Genre
Personal finance
Tax, savings, investing, credit scores and retirement accounts — explained with real numbers.
20 articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compound interest explained: formula, examples and the rule of 72
Compound interest earns interest on your interest. The formula, how compounding frequency matters, the rule of 72, real examples in $ and ₹, and how debt compounds against you.
How credit scores work: FICO score ranges and what moves them
FICO scores run 300–850; 670+ is good and 740+ gets the best rates. The 5 factors and their weights, how to check free, fix errors and raise your score fast.
How much should be in your emergency fund? A simple way to decide
Save 3–6 months of essential expenses — more if your income is uncertain. A 4-step formula, worked examples in $ and ₹, where to keep it and how to build it fast.
How to check IPO allotment status: BSE, NSE and registrar
Check IPO allotment on the registrar's site (KFin, MUFG Intime, Bigshare) or BSE and NSE with your PAN on T+1. How the lottery works, refunds, and tips for better odds.
How to file ITR online yourself: step-by-step guide (AY 2026-27)
Log in to incometax.gov.in, pick ITR-1 or ITR-2, check pre-filled data against Form 16 and AIS, choose your regime, pay any tax and e-verify within 30 days. Dates and fixes.
New vs old tax regime 2026-27: slabs, rebate and which to choose
Income up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free under the new regime (₹12.75 lakh for salaried). Slabs, worked examples at ₹8–30 lakh, break-even deductions and how to switch.
PPF interest rate 2026: 7.1%, rules, limits and maturity value
PPF pays 7.1% for Oct–Dec 2026. Deposit ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh a year for 15 years, tax-free. Maturity table, the 5th-of-month rule, loans, withdrawals and extensions.
Roth vs traditional IRA: which one should you choose in 2026?
Roth: pay tax now, withdraw tax-free later. Traditional: deduct now, pay tax later. Compare by tax bracket, income limits, 5-year rule, RMDs, with examples and a quick decision guide.
SIP vs lump sum: which is better for mutual funds in 2026?
A lump sum usually wins when markets rise; SIP wins on discipline and timing risk. Worked examples, rupee cost averaging, STP, tax and a simple rule for choosing.
The 50/30/20 budget rule: how it works with real examples
Spend 50% of take-home pay on needs, 30% on wants and 20% on savings and debt. Worked examples in $ and ₹, when to change the split, and a 30-minute setup plan.
What is a CIBIL score? Good score, free check and how to improve
A CIBIL score runs from 300 to 900; 750+ gets the best loan rates. How it's calculated, how to check free, fix errors, and raise your score in 3–6 months.