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Schemes

Best Investment Schemes For Senior Citizens: Mutual funds investment plans, deposits, and more

Everyone faces challenges during their years at work. But what we all aspire for is a peaceful retirement life. The thought of lying on a couch, enjoying a movie with your partner, or travelling the world sounds relieving. If you also have similar dreams, the first step is to plan your retirement. It is only possible by making suitable investments. Investing thoughtfully will vouch for stability and allow you to turn those dreams into reality. Be it a mutual fund scheme, a government bond, or a bank deposit; we will consider it all today. Feel free to go through what each offers and make an informed decision. [B-01] Investing For a Secured Retire Life: Should You Care? Your salary gives you financial security during your active life. Similarly, returns on your investments aid you financially after retirement. They provide you with the power to tick your bucket list that you are worked hard for all this while. Early investors can benefit from a reduction in taxes and enjoy a constant side income. Investments also promote financial discipline. Some of the best investment schemes for senior citizens in 2022 We’ll walk you through some of the most fruitful government plans and the best mutual funds to invest in India for retirement: Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) A Senior Citizen Savings Scheme can be a lucrative option if you don’t prefer going for mutual funds investment plans. It is a special initiative by the Indian government launched in 2004. SCSS ensures a stable income for individuals for at least five years after retirement. Unlike market-linked investment avenues with fewer risks, this is a zero-risk option. Furthermore, it gives higher returns to Indian citizens aged 60 years and above. Non-resident Indians or HUFs are not allowed to apply for this. However, citizens going for Superannuation or Voluntary Retirement Schemes, and defence personnel aged 50-60 years are most welcome. The interest rate for this is 7.4% currently. With that said, the investment amount for this scheme is a minimum of Rs. 1000. The maximum you can invest is Rs. 15 lakh. The investment amount is exempt from tax, but the maturity and interest incomes will be taxed accordingly. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) While mutual funds investment plans may carry some risk, government initiatives like the PMVV Yojana offer stability. It is a retirement cum pension program operated by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). Launched in 2017, it is open to senior citizens aged 60 years and above. NOTE: NRIs cannot apply for PMVVY. In this, the minimum purchase price is comparatively huge, Rs. 1.5 lakh. The maximum amount is Rs. 15 lakh. Interest rates are fairly decent in this scheme. It typically ranges from 8% to 8.3% per annum. The PMVVY scheme allows you to take a loan of up to 75% of the purchase price. Note that it is applicable once you have completed three years in the scheme. You must also know that the tenure of the policy is ten years. However, you can apply for foreclosure in case of emergencies. Also, the pension amount is fixed regardless of your age. Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit A fixed deposit is the most common and simple investment avenue with stable returns. It is the most popular among senior citizens. So, it is not a bad pick for those unwilling to burden themselves with any risk. SCFD is especially for senior citizens of 60 years and above. It ensures you have a regular and stable income on your fixed deposit. The best part is that it is open for NRIs too. NRIs can opt for their fixed deposit accounts using their NRO or NRE accounts. Every bank offers a different interest rate on its senior citizen fixed deposits. However, it is found to be roughly 7.9% calculated on average. The minimum investment of Rs. 5,000 in case of online booking and Rs. 10,000 for booking at a bank branch is necessary. The maximum amount of investment varies between every bank. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) The MIS scheme under the Ministry of Finance is another low-risk investment option for senior citizens. It provides you with a fixed interest every month. Also, it offers the flexibility of age. Any Indian who is ten years and above is eligible to apply for this scheme. POMIS requires less investment and, in turn, offers slightly low-interest rates. The minimum investment is Rs. 1,500, and Rs. 4.5 lakh is the maximum cap. Now, if you own a joint account, you have the freedom to invest Rs. 9 lakh. As of June 2021, the interest rate in the post office MIS program was 6.6% per annum. This rate is revised every quarter. The tenure of this scheme is at least five years, post which you can re-apply for the next five years. You can demand withdrawal after a minimum of 1 year of the plan. In that case, you will be charged a 2% and 1% penalty if you withdraw between 1-3 years and 3-5 years, respectively. Mutual fund scheme Mutual funds focus on reducing market risk by considering a diverse investment portfolio. They collect funds from various investors and spread them into different assets. Fund managers do the job of handling them and checking if the fund criteria are met. The list of best mutual funds to invest in India is vast. We recommend you go for low-risk mutual options like debt or hybrid mutual funds. They provide more security. Depending on the extent of risk you can afford to bear, apply for a mutual fund that offers the stability you need post-retirement. [B-02] Key Takeaways It’s a no-brainer that a robust investment portfolio guarantees a tension-free retirement life. If you imagine yourself with peace of mind post-retirement, you must take action now. Building a post-retirement plan takes time, so the time is now. A financial expert like Piramal Finance can help you with applying for a personal loan and investments and managing your finances swiftly.

08-11-2023

How to Get a Business Loan for a Start-up in India

Starting a business is not an easy task. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and planning. One of the most important aspects of starting a business is obtaining the necessary financing. This can be difficult, especially if you are looking for business loans for a start-up in India. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get a business loan for your start-up in India. So, whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for a while, read on to learn more! [B-01] Who is Eligible for Business Loan in India? A person or a group of people coming together to start a business venture with the objective to make a profit may require a business loan. A business loan is a type of finance availed by business entities to start or expand their business operations. Any business, whether small or big; private or public; home-based or office-based; can avail of a business loan. There is no restriction on business size or business type for availing of business loans in India. Like the working capital finance in India, business loans are also availed by business firms to maintain their day-to-day business activities. Here are the requirements for working capital loan eligibility: Indian citizenship The business owner, as well as the company, should be Indian citizens to avail of a business loan in India. Permanent residence The business owner should have a permanent address in India. This is one of the basic working capital loan eligibility criteria. The bank or lender will verify this during the KYC process. Age limit To be eligible for a working capital loan, the business owner’s age should not exceed 65 years at the time of loan maturity. The minimum age to acquire a business loan is 21 years. Aadhaar and PAN cards You will need to provide your Aadhaar and PAN cards when applying for a business loan in India. The lender will use these documents to verify your identity and business ownership. Bank statement for last 6 months One of the most important requirements is your bank statement for the past six months. This will show the lender how much money has been coming into your business and what kind of financial shape it is in. If you can prove that your business is doing well financially, then you will have a better chance of getting approved for an instant business loan. Proof of Ownership of Business Proof of ownership of a business is an important requirement to show that you are the business owner. The easiest way to do this is by providing business registration documents from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). These documents will list your business name, registered address, and other important information. Signature Proof The signature proof is a vital document that provides the lender with your signature, which will be used to verify your identity and loan application. In order to obtain signature proof, you’ll need to provide the lender with two forms of identification. A government-issued ID and a utility bill. Once you have these documents, you’ll need to sign them in front of a notary public. How Can Start-ups Avail a Business Loan in India? There are a few things you need to take care of before applying for a business loan for new business, they are: Credit Score: A good credit score will help you in availing of a business loan at a lower interest rate. If you have a low credit score, try and improve it by repaying your debts and EMIs on time. You can also check your credit report for any errors and get them corrected. Business Plan: Lenders will want to see your business plan to understand how you plan on utilizing the loan amount. Prepare a detailed business plan highlighting your business goals, revenue model, etc. You can take help from financial experts to create a full proof business plan. Financial Statements: Lenders will also ask for your business’s financial statements for the past few years. These statements will help them understand your business’s financial health and its ability to repay the loan amount. How Can You Avail the Loan for Business? It is quite easy to avail of a business loan in India. You just have to approach a bank or any other financial institution with your business plan and required documents. The financial institution will analyse your business plan and decide whether to give you the loan or not. If you are planning to start a new business, then working capital finance is the best option for you. With this type of loan, you can easily get the necessary funds for your business. Moreover, it is also easy to repay the loan amount as it has flexible repayment terms. [B-02] The Bottom Line There are a few things you need to know in order to get a business loan for your start-up in India. The most important thing is to have a clear understanding of what you need the loan for and how you plan to repay it. You should also be aware of the different types of business loans available and the eligibility requirements for each one. With this information, you’ll be able to apply for a business loan with confidence and increase your chances of getting approved.

08-11-2023
Health Insurance

Best Health Insurance Plans To Buy In 2022

Best Health Insurance Plans To Buy In 2022 Medical costs are rising every day. By buying health insurance, you can insure yourself from the rising costs of medical treatments. Many health insurance companies in India offer different types of health plans. You can choose from different health insurance plans to select the best plan for you. Health insurance is used to cover hospitalisation, pre-surgery expenses and post-surgery expenses. You can claim medical expenses until the insured limit is reached. [B-01] Eligibility for getting health insurance Your ability to get health insurance is based on age and medical history. By paying a little extra premium, you can secure the medical future of your family. If you suffer from a pre-existing illness, you can claim insurance benefits only after 4 years have passed. Health Insurance Types The different types of health insurance types are: Individual Health Insurance: This is suitable for individuals to secure their medical future. This covers all expenses for medical and healthcare treatments. Family Health Insurance: You can secure your entire family under a single health insurance plan. You have to pay single premiums. Your wife, children and parents can be covered under this plan. The greater the age of members under this plan, the higher the premium payment. This is because the greater the age, the greater the risk of illnesses. Critical Illness Insurance: This health insurance protects in case of a life-threatening illness. The doctor only has to diagnose the illness. You can receive the lump sum payment immediately. Illnesses covered include cancer, major organ transplant, aortic surgery, kidney failure, stroke, and first heart attack. Senior Citizen Health Insurance: If you are above 65 years of age, you can avail of this type of health insurance coverage. Some companies also have an upper age limit of 75 years for this plan. The plan covers medicines, hospitalisation, and post-surgery expenses. Mental illnesses are also covered. You may have to undergo a medical check-up before this plan is issued. You pay a higher insurance premium under this type of plan. This is because the health risks increase with an increase in age. Top-up Health Insurance: You can opt for this plan if you want a higher amount of insurance coverage. You can claim under this policy only when the payment under the regular insurance is completed. Hospital Daily Cash: You or a family member may be hospitalised. The costs of medical treatment may increase based on the medical condition. You can receive between Rs 500 and Rs 10,000 for meeting these unplanned expenses. You may even be hospitalised for more than 7 days. In this case, you can get paid to cover the recovery period. Personal Accident Insurance: This plan covers you if you are injured in an accident. It also secures you against disabilities and their treatment. You get a lump sum payment under this plan. Mediclaim: You can get benefits under this plan in case of an unexpected illness or accident. Mediclaim provides you compensation during an illness or accident. This plan covers most in-patient expenses in the hospital. Group Health Insurance Policy: Your employer generally takes this policy for all employees in the organisation. The insurance premiums under this plan are low as many people are covered. Best health insurance plans: There are over 28 health insurance companies in India. To select the best insurance policy, you have to look at the following metrics: The amount of annual insurance premium payable Claims settlement ratio Number of network hospitals Customer experience All-inclusive health insurance policies We summarise some of the key features of the best insurance plans: Name of PlanSum InsuredNetwork hospitalsBenefitsAditya Birla Activ health + Multi-fit ComboRs 2 lakh to Rs 2 crore10,000+Different sum insured optionsReward points for gaining fitnessNo age limitICICI Lombard- Complete Health Insurance PolicyRs 1 lakh to Rs 50 lakh6,500+Covers pre-existing diseases from two years of the policy start dateCovers post-recovery costsNo pre-medical check-upTwo complimentary health check-ups per year.Star Health’s Senior Citizen Red Carpet health policyRs 1 lakh to Rs 25 lakh12,000+No pre-insurance medical testAge limit is between 60 and 75 yearsPre-existing illnesses cover from the second yearCover for cataract surgeryHDFC ERGO My: Health Women SurakshaRs 3 lakh to Rs 24 lakh13,000+Covers all types of cancer affecting womenCovers 40 types of ailmentsCovers loss of life, pregnancy coverSalary up to 50% of the monthly salary for six monthsCare Youth Health Insurance PlanRs 3 lakh to Rs 25 lakh19,000+10% discount if you renew, 5% discount for online policiesCovers doctor’s consultations and ophthalmic treatmentsMaternity and new-born children are coveredAnnual health check-upNiva Bupa Health Pulse PolicyRs 3 lakh to Rs 25 lakh8,660+Cashless coverage for hospitalisationsCover for paying ambulance expensesAddition of 100% sum insured in a claim-free yearCovers mental illnesses and HIV treatmentsCoverage for day-care treatmentsHospital cash up to Rs 2, 000 per dayReliance Health Gain PolicyUp to Rs 3 crore8,600+Three different types of plans, including Power, Prime, and Plus types of plans You can receive between 33.33%– 100% of the sum insured in a claim-free year15% discount if you are 50+ with no pre-existing health condition7%–12% discount for a 2 or 3-year health insurance plan [B-02] Key takeaways: As life is uncertain, opting for a health insurance plan is better. We can protect ourselves from high hospitalization costs. This smart financial decision can protect you from unexpected financial costs. If you need help with finances, you can always take the help of experts such as Piramal Finance to guide you through your personal finance woes.

08-11-2023
General Insurance

Types Of Life Insurance Policies In India

Life Insurance is an important financial tool. It provides financial assistance to your family, but only in case of sudden unfortunate death. It gives a return at the end of your term, which you pay as a premium. If the policyholder’s tragic death happened during the policy’s active period, the insurance company pays good money to your nominee. You will find different types of life insurance policies in the market. You can choose one according to your needs. After reading this, you will understand the different types of life insurance policies that will help you choose the best insurance for you. Few types of life insurance policies offer a money back. As LIC says, “Zindagi ke saath bhi, Zindagi ke baad bhi” [B-01] Types of Life Insurance Policies: Term Insurance Critical illness Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) Endowment Insurance Child Insurance Retirement Insurance Plans Term Insurance: Term life insurance policies are a type of life insurance that secures your family’s financial future. If something unexpected happens to you, you can secure your family’s future if there is a life insurance policy. Term insurance is not a market-driven policy. Its premium is generally low compared to other types of life insurance policies. Term insurance is a good way to invest your money correctly. It is a model that covers many risks. You get money not only in case of death. You can choose the term life insurance policy for various purposes. For example, you can take out money to meet your daily expenses, repay an outstanding loan, and much more. Some term insurance policies provide an extra layer of protection. Critical illness is also covered. Suppose a policyholder dies, they can cover the risk for their family with a small increase in the premium amount. Critical Illness: Critical illness life insurance covers diseases mentioned in the insurance bond. Taking a critical illness life insurance policy is better. That policy will save you a large amount in a medical emergency. Most insurance companies cover diseases like cancer and heart problems. It depends upon the insurance company and which condition they cover. Everyone should choose the one that suits their needs from different types of life insurance. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) Unit Linked Insurance Plans cover both investment plans and protection. ULIPs provide life covers that protect your family from financial problems. In addition, they offer multiple funds to invest your money. Some ways are through equity, debt, hybrid, etc. Unit Linked Insurance Plans are a smart way to secure your future. Out of the different types of life insurance, ULIPs offer attractive benefits like loyalty additions. The wealth booster option is another one to help you earn more money with changing times. The maturity amount of ULIPs is tax-free under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act of 1961. Finally, it allows you to earn money with market-linked returns and systematic investment plans. For Example– Amit is a 30-year-old man who purchased the ULIP with a policy term of 20 years. He pays 5000 rupees per month as a premium for 20 years. The life cover for this plan stands at 3.6 lakh rupees. On maturity, Amit will get returns according to the performance of the funds he chooses. This signifies that the maturity benefit with a 4% return will be 9.05 lakh rupees and an 8% return will be 13.9 lakh rupees. If Amit suddenly dies, then his family will receive the death benefit as the sum payout. Endowment Insurance Endowment Insurance is the opposite of a Unit Linked Insurance Plan. ULIPs have a market-linked return system. In the case of Endowment Insurance, you are offered guaranteed returns. They cover both your investment and insurance needs. It gives you plans to save regularly for the future. The premium you pay is divided into two parts. One part is for the death benefit. The other is invested. Suppose you die, the family gets the death benefit of the policy. Endowment Plans offer bonuses that are paid over the agreed sum promised. This is similar to ULIPs. You can decide the method and time frame to pay your premium. Endowment Plans are a combo of savings and insurance plans. Different types of life insurance policies give you extra bonuses. Check with the insurance representative before choosing the right policy. Child Insurance: As the title suggests, a child insurance plan is an important investment plan. This is for any parent who wants the best for their children. Your children’s future goals can be decided and secured with this insurance plan. The premium is invested in your selected funds. These types of life insurance plans are designed with rising inflation in mind. That means your return is enough to support your child’s tomorrow. These plans come with a better return plan than any other policy’s fixed return models. Child insurance plans also offer broader coverage with critical illness and accidental death benefits. These types of life insurance policies provide loyalty additions and wealth boosters. They increase your savings. Moreover, you can either pay regular or a single premium. You can also withdraw after five years of the policy. Retirement Insurance Plan: Retirement insurance works as a long-term investment plan. This plan helps you acquire money for your post-retirement days. Retirement plans keep you insured. You can also plan for the future of your loved ones by investing in this type of life insurance plan. You can choose to have a stable regular income or a larger sum at once. You can also select a steady recurring income and a good amount. Early planning is an excellent way to prepare for your future and retirement plans are a suitable type of life insurance. [B-02] Final Words: Buying a policy will affect how you will lead your life tomorrow. Choosing the best plan for yourself today is a smart decision for a better future. You are the boss. Decide what suits you best from various types of life insurance policies. Piramal Finance now offers personal loans with just a few clicks. The professionals from team Piramal visit you personally and explain everything in detail. You will get total aid from the best. So choose Piramal for all your financial needs.

08-11-2023
Banking

How To Check Bank Account Balance By SMS?

It has become easy to conduct a transaction in the present digital era. Within seconds, you can either send or receive money from wherever you are. Technology has made everything handy and accessible. But sometimes transactions become challenging as people are unaware of their balances; there is no need to worry about it anymore. You can check bank account balance or make a balance enquiry through SMS. Well, to know more, scroll more. [B-01] Balance Enquiry – Now At Your Fingertips Initially, making balance enquiries or checking your account balance was challenging. You would have to visit the bank and stand in long lines to get to know your balance. However, those times have changed. Just one missed call, and you can check your account balance via SMS to your registered phone number. Through SMS banking, you can get all the required information about your account anywhere and at any time. Balance enquiries via SMS offer automatic notifications about your latest transaction. It makes you keep an eye on your credit and debit transactions. How To Check Bank Account Balance By SMS? Consumers can get their required information instantly and enjoy various banking operations with the SMS banking facility. With it, you can make balance enquiries, pay bills, and carry out transactions at your convenience. You should message your bank in the suggested format to get all the details you need. In addition, it is essential to know that you’re availing of the services through your registered mobile number. To get the balance enquiry via SMS, you first need to register for the SMS services. Below are the steps for obtaining seamless SMS services. Step 1: The consumer or account holder should send an SMS to the particular number of the bank through their registered phone number. Step 2: Now, the consumer will receive a confirmation SMS that indicates the successful registration of the SMS banking facility. Step 3: After successful registration, you can message the particular number given by your bank to make the balance enquiry. For instance, type ‘Bal’ <your account> to check your bank account balance. It is essential to note that you’re availing of the services through your registered phone number. Also, if you don’t get any reply, it is suggested to repeat the same procedures after some time. If you still face an issue, go to the bank and resolve it immediately. Balance Enquiry with Banks Before making the balance enquiry, you need to know that some banks are nationalised and merged. Syndicate Bank merged with Canara Bank. Also, the United Bank of India and OBC Bank combined with the Punjab National Bank. Allahabad Bank merged with the Indian Bank. State Bank of India BAL to 09223766666 For another account: BAL<space>Account number sent to 09223766666 Union Bank of India For the Union Bank of India, you can request the balance via the following methods. For primary account: UBAL sent to 09223008486 For another account: UBAL<space>Account number sent to 09223008486 Indian Overseas Bank BAL<space>Last four digits of the account number sent to 8424022122 Oriental Bank of Commerce ACBAL Account number send to 9915622622 Federal Bank of India BAL <Space> myshortno send it to 9895088888 IDFC First Bank Limited BAL <Space> last four digits of account number send it to 9289289960 Yes Bank Limited To check bank account balance: YESBAL <customer ID> send it to 9840909000 Things To Check Before Making Balance Enquiry Nowadays, you can check bank account balance or make a balance enquiry through the internet or mobile banking using the particular bank’s website or application. But the easiest way to make the request is via SMS banking. However, you should know a few things before making a balance inquiry. Mobile Number: It is mandatory to check whether you’re messaging or making missed calls from your registered mobile number to avail of the details via SMS. Check for Charges: Most banks charge for receiving and sending SMS, as per bank regulations. Therefore, it is suggested to check whether the bank charges for the SMS facility. Follow the Steps: Follow the instructions to send an SMS. Please type the number and alphabet correctly before sending it. Not to Share: Please note that you do not share your ATM pin, CVV, or OTP number with anyone while availing of the SMS facility. Various Facilities Apart from balance requests, you can avail of various other services via SMS banking. Let us discuss them below. Mini Statement: Through SMS, you can get the mini statement of your concerned account. The mini-statement is nothing but a summary of your last 5–6 transactions. Therefore, you can also avail of those services. E-statement: Consumers can also get their e-statements without going to the ATM or sending email requisitions. You can access your e-statement for the month via SMS banking with password protection. Cheque: You can also request your chequebook via SMS facility. [B-02] Conclusion Getting to know your balance through SMS is very convenient. But make sure you’re availing of the services via your registered phone number. Nowadays, if you are subject to fraud, your SMS facility will also alert you. Meanwhile, if you face any challenges, go to your bank and approach them directly to get a better solution. Read more related blogs on the Piramal Finance website to explore our financial products and services, especially those on personal loans, credit cards, and financial calculators.

08-11-2023
Other

What Is The Balance Enquiry Number?

People are extra cautious about any bank-related work, especially those that deal with money withdrawals, balance enquiries, deposits, and alerts. For performing any actions or posing queries about such tasks, you can directly contact banks using their toll-free numbers. Technology has vastly developed, and banking has now come to your fingertips. All banking tasks are accomplished in seconds from any corner of the world. [B-01] Bank Balance The bank balance is the amount you have in your bank account. It’s the difference between the amount you have deposited in your account and withdrawals from your account. Once you have spent your money, you will get an SMS alert if you have opted for it, stating the balance of your bank account. Suppose you have not opted for the SMS alert feature; in that case, you can directly go to the nearest bank branch where you have your account. You can also call the bank’s balance enquiry number, provide them with the relevant details, and then the authorised team will check the balance and notify you. It’s just that simple to know your bank balance through this balance enquiry number. Various Techniques to Check Balance Missed call to the balance check number Every bank has a toll-free number to check the bank balance, known as the balance enquiry number or balance check number. You need to call them, and the support team will ask you questions like the bank account number, account holder name, and date of birth for their confirmation. Once they check and validate the details, they will share your bank balance. As the banking sector needs high security, account holders should also be careful with their bank details. If your account details get leaked or you lose your bank passbook, which has all the information about your bank account, conmen may mishandle your bank account by engaging in fraudulent activities. So, one should keep their bank details private and safe. Short Message Service (SMS) There is an alternative to the call, which is the SMS option. You can send a message to the bank’s toll-free number regarding your query using this feature. The message you send should be in a particular format, as the system provides you with the details based on the message you send. The structure of the format varies from one bank to another. In Punjab National Bank, you need to send the message as BAL<space>Your Account number to check the bank balance. On the other hand, for the State Bank of India, you only need to send a message as BAL from your mobile number to the balance enquiry number that the bank uses. These all perform the same task, but the steps they follow vary. Similarly, other banks have their own formats for checking your bank account balance. Internet banking Customers can also use Internet banking or mobile banking for any queries related to their bank account. For that, you first need to set up an internet banking profile with the help of the concerned bank manager. Later, you can access your bank account by sitting at home or anywhere worldwide. Once the setup is done, you can carry out any activity, such as balance checking using the balance check number provided on the site, receiving SMS alert modifications, regulating card permissions, and controlling many more functions with a single tap. Once your Internet banking profile is set, you do not need to go to the bank for any physical queries. It is visible in your profile. Mobile banking Similar to Internet banking, you can also have all these options in your mobile banking. Mobile banking is nothing but an app where you can access all your bank account details. For this, you need to install the bank’s application and create your profile. The profile setup is not so complicated, as it requires some basic details such as your registered mobile number, date of birth, name, and some other details. In mobile banking, you can perform various actions such as balance assessments using the balance enquiry number, accessing recent transactions, and requesting the mini statement, which has all the details of your transactions. Through these, you can clearly understand what’s happening in your bank account. Protective Measures for Fraudulent Activities Due to strict monitoring and surveillance, banks are considered safe. However, you should be aware of all transactions in your account. With an increase in technology, there is also an increase in fraud activities. If you have conducted any incorrect transactions, you need not panic and go to the bank to inform the bank manager that you have made an incorrect transaction. According to the RBI, if you have carried out any incorrect transactions or found any fraudulent activity in your bank account, you must report it to the bank within 3 days of those activities. You can also register a complaint on the RBI page, noting that the transaction was incorrect, and the authorities will take action in 3 to 5 working days and update you with the procedure. The bank authorities can view the fraudulent activities by checking your bank balance. For this purpose, you need to call the balance check number. If it is more or less than your actual balance after any transaction, it will be considered fraudulent activity. If it is regarded as an erroneous transaction, the money debited from your account due to that incorrect transaction will be credited back to your account. [B-02] Conclusion Following the steps mentioned earlier helps you learn about the balance checking procedure using the balance enquiry number and provides insight into various ways that might help you reach out to the bank for any queries. Piramal Finance offers you relevant information regarding multiple banks across India. For any banking loan-related query, you can visit the website. The financial experts will help you better understand your bank account.

08-11-2023
Know More

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