Page 28 - Personal Finance

Indian schools & colleges grow 14% as fees soar, parents struggle

Despite India's consumer price inflation remaining between 5-5.6% in recent years, education costs have escalated at a much higher rate of around 8-10%

Diwali bonus: Splurge, but also repay costly debt, replenish emergency fund

Those without high-cost debt can invest the money to achieve financial goals

New Zealand expands work rights for migrants' partners; Indians to benefit

This will help migrant families stay together and at the same time fill gaps in industries experiencing labour shortages

Diwali gifts 2024: Indians likely to spend Rs 1.8 trn, mithais top choice

Traditional gifts remain the top choice for most, with 53% of respondents opting for sweets, bakery products, or chocolates

Germany over Spain! Higher Schengen visa approval rate draws more Indians

So far this year, around 175,000 Indian tourists have visited Germany between January and July, contributing to 5,23,076 overnight stays

Study in Italy: A complete guide to fee, cost of living for Indian students

A recent report suggests a surge in Indian student enrolments in Italy, with a projected 22.2% growth from 2023 to 2025 and a staggering 540.9% increase by 2030

Explained: Drop in Indian student applications to cost Canada billions

While Indian students, who make up the largest group of international learners, will be affected, it's Canada that stands to bear the most financial impact as international enrolments dwindle

Now, Indians, 96 others can get Indonesia e-Visa on Arrival via VFS Global

The e-Visa on Arrival service will allow travellers to apply for their visa online, reducing time spent at the airport

Limit small and medium Reit exposure at 5% till they develop track record

SM REITs are for investors looking to diversify

Canada Express Entry: 648 invitations issued in province-specific draw

Candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 791 to qualify

Make your investment portfolio more resilient by adding a quality fund

Investors are shifting from growth and speculative stocks towards quality stocks, which offer predictable earnings and tend to perform well in challenging market conditions

Dubai vs Sharjah and Abu Dhabi: Rent, living costs, pros & cons explained

With rising living costs and a housing crunch, is Dubai still the best option, or should you be thinking about other cities like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah

Proposal to reshape India's money-changing industry hits a roadblock

Central bank called for industry to have forex correspondents but there has been no progress

Festival offers on home loans: Avoid teaser rates that reset after months

Compare offers from various lenders on criteria like interest rates, processing charges, tenure, discounts, repayment flexibility

Tax dept simplifies compounding offence process with lower penalties

New guidelines will help businesses, individuals in rectifying mistakes in taxation

100,000 Indian students can join AICTE's green internship programme

Under this initiative, selected interns will engage in transforming educational institutions into green campuses as part of their live projects

Insurance benefits for EPFO members extended up to Rs 7 lakh

Till April 2021, maximum benefits to legal heirs of a deceased employee was capped at Rs 6 lakh

Heart insurance claims double in 5 years; treatment costs surge 53%: Report

The cost of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has risen from Rs 2.1 to Rs 4.2 lakh in 2018-2019 to Rs 3 to Rs 6 lakh in 2023-2024

Portugal golden visa applicants stuck in limbo, use legal options

Greece, Spain and Italy are among the other EU countries that offer golden visas to non-European nationals

Turkey to allow skilled workers 3-year permit exemption; Indians to gain

Indians should carefully consider the benefits against the higher living costs before planning to work in Turkey