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78 plain-language guides on money, home, technology and government services. Each one lists the sources it's based on.
78 articles · page 1 of 4
401(k) and IRA contribution limits 2027: $25,500 expected
2027 401(k) limits are projected at $25,500 with an $8,500 catch-up and $11,750 for ages 60–63; IRA stays near $7,500. Official 2026 figures, the Roth catch-up rule and what to do now.
8th Pay Commission latest update: status, timeline and what's decided
The 8th Pay Commission was set up on 3 November 2025 with 18 months to report, around May 2027. What is confirmed, what isn't (fitment factor, pay matrix), and when the new pay may arrive.
How much life insurance do I need? 3 ways to work it out
Most families need 10–15 times income in term life insurance, but the right number depends on debts, kids and savings. Use the DIME method, a worked example and avoid the common mistakes.
How much term insurance cover do I need? India guide (2026)
Most earners in India need term cover of 10–15 times annual income, plus loans and goals. Calculate your cover, choose the right term, check claim ratios and avoid riders you don't need.
HSA contribution limits 2027: $4,500 self-only, $9,000 family
The IRS set 2027 HSA limits at $4,500 for self-only and $9,000 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up at 55. HDHP deductible rules, deadlines and the triple tax break explained.
PMI explained: what it costs and how to get rid of it faster
Private mortgage insurance costs about 0.3%–1.5% of the loan a year when you put under 20% down. How PMI is priced, when it must end, FHA MIP rules and five ways to remove it sooner.
Social Security COLA 2027: 3.6% raise — what you'll actually get
Social Security benefits rise 3.6% in January 2027, about $75 a month on average. See your new amount, the 2027 earnings limits and tax cap, and why Medicare can shrink the raise.
AT&T data breach settlement: payment date, how much you'll get
The $177 million AT&T data breach settlement got final court approval on 2 October 2026. Who gets paid, estimated amounts for each tier, when payments may arrive, and how to avoid settlement scams.
CBSE date sheet 2027 out: Class 10 and 12 exams from 16 February
CBSE released the 2027 date sheet on 6 November 2026. Exams start 16 February; Class 10 ends 9 March, Class 12 on 9 April. Subject dates, two-exam rule, timings and how to download.
Cyclone safety checklist: what to do before, during and after
A practical cyclone safety checklist for India based on NDMA and IMD advice — IMD warning colours, emergency kit, preparing your home, what to do during the storm and staying safe after it. Helpline 112.
DA hike July 2026: 3% rise to 63% — how much more salary you get
The Cabinet approved a 3% DA and DR hike on 28 October 2026, taking dearness allowance to 63% from 1 July 2026. Salary and pension examples, arrears and how DA is calculated.
Diwali 2026 and 2027 dates: Lakshmi Puja muhurat, Dhanteras, calendar
Diwali 2026 was on Sunday, 8 November; Diwali 2027 is on Friday, 29 October. Lakshmi Puja muhurat for Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai and more, Dhanteras on 6 November, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj dates.
Gold vs silver investment in India (2026): rates, returns, which to buy
Gold or silver — which suits you? How the two metals behave, their risks, and how to invest through ETFs, mutual funds, SGBs, digital gold or jewellery, plus tax rules.
How to use ChatGPT for free: what you get, limits and paid plans
A plain guide to using ChatGPT free — sign-up, what the free plan includes, its limits and ads, the Go and Plus prices in India, privacy settings and 15 useful ways to use it.
IPO GMP meaning: what grey market premium is and how far to trust it
GMP (grey market premium) is the unofficial price at which IPO shares trade before listing. How GMP is calculated, kostak and subject-to-sauda rates, real examples, risks and why it isn't legal or reliable.
JEE Main 2027 registration: last date 22 Nov, fees, exam dates
JEE Main 2027 session 1 registration is open on jeemain.nta.nic.in until 22 November 2026. Exam dates (20–28 January 2027), fees, eligibility, documents and step-by-step form filling.
PM Kisan 24th installment released: status check, 25th kist date, eKYC
PM Modi released the ₹2,000 PM Kisan 24th installment on 30 October 2026 to 9.34 crore farmers. Check if you got it, fix a stuck payment, finish eKYC, and when the 25th kist may come.
UGC NET December 2026: city slip 23 Nov, admit card 7 Dec, exam dates
UGC NET December 2026 exams are on 14–18 and 21 December. City intimation slip on 23 November, admit card on 7 December. Fees, eligibility, JRF age limit, pattern and preparation tips.
Cyber fraud in India: call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in
Lost money to a UPI, OTP, digital arrest or investment scam? Call 1930 at once, file on cybercrime.gov.in, alert your bank. What to keep ready and how money is recovered.
Heat pump vs furnace: cost, efficiency and which to pick
A heat pump costs about $6,500–$13,000 installed and also cools; a gas furnace runs $5,000–$7,500. Here's how to pick the right one for your home.
How to apply for a passport in India online (2026 guide)
Apply on Passport Seva, pay ₹2,500 (normal) or ₹5,000 (Tatkal) for 36 pages from July 2026, book a PSK slot and pass police verification. Documents, steps, fixes.
15 ways to lower your electric bill in winter
From thermostat setbacks that save up to 10% to cold-water laundry and sealing drafts, here are 15 proven ways to cut your winter electric and heating bill.
401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026 (full table)
2026 limits: $24,500 401(k), $8,000 catch-up at 50+, $11,250 at 60–63, $7,500 IRA + $1,100 catch-up. Roth income limits, deduction phase-outs and the new Roth catch-up rule.
AC replacement cost in 2026: prices by size, SEER2 and brand
A new central AC costs $2,500–$7,500 installed; a 3-ton system runs about $3,000–$6,500. Prices by tonnage and SEER2, the refrigerant change, repair-or-replace rule and ways to save.