Page 16 - Personal Finance

Oppn slams EPFO rules change, says govt punishing salaried people

Attacking the Modi government over the change in EPFO rules, the opposition on Wednesday alleged that salaried people are being punished for the Modi government's "mishandling of the economy" and urged Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to scrap the "draconian" provisions. The opposition hit out at the government over the specific change to the period for availing premature final settlement of EPF from the existing 2 months to 12 months and final pension withdrawal from 2 months to 36 months. They also slammed the provision of earmarking 25 per cent of the contributions in the members' account as minimum balance to be maintained by the member at all times. In a post on X, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said the Modi government's new Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rules are nothing short of "cruelty". "Pensioners and job-losers are being punished for needing their own savings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji this is the time to intervene and stop Mansukh .

'Wealth whispers': Corporate exec explains how Rs 100 SIP changed his life

Patience, discipline and saving for the long term build financial stability, says Rishi Raj Arya

Insurance regulator seeks more measures to check fraud, improve security

Insurers must upgrade systems and board-approved processes by April 2026, says Irdai

Is silver the next big bet?

Gold investors have had a dream run this year. But experts now say it might be time to take a breather — and start looking at silver instead.Watch this episode of PF Guide to find out why!

Property deals: Mismatch in sale value, TDS, returns may invite scrutiny

Quoting false PAN can lead to a penalty of ₹10,000 per default; wilful concealment can even result in imprisonment

RBI's offline digital rupee is here: Pay with e₹ even without internet

RBI's offline digital rupee lets users pay with e₹ without internet, bringing cash-like convenience to remote areas and simplifying digital transactions

Investors should book partial profits if gold allocation is over 10%

Instead of falling prey to FOMO and diving in headlong, new investors should enter gradually and with a long horizon

Indian investors remain risk-averse, Sebi urges diversified portfolios

Sebi's 2025 survey finds most Indians prioritise capital preservation; experts say align risk with time horizon and personal comfort level

Asset split in divorce: Courts presume equal ownership of joint assets

They increasingly recognise the wife's non-monetary contributions such as homemaking and childcare when dividing assets

Update children's Aadhaar biometrics for free: Process, criteria explained

Data is needed during school admissions, entrance exams and to avail certain government schemes

Aggressive hybrid funds suit moderate-risk investors with long-term goals

Such funds are not entirely immune to volatility due to their considerable equity allocation

EMI relief may be quicker from Oct as RBI changes loan rules

RBI's latest rule change removes a 3-year lock on loan spreads, letting borrowers see EMI relief sooner and choose fixed rates at reset.

Financial changes in Oct: Higher bank charges, new pension rules and more

New Rules From 1 October 2025: New rules by Banks, Indian Railways and postal department may raise costs and tighten compliance requirements

Unclaimed deposits: Heirs must produce succession certificate or probate

For modest balances, banks may accept a legal heirship certificate with indemnity bond

Festival home-loan offers: Prioritise long-term savings, avoid teaser rates

Compare the full cost of the loan rather than focusing solely on interest rates

Medical negligence: Documentation, expert opinion key to court success

The complaint must be filed in the right forum and within the limitation period

UPI goes live in Qatar, starting with duty-free stores at Hamad airport

With Qatar Duty Free onboard, UPI expands abroad, offering Indians cashless payments on overseas trips.

What are the best health insurance plans post-GST reforms for you

Under the new GST 2.0 set of reforms, holders of individual health and life insurance policies will no longer have to pay any tax on the premium amount

H-1B visa fee hike hits IT funds; investors urged to stay long-term

Fee hike could accelerate offshore delivery, improve competitiveness; AI adoption, re-skilling initiatives expected to provide medium-term growth opportunities

Tax audit guide for businesses and professionals:Rules, limits and pitfalls

As tax filing deadlines for audit cases approach, experts break down who is at risk of a tax audit, common misconceptions, and tips to stay compliant