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Showing posts from February, 2025

EPFO Board panel retains 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for 2024-25

EPFO Board panel fixes 8.25% interest rate on EPF deposits for 2024-25 from mint - money

5 costly mutual fund mistakes to avoid during market corrections

The mutual fund industry is rapidly growing due to digital inclusion. On the other hand, equity markets are continuously correcting over the last few months due to intense FII selling, fear of Trump tariffs, weak market earnings among other associated issues. from mint - money

Is a payday loan right for you? Risks, benefits, and things to consider

If you are an Indian working professionals who need money in a hurry, payday loans can be one of the easier solutions. This short term loan offers immediate availability for liquid funds until your next pay check. from mint - money

How often should you check your credit score? What are the key advantages

Typically one should check his credit score once in three months. It helps you spot mistakes in your credit report, if any so that you can rectify them from mint - money

Low credit score? This is what you can do to improve it in next few months

Here we describe a set of tips that you need to take to improve your credit score. from mint - money

How credit scores can make or break your chances of securing a loan

Your credit score is key factor in taking a loan. Discover how a higher score can lead to better loan terms and financial opportunities. from mint - money

UPI Lite’s THIS feature to come into force from April 1; check details here

Transfer out functionality is a new feature which will enable users to withdraw funds from their UPI Lite balance to the source bank account from which it was loaded without disabling UPI Lite. from mint - money

Small Cap mutual funds turn riskier as they invest more in micro caps: Report

In the last year, small-cap mutual fund managers significantly boosted investments in micro-cap stocks, with allocations increasing to 31 per cent. Despite high risks associated with these stocks, the total number of micro-cap investments grew from 292 to 387, shows ACEMF data from mint - money

ChatGPT hallucinations: ITAT order cites non-existent cases, recalled

ChatGPT was used to generate the case law citations, which turned out to be totally fictitious. from mint - money

What is will and how it can protect your loved ones from financial stress

A will is a legal document outlining asset distribution after death, ensuring wishes are honored and preventing disputes. In India, a valid will is recognized under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and can be modified anytime before death. from mint - money

Your Questions Answered: What lenders see when they check my credit report for loan approval?

Lenders assess creditworthiness by evaluating credit scores, repayment history, and credit utilization. Individuals can access a free credit report annually to identify errors. Improving credit scores requires timely payments, reducing inquiries, and maintaining a diverse credit mix. from mint - money

How to improve your credit score in 3 months? A proven step-by-step plan

Boosting your credit score is key to getting the best loan rates and financial products. A credit score is nothing but a representation of an individual's credit profile. from mint - money

Personal loan: 9 hidden charges banks often do not tell you about

Apart from interest and principal repayment, banks also levy small charges such as processing chares, late payment charges and optional insurance which can add to your EMI burden considerably from mint - money

Credit cards: 5 popular cards offer discounts on movie tickets. Check details here

Here we list out five popular credit cards which offer discounts on movie tickets apart from other rewards from mint - money

Credit cards: When should you pay the minimum due? Key advantages of this

There are a few scenarios wherein paying the minimum due can be advantageous to credit card users from mint - money

Empower your children by fostering financial wisdom early

Parents have a profound impact on their children’s financial attitudes. However, it is essential to guide them without unintentionally passing down deep-seated beliefs about money that can be detrimental. from mint - money

Best Mutual Funds: These 8 focused funds gave over 12% annualised return in past 10 years. Do you own any?

There are eight focused mutual fund schemes which have delivered more than 12 percent annualised return in the past 10 years. Here we share more details about these schemes from mint - money

Mutual fund body AMFI launches THESE initiatives to attract market investors: What are they?

Mutual fund body AMFI launched three initiatives to attract market investors to invest in the mutual funds. These initiatives align with markets regulator Sebi and the Association of Mutual Funds in India's ongoing efforts to democratise mutual fund investments. from mint - money

Mutual Funds: Individual investors’ AUM spikes 30 per cent in 1 year, reveals AMFI data

Mutual funds: The latest investors’ data shows that individual investors held ₹41.43 lakh crore in mutual funds as on Jan 2025, reflecting an increase of 30.33 percent over last year. from mint - money

FD interest rates: These 6 banks offer highest interest across these tenures. Check here

FD interest: Most top banks offer anywhere between 7.5 to 8 percent as highest interest on their term deposits to general depositors and senior citizens, respectively from mint - money

5 timeless investing principles from Chuck Akre for long-term success

Chuck Akre's contrarian investment strategy focuses on high-quality firms with solid management and reinvestment strategies. By emphasizing patience and selecting good companies at reasonable prices, Akre guides investors to navigate market fluctuations and achieve long-term financial success. from mint - money

6 credit score myths you need to stop believing to protect your money

It is important to understand and know about credit scores. So that one is financially healthy in India. Still, there are a few myths when it comes to credit scores which will end up costing you money. from mint - money

What is a pre-approved personal loan? Is this better than instant loan?

Which personal loan you opt for should be determined by a slew of factors which include the rate of interest, precessing charges and the overall loan deal on offer from mint - money

Personal Loan: Is it wise to borrow to repay current debts? Key things to keep in mind

It is not uncommon to take out fresh loan to repay the current financial obligations. But how feasible it is to do that? We explore it here from mint - money

Trump 2.0: How to navigate global markets amid policy shifts

Quality growth has been the flavour for the past two years, but quality cyclicals may now present compelling opportunities, particularly as Trump’s policies extend economic benefits beyond the biggest corporations. from mint - money

UPI’s new rule effective March 1: You can now pay for premium via blocked amount. Check details

Referred to as Bima-ASBA (applications supported by blocked amount), transfer of money from a prospective policyholder to the insurer takes place only after insurance policy is issued from mint - money

Credit Score: 7 myths that most people believe

When a borrower’s credit score is found to be high, banks are willing to offer loan since the applicant is seen to be financially sound. Conversely, when he has a poor score, banks tend to become either reluctant or offer loan at a high rate of interest from mint - money

Do you have a credit card you never use? This is what you can do with it

It is not recommended to cancel your credit card even if you do not use it often. However, if it has a huge annual fee then you may want to reconsider from mint - money

Personal loan: Should you opt for it to invest in business?

Personal loan can also be used for the purposes of business too. Although not a highly advisable thing to do, one can opt for it to put in business in certain scenarios. from mint - money

Best Mutual funds: Investment in these flexi caps jumped over 3 times in 10 years

If you invested ₹one lakh in a scheme which grows at the rate of 12 percent, the investment would become ₹3 lakh in a decade from mint - money

New Income tax bill 2025: MUST know tax refund rule during ITR filing

Under the Income Tax Bill 2025, taxpayers must file returns to claim refunds, without changing provisions for belated or revised returns from mint - money

Investing in mutual funds does not start and end with just SIPs

SIPs are a great starting point for disciplined investing, but over time, managing your wealth effectively becomes critical. From risk assessment to tax efficiency, there’s much more to consider as your portfolio matures. from mint - money

From PPF to FDs: Last-minute income tax saving options you can explore

The March 31st deadline for tax-saving benefits approaches. Investors in the old tax regime must make informed decisions to maximize savings, utilising options like NPS, ELSS, and health insurance deductions under various sections from mint - money

New FASTag rules kick in today: Delayed transactions, penalties, and more. Key steps for trouble-free tolls

New FASTag regulations will take effect on February 17, 2025. They focus on streamlining toll payments and reducing fraud. Users should keep an adequate balance in their FASTag accounts and regularly check tag statuses to prevent additional charges and penalties. from mint - money

Personal loan EMI calculator: When and how to use it? An explainer

Personal loan EMI calculator: It is an online tool that helps you find out the actual instalment that you need to pay if your loan amount, rate of interest and tenure are already decided. from mint - money

Why do you receive too many loan offers soon after checking the credit score?

After checking your credit score, you may receive calls from banks offering loans. This occurs because credit bureaus share data with lenders. To minimize calls, opt out of marketing lists and check your score directly with banks instead of third-party apps. from mint - money

New Income Tax: While Australia took 3 years and UK even longer, how did tax reforms in India happen in 6 months?

A similar exercise was done in the UK during the period 1994 to 2010 for simplifying the language i.e., a total of 16 years. When something similar was done in Australia in the late 1990s, it took them around three years. Besides they ended up drafting a longer legislation from mint - money

Best Mutual Funds: These 6 dynamic asset allocation funds gave over 12% annualised return in past 3 years

Dynamic asset allocation funds refer to the schemes which invest in equity & debt that is managed dynamically i.e., 0 to 100 per cent in equity and equity-related instruments; and 0 to 100 per cent in debt instruments. from mint - money

As ₹500 crore of unclaimed wealth piles up, Sebi plans a streamlined returns process

Sebi wants brokers to make genuine efforts to locate clients and exchanges to play a supervisory role in returning unclaimed funds and securities. from mint - money

Disasters cost billions—but who pays the price?

Floods, cyclones, and wildfires are no longer rare disasters—they’re yearly occurrences. Yet, insurance remains out of reach for many. Can India bridge this gap and ensure ‘Insurance for All’ before it’s too late? from mint - money

New Income Tax Bill: Taxpayers can find the relevant provision through section-wise mapping utility. Check here

Income tax department has launched the new utility to enable taxpayers find the relevant provision in New Income Tax bill by navigating from the old Income Tax Act, 1961 from mint - money

Mutual Funds: As small, mid cap funds fall sharply, is this the time to stop your SIP?

Small and mid-cap mutual funds tend to stay volatile. Only those investors who have a high-risk appetite are recommended to invest in small and mid-cap funds. from mint - money

FD interest rates: These 6 banks offer highest rates on their long duration fixed deposits

FD interest rates: Banks typically offer higher interest on their long-term deposits and lower interest on short-term fixed deposits from mint - money

Does the New Income Tax Bill omit deduction for inter-corporate dividends under section 80M?

A company can claim a deduction for dividends received from domestic or foreign companies, or from business trusts, when these dividends are distributed to its shareholders, preventing cascading taxation in multitier structures. from mint - money

Short term loans for farmers: What are agricultural loans and how do they work?

Agricultural loans assist farmers in seasonal activities like animal farming and equipment purchases. Short-term loans cater to urgent farming needs, ensuring smooth operations. Careful planning for repayment is essential to avoid financial burdens and maintain a healthy credit profile. from mint - money

How to get a 10 lakh personal loan? A step-by-step guide

Personal loans are accessible without collateral, suitable for unexpected costs. Applicants must be Indian citizens aged 21-67, earning at least ₹15,000 monthly, with a credit score of 750. Employment stability and a good debt-to-income ratio enhance approval likelihood. from mint - money

SIP inflows reach ₹26,400 crore: Do’s and don’ts for successful wealth building

In January 2025, SIP contributions nearly hit ₹26,400 crore, while equity mutual fund inflows fell by 3.6%. Investors are encouraged to consult financial advisors and adhere to best practices for maximizing returns. from mint - money

5 factors which play a key role in determining your credit score. Check here

Here we list out out the five key factors that are responsible for your credit score. One of the key factors that plays a role in determining your score is whether you pay your credit card bills and loan EMIs on time or not from mint - money

New Income Tax Bill: Here are 10 key things to know as more succinct, shorter bill to be tabled in Lok Sabha tomorrow

New Income Tax Bill: Nirmala Sitharaman will table the new income tax bill on Thursday in Lok Sabha tomorrow. Thereafter, it will be referred to the standing committee on finance from mint - money

23 chapters, 16 schedules and 536 clauses: Here is what the new Income Tax Bill says

New income tax bill: FM Nirmala Sitharaman to table the new I-T bill in Parliament on Thursday. Here is what it says from mint - money

What is a Kisan credit card? Everything you need to know about the scheme

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a scheme that was launched in 1998. It provides short-term loans to farmers. These loans are provided to the farmers at subsidized rates. from mint - money

Best of both worlds: How couples can plan taxes to make the most of old and new regimes

With Budget 2025 raising break-even limits, tax savings under the old regime seem tougher. But for salaried couples in high-rent cities, HRA can still tilt the scale.  from mint - money

Unbilled vs. Outstanding Credit Card Balances: What you need to know

Credit card users can check unbilled amounts via internet banking, customer support, or monthly statements. Understanding unbilled amounts and outstanding balances is essential for effective credit card management and maintaining a healthy credit history. from mint - money

Apple Watch scheme: HDFC Ergo claims step-count data manipulated; participants unsure about cashback

After initially rejecting claims due to alleged step-count manipulation, HDFC Ergo has started approving payments. from mint - money

New Income Tax Bill to be concise with nearly 30 percent fewer sections, says report

The Bill has received the Cabinet nod and will perhaps be referred to the standing committee on finance after being presented in the Parliament from mint - money

Last chance to book fixed deposits (FDs) at these interest rates: Check latest rates offered by top 7 banks

RBI recently cut down repo rate by 50 basis points, so there is an expectation that banks would bring down the interest rates on fixed deposit soon. from mint - money

Markets are correcting. It's time to consider contrarian investing.

Contrarian investing starts with identifying market trends or sentiments and looking for discrepancies between market sentiment and fundamentals. from mint - money

Best Mutual Funds: These 5 flexi cap schemes delivered over 20% return in the past five years. Do you own any?

Mutual funds: These five flexi-cap schemes have delivered a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) return of more than 20 per cent in the past five years from mint - money

EPFO again extends last date for UAN activation and aadhaar seeding; this time to Feb 15

The deadline is meant for employees who are entitled to claim the benefits of Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme. The scheme benefits are meant to be disbursed through direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the bank account so long as it is linked to aadhaar. from mint - money

Last chance to lock fixed deposits at the current interest rates as RBI kicks off rate cut cycle; check latest rates

FD interest rates: Those depositors who are looking to lock their money in fixed deposits may consider the current rates as the highest they would see in near future. from mint - money

How to keep your credit score above 700? Top 6 things to do

To maintain a high credit score i.e., above 700, you should clear your credit card bills and loan repayments on time. Additionally, credit utilisation ratio should be kept below the optimum level of 30 percent. from mint - money

Multiple Credit Cards: Should you own them and how to manage effectively

In India, many individuals adopt a multi-credit card strategy to meet various needs, such as instant discounts or cashback. Different cards offer unique benefits, including reward points and complimentary memberships, making it essential to manage them effectively. from mint - money

Credit Card: How can SBI card holders update their contact information online?

SBI credit card: The process of making changes in your SBI account is quite simple and straightforward. However, you should carry the phone number linked to your credit card from mint - money

Why S Naren of ICICI AMC wants you to stop SIPs in these funds

S Naren, CIO of ICICI Prudential AMC, says small and mid caps are currently overvalued and SIPs in these funds right now may not do well in the medium term. from mint - money

7 timeless investing lessons from Christopher H Browne: Patience, discipline, and more

Christopher H Browne, celebrated for his value investing insights, stressed the need for careful analysis and emotional restraint. His legacy encourages investors to focus on undervalued stocks and the importance of honest management for successful investing. from mint - money

Credit score boost: How long does it really take to improve your rating? Find out

Credit score: It may take anywhere between 3 to 6 months to improve your credit score for moderate improvements (30 to 50 points) and 6 to 12 months for significant jump (100 points or more) from mint - money

Personal loans: Why taking a loan for travel may not be a good idea?

Personal loan: It is not advisable to take out a personal loan for recreational expenses such as travel from mint - money

Valentine's Day gifting on a budget: How a personal loan can help you show love

Personal loan: Now to make the entire process successful it is important to determine spending limits so as to preserve financial stability. Post the same a strategy must be chalked out to diversify payments for different kinds of expenditures. from mint - money

Top 5 mutual funds for short-term investments in 2025

Investors should align their choices with financial objectives, considering tax implications of debt and equity-oriented funds. Low-risk mutual funds cater to short-term goals, investing in instruments like treasury bills and money market securities for capital conservation and liquidity. from mint - money

Credit utilisation ratio: How to keep it at an optimum level

The credit utilisation ratio is the percentage of your total available credit that you are currently using. It is a key factor affecting your credit score from mint - money

Credit Score: How to achieve a car loan approval even with a low credit score?

Credit score: In this ever evolving growth environment there are numerous options through which a borrower can avail car loans. Still, having a low credit score or a weak credit profile can easily bring down chances of loan clearance. from mint - money

Updated tax returns: Budget 2025 offers a wider window to report omitted income

India's finance ministry has proposed extending the deadline for updated tax returns from two to four years to encourage voluntary compliance. But this comes at a cost. from mint - money

Budget 2025: Understanding the rebate benefits—and the fine print on capital gains tax

Budget 2025 offers a welcome increase in tax rebates, but it’s important to know where the benefits apply and where they don’t. Here’s a breakdown of how you can benefit from the new rebate—and the key catch regarding capital gains. from mint - money

Budget 2025 and your finances: Check this comprehensive guide for impact on salaries to crypto to rent

Budget 2025 announcements included reforms related to income tax, TDS, tax on second housing property, crypto investent, etc. Additionally, several tax rule changes aim to simplify compliance and enhance personal finance strategies. Here's how Budget 2025 will impact your finances from mint - money

Budget 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman announces rejig of income tax rates — Here's how slabs have changed under new tax regime

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a revised income tax system in the Budget, exempting individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh from taxation and introducing new tax slabs. from mint - money