A rental agreement of 11-month or less need not be registered, unless state laws stipulate it. But an unregistered rental agreement poses some risks for both landlords and tenants.

While the freelance lifestyle offers flexibility and independence, the hidden fees and deductions are often buried in fine print and are easy to overlook until they hit the pocket.

Based on data disclosed by the RBI for March 2024, the list of defaulters is topped by Gitanjali Gems Ltd, which owes 8,516 crore.

Top investment opportunities in 2025: India's economy is set to thrive in 2025,with promising sectors like green energy, real estate, electric vehicles, and technology. 

Following the father's gift of a flat to his family, the daughters inherited shares after the mother's passing. With plans to sell the property, they need to calculate capital gains based on the father's cost and the fair market value at the time of acquisition

The EPFO has extended the deadline for employers to submit wage details for higher pensions to January 31, 2025. Employers must also clarify pending applications by January 15, 2025.

Cybercrime tricks: Amid increasing cybercrimes, the State Bank of India has highlighted scams like false customs claims and digital arrests. Customers are urged to report suspicious calls and verify any unexpected financial requests to protect themselves.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has removed the 30% cap on credit card interest rates, enabling banks to impose higher charges. Experts warn that this could lead to a financial burden on consumers

Section 89 allows relief for salaries over twelve months, but not for interest income. Taxpayers must include the entire interest amount in the current year's income and pay applicable taxes. Consistency in the chosen method of income reporting is essential

In December 2024, banks like RBL Bank and Equitas revised fixed deposit rates, offering returns up to 9%. General citizens can earn between 3.5% and 8%, while senior citizens can receive rates up to 8.5% depending on the bank and tenure.

These offers cover diverse categories such as shopping, dining, travel, and hotel stays

Bank Holiday today: Are banks open today, December 21? People are often confused about bank holidays on Saturdays. Read here to find out if there is a holiday today.

Sexual wellness startups are recording higher-than-ever repeat purchase rates as consumers talk more freely about hush-hush topics like bedroom pleasures and problems.

A personal loan moratorium is a temporary period during which borrowers don't have to make any payments. But is it a relief or a trap for them? Find out here

Ambuja Cements and ACC, the companies purchased by the Adani Group, gradually reduced discounts

Mahesh Ahuja, a seasoned real estate broker with years of experience in the industry, believes residential properties may not always be the best investment choice for NRIs.

The National Industrial Corridor Development Project will create 9.4 lakh jobs through 12 greenfield projects, requiring an investment of Rs28,602 crore. 

Vaz underscored the importance of leveraging technology to scale up content creation and ensuring it is not restricted by demographic or geographic limitations.

Mufasa The Lion King: In Disney's latest film, lessons from Mufasa and Taka's adventures reflect on investment strategies and the complexities of friendships. It suggests maintaining successful methods and being cautious with personal relationships in investments.

Best mutual funds: Value schemes refer to the funds which invest in value investment strategy with at least 65 percent in stocks.

Christmas 2024: Year-end holidays are ideal for exploring new destinations. Travellers should plan a budget to avoid overspending. Selecting affordable locations like Mexico City or Budapest can provide rich experiences without financial strain, while off-peak travel can further reduce costs.

Pushpa 2: The Rule was the most-watched film with 1.08 million solo viewers. BookMyShow reported a significant rise in live events in tier-2 cities, indicating a shift in entertainment consumption patterns across India.

Cryptocurrency: By treating as capital gains which were taxed at 20 percent then, investors stand to save 10 percent. In this case, ITAT was hearing involved a person who bought cryptocurrencies worth 5.05 lakh in 2015-16 and sold them in 2020-21 for 6.69 crore, making a significant profit.

In 2008 the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had ruled that charging rates in excess of 30% per annum for late payments constituted an unfair trade practice. .The Supreme Court stayed the order in 2009, and has now overturned it.

Multiplex chain PVR Inox Ltd's FLEXI model will now allow people to claim a partial refund if they leave a film mid-way, as part of efforts to widen its audience base and improve movie-going frequency.

Credit cards: HDFC offers Millennia, Diners Club Privilege, Biz Grow, PIXEL Play and PIXEL Go cards as lifetime free. Offer valid from December 17 to January 16, Regalia Gold available as first year free.

Personal loans offer quick cash without collateral, requiring a monthly salary of Rs. 15,000 for approval. Though accessible, they often carry high interest rates. It's essential to consider your financial situation and explore alternatives before committing to a personal loan.

Instant loans from credit cards offer quick access to funds without lengthy approval processes. They are ideal for emergencies but come with high interest rates, prompting borrowers to assess their financial needs and explore other options for larger amounts.

Becoming a loan guarantor will reduce your loan eligibility. A borrower default will impact your credit score negatively, and you will have to pay the loan, else the lender can take legal action.

Credit and CIBIL scores are vital for borrowing. Credit scores reflect your history, while CIBIL scores, ranging from 300 to 900, influence lending decisions. Keeping a score above 700 ensures better loan opportunities, underscoring the importance of timely payments and financial diligence.

Personal loan: It offers flexibility for various needs but come with high interest rates and potential debt traps. Careful financial planning, paying off debts, and maintaining a good credit score are essential for eligibility and approval of these unsecured loans.

Credit cards enhance shopping by offering deals and discounts, especially co-branded ones like Amazon Pay ICICI and Flipkart Axis. While they provide rewards, caution is needed to avoid overspending and potential debt. Evaluate your financial needs before applying for a co-branded credit card.

CIBIL score: To secure a home loan, a minimum CIBIL score of 725 is needed, with scores above 750 preferred for better terms. Maintaining timely bill payments, monitoring credit reports, and managing debt are crucial for improving creditworthiness and loan approval chances.

Instant loan apps simplify personal loan applications, making them faster and more accessible. Users can complete the process via an app but should be cautious about borrowing too much and verify lender credibility to protect their finances.

Personal loan is typically offered at a fixed rate of interest. It is, therefore, important to raise it at a time when the interest rates are hovering at a low level

The first-time borrowers are recommended to use the EMI calculator to calculate the exact instalment they need to pay in order to repay the loan during a period of time

A resident taxpayer sold a house for 1.25 crore after purchasing it for 1 crore. Due to changes in capital gains taxation, they will not owe tax on the house sale but will pay 12.50% on long-term gains from listed shares after the initial 1.25 lakh exemption.

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) enables retirees to withdraw a fixed amount from mutual funds at regular intervals, providing a steady income while maintaining tax efficiency. It allows for flexible adjustments to withdrawals based on financial needs, ensuring sustainability during retirement.

Axis Bank has announced several changes in its credit card rules starting December 20. Finance and interest charges applicable to credit cards will be levied at a revised interest rate of 3.75 per cent per month from the current 3.6 per cent.

Instant loan apps can offer quick financing but may also pose scam risks. Avoid apps demanding advance payments or excessive personal data. Ensure the app is RBI-registered, check reviews, and read terms carefully to safeguard against fraud.

Third-party representation is not allowed at ombudsman, but if policyholders consult an individual or a firm to be better prepared for it, they may face consequences  

Rebalancing is important since the allocation to one asset class (equity) spikes in comparison to other (debt) because of the bull run. And vice versa happens during the bear run. From time to time, therefore, it is important to rebalance the portfolio

You may be to ask your existing insurer to increase the sum insured in the same policy. Another option is to buy a top-up health insurance plan.

Income Tax: There are some taxpayers who dont realise that the new employer must be told about the investment declaration made to the previous employer. Then, at the time of filing of tax return in July, they eventually realise that they have a tax liability

With 80-95% of the current retail banking business in India being contributed by physical branches, banks will have to constantly upgrade their branch network to maintain a strong brand presence and meet ever-evolving customer needs.

Credit Card: Obtaining credit cards is easier for salaried employees than for self-employed individuals, who often lack fixed income proof. Lenders offer specific cards for the self-employed, but it's vital to evaluate personal finances before applying to prevent financial difficulties.

Credit cards provide cashbacks and discounts on everyday spending, particularly for groceries. Options like Amazon Pay ICICI and SBI Card PRIME are available. Users must manage spending wisely to avoid debt and should assess their financial situation before applying for a card.

Credit cards are useful for utility payments, with options available that offer cashback benefits. It is advisable for users to review various cards for the best choice.

CIBIL score: Maintaining a good CIBIL score is crucial for loan approval. Key factors include timely dues payment, low debt-to-income and credit utilization ratios, and a long credit history. Avoid closing old accounts and applying for multiple credit cards to prevent score reduction.

Personal loan: Key mistakes to avoid when applying for an instant personal loan include overborrowing, rushing through the application, neglecting your credit score, overlooking fine print, and miscalculating monthly payments, which can lead to financial difficulties.