5 Ways to take back control over your mind
Take back control over your mind
If you are reading this, you are ready to take control of your mind. Since the beginning of our lives, our minds have been programmed by our surroundings and by the World at large. As we grow, evolve and awaken, we learn we have to take back control of our minds.
What are we taking control back from? Well, in part, the immense amount of cultural, societal educational and institutional programming that has greatly influenced who we are, how we view ourselves and our actions.
You don't need to be a person who needs to feel imprisoned to sit still and be confined to a desk or a cubicle in order to conform. Your relationships don't need to model modern day sitcoms. Your daily energy doesn't need to be directed to mindless drama which is governed to distract us from deeper meaning and connection. We must clear this corruption within ourselves in order to change the World around us.
Distractions are everywhere, pulling at us and programming our minds toward needless points of focus meant to disempower us. To drive us into compulsive consumerism and selfishness, rather than community, connection and the drive for Global change in the small actions we take each day.
I want you to take back control of your mind, because I believe it's imperative to your own personal health and well-being, as well as what's required to step out in service to the World. I am here to serve, and I know you are too.
1) Be Hyper Selective about the Media you Consume
Marketers all across the Globe are tracking your patterns, buying your information and studying your habits in order to funnel you into purchasing products from the companies that hire them.
If you are inclined to cave, and make impulse unhealthy purchases, such as fast food, they are aware of that, even to the exact percentage of likelihood for you to make that impulse buy. They push ads upon us until our willpower gets weak, and they finally get us to cave.
This is one form of mind control being practiced publically every day. It's manipulative and it was created to be. You have to take back control from these super rich mega-corporations by making strong willed healthy decisions that support your local community.
Media is always having us invest in fabricated stories in the form of movies and tv, to invest energy to made-up characters, rather than give sincere and powerful attention to our own lives.
Be hyper selective about the media you consume, because it could be consuming you. This isn't shared to make you feel fearful. Rather, for you to embrace how incredibly powerful and valuable your energy, attention and decisions are.
2) Create Healthy Daily Rituals
Daily Rituals are the ultimate mind control hack that exist. Here's an insight which changed my life.
How you choose to program your day, from morning to night, is up to you. Realize that companies everywhere have massive incentive to infiltrate your daily rituals with their own products and ads. There are countless of supportive and beneficial businesses who want to help you improve your lifestyle, just be selective about who you let in.
Your time, space and actions are sacred, and your daily rituals are your opportunity to value yourself and life. Make positive choices and know, consistency is everything when it comes to taking back control of your mind.
Tip: Create & outline a perfect day from what you do when you get out of bed, how you spend your day and how you end it. Work each day to model your whole life after your perfect day.
3 ) Exercise & Get In Your Body
Did you know that it's been scientifically proven that exercise literally makes you smarter?
All forms of exercise improve cognition, help re-build neuro-connectivity in the brain and prevent degeneration of the mind. If you want to practice a form of protest, there is no better one than getting in your body and getting it healthy and fit.
Our bodies are extensions of our minds & hearts. We must "live in our limbs" as we say. Stagnant energy of the mind builds in the body, and many people begin to slow down. Enter more television, internet surfing, impulsive food habits and mindless entrainment. Don't go down that path, and if you are on it, stop! It can be extremely challenging, but don't give up. You got this!
Here's one of my favorite videos about movement:
4 ) Learn How to Focus without getting Distracted
Harnessing our ability to focus on one thing is essential to mind control. Our minds love to wander, and in that wandering often times we end up in in places, and internet and social media black holes we never intended.
It's imperative we learn to harness that energy and apply it to a specific focus. This can be one challenging practice, as cultural and technological programming, including multi-tab web surfing, means we get massive neuro-stimulation, including the release of brain rewarding chemicals, when we multi-task and are scattered.
Take back your power and learn to master the mind. Tony Robbins even said:
5 ) Be Selective About What You Invest in Energetically
I see people everyday blindly investing so much energy into things they don't prefer. I'm equally as guilty, as it's just too easy to get hooked on the latest trends, media scandal or even a frustrating person in your life.
Invest your energy very carefully and make sure each day the majority of your attention and energy is geared toward what you want for yourself, your life, your relationships and your surroundings. If you find yourself deeply entangled in having invested yourself energetically in something you don't prefer, ask yourself what is it trying to teach you and then get clear on the next steps you need to withdraw your investment with care and consideration.
Don't be hasty! As hastiness to change certain energetic investments often means we subconsciously get tangled in another investment we don't prefer.
Basic only.............
How to compute Income Tax Liability ? – Compilation of Frequently Asked Questions on computing Income Tax liability of an Individual
Other important Income Tax 2014-15 related articles:
1. Under how many heads the income of a taxpayer is classified?
Section 14 of the Income-tax Act has classified the income of a taxpayer under five different heads of income, viz.:
- Salaries
- Income from house property
- Profits and gains of business or profession
- Capital gains
- Income from other sources
2. What is gross total income?
Total income of a taxpayer from all the heads of income (as discussed in previous FAQ) is referred to as Gross Total Income.
3. What is the difference between gross total income and total income?
Section 80C to 80U provides certain deductions which can be claimed from Gross Total Income (GTI). After claiming these deductions from GTI, the income remaining is called as Total Income. In other words, GTI less Deductions (under section 80C to 80U) = Total Income (TI). Total income can also be understood as taxable income. Following table gives a better understanding of the difference between GTI and TI :
Computation of gross total income and Taxable Income
| Particulars | Amount |
| Income from salary | XXXXX |
| Income from house property | XXXXX |
| Profits and gains of business or profession | XXXXX |
| Capital gains | XXXXX |
| Income from other sources | XXXXX |
| Gross Total Income | XXXXX |
| Less : Deductions under Chapter VI-A (i.e. under section 80C to 80U) | (XXXXX) |
| Total Income (i.e., taxable income) | XXXXX |
Note : Inter source losses, inter head losses, brought forward losses, unabsorbed depreciation, etc., (if any) will have to be adjusted (as per the Income-tax Law) while computing the grosstotal income.
4. How to round off total income before computing tax liability?
As per section 288 A, total income computed in accordance with the provisions of the Income-tax Law, shall be rounded off to the nearest multiple of ten. Following points should be kept in mind while rounding off the total income:
First any part of rupee consisting of any paisa should be ignored.
After ignoring paisa, if such amount is not in multiples of ten, and last figure in that amount is five or more, the amount shall be increased to the next higher amount which is in multiple of ten and if the last figure is less than five, the amount shall be reduced to the next lower amount which is in multiple of ten and the amount so rounded off shall be deemed to be the total income of the taxpayer.
After ignoring paisa, if such amount is not in multiples of ten, and last figure in that amount is five or more, the amount shall be increased to the next higher amount which is in multiple of ten and if the last figure is less than five, the amount shall be reduced to the next lower amount which is in multiple of ten and the amount so rounded off shall be deemed to be the total income of the taxpayer.
Illustration for better understanding
If the taxable income of Mr. Keshav is Rs. 2,52,844.99, then first paisa shall be ignored, i.e., 0.99 paisa shall be ignored) and the remaining amount of Rs. 2,52,844 shall be rounded off to Rs. 2,52,840 (since last figure is less than five). If the total income is Rs. 2,52,845 or Rs. 2,52,846.01, then it shall be rounded off to Rs. 2,52,850 (since the last figure is five or above).
5. Can I claim deduction for my personal and household expenditure while calculating my taxable income or profit?
No, you cannot claim deduction of personal expenses while computing the taxable income.
While computing income under various heads, deduction can be claimed only for those expenses which are provided under the Income-tax Act.
6. Is there any limit of income below which I need not pay tax?
At this moment (i.e., for the financial year 2014-15) Individual, HUF, AOP, and BOI having income below Rs. 2,50,000 need not pay any Income-tax. In respect of resident individuals of the age of 60 years and above but below 80 years, the basic exemption limit is Rs. 3,00,000 and in respect of resident individuals of 80 years and above, the limit is Rs. 5,00,000. For other categories of persons such as co-operative societies, firms, companies and local authorities, no basic exemption limit exists and, hence, they have to pay taxes on their entire income chargeable to tax.
7. How to compute the total tax liability?
After ascertaining the total income, i.e., income liable to tax, the next step is to compute the tax liability for the year. Tax liability is to be computed by applying the rates prescribed in this regard. For rates of tax, refer "Tax Rate" section. Following table will help in understanding the manner of computation of the total tax liability of the taxpayer.
Computation of total income and tax liability for the year
| Particulars | Amount |
| Income from salary | XXXXX |
| Income from house property | XXXXX |
| Profits and gains of business or profession | XXXXX |
| Capital gains | XXXXX |
| Income from other sources | XXXXX |
| Gross Total Income | XXXXX |
| Less : Deductions under Chapter VI-A (i.e., under section 80C to 80U)) | (XXXXX) |
| Total Income (i.e., taxable income) | XXXXX |
| Tax on total income to be computed at the applicable rates (for rates of tax, refer "Tax Rate" section) | XXXXX |
| Less : Rebate under section 87A (discussed in later FAQ) | (XXXXX) |
| Tax Liability After Rebate | XXXXX |
| Add: Surcharge (discussed in later FAQ) | XXXXX |
| Tax Liability After Surcharge | XXXXX |
| Add: Education cess @ 2% on tax liability after surcharge | XXXXX |
| Add: Secondary and higher education cess @ 1% on tax liability after surcharge | XXXXX |
| Tax liability before rebate under sections 86, section 89, sections 90, 90A and 91 (if any) (*) | XXXXX |
| Less : Rebate under sections 86, section 89, sections 90, 90A and 91(if any) (*) | (XXXXX) |
| Tax liability for the year before pre-paid taxes | XXXXX |
| Less: Prepaid taxes in the form of TDS, TCS and advance tax | (XXXXX) |
| Tax payable/Refundable | XXXXX |
(*) Rebate under section 86 is available to a member of association of persons (AOP) or body of individuals (BOI) in respect of income received by such member from the AOP/BOI.
Rebate (i.e., relief) under section 89 is available to a salaried employee in respect of sum received towards arrears of salary, gratuity, etc.
Rebate under sections 90, 90A and 91 is available to a taxpayer in respect of double taxed income, i.e., income which is taxed in India as well as abroad.
Note : For provisions relating to Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) in case of corporate taxpayers and Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) in case of non-corporate taxpayers refer tutorial on "MAT/AMT".
8. How to round off the tax liability?
As per section 288B, tax payable by the taxpayer or tax refundable to the taxpayer shall be rounded off to the nearest multiple of ten, following points should be kept in mind while rounding off the tax :
First any part of rupee consisting of any paisa should be ignored.
After ignoring paisa, if such amount is not a multiples of ten, and the last figure in that amount is five or more, the amount shall be increased to the next higher amount which is a multiple of ten and if the last figure is less than five, the amount shall be reduced to the next lower amount which is a multiple of ten; and the amount so rounded off shall be deemed to be thetax payable by the taxpayer or refundable to the taxpayer.
After ignoring paisa, if such amount is not a multiples of ten, and the last figure in that amount is five or more, the amount shall be increased to the next higher amount which is a multiple of ten and if the last figure is less than five, the amount shall be reduced to the next lower amount which is a multiple of ten; and the amount so rounded off shall be deemed to be thetax payable by the taxpayer or refundable to the taxpayer.
Illustration for better understanding
If the tax liability or refund due to Mr. Keshav is Rs. 2,52,844.99, then first paisa shall be ignored, (i.e., 0.99 paisa shall be ignored) and the remaining amount of Rs. 2,52,844 shall be rounded off to Rs. 2,52,840 (since last figure is less than five). If the tax liability or refund due is Rs. 2,52,845 or Rs. 2,52,846.01, then it shall be rounded off to Rs. 2,52,850 (since the last figure is five or above).
9. What is rebate under section 87A and who can claim it?
An individual who is resident in India and whose total income does not exceed Rs. 5,00,000 is entitled to claim rebate under section 87A. Rebate under section 87A is available in the form of deduction from the tax liability. Rebate under section 87A will be lower of 100% of income-tax liability or Rs. 2,000. In other words, if the tax liability exceeds Rs. 2,000, rebate will be available to the extent of Rs. 2,000 only and no rebate will be available if the total income (i.e. taxable income) exceeds Rs. 5,00,000.
Illustration for better understanding
Mr. Raja (age 35 and resident in India) is a salaried employee. His taxable salary for the year 2014-15 amounted to Rs. 5,84,000. He has deposited Rs. 94,000 in public provident fund untitled for deduction under section 80C. The employer has deducted tax of Rs. 22,660 from his salary. What will be his tax liability for the year?
| Particulars | Amount |
| Income from salary | 5,84,000 |
| Income from house property | Nil |
| Profits and gains of business or profession | Nil |
| Capital gains | Nil |
| Income from other sources | Nil |
| Gross Total Income | 5,84,000 |
| Less : Deductions under section 80C on account of investment in PPF | 94,000 |
| Total Income (i.e., taxable income) | 4,90,000 |
| Tax on taxable income to be computed by applying the applicable rates (*) | 24,000 |
| Less : Rebate under section 87A (**) | 2,000 |
| Tax Liability After Rebate | 22,000 |
| Add: Surcharge ($) | Nil |
| Tax Liability After Surcharge | 22,000 |
| Add: Education cess @ 2% on tax liability after surcharge | 440 |
| Add: Secondary and higher education cess @ 1% on tax liability after surcharge | 220 |
| Tax liability before rebate under sections 86, section 89, sections 90, 90A and 91 (if any) | 22,660 |
| Less : Rebate under sections 86, section 89, sections 90, 90A and 91 (if any) | Nil |
| Tax Liability for the Year Before Pre-paid Taxes | 22,660 |
| Less: Prepaid taxes in the form of TDS | 22,660 |
| Tax payable/Refundable | Nil |
(*) The tax rates for the financial year 2014-15 applicable to an individual below the age of 60 years are as follows :
Nil upto income of Rs. 2,50,000
10% for income above Rs. 2,50,000 but upto Rs. 5,00,000
20% for income above Rs. 5,00,000 but upto Rs. 10,00,000
30% for income above Rs. 10,00,000.
10% for income above Rs. 2,50,000 but upto Rs. 5,00,000
20% for income above Rs. 5,00,000 but upto Rs. 10,00,000
30% for income above Rs. 10,00,000.
Apart from above, education cess @ 2% and secondary and higher education cess @ 1% will be levied on the amount of income-tax. Applying the above normal tax rates, tax on income (before cess) will come to Rs. 24,000.
(**) Rebate under section 87A will be Rs. 2,000, being lower of following :
(a) Tax on total income, i.e., Rs. 24,000; or
(b) Rs. 2,000
($) Surcharge is levied @ 10% on the amount of income-tax where the total income of the taxpayer exceeds Rs. 1 crore. In this case, the total income is below Rs. 1 crore and, hence, no surcharge will be levied.
Illustration for better understanding
Mr. Kapoor (age 35 years and resident in India) is running a medical store. Taxable business income for the year amounted to Rs. 5,84,000. He does not have any other income. He deposited Rs. 50,000 in public provident fund. Can he claim rebate under section 87A?
Rebate under section 87A is available to an individual who is resident in India and whose total income does not exceed Rs. 5,00,000. In this case, the gross total income of Mr. Kapoor is Rs. 5,84,000 and he has deposited Rs. 50,000 in PPF and, hence, total income i.e. taxable income will come to Rs. 5,34,000 (Rs. 5,84,000 less Rs. 50,000). Rebate under section 87A is available only if the total income does not exceed Rs. 5,00,000. In this case, the total income exceeds Rs. 5,00,000 and, hence, he cannot claim rebate under section 87A.
Source : Incometaxindia.gov.in
Boost Metabolism Naturally in 8 Easy Ways
If you've been overindulging on the alcohol or skimping on the workouts, your metabolism may be lagging. What's worse, you may feel ever so slightly under the weather, which is no way to live.
But remember: your health is in your control. If you are feeling a little sluggish and off track, try these 8 simple tips to boost your metabolism and regenerate your energy.
But remember: your health is in your control. If you are feeling a little sluggish and off track, try these 8 simple tips to boost your metabolism and regenerate your energy.
Sleep well. Your sleep habits and your metabolism are undeniably intertwined. According to a study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology, sleep deprivation can have stark effects on metabolism, including an increased risk for Type II diabetes. Lack of sleep or sleep dysfunction also increases appetite due to increased leptin production. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, try nixing the electronics for an hour before bedtime. The light from televisions or computer screens can stave off melatonin production and keep you awake.
Drink (moderate) caffeine. Green tea and black coffee both have proven metabolic benefits. Research has shown time and time again that both green tea and coffee offer metabolic benefits as well as ample antioxidants. Just don't overdo it, as being wired all night can outweigh the benefits.
Surprise your body. Still doing the same old workout video from 5 years ago? Your body and your metabolism reap serious benefits when you switch it up. Try taking up a new workout hobby, like kickboxing or swimming, to contrast with your current regimen. Better yet, try HIIT (high-intensity interval training) if you're really looking to get fit. Even though these workouts are shorter, they are more intense. The contrast of intensity to rest periods skyrockets your metabolism through the roof as you continue to reap benefits for hours to come.
Hit the weights. More muscle mass means a better resting metabolic rate. What does that mean exactly? Well, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn when you're doing absolutely nothing. How do you build muscle? Weight training. No, you don't have to be a muscle-head at the gym to use weights. Start off with many reps of light weights to challenge your existing muscles, and work your way steadily heavier over time to help them grow.
Drink water. It seems obvious, but most people don't drink enough water. How is your body supposed to function properly if it is lacking in its most essential substance? It doesn't. As far as metabolism is concerned, a study showed that drinking 500 mL of water increased metabolic rate for about an hour by 30% in subjects, which is quite significant. Be aware that the standard 8-cups-a-day rule may not be enough. If you workout with any intensity, you'll need more. Drink regularly throughout the day, and especially when you're thirsty, to keep your body at peak levels of hydration. Also try incorporating a big, room temperature glass into your early morning routine. Drinking 2 to 3 cups (16-24 oz.) first thing in the morning after a dehydrating sleep revs your body up for a fantastic day.
Get spicy! Spicy food not only reduces your appetite and increases satiety, but it also actually boosts your metabolic rate by about 8%. Stop eating bland chicken and sprinkle a chile rub on! Both your taste buds and waistline will benefit.
Eat smart. Certain foods are known to boost metabolism, like coconut oil, certain fruits, and especially proteins. Fill your diet with these healthy foods instead of processed, sugary alternatives to properly fuel your body. Note, if you overeat, this small boost in metabolism won't compensate. Eat only when you're hungry and until you're 80% full to ensure maximum benefits of your metabolism-boosting snacks.
Add a pinch of cardio. Thirty minutes to an hour of cardio a few times a week can raise your metabolism for the next 14 hours. Sweating a little is a small price to pay for the benefits, which include heart health and the influx of endorphins. However, overdoing cardio can be just as bad as not doing it at all, as it can exhaust and over-stress your adrenals. Keep pushing yourself, but try not to become too obsessive. Everything in moderation is key.
If your daily routine is feeling sluggish and dull, try incorporating some of the above ideas to liven up your metabolism and jump start your health. You can change yourself for the better in a few simple steps. Live healthfully and moderately, and your body will oblige.
SENIOR CITIZENS CAN BENEFIT FROM REVERSE MORTGAGE LOANS
The life expectancy in India has been rising steadily in the last few decades. However, so have the costs of medical treatment. For senior citizens, who have a lack of regular income or financial support from children, this could lead to a financial crisis. Further, gone are the days when the elderly lived with their sons and daughters, depending on them for their amenities and medical needs. The reverse mortgage, introduced by the Union Government in 2007, is an answer to such issues faced by senior citizens, giving them a life of dignity.
What is reverse mortgage?
Mr. Sharma, a central government retiree, has been living with his wife in an independent home for the last 35 years. His two sons, both settled in New York, have no intention of moving base to India. Husband and wife, well past in their sixties do not wish to live with their sons in a foreign country. Mr. Sharma, a heart patient and his wife a diabetic, have a substantial monthly medical expenditure. Not satisfied with his pension, and not wanting to depend on his sons, for household expenditure as well as medical care, he approached his bank for a solution. The bank advised him to opt for Reverse Mortgage, to ease his monthly expenses.
In simple terms, a reverse mortgage is the "opposite" of a conventional home loan. A reversemortgage enables a senior citizen to receive a regular stream of income from a lender (a bank or a financial institution) against the mortgage of his home. The borrower (i.e. the individual pledging the property), continues to reside in the property till the end of his life and receives a periodic payment on it.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
When the home is pledged, its monetary value is arrived at by the bank, on the basis of the demand for the property, current property prices, and the condition of the house. The bank then disburses a loan amount to the borrower in the form of periodic payments, after considering a margin for interest costs and price fluctuations. The periodic payments also known as reverse EMI are received by the borrower over fixed loan tenure. With each payment, whether monthly or quarterly, the equity or the individual's interest in the house decreases.
A reverse mortgage is an ideal option for senior citizens who require regular income, or if the property is of illiquid nature for some reason.
General guidelines for reverse mortgage
The Reserve Bank of India has formulated the following guidelines for a reverse mortgage.
Maximum loan amount would be up to 60% of the value of the residential property.
Maximum tenure of the mortgage is 15 years and minimum is 10 years. Some banks are now also offering a maximum tenure of 20 years.
Option of monthly, quarterly, annual or lump sum loan payment.
Property revaluation to be undertaken by the lender once every 5 years.
If at such time, the valuation has increased, borrowers have the option of increasing the quantum of the loan. In such a case, they are given the incremental amount in lump-sum.
Amount received through reverse mortgage is a loan and not income. Hence it will not attract any tax. However, a borrower is liable to capital gains tax, at the point of alienation of the mortgaged property by the mortgagee for the purposes of recovering the loan.
Reverse mortgage interest rates could be either fixed or floating. The rate would be determined by the prevailing market interest rates.
Eligibility Criteria for reverse mortgage
House owners above the age of 60 years. If spouse is a co-applicant, then she should be above 58 years.
Owners of a self-acquired, self-occupied residential house or flat, located in India. The titles should be clear, indicating the prospective borrower's ownership of the property.
Property should be free from any encumbrances.
The life of the property should be of minimum 20 years.
Property should be the permanent primary residence of the individuals.
Settlement of a reverse mortgage
A reverse mortgage loan becomes due when the last surviving borrower dies, or if the borrower chooses to sell the house. The bank first gives an option to the next of kin to settle the loan along with accumulated interest, without sale of property. If the next of kin is unable to settle the loan, the bank then opts to recover the same from the sale proceeds of the property.
Any extra amount, after settlement of the loan with accrued interest and expenses, through the sale of the property, will be passed on to the legal heirs. If the sale proceeds are lower than the accrued principal plus interest amount, the loss is borne by the bank. This loss could happen in cases where the banks original estimation is not in line with the real estate market movement.
Other Highlights of reverse mortgage
Prepayment of loan: Borrowers could prepay the loan at any time during the tenor of the loan, at no prepayment penalty or charges.
Outliving the tenure of the loan: If the borrower outlives the tenure of the loan, he could continue to stay in the house. The lending institution may however cease the monthly payments. Settlement of the loan is done only after the borrower's death.
Death of one of the spouses: If one of the spouses dies, the other can still continue living in the house. Only on death of both, settlement of the loan takes place.
Foreclosure: The loan could be foreclosed by the lender if
The borrower has not stayed in the house for a continuous period of one year.
The borrower has not paid property taxes and fails to insure the home
If the borrower declares himself as bankrupt.
If the mortgaged property is donated or abandoned by the borrower.
If the borrower makes changes in the residential property, that could affect the security of the loan for the lender. This could be renting out part or entire house, addition of a new owner to the house's title or creating further encumbrance on the property.
If the government under statutory provisions, seeks to acquire or condemn the residential property for health or safety reasons.
Drawbacks of reverse mortgage
Lengthy documentation procedures: Banks require various documents of the property. For a senior citizen this procedure could be tedious, complicated and difficult to understand.
Fixed monthly amounts: The monthly payouts are fixed. There is no provision to increase this amount in case of an emergency or contingency.
Popularity of the scheme in India
Though introduced in 2007, Reverse Mortgage has not gained much popularity in India for the following reasons.
Inadequate marketing of the product. Recent reports indicate that many of the senior citizens are not aware of the existence of such a product.
Many banks which offer Reverse Mortgage have capped the maximum loan amount available for individuals to a maximum amount of Rs. 50 lakhs to 1 crore.
Children have resentment for a reverse mortgage as they see it as giving away their family home or legacy.
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