Go Ad-Free
    My Alerts
    Moneycontrol
    Moneycontrol PRO
    HomeNewsPersonal finance

    Personal Finance

    When an individual or a family unit plans to save or spend monetary resources over time, considering various financial risks and future life events, that term is called personal finance. While planning personal finances, the individual normally considers the suitability to his or her needs of a range of banking products or investment in private equity or insurance products. Also, the person even considers participation and monitoring of and- or employer-sponsored retirement plans, social security benefits, and income tax management. Through personal finance education, a family or individual can make rational financial decisions throughout their life regarding the financial management skills. However, personal finance differ based on circumstances of people like income, wealth, and consumption needs. Apart from this, taxes and finance laws also differ from country to country, and market conditions vary geographically and over time. Experts comment that the key component of personal finance is financial planning, which is a dynamic process requiring regular monitoring and re-evaluation. The whole process is divided in 5 parts: assessment, goal setting, plan creation, execution, and monitoring and reassessment. Among others, experts believe personal financial planning areas include: financial position, adequate position, tax planning, investment and accumulation goals, retirement planning, estate planning, delayed gratification, cash management, revisiting written financial plan regularity, and education planning. They also opine that personal finance should be taught in schools. More

    Jump to

    • A beginner-friendly guide to investing in bonds through online platforms

      Bond investing is no longer just for high-net-worth investors — online platforms have made it accessible with a few simple steps.

    • How newlyweds can avoid money conflicts with five simple financial planning steps

      A practical, everyday guide for couples who want to build a stable financial life without letting money become a source of stress or resentment.

    • Equity mutual fund inflows rise 21% MoM to Rs 29,911 crore in Nov: AMFI data

      The momentum returned after several months of softening inflows, supported by broad-based investor participation across categories.

    • Silver prices today: Another new high after Fed rate-cut cheer; Check 24K, 22K, 18K prices in your city

      This strong uptick is reflective of fresh bets from traders in anticipation of healthier trends from global manufacturing, says analyst

    • Your 2025 banking plan: How to pick the right account and make big balances work harder

      Your primary bank account is for safety and smooth transactions — not for growing long-term money. Here’s how to choose the right bank and what to do with larger amounts instead.

    • Thinking of using a loan to buy luxury items? Read this before you swipe

      Luxury purchases bring joy in the moment, but the repayment lasts much longer.

    • Step-Up SIPs: The game-changer for building Rs 10 crore corpus

      Step-Up SIPs offer a powerful way to build wealth by increasing investments annually, leveraging compounding, and beating inflation. Ideal for rising earners, it creates a larger corpus than traditional SIPs.

    • CBDT identifies undisclosed virtual digital assets worth Rs 889 crore; Here’s how to report earnings from crypto in ITR

      The Income Tax Department has introduced a separate Schedule VDA in ITR forms, and this is where all crypto-related income must be disclosed, a tax analyst said.

    • Digital payment safety tips for families: How to protect yourself from fraud in 2025

      A practical look at how families can protect themselves as UPI becomes the default way to pay for everything from groceries to school fees.

    • Building a one pager personal finance plan that actually works

      A simple way for an everyday saver to organise PF, insurance, SIPs, emergency money and basic banking without jargon or complexity.

    • If an old illness was cured, can insurance still reject your claim?

      Why insurers look at medical history even when you feel completely healthy now.

    • Why your credit score may be falling even when you think you’re doing everything right

      Most score drops don’t happen suddenly — they build quietly through everyday financial habits.

    • Rs 80 lakh in FDs: Is it enough to retire in five years?

      Retiring at 55 with Rs 80 lakh in FDs is challenging because of a Rs 1.03 crore deficit. Diversify investments, adopt a 3-4% withdrawal rate and build contingency funds for a secure retirement, say experts

    • Will a new loan reduce your credit score? Here’s how the impact truly works

      Why taking fresh credit doesn’t always harm your score — and when it can.

    • Understanding risk in debt funds — and how to stay cautious while investing

      Debt funds look calm from the outside, but knowing how they work helps avoid unpleasant surprises.

    • Budget 2026 expectations: Mandatory employer health cover, speedy motor claims, transparent commissions

      The insurance sector has the potential to be a major growth catalyst but penetration is low at 3.7%. Five reforms can accelerate progress,Tapan Singhel of Bajaj General writes

    • A practical guide to managing spending when you want to save more

      Small shifts in behaviour often matter more than strict budgeting rules.

    • What to check before signing a personal loan agreement

      Small oversights can turn an easy loan into years of financial stress. Understanding the fine print before you borrow can save you money and trouble later.

    • When you should freeze your credit report — and why it can protect you

      A credit freeze has become one of the simplest and most effective ways to block fraud, and knowing when to use it can save you from months of financial damage.

    • RBI cuts repo rate, here is what it means for your fixed deposits

      Lower repo rate can lead to lower fixed deposit rates. Depositors can adopt strategies like laddering and consider alternatives to FDs for better returns on their investments.

    • RBI MPC meeting: Repo rate cut by 25 bps, home loan EMIs, interest rates set to fall

      Today's repo rate cut lowers home loan interest rates, reducing EMIs by Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 for a Rs 50-lakh loan.

    • Rebuilding your money life after divorce: A practical guide for women

      How to rebuild money confidence and long-term stability when a marriage ends.

    • How to build a strong credit score without ever using a credit card

      Why a good credit record is possible even without swiping a single card.

    • Consultant or employee: How to decide which path works for you

      The same job can feel very different depending on whether you’re on payroll or contract. Here’s what shifts financially, professionally and in day-to-day life.

    • Silver prices at all-time high this week: Should you buy, hold, or sell?

      Buyers remain strongly positive, and we continue to expect that buy on dips could be an opportunity, says expert.

    Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347