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Showing posts from April, 2026

Bajaj Finance hikes FD rates by up to 45 bps from 1 May; senior citizens get up to 7.75% – check details

Bajaj Finance FD rates have jumped to 7.40%, offering higher returns for long-term investors, while senior citizens can now earn up to 7.75% with improved tenure flexibility. Check out the complete details and consult certified financial advisors before investing.  from mint - money

Buying a term insurance plan? Here are key things to know before you decide

A term insurance plan covers life for a fixed period and pays out to nominees upon death. Key considerations include insurer credibility, sum assured and essential add-ons.  from mint - money

InvITs: the middle path between equity risk and debt stability

Allocation to InvITs in your portfolio can be a good diversification avenue. Apart from mild price appreciation, it provides a hedge against inflation. from mint - money

Estate planning: Landlord dies during eviction case—can legal heirs continue it? Supreme Court says

The Supreme Court ruled that eviction cases can continue after a landlord's death, allowing legal heirs to pursue the case and state their own need for the property. This decision aims to prevent delays caused by requiring new filings. from mint - money

Index funds: fewer stocks matter more than you think

India’s passive investing boom is masking a simple reality: a handful of stocks—and sectors—drive a disproportionate share of returns. from mint - money

Will you have to pay higher TDS on your FD, RD interest income? What New Income Tax Act says

The Income Tax Department clarified TDS on bank interest, creating confusion among investors regarding Fixed Deposits. Section 194A dictates TDS rules, with banking companies exempt from TDS on interest below specified thresholds.  from mint - money

Income tax rules for senior citizens in FY27: What’s new and what stays the same

Senior citizens enjoy tax benefits such as higher exemption limits and deductions under the old regime. While the new regime standardizes limits, retirees can still claim deductions under various sections. Form No. 125 simplifies filing for eligible seniors, exempting them from Income Tax Returns. from mint - money

Beyond summer camps and classes: lifelong money lessons for your child

Summer activities are often seen as a way to keep children occupied. But they can also become an entry point into financial thinking. from mint - money

I asked ChatGPT how to pay off 25-Year home loan in 15 years: Check personal finance advice from AI

ChatGPT advises a Bengaluru couple to increase their home loan EMI and make annual prepayments to close their loan early. Check the complete set of suggestions.  from mint - money

Autumn in Korea on ₹2.75 lakh: How this Bengaluru couple planned a 12-day K-drama getaway

By timing autumn foliage, choosing public transport over taxis and balancing splurges with savings, this Bengaluru couple explored Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju in 12 days for ₹2.75 lakh. from mint - money

Income-Tax returns: How senior citizens can save tax through benefits and exemptions while filing ITR, explained

Indian I-T rules allow senior citizens some relief in taxes through deductions, exemptions and compliance activities, that they can use to reduce liability. Here's a look at what's available, which tax regime to choose and how investment planning can help finances and taxes. from mint - money

Market volatility: Why instinct alone is not enough in market decision-making

Equities fall 10 to 20% in almost every calendar year. And yet, over the last 46 years, 37 of those years have still closed positive. Over any rolling 7-year period in Indian equity markets, there have been zero instances of negative returns. from mint - money

Growth vs dividend option in equity mutual funds explained: Which one should you choose?

While growth allows you to reap the benefits of compounding, the dividend option, which is now called IDCW (Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal) provides you with regular income. from mint - money

₹50,000 is enough for Europe! Greece, Portugal and 3 other beautiful destinations you can actually afford

Europe offers diverse travel experiences, but budget-friendly destinations like Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Greece allow for affordable trips from mint - money

HRA exemption rules: Income Tax Department explains how rent, salary, and city determine tax savings

The Income Tax Department clarified that claiming HRA exemption does not guarantee significant tax savings. Benefits depend on rent paid, salary structure, and city type, with specific conditions for claiming exemptions. Details here. from mint - money

Hidden ‘room rent’ clause in health insurance can cost you thousands | Expert explains

A minor room upgrade during hospitalisation can result in thousands in deductions for related, non-room expenses from mint - money

NPS withdrawal options explained: Lump sum, annuity and phased withdrawal choices

The National Pension System (NPS) enables individuals to save for retirement with flexible withdrawal options. Recent rules enhance flexibility for both government and corporate employees, allowing different withdrawal percentages. from mint - money

How to report cybercrime in India: Step-by-step guide to filing and tracking complaints

A cybercrime or a financial fraud can strike instantly, but fast action matters. This guide explains how to report a cybercrime in India through the cybercrime portal and track your complaint for quicker resolution and safety. from mint - money

Your credit score may not matter soon. Here’s what AI looks at instead

AI is transforming credit underwriting by shifting from fixed rules to behavior-based predictions, allowing lenders to assess real financial behavior through cash flow and alternative data, thereby including unserved borrowers while emphasizing the need for ethical monitoring to prevent bias. from mint - money

Market correction made mid- and small-caps attractive, says Edelweiss MF's Bhattacharya

A staggered investment approach and long-term investment horizon can help to navigate volatility in this segment from mint - money

Your lunch could save you ₹1 lakh a year, but are you claiming it?

The Income-Tax Rules, 2026 raise the per-meal exemption to ₹200 and extend it to the new regime—turning employer-provided meals into a ₹1.05 lakh annual tax-free benefit. from mint - money

PNB, Kiwi partner to launch Credit-on-UPI Card for 180 million users

Credit on UPI gets a boost as Punjab National Bank partners with Kiwi to launch a feature-rich credit card with cashback and seamless digital payments. from mint - money

ITR filing 2026: Can super senior citizens avoid filing income tax? Exemptions, conditions and rules explained

Super senior citizens may not need to file income tax returns if they meet conditions under Section 194P. Complete exemption applies to those 75+ with only a pension and interest income from a specified bank. Details here.  from mint - money

Flexi Cap mutual funds explained: Key differences and returns of HDFC, ICICI, Parag Parikh & Mirae Asset

Flexi cap mutual funds gain traction amid volatile markets, offering dynamic allocation across stocks. Compare HDFC, ICICI, Parag Parikh and Mirae Asset strategies, risks and returns before investing. from mint - money

GSTR-3B March 2026 filing: Was the 20 April deadline extended? What happens if you miss due date?

Tax professionals are voicing concerns over technical glitches affecting GSTR-3B filings for the March 2026 tax period. The GST portal also shows that a one-day extension is under consideration, but no official announcement has been made yet.  from mint - money

India’s home loan boom runs into a paperwork wall

Heavy documentation, uneven processes and opaque practices continue to slow borrowers, even as credit fuels most home purchases. from mint - money

Market volatility is back. What should investors do now?

Oil above $100, a weak rupee and job worries are rattling sentiment, but history suggests disciplined investors who stay focused on long-term goals tend to come out ahead. from mint - money

How new labour codes are quietly cutting tax bills under the new tax regime — prominent CAs explain

New labour codes are changing tax planning by promoting structured salaries and employer-led benefits, helping boost tax savings under the new tax regime. Understanding these changes and consulting a tax expert is essential to make the most of these changes.  from mint - money

Don’t have PAN or taxable income? You must file Form 157 before travelling abroad

Under the old IT regime, PAN was mandatory for filing ‘Form 156’ that was required to be filed by outbound travellers. While ‘Form 156’ could be filed on the e-filing portal of the IT department in the old regime, ‘Form 157’ can be done only manually under the IT Act, 2025. from mint - money

Sriram Finance revises fixed deposit interest rates from 6 May — Check details here

Sriram Finance has revised its fixed deposit interest rates effective 6 May 2026, following upgrades to its credit ratings by CARE Ratings, CRISIL Ratings, ICRA, and India Ratings. Here's all you need to know: from mint - money

Salary arrears, pension or FNF increasing your income tax liability? Here's which form to use to reduce tax burden

The I-T department has replaced the old Form 10E with the new Form 39 for taxpayers to claim relief on salary arrears and specified receipts under Section 157(1) of ITA 2025. Here's all you need to know… from mint - money

I asked ChatGPT and Gemini how much home loan I can afford on ₹7–9 lakh income. The answer wasn’t what I expected

I asked ChatGPT and Gemini what how much home loan i can afford on a ₹7-9 lakh salary. Here's what advice the chatbots gave me from mint - money

Sovereign Gold Bonds: Investors can avail early redemption for this SGB series tomorrow; here's how much you gain

The RBI has announced premature redemption for Sovereign Gold Bonds on 20 April 2026. Investors stand to gain over 200% from their initial investment, benefiting from both capital appreciation and 2.5% annual interest during the holding period. from mint - money

Hidden cost of delaying investments: Starting SIPs late can kill crores from your portfolio

Starting early in investment significantly impacts wealth creation due to compounding. Aman, investing ₹5000 at 25, accumulates ₹2.75 crore by 60. Delaying investment reduces returns, emphasizing the importance of timing over the amount invested. from mint - money

Why should you pay your credit card bill in full? Here's how banks calculate interest on outstanding amount

Credit cards provide a grace period for interest-free payments if the full amount is repaid by the due date. Paying only the minimum incurs high interest on remaining balances, late fees, and potentially losing the grace period. Details here. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: Will salaries rise to ₹69,000? When will it be implemented? How much arrears will employees get?

The official reference date for the 8th Pay Commission is 1 January 2026. But because the commission has 18 months to submit its final report, it would place the finalisation around mid-2027. from mint - money

Zero tax on ₹20 lakh CTC? How a smart car lease can cut your tax under the new regime

Smart salary structuring unlocks major tax savings on car leases under the new tax regime, showing how a ₹20 lakh CTC can significantly reduce taxable income and enhance take-home efficiency. from mint - money

Your Cibil score could update faster. Here's what changed

RBI has mandated lenders to report credit data weekly instead of fortnightly to ensure more accurate and ‘fresh’ credit scores. This shift enables faster loan approvals and quicker score recoveries for borrowers but also means defaults are detected much faster. from mint - money

PPF investment: How to build a ₹1 crore corpus at 7.1% and how long it takes

The PPF crorepati reality check shows that disciplined, long-term investing at 7.1% can build ₹1 crore over 25 years, highlighting tax-free compounding, stability, and the need for patience. from mint - money

Individual policy, family floater, or top-up: Which is the most cost-effective?

With employer insurance often falling short, a top-up plan can offer a cost-effective way to build adequate family health protection from mint - money

Consent-driven credit: Why consumer-controlled data is shaping the future of lending

Consent-driven credit is reshaping lending in India by giving consumers control over their financial data through the Account Aggregator framework. This shift is improving credit access, accuracy, and trust, especially for underserved borrowers. from mint - money

PPF investment: How ₹5K monthly grows to ₹41 lakh and why investing before the 5th matters

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings option favored by risk-averse investors for its government backing and tax benefits. Here's how much 5K, 10K and 12K investments can grow over 15 years and with 5-year extensions. from mint - money

₹5,000 SIP: regular vs step-up, how a small tweak can add lakhs to your corpus

Power your wealth creation with disciplined investing: a mutual fund SIP comparison between a regular SIP and a step-up SIP with a 2% annual increase shows that compounding builds higher long-term returns. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM Staff Side seeks ₹69,000 minimum pay, 6% increment annually – check details

The National Council-JCM proposes a minimum basic pay of ₹69,000 for the 8th Pay Commission, aiming to benefit over 50 lakh government employees. Recommendations include higher increments, pay restructuring, and HRA indexing to inflation for better financial support amid rising costs. from mint - money

The tax regime debate is back, and your salary for this year just got dragged in

Income Tax Rules 2026 have made the old regime more attractive by raising exemption limits. For FY27, salaried individuals must recalculate before choosing between old and new. from mint - money

PPF can turn ₹1.5 lakh a year into ₹1 crore tax-free. But here's what most investors miss

PPF, a popular investment in India, offers tax benefits and stable interest rates for conservative investors. Here's how much you need to invest each year to build a ₹1 crore corpus and how long it takes.  from mint - money

AI job losses may kill income tax in five years: British bank Monzo's founder issues grim warning

Tom Blomfield, founder of Monzo, suggests replacing income tax with a levy on AI infrastructure within five to six years, as AI technology rapidly transforms the job market.  from mint - money

Avoid pension delays in FY 2026–27: Submit digital life certificate on SPARSH in 6 simple steps

Avoid pension delays with this step-by-step Digital Life Certificate guide on SPARSH, helping defence pensioners in the country ensure smooth verification, timely payments and hassle-free annual compliance.  from mint - money

TDS, TCS changes explained: What NRIs, students, travellers and investors should know in FY 2026

Starting 1 April 2026, new TDS and TCS rules aim to streamline tax processes, reducing errors and mismatches. Key changes include lower TCS rates, simplified property transactions for NRIs, and a unified TDS declaration form to ease taxpayers' paperwork. from mint - money

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana maturity rule: If you start investing ₹1.5 lakh at 10 years of age, when will you get ₹72 lakh?

SSY investment: The minimum investment in this scheme is ₹250 per year, while the maximum ceiling has been capped at ₹1.5 lakh per year. SSY rate of interest is currently 8.2% per annum. from mint - money

₹12-crore stock scam: Supreme Court AOR warns of rising fraud tactics; 5 tips to stay safe

A ₹12 crore stock scam exposes the rising cyber-fraud risks in the country, as a Supreme Court AOR warns that awareness remains the strongest defence against increasingly sophisticated financial traps.  from mint - money

RBI proposes safeguards for digital transactions — what it means for senior citizens and other users

The RBI has proposed measures to combat online fraud, including transaction delays, additional authentication for vulnerable users, and caps on bank account credits. Here's what it means for senior citizens, and other users. from mint - money

TDS on bank interest explained: Who is liable and how much gets deducted under new income tax rules?

The Income Tax Act, 2025, effective April 1, maintains existing TDS thresholds on bank interest. The I-T department clarified the definition of banking company and the rules around TDS. Here are the prescribed limits and how much TDS gets deducted on bank interest income. from mint - money

8th Pay Commission salary hike: How much will your basic pay increase? Explained with three different fitment factors

8th Pay Commission update: The fitment factor is the multiplier the new CPC uses to calculate the new basic pay. The 8th Pay Commission will take into account several factors, including inflation, to determine the fitment factor. from mint - money

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund declares IDCW payout: What does the option mean? Check date, payout, eligibility & more

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has declared payout under its Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) option for its Medium-Term Bond Fund. Check record date, payout amount, availability and other details… from mint - money

FD Investment: How does compounding work? How much will ₹2 lakh investment become in 3 years? Explained

Understanding how interest on fixed deposits is compounded helps you maximise returns through strategic planning, tenure selection, and choosing the correct institution as per your requirement. from mint - money

Latest FD rates: Top 5 Small Finance Banks of India offer up to 8.10% fixed deposit interest rates — Check inside

While all banks have their own fixed deposits, small finance banks often offer significantly better FD interest rates to their customers. Here are the best FD interest rates of 5 most popular small finance banks in India.  from mint - money

Stock market correction: Have domestic inflows changed the rules for Indian equities?

For years, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) drove market direction. Now, domestic institutional investors (DIIs), backed by mutual fund and SIP inflows, have taken that role. This shift has quietly changed how markets behave. from mint - money

DA hike delayed for first time in a decade — Will it be skipped or deferred? Experts weigh in

Uncertainty surrounds the DA hike delay. Experts describe it as a procedural deferment rather than a cancellation, adding that arrears are expected and that the inflation-linked revision will likely be implemented retrospectively across central government salaries and pensions. from mint - money

How to pay zero income tax on ₹15.85 lakh salary under new tax regime

Meal vouchers, NPS and smart salary structuring can legally bring your taxable income below ₹12 lakh and reduce your tax to zero from mint - money

Axis Mutual Fund launches defence index fund; NFO opens 10 April

Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund NFO opens for subscription, tracking defence sector index amid rising global and domestic defence spending and policy support across the country. from mint - money

PFRDA launches NPS Swasthya, enabling subscribers to use retirement funds for healthcare

Powered by Medi Assist’s ‘Maven’ infrastructure, the initiative enables eligible NPS subscribers to access a portion of their retirement corpus for hospitalisation expenses, while continuing to benefit from long-term market-linked growth. from mint - money

Corporate FD rates in April 2026: Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, Mahindra Finance among top NBFCs

Corporate fixed deposit rates in April 2026 offer competitive returns from leading NBFCs, with varied tenures, senior-citizen benefits, and key safety features for stable,  predictable investment planning. from mint - money

How will the new wage rule impact your April 2026 take-home salary? Use this calculator to find out

April 2026 salary changes under the new wage rule may shrink take-home pay while boosting employees' provident fund savings and long-term financial security. from mint - money

How much should investors read into specialised investment fund's early returns?

SIFs are more flexible than mutual funds and more accessible than AIFs, but the category is still in its infancy. Who these products are built for and should one consider their performance during the limited time they have been operational. Mint explains from mint - money

Home loan rates April 2026: SBI, PNB, BoB and other banks compared; 5 key tips to save money

Planning a home loan in April 2026? Check out SBI, PNB, BoB, Union Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of India, and UCO Bank rates, which could make or break your EMIs. Understand the significance of hidden fees, prepayment penalties, and 5 must-know tips before you apply. from mint - money

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

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

RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%: What it means for home loan borrowers and EMIs

RBI holds the repo rate at 5.25%, providing stability for home loan borrowers. This will ensure predictable EMIs, clarity and potential interest savings amid global economic uncertainties. from mint - money

IRDAI forms sub-committee to strengthen health insurance ecosystem in India

IRDAI forms a sub-committee to strengthen the health insurance ecosystem, focusing on coverage, claims, and consumer experience to boost access, efficiency, and trust. from mint - money

Income Tax Act 2025: What is Form 121 and why should it be submitted to the bank for Tax Year 2026-27?

Form 121 has replaced Form 15G and Form 15H, which must be submitted to avoid TDS. A single form removes confusion about which form is applicable and simplifies the submission process. from mint - money

Thinking about chasing rallies in defence and energy? Experts warn against it.

The allure of war-led gains is drawing investors in, but history suggests that chasing these rallies often leads to sub-optimal returns. from mint - money

New salary rules in India: What the 50% wage norm means for EPF, gratuity and take-home pay

Starting 1 April 2026, new labour reforms in India will change salary structures, potentially lowering take-home pay for many employees. Here's how the new rules impact EPF and gratuity.  from mint - money

Top 5 strategies for salaried professionals to manage monthly expenses and taxes efficiently in FY27

Salaried professionals can enhance financial stability by integrating monthly expense management with tax planning under the Income Tax Act 2025 to optimise savings and ensure cash flow efficiency. from mint - money

Nearing retirement? How to protect your savings amid market volatility and rising inflation

Inching closer to retirement means gradually shifting investments from an aggressive phase of higher equity exposure to a conservative yet wealth preserving phase and providing enough stability to the portfolio through heavy fixed-income investments. from mint - money

Gratuity payment: What are the new rules? How is gratuity calculated? Key FAQs answered

There are significant changes in gratuity rules for fixed-term employees. Employers are now required to pay gratuity on termination of contract of such employees after completion of one year of service. from mint - money

Positioning portfolio to navigate uncertainty

Amid the US- Iran war, trade disruptions and energy uncertainties, a common question persists: does this environment warrant a portfolio rethink? from mint - money

How to plan summer holidays amid soaring airfares due to West Asia war

The West Asia war and rising fuel costs have pushed international airfares from India up by 30%, triggering a massive shift toward domestic tourism. Travellers are navigating a complex landscape of devalued currency and airspace closures. from mint - money

PPF: Can a Public Provident Fund account be closed prematurely?

While the PPF carries a mandatory 15-year lock-in, accounts can be closed after five full financial years, but only under specific circumstances from mint - money

From pension disbursal system to auto settlement, how EPFO 3.0 reforms have improved user experience

EPFO 3.0 represents a comprehensive digital overhaul of the retirement fund's IT infrastructure, with full implementation expected by mid-2026 from mint - money

8th Pay Commission: From old pension scheme to improved questionnaire - full list of demands by Govt staff body

The Staff Side of the NC JCM has urged the 8th Pay Commission to improve the memorandum submission process, among other demands. List of all nine demands here. from mint - money

ITR filing for AY 2026-27: Don't miss these crucial changes in Form 1

The government has updated Income Tax Return forms for Financial Year 2025-26, effective 1 April 2026. Here are the key changes and how to avoid scrutiny after filing tax returns. from mint - money

Can your Swiggy food delivery and Instamart orders sponsor your next stay at a Marriott hotel?

Marriott Bonvoy has partnered with Swiggy, enabling members to earn MB points on Swiggy transactions like ordering food delivery, groceries, and dining out. These activities help accumulate MB points a little more quickly for the next stay at a Marriott Bonvoy participating hotel. from mint - money

TDS, TCS new rules: Forms 138 and 140 replace old Forms 24Q and 26Q — here's all you need to know

The government has introduced new Forms 138 and 140 for TDS reporting, replacing the old Forms 24Q and 26Q. Here's all you need to know. from mint - money

Stock market turbulence: Why US-Iran war is a wake-up call for diversification, asset allocation

Market turbulence of this nature is not just about losses; it’s a wake-up call. Investors who once ignored diversification are now actively searching for assets that can withstand such uncertainty. But the reality is more nuanced. from mint - money

Rising inflation, rising credit demand: Can AI manage the risk?

Rising inflation is increasing reliance on credit. AI is helping lenders spot risk early and manage it better. from mint - money

Expenses rise with summer heat: Weather-proof your budget

From soaring electricity bills and AC cab rides to vacations, summer camps and medical buffers, India’s summer can raise household expenses by 10–12%. Here’s how to plan ahead. from mint - money