Hiral Thanawala

IDFC First Bank has made significant changes to its credit cards, including Mayura and Ashva, reducing reward rates on international spends and introducing fees on FASTag recharges and railway spends

RBI's 2025 reforms mandate bi-weekly credit reporting, reducing update lag from 30-45 days to 15 days. Weekly updates from July 2026 aim to improve credit transparency and accuracy.

Taxpayers want the Budget to make transition to new tax law simpler, slabs to be inflation-adjusted, deductions to be restored and easing of charitable trust rules

Indian government scraps mandatory probate for wills in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, aiming to simplify asset inheritance. Beneficiaries may face increased disputes; experts advise safeguards like registering wills and voluntary probate.

Financial experts advise prioritizing quality, diversification, and balance in 2026. Focus on high-quality assets, debt, and alternatives to navigate volatility and build wealth sustainably.

With 2025 winding down, markets are shifting to earnings-driven performance amid easing interest rates and normalising liquidity.

India's financial landscape changes from January 2026 include tax rebates on incomes up to Rs 12 lakh, new ITR forms, 8th Pay Commission implementation, and changes in credit card benefits and banking rules.

Key proposals for the Union Budget 2026 include increasing tax deductions on home loan interest, reviving subsidies for mid-income buyers, simplifying loan portability, and linking disbursements to construction milestones.

SWPs offer flexible, tax-efficient income and potential for growth, making them ideal for retirees, education expenses or career breaks, with optimal withdrawal rates of 3-5 percent annually

Invest wisely for financial freedom. Aim for 30-40 times annual expenses to build retirement corpus, invest 30 percent of pay, and leverage SIPs.