Finalitey

Today is Dhanteras and it is about Lord DHANvantri where health is wealth.

However, it has become customary for many to buy gold today.

And if you too are in that habit, then this is how Gold has performed (and out-performed few other asset class).
Invest wisely!

Finalitey was the chosen knowledge partner for a financial literacy workshop (theme: Managing your money) organised for the participants of The Naturalist School, a Bengaluru-based social enterprise, that has launched India’s first Certified Naturalist Course (CNAT)*.

A dozen participants (7F & 8M) with age profile ranging between 18 & 51 years, came from eight different States of India. They huddled up along with three representatives of TNS to attend this 3 1/2 hour workshop.

Aligned to their curriculum and terminal outcomes, we covered:

- importance of money management and its approach
- managing expenses (living within means)
- savings (how to make saving a habit, as early as one can)
- financial planning and budgeting
- basics of banking including covering various deposits and lending products + services (also focussed on KYC, nomination)
- do's and don'ts of banking
- salary & taxation
- market players in the financial ecosystem

Our approach included an interactive presentation, two videos, sharing of real life examples + one case study + stretch break + Q&A.

The entire workshop was conducted in easy to understand English language. Each participant was handed over a Participation Certificate.

We are glad to partner with TNS in this learning initiative.

Thank you Priya Venkatesh for believing in our approach and giving us the opportunity to partner for this workshop.

Thank you Suhas Saya for being the moderator and organising the local logistics (sharing the scope / expectations, participant details, projector, screen, laptop, joining the ZOOM meeting well before time) for a seamless ex*****on of the workshop.

---------------------

Priya Venkatesh is the Founder-Director of The Naturalist School.

TNS is a pioneering initiative offering certifications and courses in Wildlife and Nature Interpretation. TNS focuses on vocational training for those interested in nature-based tourism, environmental education, and conservation, with a special emphasis on ecotourism and related fields.

[*The Certified Naturalist Course (CNAT) aims to develop naturalists who deliver an authentic, environmentally responsible, and professional guest experience.]

-----------------------

We can be reached at [email protected] or WA: 9820147312 / 9820791226.

NSDC National Skill Development Corporation National Skill Development Corporation Skill India

Yet to file your tax return?

24 days left.

Not sure which form to fill?

Want to DIY? Read on........



https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/tax/itr-1-itr-2-itr-3-or-itr-4-which-form-applies-to-your-income-for-itr-filing-fy-2024-25-ay-2025-26/articleshow/122385713.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wealthspecial&utm_content=Story&ncode=62eae2a658e29ac9c9dc36e0977d07ff2cfa032108720a0b4d9ddd899c2ccbb8fc9eefa9cdf8be658ccc6b1103f53f5f4bd67de86d79a09ee07e58edc66297db519628a20cc9af3ae90d3bec8f1d6b55&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679cb&fbclid=IwY2xjawMVcJRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnrgEI-9TJKrUOA4aM7bNn_N_LYArs4nxX7790uzMA7-qZd0b0sExRGIkc6f_aem_Rg7PMGewpNQpvFkteaf__A

Which ITR form applies to your income for ITR filing FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 or ITR-4? - The Economic Times Income tax return forms ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3: The Income Tax Department has released software utilities for ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3 and ITR-4, enabling income tax return filing for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). This year, the ITR forms underwent various changes due to amendments made to the Income Tax Act in....

Needing help to file your ITR?

Getting lured by the Rs 24 offer?

Read on to see comparative rates.........

Whichever approach you adopt - DIY, online apps, TRP, CA - remember that it is your ITR and you are responsible for the same - reporting all incomes completely & accurately, all foreign assets & income, all bank accounts, etc. Facilitators will assist based on information shared by you. So do not hide any information that could be relevant for your ITR.

A CA will surely add value by asking you relevant questions, seeking clarity on information sourced from you.



https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/tax/online-itr-filing-charges-across-6-tax-filing-websites-compared-for-ay-2025-26/articleshow/123043619.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wealthspecial&utm_content=Story&ncode=62eae2a658e29ac9c9dc36e0977d07ff2cfa032108720a0b4d9ddd899c2ccbb8fc9eefa9cdf8be658ccc6b1103f53f5f4bd67de86d79a09ee07e58edc66297db519628a20cc9af3ae90d3bec8f1d6b55&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679cb&fbclid=IwY2xjawMVcFFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvrGPGzcq6vLDirt1cK0jFRyw_ED9DNdnaLO-gBq0EM_BVbZISB2eqUw9CK3_aem_9GchFubNp_IsgX8Rk8CFmg

Online ITR filing charges across six tax filing websites compared for AY 2025-26 - The Economic Times ITR filing AY 2025-26: Comparative ITR filing charges across 6 tax filing platforms

Yet to file your ITR?

Gather the following information and then sit to file the same - either DIY, or some app or taking help of a TRP or a CA.

Be clear of old and new regime, later being the default approach, so ask your CA to work out both approaches and see which one is beneficial to you from a tax payout angle.

If you earn more than Rs 3 lacs you need to file tax return, whether tax is payable or not.

Be clear of which ITR template to use and report each income in the appropriate income head - there are 5 different heads. Seek assistance when in doubt.

ITR filing deadline is 15th September and later - 31 October (if you are under audit). Do not wait till the end, and file earlier where possible.

Seek professional help or educate yourself as last moment rush will create anxiety and may create errors at your end. Also if you are seeking help of professionals such as a CA, then rush faster as you are not their only client. The CA is a human too and will be able to support only a certain number of clients. Do not spoil his night sleep and festive times!

Ganpati bappa morya!!


https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/tax/documents-for-itr-filing-fy-2024-25-ay-2025-26-eight-documents-you-need-to-file-income-tax-return/articleshow/122040555.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wealthspecial&utm_content=Story&ncode=62eae2a658e29ac9c9dc36e0977d07ff2cfa032108720a0b4d9ddd899c2ccbb8fc9eefa9cdf8be658ccc6b1103f53f5f4bd67de86d79a09ee07e58edc66297db519628a20cc9af3ae90d3bec8f1d6b55&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679cb&fbclid=IwY2xjawMVb_9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtm2eBGu38vCeXX8F4VJo1fnbAvVC9AOlZ9dDYBdZqtisS5B1d5Avrcdmj7V_aem_aMd7V71zv-7O8W8fY2L3AA

Documents for ITR filing FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26): Eight documents you need to file income tax return - The Economic Times Documents for ITR Filing 2025: The process of filing an income tax return begins with collecting the required documents and other necessary information. We have compiled a list of eight essential documents that you will need to collect to initiate the ITR filing process this year. Know the documents...

You are in no position to file your ITR within the specified timeline. Not ready, do not have access to info, travelling, health reasons, lazy - whatever is the reason!

If yes, then be aware of the consequences.



https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/tax/planning-to-give-itr-filing-a-miss-you-must-know-the-consequences/articleshow/122998645.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wealthspecial&utm_content=Story&ncode=62eae2a658e29ac9c9dc36e0977d07ff2cfa032108720a0b4d9ddd899c2ccbb8fc9eefa9cdf8be658ccc6b1103f53f5f4bd67de86d79a09ee07e58edc66297db519628a20cc9af3ae90d3bec8f1d6b55&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679cb&fbclid=IwY2xjawMVb9VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFmMVVxNHNQenowVTNHRE1mAR7zJpmxPzaFj-Ipmgzg2HmeaTmihCl1IRztVjP1c-Ibk3WfPJ09pr3GW_QgPg_aem_x5oYdVcpbExPAU-xfaTm9g

Planning to give ITR filing a miss? You must know the consequences - The Economic Times Consequences of not filing ITR: Income tax laws make ITR filing mandatory as specified under the Income Tax Act. However, not many taxpayers are aware of the consequences if the ITR is not filed for a particular financial year. ET Wealth online spoke to a tax expert about the problems that a taxpaye...

Today we, at Finalitey, completed our public batch #22 covering financial literacy core modules: M1: Money & Banking (28-29 June); M2: Insurance (5-6 July) and M3: Investments (12-13 July).

13 Participants had registered for this batch. They were from Mumbai city, Navi Mumbai and one of them attended from Coventry, UK. 15 & 50 were the age extremes with 7 under 20 and 3 were above 40. Students studying at IB schools, IVY league university, freelancer in the world of advertising, fitness enthusiast, doctor turned artist, risk analyst, motor cycle enthusiast + mechanical engineer - we had a variety of participant profile.

The younger participants were students pursuing their under grad / post grad studies at various academic institutions such as: Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Integrated School - Navi Mumbai, NEXT School (IB)- Mulund, Flame University - Pune, Columbia University - NYC (studying Mechanical Engineering after passing out his 12th grade from Dhirubhai Ambani International School), MET, Maniben Nanavati Women's College (Vile Parle) (undergoing MA in Clinical Psychology; prior to which she had done her BSC from Ashoka University).

We thank their parents for nudging their children to enrol for this must-know life skill workshop. 4 of the parents were CAs who, coincidentally had earlier worked with Big 4 accounting firms. In one instance an uncle (also a CA and ex-Big 4 accounting firm) gifted the workshop to his nephew who was celebrating his 18th birthday. There were 3 siblings - two sisters and a brother - so good to have you. One of them had to make the choice between attending the investment module or spend time with friends at a weekend outing - we are glad he made the right choice, especially at the young age he represented. Each of these children were participative and inquisitive, some having tried their hands at investing by seeking guidance from their elders. We are glad to have played a role in their financial literacy journey.

One of the participant was a motor cycle enthusiast working in the automotive industry posted in Coventry. One more participant was a young lady (BMS from Podar College and MBA from IIM Trichy), now working for JP Morgan as Risk Analyst. There were 3 women aged 40+: one of them is an advertising professional, one of them is a home maker and fitness enthusiast and one of them is a doctor - anaesthesiologist by vocation, artist by passion and a home maker.

Coverage included rationale for investing, key elements such as risk appetite, risk & return, liquidity, understanding various asset classes, evaluating various investment options such as debt products, equity shares, physical assets such as gold, property, understanding key ratios, how do mutual funds work (kya mutual funds sahi hain?), different intermediaries involved and much more. There were dedicated Q&A pauses which permitted participants to ask questions and seek clarity on any doubts they had. Presentation in simple to understand English, educational videos, hands-on exercises, crossword puzzles, interesting trivia, end of day quiz. Each participant was provided with additional reference material and a participation certificate.

In April 2025, we completed 6 years of conducting these interactive workshops and have covered more than 2300+ participants attending from 41 geographical locations, including 12 located outside India. Thanks to ZOOM online meeting tool geographical boundaries are no longer a limiting factor. Also the various features such as chat ensure that the interaction between the participants and trainers stays active all along.

Last few days had multiple marquee dates with 1 July celebrated by SBI as its foundation day / 70 years of existence, Muharram on 6th July, BSE completing 150 years on 9th July, Guru Purnima on 10th July.

What is the purpose of posting a 2002 article in 2025?

Just to remind all that Retirement Planning has to start early, else the curve to climb will become steeper!

Planning ahead helps......

Retirement is going to happen when your active source of income will stop and you will have to sustain your life style from your passive income.

Maybe inheritance will help too, if you are expecting one! Most are not that lucky!

Financial planning is critical

Inflation is reality

Power of compounding indeed powerful

So start investing your savings and stay invested for all long as you can so money can make more money

Budgeting is important

Bifurcating your spends into needs & wants is a must

Living within / below means can help you save

Your current life style will decide your future life style

If you wish to sustain and enhance your life style during your sunset years, ensure you keep increasing your savings bit by bit each month / year as feasible such that you beat the inflation.

Remember that your income is taxable at all stages of life, so always consider post-tax returns for all your calculations.

Lastly invest wisely as there is no insurance cover for investment losses (barring money saved in banks upto Rs 5 lacs). So consider your risk appetite, returns expected and liquidity needs before investing. Also keep a medical insurance policy handy to ensure your savings do not get wiped if a medical exigency arises.

------------

Interested to know more about Money Management, Budgeting, Financial planning, investing wisely.......if yes, do consider registering for Finalitey's financial literacy workshop. Our batch #22 starts this weekend on 28th June with Investment module scheduled on 12th & 13th July 2025. Click the FB link to know details and the registration link. https://shorturl.at/9Wgng

Learn the investing mantras followed by successful investors.

Sign up for our online training sessions starting June 28 [Click here for the detailed FB post https://shorturl.at/9Wgng]

Or to learn more connect with: CA Sanjay Mehta 9820147312 | CA Jatin Lodaya 9820791226 | [email protected]

Live within your means … make a household budget and manage your expenses better.

Sign up for our online training sessions starting June 28 [Click here for the detailed FB post https://shorturl.at/9Wgng]

Or to learn more connect with: CA Sanjay Mehta 9820147312 | CA Jatin Lodaya 9820791226 | [email protected]

For those who have higher investible surplus may plan to go beyond mutual funds, direct equity via the PMS route (₹50 lacs is minimum amount) and those who can stretch further with their investible surplus can opt for AIF (₹1 crores is minimum amount).

FY25:
AIF AUM jumped 58% to ₹2.3 trillion
PMS AUM rose just 19% to ₹4.3 trillion
With fund houses, HNIs, and family offices increasingly favoring AIFs for their structure and performance potential, the shift is clear.

Why AIFs Are Outpacing PMS – Key Benefits Driving the Shift:
India’s investment landscape is seeing a significant shift — AIFs are now growing faster than PMSs, thanks to their flexible structure, favorable tax treatment, and operational ease. Here’s why AIFs are gaining traction:

Tax Efficiency:
AIFs, especially Category III, offer better tax efficiency. Capital gains tax is paid only at the fund level (not every transaction), reducing tax-related friction and improving net returns.

Access to Unlisted Shares:
Unlike PMS, AIFs allow easier access to unlisted shares, giving portfolio managers a wider investment universe and flexibility in strategy.

Operational Simplicity:
Non-discretionary PMS requires client approval for each transaction. AIFs, on the other hand, pool funds and operate under a pre-approved mandate — making ex*****on faster and smoother.

Investor Experience:
AIFs offer simplified structures for regulatory compliance, easier onboarding for NRIs, and no need for individual demat or bank accounts — everything is handled at the fund level.

[please consult your investor advisor, financial planner, CA + evaluate your own risk appetite, returns expected, liquidity needs, tax impact before investing anywhere - be it debt instruments such as FD / post office savings, MF, direct equity or via PMS or AIF.]

[Finalitey is merely into financial literacy education and does not SPAM - sell, plan, advice, manage your money]

Plan your finances. Learn more in our personal finance sessions.

Sign up for our online training sessions starting June 28 [Click here for the detailed FB post https://shorturl.at/9Wgng]

Or to learn more connect with: CA Sanjay Mehta 9820147312 | CA Jatin Lodaya 9820791226 | [email protected]