Planning to sell a property but worried about the capital gains tax it would attract? You’re not alone. Many property owners tend to feel this way and wonder if there are ways to maximise profits. One of the most well-known ways to minimise capital gains tax on property is by reinvesting in another property. While this may be an option for some people, it may not work for everyone else.   In this article, we’ll explore all the different ways to reduce your tax burden for this new financial year.  Let’s start with understanding what capital gains tax means.  What are…

When you redeem or sell a mutual fund investment, your profits are known as capital gains. Based on the holding period of the investment, capital gains can be divided into two types – Long-term capital gains (LTCG) and short-term capital gains (STCG). LTCG and STCG are taxed differently depending on the type of fund you have invested in. Mainly, the taxation rules for capital gains on mutual funds are categorised based on whether the fund is equity-oriented or specified (like debt, gold, etc.). In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about mutual fund short term capital gain…

While researching investments like stocks and mutual funds, you’ve probably come across terms like alpha and beta. These two measurements are among the many essential factors that help investors understand the risk and performance related to an investment, so it’s important for investors to learn how they can use them to their advantage.  Alpha is used to measure the amount of excess returns generated by an investment relative to its benchmark, meanwhile beta tells us about the level of volatility in the fund relative to the market. All of this might sound technical right now, but don’t worry! By the…

If you’ve already cut your cable, congratulations on taking advantage of big savings provided by free streaming services! If you haven’t… here’s how to cut your cable! With so much free streaming, there’s never been a better time. We found over 30 free streaming options for 2025. Having so many options to choose from can be a little daunting, so let’s divide these free streaming services into three different categories: Long-term free streaming services: We can’t guarantee these will always be free, but there don’t appear to be any current plans to charge for these streaming services. Free streaming service…

If you’re nearing or in retirement, you should be familiar with the 4% rule. It says that you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings each year, adjust it for inflation annually, and your money should last you at least 30 years. It was an idea suggested by William Bengen in 1994 and one that is often cited in literature. Bengen was a financial advisor in California and came to the 4% number analyzing historic stock market data and found hat 4% was a safe withdrawal rate. Whether you went through the Great Depression or through periods of high inflation,…

The Indian mutual fund industry is surpassing new heights as more investors turn to Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) to create wealth. As more and more people become aware of the power of disciplined investing and compounding interest, SIPs have emerged as the go-to choice for all kinds of investors. Understanding how SIPs work and are taxed thus becomes essential for making sound investment decisions. So is SIP tax free? The straight answer is no, as they attract tax on capital gains and dividends. But a well-made investment plan can make SIPs highly tax-efficient compared to investment vehicles like fixed deposits.…

Image Source: 123rf.com Social media is more than just selfies and memes—it’s a powerful force shaping how we shop. You might think you’re just browsing, but platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are constantly nudging you toward your next purchase. If you’ve ever added something to your cart after watching a 10-second video, you’re not alone. Here are nine surprising ways social media is shaping your spending habits—without you even realizing it. 1. Influencer Recommendations Feel Personal When influencers talk about products, it feels more like advice from a friend than a sales pitch. Their curated lifestyles and “honest” reviews…

There’s no question that the recent market volatility, including the trillions lost in the stock market recently on the release of President Trump’s retaliatory tariffs, is difficult to stomach. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell almost 4%, the NASDAQ shed nearly 6%, and the S&P 500 index fell almost 5%. In a sea of red, the natural inclination is to take action. Our lizard brains tell us it’s fight or flight, not fight or flight or sit and get eaten by a lion. But in most cases, it’s not what you should do. We don’t abandon ship amid heavy swells.…

Image Source: 123rf.com Should you rely only on social security benefits in retirement? The answer is probably no. Social security benefits should be seen as a supplement to income rather than the only source of income in retirement. The average benefit often covers only a portion of living expenses. Also, the program is facing long-term funding challenges, so if you haven’t collected yet, you may not receive benefits in the future. In addition, Social Security benefits most likely won’t be adjusted as inflation raises costs and makes healthcare more expensive. Paying into Social Security Social Security is collected through payroll…

Tax preparation is one of those services where prices can vary a lot. As a general rule, the more you do, the less it will cost. The more an accountant does, the more it will cost. It’s not unreasonable for a professionally prepared tax return to cost several hundred dollars or more. How much this costs will depend on the cost of living in your area (tax returns in Manhattan are more expensive than in Mississippi, the lowest cost of living state in the U.S.), how busy the tax preparer is, and other similar factors. 📓 Quick Summary: Based on…