Taxation

It was in the financial year 1997-98 that the government first brought in income tax slabs of 10 per cent, 20 per cent and 30 per cent in what was dubbed the \"dream budget\" presented by the then Union Minister of Finance P. Chidamabaram. At that time, the highest tax slab applied to incomes above ₹1.5 lakh, while income up to ₹40,000 had no tax liability. There was a big tax incentive for investors in Provident Fund too.

Financial Planning

Investment advisory in India was fragmented for a long period of time. In the 1990s and early 2000s, most people relied on brokers, mutual fund distributors and insurance agents, but more for making investments rather than for seeking advice. The other set of advisors by default were chartered accountants, who while helping individuals file their tax returns also informed them about investments that could reduce the tax liability. Until then, the most sold products were insurance policies and bank fixed deposits.

Banking

From teaching children the concept of saving small amounts and seeing it grow to inspiring trust among the vast majority of individuals, especially senior citizens, with guaranteed returns from deposits, to holding borrowers' hands in their times of need, banking has had a major role to play in the financial lives of individuals.

Insurance

Insurance has been part of the financial lexicon for years now. What has changed to some extent though is how it perceives insurance.

Investment

In India, the practice of saving has been passed down through generations. However, the modes of saving have undergone a sea change. While earlier, parents guided their newly-employed children to open recurring deposits in banks or buy life insurance, now many are emphasising on systematic investment plans (SIPs) of mutual funds.

The Financial Sherpa You Need

Getting the right advice can play a major role in achieving financial freedom, but whose advice are you taking? We sift through the financial advisory landscape in India to look at the options investors have and where they should go

Read Between The Storylines

Regardless of the narrative being pushed or the magic bullet being offered for your investing goals, evaluate investments for their merits and suitability

HOW TO SURVIVE A LAYOFF?

Surviving a layoff requires both resilience and a foolproof financial plan. Here's how to create one and navigate the turbulence in one's career

LADDER YOUR FDs TO CREATE A CUSHION AGAINST RATE CHANGES

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) paused policy rates in the last two monetary policy announcements in April and June 2023, but it’s not clear if it is the end of the interest rate hike cycle.

Taking Advantage Of Arbitrage Funds

You can get a significant tax advantage in arbitrage funds if the holding period is over a year, but remember that it is not a substitute for liquid funds

GOOD TIME TO BOW OUT OF YOUR ENDOWMENT POLICY?

Endowment policies, typically, offer low coverage and returns compared to other insurance and investment products. If you have one, should you surrender it? If so, when is the right time?

SMALL TOWNS, BIG WEALTH

Old-school trusted advice combined with curiosity about new-age investments defines HNIs of smaller cities. The investment decisions they make now can have far-reaching impact on the financialisation of the country's economy in the long run

Did You Sign Up For That Debt Recovery Call?

If you opt to be a loan guarantor, lenders can recover the dues from you if the primary borrower defaults. But if you didn’t sign up and still got that call, here’s what may have gone wrong and what to do about it

STATE DEVELOPMENT LOANS

States raise funds from the market up to a prescribed limit through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for various social developmental projects. One of the ways is by issuing bonds called state development loans (SDLs), which usually come with a tenure of 10 years or more.

Best Of The Lot In 2023

Outlook Money’s India’s Best Funds 2023 issue aims to empower you with valuable insights and analysis, to enable you to take well-informed decisions on the funds you already own or the ones you plan to invest into

Will MARS Mean The Moon To Retirees?

The pension regulator’s MARS, which envisages delivering minimum assured returns, could give a new fi llip to NPS by drawing more conservative investors into the scheme

HERE'S HOW TO FILE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN

The last date of filing income tax return (ITR) is round the corner. It's important to file your ITR within the due date to avoid penalties and make the most of the tax benefits available to you.

Credit Score Tales Of Hits 'N' Misses

Maintaining a good credit score is important. Here are eight tales of credit scores, late payments, and a near-perfect 894 as we observed the Credit Score Awareness Week

New Interlocking Paradigms: Productivity and Green Growth for Sustainability

With Governments working to address and reverse the real and imminent challenge of climate change, the Asian Productivity Organisation takes a leadership role in helping the green transition with the participation of its members

Travel Now Pay Later: Could Your Dream Holiday Become A Debt Trap?

Go for a travel now pay later loan option if you have considered all the pros and cons as it can turn into a debt trap after the interest-free phase and jeopardise your monthly cash flow

When Buying A Used Car May Be The Better Choice

You may buy a used car if that's what you need, provided you can spot the fake from the genuine parts and possible issues waiting to ruin your trip

When, Why, How Of Portfolio Review

The most important thing to consider while reviewing your portfolio is whether it is still serving your financial goals, and whether the goals themselves require any revision

OLM 50: Half-Yearly Report Card

The funds in the OLM 50 list may not necessarily be the best performing. The objective is to give our readers a list of the consistent performers across market cycles

'NPS Explores SWP Option For Lump Sum Withdrawals At Retirement'

The New Pension System (NPS) has been clocking increased number of subscribers and a solid returns figure even as the debate on NPS versus the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) rages on. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority’s (PFRDA) chairman Deepak Mohanty spoke to Outlook Money about why NPS remains relevant because of its flexibility and high returns, amid the changing demographics in the country. The need of the hour, however, is pension literacy through focused initiatives

Sky-High Interest Rates: Strategies For Borrowers

EMIs have been consistently rising over the past year. We tell you what the future holds for borrowers and the strategies they should adopt now

Daring The Third Wave

The equity market boom is based on strong fundamentals. Aided by a rapid vaccination drive and economic recovery, India is unlikely to be wounded badly even if Covid breaks out again.

Is The Grass Greener For Unicorns?

An unstoppable rally is being witnessed among the start-ups when it comes to initial public offerings. But, once listed, companies fall into the greater purview of the government, the market, and investor sentiments. We talk about the challenges and criticisms these start-ups may face after entering the new domain

Make Your Retired Life A Journey Of Comfort By Investing In Mutual Funds

Retired life can be 25 years or more and you need to work out your finances to make it a journey of comfort. Mutual funds can be one of the best options to park your money for this period when expenses would be more regular than incomes.

Is The NFO Euphoria Good For Investors?

New fund offers are being launched a dime a dozen. But does it make sense for investors to subscribe to them?

I'm a Conscious Consumer

Actor Konkona Sen Sharma has never been a careless spender but now she is a more careful saver.