Budget 2026

A decade is enough to turn disciplined investing into serious wealth, but only if your money is parked wisely. Imagine putting aside Rs 50,000 every month. By the end of 10 years, you expect a solid corpus. But the question looms: should it go into a safe PPF or a market-linked SIP?

Investing in PPF at the right time can significantly boost your long-term returns. With the 2026 interest rate at 7.1%, making deposits between April 1st and 5th maximises interest accrual. Even small delays can reduce your corpus over 15 years, making timely investment essential for wealth growth and tax savings.

Soap and cooking oil prices are set to rise in FY2027 due to high crude oil rates, a weakening rupee, and increased packaging costs. FMCG companies are preparing for a 3–4% price hike in essential household items, impacting soaps, detergents, edible oils, and other daily-use products.

Approximately 6.8 million Ladki Bahin Yojana accounts have been temporarily suspended for incomplete e-KYC verification. Beneficiaries have until April 30, 2026 to complete the process. The scheme continues to provide ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women, ensuring financial support while preventing fraudulent claims and safeguarding government funds.

The Post Office Senior Citizens Savings Scheme remains one of the most dependable retirement income options for investors above 60. With government backing, 8.2% annual returns, quarterly payouts and tax benefits under Section 80C, the scheme helps retirees create a steady flow of income while keeping their principal amount secure over a five-year term.

Planning your finances after retirement doesn’t have to be complicated. The Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers a simple and reliable way to earn a regular income while keeping your savings completely secure. SCSS is backed by the Government of India, making it one of the safest investment options for retirees. It is available through post offices and authorized banks, ensuring easy access and trust.

If you’re working right now, here’s something worth paying attention to. The government’s new labour codes are set to reshape how your gratuity is calculated, and the final amount could be higher than before. The changes will come into effect from November 21, 2025. But there’s a catch, they won’t apply to past cases. Only employees who retire or leave their jobs after this date will benefit from the revised rules.

Understanding the difference between salary account and savings account helps you manage finances better. While salary accounts offer zero balance convenience for employees, savings accounts focus on earning interest and flexible usage. Knowing their features, benefits, and limitations can help you choose the right banking option for your financial needs and goals.

The start of FY 2026-27 is the perfect time to organise your finances. From choosing the right tax regime and updating KYC to buying insurance and planning retirement, completing key financial tasks early helps ensure better cash flow, reduced tax burden, and a stress-free financial year ahead.

The new financial year brings a mixed bag of price changes, with essential medicines, EVs, textiles, and seafood becoming more affordable due to reduced duties and tax benefits. Conversely, luxury goods, certain imported electronics, and non-essential items are set to become costlier, encouraging a shift towards domestic products and sustainable choices.