Finance Advisor Talk

  In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how people choose life insurance policies in India. Gone are the days of browsing through dozens of brochures or relying solely on agents for advice.  With AI-powered tools, you can now compare policy options based on your specific profile—age, income, lifestyle, and financial goals—within minutes, all online. How AI is improving policy comparison Traditional comparison platforms typically show plans based on sum assured and premium. However, AI tools go a step further. They assess your profile holistically, using algorithms that consider: Your age and life stage (young earner, married, nearing retirement) Income level and future earning potential Financial responsibilities, such as loans or dependents Risk tolerance and coverage preferences Desired policy term and premium payment frequency Based on this input, the platform ranks or recommends the most suitable life insurance plans tailored to your goals—whether that’s i...

  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...

Choosing the right life cover starts with understanding the different types of life insurance policies available in India. Each plan is designed to suit a specific financial goal—whether it's protecting your family, saving for the future, or planning retirement.  Knowing the features of different types of life insurance policies can help you make a better decision. Term insurance Term insurance offers high coverage at an affordable premium for a set duration—typically 10, 20, or 30 years. If the policyholder dies during the term, the nominee receives the sum assured. There are no maturity benefits unless you choose a return of premium option. Best for: Primary earners and young professionals seeking low-cost protection. Term insurance with return of premium In this variant, the entire premium is refunded if the insured survives the policy term. It provides financial security along with value recovery. Best for: Those who want protection plus return of premiums. Unit linked insur...

Choosing the right life insurance policy can be overwhelming, especially with so many options in the market. That’s where a life insurance calculator becomes an invaluable tool. It helps you estimate the ideal coverage based on your personal financial situation, offering clarity on how much life cover your family may need in your absence. Do I need to calculate life insurance needs? Absolutely. A life insurance calculator simplifies the process of figuring out the right sum assured for your unique situation. Since life is unpredictable, it’s essential to plan for both expected and unforeseen expenses—like education costs, mortgage payments, or medical emergencies. Estimating the correct coverage ensures your loved ones are financially secure even when you’re not around. How to use a life insurance calculator 1. Gather your financial details Collect key figures like your monthly income, existing loans, assets, and regular expenses. This will help generate an accurate estimate. 2. Choos...

Joint life insurance refers to a single life insurance policy that covers two individuals, typically spouses or life partners. The policy pays out a lump sum benefit upon the death of one or both insured individuals, depending on the type of plan chosen. It provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring that both parties are financially protected, even in the unfortunate event of a loss. There are two main types of joint life insurance policies: the 'first-to-die' policy and the 'second-to-die' policy. The 'first-to-die' policy pays the death benefit when the first policyholder passes away, offering immediate financial relief to the surviving partner.  On the other hand, the 'second-to-die' policy only pays out after both insured individuals have passed away, which can be useful for estate planning, as it helps to cover taxes or other financial obligations that might arise after both partners' death. The joint life insurance definition covers two individ...