Author: Nisha Chawla

Planning for your child’s higher education can feel overwhelming, especially with the rising costs of courses like MBA, engineering, or medical degrees. While education is one of the most important investments you will make for your children, it’s essential to plan early to ensure you’re financially prepared. By saving and investing wisely, you can make sure your child gets the education they deserve without facing any money-related stress. Here’s a simple and effective guide on how to save and invest for your child’s higher education. 1. Why Starting Early is the Key to Success When it comes to saving for…

The US Federal Reserve recently surprised global markets by cutting interest rates by 50 basis points (bps) on September 18. This marks a significant shift in its rate cycle, the first such cut in four years. The move has led Indian investors to wonder whether the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will follow a similar path and lower rates in the near future. With the RBI’s next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled from October 7-9, this speculation is gaining steam. In this article, we’ll explore how the Fed’s decision might impact Indian investors, particularly those focusing on fixed-return instruments…

With the rise of digital payments, debit and credit cards have become essential tools for everyday financial transactions. While both allow easy access to money, they function very differently. It’s important to understand the basic differences between debit and credit cards to make informed decisions on how to use them in your daily life. Here, we’ll explore how debit and credit cards work, what they offer, and how to use them wisely. What is a Debit Card? A debit card is directly linked to your bank account, usually a savings or current account. When you use a debit card, the…

With the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, all eyes in India are now on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Many people are wondering if this move by the Fed will push the RBI to lower its own interest rates. This could bring some relief to borrowers as it would make loans cheaper. However, financial experts are divided on whether the repo rate—the rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks—will actually be reduced anytime soon. The repo rate has been steady at 6.50% since February 2023, when the RBI last made changes. The next big moment will…

Planning to visit the bank soon? Make sure to note the upcoming bank holidays! Banks across different states in India will be closed for four consecutive days, starting from Friday, September 20, 2024. These holidays are spread out due to local festivals and special events in various regions, so not all states will experience the same closures. Let’s break down the holiday schedule and understand why banks will remain closed. Complete List of Bank Holidays from September 20 to 23 September 20 (Friday): Holiday in Jammu and Srinagar for Friday after Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi In Jammu and Srinagar, banks will be closed…

The US Federal Reserve made headlines on September 18 by lowering interest rates by 50 basis points (0.50%). This move has brought US interest rates down to the range of 4.75%-5%. With the US central bank reducing rates just before the upcoming presidential elections, experts believe that this decision will have implications not only for the US economy but also globally, including in India. Impact on Indian Bond Market A key question on many investors’ minds is: what does this mean for the bond market in India, and how will it affect the returns on mutual fund debt schemes? The…

Retirement planning is something many people tend to delay. However, the earlier you start, the easier it becomes to build a large retirement fund that can cover your post-retirement expenses. Those in their 20s or early 30s should begin planning right away to take full advantage of time for saving and investing. This approach allows you to accumulate more money through smart financial choices, providing more comfort and stability after retirement. Don’t Ignore Inflation: Keep Your Investments Safe from Price Hikes One of the most important aspects of retirement planning is to consider the effect of inflation. The value of…

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have shown increasing confidence in the Indian stock market this September, making it their preferred destination among emerging markets. With a whopping $219 million in purchases so far this month, India’s market has attracted more investment compared to countries like Vietnam, Brazil, South Korea, and Taiwan. While FIIs have withdrawn from other markets, their trust in the Indian economy is clear. Experts are optimistic about continued inflows but also warn of challenges ahead. Experts Caution on Liquidity Management Amid Surging FII Inflows Gaurang Shah, Head of Investment Strategy at Geojit Financial Services, believes that further foreign…

Managing your finances might seem tricky, but it becomes much easier when you follow a structured plan. No matter how much you earn, having a solid monthly budget is essential. Budgeting helps you understand where your money goes, how to save, and how to prioritize your spending. A great way to simplify budgeting is by using the 50-30-20 rule, a popular method to divide your income smartly between your needs, wants, and savings. What is the 50-30-20 Rule? The 50-30-20 rule is a straightforward approach to managing your income. This rule suggests splitting your monthly income (after tax) into three…

In a significant move, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can now use Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for payments via their international mobile numbers. This change eliminates the previous need for an Indian mobile number to access UPI services. The new rule will be a game-changer for NRIs living abroad, making payments simpler and more accessible. No More Indian Mobile Numbers Required for UPI Payments Abroad The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently announced this update, which applies to NRIs in ten specific countries. NRIs will now be able to link their Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank accounts with…