Guide To Personal Finance

FY26 ITR filing: How to choose the ITR form that best reflects your income

Taxpayers should carefully match their income profile with the applicable ITR form, as filing returns in the wrong form could lead to defective returns or tax notices

Under your feet: Rugs and carpets emerge as luxury investments across homes

From handcrafted Kashmiri silk carpets to contemporary abstract rugs, Indian homeowners are increasingly investing in statement floor pieces that blend craftsmanship, comfort and personal style

As equity markets wobble, fixed deposits can be an appealing alternative

With equity markets under pressure amid the West Asia conflict and interest rates expected to remain steady, fixed deposits are regaining appeal among low-risk investors

As silver slides, punters should exit, long-term investors should buy dip

Those investing now should stagger their investments and enter with a long-term horizon

Consider corporate fixed deposits if you want to boost your returns

If you are a conservative investor who invests primarily in bank fixed deposits but wants to boost your returns by 1-2 percentage points, consider investing in a corporate fixed deposit

What are the best plans that insurers offer for cancer treatment?

With cancer treatment costs rising, insurers are offering specialised plans that provide staged payouts, long-term financial protection and support across diagnosis and recovery

As credit card benefits decline, leverage offers to earn more rewards

The best way to optimise benefits is to keep multiple cards and use the one offering highest rewards for each spending category

Travel Insurance: Check these things before taking that summer vacay abroad

With flight disruptions rising amid geopolitical tensions, travellers must check insurance coverage, exclusions, and claim conditions carefully before heading abroad this summer

Indoor luxe: Curated greenery redefines Indian homes' wellness, luxury

From curated plant corners to designer planters, indoor greenery is emerging as a symbol of wellness, design sensibility, and understated luxury in India's high-end urban homes

Car loans: Best interest rates and what buyers should know

With rising car prices and growing EV push, loans are helping buyers manage costs by spreading payments over manageable tenures aligned with monthly income

Display steady credit behaviour for 3-6 months for easier card approval

Repay loans on time, keep credit utilisation below 30%, and avoid too many applications within a short period

What are the available rates and tenures for Personal Loans?

A personal loan can be very useful in a sudden funds crunch, but may carry higher interest rates due to the higher risk it carries

Holiday homes turn income assets as rental villas gain traction

Second homes across India are increasingly seen as income assets, with buyers balancing lifestyle aspirations and rental yields amid rising demand for managed villas and short-term stays

Invest in gold, global funds to cushion portfolio against fall in rupee

Holding gold and global assets can help Indian investors hedge against rupee depreciation, manage inflation risks, and meet dollar-denominated goals such as overseas education and travel

Year-end portfolio review: Book partial profits in silver and gold funds

Diversify internationally, continue SIPs in equity funds, and move towards medium and shorter-duration debt funds

What are the interest rates senior citizens can get on fixed deposits?

Senior citizens get a slightly higher rate of interest on fixed deposits across public and private banks, as well as NBFCs

Canvas to capital: How art is becoming India's new investment asset

Indian art is moving beyond aesthetics into portfolios, as wealthy investors seek diversification, cultural capital, and long-term value in an asset class once seen as niche

New tax law from April 1: What it means for income, filing, and compliance

Taxpayers must be able to distinguish between matters where the old tax law still applies and those where the new one does

Moving from gas to induction? A buyer's guide to induction cooktops

As LPG shortages disrupt kitchens amid West Asia tensions, induction cooktops are gaining ground. Here's a practical guide to choosing the right model for Indian cooking needs

Crude at $100: Should you lock in home loan rates before FY26?

Rising crude oil prices amid tensions in West Asia could affect inflation and the RBI's rate trajectory. Borrowers may consider locking in home loan rates before the financial year ends