#MY2017! - Thanksgiving To All Demeaning Criticizers

In this last week of 2017, my news feed is filled with so many thanksgiving messages of my friends in the form of sharing their hangouts pic, stories, meme tag and post shares dedicating to their loved ones.
On scrolling through and liking all those moments, I wanted to share and dedicate my 2017 to someone who made it. Well! But whom do I tag for it? My husband or my family by mentioning their showering of unconditional love? Nope, I express my gratitude to them daily either verbally or by playing responsibilities with a happy face.
Then whom should I dedicate a thank you note? Well, after a contemplation I decided for whom should it be. Why a thank you note should always be to someone who has a good wish and has done good deeds for us? For a trendsetting, let me thank those demeaning criticizers and negative people who left a hardcore impact on my 2017.
In the start of 2017, because of them, my inner peace was completely doomed. The incessant complaints made me feel like I was living in martyrdom. It made me feel like forever it is impossible to escape from this negative spin. My happiest moments were turned to be a horrendous mistake. I could feel them enjoying my sufferings.
The negativity was so infectious that I found myself held captivated by their web. The negativity lingered in my mind even when they were not around. So, as with most unpleasant things, I decided to own up and step up to take responsibility for my own negativity.
We all have a time when we accentuate the positive and also the moments when we exaggerate on the negative. We are all connected in this inescapable cycle. I welcomed the situation as it was, opening up to the possibilities for change within me. I started developing emotional health by sculpting myself with more love induced thoughts.
I started inculcating more patience in me. I found more positive solutions that I can deal with. I began to see their perspective that made me more compassion than before.
At this point, I’d like to thank those criticizers and humiliators who have helped to bring a better human out of me! After all, compassion, kindness, and love connect us all.
#Farewell2017, #Greetings2018!

Guide on withdrawal procedure of PF and EPS money after leaving your job

After resigning from a job many individuals do not get their provident fund (PF) transferred from the previous employer to the new employer.

People do this mainly because the funds are safe with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and it keeps earning tax-free returns.

Things, however, will not be the same from now on. In November 2017, the Bengaluru bench of the Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ruled out tax-exemption on the interest earned after an employee has quit. So, to avoid getting taxed, you will have to either transfer the PF balance to the new employer or withdraw the amount at the earliest after the exit.

After an exit from a job, even though no fresh contributions are made, such PF accounts remain 'operative' with the balance earning interest every year. The PF balance as on the date of exit from an organisation continues to be tax-exempt but interest earned on the balance thereafter will be taxable in the year of withdrawal, i.e., it's only the amount of interest earned during the out-of-job period which comes into the tax net. So, to avoid tax, one should get the PF balance transferred to the new employer.

If such a case pertains to you, you have two options: continue earning taxable interest or withdraw the PF balance. Let's see how you can withdraw the PF balance.

When can an employee withdraw PF balance?

According to the EPF Act, to claim final PF settlement, one has to retire from service after attaining 58 years of age. The total PF balance includes the employee's contribution and that of the employer, along with the accrued interest. In addition, he will be eligible to get the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) amount as well depending on the years of service.

But what if someone decides to quit his job before reaching 58? Under the existing rule, employees who resign from a job before they turn 58 years of age can withdraw the full PF balance (and the EPS amount depending on the years of service), if he is out of employment for 60 straight days (two months) or more after leaving a job and then withdraw.

Along with the PF, one is also allowed to withdraw the EPS amount if the service period has been less than 10 years and not later on. Once this milestone is crossed, the employee compulsorily gets pension benefits after retirement.

To withdraw the PF balance and the EPS amount, the EPFO has launched a 'composite form' to take care of withdrawals, transfer, advances, and other related payments.

Before you start the withdrawal process make sure all your previous PF accounts are merged into one. The total service in the present establishment as well as previous organisations will be taken into account and therefore, it is advisable to merge your accounts.

The withdrawal process

The withdrawal process becomes simpler and less time-consuming if you have your Aadhaar number with you. Here is how you can initiate the withdrawal for both, with and without Aadhaar.

Withdrawing without using Aadhaar card number: If you don't have an Aadhaar, but have the PF number, use this form - Composite Claim Form (Non-Aadhaar).

You will have to furnish Permanent Account Number (PAN) if the total service period is less than five years and also attach two copies of Form 15G/15H, if applicable. In case the Universal Account Number (UAN) is not available, you can mention only the PF account number.

Withdrawing using Aadhaar card number: You can submit a Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar) directly to the concerned EPFO office without attestation of claim form by the employers. The payment of the PF balance will be sent to your bank account, so attach a cancelled cheque along with the form. Before proceeding ensure these things: You have submitted complete details in Form11 (New) to your employer, Aadhaar card number and bank account details are available on the UAN portal, and the UAN has been activated.

The withdrawal process will entail these conditions. See which one caters to you and choose the form accordingly.

1. Withdrawing PF balance plus EPS amount (for below ten years of service)

If service period has been less than 10 years, both PF balance and the EPS amount will be paid. To get EPS amount, in the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar or Non-Aadhaar), along with choosing 'Final PF balance', also choose the 'pension withdrawal' option.

If you plan on re-joining the workforce, you may opt to get the 'scheme certificate' by furnishing Form 10C.

2. Withdrawing PF balance plus EPS amount (over ten years of service)

If you have already completed 10 years of service, the EPS amount cannot be withdrawn and only the scheme certificate is to be issued by filling Form 10C along with the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar or Non-Aadhaar). Pension is to be paid from age 58 while a reduced pension can be paid from age 50. One may opt for early pension (reduced proportionately) after 50 years, provided one has completed 10 years of service.

3. Withdrawing PF balance and reduced pension (age 50-58) (over ten years of service)

You can only get pension after turning 50 years of age and have rendered at least 10 years of service. If your service period has been more than 10 years and you are between the age of 50 and 58, you may opt for reduced pension. For this, Form 10D has to be submitted along with the Composite Claim Form (Aadhaar or Non-Aadhaar).

4. Withdrawing PF balance and full pension (After 58)

After 58, you have to submit the same Form 10D to claim the full pension.

What you should do

It is advisable to transfer your PF balance when you change jobs as it is a form of forced savings. For those who are still in service and have not started their own business, it is better to transfer the PF balance to the new employer. The transfer process has been made automatic, click here to know about it. And if you have quit to start your own business, the entire balance in your EPF account can be transferred to the National Pension Scheme. 

Meet the humanoid 'Mitra' - which declared GES 2017 open

At the Global Entrepreneurship Summit being held in Hyderabad, the Indian Prime Minister and the US President's daughter will come face-to-face with Mitra - a humanoid.

Practice, not preach

Invento Robotics came into existence last year in October 2016 after the founders pivoted from their educational startup named Invento Makerspaces. "We wanted to change education with a maker-centric approach, but it turned out to be harder than we had anticipated," shares Balaji Vishwanathan.

It was in 2015 when a robot made by a team of Invento garnered much appreciation during a maker fair that made the founders realise that a proof of concept may work better to inspire.

The proof of concept can now be found walking in the corridors of Canara BankBSE -1.58 % and PVR Cinemas in Bengaluru, greeting consumers and telling them what they like best. Capable of face detection, face recognition, speech recognition, contextual support, and autonomous navigation; Mitra is a 5 ft tall humanoid.

"What Google does for the online world, we do for the offline world. The robot speaks to the customers, gets to know them and their preferences, and on subsequent visits makes contextual suggestions. Mitra can help businesses do better customer targeting. For instance, in supermarkets, Mitra is capable of collecting relevant data on your first visit and not only make suggestions on your corresponding visits, but also take you to that particular aisle," explains Vishwanathan.

"Hardware ecosystem in India is very nascent and thus will take time in supporting high-end tech-savvy hardware products. Naturally, the guidance we were seeking in running a hardware startup was not easily available. The investor ecosystem also was not primarily looking for hardware products - hence funding was hard," shares Vishwanathan.

Work hard, party harder

The founders are currently monetising via two streams - rental and sales. Priced at Rs 8 lakh, the company makes a majority of the revenue from renting out Mitra for corporate (Rs 25000) as well as social events (Rs 15-18000).

"People rent out Mitra for weddings and birthday parties. It moves around like a loud jukebox playing songs, takes pictures, also tweets those out if you want it to," explains Vishwanathan.

Rentals form a majority of the company's revenues at present, but the company is in the midst of overhauling their manufacturing process which is expected to increase the share of sales.  The company manufactures its robots from Bengaluru after issues cropped up with transporting their first prototypes from the global manufacturing hub, China.

Invento Robotics turned profitable two months back and will soon be launching a "female" version of Mitra, to be known by the name of 'Mitri'.

While Mitra comes equipped with a tablet, Mitri has been handed a tray.

If you think this is sexist, Vishwanathan puts your worries to rest with a simple explanation, "Most of the servers in India are men; there is no such thought behind the design." Rest assured; Mitri would be available to do your bidding in a few months.

5 Products You Should Never Use If You Have Skin Issues!

If you have sensitive skin, you know how quickly it can become angry, with symptoms like redness, dryness, and itchiness that can be difficult to soothe. And while it may seem like avoiding irritation is impossible, top dermatologists tell us that steering clear of certain types of products that notoriously inflame sensitive types can help your skin calm and happy—and you smiling.

Face scrubs

Also known as physical exfoliants, scrubs are too harsh for sensitive skin—no matter how gentle the beads purport to be. This also includes dry brushes and loofahs in addition to any exfoliant formulas with scrubby bits like sea salt and sugar. Instead, use gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid and fruits acids that help speed up cell turnover without the use of physical rubbing against skin.

Chemical sunscreen

While physical (mineral) sunscreen reflects sun rays to block harmful UV radiation from skin, chemical sunscreens work by actually absorbing the UV rays to prevent skin absorption. Stick to the two physical sunscreen ingredients only—zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Some sunscreens are a mix of both physical and chemical ingredients, to be sure to look at those ingredient labels closely.

 Sulfate shampoos

Americans are culturally known to be addicted to a good sudsing and "squeaky" cleanliness, but sulfates take it too far for sensitive skin types, says Chiu M.D., founder of The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, CA. Sulfates are made of sulfur-containing mineral salts, and are strong detergent ingredients that are often used to create a lot of foaming action in products like shampoo. The most commonly used types you'll see on ingredient labels are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Sulfates can cause chronic dryness and itchiness everywhere from the scalp to the face and body by stripping moisture as it rinses off, so Chiu recommends sensitive skin types always go for shampoos and conditioners labeled "sulfate-free".

Fragranced body lotions

"When the word 'fragrance' appears as an ingredient on the label, this hides many, many more ingredients that can cause irritation since companies aren't obliged to disclose their fragrance ingredients," explains Chiu. Opt for products labeled "fragrance-free"—or if you're craving a scent; choose formulations that add it through natural ingredients like essential oils. It's always safest to first patch test a new product for 24 hours for any potential adverse affects before applying it to your skin liberally.

Skin toner with alcohol

Whether you're cleansing or moisturizing, alcohol in products does the one thing sensitive skin needs the least: It sucks moisture right out of your skin. This can lead to bothersome itchiness, irritation, and discomfort, explains Chiu. On the other hand, fatty alcohols that aren't irritating, and could be okay, include cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol. The safest bet for truly sensitive skin is to always go alcohol-free, says Chiu. 

Recommended Time To Eat Lightest And Heaviest Meal Of The Day!

Lightest meal of the day

When it comes to weight loss, we’ve heard so many different rules, it’s a little exhausting. Some people say you can eat whatever you want as long as you hit around 1,200 calories a day, others say throw out calorie counting, just eat whatever you want as long as the foods are “clean.” The diets get even crazier when you throw timing into the mix. We’ve been told to only eat carbs in the morning, or to try intermittent fasting, or to make sure we only eat certain snacks at night. It can all feel so contradictory and leave your head spinning.

While we're at it, here's another question for you: Which meal should be the smallest of the day? Are we better off eating six small, similarly-sized meals throughout each day? Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? We’ve been told the French eat lunch as their longest and heaviest meal of the day and they look pretty great. We set out to find an absolute answer, consulting both experts and research. Here's what we found:

What The Research Says

Have you ever had a crazy day at work that involved a skipped breakfast and skimpy leftovers at your desk? After a full day of activity and little eating, you come home completely ravenous and feel as though you could eat your entire kitchen. That pattern of consuming all your calories at night can leave you feeling awful, and for good reason, according to science.

According to one study, those who eat most of their calories in the evening hours, during a delayed lunchtime of approximately 4 p.m., may have poor blood sugar metabolism, which could over time lead to insulin resistance issues and weight gain.

Another study published in Pharmacological Research found that participants who ate more calories at breakfast experienced greater weight loss than those who ate the majority of their calories at dinner. Researchers concluded from the observational study that there was a “negative impact of later meal timing and calories distribution on body weight and metabolism.”

Additionally, many reviews suggest that “light” and “heavy” meals can be categorized beyond mere calorie count. One review suggests that consuming 20 to 40 grams (where you fall in the range depends on weight) of high-quality protein every three to four hours is the most supportive of muscle protein synthesis, a process that aids in muscle repair and growth. Additionally, this type of eating promoted improved body composition. As we’ve learned before, a body composed of more muscle and less fat is more likely to have a higher metabolism, which would help with weight loss.

This sentiment was echoed in a study from the journal Steroids that suggested your “heavy” meal of breakfast should contain both protein and carbohydrates in order to support a healthy weight.

What The Experts Say

“I think the rule to follow is that your heavier, in terms of caloric value, should be prior to the most active times of your day so you have energy for your workout or whatever your activity is,” says Albert Matheny, R.D., C.S.C.S, nutritional advisor to Promix Nutrition and co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab.

The reasoning behind this is that food is designed to give you energy, he says. This energy can be used to fuel activity or recovery from activity. However, if you eat in excess of these needs, it will only result in an increase in your blood sugar and then excess calories will be stored as fat, he says.

Agreeing with the research, Matheny says that it’s extra important to make sure you are consuming enough protein post-workout to keep your metabolism functioning well and aid in muscle recovery, as these are keys to long-term health and weight maintenance/loss.

This is not to suggest eating only before a certain time or to stop eating after half the day has passed, but rather to eat meals that are increasingly less calorie dense as the day goes on. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your dark chocolate in the evening—you should if you want it—but it’s how much you consume that makes the difference.

The Bottom Line

Of course you should listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry, but research and experts agree that eating a huge meal right before bed doesn’t make much sense since your body won’t be burning anything off while you’re sleeping. Instead, stick to nutritionally balanced meals that get smaller as your activity level lessens.

Paleo diet tips. Things you should know!

If you take a look back at the Paleolithic era—we’re talking 10,000 years ago here—you’ll find that our ancestors had some pretty solid eating habits. The hunter-gatherers of the Stone Age obviously didn’t have sugary cereals, frozen dinners, or processed snacks to nosh on, so they naturally ate lots of meat, eggs, vegetables, and nuts instead.

That’s essentially what the modern-day “paleo” diet is. Processed foods are out and whole foods that require basically no prep are in.

Dairy, legumes and beans, alcohol, sugar, and even some starchy vegetables are off the table, too. What’s left is pretty much the healthiest kind of grub around, which is why some research touts the diet's benefits.

One study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared the effects of the paleo diet to a low-fat diet and concluded that those who went paleo lost nearly three times the amount of weight than people who ate little fat. Another study in the journal Nutrition Research found that going paleo may also benefit your cholesterol levels, a health marker that's been linked to diabetes and heart disease.

YOU WON’T ALWAYS LOSE WEIGHT

Don’t be surprised if going paleo doesn’t immediately help you drop pounds. While the diet does emphasize lean protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates in the form of fruits and vegetables, it is possible to gain weight at first, says Eliza Savage, R.D., a nutritionist based in New York City.

The amount of calories you're eating still matter when it comes to weight loss. Healthy fats in particular pack a surprising amount, so watch your portion sizes there, she says. For reference, half an avocado will get you 182 calories, so just take that into account with the rest of your meal if you're trying to shed pounds.

Plus, if you're going paleo strictly to lose weight, keep in mind that the fad diet mentality doesn't really work, especially when it comes to keeping the weight off.

YOU’LL WANT TO TRANSITION SLOWLY

Any diet that eliminates common foods is difficult to just jump right into. Bread, peanut butter, and coffee are staples for lots of people, so going cold-turkey might just set you up for insane cravings. Focus on making a few changes at a time to give your body time to adjust, suggests  Adams, Ph.D., founder of Eat Right Fitness.

For example, cutting out all grains at once might feel like a struggle, so give yourself some wiggle room for the occasional serving of rice or corn while you eliminate things like oats, wheat, and quinoa. Over time, you can slowly fade out the rest.

YOUR MEALS MIGHT GET REPETITIVE

“Most people who follow this diet eat in what I call a very ‘elemental’ way, which means very few recipes or combining ingredients,” says Adams.

Most of your plates will involve some form of protein and a pile of vegetables. But this simplicity has the potential to backfire.

“The diet can be very boring if you don’t challenge yourself with different cooking techniques and food varieties,” says Adams.

YOU MIGHT FALL SHORT ON SOME NUTRIENTS

“While the paleo diet has plenty of protein and fiber, it is sorely lacking in calcium and vitamin D, mainly because of the omission of dairy products,” says Adams, which can weaken your bones and immune system over time. Make sure you load up on paleo-approved calcium sources, like almonds, broccoli, and dark leafy greens.

It's important to also note that your body actually needs enough vitamin D to properly absorb calcium in the first place, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lots of people, paleo or not, lack vitamin D, but eating foods rich in it, like paleo-approved fatty fish and mushrooms, can help.

Still, if you don't feel like you eat a ton of those foods and you live in a less-than-sunny area—think Midwest in the dead of winter—talk to your doc about it. He or she can run a test to make sure you're truly deficient. Then, if necessary, can talk to you about taking a supplement.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT EATING TOO MUCH PROTEIN

Protein helps keep your hunger in check and makes your muscles grow. With the paleo diet, lean meat and fish will likely make up a big portion of each of your meals.

But that isn't really something to fret over, says Adams. As long as your kidneys are functioning properly, it’s quite difficult to eat too much protein. “There is plenty of current research that shows a slew of benefits to consuming a high-protein diet with little-to-no negative side-effects,” he says.

However, that means other important macronutrients, like fat and carbs, might get pushed to the side if you're not careful. To ensure a balanced plate, make sure you're fueling up with fruits or vegetables and foods that contain healthy fats, like nuts.

Five reasons why car buyers can put off their decision and wait for electric cars

Petrol and diesel cars are on their way out. India is zipping ahead on its path to embrace electric cars as automakers as well as the government are gearing up to bring electric mobility to the country, and fast. Next year, a number of electric cars will hit the road and you will get to see more charging stations.

Government leads the way 

Though M&M is already selling electric cars in India, one swallow does not make a summer. Electric mobility requires a big push. And that push has already happened. The government is placing orders for 10,000 electric cars with private companies. First phase of bidding is already over. Tata Motors will supply 250 cars and  M&M will supply 150 in the first phase. State-run firm Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), which has placed the order, seeks to push adoption of electric vehicles in India by this mega order. The government order is expected to kickstart the market. EESL will lease out these vehicles to government departments. Within a few years, the government might replace a large part of its fleet with electric vehicles.

Infrastructure cropping up 

The biggest problem in the way of electric mobility in India is lack of charging infrastructure. That's why the leader M&M could not bring in the revolution despite hard attempts. Adoption of electric vehicles requires mass-level efforts. The huge government order followed by more such orders in future will necessitate building of charging stations. India has nearly 56,000 fuel stations but only a little more than 200 charging stations. The change has already begun. Recently, Indian Oil Corporation became India's first oil marketing company to set up a charging station at a petrol pump in Nagpur. More such charging stations will crop up next year.

The leader joins the race 

Japanese automakers Suzuki Motor and Toyota Motor have finalised an agreement to manufacture and sell electric vehicles in India within three years. Suzuki sells one in every two passenger vehicles in India through local unit Maruti. If such a mass-production company starts selling electric vehicles, adoption will be quick.

The industry trend 

Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) is readying an electric vehicle strategy aligned with the needs of the Indian market. HCIL, the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese carmaker, is evaluating developing country-specific battery electric vehicles addressing the issue of affordability and its suitability under Indian traffic conditions. Honda globally expects as much as 65% of its sales to come from electrified vehicles in 2030. It has already established with  in Honda R&D (Japan) an Electric Vehicle Development Division—a specialised team which is in charge of developing the entire vehicle including the powertrain and body—to increase development speed of EVs.

Honda joining Suzuki and Toyota in India's electric race means more automakers will be compelled to join and electric vehicles will soon become the hottest industry trend in India. Korean car maker Hyundai is already evaluating its green mobility solution for the Indian market.
Expect these companies to launch activities to promote widespread acceptance and use of electric vehicles in India. These will include setting up of charging infrastructure, human resource development including training for after-service technicians and systems for appropriate treatment of end-of-life batteries.

The policy push 

The government has set an ambitious target of having only electric cars by 2030. And it has shown it has no intention to sleep on its plans. In September, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari warned automakers that he could even use coercion to meet the target. This means the government will try to disincentivise production of petrol and diesel vehicles every way it can while incentivising electric vehicles. This is necessary to make the transition faster.

5 Face Care Tips You Need to Follow In Winter

Any extreme weather condition–be it hot or cold can damage your skin. However, I think winter is particularly hard as the dry wind, and chilly weather can make your skin dry up leading to flakes. And a regular skincare regimen would hardly help in such times. Your skin needs more than just pampering to keep it healthy and glowing.

And to help you achieve that, here are a few simple winter care tips for your face that you can follow to avoid excessive dryness and dead looking skin.

1. Cleansing, The First Step To Healthy Skin

No matter which product you use, cleansing is a must-follow first step in skincare. This has to be followed through the year irrespective of the season. In winters, you can limit the number of times you wash your face from 3 times to 2 times and alternatively cleanse your face with cold milk and cotton ball to prevent excessive dryness.

2. Scrub, Exfoliation Is The Key

You can enhance your scrubbing experience by making your own scrub using natural ingredients available at your home. Here’s a sample fruit scrub for you.

2 tbsp. mashed ripe banana
2 tbsp. of a mashed apple
1 tbsp. honey
2 dollops of your Mild scrub.
Mix all the ingredients and gently scrub your face for 2 minutes in circular motions. Washing it off with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

3. Toning To Tighten The Skin
First things first, always use a mild toner that suits your skin rather than one loaded with chemicals. A harsh toner could disturb your skin’s PH levels. Toning will remove the post-cleansing residual dirt from your face. Toning not only tightens your skin but also prepares it for the moisturizer, night serum you are about to apply to the face.

4. Moisturizing For Soothing

Moisturising is not just essential for very dry and flaky skin, but regular skin type must indulge in this routine too. If you are not for chemical-laden products, then you could go for any of the natural moisturizers— almond oil or extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively, you can mix the oil with your normal cold cream or lotion too. Gently massage this into your skin till it absorbs and leave it on.

5. Essential Face Packs For Winter

There are hundreds of ingredients in your kitchen which can help keep your facial skin soft and supple in the harsh cold season. Here are a few face packs that you can make use of.

Banana Face Mask

Mashed ripe banana is a great moisturizing agent. Take 4 to 5 tablespoons of mashed ripe banana and massage it on the face. Wash off after 10 minutes and give your face some massage with honey, go in circular motions for that extra moisturizing feel. Do so for at least 10 minutes and finish off with a toner.

Buttermilk Pack

Use malai or fresh buttermilk with a pinch of turmeric, let it stay on the face for about 10 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

Aloe Vera

Known for its incredibly moisturizing properties,  aloe vera can be used on the face as a moisturizer; It is an ideal way to relieve your face from dryness and enhance its texture.

Borrowing is easy like never before through peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform

What is P2P lending?

Similar to e-commerce websites such as Amazon and OLX, a P2P platform is a marketplace for money lending activities. "Individuals can lend money to others where the lender and the borrower are matched using online services. Lenders can go through profiles of people looking for money and offer an amount to whichever individual or business that they find most promising.

The borrower can either be an individual or a legal person requiring a loan.

Who does P2P lending suit?

While banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFC) are the readily available sources for loans, who does the P2P platform cater to? "Unfortunately, banks in India follow mediocre credit assessment policies which are suited only for borrowers who can offer collateral or have an impeccable credit history. In practice, majority of the borrowers lie in between these extremes. Therefore, majority of Indians can borrow on P2P platforms.

One of the main reasons that borrowers go for P2P lending is the fact that they may get financing which they wouldn't have gotten approval for by standard financial institutions. The middleman is removed from the process. The application process is also easy and quick unlike banks and NBFCs which take 4-7 working days to disburse a loan.

How is the interest rate determined?

Unlike in a bank, where the interest rate is largely a function of the cost of funds of the lender, in a P2P platform, the borrower's profile decides the interest rate at which the money can be borrowed. Pricing is determined based on risk associated with the borrower and so we determine the interest rate for a loan based on our proprietary scoring and pricing parameters. Every platform will have its own pricing and scoring pattern for the borrower. Therefore, compare rates across P2P platforms before finalising where to borrow from.

Who is eligible to borrow?

The eligibility norms may vary across P2P platforms but they mostly restrict it to individuals with earn a salary. Having the salary credited to bank account, having an email account, and a mobile number may just be some other pre-conditions for borrowing on these platforms. Check the minimum income criteria and the borrowing amount before you proceed.

Credit score

Credit score has become an important tool for banks while disbursing loans. However, those with no credit score or a low score could face issues. Banks take a very narrow view of 'good' borrowers, i.e., CIBIL score of 750+ and have a category A, category B and category C list of companies. This has left a large part of individuals not able to access credit. P2P lending websites, therefore, offer a platform to those with low credit scores.

Even those with high credit scores may take advantage of these platforms.  Borrowers with good credit profile can borrow as low as Rs 25,000 even for 6 months and could prepay the loan without any penalty. Banks don't offer such flexibility.

A high credit score of say closer to 900 means that the borrower has serviced previous loans and credit card dues properly, so that the lender feels that you are a safe borrower. Thus, you can get a higher loan amount at a lower rate. A borrower with around 800 or more credit score, needing a Rs 7.5 lakh loan would be better of approaching a bank than a P2P lending platform.

What are the restrictions?

RBI has put a cap on the amount that can be borrowed and lent. The aggregate exposure of a lender or the maximum that one may borrow at any point of time, across all P2Ps, shall be capped at Rs 10 lakh. Even the exposure of a single lender to the same borrower, across all P2Ps, shall not exceed Rs 50,000 and the maturity of the loans shall not exceed 36 months. More clarity from RBI is expected on how the regulator intends to monitor the compliance of this aspect and how it will fix the responsibility.

What are the charges?

Make sure the charges are clearly defined and are stated in the tripartite agreement between the P2P platform, lender, and the borrower. Some of the charges could be:

Lender fees:

o Account opening fee

o Entry fee

o Investing and reinvesting fee

o Repayment collection fee - A percentage of monthly repayment collected from borrower

o Exit / withdrawal Fee - A percentage of the amount withdrawn from escrow account

Borrower fees:

o Registration fee

o Listing fee / account opening fee

o Borrower fee - A percentage depending on one's rating

o Prepayment charges

o Loan processing charges

Risks for a lender

Since this is an unsecured loan where there is no face-to-face interaction, a P2P lender needs to be aware of the risks involved. All investments involve risk. However, in comparison to equity or commodity market investments or real estate, P2P lending has lower risk as it is addressed by on-boarding high quality borrowers. Further, lenders are suggested to create a diversified portfolio of loans.

Risks for a borrower

For a borrower who intends to default, it is definitely not a good idea. Defaulting borrowers can end up hurting their credit scores thereby lowering their chances of securing loans in future. Plus, there can be steep penalties for delaying or defaulting on the payment and it may involve a long drawn litigation process.

In case of default

As a lender, one would want the P2P platform to help in recovering the amount lent in case the borrower defaults. "Since the borrower is abided by a legally enforceable contract, he or she can be sued in the court of law. He adds, for an additional fee, P2P platforms can offer you third-party legal opinion. The P2P platforms try to recover the defaulted amount, including steep penalties charged thereon by deploying their own human resource.

Finish Line

P2P lending is a new mechanism and if properly conducted can bring in a huge amount of unorganised lending and borrowing into its fold. Further, a large chunk of borrowers with no credit history can be catered to by these platforms.

For the benefit of this industry and the individual bowers and lenders, the regulator needs to keep a close watch, track and take necessary action especially in the initial days to keep the unscrupulous activities out. The advertisement and promotional messages of P2P platforms needs to be strictly monitored and standardised. Those who are promoting this business on the lines of 'assurance', 'capital protection' etc may damage the reputation of the industry even before it takes off. A case in point is the life insurance industry marred with rampant cases of mis-selling especially in the initial days of the sector being opened up for the private sector.

Make sure to check GST 'discounts' If planning to buy these groceries!

From Wednesday, consumers would do well to check their shopping bills closely. A host of packaged products such as chocolates, toothpastes, shampoos and shaving creams – with the maximum retail price printed on them – is set to become cheaper following a steep reduction in the goods and services tax.

Some companies manufacturing these products have asked traders to pass on the tax cuts to consumers immediately, without waiting to put revised maximum retail price stickers on them or printing new packs, both of which would take time.

A watch company and a printer maker plan to inform customers about the price reduction through newspaper advertisements. Still, consumers should be aware that not all companies may implement the price cuts right away.

The changes will affect a large number of products that are already in stores or on their way there. Pasting stickers with revised prices can be done only after the government gives the go ahead. Apart from taking time, some companies said pasting stickers costs the same as printing packs with the revised prices.


The maximum retail price of a product includes taxes and unless a company increases the base price or raises the margin for distributors and dealers, these products should become cheaper. The government is yet to issue fresh guidelines on pasting stickers with the revised prices.

The GST Council reduced the tax rate on about 200 products, of which 178 were moved to 18 per cent from the 28 per cent slab, at its 23rd meeting on November 10. The new rates are effective from midnight Tuesday, with both the states and the Centre issuing notifications.

“However, given the paucity of time, most companies have not been able to reduce the MRP of products but have communicated to dealers and retailers that prices should be brought down.” Consumers need to be aware about what prices are likely to come down and by how much, irrespective of the MRP printed on the product. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which makes Amul, the country’s largest dairy brand, has told distributors to sell its products at the revised prices.

Dabur, the maker of Real fruit juices and herbal and ayurvedic products, said it has not informed its trade channels about the revised prices.

Some companies may not cut prices and instead increase pack sizes.

“When the tax slabs went up in July, we did not increase prices. Now that they have been revised downwards, we may not drop prices. We will wait and see how the market dynamics play out before taking a decision,” said the head of a large cosmetics company. Consumers should keep a tab on restaurant bills, too.

Fight Against The Pressing Issue: Depression!

When you were in school how often did you hear about depression or any other mental illness for that matter?

Gone are days when mental disorders were a rare thing. More people are becoming victims of depression and anxiety, and you can blame it all on technology. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 5% of the world’s population suffers from depression. That’s a whopping 350 million people. 

Why the rise?

If you date back twenty years from today the number of people suffering from depression would be not more than 0.5%. To begin with, the reason for the increase in depression is the gradual change in the thought process of the people.  In fact, research shows that depression begins with negative thinking.

How does it start?

It ‘s okay to have negative thoughts when you have a setback, but the problem starts when your whole thinking pattern becomes negative. You fail to see the good and start picking out the negatives in each and everything. This habit becomes a way of life, and that’s when depression creeps in.

Depression is seen as a major threat today because it has the power to deteriorate our entire life. Its old news that our thoughts reflect our actions. So having depressive thoughts will automatically have an impact on our daily lives. The increase in the rate of suicide is also strongly connected with depression.

Getting rid of depression

As I already mentioned, the root cause of depression is negative thinking. To treat depression, you have to get started by getting to the root of the issue, which is your thinking pattern.

Practicing Positive Thinking

Positive thinking cannot be taught in a day. It takes time and effort, but one fine day it will eventually pay off. The first step is to transform every single negative thought into a positive one. For example, let’s say that you have recently lost your job. The first negative thought which will hit you is that getting a job is extremely difficult. Get started on this very thought. Start thinking that getting a job is very easy because you have the right skill set and experience.

Tips To Beat The Toxic Delhi Engulfing Smog!

After Indian Medical Association declared a 'public health emergency' in Delhi on Tuesday, schools decided to shut till Sunday. The National Green Tribunal also banned the construction and industrial activities in the City till November 14.

While people are on high alert, there are certain things one needs to keep in mind when dealing with this major crisis in the city.

Tips To Beat The Toxic Smog

1. Avoid cardio workout 

Many experts and doctors have suggested staying indoor during this crucial time. Breathing heavily during cardio workout will draw pollution deeper into the lungs, increasing the chances of respiratory ailments. "Avoid outdoor exercise at least until levels drop below the prescribed limit. Even allergic cough and breathing problems in little children can be averted by spending the evening indoors.


2. Get the right mask 

It is crucial to find the right mask to protect yourself from the repercussions of the polluted air. Avoid surgical and comfort masks as they don't provide adequate respiratory protection to the wearer. Currently, Delhi's air has increased levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 - particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres). Hence, get a respirator that is rated N95/N99/FFP3 or is 'NIOSH Approved' that filters out more than 95% of particles (larger than 0.3 microns).

3. Stay Hydrated

Health and wellness expert Dolly Kumar, and founder of GAIA, suggested keeping the body hydrated and drinking more water than usual during this time. One can also consume vegetable and fruit juices.

4. Don't ignore sustained symptoms 

Keep the allergy kit ready with required medicines, inhalers and nebulisers if you have a family member with respiratory illness. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Signs You Need To Show To A Doctor 

Breathing in the poor air quality can have severe health implications in the short and long term. We tend to develop more mucus in our lungs when we inhale smog. It further holds the toxins making us feel sick or asthmatic.

Exposure to bad air quality may lead to initial symptoms like coughing, irritation in eyes and nose, sore throat, asthma or wheezing, and tiredness. But prolonged exposure may have serious consequences on health causing stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer. Pathak advised consulting a doctor immediately if these symptoms persist.

Asthmatic patients should carry their inhalers at all time. They can also increase their medication after consulting with their physicians if their symptoms worsen.

5 of the worst cancer-causing foods to avoid!

Cancer is a condition where the cells in a specific body part begin to reproduce uncontrollably thus invading or spreading other body parts. There are two types of tumors benign which don’t spread to other body parts and malignant tumors which do. According to medical experts cancer is a group of many illnesses.

1.Refined and sugary foods

Refined sugar and fructose such as corn syrup can cause numerous health issues. These foods increase the insulin levels in the blood thus make the cancer cells grow. The American Society for Clinical Nutrition journal has published an article in 2006 where they explain that people who consumed lots of sugar had an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This is why you should limit sugar consumption and try to switch to healthier alternatives such as stevia, honey, maple syrup, jiggery and molasses.

2.Red processed meat

Red mead such as bacon, ham, sausage and others contain many harmful additives as well as salt. One study conducted by The Nutrition and Cancer journal discovered that consuming excess red processed meat can increase the risk of colorectal cancer as well as prostate cancer. So, try to avoid this type of meat as much as you can and choose grass-fed meat.

3.Smoked/Pickled food

Regular consumption of these types of food is very unhealthy. During the smoking process the toxins remain in the meat which is why it is harmful for the health. Pickled foods, on the other hand, contain nitrates that change to N-nitroso during digestion which leads to cancer, and they are also loaded with preservatives in order to prolong their shelf-life. Excess consumption of preservatives can also lead to cancer.

4.White flour

White flour is used to make many foods that we consume daily. Refined flour is particularly unhealthy because of the high amount of carbohydrates it contains. According to some studies, women who consume lots of carbohydrates have an increased risk of breast cancer. This type of flour also increases the sugar levels in the blood rapidly. Choose healthier alternatives such as whole wheat, barley, almond or quinoa flour.

5.Hydrogenated oils

This type of oil becomes poisonous when processed. They are made from vegetables and are used to prolong the shelf life and they also have trans fats and omega 6 acids. The omega 6 acids are healthy when taken in small amounts; however larger amounts can cause damage to the cells thus lead to skin cancer. Trans fats increase the risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. You should replace them with coconut, olive and palm oil.-

Checklist! If you Are Planning To Move In Rented House.

1. Rent clause 

The first thing to check is the rent you will pay and and the increment clause. If no hike is mentioned in the document and the owner decides to increase it a few months down the line, it will be easy to confront him.

There is usually a 10% rental rise after a year, and you need to be clear that this is listed or if you are comfortable with it. The lease is typically renewed after 11 months, not a year, since it has to be registered if the duration is more than 11 months. Also find out about the security deposit and how this amount will be adjusted when you vacate. The document should also list a termination clause, specifying the tenure of stay and notice period, if any. It is also a good thing to find out about the mode of payment to avoid any confusion.

2. Fees & charges for facilities

Check if there is any penalty for delayed payment of rent mentioned in the agreement. It should clearly state the day by which the rent is expected and the charges you will incur if you do not pay by the due date. You could also be expected to pay for various facilities in the society, such as gym, parking, club and swimming pool, regardless of whether you avail of these.

3. Other terms & conditions 

Go through the rent agreement for any specific terms and conditions that the owner may impose, in addition to the society’s rules. For instance, he may insist on not allowing pets or keeping late hours, prohibiting loud music or late-night parties, etc. These need to be clearly stated in the document and can help you decide whether the property suits your requirements.

4. Check the property 

While it goes without saying that you should visit the house that you are going to rent before moving in, most people do not pay much attention to detail. Make sure that the basic construction, including walls and flooring, paint work, electrical appliances, switchboards and wiring, water connection and plumbing fixtures in kitchen and washrooms are in good condition.

5. Repair & damage

Make sure the rent agreement clearly mentions who will pay for the regular maintenance work and whitewashing or paint work that is required in the house after you have moved in. These can include replacement of old electrical wiring or plumbing, and other wear and tear in the house. Also find out if the owner will pay for repair work in case of any accidental damage to the house, or in the event of destruction due to natural causes like flood or quake. Ensure that the agreement lists clearly who will pay for which kind of repair and maintenance. Have it clearly stated in the agreement whether you will be reimbursed or the owner will make the payment directly.

Are We Completely in Digital Economy After A Year Ban Of Note!

The word demonetisation became a part of everyday vocabulary on November 8, 2016. Before that day if you had asked the common man what it was he would respond with a shrug. Ask him now what it means and he will not only tell you what it means but also what he thinks about it. This is because the country was sent into a tizzy on November 8, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that come midnight, Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes would become invalid.

In his 40-minute speech, Modi said that this was done to weed out black money and to promote a less cash economy. A year has passed since then and according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), 99% of the demonetised high value currency notes have come back into the banking system. But what about increasing the usage of digital payments? Have we, as a country, reduced our dependence on cash?

In November 2016, a total of 523.23 million cashless transactions took place worth Rs 93.63 lakh crore and by March it was 682.45 million transactions amounting to Rs 150.24 lakh crore. Now, coming to cash, as on October 2017, the total cash in circulation was a whopping total Rs 1, 31, 81, 190 crore and the total currency with the public was Rs 15, 32, 850 crore. All of us together have put in money worth Rs 1,03, 65, 840 crore in time deposits with banks. And cashless forms just 5 per of all the transactions in India.

Why do Indians love cash?
All stakeholders are to blame; right from regulations, digital payment infrastructure, to the mind sets of the people. "The government needs to keep putting pressure on all stakeholders to make sure that digital payments are accepted more. We are one of the few countries where the usage of cash is incentivised.

One big hindrance and misconception is that fact that digital payments is viewed as a tool meant for the educated and that it is not easy to use. You can still find people struggling to withdraw money from an ATM - and this is something many of see as basic banking.

Then there is the fact that there you cannot use cashless modes of payments at many merchant outlets even now. There are 81 crore debit cards in India and just 28.82 lakh point-of-sale (PoS) terminals. Go to the local market, how many the local merchants will use your debit or credit card or use something like a Paytm? If in the metro cities this is the case, imagine smaller towns and rural areas?


And even in outlets where there are PoS terminals, electronic payments are discouraged for small value transactions. This is something even the central bank noted in a concept paper on card acceptance infrastructure released in April 2016. "Along with the measures to increase availability of card acceptance infrastructure it is also essential to ensure that cards payments are accepted seamlessly for all types of payments irrespective of amounts.

The government has been trying to increase the reach of digital payments by introducing payments of tolls, train tickets, and so on using apps and smart cards. But it is yet to catch on in a big way.


Security and lack of quick redressal mechanisms is another concern. Hackers and tricksters get smarter as we get more dependent on electronic modes of payments. Late last year, between May and June, 3.2 million debit cards across India were compromised due to malware. The breach was only detected in September 2016. News of scams and frauds is not uncommon. This will only further deter more people from coming on board the electronic payments bus.


And when a fraud does take place, it is not a very pleasant experience to get your hard-earned money back. In general, getting your grievances addressed by banks is rather unpleasant and tedious. And with the RBI still coming out guidelines and banks putting systems in place, getting your grievance regarding a digital payment transaction getting resolved will not be that easy.

The RBI has taken a step in the right direction by coming out with notification on, Customer Protection - Limiting Liability of Customers in Unauthorised Electronic Banking Transactions. The notification puts the onus on the banks to prove a fraudulent activity and lays out the customer's role in informing the bank about a wrongful transaction in his account. Banks and financial institutions are also doing their part by increasing awareness among customers, especially in smaller towns. We will have to wait and watch how banks and the RBI will go ahead from here on to tackle customer protection when it comes to electronic payments.

Way Ahead

Indians are taking baby steps towards a less cash economy, but a lot needs to be done in the meanwhile. After November 8, many have stopped keeping large sums of cash at home, and at least in the cities people (both young and old) are increasing their usage of electronic payments. Financial inclusion is a big problem in India what with our large unbanked population. If we want to increase the usage of digital modes of payments, the government, regulators, and financial institutions need to come up with solutions that takes care of all sections of the society.

"In a market like India, where regulations are still evolving, it is imperative that the government and regulators take a long-term view to building a sustainable digital payments market. Regulators need to emphasize awareness on cost of cash and incentivize the use of noncash instruments, while the government needs to shape policy that simplifies KYC requirements, making digital payment transactions more user friendly. Government investments in building merchant acceptance networks, setting up common payments infrastructure and developing a proper framework for grievance redressal are also essential.

Say bye to Monday Blues & Start Loving your Job!

Yes, the weekend is over and we are all back to reality! And that means the office cubicle, the plethora of unread e-mails and the boss(es) to deal with.

Instead of feeling the classic Monday blues, and getting into a funk, you first need to tell yourself that the perfect job doesn't exist. But you must enjoy what you do, and review your options when you stop enjoying it.

Till then, we list some simple tips that can make mundane Mondays a magical affair.

Yes, the weekend is over and we are all back to reality! And that means the office cubicle, the plethora of unread e-mails and the boss(es) to deal with.

Instead of feeling the classic Monday blues, and getting into a funk, you first need to tell yourself that the perfect job doesn't exist. But you must enjoy what you do, and review your options when you stop enjoying it.

Till then, we list some simple tips that can make mundane Mondays a magical affair.

1. Pick up a new skill

Boredom sets in when you've mastered your current work, and aren't feeling that stimulated or challenged. If this bothers you, explore opportunities to take on new responsibilities at work or learn a new skill. Learning a new skill can lend a different perspective.

2. Small changes go a long way

Sometimes it only takes tiny changes to refresh our outlook at the workplace! Organisational tactics like freshening up files or clearing out your inbox are small changes that can check fatigue from setting in.

Even asking if you can relocate to a different area of the office can give you a new perspective! Relocation can add relationships to your network, especially if you get a workspace where you meet new people from a different area of the office.

3. Alter your work schedule

If you normally work nine-to-five, check if you can shift to an earlier or later start time. Being able to spend more time on your fitness goals or hobbies - either in the morning or evening - can be a helpful change.

4. Take breaks

If you're fortunate enough to have paid vacation time-off, don't leave any days dangling at the end of the year! Plan consistent time away from the office by taking a few days per quarter or save up for a big dream vacation-one you can look forward to!

5. Review and reset

When your love for the job is running short, consider taking some time to reflect on where you were in life before you joined , and why you sought it out in the first place.

What have you learnt in this line of work that you wouldn't have otherwise?

Have you made any new friends here? What new skills have you gained?

A little perspective on how far you've come can help reset your interest in the day-to-day.

It can remind you that in the journey of your careers, it's perfectly normal to go through times when you're in and out of love with your job. 

Pick your birthday from the list below and read what the color says.

December 23rd until January 1st = Red

January 2nd until January 11th = Orange

January 12th until January 24th = Yellow

January 25th until February 3rd = Pink

February 4th until February 8th = Blue

February 9th until February 18th = Green

February 19th until February 29th = Brown

March 1st until March 10th = Aqua

March 11th until March 20th = Lime

March 21st = Black

March 22nd until March 31st = Purple

April 1st until April 10th = Navy

April 11th until April 20th = Silver

April 21st until April 30th = White

May 1st until May 14th = Blue

May 15th until May 24th = Gold

May 25th until June 3rd = Cream

June 4th until June 13th = Grey

June 14th until June 23rd = Maroon

June 24th = Grey

June 25th until July 4th = Red

July 5th until July 14th = Orange

July 15th until July 25th = Yellow

July 26th until August 4th = Pink

August 5th until August 13th = Blue

August 14th until August 23rd = Green

August 24th until September 2nd = Brown

September 3rd until September 12th = Aqua

September 13th until September 22nd = Lime

September 23rd = Olive

September 24th -October 3rd = Purple

October 4th until October 13th = Navy

October 14th until October 23rd = Silver

October 24th -November 11th = White

November 12th until November 21st = Gold

November22nd until December 1st = Cream

December 2nd until December 11th = Grey

December 12th- December 21st = Maroon

December 22nd = Teal

Red

Cute and lovable type. You are picky but always in love…and like to be loved. Fresh and cheerful, but can be “moody” at times.

Cream

Competitive and sportive. You don’t like losing and are always cheerful! You are trustworthy, and very out going. You choose love carefully, and don’t fall in love easily. But once you find the right one, you don’t let go for a long long time.

Teal

You are mostly interested in your looks and have high standards when choosing a partner. You think before making decisions and avoid making stupid mistakes. You like to be a leader, and it is easy for you to make new friends.

Grey

You are attractive, and active. You never hide your feelings, and express everything that’s inside. But you can be selfish at times. You want to be noticed, and don’t like to be treated unfairly. You know what to say at the right time, and you have good sense of humor. You can usually brighten up someone’s day.

Green

You get along well with new people You are not really a shy person, but sometimes you can hurt people’s feelings by your words… You like to be loved and noticed by your lover, but mostly you are single waiting for the right person.

Gold

You know what’s right and what’s wrong. You are cheerful and out going. It’s hard for you to find the one you want, but once you find the right person, you won’t be able to fall in love again for a long time.

Pink

You are always trying your best in everything, and like to help and care for other people. But you are not easily satisfied. You have negative thoughts, and you look for romantic love like in a fairytale.

Yellow

You are sweet and innocent and trusted by many people. You are usually the leader in relationships. You make good decision and make the right choice at the right time. You are always dreaming of a romantic relationship.

Maroon

You are intelligent, and know what’s right. You like to make things go your way, which can sometimes cause trouble by not thinking about other people’s feelings. But you are patient when it comes to love… Once you get hold of the right person, it’s hard for you to find a better love.

Orange

You are responsible for your own actions, and you know how to treat people. You always have goals to reach, and are competitive. When it comes to friendship, you find it hard to trust someone, but once you find the right friend, you trust them forever.

Purple

You are mysterious, never selfish and easily interested in things. Your day can be sad or happy depending on your mood. You are popular amongst your friends but you can act stupid at times, and forget things easily. You seek people that are trustworthy.

Lime

You are calm, but easily stressed out. You get jealous easily, and complain over little things.

Silver

You are imaginative and shy, but you like trying new things. You like to challenge yourself and you learn new things easily. Your love life is difficult and confusing.

Black

You like being challenged and are very brave. But you don’t like changes in your life. And once you make a decision, you keep it that way for a long time.

Olive

You are warm and light hearted. You seem to flow well with friends and family. You don’t like violence and know what’s right. You are kind and cheerful, and you don’t envy other people easily.

Brown

You are active and sporty. It’s hard for other people to become close with you, but you fall in love easily. Once you find out you can’t get something, you give up and let go easily.

Blue

You have low self-esteem, and very picky. You are artistic and like to fall in love, but you love with your mind and not your heart.

Navy

You are attractive, and love your life. You have strong feelings towards everything and are very easily distracted. Once you get angry at someone, its hard for you to forgive them.

White

You dream and have goals in your life. You get jealous easily and few things make a big impression on you. You are thought highly by others.

Aqua

Your feelings change suddenly and easily. You are truthful, but believe other people too easily. It’s hard to find the right love for you, and you get lost in love easily, sometimes getting hurt.

November 2017 Horoscope

There’s a lot of action going down in the universe this month, and it’s going to impact all areas of your life. 

ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19)

 November 2017 Aries Horoscope

Go ahead and dream big this month, Aries—the universe is ready to do you a solid. When Mercury goes into Sagittarius, you’ll find yourself mulling over going back to school and learning something new. After all, you’re already an expert in your field, so maybe your talents could expand to other areas, too. You’ll also start dreaming about your next big vacation. Swimming with penguins off the coast of Argentina? Oh yeah. The sun kicks into Sagittarius at the end of the month, making you ready to let loose and have some fun.

TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20)

 November 2017 Taurus Horoscope

You’ve got sh-t that needs to get done, Taurus, and this month you’re finally going to do it all. Mars, the planet of action, moves into the sector of your chart that represents work, shifting you into super-employee mode. You’ll tackle your assignments with new energy and wrap up projects that have been on your to-do list for ages. It’s not all work, though. All that productivity will free you up for plenty of after-hours fun. You’ll have an urge to treat yourself with the full moon on the 4th, so go with it. You deserve it.

GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20)

 November 2017 Gemini Horoscope

Finding a good work-life balance is always a struggle, but this month you’re actually going to nail it. Mars, the planet of action, moves into your house of fun, helping you to figure out how you can have a little less work and more play in your life. The new moon on the 18th kicks you into high gear, making you laser-focused on getting things done. You’ll clear out that junk that’s been sitting in the bottom of your closet and finally find time to have coffee with your friend you’ve been meaning to meet up with since forever. Toward the end of the month, the sun moves into Sagittarius, shining a positive light on your life. Things are looking really looking up for you.

CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22)

 November 2017 Cancer Horoscope

You’ve got your career on the brain, Cancer, and there are some big decisions ahead for you. Mercury, the planet of thought, moves into the sector of your chart that represents work, making you question how much you actually like your job. Luckily, that brain power boost will help you plan your next move if you decide it’s time for a change. Venus, the planet of love and money, moves into your sister sign this month, pushing you to get out and grab life by the balls. Been wanting to have a girls’ night for a while? Do it around the full moon on the 4th—it’s a great time to be out with your friends.

LEO (JULY 23–AUGUST 22)

 November 2017 Leo Horoscope

You can never have too much fun, Leo, and this month that’s going to become crystal clear. The sun is moving into Sagittarius, your sister sign, creating a positive glow around your social life. Rest up now, because you’re going to be headed to a lot of parties this month. Venus, the planet of love and money, moves into the sector of your chart about home, giving you the urge to do a little home makeover. Your new Pinterest obsession—and the full moon activating your house of career—could give you the push you finally need to ask for more money at work. If you’re pretty sure your current job isn’t going to help your reno budget, start networking with other people. You’ll be surprised what you discover.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22)

 November 2017 Virgo Horoscope

This month is all about home and family for you, Virgo. Mercury, the planet of action, is in the sector of your chart about home, making you think about where you’re currently living. Do you love your place or is it time for a move? The full moon on the 4th combined with the sun’s shift into Sagittarius leaves you with a serious urge to travel to see family. Going home for a visit can really help you catch a breather—and figure out what you want to do next.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22)

 November 2017 Libra Horoscope

Break out your credit card, Libra, because there’s a shopping spree in your future. Venus, the planet of love and money, is in your house of finance, giving you a serious urge to spend. Just take a beat and ask yourself first if that new dress is worth going into debt over. The sun moves into your house of communication toward the end of the month, prompting you to make a lot of plans to be with friends. Whether it’s a night out with your BFFs or a girls trip to a new city, one thing is for sure: It’ll be epic.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21)

 November 2017 Scorpio Horoscope

Is it hot in here, or is it just you? Venus, the planet of love and money, is in your sign this month, making you feel as amazing as you look. This is your month to shine, Scorpio, so don’t let it go to waste. Get out with your girls, try out that new class at the gym you’ve been waffling over, and speak up more at work—the universe is giving you a serious boost, so you’d better take advantage. The new moon on the 18th makes you look towards 2018. What do you really need to take the coming year to the next level? Only you know the answer.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21)

 November 2017 Sagittarius Horoscope

Everybody’s got things they have to do, and this month you’ll figure out a way to blaze through your to-do list so you can maximize on fun. The full moon on the 4th gives you a serious energy boost to get things you need to do out of the way. Luckily you’ve got the rest of the month to kick back and enjoy. Mercury, the planet of thought, is in your house of communication, giving you the urge to talk. You’ve got ideas, and people need to hear them. Mars, the planet of action, is in your house of friendship, creating some amazing opportunities for you to connect with your girls on a deeper level. Sure, happy hour is awesome, but nothing beats a good conversation and sharing a glass of wine at your place.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19)

Remember that gym you’ve been thinking about joining for ages? It’s go time, Capricorn. The new moon on the 18th activates your house of friendship, pushing you to try new things where you’ll meet a different crew. Sure, your old friends are amazing, but you’ll suddenly have a chance to expand your circle even more. Toward the end of the month, the sun moves into Sagittarius, kicking off a super-busy time for you. It’s hard to turn down a good invite, but saying “no” once in a while so you can decompress will do you good.

For dozens of fat-blasting routines you can do at home, check out Salty Cat Workouts—the all-new site that features the world’s best video workouts for free!

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18)

 November 2017 Aquarius Horoscope

November is all about spending time with your girls, Aquarius. Mercury, the planet of thought, moves into your house of friendship, giving you a serious urge to have deep talks with your BFF. Don’t be afraid to get things off your chest—she’s happy to listen. Mars, the planet of action, moves into your house of travel, causing you to mull over the idea of a move. Would relocating to a different city create better job opportunities for you? It’s not all about deep thoughts, though: Toward the end of the month you’ll be ready to push serious stuff aside, just get out, and have some fun.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20)

 November 2017 Pisces Horoscope

You’ve got dreams, Pisces, and it’s time to finally tap into them. The sun moves into your house of career this month, pushing you to think about what you have and don’t have in your work. Sure, the pay is decent but are you really challenged by what you’re doing on a daily basis? Take a beat to think about what else is out there that could be good for you. The new moon on the 18th gives you the urge to start planning a trip, so start Pinning some cool travel articles. After all, you’ve got vacation days to burn before the year is up—make them count.