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Showing posts from July, 2025

UPI New Rules from 1 August: What are the changes? Who will be affected? All FAQs answered

UPI Rule Change from today: The new UPI rules from August 1 will affect your day-to-day payment system if you are a PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm or other UPI app user.  from mint - money

TCS layoffs: Can job loss insurance help if you get laid off?

As TCS announces layoffs affecting 12,200 employees, job loss insurance is in sharp focus again. Here's what to do if you lose your job overnight.  from mint - money

From family vacations to business trips, here's how large foreign expenses affect your taxes

According to the Income Tax Act, even if your income is tax-exempt, you still need to file an ITR if you spend more than ₹2 lakh on foreign travel for yourself or anyone else.  from mint - money

Hospital bill: Why did I have to pay before the insurer stepped in?

The core of this issue lies in understanding how health insurance policies are structured. from mint - money

One market, two rules: Individuals can invest abroad, mutual funds face a limit

The system actively pushes investors away from professional management toward do-it-yourself solutions that they may not be equipped to handle. from mint - money

Should you take a personal loan for your wedding? Pros, cons, and smart alternatives

Weddings in India often lead to significant expenses, prompting couples to consider personal loans. While these loans can offer quick funds, careful assessment of financial circumstances and repayment capacity is crucial to prevent excessive debt. from mint - money

Written-off loan vs settled loan: Which damages your credit score more?

Credit score: When debtors face financial struggles, accounts can be marked as settled or written-off. Settled accounts show partial payments made, while written-off indicates recovery efforts may continue despite significant defaults. from mint - money

Best mutual funds: These 15 sectoral, thematic schemes gave over 30% annualised return in the past 5 years

Best mutual funds: Sectoral funds invest in a particular sector of the economy such as infra, banking, technology and pharmaceuticals whereas thematic funds select stocks of companies in industries which belong to a particular theme from mint - money

Credit card delinquencies hit ₹33,886 crore: 5 simple habits to avoid falling into debt trap

Credit card delinquencies in India rose 44 per cent to ₹33,886 crore, reflecting growing financial stress. Here are 5 smart credit card habits to avoid falling into debt. from mint - money

Selling property? Know what counts as ‘cost of improvement’ for capital gains calculation

Selling a property after upgrading it? From kitchen remodels to boundary walls, here’s what you can claim as improvement cost under tax rules. Mint explains. from mint - money

How you can use these spending-linked deductions to save taxes

Tax-payers opting for old tax regime can claim deduction on education expenses such as tuition fees, preventive health check-up, etc. Certain spending attracts TCS, which can be claimed regardless of old or new tax regime. from mint - money

Is this wise to use credit card for rental payment? Key points explained

Credit cards offer 45-day zero interest period aside from offering cashbacks and rewards. This typically goes in the favour of using card for rental payment from mint - money

SBI hit by ₹5.5 crore personal loan scam — What you can learn from this fraud

Banks typically give upto 20 times of monthly salary to borrowers. Borrowers, in this case, used fake documents to inflate their salaries to increase their loan eligibility. from mint - money

Citi launches Strata Elite Card to rival Amex and Chase: From benefits, costs and perks — Here's all you need to know

The new Strata Elite Card by Citigroup, with a $595 annual fee, seeks to disrupt the luxury credit card market. It promises huge rewards for travel and dining, positioning itself against competitors like the American Express Platinum Card. from mint - money

TDS was deducted on employee health insurance payout. Can I get a refund ?

Since the reimbursements were taxed at the withholding stage and a tax was deducted at source by the employer, you may consider the same as non-taxable while filing your ITR for FY25. from mint - money

What India can learn from other countries in term insurance adoption

Term insurance is more than a financial product. It is a public good, a stabiliser and an enabler of inter-generational progress. Countries with high life insurance penetration aren’t just better prepared for personal loss; they are also economically more resilient. from mint - money

These bonds offer tax exemption on long-term capital gains. But are they right for you?

These bonds, named after Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act, 1961, offer a tax exemption on long-term capital gains if bought withing six months of selling the asset. from mint - money

Income tax filing FY 2024-25: Common delays, penalties, and how to avoid them

Delaying income tax filing in the country can lead to penalties and stress; this guide explains common reasons for late ITRs, penalties, and simple ways to file on time. from mint - money

10 money lessons from films and documentaries you shouldn't miss this weekend

As Mumbai sizzles with monsoon cravings, here’s a handpicked list of films and shows that’ll make you rethink your relationship with money. Forget the usual suspects—this lineup dives deeper. from mint - money

Does taking a small personal loan help build credit score? An explainer

If you have a poor credit score, you could build your score gradually by repaying a small amount of personal loan first and then raising a bigger ticket loan soon afterwards from mint - money

Are small and mid-cap funds still overheated? THIS is what the latest data shows

The stress test for the month of June reveals that it will take 52 days for HDFC small cap fund to liquidate 50 percent and 26 days to liquidate 25 percent of its portfolio. from mint - money

Top-up home loans are cheap, but come with a catch

While some banks charge just 0.25-0.5% extra, others may quote a much higher premium, making negotiation essential. from mint - money

Not SIPs, here’s what Edelweiss’ Radhika Gupta thinks you should spend money on, ‘I always tell everyone, take time to…’

A good middle-path? Edelweiss MF chief and proponent of SIPs for working Indians, Radhika Gupta, shares what she believes you should spend money on besides investments. from mint - money

Overall credit card spend declines marginally in June, latest RBI data reveals

Total value of financial transactions done by the credit card issued by the bank at PoS terminals in June stood at 67K crore in comparison to 69.6K crore in May. from mint - money

International payments made easy for Indians as Paypal integrates with UPI - How will it work?

PayPal World is set to launch in late 2025 and will begin with offering interoperability between PayPal and Venmo. PayPal World will also include UPI as part of its initial launch. from mint - money

NPS: 7 pension fund managers delivered THESE returns on equity investment in past 3 years

NPS: Pension fund managers (PFM) have delivered annualised return in the range of 17-19 percent in the past three years on equity investment from mint - money

Forex markup on credit cards: What it means and how to avoid it

Forex markup fees are additional charges on credit card transactions made in foreign currencies. These fees cover costs from banks and card networks. from mint - money

Income tax 2025: Documents you must download before filing your return

Filing ITR: Last date to file your income tax return for financial year 2025-26 is September 15, 2025 from mint - money

Credit card annual fees: Should you avoid them or embrace them?

Credit card annual fees, typically ₹499 to ₹5,000, are charged yearly for card privileges. from mint - money

Crypto Hack: With $44 million theft at CoinDCX, should investors be wary of investing in cryptos?

The latest crypto hack amounting to $44 million loss has reportedly left crypto investors anxious and fearful about investment in web 3 assets. After the hacking news spread, CoinDCX got a plethora of withdrawal requests: 31,462 in just 24 hours from mint - money

Earning global income as a freelancer? Key income tax provisions you must know

From presumptive tax to foreign tax credit, here’s how Indian freelancers working with overseas clients can manage ITR filings, remittances, and stay compliant while avoiding double taxation. from mint - money

ITR filing FY 2024-25: Keep THESE documents ready before you file your income tax returns

Filing your ITR for FY 2024-25 requires essential documents like PAN, Form 16, AIS, capital gains reports, and investment proofs to ensure error-free, timely income tax return submission. from mint - money

Personal loan interest rates: What every borrower is supposed to know?

Bank apply interest rates on personal loans to earn income on the funds they disburse to borrowers. The rate is referred to as an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from mint - money

I'm a senior citizen who earns income from interest and capital gains. How do I calculate my tax?

The rate of tax on capital gains will depend on whether the assets were sold before or after 23 July 2024. from mint - money

Opening a demat account is a pain for NRIs. Zerodha and others are trying to simplify it.

Opening a demat account with a broker requires an NRI to fill in lengthy forms, courier them to the broker after rectifying any errors, and find authorities in their country of residence to notarise original documents. from mint - money

Best Mutual Funds: These value schemes gave over 20% annualised return in past 5 years

Best Mutual Funds: We list out seven value funds which delivered more than 20 percent annualised return in the past five years. from mint - money

The new Income Tax Bill: Will linguistic makeover lead to taxation simplicity?

India’s new Income Tax Bill looks cleaner and reads easier, but critics say it repackages complexity, risks legal ambiguity, and may lead to fresh litigation in the name of reform. from mint - money

₹1 crore savings and life is set? It is high time to relook at your age old middle class dream

The dream of having ₹1 crore is increasingly unrealistic due to inflation, rising living costs, medical emergencies, and job insecurity. from mint - money

TDS refund rules to be made simpler under Income Tax Bill 2025? Here's what we know

Instead of filing ITRs solely for claiming TDS refund, taxpayers may be able to do it by just filling up a simple form, according to a report from mint - money

Can Indian freelancers and tech founders avoid paying the income tax by shifting base to Dubai?

A growing number of Indian entrepreneurs are moving to the UAE, especially Dubai, for its zero income tax. This trend is driven by the desire for better financial planning and lifestyle upgrades, as Indian tax laws impose significant taxes on global earnings. from mint - money

Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund: Strong 5-year CAGR of 18.70% — Should you bet on it?

Mutual Funds: Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund offers tax savings under Section 80C, a three‑year lock‑in period, low expense ratio and diversified equity portfolio, delivering strong long‑term growth of 18.70 % CAGR. from mint - money

Personal loans: Latest interest rates charged by top banks in July 2025

Being unsecured, personal loans tend to carry a high rate of interest. Here we list out the interest rates charged by different banks including HDFC, ICICI and Kotak Mahindra from mint - money

Should investors opt for debt mutual funds amid interest rate cut cycle? An explainer

Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy committee (MPC) started cutting benchmark interest rate in February this year. In the two successive policy meets, the banking regulator further cut the repo rate by 75 basis points, thus bringing the total interest rate lower by 100 basis points from mint - money

The confirmation bias: Why investors see what they want to see, and often get it wrong

We instinctively seek information that supports our existing beliefs, while ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence from mint - money

Missed a home loan EMI? Here’s how it affects your credit score and what to do next

Missing a home loan EMI can impact your credit score significantly; taking prompt repayment actions, avoiding new loans, and monitoring your credit report can help rebuild your financial credibility. from mint - money

Relief for borrowers as RBI’s guidelines on loan prepayment to come into force from January 1

RBI early this month released a set of guidelines on pre-payment charges on loans which will be applicable to all commercial banks (excluding payments banks), cooperative banks and NBFCs. These will come into force from January 1 next year from mint - money

Investing ₹1 lakh in this aggressive hybrid fund would have grown to ₹10 lakh in 20 years. Check how

Mutual funds: If someone had invested ₹one lakh at the launch of Nippon India Aggressive Hybrid Fund on June 8, 2005, the investment would have grown to ₹10.53 lakh till June 30, 2025, giving an annualised return of 12.44 percent from mint - money

New UPI guidelines related to pre-sanctioned credit lines to come into force from Aug 31 onwards

The latest NPCI circular states that the end use of such pre-sanctioned credit lines being linked to UPI will be aligned with the purpose for which loan was granted. from mint - money

Should you prepay or part-pay your personal loan? Know the key differences

Part-payment and pre-payment are strategies used by borrowers to manage personal loans. Part-payment reduces the outstanding balance gradually, while pre-payment eliminates the loan entirely. from mint - money

Best mutual funds: THESE large cap schemes gave over 20% annualised return in past 3 years

Mutual Funds: Apart from past returns, other factors which are worth considering by investors include the reputation of fund house, whether the scheme is active or passive, and the past performance of fund manager, among others. from mint - money

Check these deductions in Income Tax Act before filing your tax returns

Here is a set of lesser-known Income Tax sections that are often overlooked by taxpayers. Exploring them before filing the return could help in significant savings. from mint - money

How to earn rewards on every UPI payment using your credit card?

UPI payments linked to credit cards create opportunities for rewards on regular expenses. Users must be mindful of card compatibility and potential risks associated with credit, emphasizing the need for informed financial decisions. from mint - money

5 red flags to watch before taking a personal loan from a digital lending app

Before taking a personal loan via app, borrowers must check for RBI regulation, hidden fees, data access permissions, poor reviews, and absence of customer support to avoid potential financial distress. from mint - money

Are shares transferred to an HUF by members eligible for tax benefits?

If shares are inherited or received by will, the HUF is entitled to the original cost and holding period benefits under capital gains provisions. from mint - money

Retirement planning: Why bucket strategies don’t protect against sequence risk

Simple periodic rebalancing strategies outperform bucket strategies because they not only avoid selling equity at market bottoms but also actively buy equity when valuations are low. from mint - money

Can gold overdraft hack beat bank locker waitlists?

Getting access to bank lockers usually comes with long waitlists and in some cases banks ask investments in insurance or fixed deposits to make lockers available. Gold overdraft can give you access to banks’ vaults, but there are some caveats from mint - money

8th pay commission: When is hike likely? How much will salaries rise? — All your questions answered

8th pay commission: What is it? When is the hike likely to be implemented? Who will benefit? How much will government employees get? All your questions answered… from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: When will govt employees and pensioners receive the hike? Details here

The 8th Pay Commission, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to revise salaries for over a crore central government employees and pensioners. Recommendations are expected to be implemented by FY27. from mint - money

My dad asked me, “How should I invest ₹10 lakh?” I gave him AI instead — What happened next shocked me

My 60-year-old father learned to use AI tools for investment decisions, shifting from skepticism to confidence. AI helped him navigate finance jargon, leading to a well-structured portfolio. from mint - money

Income Tax Filing FY 2024-25: ITR-2 and ITR-3 excel forms now live

The Income Tax Department has released ITR-2 and ITR-3 Excel utilities for FY 2024-25, enabling taxpayers with capital gains and business income to file returns before the September deadline. from mint - money

7 smart ways to maximise credit card cashback and rewards in 2025

Maximise credit card cashback and rewards with smart spending, card selection, bonus tracking, and full payments to enhance savings and avoid interest in the nation’s evolving credit landscape. from mint - money

NPCI dangles incentives to boost RuPay credit cards, targets Visa-Mastercard turf

NPCI boosts RuPay credit cards with bank incentives, aiming to challenge Visa and Mastercard’s dominance by leveraging UPI integration and offering attractive fee-based rewards to issuers. from mint - money

Concierge service on a credit card: What it is and what it covers

Premium credit cards offer concierge services that assist with travel, dining, and gifts, acting as personal assistants for cardholders. from mint - money

Health insurance for pre-existing conditions: Know the plans offering Day 1 coverage and more

Health insurers offer coverage for pre-existing diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma from Day 1. Key features include hospitalisation coverage, pre and post-hospitalisation expenses, day-care procedures, and organ donor expenses, with some exclusions such as cosmetic surgery. from mint - money

Equity mutual fund inflows jump 24% in June to ₹23,587 cr; gold ETFs hit 5-month high

Gold ETFs surged over sixfold to ₹2,080.9 crore in June, while other ETFs dropped 79% to ₹844.4 crore. Equity mutual fund inflows rose 24% to ₹23,568 crore, contributing to a total mutual fund inflow increase of 67% to ₹49,301 crore in June. from mint - money

What are credit card late fees, over-limit charges, and GST — and how can you avoid them?

Understanding credit card late fees, over-limit charges, and GST can help manage finances. Responsible credit card use prevents it from becoming a liability. Mint aims to educate on credit, advising consultation with experts before taking credit due to associated risks. from mint - money

ITR Filing FY 2024-25: THESE 7 income tax mistakes can get you a tax notice

Try to avoid common income tax return mistakes for FY 2024-25 to prevent scrutiny and tax notices. Know key filing errors, TDS mismatches, and e-verification lapses flagged by the tax department. from mint - money

SBI personal loan interest rate July 2025: Check updated rates and processing fees

SBI personal loan interest rates in July 2025 range from 10.30% to 15.30% annually, with charges varying by scheme, borrower profile, and employment type. Processing fees and EMI details included. from mint - money

Digital personal loan vs traditional loan: Which one should you choose?

Some benefits of a digital personal loan include applying from anywhere, faster video KYC from anywhere, faster processing, digital signing of loan documents, disbursement in the bank account, etc. from mint - money

How RTI can help you resolve your EPF issues

Navigating the complexities of provident fund claims can be daunting, especially when faced with rejection. Deepak Bhatter's experience sheds light on the crucial steps to take, including the powerful RTI application. from mint - money

5 proven ways to raise your credit score from 580 to 800

Boosting your credit score from 580 to 800 involves timely repayments, low credit utilisation, diverse credit mix, fewer loan inquiries, and regular monitoring of your credit report to ensure accuracy. from mint - money

Personal loan checklist: Pre and post-disbursal financial strategies

A personal loan can aid in managing finances for emergencies or debt consolidation, but requires careful planning. Assess your needs, maintain a good credit score, and ensure your spending aligns with your long-term goals to avoid debt traps. from mint - money

9 smart ways to manage your personal loan EMIs without stress

Some steps to manage personal loan EMIs effectively include automatic payments, monthly budgeting, making partial/full prepayment, loan consolidation, balance transfer, regular review, etc. from mint - money

THESE credit cards offer reward points on payment of insurance premium

Here, we list out some credit cards which offer reward points on the payment of insurance premium from mint - money

Can I buy a group health insurance cover for my retired employees?

It is possible to structure a group health insurance policy for your retired employees. Such a policy can be custom-designed with varying waiting periods for pre-existing diseases based on the size and composition of the group. from mint - money

Tax woes for joint holders: Flawed reporting rules kindle reassessment fears

In India, it is common practice to have all assets and investments, and even bank accounts, in joint names with a spouse or child. from mint - money

AI can now access your stock holdings. But can it replace your portfolio manager?

Use of tools like Claude AI to analyse portfolios and get buy and sell stock recommendations pose a new challenge for advisors and investment managers. from mint - money

Business credit card: Features, eligibility, fees and how it works

Business credit cards serve to manage business expenses, maintaining a clear distinction from personal transactions. Offered by various banks with different fees, they enhance cash flow and simplify financial management for businesses, freelancers, and employees in growing companies. from mint - money

Rent or buy? This in-depth guide will help you decide.

It's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of home ownership vs renting, especially if you're an urban professional in your 20s or 30s. What's best for you depends on your financial situation, life goals, and local housing market. from mint - money

Personal loan vs line of credit: Which borrowing option fits you best?

A personal loan gives the borrower a lumpsum amount along with an EMI repayment plan spread evenly throughout the tenure. A line of credit provides access to a specified amount that can be used as and when required and flexibility for repayment. from mint - money

Personal loans: Aside from interest rate, these are the other factors one could examine

Other key factors which should influence a borrower’s decision to choose a lender include processing charges, lender’s reputation, other hidden charges & the overall experience of securing a personal loan. from mint - money

Business vs personal credit cards: Key differences you should know before applying

Choosing between a business and personal credit card can be difficult for independent contractors and business owners. Business cards simplify accounting, while personal cards cater to everyday expenses. from mint - money

Why should you opt for a credit card based on its offerings when they are subject to change?

Changes in the credit card rules are typically minor tweaks, latest updates or revisions in time limits. These relate to the reward points, access to lounge, time duration and so on. They do not fundamentally change the character or spirit of the card. from mint - money

No regular income? Here’s how self-employed professionals in India can still get a credit card

With the rise of self-employment in India, the gig economy is booming. Although freelancers face challenges in obtaining credit cards, tailored options are available. This guide outlines the necessary criteria and various credit card choices for self-employed individuals. from mint - money

Credit score warning! 7 habits that can lower your rating and affect loan approvals

Avoiding common financial mistakes is crucial to maintaining a healthy credit score. This article outlines seven habits that can instantly hurt your creditworthiness and impact loan eligibility. from mint - money