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Showing posts from November, 2024

Starting December 1, these money-related changes likely to impact your pocket. Check details

From aadhaar and income tax to LPG prices, these are the changes that are likely to affect your pocket from today from mint - money

From light regulation to accountability: How Sebi is rethinking SME IPO rules

Sebi has raised alarms over issues in the SME sector, including misuse of IPO funds and market misconduct, threatening investor protection. As SMEs increasingly engage in related party transactions, the need for stricter regulations becomes urgent from mint - money

Personal loans: How opting for multiple funding options can be a rational move?

You can opt for multiple funding options such as instant loan, credit card and personal loan. This can help you raise money conveniently but may have an adverse impact on the credit score from mint - money

EPFO update: Central Board of Trustees meet to decide on proposals — ETF investment increase to 15%? Details here

The Central Board of Trustees of the EPFO is meeting today to discuss proposals such as increase in EFT investment to 15 per cent, tweak to ETF redemption policies, REIT investments, and annual performance reviews, among others. from mint - money

Disney’s Moana 2: Storms, superpowers, and the money lessons you need to learn

Moana and demigod Maui join forces once again to find the island lost in a gigantic storm so the world can be connected once again. The enemies have superpowers that teach us important money lessons. from mint - money

Planning to switch your job? EPFO has an important message for you

EPF: The last date for employers for aadhaar-based UAN activation of its employees is Nov 30. from mint - money

7 types of personal loan repayment method: Which one is best suited for you?

Personal loans: Choosing the right loan repayment method is crucial for financial management. Effective strategies include tight budgeting, prioritizing debts, and understanding various repayment options to achieve long-term financial stability and security. from mint - money

Credit Card Statement: What your statement date, minimum payment really mean

Credit cards are essential for modern purchases, offering deferred payment options. Monthly statements provide crucial details about transactions, payments due, and potential fees, enabling users to track spending and address discrepancies effectively. from mint - money

Personal loan: 10 key questions to ask yourself before opting for it

Personal loans: Typically people raise a personal loan for a range of purposes such as for a wedding, renovation at home, to buy a luxury item and for vacation abroad, among others. The first thing, therefore, you need to ask yourself is whether you need the loan or not from mint - money

Indian Bank's special fixed deposit scheme offering up to 8.05 percent to end on Nov 30. Check details

The state lender Indian Bank offers two special fixed deposit (FD) schemes -- one for 300 days and the other for 400 days from mint - money

How to keep the FIRE burning.

Experts weigh in at the Mint Money Festival 2024 on how to achieve financial independence and retire early (FIRE). from mint - money

How to manage emotional biases during volatile markets?

Studies show that investors who cultivate emotional intelligence through structured approaches - such as maintaining investment journals, implementing reflection periods, and regularly reviewing their decision patterns - tend to achieve superior results over time from mint - money

American Express offers these four premium credit cards in India. Check details

Credit cards: Before you apply for a credit card, you can determine what kind of credit card suits your needs. Then you need to see the terms and conditions, and eligibility criteria to apply for the card from mint - money

Credit Cards: Are they worth it? A deep dive into their pros and cons

Credit cards: While credit cards are useful for building credit history and managing expenses, they can lead to financial issues if not used wisely. Understanding fees, avoiding overspending, and staying vigilant against fraud are essential for reaping the rewards without falling into debt. from mint - money

Personal Loan: 5 key determinants of repayment tenure you need to know

Personal Loan: Your personal loan repayment tenure should ideally be determined by a number of factors which include the rate of interest, ability to repay, future income and your long term financial goals from mint - money

NPCI unveils new lounge access policy for RuPay credit cards effective January 1, 2025. Details here

Credit cards: RuPay has set up an exclusive lounge for its credit cardholders at the Delhi airport. With spends in the calendar quarter, the cardholder can unlock complimentary lounge access in the next quarter. from mint - money

Inflation Calculator: What will your ₹5 crore be worth in three, five, or ten years— Explained

Inflation erodes the value of money, making long-term savings less effective from mint - money

5 key benefits of personal loans that you should know about –– flexibility, lack of usage curbs, and …

Personal loans: These are versatile financial products that can help consolidate debts or fund major life events. Personal loans do not require collateral, offer quick disbursement, and have fixed interest rates, but borrowers should consider interest rates and repayment conditions before applying. from mint - money

EPF has issues. Can you say No to it?

In 2023-24, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation rejected 8.7 million applications from individuals seeking to withdraw money from their EPF accounts. from mint - money

What are UPI credit cards? How are they changing the way we make payments? An explainer

UPI credit cards enable the card holders to make real time payments via credit. It's like being able to avail the best of both the worlds from mint - money

From ELSS to PPF: 7 key tax-saving investments you should make before the financial year ends

Income Tax Saving: Different income tax saving instruments include ELSS, PPF, insurance premium, principal sum of home loan, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Senior Citizens Savings Scheme from mint - money

Best mutual funds: These are the best sectoral schemes which gave over 25% annualised return in the past five years

Sectoral mutual funds invest in a particular sector of the economy such as infrastructure, banking, technology or pharmaceuticals etc. Since these funds focus on just one sector of the economy, they limit diversification, and are thus riskier. from mint - money

Ayushman Bharat PMJAY for senior citizens aged 70+: Checklist of documents mandatory for eligibility

Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme offers ₹5 lakh health insurance to senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. Learn about eligibility, Aadhaar-based enrolment, benefits, and the application process for this transformative healthcare initiative. from mint - money

Best Bank FD Rates: Earn up to 8.25% on fixed deposits | Check November 2024 interest updates here

Fixed deposits offer reliable long-term returns with higher interest rates than savings accounts. In November 2024, YES Bank reduced its FD rate to 7.75 per cent for 18 months, while Punjab & Sind Bank offers up to 8.25 per cent interest for deposits of ₹1 lakh or more. from mint - money

Personal loan: What is a top-up option and when should you go for it?

Personal loan: A top-up personal loan is an additional dose of funding that can help meet requirements that surface suddenly. from mint - money

Insurance mis-selling can trap you! Follow these tips to ensure the right plan. Check coverage exclusions & inclusions

Insurance: You should opt for an insurance product which aligns with your income. If your income is low, you can ideally settle for a term plan of moderate value. Alternatively, if your income is on the higher side, you would need a bigger plan. from mint - money

Loans against shares spiked on bull run. Is this a good idea to borrow against securities? Experts answer

Raising a personal loan against shares, bonds and mutual funds is not a good idea, particularly when the market has been undergoing a lot of volatility, advise wealth advisors from mint - money

Best personal loan rates for November 2024: Check the latest interest rates here

Personal loan typically charge a higher interest rate since it is unsecured, and banks make up for risk by charging a higher rate from mint - money

Best Credit Cards Nov 2024: You can explore one of these 7 cards among a gamut of options around

Best credit cards: The ones with reward points do well for the shopaholics whereas the ones which give special discounts and those with high cashbacks on online spends typically strike a chord with the card users who love to shop online. from mint - money

Highest FD rates: Flipkart-backed super.money brings FD on UPI, will it give higher return than small finance banks?

Flipkart-backed super.money allows users to invest in Fixed Deposits via UPI, offering up to 9.5% interest. The superFD product insures deposits up to ₹5,00,000. Young investors can easily set up an account and choose from multiple banks for high returns. from mint - money

Are OPD expenses incurred abroad covered in travel insurance?

Most travel insurance plans cover both hospitalisation and OPD medical expenses, though some have a separate, lower limit for OPD bills. from mint - money

UPI 123 Pay: Key changes to come into effect before January 1

Last month, RBI raised the limit of each transaction on UPI 123 from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. NPCI has, therefore, told banks and service providers to follow the new limits before Jan 1 next year from mint - money

From Aadhaar-PAN linking to foreign taxation: 5 key income tax services at India International Trade Fair 2024

During the Trade Fair, the Taxpayers' Lounge provides various income tax services, such as help with PAN applications, e-filing, and foreign taxation queries from mint - money

48% credit card users solely rely on online shopping; over 80% benefit from e-commerce offers during festive season

Credit card users significantly prefer online shopping during festive sales, with over 48% relying solely on credit cards for online purchases. Discounts and offers on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, along with cashback options, drive this shift in consumer behavior. from mint - money

Planning to retire with an equity-heavy portfolio? History warns against it.

A year or two of poor initial returns won’t affect a conservative retirement portfolio. But for an aggressive one, those initial losses will be damaging even if there is a strong recovery in equities. from mint - money

Credit card expiration: What happens when your card expires?

Credit cards have expiry dates, beyond which they cannot be used. Issuers set these dates for security upgrades and to prevent wear and tear. Check the expiry on the card and statements, renew subscriptions, dispose of expired cards safely, and keep contact details updated with the issuer. from mint - money

Mind over market: 7 habits of investors who thrive during corrections

Market turbulence isn’t just a challenge—it’s a chance to grow. Resist impulsive decisions, refine your approach, and let time work in your favour. from mint - money

Can you get a personal loan? Check eligibility criteria first

Personal loans: Eligibility for personal loans includes a good credit score, stable income, and low debt. Understanding lender requirements and researching loan options can enhance your chances of approval. Personal loans offer quick financial relief, yet not everyone meets the necessary criteria. from mint - money

What is a personal loan? A comprehensive guide for first-time borrowers

Personal loans: They are flexible and fast approval options for various financial needs. They require careful consideration of terms, credit score, and repayment plans to align with long-term financial goals, ensuring responsible borrowing without collateral risks. from mint - money

Personal Loan: 10 common mistakes to avoid before you apply

Personal loans are now easily accessible online, but applicants must avoid mistakes like applying without need, disregarding credit scores, and submitting multiple applications. Proper planning and comparison can lead to successful approvals and timely repayments. from mint - money

Bank locker rules 2024: What you can and cannot store in SBI, HDFC, Bank of Baroda, and ICICI Bank lockers

Bank lockers are secure storage options for valuables like jewellery and documents. However, items such as cash, illegal substances, explosives, and perishable materials are prohibited to ensure safety and compliance with laws from mint - money

New pension scheme for minors: Should you invest in NPS Vatsalya?

NPS Vatsalya: Should you invest in this new pension scheme for minors to build wealth from mint - money

Sebi can do more to dissuade retail speculation in futures and options

For starters, investors must be taught that F&O is a hedging instrument and not an investment in itself. from mint - money

Last 45 days to 2025! What should be your investing strategy to reboot your portfolio ahead of the New Year?

The year 2024 is about to culminate in another six weeks. With Nifty, Sensex already down by 10 percent on account of FII exodus, investors are increasingly anxious about their portfolio and about the scope of earning higher gains in the near future from mint - money

Income tax department warns: ‘Declare foreign assets or pay ₹10 lakh penalty’

The I-T dept launched a compliance campaign urging taxpayers to report foreign assets in their AY25 returns, noting that failure to disclose can lead to a ₹10 lakh penalty. This includes SMS and email reminders for those potentially holding foreign assets. from mint - money

Taxpayers Alert: CBDT’s new campaign helps you accurately report foreign assets and income for AY 2024-25

The income tax department will send SMS and email reminders to resident taxpayers who filed ITR for AY 2024-25, focusing on those flagged for foreign assets or income  from mint - money

Deadline Alert! Pensioners must submit life certificates by November 30

The validity of a life certificate is one year from the date of the last submission from mint - money

How young Indians are saving and investing in 2024: Stocks surge ahead of Mutual Funds as top investment choice

A study by Fin One shows 93% of young adults in India save money, often allocating 20-30% of their income. Stocks are preferred over gold and deposits. YouTube serves as a primary learning platform, but high living costs pose challenges to saving from mint - money

Do I have to file an Income Tax Return (ITR) in India after returning from UK for work?

Returning to India after 15 years, individuals may need to file an Income Tax Return if their income exceeds the exemption limit. Non-residents are generally exempt unless they meet certain criteria. Voluntary filing is recommended for potential future requirements from mint - money

As market indices continue to slide, should mutual fund investors halt their SIPs for the time being?

Mutual Funds: The core idea behind SIP investing is to leverage the rupee cost averaging which means acquiring the stocks at different valuations across market cycles in order to maximise the gains over a long period of time. Stopping the SIPs selectively negates the entire strategy behind this from mint - money

5 key benefits of having a higher credit score you should know

Building and maintaining a good credit score is essential for accessing loans and credit cards, which can help in emergencies or for personal enjoyment. A higher credit score can lead to better loan terms and pre-approved offers from banks, making financial management easier. from mint - money

EMIs to go up? SBI raises lending rates by 5 basis points for THESE tenures. Check details

Lending rates: State Bank of India has raised the marginal cost of funds based lending rates for three tenures by upto 5 basis points from mint - money

Rejected for a personal loan or credit card? 5 reasons your application might fail

Having a good credit score is important for credit card and personal loan applications, but banks also evaluate residency, income eligibility, age, job stability, and KYC documents. Fulfilling these criteria can significantly increase approval chances despite a good credit score. from mint - money

Credit Cards: Top 10 credit score myths that are hurting your financial health

Credit cards: Debunking credit score myths, here we explain how to build and maintain a good credit score for accessing loans and credit cards. It outlines factors affecting approval, such as income, profession, and credit utilization ratio, emphasizing the necessity of having credit accounts. from mint - money

Travel hacks for a luxury Sri Lanka trip for just ₹1.5 lakh

Careful planning of your expenses can allow you to complete the same trip for as little as ₹1 lakh. from mint - money

Should you fund your child's foreign education with savings, a loan, or both?

Educational financing can vary from person to person. But planning well in advance is essential to building the corpus you need. from mint - money

Credit Card Security Chips: How do they protect against fraudulent transactions?

Credit Cards: EMV chip technology, mandated by the RBI for debit and credit cards, enhances security by creating unique, one-time codes for transactions, making it difficult for fraudsters to replicate card information. from mint - money

Best ETFs in India: Top 7 gold Exchange-Traded Funds to consider for long-term investment. See full list here

Gold investments are rising amid global uncertainties, with ETFs seeing significant demand. October saw a net inflow of ₹1,961 crore, a 59 per cent increase from September. Gold ETFs provide stable returns, making them appealing for long-term investments. from mint - money

Credit Cards: Don’t make these 7 credit mistakes—Protect your financial future

Credit Cards: Your credit score is crucial for financial health and loan eligibility. Avoid credit mistakes, like applying for multiple loans too quickly or missing payments, to maintain a good score. from mint - money

Does your credit card offer trip cancellation insurance? Find out now

Credit cards: Unexpected events like illness can force trip cancellations, risking lost funds. Trip cancellation insurance can help recover costs for non-refundable expenses. from mint - money

Jeevan Pramaan Patra: Should 78 lakh EPS pensioners submit annual digital life certificate before November 30

India's Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0 is simplifying pension verification for millions, allowing pensioners to submit their life certificates online without visiting a bank.  from mint - money

I received my wife's rental income in my NRO account. Will I be taxed on it?

Since the rental income is your spouse's, it cannot be taxed in your hands simply because the rent payment was credited to your NRO account. from mint - money

It is time India started indexing tax slabs and exemptions with inflation

As the government’s revenue from personal income tax rises, it will likely face greater scrutiny and higher taxpayer expectations regarding the tax system's efficiency, transparency, stability, and fairness. from mint - money

October sees 4-month low in new Demat account to 3.45 million additions amid market volatility

In October 2024, the growth of new demat accounts in India declined to 3.45 million, down from 4.36 million in September, breaking a four-month streak of over 4 million additions. This suggests a shift in investor sentiment amid ongoing market volatility. from mint - money

Forex card vs debit card: Which helps save on markup fees?

A forex card is cheaper because the markup charged on currency conversion is lower compared to what banks apply to debit cards when they are swiped outside India. from mint - money

Credit Card: Can you build a personal brand with it? 6 key things to know

Credit Card: Demonstrating your financial management skills through a good credit history can be useful if your personal brand revolves around entrepreneurship or professionalism. from mint - money

EPF interest delays: How it impacts compounding and tax filing

Interest delayed may not be interest denied. But EPF interest could still affect your savings and taxes. from mint - money

The hidden costs of family financial dependence—and how to strike a balance

Are you trapped in a cycle of family financial dependence? Family financial enmeshment can silently drain your resources and hinder your dreams. Learn how you can break free, set boundaries, and achieve financial independence without compromising family ties. from mint - money

Income Tax Deadline: Last one week left to file tax return for THESE taxpayers. Check details

Income Tax Deadline: Only one week is left to file income tax return for the taxpayers whose accounts are audited, or a partner in a firm whose accounts are audited under section 44AB, or the companies not covered under section 92E of the Income Tax Act 1961. from mint - money

PPF: Interest rate offered on Public Provident Fund vis-a-vis other Small Savings Schemes. Check entire list here

PPF offers 7.1 percent per annum to investors. The minimum investment one can make is ₹500 and maximum of ₹1.5 lakh in a year from mint - money

Credit card issuers withdrawing benefits: What are your options?

Credit Cards: Customers should be given sufficient notice before changes are made. They can surrender the card without paying any fee if the terms become disadvantageous. from mint - money

Multi asset allocation is the way to go: Union AMC's Madhu Nair

Here’s how Nair is helping Union AMC become a more resilient player in asset management. from mint - money

Momentum investing: Why volume and size matter

Balancing fund size and trading volume is crucial to unlocking momentum investing's full potential from mint - money

Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card: Lifetime free for a limited time – Should you apply?

The Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card offers 10% cashback on food ordering, Dineout, Instamart, and Genie from the Swiggy App. It can help you save up to Rs. 42,000 annually. from mint - money

Credit cards: What is travel hacking and how can you use credit cards to maximise rewards?

Credit cards: You are supposed to opt for the right travel card, utilise transfer points to airline and hotel partners in order to make the most of these. But make sure that these credit cards do not have a high annual fees from mint - money

No interest on National Savings Scheme from Oct 1: What it means for you

If NSS investors withdraw the amount from their accounts now, both the principal and interest will be taxable. from mint - money

Credit card chargeback: How can it help customers in disputed transactions

Credit cards: If you have to dispute a credit card transaction against a merchant, you can raise a chargeback with your bank. If the chargeback request is valid, the transaction will be reversed. from mint - money

Parametric insurance: The quick and transparent alternative to traditional cover

In parametric insurance, payouts are triggered when specific events, such as storms and earthquakes, exceed a certain magnitude. This approach enhances transparency and provides immediate financial relief to the insured. from mint - money

Pre-approved credit card: What is it and how does it help?

Credit cards: Pre-approval is a process where a bank evaluates whether an applicant is likely to qualify for one of their credit cards before they officially apply. Pre-approval is generally based on a soft credit check from mint - money

Factor-based funds are catching on in India. Are they right for you?

Factor-based funds, also known as factor funds or smart beta strategies, select for specific factors such as momentum, value, volatility, quality and value, and blend the benefits of both active and passive investing. from mint - money

How millennials can use these financial hacks to buy their first home

This Mint guide is designed to clarify the path to owning a home for millennials, address mid-career professionals' obstacles, explore available government assistance, and offer actionable financial strategies for purchasing their first home. from mint - money

Are sector rotation funds the answer to risks of sector downturns?

For investors, sectoral shifts can be a double-edged sword—while certain industries ay thrive, others can face sudden downturns, leaving portfolios exposed to risk. from mint - money

Unable to get an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Keep in mind that residents of Delhi and West Bengal cannot apply for the government's free health insurance scheme for citizens aged 70 and above. Since health is a state subject, the governments of these two regions have not allowed the central government to offer it. from mint - money

Credit card and sustainability: How can credit cards be used to support sustainable businesses?

Green credit cards encourage sustainable living by using recyclable materials and providing rewards for eco-friendly purchases. They contribute to environmental causes but raise concerns about greenwashing and their actual impact on sustainability. from mint - money

Mobile wallets and credit cards: How do they work together?

Credit cards: A mobile wallet is a digital wallet that simplifies payments by linking credit cards. It employs NFC technology for secure transactions. Users should be aware of security risks and potential fees, making it essential to use mobile wallets thoughtfully and responsibly. from mint - money

Sebi's fixed timelines to address delays in NFO fund deployment

Sebi's 30-day rule prevents fund houses from retaining NFO proceeds for prolonged periods without deployment, ensuring funds are managed actively and efficiently. from mint - money

Financial investment ideas: Need innovation in product and packaging

There is a difference between financial investment products and other conventional products we consume. from mint - money

PIB fact checks SBI rewards scam, warns 'never click unknown links, files'. Check details here

PIB fact check has cautioned users about a fraudulent SBI Rewards scheme urging downloads of APK files, emphasizing that SBI does not send such links. from mint - money

How is capital gains tax charged on the sale of financial assets including equity, mutual funds and debt? An explainer

In July this year, the entire capital gains tax rate structure was revamped. From the rate of tax to the exemption limit, the entire framework was tweaked to make it simpler for taxpayers from mint - money

Claiming home loan tax benefits on multiple properties in India: What you need to know

Home loan tax benefits can be claimed for multiple houses without restriction. Self-occupied properties allow deductions up to Rs. 2 lakh for interest, while let-out properties have different tax implications. Opting for a new tax regime limits eligibility for certain deductions from mint - money

Navigating the stock market: SIP strategies, asset allocation key for long-term mutual fund gains

Experts suggest that investors should focus on large-cap stocks rather than small and mid-cap ones, especially if they currently hold SIPs in those segments from mint - money

Credit cards for debt consolidation: Is this a right strategy to follow?

Credit Cards: There are a number of advantages of using a credit card for debt consolidation: you need to deal with only one loan instead of two or more. It's easier to keep a tab on one deadline every month for the EMI payment, instead of two or more for multiple loans from mint - money

Life certificate: How can pensioners submit Jeevan Pramaan Patra offline and online

To avoid payment disruptions, pensioners must submit their annual life certificates by November 30. The submission period for those under 80 began on November 1 from mint - money

Income Tax: Over 9.54 lakh crorepati taxpayers filed returns until October 31

In the first quarter of 2024-25, only 426 people with over ₹10 crore income filed their income tax returns. Overall, the total figure stood at 26,449 till October 31. from mint - money

HDFC Bank's UPI service to be unavailable for THESE two days in November; check details here

HDFC Bank has recently announced that its UPI Service will be unavailable for five hours during two days in November on account of scheduled system maintenance from mint - money

Muhurat Trading: Can you invest without a demat account during the auspicious hour today?

Muhurat Trading 2024: You can invest in mutual funds without a demat account during the auspicious trading hour. However, you should remember that mutual funds follow the T+2 settlement cycle; i.e., you will be allocated fund units in your account only two days after the transaction. from mint - money

Do DINK and SINK families need succession planning?

Absolutely, and the planning considerations are unique as their goals are different. from mint - money