The City of Dallas has revealed that a miscalculation in commercial remodel permit fees has resulted in a significant financial shortfall, costing the city approximately $8.6 million. The error was disclosed during a recent Economic Development Committee meeting and has prompted urgent calls for reform to prevent further losses. The issue stems from an internal mistake following the adoption of a new permit fee structure introduced in spring 2024. According to the Planning and Development Dep

  Purchasing a home has become more financially demanding for potential buyers, with a new study highlighting the necessity for a household income over $100,000 in several states. According to Bankrate’s 2025 Housing Affordability Study, 30 states and Washington, D.C. now require at least this much in annual household income to afford a typical home in the area. The data further sheds light on the stark contrast between high-income regions, li

Ensuring financial security for children is one of the primary concerns for parents. Whether planning for education, marriage, or other major milestones, choosing the right investment plan can make a significant difference. While traditional government-backed schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) are widely known, financial experts are now highlighting the potential of Children's Mutual Funds as a flexible and high-return alternative.   Understanding Su

A loan against mutual funds is an effective financing option that allows investors to access funds without selling their investments. By pledging mutual fund units as collateral, individuals can secure a loan from banks or financial institutions. This method provides a practical solution for short-term financial needs while enabling investors to retain their portfolio and continue benefiting from market growth.   What is a Loan Against Mutual Funds?

A common question among newlyweds and couples planning their future is whether marriage has any effect on their credit score. The simple answer is no—getting married does not directly impact your credit score. Credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, and Equifax do not track or record marital status when calculating individual credit scores.However, while marriage itself doesn’t influence credit scores, the financial decisions you make as a couple can have a significant impact. When y

Choosing the right tax regime is an important decision for taxpayers in India. The old and new tax regimes offer different benefits, and individuals must carefully analyze their financial situation before selecting the most suitable option. While salaried employees have the flexibility to switch every year, business professionals have a more restricted choice.The decision between the two regimes depends on factors such as tax-saving investments, exemptions, and deductions. Understanding these

With rising inflation and uncertain economic conditions, traditional savings methods like bank accounts and fixed deposits may no longer be enough to grow wealth. As a result, investors are increasingly looking at stocks, gold, and real estate as viable alternatives to secure their financial future.But which investment is the best choice in 2024? Let’s analyze each option using historical data, expert insights, and current market trends.   Real Estate: Sta

A major development project in Crown Heights, New Jersey, is advancing despite persistent concerns from local residents and community groups. The proposed 13-story mixed-use complex, located at 73-99 Empire Blvd., is being led by Bridges Development Group under the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The initiative aims to remediate contamination on the site while simultaneously introducing new residential and commercial spaces. The project is designed to accommodate 261

Kerala’s Real Estate Market Sees Major Shift as NRIs Look Elsewhere Declining Interest in Property Investments Among Non-Resident Keralites For generations, owning a home in Kerala was a cherished goal for non-resident Keralites (NRKs). However, a major shift is underway—second-generation NRKs are now less inclined to invest in real es

Retirement Planning: More Than Just Accumulating Wealth Retirement isn’t just about saving money, but ensuring it lasts through the years, considering inflation, medical expenses, and market fluctuations. A 2024 survey revealed that 68% of Indians aged 45-60 feel financially unprepared for retirement. The key to a secure retirement lies in managing investments wisely. The Reality of Retirement in India A large number of retirees

 Amitabh Bachchan’s Apartment Sale in Oshiwara Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has recently sold his luxurious apartment in Oshiwara, Mumbai, for Rs 83 crore. The property is part of The Atlantis, a premium residential project located in the bustling Oshiwara area, known for its vibrant lifestyle and strategic location in western Mumbai. Pr

For many young people, managing bills and budgets can leave very little room for savings, but even small investments in tax-free schemes can significantly contribute to building a secure financial future. These investments act as a foundation for a solid tax strategy, offering benefits under the old tax regime with annual investment limits. Section 80C Under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, you can invest in options like the Public Provident

Kanakapura Road, situated around 30 minutes from South Bengaluru's IT hub of Electronic City, has emerged as a significant arterial route connecting various localities while extending to the city's outskirts. Several major companies, including Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, have operations in the area. While North Bengaluru remains one of the city's booming real estate micro-markets, Kanakapura Road is

Despite high mortgage rates discouraging many potential buyers, home prices in most major U.S. cities have continued their upward trend throughout 2024. According to data from Redfin, the median home prices in the 50 largest U.S. cities have risen by 5.8% through November compared to 2023. This surprising growth highlights the resilience of the housing market, even in the face of challenging economic conditions. Among these cities, Anaheim, California, recorded the highest

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. has climbed for the second consecutive week, reaching 6.85%, its highest level since mid-July. This increase mirrors a recent surge in bond yields, which lenders use as a benchmark for pricing home loans, according to Freddie Mac’s report on Thursday. This week’s rate rose from 6.72% last week, and it’s up from 6.61% a year ago. The last time the 30-year mortgag

As India prepares for the Union Budget of 2025-26, the finance ministry has highlighted the need for flexibility in fiscal policy, given the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges. While the fiscal deficit for FY26 is expected to be below 4.5% of GDP, there are concerns over the ability to accurately project receipts and expenditures in the current uncertain environment. The global situation has worsened, with escalating conflicts, further complicating fiscal planning.

In this scenario, a wife from Arizona is questioning whether her husband's decision to not have a will is truly without consequence, given that their assets are limited to bank and brokerage accounts with transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiaries and that they do not have children or significant real estate holdings. While it is true that accounts with designated TOD beneficiaries pass directly to the surviving spouse without going through probate, the wife is concerned about potential issues

The cost of real estate construction in India has risen by 11% over the past year, according to a recent report by Colliers India. This increase is largely attributed to a significant rise in labour costs, which have surged by 25% annually. Labour expenses now account for over 25% of total construction costs, placing additional strain on budgets and operational expenditures. A growing demand for skilled workers, along with costs associated with training, safety, and compliance, has further dr

Investing in Real Estate: A Beginner’s Guide Investing in real estate can be a rewarding way to build wealth and achieve financial independence. However, like any investment, it requires careful planning, research, and an understanding of the market. This beginner’s guide will help you navigate the fundamentals of real estate investing and set you on the path to success. 1. Understand the Different Types of Real Estate Inve

The Future of Urban vs. Suburban Living The ongoing debate between urban and suburban living has taken on new dimensions in recent years, driven by changes in work patterns, lifestyle preferences, and economic factors. As we look ahead, the future of urban versus suburban living will be shaped by these evolving dynamics, with both areas offering unique advantages and challenges. 1. The Impact of Remote Work: One of the