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
As we navigate life, we often find ourselves responsible for others – our families, our loved ones. And with that responsibility comes the inherent desire to protect them, come what may. This is where financial planning steps in, and one of its fundamental pillars is the term plan. In simple terms, With a term insurance plan, your family is financially protected. If the Life Assured passes away during the policy period, their beneficiaries( Nominee) receive a lump sum death benefit, ensuring their financial stability. It’s important to note that if the insured individual outlives the policy term, the insurer does not provide any benefit to them or their beneficiaries. If you’re new to the world of insurance, the jargon can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, a term plan is simpler than you think. Let’s break down this essential financial tool for beginners. Key Features of a Term Plan Sum Assured: The amount your family will receive in case of your death. A term plan provides a sum of money (called the “sum assured”) to your nominated beneficiaries if you pass away during the policy term. That’s it. There are no investment components or maturity benefits.( I covered this in my other blog https://wealthinn.in/term-insurance-dont-be-fooled-into-buying-these-products/) Premiums: The amount you pay to keep the policy active. Usually paid annually or monthly. Because it’s pure protection, term plans are significantly more affordable than other life insurance products like endowment plans or ULIPs. You pay a relatively small premium for a substantial amount of coverage. Policy Term :  As the name suggests, a term plan covers you for a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, 30 years, or even up to 85 years of age). If you outlive the policy term, the plan simply expires, and no payout is made. Riders: These are the extra benefits that are there apart from the basic sum assured. These options can be chosen while purchasing a policy. Optional add-ons like critical illness cover, accidental death benefit, etc. Why Do You Need a Term Plan? The Power of “What If?” Consider these scenarios: Young Professional with Dependents: If you’re the sole earning member supporting your parents or a young family, your sudden demise could leave them in a financially vulnerable position. A term plan ensures they have funds to cover daily expenses, loan EMIs, and future goals. Home Loan or Other Liabilities: If you have outstanding loans, especially a home loan, a term plan can ensure your family isn’t burdened with these debts in your absence. The sum assured can be used to pay off these liabilities. Future Goals: Your children’s education, their marriage – these are significant financial goals. A term plan can act as a contingency fund, ensuring these aspirations can still be met even if you’re not around. Essentially, a term plan answers the crucial “what if?” question, providing peace of mind knowing your loved ones will be financially secure. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Term Plan: Now that you understand the basics, here are some important aspects to keep in mind when selecting a term plan: Sum Assured: How Much Coverage Do You Need? This is perhaps the most critical decision. A general rule of thumb is to have a sum assured that is at least 10-15 times your annual income. However, also consider your outstanding loans, future financial goals, and your dependents’ needs. It’s always better to be adequately insured than under-insured. ( I have covered how much do you need in my blog https://wealthinn.in/understanding-life-insurance-a-guide/) Policy Term: How Long Do You Need Coverage? Align the policy term with your major financial responsibilities. If you have a home loan for 20 years, consider a plan for at least that duration. If your children are young, you might want a term that covers their education and initial years of employment. Do not buy policy terms beyond the time your liabilities are over, it will only cost you but won’t help you. Premiums: Can You Afford It? While term plans are affordable, compare premiums across different insurers. Don’t just go for the cheapest option; consider the insurer’s claim settlement ratio as well. Cheap is never the best. Choose an insurer who would pay your family in your absence without much issues to your family. After you your family should not suffer from another mental trauma!!! Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR): How Reliable is the Insurer? A high CSR (preferably above 95%) indicates that the insurance company efficiently settles claims. This is a crucial metric, as the whole purpose of a term plan is to ensure your family receives the payout when they need it most. You can find this data on IRDAI’s annual reports. We can help you with same. Riders: Add-ons for Enhanced Protection (Optional) Many insurers offer riders that you can add to your term plan for an extra premium. Common riders include: Accidental Death Benefit Rider: Provides an additional sum assured in case of death due to an accident. Critical Illness Rider: Pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a pre-defined critical illness. Waiver of Premium Rider: If you suffer a permanent disability or a critical illness, future premiums are waived, but the policy continues. Not just limited to these riders there are beyond these , but do you need them or they are just marketing gimmicks. You can learn by just asking us. The Bottom Line: Don’t Delay! A term plan is not an expense; it’s an investment in your family’s future security. It’s a testament to your love and responsibility. The younger you are when you buy a term plan, the lower your premiums will be. So, if you haven’t considered a term plan yet, now is the time. Speak to us, click this link , compare policies online, and secure your loved ones’ financial well-being today. It’s one of the most sensible financial decisions you’ll ever make.
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
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your finances? Ever feel like you’re juggling a million financial balls in the air? Savings, investments, retirement, taxes… it can get overwhelming, right? Do you have big dreams for the future but aren’t sure how to get there? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find it challenging to manage their wealth effectively. That’s where a wealth management advisor comes in. Think of a wealth management advisor as your financial partner, someone who provides expert guidance and support to help you achieve your financial goals. They’re not just for the ultra-rich; they can benefit anyone who wants to build a secure financial future. Let’s break down the top 10 reasons why having a wealth management advisor in your corner today can be a game-changer: Get Crystal Clear on Your Big Picture: What does your ideal future look like? Maybe it’s retiring early and traveling the world, or perhaps it’s ensuring your kids have a debt-free start to their adult lives. A wealth management advisor helps you define these often-vague dreams into concrete, achievable financial goals. For instance, they might help you calculate exactly how much you need to save each month to retire comfortably by age 60. Personalized Financial Strategy You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, so why navigate your financial life without one? A wealth management advisor will work with you to create a comprehensive financial plan. This isn’t just about investments; it’s about understanding your entire financial ecosystem – your income, expenses, debts, and assets – and how they all work together. Imagine having a clear, step-by-step guide to reach your financial milestones. Expert Navigation Through Financial Storms: Life is full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises have financial implications. Whether it’s a job loss, a sudden death, or a major market downturn, a wealth management advisor can provide objective guidance and help you make sound decisions during challenging times. Think of them as your steady hand on the wheel when things get rocky. Smart Investment Strategies Tailored Just for You: Investing isn’t one-size-fits-all. A wealth management advisor takes the time to understand your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals to build a diversified investment portfolio that aligns with your unique circumstances. For example, if you’re young and have a long time horizon, they might recommend a portfolio with a higher allocation to growth stocks. Unlock Tax-Saving Secrets: Taxes can take a significant bite out of your wealth. A knowledgeable wealth management advisor can help you implement tax-efficient strategies, from choosing the right types of investment accounts to exploring potential deductions and credits. This can translate into significant savings over time. Retire with Confidence and Security: Retirement might seem far away, but planning for it now is crucial. A wealth management advisor can help you determine how much you need to save, explore different retirement income streams, and create a plan to ensure you have the financial freedom to enjoy your post-working years. Protect What Matters Most: What would happen to your loved ones if the unexpected occurred? A wealth management advisor can help you assess your insurance needs (life, disability, long-term care) and guide you in creating an estate plan, including wills and trusts, to protect your family and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. An Unbiased Voice in a Noisy World: It’s easy to get swayed by the latest investment trends or emotional reactions to market news. A wealth management advisor provides an objective and rational perspective, helping you stay focused on your long-term goals and avoid impulsive decisions that could derail your financial plan. Reclaim Your Precious Time: Let’s be honest, managing your finances effectively takes time and effort. By partnering with a wealth management advisor, you can offload the burden of research, analysis, and ongoing management, freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters to you. Stay on the Path to Success with Ongoing Support: Your financial journey isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. A wealth management advisor provides continuous support, monitors your progress, and makes adjustments to your plan as your life circumstances and the market evolve. They’re your long-term partner in achieving your financial aspirations. Ready to Take Control of Your Financial Future? If any of these reasons resonate with you, it might be time to consider partnering with a wealth management advisor. You need not look further; you can hear what our customer says about our services. What are your biggest financial concerns right now? Let’s think about it and contact us to learn about the same.
A recent insightful article in the Wealth Edition of the Economic Times explored the crucial topic of financial planning for foreign education, covering aspects like funding, insurance, loans, and study destinations. Building on this foundation, this article will delve deeper into the financial strategies essential for funding any child’s education, whether at home or abroad. The desire for quality education for their children is a strong one for most parents. The HSBC Quality of Life Report 2024 highlighted this, revealing that a significant 78% of parents are either actively planning to send their children for overseas education or already have a child studying abroad. However, pursuing education, especially internationally, can be a substantial financial undertaking, particularly for families who haven’t planned diligently. For those who haven’t prepared at all, the situation can be even more challenging. The Cost of Delay: Why Procrastination Can Derail Dreams Regrettably, many parents only begin to consider the financial implications of their child’s educational aspirations when those dreams are almost within reach. By then, they often find themselves lacking the necessary resources to provide adequate support. This can lead to the heartbreaking scenario of a child’s ambitions being curtailed, or families being forced to explore less desirable alternatives. Consider the pitfalls of delayed planning: Education Loans with High Interest: Education loans can come with significant interest rates, ranging from 8.20% to 13.70%, and may be secured or unsecured. This can place considerable pressure on young graduates who are just starting their careers and are immediately burdened with debt repayment. Raiding Retirement Funds: A Dangerous Gamble: Another tempting but ill-advised option is for parents to dip into their retirement savings, such as funds in PPF or EPF. This is a critical mistake, as retirement security cannot be recovered through loans later in life. If facing such a dilemma, securing an education loan today is a far more prudent choice than jeopardizing your future financial stability. If you are stuck with the above option taking a loan today is better not to use your Retirement corpus. Understanding the Spectrum of Educational Costs: When formulating your financial plan, it’s essential to consider the full range of expenses involved: Tuition Fees: The Cornerstone Expense: This will invariably be the most significant component of your educational budget. These fees fluctuate considerably based on the chosen course, the institution, and the country of study.  Accommodation: A Major Variable: Whether your child studies domestically or internationally, accommodation costs represent another substantial expense. While some institutions offer on-campus housing, many students, especially those abroad, need to seek off-campus options, with varying associated costs.  Cost of Living: Beyond Tuition and Housing: Students will also incur daily living expenses, including food, transportation, and recreational activities, which need to be factored into your planning.  Health Insurance: A Non-Negotiable Expense: Health insurance is typically a mandatory cost, especially for students pursuing education abroad. The Impact of Inflation and Currency Fluctuations: When planning for your child’s future education, it’s crucial to acknowledge the eroding effect of inflation on all the aforementioned expenses. Furthermore, for overseas education, currency depreciation can significantly inflate costs. Some sources suggest that these costs can inflate by as much as 10% annually, a rate considerably higher than general inflation.  (https://www.gyandhan.com/blogs/inflation-and-exchange-rate-effect-on-study-cost-in-usa) Therefore, proactive financial planning for your children’s education is not just advisable; it’s a necessity, regardless of whether their academic path leads them to local institutions or universities across the globe. It’s about strategically preparing to empower their academic journey without jeopardizing your own financial well-being. Why Early Planning is Crucial: The earlier you begin planning for your child’s education, the greater the benefits: Power of Compounding: Starting early allows your investments to benefit from the magic of compounding. This means that the earnings on your initial investment also start earning returns, leading to exponential growth over time.  Smaller Contributions Over Time: Spreading your savings over a longer period means you can contribute smaller amounts regularly rather than facing a large financial burden closer to their educational years. More Investment Options: With a longer time horizon, you have more flexibility to explore various investment options that may carry slightly higher risk but also the potential for greater returns. Reduced Financial Stress: Knowing you have a plan in place can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with funding your child’s education as they get older.  Flexibility to Adapt: Early planning allows you to adapt your strategy if your child’s educational path changes or if unforeseen circumstances arise.  Key Steps in Financial Planning for Education: Define Your Child’s Potential Educational Path and Estimate Costs: While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, start by considering the potential educational pathways your child might pursue. Will they attend private or public primary and secondary schools? Are you envisioning a local college or one out of state or even overseas? Research current education costs and factor in inflation. Historical inflation rates for education can provide a guideline, but it’s wise to err on the side of caution and project a reasonable increase. For example, if a bachelor’s degree currently costs ₹15 lakh, estimate what it might cost in 15-18 years, considering an average inflation rate of, say, 5-7% per annum. Don’t forget to include associated costs like accommodation, books, supplies, and living expenses if they plan to study away from home. Assess Your Current Financial Situation: Take a clear look at your current income, expenses, savings, and debts. Understand how much you can realistically allocate towards your child’s education fund without compromising your other financial goals, such as retirement planning or emergency savings. Identify potential sources of funding, including your regular income, existing savings, and any potential future inheritances or windfalls. Set Clear Financial Goals and Timelines: Based on your estimated costs and current financial situation, set specific financial goals for each stage of your child’s education (e.g., saving ₹X by the time they finish high school, ₹Y by the time they start their undergraduate degree). Establish clear timelines for achieving these goals. This will
Financial planning in simple terms is a regular approach to meet one’s life financial goals. Financial planning is a process which provides you a systematic and planned way to reach these goals while avoiding any surprises . A financial plan acts as a guide throughout your life’s journey. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by financial pressures. Whether you’re saving for a down payment, planning for retirement, or simply trying to make ends meet, a solid financial plan can provide the clarity and confidence you need to achieve your goals. A Financial planner is the one who is a qualified investment professional who helps individuals meet their long-term financial objectives or goals. These professionals do their work by consulting with clients to analyse their goals, risk tolerance , and life stages , and identify suitable classes of investments for them. Why is Financial Planning Important? Increase saving : Though saving can be done without a financial plan , when you plan you get a good deal of insights on how you are saving and what expenses can you cut down. Achieve your goals: A financial plan provides a clear path to achieving your financial aspirations. Reduce stress: Knowing where your money is going can alleviate financial anxiety. Build wealth: Effective financial planning can help you grow your wealth over time. Prepare for the unexpected: A solid plan can help you weather financial storms. A solid financial planning is a very important instrument for personal finance, so lets look at what are the key steps. Key Steps to Financial Planning: Realistic Goals: Start by identifying your short-term, medium-term, and long-term financial goals and assigning them priorities. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Eg. How much would you need for child education and when would that be required. Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back. Make an elaborate sheet of all your income sources and expenses. You can use spreadsheet to look at them ( we have one created which we been using since last 10 years ) Manage Debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt. Consider debt consolidation options. Invest Wisely: Diversify your investments to reduce risk. Consider your risk tolerance and time horizon. Seek professional advice if needed. Protect Your Assets: Ensure you have adequate health, life, and property insurance. Create an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Make Asset allocation The all the above culminates into your assets allocation What all assets and how much amount you can hold Review and Adjust: Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed As you grow your income, expenditure and lifestyle changes, you need to keep changing the plan along the way It’s not just limited to individuals, a lot of external factors also change. Seeking Professional Advice: While you can create a financial plan on your own, consider seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor. They can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions. We will discuss about some duties and responsibilities of a financial planner Provide financial planning and investment advisory services Research and present investment strategies Develop and execute goals planning Implement risk management and tax planning strategies Help with estate planning Help to develop financial plan and execute the same with client Keep reviewing and make changes as and when required . In Conclusion: Think of financial planning as mapping out a journey to your desired financial future. This article delved into why creating such a plan is crucial, and provided practical steps. However, a plan remains just an idea until it’s put into action. The sooner you begin implementing your financial strategy, the simpler the process becomes, and your odds of reaching your objectives significantly improve. So, what’s holding you back? We trust you found this information valuable. If so, please consider sharing it with your network, so more people can be benefited . Should any aspect of our explanation require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below or reach us . We’ll be happy to provide answers.
What does Term insurance not mean or what it is not ? Cash Value: Unlike whole life or universal life insurance, term insurance doesn’t build cash value over time. This means you can’t borrow against the policy or receive a cash payout if you surrender it before the end of the term. Maturity Benefit: If you outlive the term of your insurance policy, you won’t receive a lump sum payment at the end. Term insurance is designed to provide coverage for a specific period, and there’s no payout if you don’t need it. Investment Returns: Term insurance isn’t an investment vehicle. While it provides protection, it doesn’t offer any potential for growth or returns. Guaranteed Premiums: While some term insurance policies offer level premiums, others may increase over time. This means your premiums could go up as you get older, even if you maintain good health. Real Life Scenario : What happens in real life scenario is people are mis selling or they themselves think since the money they have paid is not being return its not a good financial planning instrument. So two most common plans are sold in the market. Endowment plans Are a type of life insurance policy that combines life insurance coverage with an investment component. This means that in addition to providing a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term, endowment plans also offer a maturity benefit if you outlive the policy term and provides guaranteed returns ULIP ( Unit-Linked Insurance plans) is a type of life insurance plan that combines life insurance coverage with an investment component. They provide an opportunity to participate in the market or bonds. Unlike traditional endowment plans, ULIPs offer more flexibility and potential for higher returns. But the question is why mis-selling happens? Higher Commission: Your agent/ Bank gets a higher payout for selling. Guaranteed returns : It’s easier for agents to sell something with a guaranteed word , so they don’t have to spend a lot of time explaining Pressure : Banks sell these plans through their employees , they have a lot of pressure to sell. Is it that bad at all lets see this from the case of Endowment plans from real life scenarios Case Study : Customer who was looking to buy insurance cover was approached by bank to with the following two proposition instead of term plan The customer was pitched by his regular bankers to invest in this plan Called HDFC Sanchay plus ( this is not just limited to HDFC, it is all ICICI, LIC, Max etc. whatever policy you buy it would be the same.) His banker was really persistent on him to buy this plan that he used to call him daily , putting all tactics for him to purchase . After so many pressure calls he had almost given in when i got in discussion with him and showed him the reality. So let’s study the plan. HDFC Sanchay Plus Current age : 30 Years Policy term : 20 Years Premium payment term : 10 years Premium amount 1st year : Rs 5,22,500/- Premium 2 nd year onwards : Rs 5,11,250/- SI :Rs 64,37,500/- to Rs 1,27,58,919/- Policy Year Single/ Annualized Premium Guaranteed Non Guaranteed Survival Benefits / Loyalty Additions Other benefits (if any) Maturity Benefit Death Benefit Min Guaranteed Surrender Value Special Surrender Value 1 522500 0 0 0 64,37,500 0 0 2 511250 0 0 0 64,37,500 3,09,000 3,09,000 3 511250 0 0 0 64,37,500 5,40,750 5,40,750 4 511250 0 0 0 64,37,500 10,30,000 10,30,000 5 511250 0 0 0 64,37,500 12,87,500 6,83,148 6 511250 0 0 0 64,37,500 15,45,000 8,95,482 7 511250 0 0 0 64,37,500 18,02,500 11,41,343 8 511250 0 0 0 69,23,763 32,35,879 15,59,667 9 511250 0 0 0 74,10,026 37,68,008 20,82,332 10 511250 0 0 0 78,96,289 50,72,637 27,28,108 11 0 0 0 0 83,82,552 57,33,516 31,99,868 12 0 0 0 0 88,68,815 58,79,395 37,36,072 13 0 0 0 0 93,55,078 60,25,273 43,42,778 14 0 0 0 0 98,41,341 61,71,152 50,30,514 15 0 0 0 0 1,03,27,604 63,17,031 58,08,267 16 0 0 0 0 1,08,13,867 64,62,910 66,87,510 17 0 0 0 0 1,13,00,130 66,08,789 76,78,686 18 0 0 0 0 1,17,86,393 67,54,668 87,95,972 19 0 0 0 0 1,22,72,656 69,00,547 1,00,54,714 20 -11729523 0 0 11729523 1,27,58,919 70,46,426 1,14,71,419 Returns 5.78% The policy seemed so attractive that he would make Rs 1,17,29,523/- in 20 Years. but he forgot he had invested almost Rs 50,00,000/ and got just double the invested. A simple IRR calculation shows he would earn 5.78% IRR on this investment. Lower than your FD returns. We could argue that it was meant for protection but let’s see how much would he have paid if we just took SI of Rs 1,30,00,000/- from day one for 20 years , which in this case is applicable in 20 years. The same company offers us Term insurance plan for SI – Rs 1,30,00,000/- Payment Term : 10 Years Policy term 20 : 20 years. Premium : Rs 23,464/- And now the funny part if we take this Policy Year Single/ Annualized Premium Guaranteed Non Guaranteed Survival Benefits / Loyalty Additions Other benefits (if any) Maturity Benefit Death Benefit Min Guaranteed Surrender Value Special Surrender Value 1 499036 0 0 0 64,37,500 0 0 2 487786 0 0 0 64,37,500 3,09,000 3,09,000 3 487786 0 0 0 64,37,500 5,40,750 5,40,750 4 487786 0 0 0 64,37,500 10,30,000 10,30,000 5 487786 0 0 0 64,37,500 12,87,500 6,83,148 6 487786 0 0 0 64,37,500 15,45,000 8,95,482 7 487786 0 0 0 64,37,500 18,02,500 11,41,343 8 487786 0 0 0 69,23,763 32,35,879 15,59,667 9 487786 0 0 0 74,10,026 37,68,008 20,82,332 10 487786 0 0 0 78,96,289 50,72,637 27,28,108 11 0 0 0 0 83,82,552 57,33,516 31,99,868 12 0 0 0 0 88,68,815 58,79,395 37,36,072 13 0 0 0 0 93,55,078 60,25,273 43,42,778 14 0 0 0 0 98,41,341 61,71,152 50,30,514 15 0 0 0 0 1,03,27,604 63,17,031 58,08,267 16 0
Understand the Concept in simplest way  A term insurance/ Life Insurance is a type of insurance which provides for financial cover during a set period chosen by the life insured. Why do we need term insurance ? Term insurance is a crucial financial tool that offers a safety net for you and your loved ones. Here are some key reasons why you might need it: Protection for Dependents: If you have dependents, such as children or a spouse, term insurance can provide financial support in the event of your untimely death. The death benefit can help cover expenses like mortgage payments, education costs, and living expenses. Debt Coverage: If you have significant debt, such as a mortgage or student loans, term insurance can help your family repay those debts. This can prevent financial strain and ensure a more comfortable future. Financial Planning: Term insurance can be a valuable component of your overall financial plan. It can help you protect your assets and ensure that your loved ones are financially secure, regardless of unforeseen circumstances. Affordability: Term insurance is generally more affordable than other types of life insurance, making it a good option for those on a budget. Flexibility: Term insurance offers flexibility in terms of coverage and duration. You can choose a policy that meets your specific needs and adjust it as your circumstances change. What does Term insurance not mean or what it is not ? Cash Value: Unlike whole life or universal life insurance, term insurance doesn’t build cash value over time. This means you can’t borrow against the policy or receive a cash payout if you surrender it before the end of the term. Maturity Benefit: If you outlive the term of your insurance policy, you won’t receive a lump sum payment at the end. Term insurance is designed to provide coverage for a specific period, and there’s no payout if you don’t need it. Investment Returns: Term insurance isn’t an investment vehicle. While it provides protection, it doesn’t offer any potential for growth or returns. Guaranteed Premiums: While some term insurance policies offer level premiums, others may increase over time. This means your premiums could go up as you get older, even if you maintain good health. How to Know Your Sum Insured ? By annual income method: Determine your annual income: This includes your salary, bonuses, and any other sources of income. Choose a multiplier: The multiplier is a number that determines the amount of coverage you need. Common multipliers range from 5 to 10 times your annual income. A higher multiplier provides more coverage, but also increases the premium. Calculate the sum insured: Multiply your annual income by the chosen multiplier. Human Life Value (HLV) method is another popular approach to calculating the sum insured in term insurance. This method focuses on the financial value that an individual brings to their family through their income. How HLV works: Estimate your remaining working years: Determine the number of years you expect to work before retirement. Calculate your average annual income: Estimate your average annual income over your remaining working years, considering potential salary increases and promotions. Factor in inflation: Adjust your average annual income for inflation to account for the rising cost of living over time. Determine the discount rate: This is the rate at which future income is discounted to its present value. It’s typically based on the rate of return you could achieve on your investments. Calculate the present value of your future income: Multiply your adjusted average annual income by the present value factor, which is calculated using the discount rate and the number of remaining working years. Conclusion : To consult for the best plans and understand the requirement of Term plan needs you can reach us : https://wa.me/message/LC5W5ZNTPSJ5L1)