Budget Express 2026

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How to build a credit history as a first-time borrower in India

BUSINESS

How to build a credit history as a first-time borrower in India

A simple, practical guide to starting your credit journey without falling into early debt traps.

Before you say yes to a loan top-up, read this

BUSINESS

Before you say yes to a loan top-up, read this

A top-up loan can feel like an easy source of extra money, but it works in your favour only when you understand the costs, the tenure and how it affects your larger debt picture.

SIPs for your child’s education: How to start, structure and stay on track

BUSINESS

SIPs for your child’s education: How to start, structure and stay on track

A clear savings plan gives you more control over rising education costs, and SIPs help you start small while staying disciplined.

Closing a bank account? Read this before you pay avoidable fees

BUSINESS

Closing a bank account? Read this before you pay avoidable fees

A quick, practical guide to understanding the hidden costs banks may levy before you shut an account.

How to switch from a regular to a direct mutual fund plan online

BUSINESS

How to switch from a regular to a direct mutual fund plan online

A quick guide to making the shift to direct plans, which cut distributor commissions and help long-term investors keep more of their returns.

Using an SWP to build a steady retirement income stream

BUSINESS

Using an SWP to build a steady retirement income stream

A systematic withdrawal plan can turn your investments into a predictable monthly payout, but it works well only when you understand the risks and set it up thoughtfully.

Planning to quit the 9-to-5? How to calculate your financial independence number

BUSINESS

Planning to quit the 9-to-5? How to calculate your financial independence number

A clear FI number helps you understand exactly how much you need invested to stop relying on a salary and retire early with confidence, even in a high-inflation Indian economy.

Before your next SIP, check if your mutual fund KYC is FATCA ready

BUSINESS

Before your next SIP, check if your mutual fund KYC is FATCA ready

A simple way to find out if your mutual fund KYC is up to date, so your SIPs and redemptions don’t get blocked by surprise.

Income tax refund running late? Here’s how long it may take and what you can do

BUSINESS

Income tax refund running late? Here’s how long it may take and what you can do

There is a time limit of nine months for processing the ITR but no time limit for issue of refund.

Paying your home loan EMIs via credit card: Is it a good idea?

BUSINESS

Paying your home loan EMIs via credit card: Is it a good idea?

More lenders now allow EMI payments through credit cards, but the convenience comes with conditions that borrowers should understand before shifting their monthly repayment routine.

Getting your free credit report from all four bureaus in India

BUSINESS

Getting your free credit report from all four bureaus in India

Every Indian is entitled to one free credit report a year from each bureau, but most people never use this right or don’t know where to find the reports online.

Is your EPF paperwork in shape? A simple checklist to check it yourself

BUSINESS

Is your EPF paperwork in shape? A simple checklist to check it yourself

A few quick online checks can tell you whether your EPF money is safe, growing properly, and ready when you need it.

Pre-approved loans: Why banks offer them and what to check before accepting

BUSINESS

Pre-approved loans: Why banks offer them and what to check before accepting

Those “congratulations, you’re pre-approved” messages can feel flattering and tempting. But behind the easy money is a proper business strategy — and a few traps you need to watch for.

How much monthly SIP is needed to reach Rs 50 lakh in 15 years?

BUSINESS

How much monthly SIP is needed to reach Rs 50 lakh in 15 years?

A simple plan to size your goal, choose the right mix, and invest steadily.

How to plan your retirement with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

BUSINESS

How to plan your retirement with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

A systematic withdrawal plan can turn your mutual fund savings into a monthly income stream, but it works only when withdrawals are paced carefully and the portfolio is managed sensibly.

Smart ways to split contributions across SIPs, EPF and NPS

BUSINESS

Smart ways to split contributions across SIPs, EPF and NPS

Together, these three tools can build long-term wealth, but the trick is knowing how much to put where at each stage of life.

How to invest your annual bonus for maximum tax benefit

BUSINESS

How to invest your annual bonus for maximum tax benefit

A well-planned bonus can reduce your tax bill and strengthen long-term savings, but the window for smart decisions is usually short once the money hits your account.

Going abroad for studies? How to secure an education loan and manage forex without burning cash

BUSINESS

Going abroad for studies? How to secure an education loan and manage forex without burning cash

For most Indian families, sending a child abroad is not a one-cheque decision. It is years of savings, a big education loan and then the constant juggle of fees, rent and foreign exchange. The good news is that banks and forex products are far better than they were a decade ago. The bad news is that the process can still feel confusing if you walk in unprepared.

Annuity or SWP in retirement: How to choose the right income plan for a financially secure life

BUSINESS

Annuity or SWP in retirement: How to choose the right income plan for a financially secure life

A reliable retirement income strategy balances stability, flexibility and tax efficiency. Understanding how annuities and systematic withdrawal plans differ can help you build an income stream that supports your lifestyle without unnecessary risk.

Why bonds could be the next big move for Indian retail investors

BUSINESS

Why bonds could be the next big move for Indian retail investors

With interest rates stabilising and new rules making debt markets more accessible, bonds are quietly becoming a powerful tool in the average investor’s portfolio.

Debt funds are quietly making a comeback: Here’s what investors should know

BUSINESS

Debt funds are quietly making a comeback: Here’s what investors should know

Rising bond yields have quietly turned Indian debt funds into one of the most compelling options for investors who want stability, predictable income and better post-tax returns than traditional fixed deposits.

Will digital-only banks offer better returns than traditional banks?

BUSINESS

Will digital-only banks offer better returns than traditional banks?

A look at how India’s neobanks operate, whether they can truly offer higher yields and what their rise means for everyday savers.

How to register a nominee for your bank accounts, mutual funds, and EPF online

BUSINESS

How to register a nominee for your bank accounts, mutual funds, and EPF online

A nomination ensures that your money reaches the person you intend without long legal delays, yet many savers skip this simple step until it becomes a problem for their families.

How to use RBI’s complaint portal if your bank doesn’t resolve your issue

BUSINESS

How to use RBI’s complaint portal if your bank doesn’t resolve your issue

If your bank keeps tossing you between customer care numbers and branch desks, the Reserve Bank of India now lets you escalate the matter online without stepping out of your house.

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