Page 20 - Financial Investment

Builder faces imprisonment for defying consumer court order

Showing leniency to those who obey orders of consumer fora would send a wrong signal

Smart homes needn't be too costly

Automation devices that offer convenience and safety can be set up easily; price depends on the customisation

Park money in gold

Even short-term money market funds could be a good option, as they would be relatively immune

Claim tax benefit for purchase and renovation

A recent judgement suggests that money spent on making a house "habitable" also qualifies for benefit under Section 54

NPS an option for conservative NRIs

Before taking advantage of the facility, they should weigh the currency and tax implications

Do not lose tax benefits

The tax department can withdraw exemptions claimed earlier if certain conditions aren't met

Case study

Realty check: Budget: Rs 3-3.5 crore

Deals rain during monsoon

Many travellers use the season to get great discounts from hotels and airlines

Accident cover to guard against disability

The young should buy a personal accident cover before adding other policies

Power shifts from builders to buyers

Recently, courts have ignored agreements between developers and purchasers, and awarded compensation to the latter

Reality check on GDP

With no clear direction from profits, one doesn't know where the value addition is coming from

Empower women through property ownership

It is about time the tax laws that impede property ownership by women should be amended

Readers' Corner: Mutual Fund

Stick to Sebi-registered investment advisors

However, you should be willing to pay the advisor for the services rendered

Case study

Bank liable for negligence in cheating case

Big impact of small tax hikes

With returns on investments falling due to cuts in small savings and bank deposit rates, higher cess and service tax will only hurt consumers further

Dangers of rise in crude oil prices

The government has to take a call on reducing or retaining the excise rate. The latter will be politically difficult

Have enough riders to counter monsoon damage

These covers aren't very expensive and there is no waiting period, but keep in mind conditions like the number of claims allowed in a year