How to check if your TDS is actually going to the government? Hint – View Form 26AS online

According to media reports the I-T department recently discovered a scam where companies deducted TDS (tax deducted at source) from its employees but did not deposit it with the government. So what is TDS and how can you check if the TDS deducted by your employer is actually going to the government? You need to … Read more

Get your free credit report from CIBIL in India – online

As I mentioned in a previous blog, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that that effective January 1, 2017, all Credit Information Companies (CICs) shall provide access, upon request and after due authentication of the requester, to a free full credit report (FFCR) once in a calendar year to individuals whose credit history … Read more

How to save money this Diwali

Diwali is around the corner. It’s a time of celebration. At the same time it can be a big drain on your finances if not planned properly. Here are a few tips and tricks to save money during your Diwali shopping. Use credit cards. As I have mentioned time and again, spending using credit cards … Read more

Investing in stocks and mutual funds

My dear readers You must be wondering that till now I have mainly talked about insurance and products with fixed returns while maintaining a silence on mutual funds and stocks. I would like to justify my stand. I am not a financial advisor but a person who shares his experience with readers. All my blogs … Read more

All that you need to know about Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

Who can enroll?Any Indian citizen above age of 60 years can enroll for this scheme.No upper limit for age. What is the policy term?The policy tenure is for 10 years. Where to get it?The scheme can be bought online or offline from  LIC, which is the sole operator of the scheme. What are the returns?There … Read more

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna (PMSBY) – How to download your insurance certificate and everything else

What is Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna (PMSBY)? Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna is a long awaited social security scheme launched in 2015 to provide accident/ disability insurance to masses at nominal premium. And when I say nominal it is actually nominal – Rs. 12/year for a cover of Rs. 2 lakh. Though one may … Read more

Sovereign gold bonds: What you need to know

As Indians we are perpetually attracted to gold. Traditionally it is bought either in the form of jewellery or in form of gold coins and is considered safe haven for money to be utilized in times of need. To quench this thirst, Indian government has come up with sovereign gold bonds which allows not only … Read more

3 ways to link your Aadhaar card to your PAN card

Section 139AA of the Income-tax Act, 1961 which was introduced by the Finance Act, 2017 makes it mandatory to quote your Aadhaar number in order to file your income tax returns (ITR). In other words you need to link you Aadhaar card to your PAN card if you want to file returns from now on. … Read more