'Tax officials view most taxpayers as evaders.' 'The I-T department has a perverse incentive to raise unreasonable demands since the one-fifth tax collected counts towards officials' collection targets,' observes Harsh Roongta.

The best solution would be the one followed in 2018 -- allow cost indexation until March 31, 2024 -- but exit at any time. The second-best alternative would be to allow time until March 31, 2025 for investors to exit their investments under the old indexation regime, points out Harsh Roongta.

There are a number of steps taken that will leave more money in the hands of the taxpayers.
These include the reduction in tax rates under the new tax regime, increase in standard deduction, allowing tax collected at source to be adjusted against tax deducted at source from salaries, notes Harsh Roongta.

Keeping surplus money in a bank account has become perilous, alerts Harsh Roongta.

SEBI has published data showing that more than 90 per cent of investors lose money in futures and options, explains Harsh Roongta.

While managing their finances, individuals can make it a rule to seek advice from an expert or feedback from a trusted colleague or friend.

A mass fan following or a large number of views on a YouTube channel can't possibly constitute 'credentials'.

A growth scheme not only leads to lower tax payments than the dividend option. but also allows any income that is not withdrawn to compound, explains Harsh Roongta.

I stumbled upon shares worth around Rs 300,000 in my late father's name, which are currently with the Investor Education & Protection Fund, points out Harsh Roongta.

The fear of rejection keeps many of us from experiencing the rich lives we deserve, notes Harsh Roongta.

A disciplined, systematic investment habit started at a young age is normally sufficient to meet modest goals without having to sacrifice a normal comfortable lifestyle, suggests Harsh Roongta.

Having a single point KYC that is automatically used across all financial and non-financial entities is a single piece of reform that should be an easy win to achieve, points out Harsh Roongta.

While reasonable safeguards should be built in, there can't be restrictions on the individual's right to leave her/his money to whoever s/he wants, notes Harsh Roongta.

Risk is difficult to evaluate, warns Harsh Roongta.

Will the EPFO be required to deduct tax at source or will the employee have to calculate the tax and pay it separately?

The life insurance kind of 'statutory nomination', which confers final ownership on the nominee, is the need of the hour for all assets, suggests Harsh Roongta.

A discussion on death or serious illness seems to be taboo in Indian families. Not having this discussion borders on being irresponsible towards your loved ones, asserts Harsh Roongta.

Manage investments between debt, domestic equity, international equity, real estate and gold, advises Harsh Roongta.

Banks and friendly neighbourhood jewellers can serve as good channels to provide liquidity for gold deposits with built-in incentives for them, suggests Harsh Roongta.

Whatever you do, continue to pay your loan EMIs and insurance premiums for term and health policies (not investment-based policies) on time. Then try to buy yourself some breathing space, says Harsh Roongta.