Personal Finance News
Practical news and updates on money management — from tax-saving strategies and insurance changes to loan rate adjustments and credit card offers. This section focuses on what directly impacts your wallet: new government schemes, changes in income tax rules, bank interest rate revisions, and tips on budgeting and building wealth. Whether you are planning for your first investment or optimising an existing financial plan, the updates here help you make smarter everyday money decisions.
BMW owner wins 14-year battle: Insurer told to pay ₹70 lakh after car gutted in fire
A consumer commission has directed United India Insurance Company to pay ₹70 lakh to a BMW owner whose car was gutted in a fire after a tyre puncture left him stranded on a Maharashtra highway. 
Received money to vacate your flat for redevelopment? ITAT clarifies when the compensation may be tax-free
Mumbai ITAT has ruled that ₹82 lakh received by a flat owner as hardship compensation under a redevelopment agreement was not taxable as income. The ruling offers guidance to homeowners receiving compensation from builders during housing society redevelopment.
Sold TDRs for ₹6.02 crore? ITAT clarifies capital gains tax rules for landowners
The ITAT has ruled that the sale of Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) for ₹6.02 crore attracts capital gains tax after the land was surrendered for road widening. However, eligible land costs and deductions must be considered when calculating taxable gains.
One PAN, ₹50,000-cr transactions and 25000 properties under IT scanner: What happened at Gurugram’s Badshahpur tehsil?
The Income Tax dept is scrutinising records at the Badshahpur tehsil office in Gurugram after it found the same PAN was used for 25,000 property registrations, worth transactions of ₹55,000-crore.
UPI MDR fee: Why did the govt decide to implement charges after Diwali 2026? Read on to know more
UPI MDR fee update: NPCI has deferred the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions until after Diwali 2026. The exact date is yet to be announced. The deferment does not mean the proposed charges have been cancelled.
UPI MDR fee: Why did the govt decide to implement charges after Diwali 2026?
UPI MDR fee update: NPCI has deferred the implementation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions until after Diwali 2026. The exact date is yet to be announced. The deferment does not mean the proposed charges have been cancelled.
UPI transactions above ₹2,000: 0.40% MDR pushed until after Diwali, says NPCI
Merchant Discount Rate of 0.4 pc on UPI transactions over ₹2,000 deferred; to come into effect post Diwali: NPCI statement
UPI transactions above ₹2,000: 0.4% MDR deferred until after Diwali, says NPCI
Merchant Discount Rate of 0.4 pc on UPI transactions over ₹2,000 deferred; to come into effect post Diwali: NPCI statement
Setting aside ₹2,000 per month in PPF can put your child on path to ‘crorepati’ status in long run. We calculate how
Setting aside ₹2000 per month for your child can help secure their financial future. Here's how you can use the government backed PPF facility to set them up for “crorepati” status in the long run. 
How to build wealth in your 20s and 30s without giving up your lifestyle
Building wealth in your 20s and 30s need not mean extreme frugality. Starting early, investing regularly and directing part of every salary hike towards investments can help balance present-day pleasures with future financial security.
PM Kisan 24th instalment: When will farmers receive ₹2,000? How to check payment status online
PM Kisan 24th instalment date: The government has not yet confirmed when farmers will receive the next ₹2,000 payment. Check the latest update, online payment status, eligibility requirements and steps to resolve payment delays.
Celebrities are selling sarees on Facebook, Instagram LIVE: Here's what works for them; social media advantages and more
Celebrities are using Facebook and Instagram Live to sell sarees, combining product demonstrations, entertainment and direct customer interaction. 
8th pay commission: What is fitment factor? We calculate salary hike for multipliers of 1.83, 2, 2.57 and 3.83
The commission, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is reviewing proposed pay and pension changes. Possible fitment factors range from 1.83 to 3.83. The panel’s report is due by May 2027. 
8th Pay Commission: 5 latest developments central government employees and pensioners should know
The 8th Pay Commission's latest updates include notices regarding visits to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Chandigarh, as well as revised consultant engagement guidelines. Here are 5 key developments that central government employees and pensioners should know about. 
DA, pay scale, salary, pension, increments — Here's what can be expect from 8th CPC recommendations; full list
From dearness allowance (DA) to pay scale, salary structure and pension revision, increments and promotions — Here's the full list of what employees and pensioners can be expect from the 8th CPC. 
₹2 lakh credit card dues vs ₹5 lakh personal loan: Which debt should you repay first? Experts explain
Should you repay ₹2 lakh in credit card dues or a ₹5 lakh personal loan first? Experts explain why high-interest credit card debt usually takes priority, how minimum payments increase borrowing costs, and how to protect your credit score while repaying both debts. 
EV owners alert! Insurance claims for repairs may cost more than for petrol, diesel cars — here's how
Electric car insurance claims cost 14% more on average than comparable petrol and diesel car claims, with average costs rising further during monsoon conditions. Here's why.
Sold property but did not file ITR? ITAT gives taxpayer another chance to contest ₹90.09 lakh income tax penalty
A property seller facing a ₹90.09 lakh income tax penalty after failing to file an ITR has received another chance to appeal. The ITAT condoned the delay and ordered fresh consideration, but did not cancel the penalty or decide the tax dispute.
When should you switch your financial advisor? 5 warning signs investors should watch for
A financial advisor should help investors meet their changing financial goals, not simply push new products. Here are five warning signs to watch for, from poor portfolio reviews and unclear recommendations to hidden costs and lack of transparency.
Paying rent to parents? HRA exemption rules, documents required and tax savings explained
The HRA provisions focus on whether the employee pays rent for accommodation actually occupied and whether the employee owns the property for which the exemption is claimed
UPI MDR: From 0.40% to 0.08% what IIT Bombay report has proposed and why it wants new fee structure, explained
The revised MDR fee framework for UPI transactions could burden consumers through higher retail prices, even as merchants are barred from directly passing on the charges, an IIT Bombay report has warned, calling for changes to the proposed model.
Can a paternal uncle claim your father’s property? Understanding inheritance laws in India
Can a paternal uncle claim his deceased brother’s property if the latter has a surviving son? Inheritance rights depend on the applicable succession law, surviving legal heirs, property ownership and the presence of a valid Will. Here’s what the law says about property claims by paternal uncles.
Shriram Finances hikes in FD rates: Check and compare fixed deposit interest rates for senior citizens, women
Shriram Finance revised fixed deposit rates by 0.15% to 0.40% across tenures, effective October 11, 2026. With senior citizens over 60 receiving 0.50% additional benefit and women depositors receiving an additional 0.05% annual benefit.
How to create lasting wealth: 5 lessons from Dave Ramsey’s international bestseller 'The Total Money Makeover'
Dave Ramsey’s financial plan emphasises habits over income. Check these 5 lessons from 'The Total Money Makeover', an international bestseller.
Trusting AI with your money is subject to market risks
A UK study found AI models often gave wrong or incomplete answers to financial questions, especially complex ones. Indian investors should verify tax, debt and retirement advice before acting on it.
NPS Swasthya top-up benefit explained: How much cover do you get under Aditya Birla Health Insurance plan?
Aditya Birla Health Insurance has partnered with PFRDA to launch NPS Swasthya coverage through its Group Activ Health plan. Eligible NPS account holders can cover themselves, a spouse and up to two dependent children.
Uncapped coverage: Is your health policy really ‘unlimited’?
Unlimited health plans from Niva Bupa, Care, ICICI Lombard and HDFC ERGO work in different ways, and some retain caps or conditions despite the label. What exactly is unlimited, and what conditions continue to apply when a large claim arrives?
Having health insurance is not the same as being adequately protected
Health cover should evolve with income, family responsibilities and medical needs. The real test is whether insurance, savings and other protection can absorb a serious health event without derailing financial goals.
8th pay commission: Assam pay commission to revise employees' salaries, submit report, says CM — What we know
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state's 8th pay commission has begun its work, adding that salaries of its government employees would be revised after the committee submits its report. 
DA news: What are the types of dearness allowance, how is it calculated and revised? Here are top FAQs answered
Dearness Allowance is a percentage of employees' pay aimed at helping households manage the increased cost of living. For calculation purposes, it is separated into two categories: industrial and variable DA.
₹40 lakh home loan: How much can you save if interest rate falls from 10% to 9% over 10, 20, 30 years?
A ₹40 lakh home loan at 9% instead of 10% could save borrowers ₹2.63 lakh over 10 years, ₹6.27 lakh over 20 years and ₹10.50 lakh over 30 years. Here is a breakdown of monthly EMIs, interest costs and repayment strategies. 
8th Pay Commission: DA rise over past few years fuels demands for higher fitment factor
8th Pay Commission: Demands for a higher fitment factor as Dearness Allowance (DA) rises to 60%. Here is what employee unions are seeking regarding salary revisions, minimum basic pay, DA merger and pension changes.
South Korea’s $1.7 billion ETF wipeout: What Indian investors should know about leverage bets
Retail investors lost an estimated 2.3 trillion won on leveraged products tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix between May and August. Daily resets can magnify losses over time, especially during volatile markets. 
Air India gives students flat 10% off on domestic fares: Check eligibility criteria, offer period, how to book and more
Air India has offered students a flat 10% off on domestic base fares for a limited time period, with additional baggage allowance and a complimentary date change available through Air India’s year-round student programme. Here's all you need to know… 
Want stable returns? What experts say on public and private markets offering better prospects
Discussing public and private market strategies during market downturns, ace investor Renuka Ramnath noted private equity’s boardroom influence and crisis management; while Nilesh Shah stressed bargains created by public-market sell-offs. 
Why NBFCs have become the option of choice for many first-timer borrowers — Explained
A joint FIDC–TransUnion CIBIL report says NBFCs are the main entry point to formal credit for many first-time borrowers. As of June 2026, 74% of live new-to-credit customers had used only NBFC credit, reflecting lenders’ reach and role in expanding access.
Publish your book for free and start earning: What is Amazon KDP? Here’s how it works
Writers can use Amazon KDP to publish books without paying upfront publishing fees. Authors choose pricing and royalty options, can promote their books with Amazon Ads and can track sales.
‘90% of the investment in 5 years goes up to double…’: Ekta Kapoor on real estate — key money lessons for investors
Ekta Kapoor shares her views on The Ranveer Show podcast on real estate investments. What can investors learn about building wealth through homeownership, and why should they look beyond property appreciation? Here's what you need to know. 
Aiming to build long term wealth? Experts suggest these steps to build financial capability
India is set to add 10 crore long-term investors by 2035 as wealth creation expands to tier 2 and 3 cities. Today, we discuss what steps investors aiming to build long term wealth should take to gain financial capability. 
How much cash to hold in a savings account while waiting for a market correction?
Holding cash can provide comfort when markets are uncertain, but keeping too much on the sidelines can hurt long-term wealth creation. Here’s how to decide what to hold and what to invest.
8th pay commission: What are the upcoming state visit dates in October? Check agenda
The 8th Central Pay Commission will meet stakeholders in Mumbai on 22–23 October 2026 as it considers changes to pay, allowances, pensions and benefits for central government employees and retirees. 
EPFO explains EPS eligibility after ₹25,000 wage hike: Check which employees get pension coverage — and who don't
The EPFO wage ceiling has been raised to ₹25,000 a month in September 2026, bringing more employees under mandatory social security coverage. But how does this affect EPS pension eligibility, employer contributions, and employees who may not qualify for membership? Here’s what to know.
Should you invest in contra funds?
Contra funds look for opportunities, which the market might be ignoring. However, fund managers approach contra investing with their own filters. 
Bank FD interest after a parent’s death: Who must pay tax on the income? Cases and scenarios explained
Who pays tax on bank FD interest after a parent’s death? Understand income tax rules for inherited fixed deposits, interest earned before and after death, legal heirs’ responsibilities and filing the deceased parent’s income tax return to avoid reporting errors.
SBI warns of UPI fraud: How the ‘jumped deposit scam’ can drain your bank account
SBI has warned bank customers about the jumped deposit scam, in which fraudsters exploit unexpected bank credits to trick victims into approving high-value UPI payments. Learn how the scam works, recognise warning signs and protect your bank account from digital payment fraud.
Blocked or replaced your debit card but still have active subscriptions? Here’s how recurring payment mandates work
Blocking a debit card may not stop recurring subscription payments if the e-mandate remains active or is mapped to a replacement card. Here is how card mandates and UPI AutoPay work, and what customers should do to prevent unwanted debits.
Buying a ₹1 crore house? Here's the monthly salary you need to afford the home loan EMI comfortably
Planning to buy a ₹1 crore house? An ₹80 lakh home loan at 8% interest over 20 years means an EMI of around ₹66,900 a month. Check the monthly salary you need, how loan tenure affects repayments and how to avoid stretching your finances while buying a home.
What changed inside India's insurance regulator?
Irdai’s unusually candid data exposes perverse insurance incentives. But with the government owning major insurers, the real test will be whether the final rules deliver meaningful reform.
UPI MDR Charges: Will consumer prices rise at stores if merchants start paying a nominal fee? Govt answers
The proposed UPI MDR framework sets charges for certain merchant payments above ₹2,000. Here's whether consumer prices at stores will rise if merchants start paying a nominal fee. 
Car loan rates start at 7.35%: Check EMIs and processing fees of 18 lenders
Car loan interest rates start at 7.35% across 18 lenders, according to Paisabazaar data. Compare car loan EMIs on ₹5 lakh over five years, processing fees, interest-rate concessions and repayment costs before choosing a lender in October 2026. 
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my income should I save and invest?
A widely recommended starting point is the 50-30-20 rule: 50% for needs (rent, food, EMIs), 30% for wants (dining, travel, entertainment), and 20% for savings and investments. If you can push investments to 30-40% of income, you will reach financial goals much faster. The exact ratio depends on your income level, fixed obligations, and goals. The most important thing is to automate your savings on salary day so you invest before you spend.
Should I pay off debt or invest first?
It depends on the interest rate. High-interest debt like credit card balances (30-40% APR) or personal loans (12-18%) should be paid off aggressively before investing, because no investment reliably returns more than these rates. For lower-rate debt like home loans (8-9%), it often makes sense to invest simultaneously — especially in equity, which historically returns 10-12% over the long term. Always maintain an emergency fund regardless.
What insurance coverage do I actually need?
At minimum, you need a term life insurance policy (10-15x your annual income, pure term plan, not endowment or ULIP) and a health insurance policy (Rs 5-10 lakh base cover, preferably with a super top-up). If you have dependents, life insurance is non-negotiable. Health insurance is essential for everyone — a single hospitalisation can wipe out years of savings. Avoid mixing insurance with investment; keep them separate for better value.