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Showing posts from September, 2025

Mutual funds: How much should be your monthly SIP to accumulate ₹1 crore in the next 12 years?

Mutual Funds: For a consistent investment in SIP to hit ₹1 crore, investor must set aside a minimum of ₹36,000 per month for 12 long years when the rate of return is 10 percent a year. from mint - money

5 benefits of a 750+ credit score: Better loan approvals, lower interest rates, premium financial products and more

Maintaining a credit score above 750 ensures easier loan approvals, lower interest rates, higher credit limits, faster processing, better negotiating power and exclusive access to premium financial products. from mint - money

What does current outstanding mean in credit cards? An explainer

It is important to understand current outstanding in credit cards, including its impact on repayments and credit score, the consequences of non-payment, how it is calculated, and effective ways to manage it. from mint - money

7 personal loan mistakes to avoid for better financial health

Personal loan mistakes such as borrowing more than needed, ignoring interest rates, or missing EMIs can impact financial health. Avoiding these errors helps ensure smoother repayment and better credit stability. from mint - money

Many Indians are chasing a FIRE mirage without even knowing it. Are you one of them?

Given family obligations and the costs of children's education, chasing FIRE may not always be as successful as in the West. What's a better way to approach it then? from mint - money

Moving in retirement doesn’t always go as planned. 3 things to keep in mind.

Up your odds of a successful transition by following a few basic rules. from mint - money

Domestic muscle shielding India from global shocks: Union AMC's Patwardhan

The Indian market is now significantly more resilient to global shocks and foreign portfolio outflows, thanks to a sharp rise in domestic institutional investors (DIIs) that have offset FII selling and reduced market volatility from mint - money

I’d rather invest in films, books and songs than matchbox flats: Richa Chaddha

For me, intellectual property (IP) is a modern investment than fancy assets such as cryptos, start-ups or even flats; IP rights live on beyond you from mint - money

Rattled by a turbulent market? Keep calm and look long-term, says HSBC MF's Kulkarni

Volatility in equity markets is normal and, a patient, long-term investment approach allows investors to turn sharp market corrections into opportunities, says HSBC Mutual Fund's CEO. While retail investors have matured and now buy into dips, they should focus on India's long-term growth. from mint - money

PPF: Here are 5 lesser-known facts about the government-backed savings scheme

Check out five lesser-known facts about the government-backed savings scheme, Public Provident Fund (PPF). Here's what it offers to investors… from mint - money

8th Pay Commission to be implemented by 2028? Here’s how previous commissions were rolled out

The 8th Pay Commission, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to revise salaries for central government employees, yet its rollout may not occur until 2028. The lengthy implementation process reflects historical timelines of prior pay commissions. from mint - money

Don't touch your EPFO savings before… — What are premature withdrawal rules, recovery process, and penalty charges?

Take a look at what premature withdrawal means in EPFO and what the recovery process norms look like if the withdrawals are undertaken in a wrongful manner. Here's what EPFO can legally do if you use the funds for any other reasons… from mint - money

Stock lending 101: How you can earn passive income from your shares

Stock lending lets long-term investors earn steady income from idle shares, but comes with margin rules, short-seller demand, and limited liquidity flexibility. from mint - money

Mutual Funds: Investing ₹1 lakh in this mid cap fund at its launch would have grown to ₹11 lakh now

Mutual Funds: Kotak Mid Cap has 69.16 percent assets in mid cap stocks, 14.66 percent in small cap stocks and 14.06 percent in large cap stocks, shows data as on 31 August. from mint - money

A digital platform for insurance is a visionary step, but the wait is long

Unlike private online brokerage platforms such as Policybazaar or InsuranceDekho, Bima Sugam is a non-profit, industry-owned platform. It will not be driven by profitability or product push, but by penetration and accessibility. from mint - money

Gift or transfer mutual fund units in non-demat mode; here’s how

Mutual Fund investors can now gift or transfer units held in non-demat mode, excluding ETFs, as per SEBI's directive. This online initiative simplifies transfers while reducing fraud risk. from mint - money

What is an FD-backed credit card, and how does it benefit you?

An FD-backed credit card allows users to secure credit against a fixed deposit, offering easier approval, lower interest rates, rewards, and a smart way to build or rebuild credit history. from mint - money

Personal loan eligibility: 5 important factors you must know

Personal loan eligibility depends on factors like credit score, income stability, employment history, debt burden and loan tenure, helping borrowers secure approval on better terms and manage finances effectively. from mint - money

With credit monitoring, rural economy on the verge of unlocking huge potential

Rural India has significant growth potential in financial services, with many relying on credit for seasonal needs. Despite increased access to loans, a gap in credit monitoring persists, hindering borrowers' awareness of their financial status and future borrowing capacity. from mint - money

Gold prices hit record high, should you invest in the yellow metal now? Experts weigh in

Gold prices: Experts warn that the yellow metal is an important constituent for portfolio but not as a standalone asset, while they acknowledge that there would be a greater interest among investors in run up to the festive season. from mint - money

This GIFT City fund allows NRIs, foreigners to invest $500. Should they consider it?

Inbound retail funds in GIFT City offer a lower ticket size for NRIs and overseas investors than AIFs. And capital gains on such schemes are not taxed in India. Here's what investors should keep in mind before taking the plunge. from mint - money

Is it good to have two credit cards? 5 advantages you should know

Owning two credit cards offers reward optimisation, better credit score management, financial flexibility, diverse benefits, and enhanced security while helping users manage spending and maximise perks efficiently. from mint - money

Big Billion Days and Great Indian Festival: Which deals are real?

Mint tracked pre-sale and sale prices on Amazon and Flipkart to reveal which festive discounts are genuine, which are exaggerated, and how shoppers can get the best bargains this season. from mint - money

What is a ‘Key Fact Statement’ of a loan, and why is it important?

A Key Fact Statement in a loan ensures transparency by outlining charges, interest rates, EMIs, and repayment terms, helping borrowers compare options, avoid hidden costs, and make informed financial decisions. from mint - money

AU Small Finance Bank launches ‘Credit on UPI’ AU KOSMO Credit Card. Details here

AU Small Finance Bank has launched the AU KOSMO Credit Card, enabling UPI-based transactions for credit purchases. from mint - money

The NPS makeover: How India's pension scheme has grown into a high-growth equity bet

Equity and pensions, in the same sentence, have gained acceptance. For the fast-growing National Pension System (NPS), a full equity option was a matter of time. from mint - money

What is a charge-off, and how long does it stay on your credit report?

A charge-off is a serious credit report entry that damages credit scores, stays for seven years, impacts loans and credit cards, and requires disciplined repayment to rebuild financial health. from mint - money

Festive season deals: Instant discounts and no-cost EMI explained

The fine print behind discounted deals like no-cost EMI often decides whether you walk away with real savings or just a feel-good bargain. from mint - money

Cashless insurance is a promise, and the promise must hold

Cashless claim settlement is a key benefit of the insurance process. All industry stakeholders must work together to ensure the promise is met, or public trust in health insurance will diminish. from mint - money

Ladki Bahin Yojana: Maharashtra govt makes e-KYC mandatory within 2 months; here's how to do it

The Ladki Bahin Yojana e-KYC should be done within two months from now, the government announced. from mint - money

Provident Fund New Rule: Changed your job? PF transfers to now become easier; here's how

Until now, Annexure K was only shared between PF offices and was made available to members only on their request. A reform has been introduced that now enables members to directly download Annexure K in PDF format from the Member Portal itself. from mint - money

Gemini prompts aren’t just for selfies; they could rescue your bank account too

AI edits are trending on social media, but the same technology can help manage finances. from mint - money

Bond math 101: Clean vs. dirty prices, and why investors must know the difference

Bonds trade on “clean” prices, but investors pay the “dirty” price that includes accrued interest. Here’s why the distinction matters for comparing bonds and timing trades. from mint - money

Can you get a ₹3 lakh loan with a 650 credit score? Here’s the answer

Getting a ₹3 lakh personal loan with a 650 credit score is possible through NBFCs and fintechs, though borrowers face stricter checks, higher interest rates, and reduced flexibility. from mint - money

Best Mutual Funds: THESE mid caps delivered above 25% annualised return in past 5 years. Check list

Best Mutual Funds: Here we have listed top performing mid cap funds which gave an annualised return of 25 percent in the past five years from mint - money

IndiGo IDFC FIRST Bank Dual Credit Card: How spending smart can get you flying free

The IndiGo IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card is a good choice for frequent IndiGo flyers to accumulate and redeem BluChips and BluChips vouchers against IndiGo flights. from mint - money

No early exit: Why India’s 50-somethings want to keep working

For many professionals, turning 50 doesn’t mean a countdown to retirement. They see decades of work still ahead. After all, financial juggling intensifies in the 50s, when responsibilities peak and retirement looms. Sudden disruptions like layoffs can derail even the most carefully-laid plans.  from mint - money

5 smart uses of personal loans beyond debt consolidation

Personal loans are no longer limited to debt consolidation, with borrowers now using them for skills, health, eco-friendly upgrades, entrepreneurship, and remote work, supported by fast digital approvals and flexibility. from mint - money

ITR Filing Due Date: Can you file return after missing September 16 deadline? Will there be penalties?

If you have still missed the due date to file ITR, it does not mean you cannot do it anymore as you can still file a belated return. from mint - money

ITR filing due date: What is the last date to file ITR? Why was the deadline extended? All FAQs answered

ITR filing due date: With the ITR filing deadline extended, taxpayers are expected to get some relief as they will be able to file their taxes even today. from mint - money

For professionals in 30s, job loss fears reshape money, careers, and milestones

For professionals in their late twenties to mid-thirties, the idea of a steady job and linear career growth already feels like a relic. Across tech, HR, marketing and data science, layoffs have become so commonplace that even high performers say they live with one eye on the exit door. from mint - money

IPO fever: How to separate the wheat from the chaff

Retail investors should not rush into IPOs based solely on the hype in the unlisted market or the grey market premium. If you are looking for short-term listing day opportunity, make sure to close position on the listing day itself irrespective of the profit or loss. from mint - money

Personal loan approval depends on more than your credit score — here are other aspects lenders evaluate

Personal loan approval depends on more than credit score as lenders check factors such as income stability, debt-to-income ratio, repayment history, employment record, verified assets and financial integrity before clearing applications. from mint - money

How to file ITR for a deceased parent?

Understand when you must file ITR for pension income of a deceased parent or for LTCG under ₹1.25 lakh exemption. Legal heirs and senior citizens need clarity on rules, forms, and obligations. from mint - money

ITR Filing Due Date: What happens if you miss deadline to file income tax today? ₹5,000 penalty and more

The ITR Filing due date today has not been extended despite taxpayers on social media complained that the income tax portal was not working for them on Sunday and hence they were unable to file taxes. from mint - money

India’s pension system has many regulators. Who protects the retiree?

India’s pension system is stuck in silos and inefficiencies. The new regulatory forum could tackle choice, portability, and governance—if it aims for bold, long-term reforms beyond incremental steps. from mint - money

ITR Filing: From choosing the right form to verification and refund – your one-stop guide to filing tax return

The ITR filing deadline for FY 2024-25 is September 15, 2025, with no expected extensions. Check out this ultimate guide on ITR filing to understand why filing returns is mandatory even with zero tax liability, selection of the appropriate ITR form based on income and more. from mint - money

How you can get a digital loan against mutual funds

It is easy and quick, and offered at lower interest rates. But is it worth it? from mint - money

ITR Due Date Extension News 2025 LIVE: With just a day left for September 15 deadline, Tax Dept offers 24X7 support

ITR Due Date Extension News 2025 LIVE: As the ITR filing deadline of 15 September approaches for AY 2025-26, over 6 crore returns have been submitted. The Income Tax Department urges taxpayers to file early to prevent last-minute issues, with 24x7 support available. from mint - money

Last-minute ITR filing? From missing due date, forms, modes of filing to refunds — Key FAQs answered

 The Income Tax Department provides insights on different ITR forms, filing options, and the consequences of late submissions, encouraging timely filing to avoid penalties. from mint - money

Income Tax: Return still not filed? Don’t fret, follow these points for a seamless experience - hopefully!

Over 5.95 crore returns were filed by Friday. Even if 10 percent greater number of taxpayers file their returns this time, around 8 crore returns would get filed this time (based on the last year’s figure of 7.28 crore). So, over 2 crore returns would be filed in these three days. from mint - money

IT, energy, pharma, consumer sector available at cheap valuations, says Sonam Udasi of Tata Mutual Fund

Sonam Udasi speaks about the reasons for which investors could invest in the mid-cap and small-cap mutual funds, sectors currently trading at cheap valuation, impact of Trump tariffs on domestic markets, advice to young investors and expectations from the New Income Tax (I-T) Act. from mint - money

Are SIP inflows into mutual funds on a slow decline? Experts weigh in

In August, inflows into mutual fund via systematic investment plans (SIP) touched ₹28,265, marginally lower than the corresponding figure of July. We asked experts whether it speaks of a bigger trend from mint - money

Do bigger mutual funds underperform? No, says HDFC Mutual Fund's Chirag Setalvad.

HDFC Mid Cap Fund the only one in its category to rank among the country's 10 biggest mutual funds. But is its size  a badge of honour or a double-edged sword? from mint - money

ITR Filing News LIVE Updates: Will the Govt extend the 15 Sep due date for FY 2025-26?

ITR Filing News LIVE Updates: The last date to file Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) is 15 September 2025. Will the government extend the deadline again? Know the latest updates, penalty and refund details from mint - money

₹1 lakh+ crore in unclaimed assets—will investors ever get it back?

With over ₹1 lakh crore in unclaimed assets trapped in government red tape, getting your own money back feels like a test of patience—or perhaps a prayer for divine intervention. from mint - money

Income tax return due date: A last-minute guide to help you file ITR on time | Everything you need to know

Income tax return due date: As the ITR deadline approaches, taxpayers must prepare documents and choose the correct ITR form. The deadline to file ITR is September 15, 2025, and failure to verify returns within 30 days can lead to penalties ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. from mint - money

FD interest rates: These 7 banks offer highest rates on 1-year term deposits

Most bank offer anywhere between 6.25 to 6.40 percent per annum interest on 1-year fixed deposits to regular citizens. Senior citizens are entitled to receive an extra 50 basis points. from mint - money

Starbucks Rewards loyalty program: How to get free drinks, discounts, and a lot more

Starbucks Rewards loyalty program provides members with various loyalty benefits. With a higher membership tier, a member can enjoy more benefits. from mint - money

Should you get a second credit card? Benefits and precautions explained

Get a second credit card when your income/salary goes up, but you are not able to increase the credit limit on your existing card from mint - money

Are wedding gifts taxable in India? Rules you must know

In India, gifts received during marriage are tax-free for the couple, regardless of amount. However, relatives must declare gifts exceeding Rs. 50,000. Clubbing provisions apply to gifts from specific relatives, impacting future income tax calculations. from mint - money

Should you get your Will registered?

It is always advisable to register a Will, which can be changed or revoked later if the testator desires. from mint - money

IDFC FIRSTmoney Smart Personal Loan – 100% digital, no foreclosure fee: Should you take it?

The IDFC FIRSTmoney Smart Personal Loan provides a unique combination of excellent features. Some of these include a 100% digital process, quick approval and disbursal, repayment flexibility, access to multiple on-demand loans, no foreclosure charges, etc. from mint - money

How to check your credit score for free? A step-by-step guide

Checking your credit score for free is key to financial stability as it influences loan approvals, interest rates and borrowing power while helping identify report errors and improve creditworthiness. from mint - money

Debt mutual funds: Risks of investing and how to manage them

Investing in debt mutual funds is complex, carrying risks like interest rate, credit/default, and concentration risks. from mint - money

What is a credit card limit, and why does it matter more than you think?

A credit card limit shapes spending behaviour, credit utilisation, and overall financial health. Managing limits responsibly helps maintain strong credit scores and unlocks access to loans and premium credit cards. from mint - money

Will GST cut on construction materials really benefit homebuyers?

For developers who outsource procurement, the reduction in cement GST may not lower apartment prices, as the tax cost was already mitigated through input tax credit. Is there a legal or moral obligation to pass on savings arising on account of lower tax outflow on procurements to buyers? from mint - money

GST cut on insurance: What it means for your premiums, renewals, and returns

With the GST exemption on retail health and life insurance policies, many policyholders are weighing their options. Should they defer premium payments until 22 September to take advantage of the benefit? Will those who have already paid multi-year premiums be eligible for a refund? Mint decodes from mint - money

Should you opt for mutual funds to accumulate sufficient wealth for retirement? Experts weigh in

The phenomenon of starting to invest early for wealth creation is known as compounding. Warren Buffett calls compounding as a snowball which – when rolling down a long hill -- picks up more snow as it gains momentum until it becomes a massive snowball. from mint - money

5 smart ways to ensure ethical personal loan repayment

Smart personal loan repayment strategies help borrowers maintain financial discipline, avoid debt traps, and safeguard credit scores while leveraging technology and responsible practices for a healthier borrowing experience. from mint - money

Does having multiple credit cards hurt or improve your credit score?

A portfolio of 3-4 credit cards, with one each for UPI spends, brand/category with high spends, all other spends, etc., can provide an optimum return on overall spends in all categories. Multiple credit cards, when used judiciously, can help maintain or increase the credit score. from mint - money

How to improve your credit score fast? Tips for young borrowers

Improving your credit score fast requires smart habits like timely repayments, low utilisation, secured cards, and regular report checks, enabling young borrowers to access loans and credit cards with better approval odds. from mint - money

Why building a credit culture matters more than easy loans in India

India's credit availability has surged due to digital lending and smartphone penetration. However, sustainable growth requires a robust credit culture focused on financial literacy, responsible borrowing, and disciplined repayment to avoid risks associated with easy credit access. from mint - money

Will accepting a credit limit increase help or hurt your credit score?

A credit limit increase with the same monthly expenses will lower the credit utilisation ratio. A credit utilisation ratio below 30% helps improve the credit score, provided other factors are the same. from mint - money

Personal loan from bank vs fintech app: Key differences explained

There are quite a few distinctions between raising personal loan from a bank and a fintech app. Borrowing from a bank can be a long process but the apps usually provide loan in a short span of time from mint - money

Add-on credit cards explained: Pros, cons, and should you get one for your family?

Add-on credit cards permit families to share credit limits, rewards, and benefits while building credit history, though responsible usage is essential to avoid overspending, debt, and financial stress. from mint - money

How much can you borrow against your assets for festival expenses? Find out

Festivals boost household spending in India, leading to budget strain. Loans against assets like gold and fixed deposits offer lower interest rates (10-12%) compared to personal loans (14-18%). from mint - money

Gig workers can now start mutual fund SIPs with just ₹100 a day; here’s how

Zeny joins hands with ONDC to launch ‘Daily SIP Mutual Funds App’ for the informal workforce. The app enables investment in Aditya Birla Sun Life Liquid Fund from mint - money

PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card offers 10% rewards on utility bills. Details here

PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card offers a 10% reward rate on select PhonePe categories, 5% reward rate on select online brands, and 1% on UPI payments, along with complimentary airport lounge access and fuel surcharge waiver. from mint - money

ITR filing 2025: Can salaried employees switch between old and new tax regimes ahead of the 15 September deadline?

ITR filing 2025: Taxpayers in India can switch between old and new tax regimes while filing their income tax returns by 15 September. Here's how to change your regime, even if you have already declared a different one to your employer. from mint - money

Flipkart SBI Card launched with up to 7.5% cashback: All you need to know about it

The Flipkart SBI Card gives 5% cashback on Flipkart and Cleartrip, with a calendar quarter limit of Rs. 4,000 for each merchant. The card provides 7.5% cashback on Myntra with a calendar quarter limit of Rs. 4,000. The cashback is credited to the card account within 2 days of statement generation. from mint - money

4 popular entry-level credit cards with rewards, cashback and benefits

Beginners can opt for entry-level credit cards with low/nil annual and joining fee, high cashbacks, and rewards. They can also take secured credit cards, which are backed by bank FDs from mint - money

How to use a premium credit card wisely? 4 smart tips for maximum benefits

Using a premium credit card strategically enhances rewards, travel perks, and lifestyle benefits. Smart management of fees, spending, and privileges helps maximise value while protecting credit scores and financial flexibility. from mint - money

How to deal with personal loan debt collectors? Here are 5 RBI-backed tips

Effectively manage personal loan debt collectors with RBI-backed strategies including knowing your rights, maintaining records, requesting debt validation, negotiating repayment options, and seeking professional financial or legal advice. from mint - money

5 common mistakes that keep your credit score stuck at 500

A credit score stuck at 500 highlights common mistakes like late payments, high credit utilisation, frequent inquiries, report errors and weak credit history that restrict financial growth and credit access. from mint - money