Posts

Showing posts from May, 2025

Why historical data on withdrawal rate misleads Indian retirees

India’s retirees can’t rely on historical returns like their Western counterparts. With falling asset returns, the safe withdrawal rate may be closer to 3% than the classic 4%. from mint - money

I-T department is cross-verifying claims in real time. You've been warned.

Taxpayers will be caught red-handed if they try to play smart while filing ITR. from mint - money

Can you claim the amount of joining bonus refunded to your employer?

Can you claim the deduction? Tax Expert highlights how there are no provision under the income tax laws to allow any deduction in case joining bonus is to be refunded to the employer.  from mint - money

Attention taxpayers! Excel Utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4 enabled — check details here

The Income-Tax Department has enabled Excel Utility facility for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for taxpayers filing returns for AY2025-26. from mint - money

No Zepto, No Blinkit, No Instamart—Just sanity: My 30-day detox changed everything

A 30-day break from convenience apps revealed their hidden costs—financial, emotional, and social—while reconnecting the author with real-world routines and community. The experiment turned into a powerful reminder that mindful choices trump mindless ease. from mint - money

HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card: Eligibility, documents and application process

Check out HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card’s eligibility, required documents, online application process, and top benefits like zero annual fee, fuel surcharge waiver, and global travel rewards. from mint - money

UPI credit line explained: Benefits, eligibility, and how to apply

The UPI credit line enhances India's digital banking by providing a pre-approved credit facility linked to UPI accounts, facilitating easier transactions without traditional credit cards. It promotes financial inclusion and helps users manage expenses effectively. from mint - money

Is HDFC Flexi Cap Fund right for you? 5 things to check first

Check out key facts about HDFC Flexi Cap Fund including long-term performance, flexible investment strategy, and risk profile to help you make better mutual fund investment decisions in 2025. from mint - money

The temperament trap: Why your personality might be your portfolio's biggest enemy

Some personality types that society doesn't typically celebrate often make remarkably successful investors. from mint - money

PF withdrawn but no idea about EPS? You can still access it.

A major part of employer contribution goes into EPS. Ignoring it is your loss.  from mint - money

Worried about identity theft? Here’s how a credit freeze can help

To protect your credit profile from identity theft, consider a credit freeze. This prevents access to your credit report, stopping new accounts from being created. It can be temporarily lifted, does not affect your credit score, and is a proactive measure against fraud. from mint - money

Defaulted on a loan? Here are 7 ways to repair your credit fast

Loan defaults can severely impact your credit score and future lending opportunities. Recovery involves reviewing credit reports, disputing errors, budgeting, and making timely repayments. Patience and consistency are essential for rebuilding credit over time. from mint - money

How divorce settlements affect your credit score? What you need to know

Divorce impacts both financial and emotional aspects, particularly credit history. Joint loans remain binding unless legally severed, affecting credit scores if not managed properly. Alimony can stabilize finances if paid timely, reflecting financial discipline and improving creditworthiness. from mint - money

Rebuilding credit? Here’s why a secured credit card is your best first step

Secured credit cards are essential for those with poor credit histories, offering a way to establish creditworthiness. By making a deposit, users can access credit limits, and with responsible use, they can improve their credit scores, paving the way for better financial opportunities. from mint - money

Bandhan Bank ‘Suraksha’ home loan: Eligibility, documents and application process

Bandhan Bank’s ‘Suraksha’ home loan offers financing of up to 90% for purchasing, constructing or extending residential properties, with flexible tenures and competitive interest rates, supported by a straightforward eligibility, documentation and application process. from mint - money

Tradition Rewired: Why millennial and Gen Z are keeping the past alive—On their own terms

Millennials and Gen Z in India grapple with old financial customs while navigating newfound wealth. Cultural pressures influence spending on weddings and assets, leading to a struggle between traditional values and the desire for financial independence. from mint - money

How to rebuild emergency fund without halting SIPs

A realistic emergency savings strategy involves balancing discipline with flexibility. Here’s how to rebuild your buffer gradually, without pausing your SIPs, while also planning for health and home contingencies. from mint - money

Is your PF money stuck? Here’s how you can get it back

Worked multiple jobs only to see your hard-earned money stuck with the EPFO with no way of getting it out? Well, help may be at hand. Read on to see how you may finally be able to claim what is rightfully yours. from mint - money

What tax benefits are available for parents of autistic children?

Parents of children with autism are eligible for special tax deductions, exemption from income clubbing, and can set up special needs trusts to secure their child’s future. Here’s how the law supports you. from mint - money

Why balanced advantage funds are back in focus for moderate risk investors

Dynamic asset allocation funds are uniquely positioned to benefit from today’s volatile equity markets and stable debt yields. Their ability to switch between asset classes makes them ideal for investors seeking inflation-beating, tax-efficient returns over the next 3–5 years. from mint - money

EPFO ratifies interest rate at 8.25% on employees provident fund deposits for FY25

EPFO, earlier this year, had decided to retain the interest rate of 8.25 per cent on employees' provident fund (EPF) deposits for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) from mint - money

Can the income of a joint property be taken in single name?

The benefits of House Rent Allowance (HRA) are only available under the old tax regime. One can claim HRA benefits if you are paying rent for a property which is occupied by you and is not owned by you, even if you own any other house. from mint - money

Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card update: Key changes you must know before June 20

The changes on Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card include an increase in cashback on Myntra to 7.5%, capping of cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip to Rs. 4,000 per statement quarter, and discontinuation of complimentary domestic airport lounge access. The changes are effective from 20th June. from mint - money

Unemployed but want a better credit score? Try these 4 proven strategies

You can improve your credit score even while unemployed with smart strategies like timely payments, low credit utilisation, and report correction. These simple ideas help maintain credit health and future financial access. from mint - money

Bhool Chuk Maaf: From nikamma to niveshak—Financial lessons buried in the farce

Bhool Chuk Maaf: In this film, Rajkummar Rao's character Ranjan repeatedly experiences his 'Haldi' ceremony, struggling with lessons on good deeds. Despite a quirky ensemble, the film lacks charm and humor, rendering it unengaging and overshadowed by the classic Groundhog Day. from mint - money

Financial literacy for children: How small initiatives can help them grow into responsible adults

The RBI has revised guidelines allowing minors over 10 to independently operate savings accounts, promoting financial literacy. This initiative aims to equip young individuals with essential skills for managing money and accessing credit responsibly. from mint - money

Planning a trip? Here’s how to get a personal loan for travel from Axis Bank

Axis Bank travel loans offer quick approval, flexible tenure, and easy online or offline application to fund holiday expenses like flights and stays—no collateral needed. from mint - money

Income Tax: After ITR-1 to ITR-7, CBDT notifies ITR-U. All you need to know about the latest changes

Income Tax: To encourage voluntary compliance, Government of India, in Finance Act 2025, extended the time limit to file the updated return from 24 months to 48 months from the end of the relevant assessment year. from mint - money

IPO flipping, risky trades & debt: The dangerous game young Indians are playing

Driven by FOMO and guided by finfluencers, many young investors are gambling with risky trades and costly loans—spiralling into a dangerous cycle of debt and financial instability. from mint - money

Why paying minimum due is not an option for those aiming for high credit score?

It is recommended for those borrowers who want to maintain a high credit score to clear their bills every billing cycle. from mint - money

How to keep your credit score over 700? 7 key tips that work

One of the most effective things to do to be able to maintain a good credit score is to pay your credit card bills on time from mint - money

Credit score dropped? It could be an error — Here’s how to rectify and correct it

Found an error in a credit report. This guide explains how to identify, dispute, and resolve common credit report mistakes primarily to protect credit scores and maintain loan eligibility. from mint - money

Ex gratia I got at the time of layoff was taxed. Can I get refund?

The taxability of the ex gratia received by you from your former employer would depend on the exact nature of the payment and the circumstances under which such payment is made. from mint - money

How to become rich: THESE investment tips may keep you Atmanirbhar throughout your life

How to become rich: Let us discuss how one can Atmanirbhar and remain so during all the phases of life, with THESE investment tips. from mint - money

New US remittance tax proposal: What it means for NRIs sending money to India

US President Donald Trump’s proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes a provision for a 5% tax on remittances sent abroad, which would affect NRIs who are not US citizens, significantly increasing costs for them when they send money back home to India. from mint - money

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: What Tom Cruise’s IMF team can teach you about smart money moves

The Final Reckoning offers a thrilling three-hour ride with Tom Cruise battling a sentient internet. As Ethan Hunt faces formidable villains and navigates action-packed scenes, the film also reflects on the importance of trusting personal finance managers over misinformation from the internet. from mint - money

Why maintaining a good credit score matters at every stage of life

To fulfil various goals, an individual may need to take some loans and credit cards at various life stages. To get these credit products an individual needs to maintain a good credit score and profile and fulfil other eligibility criteria. from mint - money

7 proven strategies to build an emergency fund in 2025

Explore seven effective ways to create a strong emergency fund in 2025. Master smart saving habits, minimise financial risks, and build resilience as household debt climbs and economic uncertainty persists across India. from mint - money

Mutual Funds: Why are investors discontinuing their SIPs in large number?

Number of discontinued SIPs (systematic investment plans) crossed 1.62 crore in April 2025, whereas the corresponding data for March stood at 51.55 lakh and at 54.7 lakh in February. from mint - money

Bajaj Markets enables easy personal loan access for first time borrowers

Bajaj Markets enables a seamless online application process, allowing first-time applicants to view the loan amount, interest rates, and repayment tenures offered by multiple lenders. from mint - money

Personal loan process: Is submitting a blank cheque mandatory? Find out

Not all lenders demand a blank cheque for personal loans. Explore the risks, legal aspects, and safer digital repayment options like ECS, NACH, and Standing Instructions to stay protected. from mint - money

FDs vs PPF: Where should you invest and why?

Most fixed deposit (FD) schemes offer interest in the range of 6.5 to 7 percent per annum whereas PPF offers 7.10 percent annually to investors. Here we draw a comparison between the two set of investment instruments from mint - money

4 common credit score mistakes you’re probably making—And how to fix them

Your credit score may be dropping due to avoidable habits like delayed EMIs and high utilisation. Find out what you are doing wrong, and how to fix it, to protect your financial reputation and borrowing power. from mint - money

Personal loans: How RBI’s latest rules on digital lending are likely to impact borrowers?

The banking regulator issued (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025 last week which address issues relating to multiple lenders from mint - money

Credit Cards: Applying for the second card? Five key things to keep in mind

Before you apply for a second credit card, make sure that the card does not bear too high annual charges from mint - money

LIC Tech-Term Plan: 5 must-know facts before you consider investing

LIC’s New Tech-Term Plan offers high life cover at low premiums, with special rates for women and non-smokers, flexible payments, and online application, ideal for Indians seeking affordable and reliable life insurance in 2025. from mint - money

5 must-ask questions before applying for a personal loan

Before applying for a personal loan, ask five key questions about your purpose, loan amount, EMI affordability, credit score, and lender comparison to make smarter financial decisions and avoid debt traps. from mint - money

Some credit and debit cards come with insurance, but be sure you're eligible for it

Simply owning such a card is not enough – you also need to fulfil certain conditions to stay eligible for the insurance. And don't forget to appoint a nominee. from mint - money

Should you register for GST? Here’s everything you need to know.

While the decision hinges on your annual turnover, there's more to it. GST registration is not just about hitting a certain sales figure – it’s also about the nature and geography of your operations. Read on to find out more. from mint - money

Will cross-border crypto gifts trigger Indian taxes?

Crypto gifted to non-residents like NRIs sits in a legal grey zone, as Indian tax law lacks clarity on cross-border digital asset transactions. from mint - money

GenAI for investing: Smart money moves or risky bets?

GenAI can uniquely tailor financial advice based on an individual's income, lifestyle, and goals—a luxury once reserved for wealthy clients of human advisors. But GenAI isn’t infallible. from mint - money

How to effectively diversify the retirement corpus?

By structuring the investments and reviewing them every few years, you can ensure a secure, comfortable, and joyful retirement, full of travel, comfort, and dignity. from mint - money

How the India-UK Double Contribution Convention benefits employers and employees

The DCC is designed to facilitate the movement of employees between India and the UK by addressing the complexities of social security contributions from mint - money

What makes Mirae Asset’s Swarup Mohanty paranoid about his retirement corpus

Mirae Asset Mutual Fund CEO says he has reached the minimum threshold on his retirement corpus, but wants to target a higher corpus to ensure a smooth retirement life from mint - money

Why health insurance during and after pregnancy is essential

Maternity claims now account for about 20% of all health insurance claims, and costs can shoot up further if there are complications during pregnancy or delivery. from mint - money

Mother’s Day 2025: Why health insurance is the ultimate gift for moms' well-being

As Mother's Day 2025 approaches, the importance of health insurance for women becomes clear. It serves as a financial lifeline, ensuring mothers can access essential healthcare, manage unique health needs. from mint - money

Equity mutual fund inflows dip 3.2 percent in April; largecap funds buck the trend: AMFI data

In April, net inflows into equity mutual funds declined 3.2 per cent month-on-month, totaling ₹24,269.26 crore, as revealed by AMFI on May 9. from mint - money

Travelling abroad? How to update SBI Card's temporary mobile number before you fly out

You can update SBI Card's temporary mobile number when you travel abroad so that you can receive the transaction details on that number from mint - money

Rewards offered by different UPI platforms such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, CRED, Mobikwik. Check list here

Here we list out the reward types, their value and redemption method of different apps across platforms from mint - money

Top 6 banks offering highest FD interest rates in 2025 – Full list inside

Here we list out the fixed deposit interest rates offered by different banks including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and other state lenders such as SBI and Bank of Baroda from mint - money

Operation Sindoor: Should mutual fund investors brace for impact or stay the course?

Despite current market jitters due to Operation Sindoor, historical trends show that India's markets recover post-conflict. Mutual fund investors should continue their SIPs, avoid emotional decisions, and consider strategic investments to capitalize on market fluctuations over the long term. from mint - money

HDFC Regalia Credit Card lost? Helpline numbers and online options to block instantly

Lost your HDFC Regalia Credit Card? Instantly block it through phone, NetBanking, app, WhatsApp, SMS, or MyCards. Request replacements easily and enjoy zero liability after timely reporting. from mint - money

6 investment principles Buffett swears by—And why they still work today

Warren Buffett’s 6 timeless investing lessons—patience, discipline, value focus, and long-term thinking—remain highly relevant as he prepares to step down from Berkshire Hathaway after six transformative decades of leadership. from mint - money

Why should you check your credit score regularly? Key advantages explained

It is recommended to check your credit score from time to time for the advantages they offer such as bagging better loan terms and detecting fraud early from mint - money

Personal loan for wedding: 5 key things one should know before applying

Personal loan: One should, first of all, evaluate the real need and amount needed before you decide to borrow money for organising a wedding from mint - money

Block assessment 2.0: A sharper, fairer tax enforcement framework

The initial structure of tax provisions raised concerns among taxpayers, particularly due to interpretational ambiguities and risk of additional taxation on already disclosed income from mint - money

Credit card over-limit explained: Charges, impact, and how to avoid it

Credit cards are essential in modern finance but exceeding limits can lead to fees and lower credit scores. Responsible usage and understanding the implications of over-limit spending are crucial for maintaining a healthy credit profile. from mint - money

Applying for an ICICI credit card? Here’s the minimum credit score you’ll need

ICICI Bank generally requires a credit score of 750+ for credit card approval, but factors like income, repayment history, and employment status also influence eligibility. Improve your score to boost approval chances. from mint - money

Does a joint loan hurt your credit score? The truth for co-applicants

In a joint loan, the timely EMI payments benefit the credit score and profile of both co-applicants. However, any delay or default has a negative impact on the credit score and profile of both co-applicants. from mint - money

Struggling with bad credit score? Here’s how to go from 480 to 750

Apply for new credit only when necessary and meet eligibility criteria to avoid rejections. Improving a credit score from 480 to 750 takes time and consistent effort. Pay bills on time, limit credit usage, and regularly review credit reports to boost scores effectively. from mint - money

Credit card scam alert: 5 red flags that scream ‘Fake Call’

Identify fraudulent credit card calls with these five essential warning signs. Shield your finances by staying vigilant, confirming caller identities, and keeping sensitive details like OTPs, CVVs, and PINs strictly confidential. from mint - money

Shopping online? ICICI Bank’s iShop portal offers big rewards—Here’s what you get

The iShop portal provides ICICI Bank credit cardholders with an opportunity to earn up to 12X reward points for flight bookings, hotel bookings, and gift voucher purchases. They can further redeem reward points to pay for flight bookings, hotel bookings, and gift voucher purchases. from mint - money

Not many claim mental healthcare insurance. Here's why

With the usual age of onset of mental ailments being around 18 years, the incidence peaks at around 40 years, thereby affecting the most productive years of human life from mint - money

After large-cap switch last year, Quant MF's Sandeep Tandon starts to add small-caps

Tandon says he has been selectively adding small-caps in his portfolio over last three months as several stocks in this segment have corrected sharply from mint - money

Money tips and tricks from people who want to retire early

Saving a big portion of what you earn gives you a lot of freedom no matter what you do. from mint - money

RAID 2: Ajay Devgn vs the system – Unpacking the money lessons hidden in the action

RAID 2 follows Ajay Devgn's Amay Patnaik as he leads income tax officers against a corrupt politician hoarding illegal wealth. The film explores themes of tax evasion and investment strategies while blending humor and drama in a quest for hidden treasures. from mint - money

Karur Vysya Bank platinum credit card: How to apply online in just 5 simple steps

Karur Vysya Bank offers a platinum credit card with lifestyle perks, rewards, and travel rebates. The card includes benefits like accelerated reward points and fuel surcharge waivers, making it a competitive choice for 2025. from mint - money

Individual current accounts: Benefits, minimum balance, and who should open one

An individual current account is designed for personal use, offering higher withdrawal and deposit limits than savings accounts. from mint - money

Personal loan EMI calculator: Don’t use it without THESE 3 crucial inputs

To be able to use personal loan EMI calculator, one is supposed to enter three essential variables which are total loan amount, rate of interest on loan, and the loan tenure from mint - money

How loan settlement helped a woman in her 20s ease the burden of ₹30 lakh in debt

The woman has taken the help of a debt settlement company to negotiate her loans. This plan aims to reduce her repayment burden by settling ₹19 lakh, providing a path to financial recovery. from mint - money

Got a salary hike? Here’s how a step-up SIP mutual fund strategy can help you save smarter

Got a salary hike? Financial planners recommend a step-up SIP, which auto-increases your mutual fund investment yearly to match income growth. But rising costs and poor planning can strain cash flow, so review regularly and adjust SIPs wisely to avoid penalties or missed goals. from mint - money

These 5 credit cards offer rewards galore to cardholders. Check details here

These credit cards offer a range of rewards and cashbacks to the cardholders from mint - money