Giving children pocket money is more than a weekly handout. It is a practical first step toward financial responsibility. Small sums let kids make choices, face consequences and build habits that matter as they grow. In India, parents have several formal routes—savings accounts, Demat accounts and mutual funds—that turn pocket money into a learning opportunity … Read more
Why your emergency fund may not be enough Most people build an emergency fund to cover job loss or prolonged income gaps. That fund is vital, but it is not always sufficient. Unexpected bills — think urgent dental surgery, sudden home termite damage or a major appliance replacement — often arrive as one-off shocks that … Read more
Why a portfolio strategy beats lone stock picking Shyam Sekhar stresses that successful equity investing is less about finding the next hot stock and more about building a resilient portfolio. Markets change often and quickly. A clear portfolio strategy helps investors manage risk, capture opportunities and stay on course through different market phases. Think beyond … Read more
The recent cut in GST on term insurance has made premiums about 18% cheaper. That’s a useful saving — but the bigger risk for families is not buying enough cover or waiting too long. A lower price shouldn’t be an excuse to underinsure. Why the GST cut matters Lower taxes reduce the cost barrier for … Read more
Finance Ministry officials have confirmed that the 8th Pay Commission will not merge dearness allowance (DA) or any relief component with basic pay. The decision keeps the existing structure of pay and allowances intact for central government employees and pensioners. What this means for employees and pensioners DA remains separate: Cost-of-living adjustments will continue to … Read more
Update for taxpayers: The government will issue a new income tax returns (ITR) form under the Income Tax Act, 2025 ahead of the 2027–28 financial year, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has said. This signals a formal update to filing documents to reflect the provisions of the new act. What this means for … Read more
Why an Indian Tax Residency Certificate matters When a UK company makes interest payments to a party in India, the payer may deduct tax at source. An Indian Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) can reduce that withholding tax under the applicable tax treaty. Supplying a valid TRC helps the payer apply the correct, lower rate and … Read more
Small mistakes on your credit report can have big consequences. Incorrect personal details, misreported repayments, accounts that show as active when they were closed, or duplicate records can all drag down your credit score and make lenders hesitate. Regularly checking your credit report is one of the simplest steps to protect your borrowing power. Common … Read more
Markets in 2026 may bring sharper swings and fresh uncertainties. When emotions and instincts push investors toward quick moves, the better response is often a calm, rules-based approach. Discipline and clarity about goals can protect portfolios more than reacting to every headline. Why 2026 could test investors Several forces can make markets choppy: shifting interest-rate … Read more
Key points on gift taxation Under the current rules, gifts from relatives are tax-exempt. By contrast, cash or property received from non-relatives becomes taxable if the total value exceeds ₹50,000 in a financial year. One clear exception: gifts received on the occasion of marriage are fully tax-exempt, regardless of the amount. Who benefits from the … Read more