Finance Advisor Talk

  In 2025, life insurance in India has taken a historic step forward by including mental health as part of the base coverage. This change follows regulatory mandates by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), requiring insurers to treat mental health conditions on par with physical health under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. With stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise—especially among young professionals—this development is timely and transformative. Why mental health coverage matters in life insurance Mental health issues affect millions of Indians, yet access to care has long been a challenge. According to recent reports, 84% of employees experienced workplace anxiety in 2025, and nearly 150 million people require mental health services. Until recently, therapy and psychiatric consultations were either excluded from life and health insurance policies or included only as expensive add-ons. Today, major life insurance providers now offer plans t...

  Planning for a child’s education is now more crucial than ever due to the rising costs associated with quality learning. Whether you are aiming for higher education in India or abroad, building a structured savings strategy can ensure you meet your child’s educational needs without financial stress.  The best saving plans combine safety, returns, and tax benefits — making them perfect tools for long-term planning. Below are some of the top saving plans parents in India can consider: Public Provident Fund (PPF) PPF is a long-term, government-backed scheme offering attractive interest and tax benefits. With a lock-in of 15 years and compounding interest, even small monthly investments can accumulate into a sizeable corpus by the time your child enters college. Contributions qualify for deductions under Section 80C, offering additional tax relief. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) For parents of daughters, SSY is one of the most rewarding options. This government scheme...

When financial goals are just a few months or years away, choosing the right short term savings plan becomes essential. These plans help individuals grow their money safely, maintain liquidity, and reduce market exposure. Whether saving for a vacation, emergency fund, or minor home renovation, short term savings plan investment strategies can offer steady growth with minimal risk. 1. Fixed Deposits (FDs) Fixed deposits are among the most popular low-risk investment options. Banks and NBFCs offer FDs with tenures ranging from 7 days to 10 years. For short-term goals, a 1- to 3-year FD provides assured returns and capital safety. Though interest is taxable, FDs suit risk-averse investors seeking stability. 2. Recurring Deposits (RDs) Ideal for salaried individuals, RDs allow you to deposit a fixed amount monthly for a predetermined period, typically 6 months to 10 years. They offer fixed interest rates and are perfect for systematically building a short-term corpus without the pressure ...

For salaried professionals in India, managing income effectively means finding investment options that not only generate steady returns but also provide tax relief.  Choosing the best saving plan in India involves balancing risk, return, and tax efficiency. Thankfully, there are several saving instruments that cater to these goals. Public Provident Fund (PPF) One of the most trusted long-term saving options, the Public Provident Fund offers an attractive fixed interest rate backed by the government. The interest earned and the maturity amount are both tax-free under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years, making it a great choice for retirement planning. National Savings Certificate (NSC) NSC is another government-backed savings scheme ideal for conservative investors seeking assured returns. It comes with a five-year lock-in period and offers fixed interest. Investments up to Rs. 1.5 lakh annually qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C, makin...

 Many people still ask the question, what is life insurance in simple words? The answer is straightforward: life insurance is a financial agreement between you and an insurance company. You pay a regular amount (called a premium), and in return, the company agrees to give your family a lump sum (called the sum assured) if something happens to you during the policy term. In other words, it is a way to make sure your family is financially protected even when you are not around to provide for them. Why is life insurance important? Life insurance plays a vital role in any financial plan. It ensures that your loved ones will not struggle to pay bills, repay loans, or meet future goals like education and marriage in your absence. Some of the main benefits include: Income replacement : Supports your family’s daily expenses if you are the primary earner. Debt repayment : Can clear off home, car, or personal loans. Long-term planning : Certain policies also help you build savings for retire...

When it comes to safeguarding your family’s financial future, understanding the different types of life insurance policies is essential. These plans are designed to serve specific needs—from basic protection to long-term wealth creation. Here’s a look at the types of life insurance options available in India and their core features. Term insurance Term insurance provides coverage for a fixed period at a low premium. If the policyholder passes away during the term, the nominee receives the sum assured. It does not offer any maturity value if the policyholder survives the term. Term insurance with return of premium This plan offers life cover during the term and returns all premiums paid if the policyholder survives. It suits those looking for basic protection along with a return benefit. Unit linked insurance plans (ULIPs) ULIPs provide dual benefits—insurance and market-linked investment. A portion of the premium goes into investment funds, and the rest ensures life cover. These are l...