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What is the Importance of Home Insurance for Renters? 

Are you looking to rent an apartment or house? You must have been busy looking for the perfect home within your budget. Meanwhile, take a moment and give this article a read. You will find out more about renter’s insurance. Most landlords have homeowner’s insurance. Meanwhile, it is not the same for renters. Very few of them know about the existence of a renter’s insurance, and even if they do, they don’t get its importance. [B-01] What is Renter’s Insurance? The homeowner’s insurance is the one that the landlord has. It is supposed to cover the asset, i.e., the house or building. Meanwhile, it does not insure your costly things. You must take a renter’s insurance if you want your items insured. Many do not know about this insurance policy and do not take it. Few think their homeowner’s insurance already covers it. The rest does not find it useful for them. But the truth is, this insurance is essential for you and is also cheap. Few Reasons Why Renter’s Insurance is Important Covers the loss of your things. You might think that you do not own pretty costly things. Meanwhile, if you sit down to add up the cost of each item, you will be surprised to see the price. Your laptop, phone, clothes, and other things can all be costly. This insurance can have all these things covered. Through this, you will not have to go through the headache of replacing all the items alone. There are many perils against which you get ensured. Theft Smoke damage Storm or natural disaster Damage caused by water Damage by vehicle Damage by aircraft Some sort of explosion Lightning Fire Falling objects Act of vandals Riots Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes are not included in this policy. You might need separate insurance for that. Affordable. The cost of this policy is relatively cheaper. Your final cost will also depend upon many things, like the place you live in. This is why you should opt for renter’s household insurance. The owner might ask for it. The homeowner’s insurance will cover the house and the land on which the house is built. But still, it will not secure your things. In such a case, your landlord himself might ask you to get a renter’s insurance. In this way, it might lessen the burden on his shoulders. There have been cases when the renters ask their landlord to pay for their loss in case of a mishap. Liability coverage. You also get liability coverage if you get the renter’s house insurance policy. It implies that the insurance provides protection if someone is injured in your house by himself or by you. It will provide for legal expenses up to a limit. It also covers little medical expenses. While travelling, your things are safe. While travelling, you might always be tensed about losing your costly items. It is mainly because replacing them will cost you a fortune. You need not worry because your renter’s household insurance covers you. Whether you are at home or out travelling, your things will be safe. Your Extra living costs are also covered. If due to some reason, your home becomes unfit for living, then your insurance has got you covered. Due to the covered perils, if you cannot stay in your house, you need to move for a short time. Your home insurance policy covers moving costs, lodging, food, and other costs. Why should you go for the Renter’s Insurance rather than the alternatives? It does not matter if you are capable of paying sudden expenses. It would help if you always tried considering having taken a renter’s insurance. If you are running low on budget, then this house Insurance policy can save you from having to spend a fortune suddenly. Even if you have enough savings to pay, the wise thing to do is have household insurance for renters. The homeowner’s insurance will only ensure his property. Indeed, such disasters might not happen. But when you live in a place for a long time, you will face a problem or two in which your things might get damaged. House Insurance Policy for Renters will help you pay these sudden expenses in such cases. It is always best to do market research to get the best offer in household insurance for renters. It would help if you get quotes from different insurance agencies. Every company does not offer the same things. You can make the best possible choice if you are well researched about the market. You can also see if your homeowner’s insurance company has a good offer. One more thing to be kept in mind while choosing insurance is the coverage limit. Be wise while making the right choice for your coverage limit. You might not think about your things and go for a lesser limit. Meanwhile, when the time comes, you will be shocked to find the total amount of all your items. What things does the insurance cover? Many things will fall under the list of things that your insurance will cover. But still, three main things are covered are furniture, electronics, and clothing. And under these, several goods can be listed. [B-02] Conclusion In the end, the lesson from this article should be that you should not rely upon the homeowner’s insurance. Make the right choice and get insured as a renter. It will not only protect you but will also help your landlord. Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of your policy well. Ask your policy agent questions about things you are unsure of and make the correct choice.

08-11-2023
Bonds

Are Sovereign Gold Bonds Worth The Investment Risk?

With the price of gold increasing rapidly, it has quickly become a precious commodity. To obtain funds, many people sell pure gold coins and jewellery. Some often also apply for a gold loan. However, you can now invest in a Sovereign Gold Bond, which has far more advantages than physical gold. In simple terms, it is a convenient way to invest in gold. But, what are Sovereign Bonds? And who issues them? A Sovereign Gold Bond, or SGB, is a Gold Bond or government security. The Reserve Bank of India issues it on behalf of the Government of India. The RBI also counts SGBs in grams of gold. Thus, it acts as a substitute for physical gold. As an investor, you must also pay the issue price in cash when you invest in SGBs. Upon maturity, you will be able to redeem the bonds in cash as well. You can buy these bonds from the following organisations and entities: Nationalised Banks Select Post Offices Scheduled Private and Foreign Banks Authorised Stock Exchanges Stock Holding Corporation of India LTD. (SHCIL) [B-01] Who can invest in a Sovereign Gold Bond? If you are an Indian resident, as per the 1999 Foreign Exchange Management Act, you can invest in SGBs. Others who are eligible in invest in Sovereign Bonds include charitable organisations, trusts, universities, as well as HUFs (Hindu Undivided Family), and individuals. Additionally, you can also be an individual investor who has changed your residential status. If you have become a non-resident from a resident, you can continue to hold SGBs till early maturity. What are the significant features and characteristics of the Sovereign Gold Bond? There are several features of Sovereign Bonds which make them a far superior replacement of physical gold. Eligibility: Any resident of India can invest in SGBs, including trusts, HUFs, universities as well as charities. You can also invest in SGB on behalf of a minor. Tenure: The tenure or maturity period of Sovereign Gold Bonds is 8 years. However, you can choose to apply for early redemption or maturity from the fifth year onward. Value: The Reserve Bank of India calculates the value of Sovereign Gold Bonds in grams of gold. The basic unit of this calculation is 1 gram. The minimum initial investment for SGB is 1 gram of gold. The maximum limit for an individual or HUF investor is 4 kilograms of gold. Trusts and universities can purchase a maximum limit of 20 kilograms of gold. Interest rates: The current rate of interest for SGB is 2.50% per annum on the initial investment. Investors must pay the interest twice every year. The returns that you can get on Sovereign Bonds vary according to the current price of gold in the market. Issuance of bonds: Only the Reserve Bank of India can issue a Sovereign Gold Bond on behalf of the Government of India. You can also trade sovereign bonds on the stock exchange. The RBI issues the bonds in multiples of 1 gram of gold. It also gives the investors a holding certificate for the same, which can be converted into a Demat form. This way, the risk of any loss becomes quite low. What are the advantages of investing in a Sovereign Gold Bond as compared to physical gold? When you invest in physical gold, you tend to receive the current market price of the same during redemption. However, with a Gold Bond, you can be free of any risk of additional costs of storing the gold. You can also be assured of the market value of gold during the interest period as well as during maturity. SGBs also offer several other benefits to the investor, which are: Trustworthy: Sovereign Gold Bonds are issued by the RBI. Therefore, they are some of the most transparent and trustworthy options available for investment. Safety: The risks of buying physical gold become very low when you invest in SGBs. Instead, they tend to earn interest for the investor. Furthermore, Sovereign Bonds do not carry any risk of loss. Convenience: You can purchase SGBs online as well as offline, which makes them a very convenient choice of investment. Added income: By investing in SGB, you can also earn an annual interest of 2.50%. Simple to trade: You can trade a Gold Bond on the National Stock Exchange, the Bombay Stock Exchange, or other financial institutions. The trading has to be done within a date specified by you. Collateral: Several banks also accept Sovereign Gold Bonds as collateral against loans that have been pledged in the Demat form. Tax Benefits: TDS does not apply to the interest charged on Sovereign Bonds. It is not applicable even when the bond is transferred before it reaches maturity. The Capital Gain Tax is also exempt from the redemption of these bonds. Minimum Investment: Investing in a Sovereign Gold Bond is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to invest in gold. This is because the total investment in this bond is as low as 1 gram of gold. [B-02] Final Thoughts With increasing rates of inflation all over the world, it is best to expand your portfolio and invest in assets that provide added benefits upon maturity. A Sovereign Gold Bond is designed such that it facilitates gold investment without a lot of risks. Additionally, it also provides tax benefits to the investor. Investing in SGBs is not only convenient but also quite cost-effective. SGB is, therefore, a modern investment tool, perfect for those who wish to diversify their portfolio with gold holdings. Furthermore, gold tends to excel in other forms of investment even during times of uncertainty. Therefore, investing in Sovereign Bonds can be helpful to you during a financial crisis. For more information on Sovereign Gold Bonds, visit the Piramal Finance website. Learn all there is to know about why these bonds are the top form of investment in the current scenario and whether or not you should be availing of a personal loan for the same.

08-11-2023
Mutual Funds

Best Mutual Fund for SIP in 2022

Introduction Investors are in search of investment avenues with lucrative returns. As the global inflation rate is expected to rise to 7.5% by the end of 2022, return on investment has become the predominant criterion while selecting assets. With your value for money depreciating each day, it becomes essential to invest your money and get a good return. You could go for several good investment options, but SIP investment is the best. We say this because the return they provide is higher than the inflation rate and less risky than stock market trading. But since SIP investment is related to the stock market, you need to educate yourself and find the best SIP to invest in. And to help you with this, we have curated this article where you will learn in detail about mutual funds and how to find the best SIP mutual fund to invest in. And to top it off, we will also list the best SIP mutual fund of 2022 that you should invest in. Let’s start investing! [B-01] What Is A Mutual Fund Mutual Fund is an investment pool where investors put their money to invest in the share market to buy shares, bonds, and equity. You might wonder if it’s like normal investing, but that’s not true. The thing about mutual funds, apart from normal investing, is that the portfolio is much more diversified, and professional fund managers handle them. The in-depth research is to be done by the fund manager, and you only have to select the SIP mutual fund to invest in. So it’s fair to say that investing in mutual funds is the safest way to earn money from the share market. Now that you understand what a mutual fund is, let’s discuss the types available in the market. Different Types Of Mutual Funds You can divide mutual funds into numerous categories depending on your investment purpose and the expected return. 1. Open-ended funds These funds give you the freedom to enter and exit at any time. These funds are the best option for you if you seek more liquidity. 2. Closed-ended funds In such funds, you can only buy a specified number of units. Also, you can only gain the return on its maturity date. 3. Equity funds In these funds, your money is invested in corporate stock, and the return depends on the stock market’s performance. These investments are regarded as risky even if they might offer big profits. 4. Debt funds These have a low-risk way of providing stability and a consistent income. These plans can be further divided into duration-based groups and funds for credit risk, among others. 5. Growth funds These funds are the best if you want to grow your wealth, as they give a high and continuous return in the long run. 6. ELSS (Tax-saving funds) In this, the investment majorly goes into company securities, which qualifies such investment for a tax deduction. 7. Liquidity-based funds These types of funds are best if you want a good return in the short term. And to have a good return, you’ll need to invest in highly liquid assets. 8. Pension funds These funds are the best if you want a regular return on your investment. Although they have a lower potential but are likely to give reasonable and continuous returns in the future. Now that you know about the different types of SIP mutual funds, it’s time for us to tell you about the best SIP mutual fund for investment in 2022. 10 Best Mutual Funds For SIP Investment In 2022 There are thousands of mutual funds to start your SIP investments, but we have picked out the best from this crowd that offers the best returns. Serial NoName of the mutual fundType of mutual fundLevel of risk1-Year Return in %3-Year Return in %5-Year Return in %1PSU & IDFC Debt fundDebt mutual fundLow6.709.698.092HDFC money market fundDebt mutual fundLow4.576.906.813Mirae asset tax saver fundELSSHigh73.5819.7621.184Kotak tax saver fundELSSHigh55.7612.4914.645SBI liquid fundLiquid mutual fundLow3.225.435.986Nippon India liquid fundLiquid mutual fundLow3.235.556.097SBI Flexi cap fundModerate mutual fundMedium-high29.1321.7220.838HDFC Flexi cap fundModerate mutual fundMedium-high62.0513.4514.419Motilal Oswal midcap fundAggressive mutual fundVery high68.0911.4311.5910Kotak small cap fundAggressive mutual fundVery high124.8320.9519.68 Now that you know about the best mutual funds, it is time to start your SIP investments. But some of you might make the mistake of investing in a mutual fund based on return percentage. But that’s not the right approach and could lead you to a major loss. To help you avoid this mistake, we have pointed out some tips to help you find the best mutual fund to invest in. 4 Tips To Select The Best SIP Mutual Fund In 2022 You will get the best return possible from your mutual fund investment by following the tips below. 1. Define your objective You must define why you want to invest in a mutual fund. Is it for long-term or short-term gain, or maybe you want a pension income when you retire? Whatever the reason, decide for yourself and only select the mutual fund that fits your requirement. 2. Understand the risk You should understand that mutual funds are prone to market conditions. If a certain national or global condition influences the market, the stock prices can go either way. That’s why you should understand the level of risk the mutual funds hold and whether you are ready to take the risk. 3. Check the performance history Not all mutual funds perform to provide you with the same returns. Hence, it becomes crucial to check how the fund has performed over the years. You should also see who the fund managers are and their experience working in this field. 4. Check the expense ratio It can be simply understood as the fee charged by the fund manager to handle the portfolio. That is why you should always choose mutual funds with lower expense ratios. You will generally find mutual funds with higher AUM (Assets Under Management) have a lower expense ratio. [B-02] Conclusion After reading this article, we hope you understand mutual funds better. Not only this, but you also have the list of best mutual funds for SIP in 2022 from which you can choose to start your SIP investment journey. If you wish to invest in mutual funds but are getting confused about the selection of the right plan, then contact investment experts on the Piramal Finance website and help yourself to the knowledge of wide-ranging financial products and services, especially personal loans. By understanding your investment goals and risk appetite, we will help you select the best plan. Start your investment journey now!

08-11-2023
Health Insurance

What Is Waiting Period In Health Insurance?

The waiting period in health insurance refers to a period you must pass to become eligible for specific benefits to treat diseases. Health insurance gets active from the starting date of your claiming policy. The waiting period for health insurance varies from company to company, from several months to several years. You must check the health insurance waiting period in an insurance policy before buying it. Here is everything you need to know about the health insurance waiting period. [B-01] Why do companies put a waiting period for health insurance? Companies have seen cases where people buy health insurance immediately before treating their diseases to encash the reimbursement for major procedures. To reduce false claims, insurance providers came up with a waiting period for health insurance policies to stay protected. It provides all the benefits to genuine people using health insurance for their purposes. Here’s an example: Suppose Mr A was diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor suggested surgery. This would’ve made a big hole in Mr A’s pocket. Mr A had to avoid those expenses. So Mr A got his health insurance without disclosing the disease to the insurance provider. He got his surgery done at the hospital. And he paid for the costs of the surgery right after the purchase. Now, the insurance company was at a loss. Insurance companies then developed the concept of a Waiting Period. Types of Waiting Periods for Health Insurance Policyholders: Initial Wait Period ​Pre-existing disease Wait Period Maternity Wait Period Disease-Specific Wait Period Initial Wait Period: It is the period for which you have to wait before a health insurance policy becomes active. Suppose you are hospitalized or fall sick, so before claiming insurance you must pass this initial period of 30-90 days before availing of your policy. You cannot ask the health insurance company to provide you with coverage of a health insurance policy after 24 hr of hospitalization or before the waiting period in your health insurance is over. Pre-Existing Disease Wait Period: There is a particular waiting period in health insurance for specific pre-declared diseases. The policyholder should declare these conditions. For these Pre-Existing Diseases (PED), the waiting period ranges from 12 to 24 months. Any disease diagnosed at least 48 months prior can come under pre-existing conditions. Maternity Wait Period: Some health insurance companies provide maternity benefits. It is offered to expecting mothers and their children. The waiting period in health insurance for maternity benefits ranges from 9 months to 36 months, depending on your health insurance provider. Most companies cover the cost of pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery expenses, but only after the waiting period passes. So it is better to plan accordingly before buying health insurance. In case your health insurance does not cover maternity benefits, you can choose a maternity add-on to cover the cost of pregnancy. You will be charged more. But it is better to bear it. Disease-Specific Wait Period: The waiting period for health insurance is fixed for a few diseases like kidney stones, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), osteoporosis and hernia ranging between 24 and 48 months in your policy documents. It would help if you talked to the company representative. Know the waiting period in health insurance for a few diseases. Suppose you suffer from any such condition. Then you can claim your benefits only after your waiting period has passed. Therefore, it is advised to read the documents thoroughly. Going for health insurance with a shorter waiting period is the best option. Then you don’t have to pay for the treatment from your pocket. Points to be considered about the waiting period before buying Health Insurance Policy: The waiting period for health insurance depends on your chosen health insurance plan. Age and overall medical history may give you a custom waiting period. You should disclose your existing medical conditions while purchasing the policy. The insurance company does not honor your policy if a PED is claimed without intimation. Few insurance companies have started waiving senior citizens’ waiting periods by introducing a co-pay clause in plans. A co-pay clause states that the policyholder will bear a mentioned percentage of the total claim amount. For reference, if the entire claim is for Rs. 10,00,000. And you choose to co-pay 25%. Then you will bear the amount of Rs. 2,50,000. Your health insurance company will pay the remaining amount of Rs. 7,50,000. Common questions regarding Health Insurance: Can the insurance company waive the period? Yes, some insurance companies give you the option to minimize the waiting period for health insurance. But only if you are ready to pay a higher premium amount. This process is called Premium loading. It is an excellent way to get health insurance benefits sooner. But it depends on the insurance company if they want to offer a reduced waiting period while keeping your medical condition in mind. What happens to my policy if I do not disclose my pre-existing conditions? You will breach your health insurance benefits. It is a severe concern if you hide your pre-existing medical condition from your health insurance company. You cannot get your health insurance benefits even after the waiting period. [B-02] Final Takeaway: The waiting period is a procedure to give health insurance benefits to people who want to make the best use of it. You can choose the right plan before investing in health insurance. Choose according to your needs and keep in mind the waiting period for your health insurance policy. Piramal Finance offers personal loans at a low-interest rate. Choose the best personal loan to finance your medical expenses. In case you did not take health insurance yet and have a medical condition already. Experts from Piramal will advise you on the best solution based on your financial needs. Contact them now for the best advice.

08-11-2023
Stocks Markets

Best Online Platform For Stock Trading In India

The best online trading platform helps you get a seamless experience trading stocks. A good platform makes it easier to view current market movements. You can make use of advanced tools for stock trading, like charting. In India, there are three basic types of interfaces for online trading. You can select either one, based on your preference. The best online trading platform for you may be a web app, desktop app or mobile app. Compared to all three, a desktop-based stock trading platform is the quickest. It is highly suitable for professional traders who desire to place swift orders. You can easily install such a platform on your laptop or PC. A web-based platform is accessible through a website address. You will need to authenticate your access with a User ID and password. Such platforms tend to be somewhat slower than desktop apps. Mobile applications are showing a recent trend in popularity. That most stock trading platforms are making their mobile apps available for their customers. Let us look at some of the best stock trading platforms in India. [B-01] Best Online Trading Platforms Zerodha Kite 3.0 Trading Platform This platform is one of the best stock trading platforms for beginners. Zerodha consumes bandwidth speed not more than 1 kbps, making it a fuss-free option as long as you have a reasonable internet speed. In terms of the market watch, the platform does not disappoint. You can access charting tools and use hundreds of indicators available on Zerodha. In addition to placing market orders, you can even trade through bracket orders and cover orders on the platform. Zerodha provides access to multiple exchanges through a sleek interface which makes it easy to perform analysis and trade. The stock trading platform does not offer trading services directly from a stock chart. Upstox Pro Trading Platform The HTML-based platform demands very little when it comes to operating capacity. The platform offers a bounty of indicators and the option to customise charts. Thus, you monitor market moves and make well-informed trading decisions. The order entry form offered by Upstox is unique and easy to fill. You can tailor the settings to meet your trading style using exclusive widget features. Upstox stands out by making it feasible to place a trade directly from a chart. But, at the same time, it does not offer a tool to evaluate the market depth. 5 Paisa Trading App The platform is an all-rounder when it comes to market investments. This app is a one-stop solution for traders. You can buy equity or invest across various instruments. This includes digital gold, mutual funds, and personal loans. A click is all it takes to place orders in the app. Further, it has advanced technical charts, a drawing feature and stock reports. You can get access to several advisory products through the app. Also, it offers several predefined screeners to assess stocks. However, this app might not give you an experience of the best stock trading platform. This is largely due to lagged customer service. Angel Broking App Angel Broking app is among the best online trading platforms. It offers a handful of technical chart indicators. This app is an excellent base for analysis and stock trading. As a trader, you can benefit from its ARQ tool. It helps improve the overall performance of the portfolio. The intuitive interface of the app provides clean access to its features. There is a slight limitation on the app. It is because it lacks in providing investment options in IPO and bonds. Motilal Oswal Orion Lite Trading Platform The name Motilal Oswal is known for its research advisory. You can access thousands of research reports and trading recommendations here. It offers several charting indicators to perform technical analysis. The platform offers a guiding signal, which is its signature feature. It generates several buys and sells trading ideas in auto mode. The platform makes it easier to watch multiple assets. Motilal Oswal offers trading options in the derivatives market. This makes it one of the best online trading platforms. But the platform can bother you with too many SMSes. Fyers One Trading Platform This desktop trading platform offers in-built stock screeners. They help check trends and single-day movements in the market. The trading platform helps to make use of the latest charting tools. You can view historical data for stocks through its in-built features. The platform surpasses its competitors in offering many different indicators. Also, it provides in-depth market analysis. Some unique offerings of the platform include a heat map. You can also access various index meter tools here. Fyers One also offers customisable workspaces. Using these, you can make specific watch lists according to sectors, indices and derivatives. You can also access intraday charts for stocks with a month-old history. [B-02] Conclusion There are several features to check whether a trading platform is the best one out there. You should check the indicators of an ideal trading platform before selecting one. You should be able to access advanced charting and tools. The platform should give the option to place swift orders. It should use minimum hardware and software. There should be scope for customisation and be easy to use. Ideally, a seamless interface makes a trading platform useful. Choosing the best stock trading platform depends on your style of trading. Are you looking for similar finance blogs? Visit the Piramal Finance website and help yourself to the knowledge of wide-ranging financial products and services, from stock trading to personal loans. This web platform helps introduce you to every facet of finance you wish to explore.

08-11-2023
Schemes

9 Reasons to Invest in the National Pension Scheme

The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is an investment plan to make your retired life easier. It is a Government of India scheme to provide you with a regular post-retirement income. You can voluntarily contribute to the fund anytime during your working life. The money then gets invested in government bonds, debentures, and shares. Thus, the money grows, and you receive a lump sum and a monthly amount upon retirement age. [B-01] How does National Pension Scheme work? A professional fund manager pools the amount you save under NPS into a pension fund. The money gets invested according to the guidelines set by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The fund manager invests in a diverse portfolio. It includes government bonds, debentures, and company shares. Your money stays locked in till the age of 60. By that time, it grows due to compounding. Thus, you get a substantial corpus on retirement. You can withdraw 60% of the money and buy annuities with the rest. That will ensure a fixed income stream in your retired life. Types of NPS accounts Tier 1 Account It is a non-withdrawable account. Your savings accumulate over time and get invested by the fund manager. You get the lump sum at the age of 60. Tier 2 Account You can voluntarily withdraw funds from this account. But you can only have a Tier 2 account when there is a Tier 1 account in your name. Benefits of the NPS Scheme The National Pension Scheme is one of the best pension schemes to secure your retirement life. Let’s look at its several benefits. It is government regulated The PFRDA regulates NPS. They monitor and review the performance of your funds. So, you can stay assured about good returns. There are also transparent norms. So you don’t have to worry about losing your hard-earned money. Since it’s government regulated, your money is comparatively safer from market fluctuations. You get immense flexibility You are free to allocate your funds across several assets. For instance, you can choose between shares, government bonds, and debentures. Moreover, you can choose a fund manager according to your preferences. You can switch between different fund managers. But what if you get confused by these financial terms? Don’t worry. You can choose the auto option. That will let your fund manager decide your investment portfolio according to your age and other factors. It is a voluntary pension scheme You won’t have the compulsion to contribute a fixed amount every month. You can save any amount at any time according to your convenience. That means you will have complete control over your investments. You can invest more in your NPS account if you earn a few extra bucks in one month. In contrast, you can invest less if your income drops suddenly. You can take a loan against property to deal with financial emergencies. Check out the things to remember while taking a mortgage loan. It is simple and hassle-free You will get a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). It is a unique identification number that will stay with you throughout your life. Your PRAN number will remain the same even if you change your fund manager. It is portable You can switch jobs and locations smoothly without worrying about losing your corpus. Whenever you change jobs, automatic arrangements will be made to ensure that your contributions get deposited in the same fund. Note — Are you planning to buy a home in your new job location? Check out how you can improve your home loan eligibility. NPS account has a low maintenance cost Its maintenance cost is significantly lower than other investment accounts. Otherwise, a long-term investment of 30-35 years would cost you a lot, reducing your returns. You get the benefits of compounding Your money doesn’t sit idle. Instead, it multiplies over the years. The compounding effect grows your savings by many times. As a result, you receive a huge corpus on retirement. Your NPS account is easy to access You can easily open your NPS account online. After that, you’ll get a PRAN number. Using this number, you can log into your account anytime. It lets you avail of tax benefits Who doesn’t love to save taxes? Both salaried and self-employed people can avail of tax benefits from the NPS scheme. Let us check the details. Salaried individuals — If you contribute 10% of your salary to NPS, you can claim tax deductions of up to Rs 1,50,000 under Section 80CCD(1). In addition, you can claim tax deductions up to Rs 50,000 under Section 80CCD1(B). This benefit is available over and above the limit of Rs 1,50,000. Self-employed individuals — You can contribute 20% of your gross annual income to NPS and claim a deduction under Section 80CCD(1). However, there is a limit of Rs 1,50,000. Moreover, you can claim tax deductions up to Rs 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B). That is in addition to the limit of Rs 1,50,000. How to register for the NPS scheme? Visit the eNPS portal on the official website of NPS. Choose whether you are an ‘individual’ or ‘corporate’ subscriber. Select whether you are a citizen or NRI. Opt for either a Tier 1 account or both types of accounts (the former is mandatory). Enter your PAN number and choose a bank where you have an active account. Upload the scanned copy of your PAN card and the cancelled cheque. Now upload your scanned photograph and signature. Complete your payment There you go. Your PRAN number will be generated. [B-02] Final Thoughts Start contributing to the NPS scheme and keep all your worries at bay. You can contribute a fixed sum every month and watch it grow over time. By the time you retire, you won’t have to think about your daily expenses. Read more related blogs on the Piramal Finance website to explore our financial products and services, from personal loans to any financial goal you aim to achieve.

08-11-2023
Other

What Is a Cancelled Cheque Leaf Sample?

When you fill out an application related to insurance, a loan, or anything for which you need to provide your bank details, you will be asked to attach a cancelled cheque. You will ask the salesperson to show a cancelled cheque sample if it’s your first time. He will explain how to do it. But what if you’re applying online and want to know what a cancelled cheque leaf is? Let us explain it to you here. So, what is a cancelled cheque leaf? A cheque leaf is crossed between two parallel lines, and the word “Cancelled” is written in between. Also, if you closely observe, nothing will be written on the important information on the cheque. [B-01] What is the important information that is needed on the cancelled cheque? The cancelled cheque presents vital information about your bank account. It contains your account number, the IFSC code of the branch, your name, the type of the account, and a MICR number, among others. In the cancelled cheque sample, you will find the details mentioned earlier clearly. If you want to transfer funds to anyone, ask them for a cancel cheque image or a bank passbook first page with all the required details. Cancelled Cheque Image: What Does It Show? The image of a cancelled cheque displays the word “cancelled” written across the cheque between parallel lines. The useful information can be retrieved from the cheque to retain for further use. Institutions such as insurance agencies, companies like Piramal Finance that provide loans, mutual fund management companies, etc. use the information shown on the cheque to transfer money to the concerned party at the time of payment. It is also useful to set up automatic deductions at regular intervals to avoid payment delays. These financial institutions add the cancelled cheque as a required document for KYC (Know Your Customer). The cancelled cheque provides your bank’s details. And the bank has a record of your working mobile number, address, and email ID. Therefore, it becomes easy for any financial institution to keep track of the customer. What Happens if I Give a Cancelled Cheque as a Sample? You can give your cheque to anyone, but remember that you have to mark the purpose of the cheque. Did you issue the cheque for payment purposes or just for details? For payment purposes, make sure you cross the cheque at the top left corner to make it account payable. That means only the person whose name is on the cheque can get the money deposited into their bank account. This crossing of cheques is a secure way of making payments. If you’re giving the cheque only for details, then do not give a blank cheque at any cost. Doing so will land you in trouble. Instead, draw two parallel lines diagonally across the cheque from the bottom left to the top right and write “cancelled” in between. This method ensures that the cheque is cancelled and can’t be used for any other purpose. Educate your friends and family by sharing this vital information and the picture of a cancelled cheque as a sample. Do you have to inform your bank? It is not necessary to inform your bank that you’ve cancelled a certain cheque number. But if you choose to report it, it will be a much more secure way to keep your money safe. If you notify the bank in writing, through a phone call, or sometimes using an internet banking facility that you’ve cancelled a cheque, they will mark it in their records. If, in the future, someone tries to withdraw money using the cheque you’ve cancelled, the bank will immediately inform you and stop the payment. The cheque number plays a crucial role in this. While informing the bank about which cheque is frozen or cancelled, quote the cheque number properly. As mentioned above, you should look at the cancel cheque image to understand what a cancel cheque looks like. When you cancel the cheque, you must ensure the details are visible. The vital information should not be struck off or covered with pen ink, such as the bank account number, IFSC, bank branch, your name, the barcode-like number at the bottom, and the cheque number. Refer to the sample of a cancelled cheque to know more. To find a cancelled cheque sample, a simple Google search with the phrase “cancelled cheque sample” is enough. Make sure to follow the detailed guidelines above to cancel the cheque without errors. Once the cheque is stricken cancelled, there is no way you can use it for payment purposes. Therefore, think carefully before cancelling a cheque for any purpose. The bank charges you a certain amount for the new chequebook. So choose wisely before taking any step. Just as a word uttered from your mouth cannot be taken back, a single line struck on the cheque cannot be cleared. [B-02] Save resources like a pro! We Indians have a habit of using everything as little as possible. Wondering how this is connected to the cancelled cheque. If you made any mistake on a cheque, use it as a cancelled cheque by marking cancelled. We’ve seen above how to mark a cheque as cancelled. Also, instead of cancelling a cheque every time an application is filled, the photocopy of a single cancelled cheque as a sample can be attached to the list of documents. This saves you money as well as paper. Thus moving a step ahead in being earth friendly. There are other alternatives to a cancelled cheque leaf, and those include: Bank passbook front page Account statement And as discussed above, a cancelled cheque photocopy Having basic knowledge about banking and finance helps you be cautious. With many cyber crimes happening in the digital era, you should be very careful. Piramal Finance offers you accurate information on banking and financial services. Make sure your financial knowledge is up to date on essential services and products, such as personal loans and financial calculators, by reading the informative blogs on their website.

08-11-2023
Tax Savings

Tax Benefits Associated with Term Insurance

Managing a family and its expenses is often complicated, especially regarding tax expenses. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little knowledge of term plan tax benefits, one can easily manage this without any stress. Getting term insurance helps people avail themselves of various tax benefits. Let’s look at the tax benefits, restrictions, and limitations. But before we do that, let’s first understand term insurance. [B-01] What is term insurance? Term insurance is a life insurance policy that benefits people for a certain “term” of years in exchange for regular premium payments. They can choose how many “term” of years will be in the insurance. In other words, the nominee of their policy (mostly their wife or children) will get all the benefits in the event of the untimely death of the insured. Life is precious, and even when they are away from this world, their loved ones will be taken care of with the term insurance benefits they have secured. It’s about tax benefits, which brings us to the second part of the term insurance. Getting a term insurance policy also allows one to take advantage of several tax benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D) of the ITA, 1961, that wouldn’t have been available to them otherwise. Let’s take a look: Tax Benefits That One Can Avail From Term Insurance Getting a term insurance policy provides the individual with various tax benefits under 80C and 10D of the ITA, 1961, but what exactly are they? Let’s check them out in detail. Term Insurance Tax Benefits Under the 80C Section According to Section 80C of the Indian Tax Act, an individual will benefit from tax exemption if they have a term insurance policy. The benefits will be provided to their wives or children in the event of their untimely death, so long as the claimed tax benefits are limited to Rs 1.5 lakh per year. If they are also included in the premium that the individual pays, then even that will be eligible for tax exemption. However, ITA has recently declared that this policy has been limited to term insurance policies issued before March 31, 2012, which is certainly a bummer. The term insurance policies issued after March 31, 2012, will only get a maximum of 10% of the sum as tax deduction benefits. Also, if the taxpayer is disabled, then the taxpayer will receive 5% more tax deduction benefits, leading to a total of 15%. Also, if the individual wishes to close the term insurance within 2 years of the coverage for any reason, then no tax benefits will be provided to them. Term Insurance Tax Benefits Under 10(10D) Section While one can apply for tax benefits under the 10(10D) section of the ITA, one can also avail of tax benefits on the returns paid under the 10(10D) section. The beneficiary who receives the said tax benefits will also be completely exempt, and unlike the 80C section, there’s no upper limit to this, not even the limitation of Rs. 1.5 lakh per year that it had. One will also get further benefits if the maturity amount is higher and hence taxable under the 10D section. Such taxes will be exempted. However, this is rare and only limited to 20%, which is usually not the case as the sum insured in the term insurance is higher than that of the yearly premium. Restrictions on Term Insurance’s Tax Benefits There are certain restrictions, however. According to the ITA, only 20% of tax breaks are provided for the total amount if the premium they pay is more than 20% of the total amount they originally had to pay. Also, term insurance policies issued after 31st March 2012 can only get a maximum of 10% tax deductions, which will increase by 5% if the taxpayer is disabled. The term insurance policies issued before March 31, 2012, will get tax benefits only if the premium doesn’t cost more than 10% of the total amount insured. Also, if the individual has a certain illness or disability, they are further eligible for tax benefits. Limitations of Tax Benefits from Term Insurance Even after getting a term insurance policy, the individual may still have to pay taxes if they fall under these two categories. 1st Category Suppose the term insurance policy says that the death benefits will not be paid immediately after the policyholder dies. In that case, the insurance company will keep the cash and only give it back when the period is over. Here, the person who gets the benefits will still have to pay taxes on the benefits they receive. This is because interest has been built over the years that death benefits money was being held by the insurance company. So, the individual will have to pay tax, and only then will they receive the benefits. 2nd Category If the death benefits fall under the category of inheritance, then the individual who gets the benefits will still have to pay the tax to receive the said death benefit. [B-02] Wrapping Up You can indeed lower the amount of tax you have to pay if you have a term insurance policy, but you have to be careful about the limitations and exceptions of these policies. So, as long as you mind the limitations and steer clear of the exceptions, you are good to go. If you need help with financing your term insurance, you can always reach out to the experts at Piramal Finance. We help you find the best solutions to finance your purchase, such as a personal loan or credit card. Visit us to learn more!

08-11-2023
Tax Savings

Know All the Health Insurance Tax Benefits in India

Generally, people buy medical insurance for themselves and their families. It helps them ensure promising healthcare in times of emergency. In the bigger picture, health insurance provides relief when you have certain medical expenses ahead of you. However, the advantages of these policies can range from lowered hospital bills to tax reductions. A health insurance policy in India can be more beneficial than you think. Taxpayers in India get relief in income tax when they provide proper documentation of their expenses. It should also include house rent details. Interestingly, health insurance is also one factor that can reduce the tax you have to pay. As per Section 80D of the Indian Income Tax Act, the total taxable amount of your overall income will be reduced. The amount of reduction will be as per the health insurance policy you have chosen for your family. Though, this tax relief is subject to changes in income tax laws. Have you recently bought health insurance or are planning to do so? If yes, the following overview of medical insurance tax benefits will help you make the right decision. [B-01] Health Insurance Deduction as per Section 80D This section was added to the income tax regulations of India during the 1980s. It later came into effect to offer mediclaim deductions on each premium. The core concept of bringing this section into effect was to raise awareness about health insurance. Moreover, it encourages people to invest their money in the right place. There are different deduction rates for various types of health insurance policies. Taxpayers can be eligible for a minimum of Rs. 25,000 and a maximum of Rs. 1,00,000 tax deduction. This tax relief depends on the medical policy type of the taxpayer. Simply put, medical insurance tax benefits can save you a substantial amount of money that you can save for future purposes. If your health insurance policy covers parents, spouses, and children, you can apply for a deduction in your existing tax amount. In addition, you can expect a bigger reduction rate if you have recently updated your policy or bought add-ons to your medical insurance. How Much Can You Save with Health Insurance Tax Benefits? Most people fail to benefit from their health insurance policy. People often splurge their money on paying taxes and buying health insurance policies. Many people are unaware of the applicable tax benefits per their health insurance deductions. In the following section, you will get a basic idea of how much you can save with your medical policies. The income tax act of section 80D applies to health insurance coverage if your policy falls under the category of two prominent types. One of them is the policy you buy for yourself and your family. Another health insurance policy should be for dependent parents. Simply put, taxpayers in India are entitled to these benefits if they have purchased medical insurance for their families. It also applies if they have dependent parents. Health insurance deduction is crucial for relief in taxable income. Here’s a brief breakdown of how much money you can save on taxation with the right healthcare policy: The limit of medical insurance deduction is decided based on the age of the primary policyholder. The benefit will be the same even if your family insurance covers senior citizens. Health insurance benefits on income tax can be applicable even if the policy is for a single person or a family. This statement only includes wives/husbands and children. However, the tax reduction is higher when your health insurance covers dependent parents or senior citizens. You can leverage their policies only if you pay the premiums. If the age of the policyholder is less than 60 years, then the maximum deductible tax amount will be Rs. 25.000. On the flip side, the maximum tax relief on the policy will be Rs. 50,000 for policyholders above the age of 60 years. An undivided family is eligible for a health insurance tax deduction of Rs. 25,000. For this, the primary policyholder should be below the age of 60 years. On the other hand, the deductible tax will be Rs. 50,000 if the primary policyholder is above the age of 60 years. Non-residential Indians are also eligible for maximum tax relief of Rs. 25,000. It is possible if they have purchased a health insurance policy in India for their parents, a family member, or themselves. This eligibility doesn’t require any age limit for NRIs. This section also says that a preventive health checkup or PHC is possible only if you don’t qualify for the deduction limits we discussed earlier. The PHC limit is Rs. 5000 for policyholders below the age of 60 years. It is Rs. 7000 for policyholders above 60 years. List of Documents You Will Need for Health Insurance Tax Benefits Section 80D of the Indian Income Tax Act has some regulations. It entails that health insurance deduction will be applied to the taxation amount per policy. It should also cover the information of policyholders. Your health insurance and the age of members involved in the policy can result in Rs. 25,000 tax benefit. It can also be Rs. 50,000, Rs. 75,000, and Rs. 1,00,000 as per the policy type. Here is a list of documents and other requirements that you will need to claim tax relief from your health insurance: Receipt of the payment of the premium. If you have paid the premium online, don’t forget to download the online receipt from the website. The date of the receipt should have the same year for which you are paying the tax. You must remember that a cash receipt is not acceptable. Moreover, you cannot present the receipts given by insurance agents. Try not to use these slips for tax reduction claims. [B-02] Final Thoughts In addition to Section 80D, you can also benefit from section 17. According to this section, you can benefit from recent health-related expenses from your income. Health insurance tax benefits in India can help you save a lot of money. Therefore, you should buy a medical insurance policy from a reliable provider. Piramal Finance is an online platform allowing you to learn everything you need to know about health insurance tax and avail yourself of customised personal financial solutions from financial experts. To learn about personal loans, credit cards and financial management, check out more such blogs on our website!

08-11-2023