Author: Shehnaz Beig

Investing in mutual funds is one of the smartest ways to build wealth, but knowing when to exit is just as crucial as deciding when to invest. Investors often hold on to their funds longer than necessary, missing out on better opportunities. Exiting at the right time can protect gains, avoid losses, and reallocate funds to higher-performing assets. To make an informed decision, it is important to evaluate various financial and market conditions. 1. Achieving Your Financial Goals One of the biggest reasons to exit a mutual fund is when you have reached your financial goal. If you started investing…

A major debate has started regarding the Income Tax Bill 2025, which is expected to bring big changes in tax laws. One of the biggest concerns among people is whether the government will now have the power to access their private WhatsApp chats, emails, and other digital accounts. Reports suggest that if this bill is passed, tax officials may get access to your digital platforms, including encrypted chats. The government says this is necessary to prevent tax evasion, but it also raises serious privacy concerns. Let’s understand what this bill means for you and whether your conversations are at risk.…

For taxpayers in India, choosing between the Old Tax Regime and the New Tax Regime can be confusing. The government introduced the New Tax Regime in Budget 2020, offering lower tax rates but removing most exemptions and deductions. While the Old Tax Regime continues to provide tax benefits on investments, the New Regime simplifies the tax structure. But here’s a crucial question: How often can you switch between these tax regimes? Are there restrictions, or can you flip between them every year? Let’s decode what the Income Tax rules say about switching between the Old and New Tax Regimes. Understanding…

Gold prices have been climbing steadily, reaching new highs and sparking concerns among investors. The surge in gold prices is driven by multiple factors, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, inflation fears, and central bank policies. Understanding these elements can help investors make informed decisions about their gold investments. Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty Global political instability has historically influenced gold prices. Trade wars, diplomatic conflicts, and military tensions lead investors to seek safe-haven assets like gold. Recent events, including international trade disputes and rising geopolitical risks, have fueled demand, pushing gold prices higher. Central Banks Boosting Gold Reserves Many central…

Tax season can be confusing, and choosing the right tax regime is crucial to saving money. Earlier, taxpayers had only one way to file taxes, but since 2020, the government has introduced two options: The Old Tax Regime and the New Tax Regime. Each has its pros and cons, and making the wrong choice can cost you extra money. Let’s break down both systems in simple terms so you can decide which one works best for your income, expenses, and savings goals in 2025. Understanding the Old and New Tax Regimes The Old Tax Regime allows taxpayers to claim multiple…

Stock markets go through ups and downs. Sometimes, sudden drops make investors panic, leading them to withdraw money. Recently, many SIP investors have faced losses due to market volatility, making them question whether they should stop their investments. However, financial experts, including Warren Buffett, stress the importance of patience in investing. The key to successful investing is not to react emotionally but to stay invested for the long term. Market Uncertainty and Investor Panic Currently, global economic factors, including geopolitical tensions and policy changes, are affecting the stock markets. Sensex and Nifty have seen fluctuations, and many equity mutual fund…

The Indian government has introduced significant changes to the income tax structure for the financial year 2025-26, aiming to increase disposable income and stimulate economic growth. With these updates, taxpayers can benefit from an online tool known as the Income Tax Calculator to estimate their tax liability accurately. This tool is designed to help individuals determine which tax regime—new or old—is more advantageous for their financial situation.​ What Is the Income Tax Calculator? The Income Tax Calculator is a free, user-friendly online tool that assists individuals in calculating their tax liability based on their income details. By inputting relevant financial…

Taxes have been a part of human civilization for centuries. While today we are accustomed to paying income tax, GST, and property tax, some historical taxes were outright bizarre. Across different eras and regions, rulers imposed taxes on the most unusual things – from beards to windows and even souls! Here’s a look at some of the strangest taxes ever levied. 1. Beard Tax – A Price for Facial Hair Facial hair was once a symbol of status, and rulers saw it as an opportunity for taxation. In 1535, England’s King Henry VIII imposed a tax on beards, making them…

Managing investments is now easier as SEBI and Digilocker have introduced a new initiative for investors. Starting from April 1, 2025, investors can link their demat accounts and mutual fund statements to Digilocker. This digital storage facility ensures that investors can access their financial details anytime and also allows them to add a nominee for easy asset transfer in case of unforeseen circumstances. If you have invested in stocks and mutual funds and want your nominee to get easy access to investment details, you can store these documents in Digilocker. Here’s everything you need to know about this facility. What…

The Indian stock market witnessed a notable trend in March 2025, as the mainboard segment experienced a lull with no new initial public offerings (IPOs) launched throughout the month. In contrast, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) segment demonstrated remarkable activity, with several companies successfully launching their IPOs and making their debut on Dalal Street.​ Desco Infratech’s Successful Debut Desco Infratech, an infrastructure sector company, opened its IPO for subscription from March 24 to March 26, 2025. The company aimed to raise Rs.30.75 crore by issuing 20.5 lakh new shares. The price band was set between Rs.147 and Rs.150 per…