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Showing posts from January, 2026

Income Tax Slabs Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman hours away from Budget speech; what can taxpayers expect?

Income Tax Slabs Budget 2026 Live Updates: FM Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth Budget today. Ahead of Budget 2026, taxpayers are wishing for income tax rate cuts today. Follow along for all LIVE updates on Budget 2026 income tax announcements. from mint - money

Budget 2026: Will the old tax regime be phased out this time? Experts weigh in

Budget 2026: The old tax regime still offers key deductions like Section 80C and House Rent Allowance (HRA). Plus, the New Income Tax Act 2025 permits filing ITRs under the old regime, keeping it relevant despite the push towards the new regime. from mint - money

Why global investing matters now more than ever

At Mint Horizons Kolkata, Neil Borate emphasised that global investing is an ingrained instinct for Indians, citing gold as a historical example. He discussed the importance of geographic diversification and various routes for Indian investors to gain global exposure. from mint - money

Quiet confidence: How first-time earners are redefining money habits

Rather than splurging, India’s young professionals are adopting disciplined, flexible budgeting to navigate their first years of earning. from mint - money

Large caps currently have a bigger margin of safety than mid or small caps: SBI Mutual Fund's Anup Upadhyay

Anup Upadhyay, fund manager at SBI Mutual Fund, said about 70% of the SBI Flexi Cap Fund is now in large caps, up from 55% a year ago. In an interview with Mint, he also spoke about his outlook for the market, sectoral bets, and structural changes in the SBI Flexi Cap Fund. from mint - money

Budget 2026 and your portfolio: Track but retain long-term focus

The budget 2026 is just one stop on your investment journey—it does not change your destination. from mint - money

Why naming a nominee may be the most important step in your life insurance

Assigning a nominee in a life insurance policy ensures faster claim settlement, legal clarity and financial security for families when they need it most. from mint - money

Is a Hiba valid for gifting property to unborn grandchildren?

Hiba made in favour of unborn children is invalid. A key principle that governs Hiba is the fact that Hiba can be effected inter vivos or among living persons. When a Hiba is made to a child in the womb, it would stand valid only if the child is born alive within 6 months from the date the Hiba. from mint - money

Lessons from the Binny Bansal ruling: Dubai or Singapore not an easy NRI tax arbitrage

Recent rulings in the Binny Bansal and Tiger Global cases signal that day counts and paper relocations are no longer enough. Tax authorities are looking for real overseas substance before granting non-resident status or treaty benefits. from mint - money

Why did you just buy five books when you needed two?

From false scarcity to hidden fees, digital platforms are engineered to extract maximum value. Here are the psychological weapons used against your wallet. from mint - money

How to merge two PF accounts, and is a withdrawal taxable?

The latest UAN linked to your last employer should be retained, and the older one linked to your first employment must be merged from mint - money

New Tax Regime: Is ELSS still relevant without Section 80C tax breaks?

ELSS does not offer tax deductions under the New Tax Regime. However, it still has the potential to deliver strong returns and create wealth. With a three-year lock-in period, ELSS can help investors overcome emotions such as greed and fear and become more disciplined. from mint - money

Managing investments in 2026 amid volatile markets and geopolitical uncertainty

From crypto SIPs and precious metals to IPO mania, 2025 saw investors chase returns like never before. As markets remind them of risk, 2026 calls for discipline over FOMO. from mint - money

Nominee vs heir: Why your bank nomination doesn’t decide inheritance

Understanding the crucial difference between nominees and legal heirs can save families from disputes and ensure smooth asset transfer. from mint - money

Why children are quietly becoming their parents’ financial managers

As fraud risks rise and finance grows more complex, adult children across urban India are becoming informal money managers for ageing parents—managing investments, blocking mis-selling and navigating a delicate balance between protection and autonomy. from mint - money

Why silver isn’t cheap gold—and what investors get wrong about the catch-up trade

As gold hits record highs, many investors assume silver is the obvious next bet. History shows that thinking can quietly damage long-term portfolios. from mint - money

Working remotely from India? When short stays trigger tax—and when they don’t

From overseas employees working briefly from India to gifting money to NRIs, here’s how Indian tax rules apply in two common cross-border situations. from mint - money

Why the rich still get systematic investing wrong

The rationale for systematic investing is independent of portfolio size. Whether an investor has ₹1,000 or several crores, market direction over the short or long term remains inherently uncertain. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: Employee organisation demands 3.25 fitment factor and 5% annual increment, says report

FNPO has said that the previous pay commissions did not apply the fitment factor consistently at all levels, both by design and necessity. Therefore, it has sought fitment factors ranging from 3.0-3.25 for various central government employee levels from mint - money

AI chatbots as your investment advisor: The risks investors aren't seeing

While AI chatbots are a great tool to learn concepts, narrow down choices or even discover options, the risk lies in treating recommendations as advice. Action-oriented money decision-making driven by AI can be risky from mint - money

Is your gold jewellery safe in bank lockers? All you need to know about RBI rules, insurance and more

With gold prices seeing a surge, it is better to get insurance for the gold jewellery that you have in safe deposit lockers. from mint - money

Can AI replace a human adviser to prepare a financial plan for you?

AI can crunch numbers and generate plans in seconds, but financial planning is about behaviour, emotions and life changes—areas where human advisers still have the edge. from mint - money

Planning to build your own house? Know home loan eligibility, tax limits, and EMI rules

Planning to build your own house? Learn how home loan eligibility works, EMI rules for self‑construction, and tax benefits under Sections 80C and 24(b). from mint - money

Budget 2026: What it will take to make India’s new tax law work

With the Income Tax Act, 2025, set to kick in from 1 April, the upcoming Budget must prioritize compliance, clarity and credibility over further tax rate cuts. from mint - money

Flexi-cap vs multi-cap mutual funds: What is the difference and which one to choose?

A flexi-cap fund invests across companies without any market capitalisation limits. Money is allocated based on market conditions and future outlook. A multi-cap fund invests at least 25% in each of the large-, mid-, and small-cap categories, providing balanced exposure. from mint - money

From SIPs to safety nets: How parents should plan for soaring education costs

Education costs in India are rising faster than inflation. Here's how parents can blend equity, debt and protection to build a resilient, goal-focused education plan for their children. from mint - money

Budget 2026: How ₹1.25 lakh LTCG tax limit and exclusion from 87A rebate hurt salaried mutual fund investors

Budget 2026: Tax experts urge the govt to expand the scope of Section 87A rebate and increase the threshold of long-term capital gains tax to provide greater relief to the middle class. Here's how the ₹1.25 lakh LTCG tax limit and exclusion from 87A rebate affect salaried mutual fund investors.  from mint - money

Simplified GST registration leaves MSMEs trapped if turnover rises

The GST portal blocks small businesses whenever their output tax exceeds the ₹2.5 lakh threshold. They can't even register as a regular business without three GST returns. from mint - money

How can I allocate my investments to ensure my retirement savings don't run out?

Investing the entire corpus in a fixed deposit might not work out in the long run, so a more nuanced approach and diversified approach is required. from mint - money

Sharpe ratio and what it means for your risk-adjusted returns

To understand whether your MF investment is truly performing well or is simply a risky bet delivering dazzling returns, you need a tool that zooms in on the scheme's risk and reward. This is where the Sharpe ratio comes in handy. from mint - money

Why the order of your investment returns matters more than you think.

This critical factor often overlooked by investors can dramatically alter long-term wealth, even with consistent average returns. from mint - money

Are IPO listings still worth the risk for small investors?

Given the unpredictable nature of IPO listings, financial advisers say individual investors are best off holding stocks via mutual funds or via the secondary market for the long run. Those who want to play the IPO listing game should be wary of these risks from mint - money

A simple formula to calculate how much you can safely spend in retirement

A new research-backed formula replaces complex simulations to estimate safe withdrawal rates, helping Indian retirees quickly assess how much they can spend based on equity allocation and retirement length. from mint - money

UP labourer receives ₹7 crore income tax notice — What are the types of I-T notices and how to respond to them

An Income Tax Notice is a formal communication from the Income Tax Department sent to the taxpayer on various grounds. Check who gets it and how to respond. from mint - money

Gifting money to NRI daughter-in-law: What is the tax implication in India?

Under Indian tax law, if a resident father-in-law gifts a sum of money to his daughter-in-law who is an NRI, the gift is not taxable in India, either in the hands of the donor or the recipient. from mint - money

Love meets the ledger: Why financial compatibility decides relationships

From managing wedding hangover to navigating parental support, shifting from ‘mine’ to ‘ours’ requires more than just a joint account. Why financial compatibility is a non-negotiable for long-term stability from mint - money

Why rebalancing and SIPs matter more than perfect entry points

India’s markets may be booming, but disciplined asset allocation and regular rebalancing—not market timing—are what help investors compound wealth, manage volatility and avoid costly behavioural mistakes. from mint - money

Should I rebalance my portfolio?

An investor with a 5-6 year Systematic Investment Plan history in mid- and small-cap funds seeks advice on whether to move profits into large-cap or hybrid funds, and the expert recommends a hybrid approach. from mint - money

Ready for passive investing? Here's how to kickstart your portfolio

With several passive funds out there, here are the dos and donts when starting with passives. from mint - money

EPF money withdrawal through UPI soon? Labour ministry working on direct, quicker access to funds, says report

The Labour Ministry is reportedly developing a system allowing eight crore EPFO members to directly withdraw their money using UPI. It aims to facilitate quick access, streamline withdrawal and enhance services.  from mint - money

Loan rejected or high interest rate? Your data might be the real reason

Credit reports are crucial for borrowing and reflect your financial history. Accuracy in credit information, including optional details, is vital for lenders to assess profiles and make informed decisions, especially for first-time borrowers.  from mint - money

Budget recap: How much income tax relief FM Nirmala Sitharaman gave taxpayers last year? What to expect in Budget 2026?

In Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made several announcement that came as a boon for taxpayers and salaried people. Will Budget 2026 do the same? from mint - money

Mint Horizons brings investment gurus Neil Parikh, Jay Kothari to Kolkata

The Kolkata masterclass by Mint Horizons aims to equip investors with knowledge on global investment opportunities. Discussions will focus on navigating international markets, risk mitigation strategies, and essential themes for successful long-term investing amidst economic shifts. from mint - money

Bima Lokpal called and asked me to claim a refund for a lapsed insurance policy. Is this fraud?

Experts confirm this is a common scam, as government bodies never solicit payments or new policy purchases to release unclaimed funds. from mint - money

Missed income? ITR-U gives a second chance, but at a steep cost

Missed income disclosures after the December deadline? The updated return offers a second chance—but only if it results in higher tax, and with penalties that rise sharply over time. from mint - money

Can you refuse life support through your will? Here's what Indian law says

You may consider making an advance medical directive, or a ‘living will’, in which you may communicate your wishes regarding your medical care in case you become critically ill. from mint - money

Budget 2026: How can FM Sitharaman make New Tax Regime better? Deductions, tweaks and more — What experts say

The government had introduced the New Tax Regime in Budget 2020, and since then it has made a number of changes to accommodate taxpayers' interests. In Budget 2025, FM Sitharaman made a grand move, lowering the income tax rates. What's coming in Budget 2026? from mint - money

Balancing life, money, and retirement: Mid-50s essential checklist

As retirement nears, financial planning in one’s 50s shifts from aggressive growth to risk control, debt reduction, and liquidity—aimed at protecting savings from market shocks. from mint - money

The Ghost Mansion fallacy: Why we build palaces we never live in

Many professionals build extravagant houses in their villages as status symbols, neglecting the financial implications. These 'Ghost Mansions' serve more as displays than homes, leading to wasted investments and maintenance costs. It's more sensible to renovate homes for utility rather than ego. from mint - money

What is Tamilnad Mercantile Bank's deposit scheme that offers 7.50% a year to senior citizens?

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank offers 7.50% to senior citizens for special deposit scheme of 456-day tenor  from mint - money

Can conservative investors still earn real returns in a falling rate cycle?

With interest rates falling and debt returns shrinking post tax, equity savings funds offer conservative investors a tax-efficient middle ground—if chosen carefully and held long enough. from mint - money

Sent money to the wrong UPI ID? What happens next—and what you should do

A wrong UPI transfer isn’t always reversible. From frozen accounts to missed investment returns, here’s how recovery works, why delays hurt, and what users should do to protect themselves. from mint - money

The high cost of chasing market success too late

Behavioural bias and late entry into winning themes can destroy long-term wealth from mint - money

Understanding retail direct gilt account and how it compares with FDs and debt funds

Unlike debt mutual funds, where portfolio churn and mark-to-market movements affect returns, RDG allows investors to hold securities till maturity and receive the contracted cash flows—provided they do not exit early. from mint - money

Selling Gold ETFs as an NRI? Know your India tax rules

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from Gold ETFs held for over a year are taxable in India at 12.5%. from mint - money

ITR Refund Delay: Still didn't get your income tax refund? Here's what you should do

Income tax refunds usually get delayed because often times the returns are not fully processed, or the I-T Department finds mismatches or non-compliance in your tax filing. from mint - money

Mandatory probate on Will removed but it is still a smart move for inheritance

The Repealing and Amending Act, 2025, simplifies inheritance for many. But for complex estates or NRIs, skipping probate can lead to major headaches.  from mint - money

What is the tax implication if my NRI husband transfers foreign funds to me?

If any money is received without consideration and if the aggregate value exceeds ₹50,000, it is taxable in the hands of the recipient unless it is received from a ‘relative'. from mint - money

Why India's savings culture serves everyone except the saver

India’s love for fixed income isn’t just cultural—it’s structural. Banks and governments benefit, while savers quietly lose wealth to inflation, taxes, and time. from mint - money

Retiring early is looking more difficult. The new game plans.

A frothy stock market and looming inflation makes early retirement a trickier exercise. from mint - money

Equity mutual fund inflows declined 6% in December, AMFI data shows

Equity mutual fund inflows fell 6.21% to ₹28,054.06 crore in December 2025, with total AUM declining to ₹79.98 lakh crore.  from mint - money

Mutual funds: How common is it to stop the SIP and when should you do it?

Wealth advisors generally refrain from telling investors to pause their SIPs but there could be some special scenarios wherein it is recommended  from mint - money

The rupee’s decline and what it means for your investment portfolio

Why currency weakness matters, who gains, and how investors should think about asset allocation. from mint - money

Studying abroad in 2026: How currency swings are reshaping student finances

A weakening rupee, rising global inflation and higher living costs are sharply increasing the real price of studying abroad, forcing Indian students and families to rethink funding strategies. from mint - money

NPS: What investment options are available for ‘aggressive’ investors across pension plans?

For NPS subscribers, the return on investment over a period of time is contingent upon exposure to equity and choice of fund manager from mint - money

SMA in a credit report: Meaning and impact on your credit score

When a loan EMI or credit card payment is overdue for up to 90 days, it reflects in the individual’s credit report as SMA. The bank can reject new credit applications if there are SMA(s) in the applicant’s credit report. from mint - money

FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card offers zero forex markup, lounge access & travel rewards – Should you apply?

FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card benefits include bonus reward points, higher redemption value on travel bookings, zero forex markup, and airport lounge access. The card is issued against a fixed deposit. from mint - money

For a truly diversified portfolio, don’t ignore investing styles

Your mutual funds may be diversified across asset classes and market cap, but many investors ignore a crucial third layer – diversifying across investing styles such as growth, value, and factor investing. This can protect your portfolio during downturns and supercharge it during bull runs. from mint - money

Top banks offer these interest rates on long term fixed deposits. See details

Most banks offer anywhere between 6 to 6.75% interest per annum on their fixed deposits (FDs) of 3-year tenor from mint - money

Missing investment proofs that put salaried taxpayers on the taxman’s radar

Most of the flagged cases in December involved returns where exemptions or deductions were claimed in the ITR but did not reflect in Form 16 from mint - money

The Maginot Line of investing: Why market timing rarely wins

Investors chase market timing to avoid crashes, but even perfect execution delivers limited gains. History shows discipline and asset allocation beat prediction and panic. from mint - money

ITC Culinaire offers free night stays, buffet meals, dining & spa discounts: Should you take it?

The ITC Culinaire is an annual subscription plan available in 3 variants. It offers benefits like discounts on dining, spa (during stays), and laundry (during stays), various vouchers, and milestone spend benefits.  from mint - money

How AI is reshaping fraud—and the new scams you must prepare for

Small but steady losses are quietly eroding Indian families’ monthly budgets, as AI makes fraud more personal, convincing, and harder to detect. from mint - money

Why health insurance costs less online—and what you give up

Online health insurance is cheaper, but intermediaries add value through advice and claims support. from mint - money

Your money, your choice: Why India’s financial regulators should emulate the new NPS model

The pension regulator has reduced mandatory annuity purchases, removed lock-in periods, allowed investment until age 85, introduced systematic withdrawal options, and permitted up to 100% equity allocation. While this freedom may cause some to make poor decisions, the old, rigid model was worse. from mint - money

Less debt, no FOMO and structured investing: your 2026 money goals

Learn how to prioritize your financial well-being through small yet impactful changes. Here are some essential strategies for setting realistic financial goals in 2026 from mint - money

Selling gold or stocks? Section 54F of Income Tax Act may help you claim deductions if you do this

Section 54F, a lesser known provision of the Income Tax Act, allows taxpayers to save tax on long-term capital gains (LTCG) by reinvesting the money to buy a property. from mint - money

FDs vs small savings schemes: Which one should you choose and why?

For the eighth consecutive quarter, the government has kept the interest rates for small savings schemes unchanged. from mint - money

Mutual funds: Zerodha, Motilal Oswal among three new fund offers open for subscription in January

As 2026 begins, investors can consider three new fund offers (NFOs) open for subscription in January, including the Zerodha Nifty Short Duration G-Sec Index Fund, Motilal Oswal Diversified Equity Flexicap Passive FOF, and Groww Nifty Chemicals ETF. from mint - money

Are thematic and sectoral funds worth the risk?

In the right market environment, a well-timed sectoral allocation can enhance portfolio returns, but such gains come with elevated risks. from mint - money

Retired officer duped out of ₹90 lakh in digital arrest scam: 5 ways to stay safe online

A retired officer lost his hard-earned savings in a digital arrest scam. Fraudsters had posed as cyber officials. This case highlights the importance of recognising warning signs, verifying claims, reporting suspicious activity promptly, and following safety measures for banking transactions.  from mint - money

Rethinking Money: How you should prepare for 2026

Experts focus less on predictions and more on disciplined, diversified strategies as they navigate 2026’s shifting economic landscape. from mint - money