Finance

Could your family have forgotten money lying in old bank accounts, mutual funds or shares? Finance influencer Neha Nagar highlights three easy ways to check for unclaimed wealth online. Using portals such as MITRA, IEPF and UDGAM, individuals can search for inactive investments, forgotten dividends and dormant bank deposits linked to their name or family members. A quick search today could help uncover financial assets that have gone unnoticed for years.

Renting or buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and finance influencer Pranjal Kamra says the answer depends on your lifestyle and finances. He suggests considering how long you plan to stay in a city, ensuring your home loan EMI stays within affordable limits and avoiding buying property solely due to social pressure. The right choice, he says, is the one that supports your long-term financial goals.

Online scams often leave victims believing their money is lost forever, but RBI's updated compensation framework offers hope. Highlighted by finance influencer Udayan Adhye, the rules shift the burden of proof in certain cases and provide a chance to recover funds. However, quick action is critical. Victims must report the fraud to both their bank and the cybercrime helpline within five days to improve their chances of compensation.

Gujarat's Industrial Policy 2026 aims to give startups a stronger foundation with financial support, funding opportunities, and business incentives. As highlighted by CA Sarthak Ahuja, eligible startups can access monthly sustenance allowances, seed funding of up to ₹50 lakh, rent reimbursements for women entrepreneurs and interest subsidies on loans. The policy also promotes innovation through R&D support, acceleration programs, and a dedicated Startup Cell.

Finance creator Neha Nagar explains how a Home Loan Overdraft (OD) account can help borrowers reduce their interest burden while keeping their money accessible. Unlike regular home loan prepayments, funds parked in an OD account lower the amount on which interest is calculated and can still be withdrawn when needed. This strategy can lead to faster principal repayment and potentially save borrowers lakhs of rupees over the loan tenure.

EPFO 3.0 is set to transform how Indians access their PF savings, introducing faster and more convenient withdrawal methods. From removing employer approval to enabling instant transfers via UPI and ATMs, the upgrade aims to simplify the process significantly. With a higher auto-settlement limit and reduced delays, this move could improve claim success rates and give users quicker access to their own money.

Finance influencer Anushka Rathod explains how much money you should ideally keep in your bank account and where to park surplus funds smartly. While savings accounts offer liquidity, excess idle cash can limit growth. Options like arbitrage funds can help optimise returns, but they come with conditions like exit loads and redemption delays. The key is balancing easy access to money with better financial planning.

Finance influencer Anushka Rathod has advised salaried employees to verify their AIS details before filing Income Tax Returns (ITR).

Earning a monthly income from the stock market sounds appealing, but finance influencer Pranjal Kamra explains it requires patience and the right strategy. From dividend-paying stocks to disciplined trading, consistent income is built over time, not overnight. The key lies in managing expectations, maintaining a steady approach, and focusing on long-term growth while creating multiple income streams within the market.

Many salaried professionals are surprised when their in-hand salary doesn't match the CTC mentioned in their offer letter. Finance influencer Sakchi Jain simplifies this common confusion by breaking down how salary structures actually work. From hidden components to deductions, understanding the gap between CTC and take-home pay is crucial for smarter financial decisions, better budgeting, and avoiding costly mistakes early in your career.

Neha Nagar shares a simple SIP investment strategy that focuses on long-term wealth creation.

Finance influencer Udayan Adhye explains a smart mutual fund strategy that allows investors to earn up to ₹12 lakh annually with zero tax by using IDCW instead of SWP. By keeping total income within the Section 87A rebate limit, investors can avoid tax liability. However, he cautions that IDCW payouts are less predictable, impact NAV, and should be used strategically by retirees or low-income individuals.

Finance influencer Anushka Rathod highlights two essential government-backed schemes that salaried employees can use to build long-term retirement wealth while saving tax. Focusing on EPF and NPS, she explains how these options offer a mix of stability, growth, and tax benefits. With simple steps to get started, her guide encourages early and consistent investing, helping individuals secure a financially stable future while maximising tax savings this season.

With EPFO's digital system, withdrawing your PF is now quick and hassle-free. The entire process can be completed online through the member portal or UMANG app using your UAN details. By selecting the right claim form and completing Aadhaar OTP verification, users can submit requests easily. Ensuring KYC details are updated helps avoid delays, with most claims being processed and credited within 7 to 20 days.

The latest startup trends highlight high-growth opportunities for Indian founders across AI, healthcare, and agriculture. With investors actively looking to fund data-driven ideas, businesses focused on personalized medicine, low-pesticide farming, and AI-powered company tools are gaining traction. The key advantage lies in building strong, proprietary datasets and proving real-world impact, making it easier for entrepreneurs to attract venture capital and scale rapidly in 2026.

How to open a Post Office savings scheme: Online, offline, and mobile methods explained

New RBI update makes credit score faster. Know how it affects loans, interest rates, and your CIBIL score.

Neha Nagar breaks down the four essential factors every homebuyer should evaluate before investing in a property. Using a real project example, she explains how to assess location potential, construction quality, pricing justification, and builder credibility. Her framework helps buyers filter out visually appealing but low-value options and identify projects with strong long-term growth. Neha's simple checklist turns real-estate decisions into smarter, data-driven choices for firsttime and seasoned investors alike.

Finance influencer CA Sarthak Ahuja explains two powerful steps businesses should take when clients delay payments without resorting to legal notices. He highlights using the GST portal's Communication Between Tax-payers feature to officially record non-payment and emailing clients with MSME registration details to remind them of the mandatory interest on overdue invoices. These measures create formal pressure, strengthen evidence, and help push clients toward clearing pending dues.

The DGCA has introduced major passenger-friendly reforms effective March 26, 2026, aimed at protecting travellers' money and simplifying flight bookings. The new rules include a 48hour free cancellation window, free name correction within 24 hours, and strict refund deadlines ensuring faster payouts. With clearer policies, zero penalty for early changes, and guaranteed tax refunds, these updates make air travel more transparent, flexible, and financially secure for flyers.