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Showing posts from September, 2024

Sukanya Samriddhi Account to PPF: Guidelines for irregular small savings schemes effective today, October 1

New guidelines for irregular accounts in small savings schemes have been released by the Ministry of Finance, impacting minor PPF, and Sukanya Samriddhi accounts. Effective October 1, 2024, these accounts will not accrue interest from mint - money

National Pension System: Why NPS should be a key investment plan for early retirement

National Pension System: Why NPS should Be a key investment for early retirementNational Pension System: How investing in NPS can help you retire early  from mint - money

Credit card: Is the annual fees charged by banks on their cards worth it?

Credit cards: It is reasonable to pay a high annual fee on a card when the benefits which accrue from the usage of card surpass the fee levied on it. The cost and benefit s vary widely from card to card. So, one must do a comparative analysis of the individual card before taking a final call on it from mint - money

G-Secs: What is RBI retail direct app and how can investors use it to buy bonds?

RBI direct retail scheme is a one-stop solution which enables investors to invest in government securities (G-Secs) seamlessly from mint - money

Bank deposits and mutual funds: cogs of the same wheel

While mutual fund investments, among other investment vehicles, are blamed for slowing growth in bank deposits, the data show otherwise. from mint - money

How you can retire in Europe with Portugal’s passive income visa

Portugal’s D7 visa opens a pathway to permanent residency and Schengen travel access in Europe. from mint - money

7th Pay Commission: When is Dearness Allowance (DA) hike expected for central government employees?

Central government employees await the Dearness Allowance (DA) hike announcement, expected in October, potentially ahead of Diwali. Reports suggest a 3-4% increase from mint - money

All about key rules set to change from 1 October: Aadhaar, PPF, LPG, STT on F&O, income tax rules, and more

Starting October, significant changes in income tax, Aadhaar Card rules, and TDS on mutual funds and rents will be implemented. Key updates include the discontinuation of Aadhaar enrollment ID in PAN documents and revised TDS rates for government bonds and life insurance policies. from mint - money

PM-JAY extended: New proposal for central govt pensioners to offer scheme option for CGHS beneficiaries: Report

A new proposal for central government pensioners, under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), will likely offer the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) scheme as an additional option, reported Financial Express on Saturday. from mint - money

Credit Card: What are the signs of credit card fraud, and how can you protect yourself?

Credit Card: If you happen to receive a phone call from someone where the other person prompts you to share the credit card number or the OTP, then it, is more likely than not, a trap to fleece you from mint - money

Devara Part 1: The battle of greed vs. fear – What it teaches us about money

Devara Part 1: Koratala Siva directs a warriors turned pirates tale with NTR Jr. and Saif Ali Khan as adversaries. Filled with heroic acts and a struggle to survive this action packed film has two very important money lessons. from mint - money

How to make the most of credit cards during the festive season?

Credit Card: During the festive season, credit cards can give you benefits like direct discounts, additional benefits on achieving spend-based festive offers, lounge access, annual fee reversal on achieving required annual spends, etc. from mint - money

Cut the clutter: The art of subtraction to simplify your personal finance

The power of subtraction can help investors gradually adapt to ignore external noise and peer pressure, tackle FOMO effect, and learn to make efficient financial decisions from mint - money

Personal Loan EMI Calculator: All you need to know about its functionality

Personal Loan: EMI calculators are essential tools for managing various loans, including home, car, and personal loans. They help users estimate monthly payments, allowing for informed financial decisions and effective loan management. from mint - money

Credit Card Utilisation: What is it and how does it affect your credit score?

Credit card utilisation significantly impacts your credit score, accounting for 30% of it. Keeping the ratio low by managing spending and payments is essential for financial stability and securing favorable loan conditions. from mint - money

The anatomy of fall in bank deposits—and how to arrest it

The sharp decline in bank deposits signals shifts in customer behaviour, driven by changing saving habits and alternative investments. Reversing this trend will require banks to innovate deposit products and enhance customer engagement. from mint - money

Why I keep getting rejected for personal loans: Unpacking 6 key reasons

Personal Loan: Before applying for a personal loan for your holiday, be aware of potential rejection factors such as low credit scores, high debt, multiple applications, income misalignment, job instability, and documentation errors. Addressing these can improve your loan approval prospects. from mint - money

Credit card: How can I manage and reduce the debt on my card?

When you pay the minimum due, you are liable to pay interest on the balance outstanding. And mind you, interest on credit card bill is sometimes as high as 3-4 percent a month. This means you will end up paying 48 percent on the loan. from mint - money

Personal Loan: 5 reasons for which you may be compelled to raise a loan

Personal loan: Key reasons for raising a personal loan include, but are not confined to, home renovation, wedding, buying a luxury item, going on a vacation and meeting an emergency expense from mint - money

How NPS Vatsalya stands out from other savings products curated for children

It enables parents to initiate retirement savings on behalf of their minor children, which seamlessly morphs into the NPS in their working life, providing uninterrupted accumulation of the savings. from mint - money

Credit Cards: Can banks levy GST on interest component of personal loan EMIs?

Credit cards: The interest portion on loan offered against the credit card limit is subject to 18 percent GST. This certainly adds to the overall EMI burden. from mint - money

Personal loan: How can I get an instant loan online in India?

Personal loan: If you are contemplating raising a personal loan, remember that it is easier than you can imagine. All you need are these documents: salary slips for the past three months, form 16 , Bank statement for the past 6 months (in some cases), PAN card and KYC through aadhaar authentication from mint - money

Can I include future inheritance in my Will?

Your Will governs the assets you own at the time of your passing, regardless of whether you own them when the Will is drafted. from mint - money

Why history tells us to beware the IPO frenzy

Ace investor Parag Parikh had valuable lessons for new investors. This article draws from his book on value investing and his online lectures to highlight risks associated with IPOs, particularly in a bull market. from mint - money

How does credit card work? A beginner’s guide to maximising rewards

Credit Card: Beginners should learn about credit cards to use them wisely. They allow borrowing up to a limit, requiring repayment by the due date. Eligibility varies by age and income, with processing typically taking two weeks and varying joining fees. from mint - money

Can I revise my income tax return to claim certain DTAA benefits?

You can file a revised return under Section 139(5) any time before 31 December 2024 to correct this error. If you miss the deadline you'll have to file an updated return by 31 March 2027. from mint - money

Piggyback nations: How you can unlock third-country access with your US, UK, or Schengen visas

The Schengen visa offers Indian travelers the ability to visit various European and select non-European countries without additional visas. However, before taking advantage of this access, check out specific conditions individual countries impose. from mint - money

Credit cards: How does fuel surcharge waiver work at petrol pumps? Check details

Credit Cards: Fuel surcharge is a small fee that the credit card companies charge from the card users for transactions carried out at fuel pumps. It is, typically, a small fee charged as a percentage of the overall fuel bill, and can range between 1 to 2 percent of the total amount from mint - money

Personal loan: 4 dos and don’ts of securing an instant loan; check details here

Personal loan: There are several fintech platforms which offer insta loan without human intervention. They tell you to upload documents on the system, carry out KYC through aadhaar-based authentication, check your credit score before disbursing the sum from mint - money

Avoiding double tax on Kisan Vikas Patra interest: ITR filing tips

This interest will be taxed as income from other sources and will be disclosed in Schedule OS (other sources) in your income tax Areturn. from mint - money

Risk: An underrated word in today's investment landscape

Those who dismiss risk as an unnecessary consideration may find themselves unprepared when the market inevitably turns. from mint - money

Is moving to Dubai on the nomad work visa worth it?

Dubai’s virtual work visa programme offers one-year residency to individuals working remotely from mint - money

Siddhant Chaturvedi's Yudhra: Unpacking the money lessons hidden in the chaos

Siddhant Chaturvedi's Yudhra: To survive market downturns, investors should monitor stock patterns and invest in value stocks. The film 'Yudhra' reflects this chaos, presenting an angry protagonist amid savagery, highlighting the importance of informed investing over blind faith in trends. from mint - money

Personal loan: 5 reasons to get a personal loan to help finance life’s adventures

Personal loan: There are not many borrowing options available when you have to raise money for something as discretionary as travelling. So, the only feasible and viable option that one can avail is to raise a personal loan from mint - money

Personal loans: These are the five key questions you should know before applying

Personal loan: There is a limit to the amount of personal loan that one can raise, which could typically be up to 20 times the net monthly income of borrower from mint - money

4 best credit cards every first-time user should consider

Credit cards are essential for financial management, especially for beginners. They offer cash flow management and rewards on daily expenses. A few beginner-friendly cards include options with cashback and lounge access features to help build credit history. from mint - money

Personal loan: What is the maximum amount of loan I can avail on my income?

Personal Loans: If you are planning to raise a loan, remember that the limit of loan can vary widely. However, the maximum limit is usually a multiplier of your monthly income. This effectively means higher your monthly income, higher the amount of personal loan you can raise. from mint - money

Beyond past performance: Key factors for mutual fund selection

Choosing the right mutual fund involves more than past performance. Investors should focus on portfolio goals, fund management strategies, and the manager's expertise. Awareness of global trends and personal biases is crucial for effective investment decisions. from mint - money

Should courts do the math? Reducing the judiciary's burden in motor insurance claim settlements

Cases often drag on for at least four years on average before they are resolved in a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. from mint - money

Why investors should consider these five alternatives to SME IPOs

Five investment opportunities better than SME IPOs for growing your wealth  from mint - money

NPS Vatsalya: How ₹10K annual investment will make your child crorepati. Check here

NPS Vatsalya calculator: How an annual investment of ₹10,000 can make your child a crorepati. Details here from mint - money

Understanding dates of purchase for house property and capital gains exemptions

The date of purchase for a house property can vary based on the property type. Capital gains exemptions under Section 54 apply for long-term gains, but none exist for short-term gains. Investment funding can be through loans or savings without affecting exemption eligibility from mint - money

Building a retirement nest egg from birth: How NPS Vatsalya can make money for your kids

By investing early, the Vatsalya scheme leverages the power of compounding, creating a solid retirement fund by the time your child turns 60 from mint - money

Is ₹2 crore enough as retirement corpus?

Understanding inflation and investment strategies are crucial for retirement planning. from mint - money

Government increases PF withdrawal limit to ₹1 lakh, likely to hike salary ceiling: Report

The labor ministry has implemented various changes to the EPFO's operations, including a new digital framework and updated guidelines to enhance flexibility and responsiveness, minimizing inconveniences for subscribers, according to the minister. from mint - money

Credit Cards: 5 pitfalls you must avoid to maximise your benefits

Credit cards help manage finances, especially for salaried individuals. Avoid mistakes like not checking your credit score, ignoring eligibility criteria, providing inaccurate information, and not reading terms. from mint - money

Income Tax: How can a middle-class salaried employee optimise for taxes?

Income Tax: Salaried employees can optimise their taxes by leveraging deductions such as 80C and 80D, and by making contributions to the National Pension System. Proper salary structuring and understanding investment taxation can further enhance post-tax earnings. from mint - money

The invisible burden on low-income workers that’s equivalent to a 35% tax paid by crorepatis

Compulsory contributions to insurance and pension plans are a heavy burden on workers below the income-tax threshold, according to some experts. from mint - money

Heirs face an uphill task claiming securities, mutual fund units as legal beneficiaries without nomination

If a nomination is not filed, requirements such as probate of will, succession certificate, legal heirship certificate, and no objection letters from other legal heirs would plunge the process into delays. from mint - money

Personal Loans: 3 smart reasons to consider borrowing for your next big expense

Personal Loans: Be it something personal or something that you cannot afford to wait for, raising a personal loan is recommended. For instance, you could raise a personal loan to pay for a wedding, to spend on a foreign vacation, or to buy an expensive gift for your partner from mint - money

Returning to India from abroad? What to know about bank accounts and taxation

Returning to India as a non-resident Indian requires converting accounts to NRO. As a resident under FEMA, NRO, NRE, or FCNR accounts are not permitted. Tax implications depend on residency status, and Indian income will be taxable regardless of this status. from mint - money

How Indian students can get work visas after studying abroad

Several countries offer post-study work visas to students after completion of their education programme. from mint - money

Income tax implications for inheriting fixed deposits ( FDs) after father's death

Upon the father's passing, the nominee inherits fixed deposits. However, they must inform the bank, as assets are shared among legal heirs. TDS will apply to interest, and inherited assets aren't taxable income. Interest accrued before death is taxed in the father's name from mint - money

Want to cancel your Netflix subscription? Try it on SiHub, a cool hack all should know!

You can unsubscribe your recurring transactions such as Netflix subscription made via debit cards by modifying the standing instructions on SiHub platform linked to your bank account from mint - money

The Buckingham Murders: Money lessons you can learn from Kareena Kapoor Khan’s latest thriller

The Buckingham Murders: Kareena Kapoor Khan stars in Jaane Jaan, portraying a grieving mother turned cop in a murder mystery. The film offers valuable money lessons, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and understanding political influences before investing. from mint - money

Why have TCS employees received tax demand notices, and what to do if you get one

TCS employees have received income tax notices related to TDS discrepancies. TCS informed employees that the tax department would reprocess their returns to resolve the issue. from mint - money

Credit Cards: Banks offer these latest offers and deals; check details here

Credit Card: Most of these credit card discounts and offers are time-bound, and therefore stand to expire after a couple of months. For instance, HDFC Bank VISA Contactless card has rolled out a number of deals that are set to expire on Oct 30, 2024 from mint - money

Credit card fees exposed: Can you be charged before your card is even activated?

Credit cards are activated via OTP confirmation. Banks can't charge fees before activation. Customers must not activate unsolicited cards. Unused cards don't affect credit scores, and deactivation differs from closure. Outstanding dues affect the card closure process. from mint - money

Business Loan: 7 game-changing factors that determine your interest rate

Business Loan: The interest rate on a business loan is influenced by various factors like credit score, collateral, loan tenure, type of loan, business financials, inflation and market interest rate, etc. from mint - money

How to protect yourself from financial scams? Here are 7 ways

Fraudsters lure investors with promises of guaranteed high returns and fake success stories. They create urgency to pressure decisions. To avoid scams, conduct thorough research, verify claims, and consult professionals before investing, especially when asked to deposit money into personal accounts. from mint - money

Personal loans: Is it wise to borrow money to repay existing debts? Here's what you need to know

By taking out a new personal loan, you restart the loan term with a lower principal amount than before. As a result, your EMI is likely to decrease. from mint - money

Managing your child’s NRI finances: Why it is crucial to have a power of attorney

A PoA can help them manage their child’s finances legally, offering protection and peace of mind while ensuring compliance with FEMA regulations. from mint - money

Received a TDS mismatch notice? It could be an error—here's how to resolve it

When taxpayers receive such a tax demand, they can counter it by filing a rectification request on the IT portal from mint - money

How you can get a loan against mutual funds instead of breaking the investment when you need cash

Instead of selling your mutual fund prematurely, you can take a loan against the investment, but watch out for margin calls from mint - money

Mutual Funds: Inflows into equity schemes rose 3%, debt schemes saw 62% dip in August, reveals AMFI data

According to AMFI data for the monthly of September, open-ended equity mutual fund inflows rose by 3 per cent in August to ₹38,239.16 crore, reflecting a positive shift in investor confidence amid subdued equity market activity. from mint - money

How a divorce led this influencer to go all in on mutual funds

Here is the journey of Instagram influencer Sukhneet Wadhwa who transitioned from a savings-focused approach to mutual funds after her divorce from mint - money

There's been a surge in income tax notices. Here's why, and how to respond.

By responding promptly and accurately, and seeking professional advice when needed, taxpayers can ensure compliance, avoid delays in processing tax refunds, and minimise the risk of penalties. from mint - money

Call Me Bae: From luxury to lessons—What Bella's journey reveals about financial wisdom

The series follows Bella's journey from a privileged life to independence after a scandal. It explores themes of collaboration, loyalty, and the necessity of financial security, all wrapped in a fun and engaging storyline. from mint - money

Credit Cards: Want to know which card suits you the most? Look out for 4 key factors

Although credit cards offer an interest-free period for 45 to 55 days, they charge an interest on the unpaid balance. Higher the interest rate, higher the financial burden for card user at a later stage after the deadline is missed from mint - money

Personal Loan: 3 mistakes people make while borrowing money through a fintech platform

Personal loan applicants must ensure that the fintech platform is a non-banking financial corporation registered with the RBI or has, at least, partnered with an NBFC for the purpose of lending from mint - money

FMV, circle rates and capital gains: A guide for property sellers

It is advisable to obtain a valuation report from a registered valuer so that one can submit the same before the tax authorities, if required to substantiate the cost of acquisition. from mint - money

Imminent US Fed rate cut: What It means for India

With heightened expectations of an interest rate reversal, the DXY has eased to 100.75, which is positive for the INR, and the RBI will monitor the rupee's relative movement for potential policy action. from mint - money

How to obtain a Dubai Golden Visa through real estate investment

Secure a 10-year renewable residency in Dubai with a minimum investment of ₹4.57 crore, valid as long as property ownership is maintained. Visa holders can also sponsor family members from mint - money

What is Bank of Baroda’s systematic deposit plan? Key features to know

Unlike a typical fixed deposit (FD) plan, depositors do not need to make one-time deposit into Bank of Baroda's systematic deposit plan. The deposit can be made in instalments which could be as low as ₹100 in a metro city, and ₹50 in a semi-urban town from mint - money

HDFC Bank raises key lending rate for THIS tenure; check the latest MCLR for Sept 2024 here

HDFC Bank has raised the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) for 3-month tenure by 5 basis points. The interest rates for all other tenures continue to be the same. from mint - money

NPS: These pension fund managers gave 20% CAGR return on equity investment in Tier II accounts; see details

NPS: Most pension fund managers have posted five-year returns on their equity investment (Tier -II) in the range of 19-21 percent per annum. The lowest return was given by SBI-PF, while the highest return by ICICI-PF from mint - money

Got your first credit card? 8 key things you should be aware of

A credit card gives you an interest-free period of 45-55 days, based on the date your credit card bill is generated. Whenever you use your credit card to buy something or to make payment for the services you bought, you are entitled to reward points from mint - money

FD interest rates: Earn up to 7.65% annually on 3-year fixed deposits; check details here

A few banks, including Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bank of Baroda, offer senior citizens an interest rate of 7.6 per cent on their three-year fixed deposits. from mint - money

Plan to invest directly in bonds? Beware these risks or you could lose it all.

Retail investors often assume that bonds are safer than equities. While this is generally true, bonds come with their own set of risks, including loss of principal. from mint - money

Mutual Funds: An SIP of ₹10K in this scheme since launch would have grown to ₹1.69 crore. Should you invest?

Mutual Funds: If an investor were religiously consistent in their investment in Quant Multi Asset Fund since the scheme’s launch (i.e., April 2001), the total corpus would have swelled to ₹1.69 crore in the past 23 years from mint - money

Retirement Planning: With UPS in the fray soon, is it the time for govt employees to exit NPS?

Wealth advisors suggest that having more than one option to choose from is a good thing from a retiree’s point of view. They will soon be able to choose between the inflation-linked UPS and the market-linked NPS from mint - money

Can I claim an exemption by investing in residential flats under Sections 54F and 54 one after another during same year?

Exemptions under Sections 54 and 54F can be claimed in the same year if conditions are met. However, purchasing a residential flat within one year of selling another can prevent claiming 54F for that asset from mint - money

Teachers’ Day 2024: These 3 key lessons Warren Buffett learnt from his mentor Benjamin Graham

Teachers’ Day 2024: Warren Buffett has often lauded Benjamin Graham — who was not only a good teacher, investor and mentor — but a generous person also at the same time. from mint - money

Balancing education loans and living costs: A guide for Indian students abroad

Sending children abroad for higher studies is expensive. Parents must start planning early, explore funding options, and encourage their children to practice austerity and seek part-time jobs from mint - money

EPS pensioners have reason to cheer! They can get pension from any bank in India from January 1, 2025; details here

The government has approved a Centralised Pension Payment System for the EPS that will enable disbursement from any bank in the country. It will be launched on January 1, 2025, and is expected to benefit over 78 lakh pensioners. from mint - money

Retirement Planning: How traditional life insurance products supercharge your pension plan strategy

Retirement planning has evolved, necessitating a steady income stream to manage rising costs. In India, where social safety nets are limited, traditional life insurance is vital for achieving financial independence and ensuring a secure retirement, regardless of when one chooses to retire. from mint - money

Teachers’ Day 2024: What Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Ratan Tata, and Shah Rukh Khan teach us about wealth management

On Teachers' Day 2024, we reflect on the wisdom from various educators like Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Ratan Tata, and Shah Rukh Khan, emphasizing the importance of learning from everyone. from mint - money

Relief to taxpayers: How to access CBDT's new e-dispute resolution system— a step-by-step guide

A taxpayer can opt for the e-dispute resolution system against the ‘specified order’, which includes an order in which the aggregate sum of variations proposed or made is lower than ₹10 lakh and returned income for the relevant AY does not exceed ₹50 lakh. from mint - money

Personal Loans: From eligibility, interest rates to the application process; all you want to know about them

Personal loans: When a sudden financial need happens to outstip your financial ability, one of the most feasible alternatives is to raise a personal loan which is an unsecured loan from mint - money

Equity returns: How much should you really expect?

The bull market is leading investors to believe that the returns from equities in the last few years will continue forever.If you see the red flags of excesses in your portfolio, you might need professional help from mint - money

Dreaming of studying abroad? 7 vital steps to secure the perfect education loan

Education loans are vital for Indian students pursuing studies abroad, driven by high aspirations and career goals. Proper financial planning, thorough research of loan options, and timely application are essential for a smooth education financing journey. from mint - money

Can I pay municipal taxes on behalf of my NRI son?

According to Fema regulations, payments made by a resident on behalf of a non-resident are prohibited unless specifically allowed from mint - money

Why this Luxembourg-based couple invests in Indian stocks only

While enjoying the perks of European living, Prateek Gupta and Neha Maheshwari’s decision to invest solely in Indian stocks reflects both a deep connection to their roots and a bold bet on India’s economic future. How does this unconventional choice align with their long-term ambitions? from mint - money

Planning a trip abroad? Here's everything you need to know about buying insurance.

A basic travel insurance plan may not offer all the cover you need, so it’s important to inquire about riders and pick the right ones. from mint - money

Tax exemption for trusts: Spending in India or benefit in India?

The income Tax Tribunal allowed Tata Trusts' tax exemption on loan scholarships for Indian students studying abroad, ruling the funds were applied in India. The case raises questions on why tax exemptions depend on where money is spent rather than who benefits. from mint - money

Retired in February but leave encashed in April. When is the benefit of exemption applicable?

Salary is taxable on a ‘due’ or ‘receipt’ basis, whichever is earlier from mint - money

The $230-million WazirX hack: regulatory gap leaves 4 million Indians stranded

The recent WazirX hack has left 4.2 million users, primarily Indians, with substantial losses. Industry experts emphasize the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to protect investors in the crypto market. Until then, crypto investors are on their own. from mint - money

The pitfalls of leaving nomination blank in bank accounts and insurance policies

Specifying nominees for bank accounts and insurance policies is crucial for prompt fund access and avoiding lengthy legal processes, ensuring family members are supported during difficult times. from mint - money