In simpler terms, pig butchering is a version of smishing where scammers use social media platforms for cyber theft. As the name suggests, the victim is being ‘fattened up’ through validation and friendship before ‘butchering’ i.e. stealing of funds. A simple ‘Hi/Hello’ on a social media platform from a stranger’s profile can turn into a … Read more
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is the identity number for all EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) subscribers which works like PAN for income tax payers. It works like a common identification ID for EPF subscribers who may have multiple employers in quick succession. This effectively means subscribers can have numerous member IDs given by as many … Read more
What is Portfolio Diversification? Portfolio diversification is a crucial concept in finance, epitomised by the adage “Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket.” This principle underscores the importance of spreading investments across various asset classes to mitigate risk. By diversifying across equities, commodities, currencies, and bonds, investors can shield themselves from unforeseen market movements, … Read more
The party has ruled out increasing income tax, National Insurance or capital gains tax if it wins the next election. But some believe Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, will have to raise taxes if the party is to fund its spending pledges – and if that is the case then taxes on “unearned income” from … Read more
Adding some fixed income exposure to those equities – a 20pc bonds, 80pc stocks mix – reduces the volatility. A portfolio with this mix typically falls less, reduced to 19pc before recovering over time. Return expectations are also dampened with volatility however, and an average return on £1,000 over five years is £1,892. Still too … Read more
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) stands as an excellent avenue for retirement savings in India. It promotes consistent savings by involving contributions from both employees and employers. The automatic deduction from your salary for EPF renders it an exceedingly convenient method for retirement savings. Below is an outline of the contribution framework: Employee’s contribution: Typically, … Read more
This season marks the period when employers are actively evaluating their employees’ performance before determining their respective appraisals. The appraisal review often results in a salary increase for many, creating opportunities for financial growth. Achieving a salary increase is a significant milestone, but it’s crucial to employ a strategic approach in utilizing those extra funds. … Read more
Pious utterances from politicians about the need to offer business a predictable legislative framework, or to support green energy, are forgotten in the face of public calls for immediate but costly state assistance. So energy or fuel companies in all forms, whether they sell to the public directly or are further up the supply chain, … Read more
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) stands as an excellent investment choice for numerous individuals in India. It presents appealing features, such as a 15-year investment duration, tax advantages on investments, interest earnings, maturity proceeds, and a decent interest rate of 7.1%. An annual investment in the PPF can range from a minimum of ₹500 to … Read more
The investment process is now notably more convenient and accessible than in the past, courtesy of diverse digital platforms that have streamlined the overall investing experience. Below are the steps you should follow to effortlessly purchase stocks from the convenience of your home: Open a demat account Initially, select a Depository Participant, which serves as … Read more