Financial Planning

Stopping EPF contributions can pause retirement growth, affecting long-term savings. The account earns interest but becomes 'inoperative' if it is not inactive for three years

Here is a checklist when you go shopping for gold this Diwali

This Diwali, buy gold wisely with these expert tips: check prices, verify purity, understand making charges, and know buyback policies to ensure a smart investment decision.

How to make your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus last 25–30 years with smart asset allocation

Even post-retirement, at least 30–35% equity exposure is necessary. The best way is through Systematic Withdrawal Plans from equity mutual funds, which provide monthly income while keeping money invested for growth

Diwali bonus: Spend wisely, invest smart for a brighter future

Maximize your Diwali bonus by striking a balance between celebrations and financial goals. Allocate wisely, budget, pay off debt, and invest for a secure financial future

Returning to India: A financial checklist for NRIs

NRIs returning to India should consider key financial aspects like job security, settling credit card dues, managing bank accounts, health insurance and estate planning for a smooth transition

The dangers of lifestyle inflation: How to avoid financial pitfalls

Financial woes often stem from lifestyle inflation, peer pressure and poor money management rather than income. Prioritising goals and prudent borrowing can help mitigate financial stress.

Last chance alert for September 30: Complete these financial tasks today or miss out!

From routine compliance requirements like Jan Dhan account re-KYC, crucial registration renewals for charitable trusts to switch to Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) september 30 demands close attention.

Navigating the 2026 admission season: How to realise US dreams amid visa policy shifts

H-1B Visa Policy: Indian students face uncertainty due to a new $100,000 fee for fresh H-1B visa petitions, but experts advise strategic planning, skill-building, and exploring alternatives like Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Blended families: Love unites but succession divides

Trusts can overcome the limitations of a will. They offer continuity, asset protection and enable conditional or staggered distribution as per desired milestones or events

Gold hits all-time high: Retail investors should adopt balanced approach, allocate 10-20% to the yellow metal

With prices at record highs, investors should proceed cautiously. Any delay in rate cuts or a change in geopolitical dynamics could trigger a correction or a temporary pause in gold’s rally.

Scammers on the prowl, here's how to shop safe during festival season

Fake e-commerce offers, travel scams, KYC frauds and SIM-swaps are common during the shopping season. Moneycontrol offers a guide to a fraud-free festival season

Festive shopping on a budget: Smart tips to avoid financial stress

Festive shopping spree driven by attractive loan offers and discounts, but prioritize needs, budget wisely, maintain healthy EMI-to-income ratio, and shop smart to avoid financial stress and debt traps.

Don't let your cyber legacy go dark, include virtual assets in your will

Estate planning should include digital assets such as cryptocurrencies, social media profiles and online businesses to preserve legacy, prevent disputes and ensure smooth transition of assets to heirs

Navigating Trump’s H-1B visa order: Expert advice for students and professionals

The new H-1B visa proclamation introduced a $100,000 fee for new petitions, affecting Indian professionals and students. Existing H-1B holders and renewals are exempt, but new entries face significant financial hurdles.

Unlocking savings on your iPhone 17 purchase — bank offers, exchange bonus, cash-back deals explained

By combining instant cashback with the exchange bonus, you can bring down the price of the iPhone considerably

The importance of clear succession planning: Lessons from Sunjay Kapur's estate dispute

The Kapur family's inheritance dispute highlights the importance of clear succession planning, transparent wills and estate planning tools to prevent prolonged legal battles and emotional distress within families

PFRDA may cut mandatory annuitisation to 20%, allow systematic redemption for NPS corpus up to Rs 12 lakh

Subscribers with accumulated corpus of up to Rs 12 lakh at the time of regular exit could be permitted to make a lump-sum withdrawal of 50 percent of the corpus or Rs 6 lakh, whichever is higher, and for the balance amount, opt for systematic unit redemption or purchase annuities or a combination of both.

The paradox of choice: Why too many investment options can hurt your wealth

Clarity doesn’t come from having every option available. It comes from knowing which ones you can ignore

PFRDA to allow 100% equity exposure to NPS subscribers under a new framework

The pension regulator to introduce multiple scheme framework (MSF) to offer greater flexibility, more choices to pension fund managers and NPS subscribers

From clampdown to course correction: The gaps in SEBI’s new investment advisor rulebook

India must revert to the pre-2020 hybrid framework, globally the norm in those markets that continue to allow commissions and fees both.

ITR filing 2025: How the Updated Return facility gives taxpayers a second chance to get it right

Tax return: If a taxpayer misses the December 31 deadline for filing belated return, she can still file an updated return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) of the Income-tax Act within four years from the end of the relevant assessment year.

Mini retirements: A growing trend among Indians, 64% Gen Z and 58% millennials in favour, reveals HSBC survey

85% of Indians believe mini retirements enhance quality of life, with 48% planning to take at least one break, and 44% considering multiple breaks over their lifetime.

GST 2.0: Why middle-class families should invest before splurging during festival season

While the government and corporate India hope that GST cuts will boost festive spending, advisoes urge households to channel the additional money to bolster their investments

The real cost of bricks and mortar: Rethinking real estate investment and personal net worth in India

In India, owning a house is a badge of success, but for middle-class individuals, it can be a financial burden due to high-interest loans and low returns, often underperforming other investments.

Money Matters: Be the teacher your child needs for financial success

Parents can empower children with financial wisdom by teaching budgeting, saving, banking and responsible spending. Financial frauds and debt management should also be discussed for a secure financial future