Author: Naresh Saini

Recent changes in health insurance policies have made it easier for policyholders to get cashless treatment, even at non-network hospitals. Earlier, cashless treatment was only available in-network hospitals, but with these updates, you can now access treatment at any hospital without the need for advance payment. Here’s a simple guide on how this new benefit works and what you need to know to make the most of it. Check If Your Policy Supports the New Rules Before assuming that you can avail of cashless treatment anywhere, it’s important to check whether your health insurance policy has been updated with these…

The government is moving closer to providing much-needed relief on health and term insurance premiums, as the Group of Ministers (GoM) has proposed to exempt GST on certain insurance premiums. This proposal, if approved, will particularly benefit senior citizens and policyholders with coverage up to Rs 5 lakh. The final decision will be taken in the next GST Council meeting scheduled for next month. Key Proposal: No GST on Health Insurance Premiums In a meeting held on Saturday, the GoM recommended that health insurance premiums up to Rs 5 lakh should be exempt from GST. Currently, policyholders pay 18% GST…

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has rolled out a new service designed to simplify Aadhaar-related processes, particularly for residents in rural and remote regions. This new service brings Aadhaar updates and child enrollment right to your doorstep, significantly reducing the need to visit a bank or post office. IPPB, in collaboration with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has introduced the Child Enrollment Lite Client (CELC) application. This is an Android-based app created to make child Aadhaar registration easier, especially for those under 5 years old. With this new facility, people living in rural or hard-to-reach areas will benefit…

When the stock market experiences volatility, investors often seek safer options for their money. Hybrid mutual funds offer a great solution, balancing returns and minimizing risk by spreading investments across various assets. This article explores how hybrid mutual funds work and why they can be an ideal choice for both cautious and long-term investors. What Are Hybrid Mutual Funds? Hybrid mutual funds invest in more than one asset class—mainly equity and debt—and may also include commodities like gold and silver. This multi-asset allocation reduces overall risk. If one asset underperforms, the others help stabilize the portfolio, ensuring consistent returns. This…

For senior citizens looking for a safe and reliable way to earn regular income after retirement, the Post Office Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is an excellent option. This government-backed scheme offers attractive returns, helping retired individuals maintain financial stability. With the SCSS, senior citizens can invest a lump sum once and enjoy a fixed income every month. It is a trusted investment option as it is run by the government under the Post Office schemes. How Much Can You Earn from SCSS? The SCSS is designed to provide financial support to individuals above the age of 60. One of…

With inflation constantly eating away at the value of money, securing a large pension for your retirement is essential. The National Pension System (NPS), a government-backed scheme, offers a reliable way to build a significant retirement corpus while providing tax benefits. If you’re 30 years old and aiming for a pension of Rs. 2 lakh per month after you retire, here’s a step-by-step guide on how much you need to invest and the potential returns. What Is NPS and How Does It Work? The National Pension System (NPS) is a retirement-focused investment plan regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and…

Retirement is a significant phase of life that requires careful financial planning. Whether you’re close to retirement or a few decades away, one common concern for everyone is post-retirement expenses. After all, when the regular monthly salary stops coming in, how will you manage your monthly expenses, especially with inflation constantly rising? If you haven’t started thinking about this, it’s high time to put a solid retirement plan in place. Why Planning Retirement Expenses is Crucial For those planning to retire at 60, it’s important to consider expenses for the next 25 to 30 years. The average life expectancy is…

At age 35, a small investment in the National Pension System (NPS) can help you build a significant retirement fund, ensuring a steady monthly pension of Rs 2 lakh after 60. Here’s how you can achieve this financial goal. Retirement planning can feel daunting, especially when you’re in your mid-30s and just starting to think seriously about long-term financial goals. The National Pension System (NPS) offers an excellent way to build a significant retirement fund over the years, with the added benefit of a comfortable monthly pension once you stop working. By starting early and contributing regularly, you can pave…

The stock market is witnessing significant fluctuations, leading many investors to question if it’s the right time to invest. With ongoing geopolitical issues, global uncertainties, and unclear interest rate policies, the Indian stock market has seen its major indices – the Sensex and Nifty – fall by over 2.5% in the past month. Such downturns often leave investors wondering if they should hold off until conditions improve or if there are opportunities even in the current climate. Here, we dive into whether waiting for the “perfect” time to invest is a sound strategy or if there’s a better way to…

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is one of the most reliable long-term savings schemes, offering both security and tax benefits. Even after completing the 15-year maturity period, your PPF account continues to grow without the need for new investments. Here’s how you can make the most out of your PPF savings. Key Features of PPF: A Safe and Tax-Free Investment PPF accounts allow individuals to invest between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1.5 lakh annually, and they currently offer an interest rate of 7.1%. Beyond just a steady return, PPF provides benefits at every stage of investment: Interest Earnings After Maturity If…