Personal Finance

War disruption: When airlines, hotels must refund cancelled bookings

If airlines cancel flights due to war or airspace closure, passengers can seek full refunds. But if travellers cancel voluntarily, contractual rules apply and insurance may not cover war

File consumer complaint within two years of the last cause of action

Identify correct court for filing complaint based on amount paid for goods or service

Forex card breach: Prompt reporting can secure full refund if no negligence

When not travelling, lock the forex card, keep only a small balance, and switch on alerts

Being well-informed is not enough, seek opposing views in investing

While survival is no longer at stake, confirmation bias continues to shape our behaviour - especially as investors

Use current valuations to enter small-cap stocks with robust fundamentals

Enter only those stocks that have consistently strong financials, adequate liquidity, and no signs of corporate governance risk

Find the best interest rates on fixed deposits for senior citizens

Senior citizens get a slightly higher rate of interest on fixed deposits across public and private banks, as well as NBFCs

Counting crores: What's behind the surge in India's new ultra-Luxury homes?

As luxury thresholds climb, the real differentiator at Rs 15 crore is no longer square footage but privacy infrastructure, brand equity and managed living

Builder-buyer agreements fairer now, yet buyers must scrutinise fine print

Do not skip crucial provisions of the agreement that have a bearing on your interests

Bitcoin correction calls for decisions based on risk, allocation, horizon

If you are underweight, continue with systematic purchases

Corporate bond funds: Overlook recent outflows, invest with 3-5-yr horizon

The outflows were due to liquidity tightness and consequent rise in yields, not due to a deterioration in the category's risk-return profile

Dealing with a tax notice? Correct errors via updated ITR and pay dues

If your claim was genuine, submit documents to back it up

Fund managers rebalance MAAFs after run-ups, so stay invested

New investors should consider them for risk reduction, stability and disciplined allocation, not return-chasing

Cheque bounced? Experts weigh in on fines, jail risk and credit hit

'Most cases end in settlement, not jail,' say lawyers, but ignoring the 15-day notice can trigger court action and credit damage

RBI draft on INR derivatives may push more banks to expand in GIFT City

RBI's proposal restricting access to rupee NDDCs to banks with IFSC units could deepen lender presence in GIFT City, while offshore ETP rules signal calibrated liberalisation

Draft norms for recovery agents seek higher accountability for banks

The earlier defence that misconduct was the agent's independent act may not work in the future

What are the health insurance options available to NRIs visiting India?

NRIs' overseas health plans may not be accepted in Indian hospitals since they may not have the relevant tie-ups; for such contingencies, it is best to take a local travel health

Six yards of rising value: Why the saree is a smart style investment

From red-carpet validation to heirloom investment, the six-yard classic is evolving from tradition-bound attire to a global symbol of cultural confidence and conscious spending

All you need to know about RBI's new draft norms to curb misselling

Customers must stay vigilant and avoid falling prey as mis-selling is not easy to prove

Learn about tax rule changes to avoid last-minute confusion during filing

In the tax return forms, more data will come pre-filled, but it should be verified against your own records to avoid mismatches

Financial conflicts among couples: Balance joint and solo accounts

Regular money talks, setting up joint goals, and regular reviews can help couples stay aligned