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Showing posts from December, 2025

Want to accumulate ₹50 lakh in the next 12 years? Here's how much you need to invest in SIP

The higher the rate of return on investment, the faster you achieve your financial goals. Additionally, the more focused you are on your financial goals and the timeline to achieve them, the easier it becomes to formulate a financial plan. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: When will central govt employees get their arrears? How much money will they receive?

While the provisions of the 8th Pay Commission will be effective from 1 January, 2026, the implementation is expected to be delayed. This is why government employees and pensioners will receive arrears. from mint - money

Improve your credit score with 4 simple New Year 2026 resolutions: Timely repayments, monitoring & more

New Year 2026: Simple New Year resolutions can help borrowers improve their credit score through timely repayments, smart credit utilisation, regular monitoring and long-term discipline, unlocking better loan approvals and financial opportunities. from mint - money

Income Tax Refund: Will you get more time to file revised ITR if I-T Dept fails to process your return by 31 December?

ITR refund deadline: Once the 31 December deadline passes, taxpayers do not have the opportunity to file revised ITR even though their returns are not processed by the CPC. from mint - money

New Year 2026: 10 key personal finance rules to follow for smarter money management

New Year 2026: Experts often recommend investors stay committed to the key fundamentals of investing, including asset allocation and diversification. from mint - money

Credit card application rejected? Here are 5 major reasons banks say no

Credit card applications can be rejected due to weak credit history, high debt, insufficient income, errors in documentation, or eligibility issues, highlighting the importance of disciplined spending and repayment habits. from mint - money

How should I declare my overseas restricted stock units in ITR?

In case you have earned any dividend out of the shares held during the calendar year, you should disclose the same as well as the schedule in which such dividend is offered to tax in the return of income (Schedule OS in the case of dividends). from mint - money

Cancer insurance: Why standard mediclaim beats critical illness plans

Rising treatment costs and recurrence risks make choosing the right cancer coverage critical—here’s how to protect yourself financially. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission effective from January 1: Salary hike, pension, fitment factor explained for Central govt employees

8th Pay Commission effective from January 1: The 8th Pay Commission is set to revise the pensions, allowances, and salaries of current and retired central government employees. The commission is set to be effective from 1 January 2026. from mint - money

New insurance law eases investors' lives. But what about consumer protection?

Meaningful insurance education would require honesty. It would begin by acknowledging that many products approved and aggressively sold in the market may hurt customers' financial well-being from mint - money

India’s pension reset: Why 2025 was a turning point

Structural changes were made to the NPS to increase its wider acceptance among households, while EPFO took some tough calls to plug complete withdrawals of the provident fund. Here are the headline events of 2025 in the space that you should take note of. from mint - money

Flexi-cap funds are back in favour. But do they really offer the best diversification?

Flexi-cap funds may offer diversification without forcing exposure to expensive market segments. But these are not the only ones that promise diversification across market caps. from mint - money

RBL launches NOVA Credit Card: Travel & lifestyle benefits explained — Should you apply?

The NOVA Credit Card is a luxury credit card that offers accelerated reward points on travel, airport lounge access, low forex markup, golf rounds, and more, designed for those looking to transform everyday moments into milestones. from mint - money

Logan Paul auctions ultra-rare Pikachu Card, tells GenZ to bet on alternative assets — are collectibles good investment?

Logan Paul purchased the Pikachu Illustrator card for millions of dollars four years back, during which he broke a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon trading card sold in a private auction. from mint - money

Income tax refund stuck due to risk management: How long can refunds be delayed? Top 5 questions answered

The Income Tax Department has notified taxpayers via email and SMS that their refunds are being held due to discrepancies in their ITR filings. Many affected individuals are seeking clarity and an extension before the 31 December deadline to correct their filings. from mint - money

Critical illness claim rejected by insurer? Here's what you can do

Always read policy wording carefully, maintain complete medical documentation, and make use of the grievance and ombudsman mechanisms when needed. from mint - money

Revised ITR vs Belated ITR — Which one should taxpayers file before 31 December deadline? Here's what you need to know

A revised ITR is filed to correct any mistake in the original ITR. A belated ITR is an original ITR filed if a taxpayer misses the due date for ITR filing. Here is a detailed breakdown. from mint - money

ITR filed, but still not processed by CPC? Here's how taxpayers can legally claim their income tax refund

Income Tax Refund Rule: If your ITR does not get processed by 31 December 2026, or within the relevant deadline for previous assessment years, the CPC has to forfeit its right to the ITR. from mint - money

Gold in your portfolio: What to expect from the safe-haven asset in volatile times

While most experts remain optimistic about gold, citing a macroeconomic backdrop that continues to favor it, some warn of short-term risks. from mint - money

5 practical steps to avoid legal action after a personal loan default

A personal loan default can lead to legal action, but timely communication, repayment planning, restructuring options and understanding recovery rules can help borrowers reduce risk and protect credit health. from mint - money

Income tax alert: Disclose foreign assets and income in revised ITR by December 31

Taxpayers must disclose foreign assets and income in revised ITR by December 31. Failure to report can lead to penalties. from mint - money

PAN-Aadhaar linking: Will your PAN card get deactivated if not linked to Aadhaar by 31st December?

Your PAN will be rendered inoperative after 31 December if not linked with Aadhaar. There are several consequences of getting your PAN inoperative, including penalties. from mint - money

Record SME IPOs, fragile returns: What retail investors should watch out for

Strong demand has not translated into consistent returns for SME IPOs. Of the 250 companies listed in the space in 2025, 129 are trading below their issue price from mint - money

Why 2025 was a turning point for tax planning and investments

Changes in income tax law and new regime have done away with the year-end rush for investments to save on tax. But experts still advise active tax planning and asset allocation. from mint - money

Kerala women to get ₹1000 under Sthree Suraksha Scheme — Apply today! Know eligibility, documents required, more

Application submission for the Kerala government's Sthree Suraksha Scheme has reportedly begun. The state government had earlier released the guidelines and norms related to the implementation of the scheme. from mint - money

Here's evergreen advice Warren Buffett gave students on ‘seizing big opportunities’ whether in life or investments

Warren Buffett believes that big opportunities are rare and must be seized, but decisions should be well thought out and considered rather than impulsive, if you want to make money. from mint - money

When a reporting lapse can turn honest taxpayers into ‘black money’ accused

Taxpayers face severe penalties for failing to disclose foreign assets, even inadvertently. A Mumbai executive received a ₹40 lakh fine under the Black Money Act despite no income from his holdings.  from mint - money

After Elon Musk, Nikhil Kamath's WTF Podcast to feature this billionaire fund manager - Can you guess?

In a post on X on Saturday, Nikhil Kamath dropped a one-minute video teaser of his podcast with Ray Dalio, where they discuss a wide range of topics including crypto, wealth creation, wealth to money ratio and others. The video has already gone viral on social media. from mint - money

Looking for a personal loan? 6 crucial factors that can impact the approval process

There are ways to expedite the approval of your personal loan. They include improving credit score, managing debt, ensuring stable income, choosing the right amount, and avoiding multiple applications. Here are six factors to consider to get a personal loan cleared quickly. from mint - money

Rate cut windfall: Should you reduce EMI or tenure

A 0.25% rate cut may look negligible, but the real gains depend on whether borrowers reduce EMIs or shorten tenure—one choice offers comfort, the other can save lakhs. from mint - money

Credit report disputes explained: Why they matter, how to fix errors and protect your score

A credit report dispute helps correct errors in personal and account details, protecting credit scores, ensuring fair lending decisions, and encouraging regular credit report review through a dispute resolution process. from mint - money

Gift deed or will: What’s the best way to transfer a residential flat?

Transferring a residential apartment to a child can be done through a gift or a will. Each route has legal, tax and personal implications that families should understand before deciding. from mint - money

Two to tango: How child-free couples are rethinking retirement, health and legacy

Across urban India, child-free couples are intentionally reshaping their finances, prioritising flexibility, early retirement, experiences, and long-term self-reliance over traditional child-centric milestones and expenses. from mint - money

₹1 lakh investment in this mutual fund at launch in 2008 would have grown to ₹9.8 lakh now. See how

If an investor had invested ₹1 lakh in this flexi-cap mutual fund in 2008, the amount would have grown 10 times in the 17 years that followed at an annualised rate of 14.25%. from mint - money

NPS rules revised: With a higher withdrawal limit in place, how will it affect corporate subscribers?

NPS subscribers will now be able to withdraw up to 80% of the corpus when it exceeds ₹12 lakh. from mint - money

This year, 344 IPOs later, half the market is underwater

A year after a record ₹1.5 lakh crore IPO wave, half of new listings are underwater—revealing why listing-day pops mislead and disciplined selection matters more than ever. from mint - money

Income Tax: Last two weeks left to file belated return — all about late fee, penalty, interest and more

A tax return is referred to as a ‘belated return’ when it is filed after the end of the original due date mentioned under section 139(1). The last date to file a belated return is 31 December. from mint - money

Personal loan eligibility: What is the minimum income required?

The minimum income requirement is an important eligibility criterion for a personal loan. The applicant’s income helps the bank assess the applicant’s repayment capacity and ability to make timely EMI payments. from mint - money

One nation, one portfolio: How AI biases could leave us all holding the same bag

Generative AI is quietly reinforcing one of our most persistent investing biases – familiarity – thanks to inherent disparities in training data. If we’re not careful, we could find ourselves with portfolios that look eerily similar, carry the same risks, and collapse in unison. from mint - money

Mutual Funds: Want to accumulate ₹50 lakh in next 12 years? You will need SIP of this amount

The amount of SIP is contingent on the rate of return on your investment. Higher the return, lower the SIP needed. Conversely, lower the return, higher the need for SIP. from mint - money

Building generational wealth: The role of intelligent advisory in family financial planning

Wealth erosion is not caused by market volatility or poor investment performance, but by a fundamental discontinuity in financial acumen. from mint - money

Year-end credit checklist: 5 smart moves to strengthen your credit before 2026

Regularly monitor your credit score, balance credit with investments, ensure timely EMI repayments, and avoid over-leverage to strengthen your financial health for a stress-free new year. from mint - money

India must stop reinventing the regulatory wheel when it comes to educating investors

India's finfluencer crackdown reveals gaps in the digital-finance ecosystem, where unregulated advice thrives. Learning from global regulations, India can enhance transparency and accountability to protect young investors with low financial literacy. from mint - money

Chasing quick returns, investors sacrifice their own financial security

The ancient tale of Bhasmasura serves as a perfect metaphor for modern retail investors who, in their impatience for quick wealth, progressively sacrifice fundamental financial security for high-risk, high-leverage instruments. from mint - money

ITR advance tax deadline 2025: Key dates to step-by-step guide to pay — All you need to know before 15 December due date

ITR advance tax deadline 2025: From Key dates, tax calculation to a step-by-step guide on how to pay the partial tax payment for the financial year. Here's all you need to know before the 15 December due date. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: Will pensioners stop getting DA hikes under new Finance Act 2025? Govt clarifies

8th Pay Commission: Government issues clarification on whether the central government employees will get dearness allowances (DA) and pay commission revisions under the new Finance Act 2025. Here's what you need to know. from mint - money

8th pay commission: Railways plans cost-cutting to deal with higher wages, says report

The 8th Central Pay Commission, established in January 2024, will review pay, allowances and pensions of central government employees. from mint - money

AI has taken over Wall Street. Should it take over your portfolio too?

For Indian investors, the implications of the US rally are different from those for American investors. from mint - money

Income Tax dept cracks down on bogus claims linked to donations, SMS and emails sent to taxpayers as ‘friendly measure’

The Income Tax department is alerting taxpayers via SMS and email to update their returns and withdraw incorrect claims, following a crackdown on fraudulent tax claims linked to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) or charitable institutions. from mint - money

Even Warren Buffett is open to learning how to be a better investor

Investors must evolve their thinking to adapt to constantly changing market environments, Douglas Eby writes in a guest commentary. from mint - money

Understand the key differences between a credit report and credit score to strengthen your financial profile

A clear overview of the differences between a credit report and credit score, highlighting their purpose, impact on borrowing, and why both are essential for maintaining a strong financial profile. from mint - money

Check out how personal loan refinancing lowers EMIs, trims interest outgo and enhances financial control

Refinancing a personal loan can cut EMIs, lower interest costs and simplify repayments by securing better terms, helping borrowers improve cash flow and strengthen long-term financial stability. from mint - money

Understanding key differences between overdraft and personal loan options for better financial planning

A clear comparison of overdraft vs personal loan outlining key differences, benefits and risks to help borrowers choose suitable credit options based on cash flow needs, costs and financial goals. from mint - money

Will a car loan application secretly dent your credit score? Let’s break it down

A car loan application can briefly reduce your credit score due to hard inquiries, but disciplined EMI repayment strengthens credit health and supports smarter borrowing decisions in the evolving lending landscape. from mint - money

Home sweet home: The complete cost of ownership

The actual cost of owning a house can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the property’s location, price of the home, financing terms, utilities, maintenance, etc. from mint - money

Equity mutual fund inflows hit ₹29,911 crore in November, up 21% from October: AMFI data

Equity mutual fund inflows rose to ₹29,911 crore in November 2025, a 21.2% increase from October's ₹24,690 crore, according to AMFI data.  from mint - money

RBI floating rate savings bonds explained: Returns, eligibility and key rules

The government introduced RBI floating rate saving bonds for individual investors in 2020, replacing the 7.75% savings bonds.  from mint - money

BOBCARD Cashback Credit Card offering 5% on online spends: Should you take it?

BOBCARD Cashback Credit Card offers 5 percent cashback on eligible online transactions and 1 percent on other eligible spends. The cashback is capped at ₹1,500 per statement cycle. from mint - money

The real cost of pet parenthood: How to budget for a pet

Before bringing a pet home, it is important to understand the long-term costs and responsibilities involved. from mint - money

5 smart credit card strategies every Indian user should master

Smart credit card strategies help users maximise rewards, control debt, manage credit utilisation and use EMIs wisely, ensuring secure financial habits and optimised credit card benefits for long-term stability. from mint - money

Want your child to never worry about money? Start with these investments

Pocket money introduces children to financial management, allowing them to learn from small mistakes. In India, options like savings accounts, Demat accounts, and mutual funds help minors understand investing.  from mint - money

How to prepare for big ticket bills before they knock

Standard emergency funds cover job loss, but dental surgeries, home termite damage often require a separate ‘shock absorber’ fund. By earmarking specific SIPs or arbitrage funds for these gaps, investors can protect their long-term portfolios from the erosion caused by unexpected bills. from mint - money

Why portfolio strategy, not stock picking, decides who wins in the market

Shyam Sekhar emphasizes the importance of a robust portfolio strategy in equity investing. As market conditions shift, investors must adapt their portfolios to mitigate risks and capture opportunities, rather than focusing solely on stock picking. from mint - money

Inside AIFs: The risks, rewards and real fit for your portfolio

Each AIF is different and an investor needs to understand if and where it fits into their asset allocation mix, based on their portfolio size, risk-taking ability, return expectations and liquidity considerations from mint - money

Still believing these credit myths? They’re quietly ruining your financial health

As 2025 ends, it's vital to debunk personal finance myths, especially regarding credit. Misconceptions include beliefs that BNPL doesn't affect credit scores, high income ensures good scores, and closing old cards is beneficial.  from mint - money

Axis Bank credit card travel redemption options: Transfer ratios, limits, and tips

Axis Bank credit cardholders can transfer their reward points to 20 partners (6 hotels and 14 airlines) categorised into Group A and B. There are groupwise calendar year limits on points transfers. from mint - money

Rupee at record low: Don’t ignore international investing for hedging currency risk

With traditional domestic mutual funds reaching overseas investment caps, this guide explores alternative routes, including Gift City funds, foreign brokerage platforms, and global mutual funds, to help build a robust international portfolio. from mint - money

Why finance keeps confusing investors: The everyday words that mislead us

From “expensive” stocks to “liquid” funds and “corrections,” everyday language in finance often means something entirely different — and it’s tripping up even sensible investors. from mint - money

RBI’s policy review delivers Goldilocks economics—and lower loan rates

RBI’s MPC delivers an unexpected unanimous 25 bps rate cut as inflation plunges to 0.25% and growth projections rise. Liquidity infusion of ₹1.5 lakh crore aims to speed up rate transmission. from mint - money

What really counts in life insurance: The claim experience

India’s life insurers are strengthening trust through faster settlements, digitized processes and tighter governance, even as challenges like nomination gaps and fraud prevention persist. from mint - money

Why you should never share your credit card OTP over the phone

Sharing your credit card OTP exposes users to rising digital payment fraud, with scammers exploiting urgency and personal data; safeguarding OTPs is essential to protect finances and prevent unauthorised transactions. from mint - money

These 5 NBFCs offer the highest interest rates up to 8.9% on fixed deposits. Check details

FD interest rates: We list out NBFCs such as Muthoot Capital and Shriram Finance that offer high interest rates on their fixed deposits (FDs) from mint - money

Digital NBFCs sanctioned loans amounting to ₹97,381 crore in H1 FY26: Report

Digital loans accounted for 19% of the sanction value and 80% of the sanction volume from mint - money

Why 2025’s market surprises make diversification more crucial than ever

Despite gold’s stellar run and equities’ late-year recovery, 2025 shows why chasing performance can hurt investors. A diversified, style-balanced portfolio is key to navigating shifting market cycles. from mint - money

7 reasons your credit card gets rejected even with a good credit score

For credit card application approval or rejection, in addition to the credit score, a bank’s eligibility checks typically include the city of residence, employment status, minimum income, age, and residential status, among other factors. from mint - money

Why your multi-asset fund is like a multivitamin with too little magnesium

Investors often assume that adding a multi-asset fund equals instant diversification. But unless the allocation is meaningful, the exposure to each asset may be too small to make any real difference. from mint - money

Can you pay a credit card bill with another card? Here’s what actually works

Paying a credit card bill with another credit card is mostly restricted, but balance transfers offer a safe alternative while cash advances carry high fees and interest for cardholders. from mint - money

A small fee cut, big returns: The cost reform that could boost your MF portfolio

Sebi's move to lower mutual fund costs could help investors grow long-term wealth with smaller fees. from mint - money