The Economic Times

Money management is key to financial freedom. Smart habits help achieve life goals. Dave Ramsy, a financial advisor, emphasizes living on less than you earn. Proper spending, saving, and budgeting create stability. Understanding where money comes from and goes is vital. This approach builds a strong financial foundation over time.

Cash payments at National Highway toll plazas will be phased out from April 1, 2026. All toll payments will then be digital, primarily through FASTag and UPI. This move aims to enhance electronic toll collection efficiency. Over 98 percent FASTag penetration has already transformed tolling practices. UPI payment options are also available nationwide.

Draft Income-Tax Rules 2026 aim for voluntary compliance but require crucial changes to prevent taxpayers from paying twice. Key issues include protecting deductees from deductor defaults, rationalizing Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for NRIs, automating excess TDS refunds, and refining Statement of Financial Transactions (SFT) rules to avoid double reporting and procedural burdens.

Abakkus Mutual Fund, backed by Sunil Singhania, will launch its small cap fund NFO on February 26, closing March 12. The scheme aims to capture long-term growth through diversified small cap investments. With high-risk exposure and sectoral opportunities, the fund targets investors seeking higher returns amid evolving market dynamics.

High earners in India face financial distress despite good incomes. Poor money management, lifestyle inflation, and social pressure lead to debt. Financial educator Neha Nagar shares seven steps for financial independence. These include saving, clearing debts, building emergency funds, investing, and upskilling. This approach can help individuals achieve long-term wealth and security.

The Supreme Court has ruled that an unchallenged will is enough for land mutation. A landowner's registered will allows a beneficiary to get land mutation. Another person's unregistered sale agreement claim was dismissed. Mutation is for revenue purposes and does not grant ownership title. This decision clarifies land revenue laws in Madhya Pradesh.

Meaningful gains under the old regime hinge largely on HRA -- and not everyone may qualify.

The Supreme Court has ordered the eviction of a son from his elderly parents' Mumbai properties. The court ruled that the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, allows tribunals to evict children who fail to maintain their senior parents. The son was also directed to pay maintenance to his parents.

.The Income Tax Department has revealed that these fraudulent messages often contain minor spelling errors and fake links designed to appear genuine. The I-T Department has asked citizens to verify all tax-related information only through its official website.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that Noida cannot charge lease rent for a plot until possession is officially handed over. The court stated that if a separate possession certificate for a sub-divided plot was not issued, that period is considered 'zero period' and no rent is due.

A viral post claiming Google is bigger than India drew a sharp rebuttal from Sanjeev Bikhchandani, who explained that comparing market cap with GDP is fundamentally flawed. He noted that a valid comparison would use Googles revenue, not its valuation, to assess scale.

LIC Mutual Fund introduces its new LIC MF Technology Fund. This open-ended equity scheme invests in technology and digital companies. Experts advise caution, highlighting the difficulty of timing sector cycles. They suggest diversified funds for most investors. The fund aims for capital appreciation by investing in technology-related equities. Investors should consider their risk appetite and investment horizon.

Mutual funds drove strong buying in January across private banks, pharma, e-commerce, auto, ports, and consumer sectors, with top picks including HDFC Bank, Biocon, Swiggy, M&M, and ITC.

Banking & PSU debt funds offer relatively safe investment options for a few years, investing primarily in government-backed entities to minimize credit risk. While interest rate fluctuations pose a risk, these funds are generally better positioned due to shorter-duration investments. Investors considering a three-year horizon can explore recommended schemes like Axis Banking & PSU Debt Fund.

The Supreme Court of India has clarified property division rules for Hindu Undivided Families. A Karta's property is considered self-acquired if proven to be from personal income, not ancestral assets. This ruling emphasizes the need for clear evidence to distinguish between joint family and individual property. The court stressed a realistic appraisal of evidence in such cases.

Axis Mutual Fund is targeting over 20 per cent year-on-year growth in assets under management from 2026, betting on improving corporate earnings, a strengthening capex cycle and a large untapped investor base, a top company official said on Thursday.

Central government employees are anticipating a 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike, pushing it to 60% from 58%. This increase, based on the December 2025 AICPI-IW reading, is expected to be announced soon, potentially before Holi. DA adjustments, occurring twice yearly, aim to offset inflation and impact basic salaries, which remain fixed under pay commissions.

Gold and silver prices hit record highs in January 2026 before experiencing a sharp correction. Experts advise long-term investors (5-10 years) not to panic, viewing the dip as a buying opportunity. They recommend systematic accumulation, citing strong fundamentals like central bank buying and industrial demand.

John C. Bogle warned that the financial system prioritizes selling products over investor well-being. Institutions profit from fees and transactions, creating a conflict of interest where seller incentives clash with buyer goals. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors to protect their long-term financial future.

Unlock tax savings with these 10 income sources exempt from income tax in India. From agricultural earnings and PPF/EPF returns to life insurance maturity and scholarships, understand how to legally reduce your tax burden.

A Delhi woman reported Rs 60 lakh worth of jewelry missing from her bank locker, prompting a police investigation. Despite no signs of forced entry, the incident raises questions about bank liability. Current RBI regulations cap compensation at 100 times the annual locker rent, emphasizing the need for private insurance to cover the full value of valuables.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has significantly increased CGHS medical reimbursement limits for central government employees. Heads of departments can now settle claims up to Rs 10 lakh without IFD consultation, provided rules are not relaxed and rates are adhered to. Previously, this limit was Rs 5 lakh.

High salary earners are receiving 'nudge' notices from the Income Tax Department. These notices prompt employees to correct errors like undeclared property income, crypto gains, and ESOPs. The department is offering a final chance to voluntarily fix mistakes before taking stricter action. This initiative aims to ensure accurate tax declarations and compliance among affluent taxpayers.

ET Wealth Reader's Query: I am a kidney donor and have a health insurance policy. I am unhappy with my current insurance company and want to know if I can move to a new insurer.

Draft Income-tax Rules 2026 propose increased allowance limits, potentially allowing taxpayers under the old regime to pay significantly less tax. Calculations suggest substantial savings for salaries of Rs 15 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, and Rs 25 lakh compared to the new tax regime, if these changes are approved.

Coppers sharp rally has sparked interest among investors wondering if it could be the next big opportunity after gold and silver. Experts caution that direct or indirect exposure to the commodity involves significant volatility and complexity, stressing that investorsespecially seniorsmust clearly define their objectives before entering this high-risk space.

Mutual funds trimmed positions across seven key sectors in January, with the heaviest selling in metals, IT services and cables, alongside notable exits in PSU banks, oil & gas, utilities and capital goods, JM Financial data shows.

Mutual fund advisors are predicting 2025 as the year for hybrid funds, especially for new investors navigating economic uncertainties. Conservative hybrid funds, with a majority in debt and a small equity portion, offer a cautious entry. These funds aim for modest equity gains while prioritizing capital preservation. Experts highlight specific schemes for consideration.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: This significant holiday commemorates the birth anniversary of the Maratha ruler. While banking services are unavailable in Maharashtra, branches in other Indian states will operate as usual. Customers are advised to verify holiday status for any bank-related tasks.