Guides
Money guides
Plain-English answers to the money questions Indians actually ask — each one links to the calculator that does the math.
Gold: SGB vs gold ETF vs physical
The best way to buy gold in India — extra interest, liquidity and costs compared.
How to retire early (FIRE) in India
The 25x-expenses rule adapted for Indian inflation, the corpus you need, and how to get there.
Credit card debt: how to get out fast
Why minimum payments trap you at 40% interest — and the fastest, cheapest ways out.
Sukanya Samriddhi vs PPF for a daughter
The girl-child scheme pays more (8.2%) but is less flexible than PPF — how to choose, or use both.
How to invest your salary raise
Beat lifestyle inflation by investing your increment — a step-up SIP that grows with your income.
How much to save for a child’s education
Education inflation is brutal — see the future cost of college and the monthly SIP to reach it.
How much home loan can I afford?
The 40% EMI rule, down payment, and the true cost of interest — with a worked example on a salary.
ELSS vs PPF for 80C: which tax-saver?
Equity ELSS with a 3-year lock-in vs fixed, tax-free PPF — returns, risk and lock-in compared.
Emergency fund: how big and where to keep it?
How many months of expenses to save, where to park it for safety + access, and how to build it.
Rent vs Buy a home: which is smarter?
EMI, maintenance and the opportunity cost of your down payment vs renting and investing the difference.
Term vs Endowment: which life insurance?
Why buying pure term cover and investing the difference usually beats a bundled endowment policy.
NPS vs PPF: which retirement plan wins?
Market-linked NPS or fixed, tax-free PPF — returns, lock-in, tax and liquidity compared.
FD vs RD: fixed or recurring deposit?
Lump sum today or a fixed amount every month — which deposit earns you more, and when to use each.
SIP vs Lumpsum: which should you choose?
When to invest all at once versus month by month — with a worked ₹12 lakh example.
Old vs New Tax Regime (FY 2025-26)
Which income-tax regime saves you more — a slab-by-slab comparison and when each one wins.