How a ₹40,000 Step-Up SIP Can Secure Your Retirement and Your Family

Step-up SIP can help a middle-class family fulfill their dreams. A typical father dreams of saving ₹1 crore for his daughter’s higher education, ₹75 lakh for her wedding, and ₹2 crore for his own retirement. This article explains how you can achieve this through step-up SIPs.

Investment Plan with Step-up SIP

He is currently investing ₹40,000 per month through SIPs.

  • He plans to stay invested for 20 years.
  • Every year, he will increase his SIP by 10% (step-up SIP).
  • He expects a 10% annual return on his investments.

Based on these numbers, the total value of his investment after 20 years is estimated to be around ₹6.45 crore.
Out of this,

  • The total amount he will invest = ₹2.75 crore
  • The estimated returns = ₹3.71 crore

This shows how powerful regular investing, stepping up contributions, and patience can be.

Inflation: The Hidden Enemy

Many people ignore inflation when planning for the future. A wedding that cost ₹5 lakh 20 years ago can easily cost ₹25 lakh or more today. Similarly, ₹2 crore may seem like a big amount now, but after 20 years, it might not be enough for a comfortable retirement.

To beat inflation, it’s important to not just start investing, but also keep increasing your investments every few years.

Importance of Step-Up SIP

One of the best ways to build wealth is through Step-Up SIPs — where you increase your monthly investment as your income grows.

Even a small yearly increase in your SIP amount can lead to a much bigger corpus over time. This simple habit can help meet rising costs without much stress.

The Power of Patience

Think of investing like growing a mango tree. You water it regularly, and over time, it gives you fruit.
Similarly, SIPs need patience. The longer you stay invested, the more your money grows with the power of compounding.

Conclusion

By staying committed to SIPs, increasing investments regularly, and being patient, you can achieve a corpus of over ₹6 crore over time. Good financial habits today can secure a beautiful future for your entire family. So, start investing today!

Read more on: SIP Calculator: Start with ₹17,000 a Month for 25 Years—See How It Can Grow

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Received ₹5 Lakh from Parents: How much tax do you have to pay?

Receiving a gift from your parents is often a moment of joy, but it’s important to understand the tax implications under Indian law. According to Section 56(2)(x) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, gifts are taxed as “Income from Other Sources” if they exceed ₹50,000 in a financial year. However, there are exemptions when gifts are received from “relatives,” and parents are considered close relatives for this purpose.

Are Gifts from Parents Taxable?

 No, gifts received from parents are fully exempt from tax, irrespective of the amount. Under the Income-tax Act, a ‘relative’ includes parents, spouse, siblings, children, and lineal ascendants and descendants. Therefore, even if your parents gift you ₹5 lakh (or any amount), it will not be taxed in your hands.

Is There Any Documentation Required?

 While the amount is tax-free, it is advisable to keep documentation, such as a gift deed or a simple declaration letter, confirming that the ₹5 lakh received is a gift. This protects you in case of any future inquiry by the Income Tax Department, especially for large transactions.

When Could Tax Issues Arise?

 While the receipt of ₹5 lakh from parents is not taxable, if you invest this money and earn income (like interest, dividends, etc.), the income earned will be taxable under the applicable heads (such as “Income from Other Sources” or “Capital Gains”). However, the original gift remains non-taxable.

Conclusion

 If your parents gift you ₹5 lakh, you do not have to pay any income tax on it. It is wise, however, to maintain proper records to prove the genuineness of the gift if needed. Always stay informed and cautious, especially for larger sums, to ensure smooth compliance with tax regulations.

Read more on: ₹25 Lakh Gift from Parents: Do I Need to Pay Tax?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Top Gainers and Losers on April 28, 2025: RIL Jumps Over 5%, Shriram Finance Plummets

Indian benchmark indices closed sharply higher on Monday, April 28, 2025, rebounding strongly after the previous session’s losses. Positive global cues and buying across major sectors boosted investor sentiment.

The BSE Sensex surged 1,005.84 points (1.27%) to close at 80,218.37, while the NSE Nifty 50 climbed 289.15 points (1.20%) to settle at 24,328.50.

Here are the top gainers and losers for the day:

Top Gainers of the Day

Symbol LTP Change (%)
RELIANCE 1,366.30 5.07
SUNPHARMA 1,842.20 3.07
JSWSTEEL 1,058.30 2.91
BEL 305.3 2.59
DRREDDY 1,202.40 2.35

  • Reliance Industries

Reliance Industries share price opened at ₹1,320.00 and closed higher by 5.07% at ₹1,366.30. Shares surged after the company reported stronger-than-expected Q4 profits, driven by robust performance in telecom and retail segments.

  • Sun Pharma

Sun Pharma share price opened at ₹1,789.00 and closed up 3.07% at ₹1,842.20.

  • JSW Steel

JSW Steel share price opened at ₹1,030.00 and rose 2.91% to close at ₹1,058.30.

  • Bharat Electronics 

BEL share price opened at ₹297.00 and ended up 2.59% at ₹305.30. The stock gained amid a surge in defence stocks due to rising cross-border tensions.

  • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories share price opened at ₹1,175.00 and gained 2.35% to close at ₹1,202.40.

Top Losers of the Day

Symbol LTP Change (%)
SHRIRAMFIN 621.6 -5.13
ETERNAL 226.7 -0.92
ULTRACEMCO 12,128.00 -0.89
HCLTECH 1,550.00 -0.65
HINDUNILVR 2,317.60 -0.63

  • Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance share price opened at ₹622.70 and closed sharply lower at ₹621.60, falling 5.13%. The stock dropped after mixed quarterly results and concerns over rising credit costs.

  • Eternal

Eternal share price opened at ₹226.00 and ended at ₹226.70, down 0.92%.

  • UltraTech Cement

UltraTech Cement share priceopened at ₹12,232.00 and closed at ₹12,128.00, down 0.89%. Shares slipped as cement companies face margin pressures due to rising input costs.

  • HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies share price opened at ₹1,565.00 and ended at ₹1,550.00, slipping 0.65%.

Hindustan Unilever

HUL share price opened at ₹2,345.00 and closed lower at ₹2,317.60, down 0.63%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the markets showed notable movements today, reflecting a mix of investor sentiment and company-specific performances. While some stocks experienced significant gains, others saw declines due to various factors such as financial results and market conditions. Overall, market fluctuations remain a natural part of the investment landscape.

Read more on: Stocks That Hit Circuit Limits On April 28, 2025: PANACEABIO, KITEX, VAKRANGEE, and More

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Nifty Smallcap 100 Rises by 0.81% on April 28, 2025, Led By Garden Reach Shipbuilders and RBL Bank

The Nifty Smallcap 100 Index showed a positive move on April 28, 2025, gaining 133.60 points or 0.81% to reach 16,681.15 at 1:27 PM IST on the NSE. This recovery reflects improved investor sentiment after a volatile start to the year.

Day and 52-Week Range

The index traded within a day range of 16,426.45 to 16,733.50, suggesting intraday strength. Over the past 52 weeks, the index has fluctuated between 14,084.30 and 19,716.20, highlighting the wide swings small-cap stocks have faced.

Top Stocks Driving Gains

Several stocks contributed positively to the index’s upward movement:

  • RBL Bank(₹207.42) followed, contributing 10.62 points.
  • Glenmark(₹1,400.60) added 10.17 points.

Stocks Weighing Down the Index

However, a few stocks acted as a drag:

  • Tejas Networks (₹761.50) was the biggest loser, pulling the index down by 15.52 points.

Components of Nifty Smallcap 100 Index

Company Name Industry Last Price Change(%) Mkt Cap
(Rs cr)
360 ONE WAM Finance – Others 983.75 1.18 38,730.03
Aadhar Housing Finance – Housing 469 2.95 20,231.93
Aarti Ind Speciality Chemicals 434.05 1.21 15,735.19
AAVAS Financier Finance – Housing 1,988.30 -3.09 15,738.12
Action Const Engineering – Industrial Equipments 1,208.50 0.45 14,391.20

Note: All figures mentioned in this table are as of 3:21 PM on April 28th, 2025, Monday.

Seasonal Trends in Nifty Smallcap 100

Historically, April has been a good month for the Nifty Smallcap 100, with an average gain of 4.70%. In April 2025 so far, the index has risen 3.64%, following a strong 9.49% rally in March 2025.

The index’s seasonal strength suggests continued optimism as it heads into May, a traditionally stable month.

Conclusion

The Nifty Smallcap 100’s rise shows recovering confidence in the small-cap segment. However, given past volatility and sector-specific risks, investors should stay cautious and keep track of market triggers.

Read more on: Bank Nifty Surges 1.26% on April 28: Top Gainers Include ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank

 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Akshaya Tritiya 2025: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Gold Investment

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a very important Hindu festival linked with prosperity, good luck, and new beginnings. This year, it will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Why Akshaya Tritiya is Important?

The word “Akshaya” means eternal or never-ending, and “Tritiya” means the third day in the lunar calendar. It is believed that any good work or financial investment made on this day will bring lasting success. That’s why many people start new ventures or make big purchases, especially gold, on Akshaya Tritiya.

The Tradition of Buying Gold on Akshaya Trititya 

Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is a popular tradition. Gold symbolises wealth and purchasing it on this day is believed to bring prosperity. Across India, especially in the South, families rush to buy gold coins, jewellery, or even invest in digital gold. 

Today, many people also invest in gold through other options like digital gold, gold ETFs, etc. on Akshaya Tritiya. 

Akshaya Tritiya 2025 Date and Puja Timing

  • Tritiya Tithi Begins: April 29, 2025, at 5:31 PM
  • Tritiya Tithi Ends: April 30, 2025, at 2:12 PM
  • Puja Muhurat: April 30, 2025, from 5:40 AM to 12:18 PM

This is the best time to perform prayers and make your gold purchases.

Mythological Importance of Akshaya Tritiya

Many important events are believed to have happened on this day:

  • The beginning of Treta Yuga.
  • The birth of Lord Vishnu’s sixth avatar, Parshuram.
  • Maharishi Ved Vyasa started narrating the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesh.
  • Lord Krishna met his childhood friend Sudama.
  • The holy river Ganga came down to Earth.

These stories add to the spiritual value of the festival.

Conclusion 

Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be auspicious and bring prosperity into lives. Therefore, people buy gold on this day. However, it is just a belief and therefore investments should be a result of well-informed decisions rather than traditions alone.

Read more on: Jewellers Roll Out Festive Offers Ahead of Akshaya Tritiya

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Shriram Finance Share Price Falls 9% After Q4 Results

Shriram Finance share price fell by as much as 9% on Monday, April 28, after the company announced its March quarter results. The drop came mainly because the company wrote off gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) worth ₹2,345.11 crore during the quarter. This raised concerns about the quality of its loan book.

Profit Grows, But Challenges Remain

Shriram Finance reported a standalone net profit of ₹2,139.4 crore for the quarter ending March 2025, showing a 9.9% rise compared to the same quarter last year. The profit was almost exactly in line with Bloomberg’s estimate of ₹2,137.5 crore.

Even with the profit growth, investors are concerned about the current challenges being faced by the company. Shriram Finance is facing pressure on its Net Interest Margin (NIM), meaning it is earning less from its lending business compared to earlier. This has prompted investors to reconsider the company’s future financial outlook.

About Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance is one of India’s leading non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). It mainly focuses on lending to small businesses, commercial vehicle owners, and individuals who often find it difficult to get loans from traditional banks.

The company has a strong presence in rural and semi-urban areas and plays an important role in financial inclusion. However, because it serves riskier customer segments, it also faces greater challenges in maintaining loan quality during tough economic conditions.

Conclusion

While Shriram Finance posted healthy profit growth for the March quarter, the large NPA write-off and pressure on margins have worried investors. Going forward, the company’s ability to manage asset quality and control credit costs will be crucial for rebuilding market confidence.

At 11:33 AM, Shriram Finance share price was down 4.70% and was trading at ₹624.40.

Read more on: Why Tejas Networks Share Price Fell Over 10%?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Tata Technologies Share Price in Focus After Q4 Profit Rises 12%

Tata Technologies share price was up 1.80% at 11:13 AM and was trading at ₹705.70. The company has reported a 12% rise in its net profit for the quarter ending March 31, 2025. The company’s net profit grew to ₹188.87 crore during the January-March period, according to its exchange filing on Friday.

This was higher than street expectations. Bloomberg reports had previously estimated a profit of ₹177.75 crore.

Revenue and Margins

While the net profit increased, Tata Technologies’ revenue slightly fell. The company’s revenue stood at ₹1,285.65 crore, down 2.4% compared to ₹1,317.38 crore in the previous quarter. Analysts had expected higher revenue of ₹1,331.7 crore.

The company’s Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) also dipped by 1% to ₹202.26 crore, compared to ₹203.58 crore earlier. This was lower than the Bloomberg estimate of ₹251.45 crore.

However, Tata Technologies improved its margins slightly. The margin for the quarter stood at 15.7%, up from 15.5% in the previous quarter.

Tata Technologies Share Price Performance

Despite the better-than-expected profit, Tata Technologies’ shares closed lower on Friday. On the NSE, the stock fell by 3.35% to ₹693.20 per share, while on the BSE, it ended 3.34% lower at ₹693.25.

Looking at the stock’s performance over the past year, it has dropped by 35.19%. So far in 2025 (year-to-date), the shares have fallen by 22.19%. Over the last six months, the stock declined by 31.51%, and in the past three months, it has dropped by 11.46%. In the last one month, it has seen a small fall of 0.69%.

Conclusion

Tata Technologies delivered a strong profit growth for the fourth quarter, beating expectations. However, lower revenues and weak stock performance continue to be concerns. Investors will now look forward to how the company plans to improve its overall financial health in the coming quarters.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Does Your SIP Date Really Affect Returns? Here’s What 10 Years of Data Says

A frequent question among mutual fund investors is: Does the date on which I start my SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) affect my long-term returns? Some prefer starting their SIP at the beginning of the month, while others delay it, hoping for better market timing. But what does data actually show?

What the Research on SIP Date Says

A 10-year study (March 2015 to March 2025) by ETMutualFunds looked at SIP returns of the SBI BlueChip Fund—a large-cap mutual fund—based on different SIP dates throughout the month.

Here’s what they found:

  • Returns were remarkably stable, no matter the date.
  • The lowest return was 13.07% (SIP on 1st).
  • The highest return was 13.26% (SIP on 17th).
  • The difference between the best and worst performing SIP date was just 0.19%.

This means if you had invested ₹1,000 every month, your total value after 10 years would range between ₹2.35 lakh and ₹2.38 lakh depending on the date—a very small gap.

What This Means for Your Financial Future

The numbers clearly show that SIP date doesn’t play a big role in your long-term wealth creation. Whether you start your SIP on the 1st, 10th, or 25th, your financial future won’t change significantly because of that one factor.

What truly matters is:

  • Regular investing
  • Staying committed during market ups and downs
  • Choosing the right mutual fund that aligns with your goals

Convenience Over Timing

It’s best to set your SIP date based on your convenience. Many people link it to their salary date to make sure the money gets invested before it’s spent. Delaying SIPs in the hope of better timing often leads to missed investments and smaller portfolios.

Conclusion

Don’t overthink the date of your SIP. Instead, focus on starting early, investing regularly, and staying disciplined. That’s what truly shapes your financial future—not the date on the calendar.

Read more on: How ₹48 Lakh Can Become ₹6 Crore: The Power of 20% Compounding Through the 20-20-20 SIP Rule

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Do You Really Need ₹10 Crores for Financial Freedom? Not Really!

Many of us have heard or said, “I need ₹10 crore, then life is set!” But is such a large amount really needed for financial freedom? The idea that only crores can make you feel financially safe is not always true. Financial freedom means living your life without stress, not just collecting big numbers.

The Role of Inflation

Saving money is important, but inflation slowly eats away at its value. Over the last 20 years, India’s inflation has been around 5-6%. This means that ₹1 lakh today won’t have the same power in 10-15 years. That’s why smart investments are necessary, not just saving. Fixed deposits or safe government schemes offering 6-7% returns can help balance out the effects of inflation.

What Is Financial Freedom, Really?

According to various personal finance experts, financial freedom means being able to live your life peacefully, comfortably, and without stress. It’s not about having ₹10 crore. It’s about how much you need based on your lifestyle.

Understanding the Financial Freedom Number

 There is a simple formula: Financial Freedom Number = Annual Expenses × 25

This is based on the 4% rule, which says you can withdraw 4% from your investments yearly and your money will still last long term.

For example, if your monthly expenses are ₹1 lakh,

Your yearly expenses = ₹12 lakh

Your freedom number = ₹12 lakh × 25 = ₹3 crore

If you invest ₹3 crore wisely, you can live on ₹1 lakh per month without worrying about running out of money.

Is ₹10 Crore Bad?

No! If you have bigger dreams, want a luxury lifestyle, or higher expenses, your number may be ₹10 crore or more. But don’t compare — plan for your needs.

Conclusion

Financial freedom is personal. It’s not about having crores. It’s about smart planning based on your needs, not showing off.

Read more on: Is Employee Contribution to PF Taxable Under the New Tax Regime in FY26?

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

 

Stocks That Hit Circuit Limits On April 25, 2025: Godfrey Phillips, Senco, and More

On April 25, 2025, the BSE Sensex closed 0.74% lower at 79,212.53, while the Nifty50 ended the day at 24,039.35, down 0.86%. In the midst of this market dip, several stocks such as Carraro India, Sahasra Electronics, and SWSOLAR hit their respective circuit limits, reflecting sharp price movements. Here’s a look at the full list of circuit-hit stocks for the day.

Stocks That Hit Upper Circuit on April 25, 2025

Symbol LTP Change (%) Price Band % Volume(Lakhs) Value(₹ Crores)
CARRARO 383 15.57 20 16.69 61.51
INFOLLION 571.1 4.72 5 2.03 11.55
SAHASRA 389.75 5 5 2.28 8.82
STLTECH 68.3 5 5 10.72 7.31
AGSTRA 6.4 4.75 5 85.82 5.39
MAFANG 116.54 3.86 20 4.54 5.29

Stocks That Hit Lower Circuit on April 25, 2025

Symbol LTP Change (%) Price Band % Volume(Lakhs) Value(₹ Crores)
SWSOLAR 310.7 -5 5 30.63 96.88
TARIL 509.55 -4.64 5 12.81 65.83
AJAXENGG 669.5 -4.94 10 6.32 42.2
SENCO 373 -3.1 5 11.16 41.44
GRWRHITECH 3,310.00 -2.87 5 1.17 39

Overview of Companies Hitting Circuit Limits

1. Carraro India Ltd.

Carraro India Ltd. surged 15.57% to hit its 20% upper circuit, driven by heavy trading volume of ₹61.51 crore.

  1. Sahasra Semiconductors Ltd.

Sahasra Semiconductors Ltd. gained 5% amid growing interest in India’s semiconductor sector.

  1. Agri-Tech (India) Ltd.

Agri-Tech (India) Ltd. saw a massive 85.82 lakh shares traded, pushing it to its upper circuit despite a low stock price.

  1. Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd.

Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy Ltd. hit the lower circuit after dropping 5%, with ₹96.88 crore worth of shares changing hands.

  1. Ajax Engineering Ltd.

Ajax Engineering Ltd. declined 4.94%, hitting the lower circuit as investor caution surrounded the construction equipment segment.

Read more on: Bandhan Bank Shares in Focus Ahead of April 30 Board Meeting for Q4 FY25 Results, Dividend

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks; read all the related documents carefully before investing.