has been formed, including leadership from various banks and unions, to discuss the implementation of a five-day work week following a deferred strike by the UFBU due to ongoing concerns over incentives and other employee issues.

29 Sep 2026 7:16 pm
File ITR now or wait until the new 21 October tax audit deadline? What taxpayers need to know

The tax audit deadline for AY 2026-27 has been extended to 21 October, but taxpayers who have completed the audit need not wait to file their ITR. An expert explains when you can file early, key checks before filing, and how to revise the return if an audit error is found later.

29 Sep 2026 7:05 pm
EPFO wage ceiling rises to 25,000: How much will go towards your PF, EPS and EDLI in September 2026?

The EPFO wage ceiling has risen to 25,000 from 17 September 2026. If you earn 20,000, your September EPF and EPS contribution depends on your membership status. Here are three scenarios showing how much you and your employer contribute, and how EDLI applies.

29 Sep 2026 6:04 pm
Senior citizens tax myth: Why bank TDS on interest income doesnt mean you can skip filing ITR

The requirement to file an ITR depends on several factors, including the taxpayer's total income, age, residential status and the nature of income earned during the financial year.

29 Sep 2026 5:55 pm
Indians are buying more and more gold without receipt as prices, tax bite

India has more than doubled the import duty on gold and silver to 15%, and retail customers have to pay an additional 3% GST, amid surging bullion prices.

29 Sep 2026 5:24 pm
8th Pay Commission: How will salary hikes under 7th and 8th CPC compare at same fitment factor? We calculate

8th Pay Commission: How will salary hikes compare with the 7th CPC at the same 2.57 fitment factor? As the panel consults with employee unions and pensioner groups, here's how the revised basic pay is calculated, what employees can expect and when the recommendations may be announced.

29 Sep 2026 5:08 pm
Balancing regulatory oversight and operational autonomy in insurance sector

Regulators should act firmly on solvency, mis-selling, policyholder mistreatment and conduct violations, while leaving legitimate decisions on capital allocation, distribution and management incentives to insurers boards.

29 Sep 2026 3:39 pm
Tax audit deadline extended to October 21: Should you file now or wait? What taxpayers need to know

The income tax department has extended the tax audit deadline to October 21, giving taxpayers more time to review their tax audit reports and ITRs. Experts advise those who are ready to file not to delay, while using the additional window to reconcile key tax details and fix discrepancies.

29 Sep 2026 2:11 pm
Bank FD rules: What happens to your money if a bank fails? The 5 lakh insurance limit, explained

Bank fixed deposits offer predictable returns, but deposits are insured only up to 5 lakh per depositor per bank under DICGC rules, including principal and interest. Multiple accounts and FDs in the same bank are generally clubbed for insurance purposes. Here's how depositors can manage the risk.

29 Sep 2026 2:02 pm
Senior citizen paid 9.91 lakh tax on tax-free bond interest by mistake: How he got a refund

A senior citizen from Gurugram mistakenly reported 25.42 lakh of tax-exempt bond interest as taxable income, resulting in excess tax of 9.91 lakh. After the assessing officer rejected his rectification plea, the ITAT directed that the income be treated as exempt and the refund granted.

29 Sep 2026 1:38 pm
Equity vs gold vs silver: Which asset class delivered the most returns in H1 FY27? Here's what data shows

Small-cap equities led the asset-class performance in H1 FY27, delivering 23% returns, ahead of mid-caps at 13% and the Nifty 50 at 2%. Gold and silver declined 10% and 15%, respectively, reversing their strong gains in H1 FY26.

29 Sep 2026 1:29 pm
How HNIs can protect family wealth: Diversification, liquidity and succession planning

India has 1,687 individuals with a net worth of 1,000 crore or more, with most being self-made. As founders become HNIs, the focus shifts from creating wealth to protecting, diversifying and transferring it. Here are four key principles for building lasting family wealth.

29 Sep 2026 1:17 pm
Inflation-linked health cover: what you need to know

Health insurance covers may seem sufficient now, but inflation can raise surgery costs. Inflation-protection features adjust the sum insured at renewal, but often rely on CPI instead of actual medical inflation, which can be higher. 

29 Sep 2026 11:59 am
8th Pay Commission: Postal employees seek 2025-26 bonus before Durga Puja; what they want changed

Postal employees have sought payment of the 2025-26 Productivity Linked Bonus before Durga Puja, while employee unions want the 8th Pay Commission to review the 7,000 bonus calculation ceiling.

29 Sep 2026 11:57 am
Jeevan Pramaan 2026: What pensioners aged 80+ need to know about the October 1 Life Certificate window

The Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare has not yet announced the 2026 dates for submitting Digital Life Certificates. Heres what pensioners, especially those aged 80 years and above, need to know about the October 1 provision, Jeevan Pramaan and the annual Life Certificate requirement.

29 Sep 2026 11:47 am
Buying property abroad for your NRI child? Know how much parents can transfer and what tax rules apply

Indian resident parents can use the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to fund the purchase of overseas property by an NRI or OCI child, subject to FEMA rules. Here's what to know about the $2,50,000 annual limit, gifts, loans, TCS and documentation.

29 Sep 2026 11:35 am
DA hike for central govt employees: Will 3% increase be announced this week?

Central government employees await the next DA hike, with inflation data indicating a possible 3% increase to 63%. Employee unions expect an announcement in early October, ahead of Dussehra. Here's how the revised DA is calculated and when the Centre may announce it.

29 Sep 2026 11:31 am
How hybrid long-short SIFs differ in their strategies

Hybrid long-short SIFs differ in how they balance equity, debt and short positions.

29 Sep 2026 10:40 am