New Delhi, Feb. 15 -- At the Mint Money Festival in Mumbai on 14 February, an audience poll revealed that people are more concerned with the Union Budget creating jobs and improving the government's fiscal health than delivering tax breaks.

Monika Halan, founder of Dhan Chakra Financial Education, decoded Budget 2026 for households to explain what really matters for jobs, taxes, investments and long-term financial security.

It's encouraging to see job growth and fiscal discipline rank above tax relief. Interestingly, both are closely related.

On income tax, we saw significant relief last year. I wouldn't expect any more meaningful income tax cuts for the next four to five years, at least not until more jobs are formalised and a larger ...