Page 170 - Personal Finance
Australia student visa: Confirmation of Enrolment required from Jan 2025
The change ensures that both onshore and offshore applicants meet the same criteria for proof of intended study
 "Australia student visa: Confirmation of Enrolment required from Jan 2025")
Important deadlines that you should know about before December 31
Several key financial deadlines are nearing on December 31. These include filing belated Income Tax Returns (ITR) by the due date and the closure of special fixed deposit schemes by various banks
 "Important deadlines that you should know about before December 31")
Choosing a financial advisor: Look for experience of multiple market cycles
Financial advisors also assist in selecting cost-effective and tax-efficient products
 "Choosing a financial advisor: Look for experience of multiple market cycles")
US issues over 1 mn non-immigrant visas to Indians in 2024, eases renewals
The US Mission revealed plans to establish a U.S.-based system for H-1B visa renewals by 2025.
 "US issues over 1 mn non-immigrant visas to Indians in 2024, eases renewals")
'Emerging tech to create 1 mn jobs': Here are the salaries you can expect
India's IT sector is said to add upto 2 million jobs by 2030, with technologies like Generative AI and Blockchain leading the charge, noted the report.
 "'Emerging tech to create 1 mn jobs': Here are the salaries you can expect")
Now, you can use any UPI app for your digital wallet payments-here is how
By allowing interoperability among these wallets and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps, users can now make transactions using any UPI-enabled application.
 "Now, you can use any UPI app for your digital wallet payments-here is how")
New interest rates and tenures: IDBI Bank revamps Fixed Deposit offerings
IDBI Bank has revised its fixed deposit interest rates along with introduction of a new tenure with higher interest rate and extended the deadline to invest in previous special deposits
 "New interest rates and tenures: IDBI Bank revamps Fixed Deposit offerings")
Health insurance claims rejection up 19.10% in FY24: Irdai report
A claim is rejected or disallowed when an insurance company refuses to process it due to specific issues with its validity
 "Health insurance claims rejection up 19.10% in FY24: Irdai report")
US releases new form for H-1B filing for foreign workers
Starting January 17, 2025, the USCIS will reject any petitions submitted using the previous version of the form
 "US releases new form for H-1B filing for foreign workers")
Akasa Air's 2025 sale: All-inclusive fares from Rs 1599 for domestic routes
The sale is valid for 'Saver' and 'Flexi' fares on bookings made between 31st December 2024 and 3rd January 2025 for travel starting from 7th January 2025
 "Akasa Air's 2025 sale: All-inclusive fares from Rs 1599 for domestic routes")
Bank fraud cases skyrocket: RBI flags Rs 21,367 cr in losses in 6 months
Fraudsters often use social engineering tactics to trick individuals, and the use of mule accounts-bank accounts that are used to facilitate fraudulent transactions-has also surged.
 "Bank fraud cases skyrocket: RBI flags Rs 21,367 cr in losses in 6 months")
These rule changes will impact how you file Income Tax returns in 2025
July 2024 steps will shape tax deductions and exemptions that can be claimed when filing an Income Tax Return (ITR) in July 2025
 "These rule changes will impact how you file Income Tax returns in 2025")
Why your credit score is not improving despite timely bill payments
Applying for multiple credit cards or loans in quick succession leads to inquiries about your credit report
 "Why your credit score is not improving despite timely bill payments")
Small-cap funds grow six-fold in 5 years, Bandhan tops list with 30% return
In the last five years, from November 2019 to November 2024, the Assets Under Management (AUM) of small-cap mutual funds have surged sixfold, growing at an average annual rate of 48%.
 "Small-cap funds grow six-fold in 5 years, Bandhan tops list with 30% return")
9-8% interest on 1 yr FD: Best fixed deposit rates for investors right now
Small Finance Banks like Unity Small Finance Bank and NorthEast Small Finance Bank offer the highest FD rates, particularly in the 1-year to 3-year tenures.
 "9-8% interest on 1 yr FD: Best fixed deposit rates for investors right now")
Budget 2025: Govt may cut income tax rates to lift consumption, says report
The move could benefit tens of millions of taxpayers, especially city dwellers burdened by high living costs, if they opt for a 2020 tax system that strips exemptions like housing rentals
 "Budget 2025: Govt may cut income tax rates to lift consumption, says report")
Wait for NAV and price on exchange to converge before investing
Indian fund houses have cumulatively hit the investment ceiling set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI): $7 billion for overseas mutual fund (MF) investments
 "Wait for NAV and price on exchange to converge before investing")
Build debt fund portfolio diversified across duration, watch volatility
Take limited exposure to longer-duration debt funds; match horizon with fund's portfolio duration
 "Build debt fund portfolio diversified across duration, watch volatility")
How often should you rebalance your portfolio?
Doing a regular review of your portfolio is essential to keep your investments on track and ensure you are moving in the direction of your stated objective
 "How often should you rebalance your portfolio?")
Credit card changes in 2024: Check out fees and rewards by different banks
Updates include extra fees and some offers being discontinued
 "Credit card changes in 2024: Check out fees and rewards by different banks")