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Showing posts from March, 2026

April 1 checklist: 10 money moves you must make today to start FY27 right

Start FY27 strong with a smart financial planning checklist covering budgeting, tax-saving investments, insurance review, emergency funds, SIP growth and portfolio rebalancing to secure long-term financial stability.  from mint - money

How RBI’s Sachet Portal can help you stay safe from financial fraud in FY27; 5-step guide to file complaint

RBI Sachet Portal helps users verify financial institutions, report fraud, and track complaints. from mint - money

Market crashes teach what no book or course ever can

The only way to truly learn investing is to live through the fear and the panic—because markets don’t test your knowledge, they test your nerve. Real conviction is forged not in bull runs, but in moments when staying invested feels hardest. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission to visit Dehradun on 24 April; stakeholders can apply by 10 April

8th Central Pay Commission Dehradun Visit 2026 invites stakeholders for consultations on pay, allowances, and pensions. The deadline to submit participation requests for the 24 April meeting is 10 April. from mint - money

The 12% surcharge: who's affected and who benefits from the new share buyback rules?

A flat 12% surcharge on buyback gains has replaced the old slab-based system, creating a surprising divide between small promoters and the corporate elite. from mint - money

Paying on time isn’t enough, credit utilisation matters too: HDB Financial CCO Rohit Patwardhan

Paying EMIs on time alone isn’t enough, high credit utilisation and frequent loan applications can still hurt your credit score by signalling over-dependence on credit. from mint - money

April 1 Financial Rule Change LIVE Updates: ITR, salary, railway ticket cancellation norms, LPG prices to be revised

April 1 Financial Changes LIVE: One of the most significant changes from 1 April is the implementation of the new Income Tax Act, 2025. Follow Mint's LIVE coverage of 1 April financial rule changes. from mint - money

How an NRI can fight an ex parte tax order

You should register on the income tax e-filing portal using your PAN, add your email ID, and update your address to your current foreign residence as an immediate step from mint - money

April 1 Financial Rule Change LIVE Updates: Income tax, salary, PAN, gratuity to undergo massive overhaul as FY27 starts

April 1 Financial Changes LIVE: A host of new changes are coming into effect from 1 April, 2026, as the new financial year begins. Follow Mint's LIVE coverage of 1 April financial rule changes. from mint - money

You can give mutual funds as gift card soon. Here is how

Sebi has proposed prepaid ‘Gift PPIs’ that let you gift up to ₹10,000 for mutual fund investments — a move aimed at easing first-time investors into the market. from mint - money

Petrol, diesel price build-up: How much tax do you pay on one litre of petrol and diesel? Here's a breakdown

In its notification on Thursday, the government said it was slashing the special additional excise duty on petrol from ₹13 per litre, to ₹3 per litre. Similarly, the duty on diesel was reduced from ₹10 per litre to nil. Here's what that means for your pocket. from mint - money

No more easy rate cuts: What borrowers should expect next

With easy rate cuts on hold, borrowers should expect stable EMIs. The focus should be on affordable loan choices, disciplined repayment, and careful planning, as higher inflation and global uncertainties may push borrowing costs higher in the future. from mint - money

10 key financial changes from 1 April 2026 that will directly impact your finances

Financial and regulatory changes in April 2026 include new tax rules, higher rebates, updated TDS forms, increased banking charges, changes in fuel prices and new travel refund rules. Here are 10 financial changes to look out for. from mint - money

Market volatility scaring you? 6 timeless investment lessons from ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill

Timeless investment lessons from ‘Think and Grow Rich’ show key strategies to stay confident, make smarter decisions, and grow wealth even during uncertain and volatile market conditions. from mint - money

Form 130 replaces Form 16 from 1 April: Key FAQs taxpayers should know

Form 130 replaces Form 16 from April 2026, simplifying TDS reporting by providing structured details on income, deductions, and tax, helping taxpayers ensure accurate filings and better compliance. from mint - money

Looking for tax-free returns? PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, ELSS and other options explained

Here is a primer on investment options, which come under the EEE (Exempt, Exempt and Exempt) category in tax parlance, that do not attract any tax at any stage. from mint - money

How India’s youth is evolving into more informed and responsible borrowers

Economic growth in India is propelled by self-reliance and the empowerment of youth through diverse career opportunities. Financial inclusion initiatives have significantly improved access to banking, enabling young Indians to develop informed financial habits and manage their credit effectively. from mint - money

Do rules of thumb lead to burnt fingers?

While financial rules of thumb offer a convenient starting point for the undisciplined, they often collapse under the weight of unique life circumstances and market volatility. from mint - money

NRO vs NRE accounts explained: What every NRI should know about features and benefits

An Indian citizen must designate all his existing bank accounts as NRO accounts as soon as he becomes a non-resident under FEMA. He can also open an NRO account at any time after becoming an NRI. from mint - money

Are you financially free? Use the 33x rule to find out in 2 minutes

Wondering if you are financially free? Learn how the ‘33x rule' is reshaping retirement planning and setting a benchmark for lasting security. from mint - money

Tata AIA introduces funds focused on innovation, equity and global AI for wealth creation

Tata AIA new funds launch opens the door to innovation driven equity and global AI technology investments, offering a compelling mix of growth potential and long term wealth creation within ULIPs. from mint - money

6 common credit card scams: How to avoid them and what to do if you’re targeted

Credit card scams are on the rise as fraudsters target users through phishing, vishing, skimming, fake rewards, public Wi-Fi, and apps. Here are 5 ways to stay protected from credit card scams. from mint - money

Why asset allocation matters—and how multi-asset funds can help?

A disciplined asset allocation strategy—not stock picking—drives most portfolio returns. Here’s why diversification and multi-asset funds are critical in volatile markets. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission implementation timeline, arrears rules and fitment factor demands explained

8th Pay Commission timeline, arrears rules and union demands highlight uncertainty on implementation date, retrospective benefits, fitment factor proposals and pension reforms impacting employees and pensioners. from mint - money

Will interest on EPF balance earned till age 58 be tax-free after I stop work?

Interest accrued on the accumulated balance, post cessation of employment, the period when no contribution is made to the EPF, is taxable. from mint - money

Margin trading hits ₹1 trillion. The hidden risks in your stock investment plan

Leveraged stock buying is booming in India, but margin calls, interest costs, and haircuts can quickly magnify losses for retail investors from mint - money

Middle East crisis: Top mutual fund categories to protect your investments

Investors should stay conservative and look at categories such as short-duration funds, corporate bond funds with high-rated portfolios, banking and PSU debt funds, and gilt funds. These categories can add fixed returns and regular payouts while keeping credit risk lower. from mint - money

March madness: Why the market’s panic misleads investors

A World Cup win, a war, oil at $119, drones over refineries, a bank chairman’s exit—and the month isn’t even over. The market panic still belongs to borrowed-money investors, not you. from mint - money

Income tax refund still pending? Here's why it may be delayed and what happens next

The deadline for filing income tax returns for assessment year 2025-26 was extended to September 15, 2025. Many taxpayers are still waiting for refunds. Here's why it may be delayed and what happens next. from mint - money

7 costly financial mistakes young professionals make and how to avoid them

Financial mistakes young professionals make include overspending, delaying investments, and poor planning, highlighting the importance of disciplined saving, early investing, and smart money habits for long-term financial stability. from mint - money

Inside Sebi’s accredited investor push—and why it matters now

India’s accredited investor base has more than tripled in under a year, now accounting for 30% of AIF investments, as Sebi expands access to high-risk, high-return opportunities. from mint - money

How to reduce EMI burden: 5 tips to manage debt and improve your finances

Managing personal finances involves consulting experts, prioritizing high-interest debt, and implementing effective budgeting strategies. Establishing an emergency fund and reviewing expenses can help regain control over finances and improve long-term financial health. from mint - money

How to split ₹50,000 monthly income: 5 smart budgeting rules to manage expenses and build wealth

Effective salary splitting and budgeting depend on personal financial situations. Common strategies include 50-30-20 and 70-20-10 rules. Engaging a financial advisor before making decisions helps in managing expenses, savings, and aligning financial goals for better wealth management. from mint - money

Personal loan interest rates March 2026: Comparison of top banks, fees and 5 key things to check before you apply

Personal loan interest rates in March 2026 vary across top lenders, making comparison essential to reduce EMIs and total cost while considering fees, tenure, credit score, and hidden charges. from mint - money

These 7 PSU banks offer up to 7.25% FD rates for senior citizens: 5 steps to choose the best fixed deposit

Senior citizens can enhance safety and wealth by choosing the right bank and FD tenure. Comparing interest rates is crucial, as many banks offer an extra 0.50% for seniors, making these FDs more attractive for retirees. from mint - money

Claiming HRA? New rental rules kick in from 1 April — what are the changes and what happens if they are ignored?

Starting 1 April, taxpayers must disclose their relationship with landlords when claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA), especially if rent exceeds ₹1 lakh annually. Here's what happens if you ignore or misreport the details.  from mint - money

Women are powering India’s next credit boom; here’s what the data shows

India's credit ecosystem is evolving, with women emerging as a significant force. They represent 27.6% of retail credit and show faster growth rates compared to men.  from mint - money

Markets fall, fear rises. Should investors really sit this out?

Market falls trigger fear, but history shows exits often cost more than corrections. The real risk isn’t volatility—it’s missing the rebound while waiting for clarity. from mint - money

Why you must plan for a 30-year retirement

Longer lifespans and shorter careers mean affluent Indians must plan for a 30-year retirement, not 15—requiring disciplined investing, diversified income and strong health coverage. from mint - money

'Diversification is protection against ignorance': 7 timeless investment tips from Warren Buffett's shareholder letters

Warren Buffett's investment lessons highlight patience, value investing, and long-term thinking, helping investors navigate market volatility, avoid panic, and build sustainable wealth through disciplined decision-making. from mint - money

Time, not timing, is the real edge in investing

Consistency and patience—not constant churn—drive long-term wealth in equities. Yet resisting short-term noise remains the toughest discipline for most investors. from mint - money

Thinking of stopping your SIP? Why market volatility says don’t

Falling markets and negative returns are testing investor discipline, but the math of rupee cost averaging favours staying invested. from mint - money

Bengaluru digital arrest scam: Elderly woman loses ₹38 lakh to cyber fraud – 5 lessons to keep yourself protected

Digital arrest scam exposes how fraudsters use fear and fake authority to steal money, highlighting key warning signs and essential safety steps to protect finances from cybercrime threats. from mint - money

Advance tax: How to check and download challan, make corrections in case of errors — Step-by-step guide

The advance tax payment deadline was on 15 March. Taxpayers can check your payment status online, check and download your payment challan and make corrections. Here's where and how… from mint - money

Missed advance tax final instalment deadline? Here's what taxpayers should do now to avoid higher penalties

Taxpayers who missed the 15 March advance tax deadline can still make the payment. However, delays incur interest under Sections 234B and 234C. Here's what they should do now.  from mint - money

Tax harvesting can save money—but it can also derail your portfolio

As investors rush to optimize taxes before the financial year ends, experts warn that tax harvesting can trigger poor portfolio decisions and behavioural mistakes that undermine long-term returns. from mint - money

A ₹38 lakh hospital bill—and the top-up claim that took months

Top-up policies are a cost-effective way to boost health insurance cover, but deductibles, paperwork and insurer coordination can complicate claims. from mint - money

I bought an apartment in 2013 but registered it only in 2025. What is the year of acquisition?

If you had entered into an agreement with the builder in 2013 and the registration was undertaken only in August 2025, the date of acquisition would be the date of the agreement, i.e. 2013, and not the date of registration. from mint - money

Can I use MF sales proceeds to pay home loan and get Section 54F benefit?

Section 54F exemption is unavailable because the residential property was acquired more than one year before the sale of the MF units. While the exemption fails the timing criteria, taxpayers can still use Section 80C and Section 24 deductions for principal, interest repayments under old tax regime. from mint - money

Advance tax deadline today: Can you pay the final instalment on 15 March via credit card?

The final advance tax payment deadline for FY 2025-26 is 15 March 2026. Payments can be made via the e-filing portal, including credit cards, which may incur fees. Details here.  from mint - money

How global reporting may pull crypto bets out of the grey zone

Through a series of legislative changes in 2025 and 2026, India has operationalized a reporting framework aligned with the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, aiming to move crypto from an opaque asset class into a transparent financial instrument. from mint - money

PSU mutual funds defy market slump in 2026 with strong three- and five-year returns

Mutual Funds, which deploy money exclusively in shares of PSUs, are among the only three equity fund categories that have given positive returns so far in 2026. from mint - money

PPF withdrawal: Here's how you can access your public provident fund balance before the lock-in period ends

The Public Provident Fund is a low-risk savings scheme with a fixed interest rate of 7.1%, suitable for retirement planning and tax benefits. Here's how you can withdraw your funds before the lock-in period ends… from mint - money

SEBI introduces Life Cycle Funds: How will they help in building your retirement portfolio

An individual can choose a life cycle fund that aligns with their financial goal date. The fund has a diversified portfolio, starts with a higher equity allocation, and follows a glide path towards maturity. from mint - money

Will the new Income Tax Act be better for salaried taxpayers? Experts weigh in

The new Income Tax Act will come into force from 1 April 2026. Experts suggest that the new rules will be beneficial to salaried employees who opt for the old tax regime, as they will be able to claim higher exemptions and deductions.  from mint - money

Volatile markets: How to shield your retirement fund and ensure regular monthly withdrawals

With the three-bucket retirement strategy, you can meet your regular monthly expenses, keep a cushion for the medium term, and grow your wealth in the long-term. The buckets provide flexibility to adjust funds within each bucket and offer complete control. from mint - money

Advance tax final instalment deadline: Step-by-step guide on how a taxpayer can clear their dues online

The final advance tax payment for FY 2025–26 is due on 15 March. Taxpayers must estimate their income and pay in four instalments to avoid interest charges. Here’s your complete guide to clearing dues online. from mint - money

Income Tax: 7 major tax changes taking effect from 1 April — explained

Income Tax: The Union Budget 2026 introduces amendments to the Income Tax Act that simplify compliance for taxpayers. Here is a list of crucial changes for Indian taxpayers.  from mint - money

Furniture rentals are booming. Here’s when renting works—and when it doesn’t

Renting furniture and appliances is gaining popularity among urban professionals seeking flexibility and lower upfront costs—but hidden charges and long tenures can make buying the smarter financial choice. from mint - money

SIFs explained: Where these new funds fit in an investor’s portfolio

SIFs sit between mutual funds and PMS, offering advanced strategies like long–short equity and derivatives exposure—but investors must understand the risks before allocating capital. from mint - money

When war creates panic, smart investors look for opportunities

When conflict rattles markets, fear dominates, but smart investors see beyond the headlines. from mint - money

Can you revoke a gift? What senior citizens and heirs need to know.

While a registered gift may seem final, Indian courts are increasingly using maintenance laws to strip away property from heirs who fail to care for their elderly parents. from mint - money

Oil shock, market jitters: What West Asia tensions mean for investors

Oil spikes, FII selling and geopolitical tensions have shaken markets and retail portfolios. Experts say investors should stay disciplined, deploy cash gradually and rebalance portfolios if allocations have drifted.  from mint - money

Global ETF premiums soar. Should investors wait or buy?

Global equity schemes allow investors to tap opportunities across markets worldwide. Strong demand has pushed international ETFs to trade at a premium to domestic ETFs. Should Indian investors still buy in? from mint - money

How lenders are adapting to uncertainty in a volatile economy

The global economy faces challenges from political conflicts and trade policy changes, affecting financial systems. Credit plays a crucial role in maintaining resilience, as lenders must identify stable borrowers while managing risks, to ensure long-term financial stability. from mint - money

The price of buying time: What egg freezing costs in India

Egg freezing can resemble an insurance policy more than a traditional investment, something that requires planning but may never need to be used. from mint - money

The gap between mutual fund returns and what investors actually earn

Observe how a fund behaves under different conditions. The aim is not to predict which worldview markets will reward next. It is to make decisions investors can live with over time. from mint - money

Gold loans: Turning the rainy-day asset into a liquidity tool

Gold loans are shedding their “last-resort” image as record prices unlock higher borrowing capacity. Experts say disciplined borrowing and awareness of LTV risks are key as more households monetise idle gold. from mint - money

Deepak Shenoy flags fake I-T assessment orders — Here's how to check if your notice is real, and what to do next

Deepak Shenoy has alerted people to fake tax notices being circulated via email, urging vigilance against fraudsters during tax season. Here's how to check whether your tax notice is genuine and what steps to take next. from mint - money

Why replicating UPS pensions through NPS is harder than it seems

Central government employees must choose between NPS and UPS. Our simulations show that replicating UPS’ assured, inflation-linked pension through a market-linked NPS corpus is difficult in most realistic scenarios. from mint - money

Core and satellite portfolios: Investment strategy, benefits, dos and don'ts, and common mistakes explained

The Core and Satellite portfolio strategy combines stable, long-term investments (Core) with higher-risk, high-reward opportunities (Satellite). Here's why this combination approach could be worth exploring… from mint - money

Tax savings FDs vs National Savings Certificate? Check interest rate and other details to choose what works best for you

Tax savings FDs vs National Savings Certificate? Check details and rate of interest to choose what works best for you from mint - money

The red flags women face in managing finances and how to deal with them

Many women have been accustomed to signing financial documents without full understanding, largely because they were not actively included in financial decision-making. Take the time to read, ask questions and fully understand financial documents from mint - money

Looking for higher FD returns? Check how much interest rates top NBFCs offer in India

NBFCs usually provide fixed deposit rates higher than traditional banks, reaching up to 7-8%. Here's how much interest rate top financial institutions are offering in India. from mint - money

Women and inheritance: What the law says about your property rights

Owning property is key to financial security, yet many women still miss out on their rightful inheritance. Here’s what the law provides and the steps women can take to claim their share. from mint - money

Will gold build on its 2025 spectacular gains? Ways to invest in yellow metal in 2026

Gold ETFs and FoFs provide digital ownership with no storage and insurance costs, ease of buying and selling, etc. Gold coins and bullion provide tangible ownership with immediate possession, while gold jewellery serves investment and consumption needs. from mint - money

How SEBI’s new PMS rules offer a solution to the long-standing problem for HNI portfolios, family wealth

What happens if the head of the household goes away? What if the PMS house that takes care of the money wants to change things up or sell its business? What happens to the portfolio when the individual who made the money is no longer there? from mint - money

Section 80C: Can you withdraw tax-saving investments in a financial emergency?

Taxpayers under the old tax regime can claim up to ₹1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C. But can these tax-saving investments help during a cash crunch? Here’s when and how you can access the money. from mint - money

CIC urges Income Tax dept to ‘institutionalise a taxpayer-friendly mechanism’, highlights grievance redressal issues

The Central Information Commission has urged the Income Tax Department to create a taxpayer-friendly mechanism to address grievances, noting that taxpayers often struggle to resolve discrepancies in TDS. from mint - money

Invest like a woman: Five fund managers on money, risk and confidence

Women often run household budgets but remain underrepresented in investment decisions. Five fund managers share how they built credibility in finance and what women must do to move from saving to investing. from mint - money

EPF member guide: Eligibility, benefits, PF account retention, and rules for switching jobs explained

The compound interest is credited by EPFO on a monthly running balance basis at the statutory rate declared for each year. For 2024-25, EPFO declared an interest of 8.25%. from mint - money

How to shift your MF portfolio from an MFD to an RIA

Doing so essentially involves moving from a regular plan, where commissions are built into the expense ratio, to a direct plan. from mint - money

EPF interest rate maintained at 8.25%: From corporate bonds to ETFs, here's how your contributions are invested

The EPFO has approved an interest rate of 8.25% on EPF deposits for 2025-26, maintaining the rate for the second year.  from mint - money

From bonus to pension: Using two mutual fund tools to turn lump sums into lifelong income

A windfall gain or retirement corpus can be hard to manage without falling prey to poor timing or tax inefficiency. Here are two mutual fund tools that help investors deploy lump sums gradually and generate tax-efficient monthly income  from mint - money

Bank FDs earn up to 7.5%! Check latest interest rate for March 2026—compare SBI, HDFC, ICICI and Yes Bank fixed deposits

FD rates comparison: Here's a look at the latest bank fixed deposit rates offered by the biggest lenders State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank. from mint - money

Advance Tax payment deadline soon: What is it? Who needs to pay advance tax? What happens if you miss due date?

Here is everything you need to know about what is advance tax, when is advance tax deadline, what are the penalties for missing advance tax deadline and more. from mint - money

Market cycles and the case for flexible allocation

As leadership shifts from large-caps to small-caps and back again, portfolios that evolve with the cycle are structurally better positioned. from mint - money

Working from UAE for an Indian firm? Here’s how your salary is taxed

If an NRI resident in the UAE works entirely outside India but is paid by an Indian company, taxability hinges on where employment is exercised under domestic law and the India-UAE DTAA. from mint - money

How much gold can you legally own without triggering tax trouble?

The income tax officers are not supposed to seize any gold jewellery within the limits specified, irrespective of the level of standard of living or the status of the person in society being raided. from mint - money

Why your premium credit card perks just got smaller: The big squeeze on banks

Major issuers HDFC Bank, American Express, SBI Card and ICICI Bank have reworked reward structures and tightened lounge access rules. Find out why your card benefits are shrinking and what you should do next. from mint - money

SEBI takes aim at curbing portfolio overlaps: Here’s what it means for mutual fund investors

If one fund in your portfolio underperforms, there's a high probability that the others may also perform similarly. Because of these overlaps, what appears to be a well-diversified portfolio may actually be concentrated. from mint - money

Should I pay tax when short-term capital gains are my only income?

If your total income does not exceed the basic exemption limit, no tax liability may arise. from mint - money