ArthaShala: Personal Finance & Investing

✅ Verified: February 2026 Update In 2026, if you are just "paying" via UPI without getting anything back, you are effectively losing money . The days of random scratch cards giving you "Better Luck Next Time" are dead. The new era of digital finance is about assured returns . Whether you are a student managing an internship stipend or a freelancer worrying about taxable income , optimizing your transaction flow can yield ₹300 to ₹1,000 in monthly savings . This isn't just about saving pennies; it's about building a system. As outlined in our Master Your Finances Guide , small leaks sink great ships. This guide reveals the high-value strategies like RuPay-on-UPI and merchant-specific codes that banks don't advertise. ⚠️ Critical Alert: Before you start earning, ensure you aren't losing money to hidden penalties. Check our new guide on UPI Autopay Rules & Tax Traps for 2026 . The Golden Rule: Merchant (P2M) vs. Perso...

In recent years, the lines between betting, trading, and the stock market have become dangerously blurred. If you open your phone today, a sports betting app and a stock broker app often look identical: flashing green and red numbers, real-time charts, and the seductive promise of "easy money." Social media influencers use identical language for all three— risk, returns, strategy, discipline . Even losses are framed the same way: "bad day," "wrong call," or "the market didn't respect my levels." This confusion is not accidental. It is the result of the gamification of financial markets, widespread financial illiteracy, and aggressive marketing targeting young earners. A visual breakdown: Betting burns capital, Trading requires intense skill, while Investing grows wealth like a tree over time. However, beneath the superficial similarities lies a fundamental structural difference. Be...

Tax Simplified: Section 44ADA is the ultimate tool for student freelancers to manage income tax without the stress of complex accounting. Over the past decade, India has witnessed an unprecedented rise in student freelancers. College students today are not just learners; they are content writers, video editors, coders, designers, data analysts, consultants, social media managers, tutors, and digital marketers—often earning substantial income even before graduation. However, earning income introduces a new responsibility: income tax compliance . TL;DR: If you’re a student freelancer, Section 44ADA lets you pay tax on just 50% of your income. No detailed audits, no complex bookkeeping, and minimal stress. Most student freelancers face three major problems: Confusion about whether they need to file Income Tax Returns (ITR) . F...

Navigating the transition from student to professional is challenging, especially when the financial paperwork arrives. If you’ve recently completed an internship, you are likely staring at your bank statement or a confusing email from HR, wondering about taxes. In the volatile economic climate of 2026, where every rupee counts, understanding your tax documents is as crucial as understanding market trends and recession risks . Whether you are a summer intern, a research fellow, or a corporate trainee, the confusion between Form 16 vs Form 16A is a rite of passage. Visual Breakdown: Why employees receive Form 16 (Salary) while most interns receive Form 16A (Non-Salary/Stipend). This guide cuts through the jargon to tell you exactly what you will receive, why you probably won't get a standard salary certificate, and how to cla...