Last week, a compelling case landed on my desk that perfectly illustrates a critical flaw in modern financial guidance. It involved a high-earning professional who had done everything “right” on the surface, yet was riddled with anxiety about her future. I want to share this case study to highlight why simplicity and purpose-driven planning must always trump complexity. The Client Profile: An Early Start, A Complex Mess I met with a brilliant female doctor in her early 40s. She had been investing consistently since 2017, meaning she started at a commendable age of 32. Eight years of investing is a significant advantage! She was proactive, disciplined, and clearly understood the importance of saving. However, a deep dive into her portfolio revealed an astonishing lack of strategy: The Overload: She was invested across 40 different mutual funds 🤯. The Commitment: She had active SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) running in 20 of those funds, totaling about ₹90,000 per month. The Advice Gap: Her investments were fragmented, handled by four separate “advisors”: two banks and two independent individuals. The Root of the Chaos The most alarming discovery wasn’t the sheer number of funds; it was the mechanism that created them. Every time she visited her bank, her Relationship Manager (RM) presented her with a new investment. Every time she called an advisor, they recommended a new fund. The result was a constantly growing collection of assets with no underlying strategy and zero mapping to her life goals. Her portfolio was a scattered collection of products, not a cohesive financial plan. The Wake-Up Call: Anxiety in Her 40s 🚨 So, why did she finally seek help? She had reached her early 40s—the age when long-term goals, particularly children’s education 🎓 and retirement, transition from abstract concepts to urgent realities. She was paralyzed by worry: Are these investments adequate? Can I actually achieve my goals with this structure? How do I even begin to manage this complexity? The eight years of disciplined saving had bought her anxiety, not peace of mind. The Shocking Missing Foundation: Protection Planning 🛡️ As a financial advisor, I begin with the foundation: protection. During our session, I discovered that despite having four advisors over eight years, she had NO Term Insurance Plan for herself. I was genuinely taken aback. No one had addressed the most fundamental question: What happens to her family’s financial stability if she is no longer around? This case screams a lack of basic, client-first questioning. A proper financial review starts with the basics, not the latest fund recommendation: Portfolio Audit: What is your current portfolio and why? Goal Setting: What goals are you investing for? Risk Management: Have you secured your income and assets (Term Insurance, Health Insurance)? The Takeaway for Every Investor This doctor, an intelligent and highly successful professional, spent eight years collecting funds without a direction. What she has is a lot of funds, but no sense of how to manage them, resulting in profound anxiety. More funds is not more diversification; it is often just more duplication and confusion. If your financial conversations always start and end with buying a new product, you’re not getting advice—you’re getting a sales pitch. A successful financial partnership provides: Clarity: A clear link between every rupee invested and a specific life goal. Simplicity: A streamlined, manageable portfolio (rarely more than 5-8 funds are needed). Foundation: Proper protection planning before aggressive investment begins. Don’t let complexity become your biggest obstacle. Seek an advisor who asks about your goals and your protection, long before they ask about your bank balance. If this doctor’s story sounds familiar—too many funds, no clear goals, and anxiety about the future—it’s time for an expert review. You deserve simplicity and confidence, not complexity and confusion Worried your portfolio is over-diversified and underperforming? Let’s Fix It. Book a brief 1-on-1 discovery call now to see how we can simplify your finances. Click to book here
In today’s world, health insurance is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With medical inflation, which as per Mr CEO of Medi Assist, a leading TPA , Mr. Satish Gidugu, is currently estimated at around 12-14% annually, Read report here (https://www.theweek.in/news/health/2025/06/22/medical-inflation-in-india-is-outpacing-general-inflation-by-a-considerable-margin.html). having a safety net is crucial to protect your savings from unexpected medical emergencies. A lot of my readers who are salaried , have corporate provided plans and hence think they are protected enough. But is that enough? This question leads to a common dilemma: should you rely solely on your company’s plan, or is a personal health insurance policy a wiser choice? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide. Understanding the Two Types Corporate Health Insurance (Group Plan): This is a group policy that an employer provides to its employees. It often covers the employee, and sometimes their family, parents , in-laws etc, with premiums typically paid fully or partially by the company. Personal Health Insurance: This is a policy you purchase for yourself and your family. You are the policyholder, and you are responsible for paying the premiums and managing the policy. The Case for Corporate Health Insurance: The Free Lunch? Corporate health insurance comes with several attractive benefits, making it an easy choice for many. Cost-Effective: The biggest advantage is that the premium is usually paid by your employer. This is a significant financial benefit, as you get coverage without the direct burden of monthly premiums. No Waiting Periods: Many corporate plans offer immediate coverage from day one, often bypassing the waiting periods for pre-existing conditions that are common in personal policies. No Medical Check-ups: You are typically not required to undergo a medical check-up to enroll, which is a major relief for individuals with pre-existing health issues. Basic Coverage for All: The policy is standardized, ensuring that all employees have a basic level of financial protection against medical costs. The Hidden Catches of Corporate Coverage While convenient, relying solely on your corporate plan can leave you vulnerable. Job-Dependent Coverage: The most significant drawback is that your coverage is tied to your employment. If you leave your job, retire, or are laid off, your insurance ends, leaving you and your family exposed. Limited Customization: Corporate plans are “one size fits all.” You have very little say in the sum insured, features, and add-ons. The coverage may not be adequate for major illnesses or high-end treatments, especially in a city with high healthcare costs. No-Claim Bonus (NCB) Loss: Unlike personal policies, corporate plans do not offer a No-Claim Bonus (NCB), which is a discount on your premium for every claim-free year. This is a benefit you lose out on. The Strength of a Personal Health Insurance Policy A personal policy puts you in the driver’s seat and provides long-term security. Total Control and Customization: You can choose a plan that fits your unique health needs and budget. You can select a higher sum insured, add critical illness riders, and include your parents and other dependents. Portability and Continuity: Your personal policy is not tied to your job. You can take it with you when you switch employers, ensuring continuous coverage throughout your life, including after retirement. No-Claim Bonus (NCB): Personal policies reward you for staying healthy with a no-claim bonus, which can significantly reduce your premium over time. Tax Benefits: Premiums paid for a personal health insurance policy are eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. The Downsides of a Personal Policy Of course, personal insurance isn’t without its challenges. Higher Cost: You are responsible for the entire premium, which can be a significant expense, especially for a comprehensive plan. Waiting Periods: Most personal policies have waiting periods for specific illnesses and pre-existing conditions, which can range from a few months to several years. Medical Check-up: You may need to undergo a pre-medical check-up, and the premium can be higher based on your health history. Product Corporate Health Insurance (Group Plan) Personal Health Insurance (Individual/Family Floater) Premiums Usually paid by the employer (fully or partially). Paid entirely by the policyholder. Cost Generally more affordable for the employee. Can be more expensive, as the premium is based on your individual health and age. Customization Very limited. The coverage and sum insured are standardized for the entire group by the employer. Highly customizable. You can choose the sum insured, add-ons (like maternity, critical illness cover), and other features as per your needs. Coverage Often basic and may have sub-limits on room rent or specific treatments. Can be comprehensive, with higher sum insured and fewer sub-limits, offering better protection against major illnesses. Waiting Periods Usually waived off, and pre-existing diseases are covered from day one. Has mandatory waiting periods (e.g., 30 days for new diseases, 2-4 years for pre-existing conditions). Portability Not portable. The policy terminates the moment you leave the company. Fully portable. You can transfer the policy to a new insurer while retaining your benefits, such as the No-Claim Bonus and waiting period credits. No-Claim Bonus (NCB) Not applicable. There is no benefit for not making a claim. A key feature. Your sum insured increases or the premium decreases for every claim-free year. Medical Check-up Typically not required for enrollment. May be required, especially for individuals over a certain age or with pre-existing conditions. Family Coverage May or may not include family members (spouse, children, parents). The extent of coverage is at the employer’s discretion. You can choose to cover yourself, your spouse, your children, and your parents under a single family floater policy or separate individual plans. Tax Benefits The premium paid by the employer is a business expense for them. Employees may not get a direct tax benefit unless they pay for a portion of the premium or a top-up plan. Premiums paid are eligible for a tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. Long-Term Security Unreliable. Coverage ends upon job change, layoff, or retirement. Provides lifelong security as long as
I recently received a sales call, but I was on the receiving end this time, and it was a powerful reminder of why my approach to financial advising is so different. The salesperson was sharp and articulate, and they knew their product inside and out. They could rattle off policy details and compare dozens of options with impressive speed. But their entire approach was flawed from the start. The moment they learned my salary, they settled on a single solution: a ₹1 crore term plan. There was no effort to understand my unique situation—my liabilities, my savings, or my family’s financial goals. They didn’t even consider the financial security of my wife, assuming perhaps that a female spouse’s coverage is an afterthought. Their goal wasn’t to understand my needs; it was to push a product that’s an easy sell. The call wasn’t about me; it was about a transaction. This experience solidified my belief that true financial guidance isn’t about selling a product; it’s about solving a problem. I don’t just sell term insurance; I help clients understand why they need it and what amount is truly right for them. We start the conversation with their life, not a policy. We talk about their family’s dreams, their long-term goals, and what “peace of mind” truly means for them. A good advisor doesn’t just sell a policy; they help you build a secure foundation for your family’s future. It’s about leading with empathy and a deeper understanding of a client’s life, not just their income bracket. My job isn’t to be a salesperson; it’s to be a genuine problem-solver and a trusted partner. Read more on LinkedIn f you’re ready for a conversation that starts with your life, not a policy, reach out for a consultation to find the right solution for you
Fund Name Year Of inception Fund rating ( Crisil rated ) Portfolio Size ( In Cr ) Expense ratio PE ratios Exit Load Benchmark ICICI Pru Multi Asset Fund (G) 2002 _ 63,001.13 cr 1.38 21.32 For units in excess of 30% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days Nifty 200 TRI (65%) + Nifty Composite Debt Index (25%) + Domestic Price of Gold (6%) + Domestic Price of Silver (1%) + iCOMDEX Composite Index (3%) Quant Multi Asset Fund (G) 2001 _ 3,666.25 cr 1.86 16.06 1% for redemption within 15 days Composite Benchmark of 65% S&P BSE 200 + 15% CRISIL Short Term Bond Fund Index + 20% iCOMDEX Composite Index (Total Return variant of the index (TRI) will be used for performance comparison) UTI Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg (G) 2008 _ 5,902.09 cr 1.73 29.22 1% for redemption within 30 days 25% CRISIL Composite Bond TR INR, 10% Price of Gold, 65% BSE 200 TR INR HDFC Multi Asset Fund (G) 2005 _ 4,634.55 cr 1.88 21.26 For units in excess of 15% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days 65% Nifty 50 TRI + 25% Nifty Composite Debt Index + 10% Price of Domestic Gold (as per AMFI Tier I Benchmark) SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg (G) 2005 _ 9,440.3 cr 1.42 21.50 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days 45% BSE 500 TRI + 40% Crisil Composite Bond Fund Index + 10% Domestic prices of Gold + 5% Domestic prices of Silver WhiteOak Capital Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg (G) 2023 – 3,039.83 Cr 1.63 21.31 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 30 days CRISIL Short-Term Bond Index (45.00%), Domestic Price of Gold (19.00%), Domestic Price of Silver (1.00%), BSE 500 Total Return Index (35.00%)^ Nippon India Multi-Asset Allocation Fund Reg 2020 _ 6,649.41 cr 1.45 21.09 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 12 months 50% of BSE 500 TRI, 20% of MSCI World Index TRI, 15% of Crisil Short Term Bond Index, 10% of Domestic prices of Gold & 5% of Domestic prices of Silver ICICI Pru Multi Asset Fund (G) : ICICI has been one of the pioneers of this category and has been running this fund since 2002, With a large fund size 63,001 cr with the next fund far away in terms of size. Very low expense ratio of 1.38. Fund PE is 21.32 showing a growth bias in the fund. With Benchmark as Nifty 200 65% + debt 25% + Domestic price of gold 6% and Price of silver 1%+ IComex 3%, which shows the fund would always have 10% in the commodities Quant Multi Asset Fund (G) : This fund was one of the earliest funds launched in 2001, Fund size of 3,666.25 cr. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.86, Fund has PE of 16.06. The fund is benchmarked against 65% BSE 200+ 15 CRISIL short term bonds +20% ICOMDEX TRI, so this fund has a major allocation to commodities to 20%, the debt allocation here is reduced to 10%. But the equity portion remains the same. UTI Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg (G): This fund was launched in the year 2008, it had delivered results in very recent times, with a decent fund size of 5,902.09 Cr. The fund has a high expense ratio of 1.73. The high PE of 29.22 shows a major allocation to growth stock. The benchmark of the fund is 65% BSE 200 TR INR + 25% CRISIL composite bond TR INR + 10% price of gold. Which is very similar to that of ICICI so it would also have a 10% index in the commodities. HDFC Multi Asset Fund (G): The fund was launched in the year 2005, with a decent fund size of 4,634.55 cr. The fund expense ratio is high at 1.88. The PE of 21.26 shows growth bias. The fund’s benchmark is 65% NIFTY50 TRI+ 25% in NIFTY Composite Debt + 10% price of Domestic gold. The fund is somewhat similar to ICICI but only shows gold as commodity. SBI Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg (G) : This fund was launched in 2005, with a Second largest fund size of 9,440.3 Cr. The expense ratio for the fund is 1.42. PE of 21.50, again growth orientation. The fund is benchmarked with 45% BSE 500 TRI+ 40% CRISIL Composite bond fund +10% domestic prices of gold + 5% domestic price of silver , So this fund has taken a much larger call in debt instruments, and with high concentration of gold at 10% and silver at 5%. So it stands a bit conservative from an equity perspective. WhiteOak Capital Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg (G): This fund is a new entrant for discussion. It was not part of the last discussion. to the market launched in 2023,a bit high expense ratio of 1.63. part of the list as it gave a spectacular performance since its debut. Fund size of Rs 3,039.83 cr . PE of 21.31 shows growth bias. The fund is benchmarked as 35% BSE 500 TRI Index +45% CRISIL short term bond index + 19% domestic price of bond + 1% domestic price of silver. So this fund has given much more weightage to gold at 19% , again more debt oriented rather than equity oriented , with just 35% as benchmark allocation. Comparable to SBI but very different from others discussed till now. Nippon India Multi-Asset Allocation Fund Reg : The fund was launched in the year 2020, and has a decent fund size of 6,649.41cr. The funds expense ratio is 1.45, and PE of the fund is 21.09 again shows growth orientation. The fund is benchmarked as 50% BSE 500 TRI+ 20% MSCI World Index TRI, 15% CRSIL short term bond
The small cap funds have been in fashion for quite some time. Last discussion on the fund was done in the month of October 2024( you can check the blog here). It was revised from the last one in March 2024. Since October 2024 , the Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund Reg (G) is dropped in this discussion in its place we have included Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund Reg (G), the fund has delivered exceptional returns so, we have included it here. Though it would need more time to understand if this fund can deliver results consistently or not. Fund Name Year Of inception Fund rating ( Crisil rated ) Portfolio Size ( In Cr ) Expense ratio PE Exit Load Benchmark Quant small cap fund 1996 3 26,221 cr 1.60 22.55 1% for redemption within 365 days Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI Bandhan Small cap fund 2020 4 10,244.1 cr 1.69 11.80 1% for redemption within 365 days BSE 250 Smallcap TRI Hdfc Small cap fund 2008 3 30,880.43 cr 1.61 10.01 1% for redemption within 365 days BSE 250 SmallCap Index (TRI) Nippon India small cap fund 2010 4 58,028.59 cr 1.44 9.33 1% for redemption within 365 days Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI Axis Small cap fund 2013 4 23,317.93 1.61 10.37 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI HSBC Small Cap fund 2014 2 14,736.99 Cr 1.69 9.91 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days NIFTY Small Cap 250 TRI SBI small cap fund 2009 3 31,790 cr 1.58 24.13 1% for redemption within 365 days BSE 250 Small Cap Index TRI DSP small Cap fund 2007 3 14,258.03 cr 1.73 20.68 1% for redemption within 364 days BSE 250 Small Cap TRI ITI Small Cap Fund Reg (G) 2020 5 2,293.79 cr 1.96 8.78 1% for redemption within 365 days Nifty Smallcap 250 TRI Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund Reg (G) 2023 – 4331.97 cr 1.86 29.59 1% – If redeemed on or before 365 days from the date of allotment. Nifty Small cap 250 TRI Quant small cap fund The fund launched in 1996, one of the oldest performing funds in the category, but of course it was not launched by quant but had been taken over by quant, it has 3 star rating . The Portfolio size of 26,221 cr. The portfolio size has remained constant since last review. The fund has PE of 22.55. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.60. Bandhan Small cap fund The fund was launched in the year 2020, and enjoys a 4 star rating. The fund has a portfolio size 10,244.1 cr, which is a substantial increase from the last time. The PE of the fund is 11.60. The ratio of the fund is 1.69 HDFC Small cap fund The fund launched in 2008, with rating of 3 stars, fund size of 30,880 cr, third highest fund size. THe fund has PE of 19.53. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.61. Nippon India small cap fund The fund was launched in 2010, enjoys 4 star rating, highest AUM size of 58,028 cr, the fund size has not moved much since last time. The PE of the fund is 25.02. The expense ratio is 1.44. Axis Small cap fund The fund was launched in 2013, enjoys a 4 star rating from CRISIL. With an AUM of 23,317.93 , the fund has not moved much. PE of the fund is 10.37. The expense ratio is 1.61. HSBC Small Cap fund The fund was launched in the year 2014, 2 star rated fund. The AUM of 14,736.99 cr, this fund has lost AUM since last discussion. The PE of the fund is 27.3. The expense ratio is 1.69 SBI small cap fund The fund was launched in the year 2009, 3 star rated. The AUM of the fund was 31,790 cr. It climbed from 2nd largest fund in the category. The PE of the fund is 24.13. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.58. DSP small Cap fund The fund was launched in 2007, 3 star rated, moved up from 1 star rated. The AUM of the fund of 14,258.03 cr , it did lose a lot of AUM. The PE of the fund is 20.68. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.73 ITI Small Cap Fund Reg (G) The fund was launched in the year 2020, currently rated 5 star, small fund size of 2293.79 cr. The PE of the fund is 28.41. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.96. Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund Reg (G) The fund was launched in 2023, and has delivered exceptional returns , so it made it to the list. Currently not rated by CRISIL. AUM of the fund is 4331.97cr. The PE of the fund is 29.59. Expense ratio of the fund is 29.59. Trailing Returns : Scheme 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 7 Year 10 Year 15 Year Quant small cap fund -1.56 27.89 46.85 25.92 19.63 17.17 Bandhan Small cap fund 20.21 33.63 36.25 – – – Hdfc Small cap fund 7.57 26.98 34.38 17.02 18.77 16.78 Nippon India small cap fund 5.02 28.48 38.33 21.51 22.13 – Axis Small cap fund 11.42 23 30.78 21.43 19.02 – HSBC Small Cap fund 3.04 25.02 35.72 17.39 19.65 13.55 SBI small cap fund 1.66 19.51 29.02 17.87 19.45 20.7 DSP small Cap fund 14.43 24.14 33.36 18.28 17.8 18.94 ITI Small Cap Fund Reg (G) 9.48 30.32 29.43 – – – Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund Reg (G) 21.56 – – – – – 1 year trailing 1st quartile : 16.5- 22 : Bandhan Small cap fund , Motilal Oswal Small Cap Fund Reg (G) 2nd quartile : 11- 16.5 : Axis Small cap fund, DSP small Cap fund 3rth quartile : 5.5- 11 : Hdfc Small cap
The ICICI Pru iProtect Smart is a popular and comprehensive term insurance plan offered by ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. It’s designed to provide financial security to your family in your absence.insurance plan that offers a good range of customisable features and benefits , like life stage benefits, add on riders , multiple payment terms , multiple mode of payments, discounts etc, making it a comprehensive plan to look for when if you are looking for the an term plan. Here in this blog we have detailed the policy ,with its all features and benefits , all the terms conditions , which you can go through to understand the policy in detail. If you do not want to read through the policy you can watch our video Short Video Describing the Policy : Long Video Discussing Policy in Detail : Let Us Look At the Plan. Built In Rider Coverage against death terminal illness – in the opinion of two independent medical practitioners’ specialising in treatment of such illness, is highly likely to lead to death within 6 months – The terminal illness must be diagnosed and confirmed by medical practitioners’ registered with the Indian Medical Association and approved by the Company. – The Company reserves the right for independent assessment. – The Medical Practitioner should neither be the insured person(s) himself nor related to the insured person(s) by blood or marriage nor share the same residence as the Life Assured. Waiver of premium on disability – On diagnosis of Permanent Disability (PD) due to an accident, the future premiums under your policy for all benefits are waived – In the event of PD of the Life Assured after 180 days of the occurrence of the accident, the Company shall not be liable to pay this benefit. What is disability if person is not able to perform 3 out of 6 activities • Mobility: The ability to walk a distance of 200 meters on flat ground. • Bending: The ability to bend or kneel to touch the floor and straighten up again and the ability to get into a standard saloon car, and out again. • Climbing: The ability to climb up a flight of 12 stairs and down again, using the handrail if needed. • Lifting: The ability to pick up an object weighing 2kg at table height and hold for 60 seconds before replacing the object on the table. • Writing: The manual dexterity to write legibly using a pen or pencil, or type using a desktop personal computer keyboard. • Blindness – permanent and irreversible – Permanent and irreversible loss of sight to the extent that even when tested with the use of visual aids, vision is measured at 3/60 or worse in the better eye using a Snellen eye chart. T & C – The disability should have lasted for at least 180 days without interruption from the date of disability and must be deemed permanent by a Company empanelled medical practitioner T & C -Attempted suicide or self-inflicted injuries while sane or insane, or -whilst the Life Assured is under the influence of any narcotic substance or – drug or intoxicating liquor except under the direction of a medical practitioner; – Engaging in aerial flights (including parachuting and skydiving) other than as a fare paying passenger or crew on a licensed passenger-carrying commercial aircraft operating on a regular scheduled route – The Life Assured with criminal intent, committing any breach of law – Due to war, whether declared or not or civil commotion – Engaging in hazardous sports or pastimes, e.g. taking part in(or practicing for) boxing, caving, climbing, horse racing, jet skiing, martial arts, mountaineering, off site skiing, pot holing, power boat racing, underwater diving, yacht racing or any race, trial or timed motor sport. – PD due to accident must be caused by violent, external and visible means – No benefit is paid if the Life Assured’s death occurs 180 days after the accident. Optional Rider Accidental Death Benefit – An case of death due to an accident within Accidental Death Benefit term, we will pay your nominee/legal heir AD Benefit as lump sum. – It can be added anytime during policy except in last 5 years – There must not have been any claim in the policy till the time of opting of AD Benefit – The AD Benefit starts from the next policy anniversary and continues for the remaining policy term or until age 80, whichever is sooner. – Life Assureds then age must be less than or equal to 55 years – once added cannot be removed – For the Accidental Death Benefit to apply, injuries from the accident must directly cause the Life Assured’s death within 180 days and before coverage ends. – No benefit is paid if the Life Assured’s death occurs 180 days after the accident. SI Min 1L Max is 3 times of Sum Assured , subject to maximum Board approval T & C -Attempted suicide or self-inflicted injuries while sane or insane, or -whilst the Life Assured is under the influence of any narcotic substance or – drug or intoxicating liquor except under the direction of a medical practitioner; – Engaging in aerial flights (including parachuting and skydiving) other than as a fare paying passenger or crew on a licensed passenger-carrying commercial aircraft operating on a regular scheduled route – The Life Assured with criminal intent, committing any breach of law – Due to war, whether declared or not or civil commotion – Engaging in hazardous sports or pastimes ,e.g. taking part in(or practicing for) boxing, caving, climbing, horse racing, jet skiing, martial arts, mountaineering, off site skiing, pot holing, power boat racing, underwater diving, yacht racing or any race, trial or timed motor sport. – PD due to accident must be caused by violent, external and visible means Accelerated Critical Illness Benefit -The ACI Benefit offers you coverage against 34 critical illnesses -This benefit is payable, on first occurrence of any of the
Manipal Cigna LifeTime Amount Remark Max cover 50/75/100/150/200/300 L 50/75/100/150/200/300 L 50/75/100/150/200/300 L Age Child : 91 Days – 25 Years Adult : 18 years – 65 years Child : 91 Days – 25 Years Adult : 18 years – 65 years Child : 91 Days – 25 Years Adult : 18 years – 65 years Waiting Period 30 days 30 days 30 days Pre existing diseases 24 months 24 months 24 months Specified diseases 24 months 24 months 24 months Bariatric surgery waiting period 24 months ( Add on) ( Health +) 24 months ( Add on) ( Health +) 24 months ( Add on) ( Health +) Maternity waiting period NO NO NO Mental illness cover waiting period NA NA – cover pertains to IPD coverage for anxiety, stress, depression OPD waiting period 30 days 30 days 30 days Dental OPD waiting period 30 days 30 days 30 days Critical illness waiting period 90 days( add on) – survival waiting period of 30 days 90 days( add on) – survival waiting period of 30 days 90 days( add on) – survival waiting period of 30 days Pre Policy medical Test After 55 years no charges on test. even if policy is rejected Co -payment No No No Deductibles ADD on 5/10 L 5/10 L Aggregate Deductible Not applicable health check up Premium waiver option Optional packages – Healh+, Women+, Critical illness add on rider, First claim SI SI + Bonus SI + Bonus SI + Bonus Maximum claim SI/ Restored SI + Bonus SI/ Restored SI + Bonus SI/ Restored SI + Bonus Room Rent caping Yes / Add on (360 Advance) upto SI, – SI upto 2 Cr any room except suite or higher category – SI 2 cr to 3 cr covered any room category -Add on (360 Advance- Any Category Room ) – SI upto 2 Cr any room except suite or higher category – SI 2 cr to 3 cr covered any room category including suite rooms – Rider health 360 advance – any room category If the Insured Person is admitted to a room category higher than the one specified in the Policy Schedule, the Policyholder/Insured Person shall bear a ratable proportion of the total Associated Medical Expenses (including surcharge or taxes) in proportion to the difference between the room rent of the entitled room category and the room rent actually incurred. ICU cover Yes upto SI upto SI Disease Based caping No No No IPD Yes / Add on (360 Advance) upto SI, – SI upto 2 Cr any room except suite or higher category – SI 2 cr to 3 cr covered any room category -Add on (360 Advance- Any Category Room ) a. Reasonable and Customary charges for Room Rent for accommodation in Hospital room up to room category as per the Sum Insured1. b. Intensive Care Unit charges, c. Operation theatre charges, d. Fees of Medical Practitioner/ Surgeon, e. Anaesthetist, f. Qualified Nurses, g. Specialists, h. Cost of diagnostic tests, i. Medicines, j. Drugs and consumables, blood, oxygen, surgical appliances and prosthetic devices recommended by the attending Medical Practitioner and that are used intra operatively during a Surgical Procedure.we will cover the expenses towards artificial life maintenance, including life support machine use, even where such treatment will not result in recovery or restoration of the previous state of health under any circumstances unless in a vegetative state, as certified by the treating Medical Practitioner.- Medical exnses related the eternal feeding is covered for max 15 days in a policy year Pre Hospitalisation 60 days upto SI upto SI Post Hospitalisation 180 days upto SI upto SI Day Care procedure Yes upto SI All day care treatment covered Advance technology method Yes upto SI – The following Modern and Advanced Treatment methods will be covered when availed under In-patient Hospitalization or as a Day Care Treatment: • Uterine Artery Embolization and HIFU • Balloon Sinuplasty • Deep Brain stimulation • Oral chemotherapy • Immunotherapy – Monoclonal Antibody to be given as injection • Intra vitreal injections • Stereotactic radio surgeries • Bronchial Thermoplasty • Vaporisation of the prostate (Green laser treatment or holmium laser treatment) • IONM ( Intra Operative Neuro Monitoring) • Stem cell therapy – Hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplant for haematological conditions to be covered. Home care treatment NA NA NA Domiciliary treatment Healthcare Yes upto 10% SI i. The condition of the Insured Person does not allow a hospital transfer: or ii. Hospital bed was unavailable provided that the treatment of the Insured Person continues at least 3 days in which case the reasonable cost of any Medically Necessary treatment for the entire period shall be payable.-upto 10% SIThe following are not covered – • Asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and upper respiratory tract infection including laryngitis and pharyngitis, cough and cold, influenza, • Arthritis, gout and rheumatism, • Chronic nephritis and nephritic syndrome, • Diarrhoea and all type of dysenteries, including gastroenteritis, • Diabetes mellitus and insipidus, • Epilepsy, • Hypertension, • Pyrexia of unknown origin. • Any use of artificial life maintenance including life support machine use. -Consumables Alternate treatment ( AYUSH) Yes Upto SI The following exclusions will be applicable in addition to the other Policy exclusions: i. Facilities and services availed for pleasure or rejuvenation or as a preventive aid, like beauty treatments, Panchakarma, purification, detoxification and rejuvenation. Organ Donor expenses Yes upto SI – Donor for harvesting the organ – No pre and post covered – No cost in consequent to harvesting – Stem cell donation even if medically neccesaary except bone marrow transplant – No cost coverage organ transportation or preservation expenses – No cost for donor screening , cost of acquisition of organ. any medical complication during harvesting of organ Road Ambulance Yes upto SI – to nearest Hospital – Diagnostic centre for advanced diagnostics – to move to better hospital due to lack of super speciality treatment in current hospital – The neccessaity of use
Last week, a significant report hit the financial wires: the India Protection Quotient (IPQ) 7.0, a collaborative effort by Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd. and KANTAR, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company. The report can be accessed on the link (https://www.axismaxlife.com/maxlife-ipq). This year’s IPQ offers an invaluable deep dive into the evolving financial preparedness of urban India, revealing both encouraging progress and critical areas that still demand our collective attention. The Bright Spots: Urban India’s Growing Financial Resilience The IPQ 7.0 paints a largely optimistic picture of how urban Indians are approaching financial security. We’re seeing some truly positive trends: Record-High Protection Quotient: Urban India’s Protection Quotient has made an impressive leap to 48, up significantly from 35 in 2019. This growth is largely fueled by a deeper adoption of term insurance and the growing influence of digital platforms in financial decisions. Surging Life Insurance Ownership: For the first time, life insurance ownership has reached an all-time high, with a remarkable 78% of urban Indians now owning one or more life insurance products. This clearly indicates a broadening acceptance and understanding of its importance. Improved Financial Literacy: The Knowledge Index, a key indicator of financial awareness, has improved to 63 (up by two points), signifying that urban Indians are becoming more knowledgeable about life insurance and its benefits. Prioritizing Protection Over Price: Perhaps the most compelling shift is the change in consumer mindset. For the first time, 3 out of 4 urban Indians are prioritizing ‘cover’ over ‘cost’ when purchasing term life insurance. With 56% expressing confidence in their existing protection, it signals a growing maturity in how individuals view and secure their financial future. Gen-Z Leads with Proactive Planning: The youngest adult cohort, Gen-Z, is emerging as a standout. They boast a Protection Quotient of 41, with two-thirds already owning life insurance. Their strong intent toward mid-term goals like buying a house, a car, or planning vacations, coupled with their early adoption of protection, is truly commendable. Regional Shifts and Strengths: South India continues its seven-year lead, driven by increased term insurance (33% to 37%) and savings product ownership (42% to 46%). West India has shown significant strides, achieving the highest term plan ownership ever recorded in IPQ history at 41%. North India also improved its Protection Quotient through better term plan uptake (28% to 31%). East India, however, remains an area requiring more focused intervention, with stagnant ownership despite growing awareness. Salaried vs. Self-Employed: While the salaried class maintains a lead in Protection Quotient, it’s encouraging to see the self-employed segment showing gains in financial security, though there’s still a gap in their overall insurance ownership. The Unfinished Agenda: Challenges and Overlooked Realities Despite these encouraging numbers, the IPQ 7.0 also sheds light on some critical issues that demand our immediate attention and a more nuanced discussion: The Affordability Hurdle: A significant concern is that nearly 1 in 4 individuals still cite term insurance affordability as a major hurdle, with an increase in those (from 21% to 25%) feeling a lack of funds. This raises a pertinent question: in an era where consumers are readily embracing EMIs for discretionary pleasures like new phones, why is a crucial protection for family security still considered “too costly”? This paradox highlights a need for better education on value vs. perceived cost. The Gender Protection Gap: The report underscores a concerning disparity. While men saw their Protection Quotient rise to 50 (from 47), working women’s Protection Quotient remained stagnant at 48. Furthermore, women reported lower financial security for key life milestones such as retirement, children’s education, and marriage. This discrepancy points to a persistent oversight: the invaluable financial contribution of working women to families is often still undervalued or not adequately covered in family financial planning. Low Insurance penetration in North : It seems the geographic divide the people of north still need to think about buying insurance for protection of family. Though it had improved better with term plan foundation which i believe is a good signal. Time for Deeper Questions and Inclusive Planning These findings make it abundantly clear that while awareness is rising, there’s a vital need for individuals to engage with qualified financial advisors. Advisors can help demystify complexities and facilitate truly effective planning. It’s high time we integrate some fundamental, often overlooked, questions into every financial discussion: How much protection is truly sufficient for a family’s unique needs? Why is the wife’s insurance not consistently considered and prioritized while planning a family’s overall financial protection? Making insurance a part of more holistic financial planning rather than just looking as a standalone instrument ? We need to move beyond outdated norms and ensure that financial protection is optimised for the entire family unit, recognising and covering the contributions of all members, not just the primary earner. If you are stuck or not able to find how to by life insurance plan do reach out to me. I would help you out with the same. Reach out to us today.
Imagine a future where your financial well-being isn’t a constant source of worry, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s uncertainties, and where your long-term goals seem within reach. For many, this vision of a secure financial future encompasses a comfortable retirement, the capacity to handle unexpected expenses without significant disruption, and perhaps even the ability to leave a lasting legacy for loved ones or support causes that matter most. Achieving such security in today’s complex financial landscape can feel overwhelming, but there is a professional who can help you chart a course toward these aspirations: a wealth management advisor. Demystifying the Wealth Management Advisor Wealth management advisors are professionals who offer personalized financial advice and services to individuals with significant assets. These professionals play a crucial role in assisting clients with various aspects of their financial lives, including Investment management, Retirement planning, Tax strategies, Estate planning. Their primary aim is to simplify complex financial matters, providing highly personalized support and strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, goals, and priorities. With expertise spanning finance, accounting, and even law in some cases, wealth management advisors offer comprehensive guidance that extends beyond simple investment advice. They often coordinate a range of financial services, acting as a central point of contact to manage a client’s assets holistically and create a strategic plan that addresses both current and future needs. It’s important to understand the nuances between a wealth advisor and a general financial advisor. While both types of professionals aim to help clients achieve their financial goals, wealth managers are often considered a subset of financial advisors who typically serve more affluent clients. Wealth managers tend to offer a more in-depth analysis of financial plans, bringing additional tools and specialization that are particularly beneficial for individuals with higher net worth. Their services may extend beyond basic financial advice to include areas like sophisticated estate planning, tax optimization, and long-term legacy planning. In contrast, financial advisors may work with a broader range of individuals across varying income levels. Wealth management often involves a more comprehensive and hands-on approach, reflecting the complexity and scale of the financial lives they manage. The Comprehensive Services Offered by Wealth Management Advisors Personalised Financial Plan : A cornerstone of wealth management is the creation of a personalized financial plan, acting as a detailed roadmap to help clients achieve their specific objectives. This process begins with the advisor gaining a thorough understanding of the client’s unique goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation. Based on this understanding, wealth management advisors develop tailored strategies that utilize a diverse array of financial products and services to help clients reach their aspirations. These plans are not static; they are designed to be dynamic tools that evolve alongside the client’s life circumstances and changing needs. They support not only financial goals but also reflect the client’s lifestyle, core values, and personal priorities. Strategic investment management : Strategic investment management is another critical service offered by wealth management advisors. These professionals work with clients to assess their tolerance for risk and then provide an investment strategy designed to help them achieve their financial goals. This involves not just selecting investments but also actively managing and planning investment portfolios with the aim of maximizing returns while adhering to the client’s risk parameters. A key element of this service is diversification, spreading investments across various asset classes to mitigate risk and enhance the potential for long-term growth. Wealth management advisors also provide ongoing monitoring and rebalancing of these investments to ensure they remain aligned with the client’s objectives and adapt to changing market conditions. For eligible clients, they may also offer guidance on a range of investment vehicles, including alternative investments, to further diversify and potentially enhance portfolio returns. Retirement Planning : Retirement planning is a significant focus for wealth management advisors, as they help clients create a comprehensive blueprint for a financially secure and worry-free future. This involves a thorough analysis of the client’s projected needs after retirement, along with their current income, spending habits, and savings. Advisors identify the types of retirement accounts best suited to the client’s needs and develop strategies to maximize their retirement savings. Recognizing the increasing costs of healthcare in retirement, wealth management advisors also play a vital role in helping clients plan for these significant expenses. Furthermore, they assist in establishing retirement income strategies, outlining how clients can best access their savings to create a sustainable income stream throughout their retirement years, and developing appropriate withdrawal plans. Estate Planning : Estate planning and wealth transfer are also crucial services offered by wealth management advisors. They help clients develop clear plans for the transfer of their wealth, including strategies for charitable giving and managing estate taxes, all in alignment with their values and wishes. Wealth management advisors often coordinate with estate planning attorneys to assist clients in the creation of wills, trusts, and other necessary legal documents to ensure their assets are distributed according to their intentions. They also help clients evaluate the effectiveness of their existing estate plans, assessing asset titling and beneficiary designations to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of wealth. A significant aspect of this service involves helping clients minimize the impact of estate and inheritance taxes through various advanced planning strategies. Tax optimisation : Tax optimisation is another key area where wealth management advisors provide valuable assistance. They often coordinate with a client’s tax professionals to develop strategies aimed at minimising their overall tax obligations. This involves identifying opportunities for tax efficiency across various aspects of their financial lives, including income, investments, and estates. These strategies may include the strategic placement of assets in tax-advantaged accounts, as well as optimising the timing and methods of retirement distributions to reduce tax liabilities. Protecting wealth : Protecting wealth is just as critical as growing it, and wealth management advisors employ a range of risk management and insurance strategies to safeguard their clients’ assets against unforeseen circumstances. This includes a thorough assessment of potential
Before we discuss this edition we did our analysis , the earlier we did our analysis about 6 months back. You can read the blog mid cap fund analysis 2024 an analysis. Certain fund which were under discussion have been removed as they could not keep either the returns or fund size was not considerable. HSBC Midcap Fund Reg growth PGIM India Mid Cap Opp Fund Reg growth ITI Mid Cap Fund Reg – I have included this fund as it was very new fund and it was top performer on 1 year basis, but now is bottom performer. This goes to show that top performer lose next year and we have to find fund which can help us build wealth I have included below funds which have been top performer. Invesco India Mid Cap Fund (G) WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) As always refer to a advisor or reach out to me to help you with best portfolio. Fund Name Year Of inception Fund rating ( Crisil rated ) Portfolio Size ( In Cr ) Expense ratio PE ratios Exit Load Benchmark HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund 2007 4 72,610.08 cr 1.42% 20.91 1% for redemption within 1 year NIFTY MidCap 150 Index(Total Returns Index) Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Reg 2014 5 26,028.34 cr 1.57% 41.71 1% for redemption within 1 year Nifty Midcap 150 TRI Nippon India Growth Fund 1995 4 33,174.74 cr 1.58% 24.41 1% for redemption within 30 days Nifty Midcap 150 TRI Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund 2007 5 8633.85 1.7% 12.16 1% for redemption within 90 days Nifty Midcap 150 TRI Quant MidCap Fund 2008 1 8,355.95 1.78% 22.27 0.5% for redemption within 90 days Nifty Mid Cap 150 TRI Kotak Emerging Equity (G) 2007 3 48,128.71 1.46 26.17 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days Nifty Midcap 150 TRI Axis Mid cap fund(G) 2011 3 28,063.01 1.58 18.93 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days BSE 150 Midcap TRI SBI Magnum MidCap Fund Reg (G) 2005 3 20,890.26 1.67 30.97 1% for redemption within 1 year Nifty Midcap 150 Index (TRI) Invesco India Mid Cap Fund (G) 2007 5 5779.32 1.82 32.13 For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days BSE 150 Midcap TRI WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) 2022 – 2744.56 1.96 21.86 1% for units redeemed before 1 month BSE Midcap 150 TRI ITI Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) 2021 4 1091.64 2.07 12.60 1% for redemption within 1 year Nifty Midcap 150 TRI HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund : The fund was launched in 2007 enjoys 5 star rating from CRISIL, Portfolio size of 72,610 cr one of the biggest fund sizes. Expense ratio of the fund is 1.42%. The exit load is 1% for redemption before 1 year. Fund PE IS 20.91 MotilalOswal Mid cap fund: The fund was launched in the year 2014, its 5 star rating by CRISIL. The fund size is 26,028.34 Cr. The expense ratio is 1.57% , PE of the fund is 41.71. Exit load is 1 % for redemption within 1 year . Nippon India Growth Fund : The fund was launched in the year 1995, one of very early funds in the industry,4 star rated by CRISIL, good fund size of 33,174 cr. The expense ratio is 1.58% . The PE of the fund is 24.41. The exit load applicable is 1% for redemption within 30 days. Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund : The fund was launched in the year 2007, It is currently 5 star rated by CRISIL, with a decent fund size of 8633 cr. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.7%. PE of the fund is 12.16. Exit load applicable is 1% for redemption within 90 days. Quant MidCap Fund: The fund was launched in the year 2008, its currently 1 star rated by CRISIL, has a decent portfolio size of 8,355.95 cr. Expense ratio of 1.78% and PE of the fund is 22.27. The fund exit load is 0.5% for redemption within 90 days. Kotak Emerging Equity : The fund was launched in the year 2007, 3 star rated by CRISIL, second highest fund size in the category, expense ratio of 1.46%. PE of 26.17. The Exit laid applicable units in excess of 10% of investment 1% would be charged for redemption with in 365 days Axis Mid cap fund Fund: The fund was launched in the year 2011, 3 star CRISIL rated, with a great fund size of 28,063.01 cr. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.58. PE of the fund is 18.93. Exit load on the fund is For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days. SBI Magnum MidCap Fund: The fund was launched in 2005, a 3 star rated fund. Good fund size of 20,890.26 cr. Expense ratio of 1.67. PE of the fund is 30.97. The exit load applicable on the fund is 1% for redemption within 1 year. Invesco India Mid Cap Fund (G): The fund was launched in 2007 , it is rated 5 star from CRISIL.Fund size of 5779.32 Expense ratio is 1.82. PE of 32.13. The exit load applicable on the fund is For units in excess of 10% of the investment, 1% will be charged for redemption within 365 days WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund Reg (G): The fund was launched in the year 2022, It is not rated as per CRISIL, The fund size of 2744.56cr. The expense ratio of the fund is 1.96. PE of the fund is 21.86. The exit load on fund is 1% for units redeemed before 1 month ITI Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) : This fund was launched in the year 2021. It is rated as 4 star by CRISIL, with a very small fund