Page 3 - Personal Finance

Why the Union Budget matters for your household finances

Every year, the Union Budget decides far more than government spending priorities. It quietly shapes how much you earn, spend, save, borrow, and invest.

Gold loan: Avoid maxing out on loan limit, maintain 20% valuation buffer

EMI-based repayment steadily reduces the principal and lowers LTV, offering better protection against price volatility than the bullet option

Home loan mistakes: Don't equate eligibility with repayment capacity

Be warned that incomplete, outdated and inconsistent documents can delay loan approval and disbursal

Stopping SIPs in downturns weakens long-term compounding, rupee-cost gains

Chasing past performance ignores the principle that returns of all assets are mean-reverting

Reasonable valuations, earnings revival to aid small-cap funds in 2026

After underperforming in 2025, small-cap funds may see a turnaround as valuations become more reasonable and earnings revive; existing investors should stay invested, while new ones enter gradually

Sector, thematic funds' outlook: Avoid over-allocation, chasing returns

These concentrated bets suit experienced investors who can assess sector prospects and invest at attractive valuations

Stepping to the beat: How dance classes are rewriting urban India's rhythm

As dance classes move beyond niche studios, they are reshaping how urban Indians approach fitness, social connection and cultural expression

Paying claims or pushing back? What Irdai data reveals about insurers

Irdai's latest data shows how much insurers paid out in health claims in FY25

Rupee swings push NRIs to rupee-linked term insurance: Experts explain

'Currency swings are reshaping protection choices,' as experts say NRIs increasingly prefer rupee-linked term plans for India-based liabilities

Midcap funds outlook for 2026 hinges on earnings rebound, rate support

After a subdued 2025, midcap funds could recover in 2026 if earnings revive and rates stay supportive. Experts advise a calibrated 10-30 per cent allocation with a long-term horizon

Why a lower expense ratio alone may not be reason enough to switch funds

Focus on risk-adjusted performance, and switch only if it is below par for a sustained period

Skip duration bets, stick to short and medium-duration debt funds in 2026

Do not chase past returns, as the interest-rate environment that produced them no longer exists and gains from falling rates are largely behind investors

What are the best personal loan deals banks are offering across India

Here are the best personal loan options right now, which lenders offer the lowest EMIs, and how fees and borrower risk shape the true cost of credit

Annual Health insurance review: Tackle medical inflation, upgrade coverage

A 13-14% medical inflation rate makes upward revision of sum insured essential

Gold's outlook for 2026: Expect returns to moderate after scorching run-up

While existing investors should do partial rebalancing, new investors should enter in a staggered manner

New NPS rules explained: 10 big changes that can reshape your retirement

India’s National Pension System has just undergone one of its biggest reforms in years. Exit rules are easier, liquidity is higher, and annuity obligations are lower. But what exactly has changed

Home loan balance transfer: Higher residual principal tenure drive savings

A high credit score is critical as it enables the borrower to secure the new loan at an attractive rate

What are the best health insurance plans for women living in cities?

Here are the best premiums for health insurance policies that are especially tailored for young women working in urban centres

Silver outlook for 2026: Demand drivers, supply limits may support prices

After a bumper run in 2025, silver's long-term case remains intact, but experts warn investors to brace for volatility and moderate returns as global conditions evolve

Belated return: Claim refunds, credits, carry forward house property loss

If you file an updated return later, you will have to pay interest and additional tax, and will not be able to claim refunds