The Economic Times

People often fall into debt traps due to easy spending in the digital age. Unproductive, high-cost debts like credit card balances grow rapidly. This situation arises when spending exceeds income. While credit is vital for education and housing, impulsive borrowing for lifestyle expenses creates long-term debt cycles. Thomas Jefferson's advice to not spend money before earning it remains relevant.

Highest FD interest rate: With FD rates declining, investors seeking fixed returns should carefully consider their options. Small finance banks currently offer the highest FD interest rates, reaching up to 7.90% per annum.

Kerala government employees and pensioners will receive a significant financial boost with a 10% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), raising them from 25% to 35%. This increase, effective from March 2026 salary and April 2026 pension disbursements, benefits a wide range of state-funded personnel.

Flexicap funds with strong risk-adjusted returns have outperformed in recent years, led by Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and HDFC offerings. Based on Sharpe ratio analysis, these funds have delivered consistent three-year returns while managing volatility effectively, making them suitable options for investors seeking balanced risk and reward.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi: Farmers eagerly await the PM Kisan 22nd instalment of Rs 2,000. This payment is tentatively scheduled between February end and March 2026. eKYC is a mandatory requirement for all registered PM Kisan beneficiaries.

Basant Bafna of Mirae Asset Mutual Fund says his investment approach prioritises client-first discipline, high-credit-quality portfolios and active duration management. Drawing on experience at Export-Import Bank of India, he focuses on risk-adjusted returns backed by data, with alpha generation as the key motivation.

A well-structured mutual fund portfolio can help investors achieve multiple financial goals without frequent changes. Experts suggest maintaining diversification, gradually reducing risk for short-term goals, and increasing SIP contributions for long-term targets. Regular portfolio reviews and disciplined investing remain key to balancing returns, risk, and goal-based planning effectively.

Budget 2026 introduces significant perquisite rule changes, lowering taxable housing valuations and increasing tax-free limits for education, meals, and gifts. While motor car perquisite values rise for employer-owned vehicles, employee-owned cars see a decrease in taxable value. These adjustments aim to boost employee take-home pay by reducing taxable income components.

Jharkhand High Court has ordered a son and his wife to vacate their parents' self-acquired home. The court ruled that inheritance comes with a duty to care for parents. The senior citizens claimed harassment and mistreatment. The High Court's decision supports elderly parents' right to a peaceful life in their own property.

The Supreme Court has ruled against granting equal status and benefits to contractual employees as regular staff. It stated that such a move would legitimize arbitrary hiring practices and undermine regular recruitment safeguards. However, the court urged employers to sympathetically consider regularizing long-serving contractual employees on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing this decision is not a precedent.

Bank holiday today: All public, private, cooperative and regional rural banks are subject to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulation. The RBI publishes a state-wise holiday list in its holiday calendar.

Following RBI's August 2024 guidelines, P2P lending platforms now offer greater transparency and investor control, stripping away guaranteed returns and algorithmic auto-investing. While still capable of higher yields than traditional fixed-income products, investors must now actively manage risks, diversify extensively, and understand platform fees and exit limitations.

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.