Term insurance is the most fundamental form of financial protection for your loved ones. It aims to provide financial stability to a family when its primary breadwinner, i.e you is no longer there to provide for daily needs. A lot of people have started their financial journey late in life but forget about this fundamental building block. But a question that often confuses people is: What is the right age to buy a term plan? The short answer is: As soon as you start earning or have financial dependents or outstanding debt, and ideally, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. 🔑 Age and Premiums: The Direct Connection The single most compelling reason to buy term insurance early is the cost. Your age is the biggest factor determining your premium. Lets get this straight your premium are based on two things Your age Your current health condition So, younger individuals are statistically considered lower risk. Lower Premiums: When you purchase a policy in your 20s or early 30s, you lock in a significantly lower premium that remains fixed for the entire policy term (e.g., 30 or 40 years). The difference can be substantial. For the same coverage, a person buying a plan at age 40 might pay 2-3 times more than someone who bought it at age 25. Better Health = Easier Approval: When you are young, you are generally in better health. This often means easier policy approval and avoids the higher premiums (or even rejection) that can come with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension, which are more common as you age. How Term plan health in over all protection at different stages of life of a human being Age Group Typical Financial Situation Premium Cost Key Advantage 20s Starting career, student/car loans, new dependents (spouse/parents) Lowest Lock in low rates for maximum term 30s Marriage, children, home loans, increasing responsibilities Reasonable Still affordable, perfect time for essential coverage 40s Child’s education goals, significant mortgage, peak earning Higher Premiums noticeably increase, but still vital coverage 50s+ Nearing retirement, fewer years of earning, potential health issues Highest Options may be limited, focus on covering remaining liabilities 🎯 When Does the Need Arise? While buying early locks at the best rates, the need for term insurance is fundamentally tied to your financial responsibilities. You need a term plan when: You Have Dependents: This includes a spouse, young children, or even aging parents who rely on your income for their living expenses. Your policy should cover their needs for a set period in your absence. You Have Loans or Liabilities: If you have an outstanding home loan (mortgage), education loan, or other significant debts, the term plan payout ensures your family is not burdened with repayment. For many people, this point of need aligns with their late 20s or early 30s, when they take on a mortgage, start a family, or become the primary breadwinner. ✅ Benefits of Starting in Your 20s Even if your responsibilities are small, buying in your 20s offers several long-term benefits: Longer Coverage Term: You can secure a policy that covers you until retirement (e.g., until age 60 or 65), locking in protection for your entire earning life. Greater Affordability: The minimal premium outlay won’t significantly strain your budget, allowing you to allocate more funds to other investments like retirement or a down payment. Financial Discipline: Committing to regular premium payments early on helps instill good financial habits. ⚠️ Is It Ever Too Late? If you missed the window of your 20s or 30s, don’t despair – as it is never too late to consider term insurance as long as you have active financial responsibilities. Even if you are in your 40s or 50s, a term plan can be crucial to cover remaining liabilities like your children’s higher education or an outstanding home loan. While the premiums will be higher, the peace of mind and protection for your family are invaluable. 💡 The Takeaway The ideal age to buy a term insurance plan is the moment your income supports another person’s financial life, but the most cost-effective time is in your 20s. If you’re young and healthy, take advantage of the low premium rates. If you’re older, act quickly—every year you delay means a higher premium and potentially more stringent medical checks. Secure your family’s future today. Do not delay Learn about Term Plan to today . Click to book your 15 minutes call now
Introduction TATA AIG Medicare select is one the leading comprehensive health insurance plans being offered by TATA AIG. This offers basic features like IPD, Day care coverage , Domiciliary treatment, no disease based capping , organ donor cover. But it also allows you to select the various features as add-on The plan can be customised to design as per your needs and use. It also provides infinite cover advantage along with advance cover possibility. With add ons like women Suraksha, OPD, cancer benefits it offers various features missing in a lot of other insurance plans. Interested to know more about this plan you can BOOK 1-on-1 consultation today How is TATA AIG as health insurance company Net Incurred Claims to Net Earned Premium 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Q1 2025-26 TATA AIG 71% 78% 77% 69% 69% 75% 71% 75% 70% TATA AIG has good Net incurred claims to Net Earned Premium TATA AIG 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 Q1 2025-26 Total no.of Policy Complaints (Current year) per 10,000 policies Current year 0.81 0.76 0.61 1.18 1.14 1.01 0.63 0.46 0.75 Total no.of Claim Complaints (Current year) per 10,000 Claims registered (Current year) 7.07 5.75 6.15 8.15 10.22 10.08 12.11 9.75 11.55 Network of Hospitals 12,000 Verdict: Company seems to have good ratios a low double digit Total claim complaints per 10,000 claims registered is very good . Net incurred claims to net premium earned of more than 70% shows the company is stable in terms of claims. Also Network hospitals are also great. All in all a good insurance company. BASE PLAN Max cover 5 / 7.5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 / 200 / 300 L Person to be Covered Family Floater: Self, spouse and up to 3 dependent children, up to 2 parents/parents-in-law. Individual/Multi-individual: Self, Spouse/Partners, Upto 3 Dependent Children, Parents & parents-in-law, Grandparents, Grandchildren, Siblings (Sister/Brother), Uncle, Aunt, Nephew, Niece, Employee, Domestic Help and Legal Guardian. Age No minimum / maximum entry age Waiting Period 30 days Pre existing diseases 36 months /Advance Cover ( Add on) PED after 30 days a. Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2), b. Hypertension, c. Hyperlipidaemia & d. Asthma Specified diseases 24 months Maternity waiting period 24 months /Add on Waiting period reduced to 1 year Mental illness cover waiting period Add on ( Mental Well being Rider) OPD waiting period Add On ( pocket Saver 2.0) 30 days Dental OPD waiting period Add On ( pocket Saver 2.0) 30 days Critical illness waiting period NA Co -payment NA Deductibles Aggregate deductible ( Add on ) 10/25/50/100 K Room Rent caping Single Private AC room Daily Hospital Cash Twin sharing – Rs 1200 per day ( Over and above SI) Multi sharing- Rs 1,500 per day ( Over and above SI) ICU cover upto SI Disease Based caping No IPD Upto SI Pre Hospitalization 90 Days , Upto SI Post Hospitalization 90 Days , Upto SI Day Care procedure 541 Procedure have been listed Advance technology method Covered, upto SI Domiciliary treatment Healthcare Covered, upto SI Alternate treatment ( AYUSH) Covered, upto SI Organ Donor expenses Covered, upto SI Road Ambulance Covered, upto SI Restore benefit Unlimited (Restore Infinity plus) Renewal benefits 50% increase in case of no claim max by 100% of SI OR 1% Discount in Renewal Premium Add on Super Charge Rider 100% upto Max 500% ADD On Features Unlimited Coverage Infinite Advantage ( Add on) – for any one claim during Lifetime – In-Patient Treatment/Daycare Procedures Early Access Single premium multi-year policies, the Sum Insured of the Policy Period shall be available anytime during the Policy Period, Home care treatment Upto SI/ The pandemic care will be covered upto 25% of the sum insured. Air Ambulance Upto 5 lacs for non network; Upto SI for network provider ( over and Above SI) Consumables Non- Medical Expenses ( Specified Consumables ) Annexure 1 List 1 Maternity cover 10% of SI , max Upto Rs 1Lakh) Delivery Complication of new Born Baby First Year vaccination Waiting Period 24 months Add on Waiting period reduced to 1 year Additional Sum Insured For Accidental Hospitalization Extra SI Upto For each Insured Person Annual health check up Domestic Second Opinion International Second Opinion Accidental Death benefit Rider. 100% SI Max upto 50 lacs (Over and above SI ) Cancer Benefit As per chosen SI max upto 1 cr (Over and above SI ) Waiting period of 30 days Survival Period of 30 days Women Suraksha Gynaecologist Consultation PMS consulting Menarche Counselling Infertility Counselling Dermatologist Consultation Polycystic ovarian cover Cancer screening : – Breast Cancer screening – mammography – Ovarian cancer screening – ultra Sound And CA 125 – Cervical Cancer screening – Pap Smear Health Condition Management Program Health Condition Management Program Maintaining good health and improving it through various health condition management programs including but not limited to nutrition management, weight management, chronic condition management, cancer care assistance program, stress management Mental illness •Mental Health Screening •Psychological Therapy and Procedures •Diet Consultation Rider •Vocational Rehabilitation •Stress Management Rider •Addiction Cessation Program OPD Dental Add On ( pocket Saver 2.0)Out patient Treatment Dental 5L- 7.5K 7.5L-10K 10L – 15K 15L – 20K 20L-32K 25L -50K 50L- 70K 75L-90K > 1 Cr – Rs 1 L – RCT ( Single or multiple sittings ) – Tooth extraction – Restoration / Filling – All form od dental Xray – Crown -Pulpectomy – Therapeutic pulpotomy OPD treatment Outpatient Treatment and Consultation( pocket Saver 2.0 5L- 5K 7.5L-6K 10L – 8K 15L – 15K 20L-22K 25L -25K 50L- 50K 75L-70K > 1 Cr – Rs 1L Customary Charges for in-person consultations and diagnostic tests OPD Vision Care Pocket Saver 2.0 5L- 1.5K 7.5L-2.5K 10L – 5K 15L – 12K 20L-12K 25L -20K 50L- 20K 75L-25K > 1 Cr – Rs 30K consultations with Ophthalmologist on an Outpatient basis and Reasonable and Customary Charges for corrective spectacle lenses as prescribed by the
Continuing our discussion in this very interesting category which targets both the Large and Mid cap section of the market. This category is interesting since it gives much more space for fund managers beyond 100 Large cap stocks, to invest into further 150 stocks which might have potential to give results. Since Last discussion which you can read here (https://wealthinn.in/which-large-and-midcap-fund-to-choose/) Fund Name Year Of inception Fund rating ( Crisil rated ) Portfolio Size ( In Cr ) Expense ratio PE Exit Load Benchmark UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund (G) 1993 4 4,992.97 1.91 18.91 1.00% – 0-1 years 0.00% – >1 years NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI HDFC Large And Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) 1994 3 26,157.98 1.65 20.77 1.00% – 0-1 years 0.00% – >1 years NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI ICICI Pru Large & Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) 1998 5 24,424.21 1.69 23.96 1.00% – 0-1 months 0.00% – >1 months NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI Canara Robeco Emerging equities Reg (G) 2005 3 25,511.33 1.6 32.20 1.00% – 0-1 years 0.00% – >1 years NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI Bandhan Core Equity Fund Reg (G) 2005 4 10,817.9 1.72 20.96 If <365 Days: • Upto 10% of investment:Nil, • For remaining investment: 1% of applicable NAV. if>365 Days: Nil NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI Quant Large and Mid Cap Fund (G) 2006 1 3,48801 cr 1.91 22.03 1.00% – 0-15 days 0.00% – >15 days NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI Invesco India Large & Mid Cap Fund (G) 2007 5 8,124.55 1.77 36.35 If <365 Days: • Upto 10% of investment:Nil, • For remaining investment: 1% of applicable NAV. if>365 Days: Nil NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund Reg (G) 2010 2 40,821.9 1.53 20.78 1.00% – 0-365 days 0.00% – >365 days SWP 15% of the units with 365days : Nil > 15% of units within 365 days 1% NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI PGIM India Large and Mid Cap Fund Reg (G) 2024 – 741.09 cr 2.29 31.51 <90 days- 0.5% >90 days: Nil NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund Reg (G) 2019 5 13,777.98 1.69 43.73 1.00% – 0-1 years 0.00% – >1 years NIFTY Large Midcap 250 TRI UTI Large & Mid Cap Fund (G): One of the oldest funds in the category launched in 1993, with CRISIL rated at 4 star, rating maintained from last time, fund size of 4,992.97 cr. The fund has a high expense ratio of 1.91. Fund PE of 18.91. Exit load of 1 year 1%. HDFC Large And Mid Cap Fund Reg (G): The fund was launched in the year 1994, a very old fund in the category, CRISIL rated as 3 star, last time it was 4 star rated. Fund size of 26,157.98 Cr, fund size has increased. The expense ratio of 1.65. With PE of 20.77. Exit load of 1 year 1%. ICICI Pru Large & Mid Cap Fund Reg (G): This fund was launched in the year 1998, CRISIL rated as 5 star, rating improved from 4 star, fund size of 24,424 cr. Expenses ratio of 1.69. PE of the fund is 23.96. Exit load of 1 year 1% Canara Robeco Emerging equities Reg (G): The fund was launched in 2005, CRISIL rated at 3 star, rating improved from 2 star, fund size of 25,511.33. Expense ratio of 1.60. P of 32.20. Exit load of 1 year 1 %. Bandhan Core Equity Fund Reg (G): The fund was launched in the year 2005, CRISIL rated at 4 star, the fund rating has dropped from 5 star in last discussion, fund size of 10,817.9 cr, huge jump in the fund size. Expense ratio 1.72. PE of fund 20.96. Exit load : 365 days less than 10% of units upto : nil , for remaining units 1%. For > 365 days nil. Quant Large and Mid Cap Fund (G): The fund was launched in the year 2006, Rated 1 star by CRISIL, rating had fallen from 3 star in last discussion. The fund size currently at 3,488.01 cr, has fallen from last time of 3709 cr. The expense ratio of 1.91. PE of the fund is 22.03. Exit load is 1% for 15 days. Invesco India Large & Mid Cap Fund (G): The fund was launched in the year 2007, rated 5 star by CRISIL, the fund has maintained its rating at 5 star. The size is 8,124.55 cr increased from 6,149 cr last time. Expense ratio 1.77. PE of the fund is 36.35. Exit load : 365 days less than 10% of units upto : nil , for remaining units 1%. For > 365 days nil. Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund Reg (G): The fund was launched in 2010, Current CRISIL 2 star rated, rating has improved from last time of 1 star. The fund has the biggest portfolio size at 40,821.9 cr as compared to 38,166 cr. Expense ratio of 1.53. PE of the fund is 20.78. Exit load 1% for 365 days . SWP 15% of units with 365 days 1% , greater than 365 days nil PGIM India Large and Mid Cap Fund Reg (G): This fund replaces the HSBC Large and mid cap fund, in the last discussion. It was a very new launch in the year 2024. With a small portfolio size of 741.09 cr. PE of the fund is 31.51. High expense ratio of 2.29. Exit load .5% for less than 90 days. Nil for more than 90 days. Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund Reg (G): This fund was launched in the year 2019, Currently 5 star rated by CRISIL,this fund has also maintained its rating from the last discussion. The AUM of the fund is 13,777.98 Cr as compared to 6,840 cr, The fund doubled the AUM in about 7-8 months. The Expense ratio of the fund is 1.69. The fund has a high PE of 43.73.Exit load of 1% for less
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
Recently, numerous articles have surfaced discussing how equity markets delivered zero returns over the past year. This has sparked considerable anxiety among investors. Just the other day, one of my wife’s cousins called her in distress. Her husband has been investing consistently in equities, and after reading the news, she became concerned about the possibility of losing their invested money. She even wondered if they should start looking for alternative opportunities. Let’s Add Some Perspective On September 15, 2023, the index stood at 20,192.35. By September 13, 2024, it had risen to 25,356.50—a one-year return of 24.85%. Such impressive gains from a large-cap index are certainly unusual. The graph below clearly shows the straight-line growth during that period. Unsurprisingly, this rally triggered a wave of new investors entering the market. Positive news was everywhere; no matter where you looked, optimism dominated. This Trend Shifted the Following Year However, the landscape changed dramatically over the next year as the market corrected and fell from its peak. I discussed this shift in detail on my blog (Your SIP During Market Corrections: A Perspective From Your Advisor), as well as in a LinkedIn post (see here). Although the market has begun to recover since the correction, returns for investors have remained flat. On September 13, 2024, the Nifty50 was at 25,356.50. By September 15, 2025, it stood at 25,069.20, reflecting a negative return of 1.13% over the year (see the chart below). But What About SIP Performance? To truly understand how Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) performed during this period, let’s consider a real-world example. For the sake of neutrality, the name of the fund has been omitted to avoid making any specific recommendations. Nav Date Nav Cumulative Units Cumulative Invested Amount Market Value 15-09-2023 80.83 247.433 20,000 20,000 16-10-2023 79.63 498.594 40,000 39,703 15-11-2023 80.44 747.227 60,000 60,107 15-12-2023 87.66 975.381 80,000 85,502 15-01-2024 90.77 1,195.718 1,00,000 1,08,535 15-02-2024 93.13 1,410.472 1,20,000 1,31,357 15-03-2024 93.79 1,623.714 1,40,000 1,52,288 15-04-2024 95.54 1,833.051 1,60,000 1,75,130 15-05-2024 96.88 2,039.492 1,80,000 1,97,586 18-06-2024 102.14 2,235.301 2,00,000 2,28,314 15-07-2024 106.71 2,422.725 2,20,000 2,58,529 16-08-2024 106.71 2,610.149 2,40,000 2,78,529 16-09-2024 110.52 2,610.149 2,40,000 288,473.67 SIP Performance During the Rally From September 15, 2023, to September 16, 2024, an investor making regular SIP contributions would have seen their investment table look somewhat like this: During this period, SIP investors achieved an impressive XIRR of 38.92%. This remarkable return was possible because the markets were on an upswing, providing an environment where gains were highly likely. But why did the SIP’s XIRR outperform the market’s absolute return during this time? The key lies in understanding the difference between XIRR and absolute returns. While absolute returns simply measure the point-to-point change in value, XIRR accounts for the timing of each cash flow—capturing the compounding effect of investing regularly throughout the year. When comparing absolute numbers, the market delivered a return of 24.85%, while the fund’s absolute gain stood at 20.19%. In rising markets, SIPs typically underperform in absolute terms because the investments made later in the year buy at higher prices. However, XIRR can look higher over short, sharply rising periods due to the sequence and timing of flows. Nav Date Nav Cumulative Units Cumulative Invested Amount Market Value 16-09-2024 110.52 180.963 20,000 20,000 15-10-2024 109.42 363.745 40,000 39,801 18-11-2024 103.01 557.900 60,000 57,469 16-12-2024 108.16 742.812 80,000 80,343 15-01-2025 101.13 940.577 1,00,000 95,121 17-02-2025 99.97 1,140.637 1,20,000 1,14,029 17-03-2025 98.15 1,344.407 1,40,000 1,31,954 15-04-2025 102.47 1,539.586 1,60,000 1,57,761 15-05-2025 109.37 1,722.451 1,80,000 1,88,384 16-06-2025 109.44 1,905.200 2,00,000 2,08,505 15-07-2025 110.79 2,085.722 2,20,000 2,31,077 18-08-2025 110.8 2,266.227 2,40,000 2,51,098 15-09-2025 111.14 2,266.227 2,40,000 2,53,507.98 SIP Performance for Investors Starting at Market Peaks What if an investor entered the same fund at the market peak, amid all the hype? Let’s explore what would have happened in that scenario. The fund delivered an XIRR of 10.56%, despite the market’s absolute returns being negative at -1.13%. How is this possible? Looking at absolute returns, the fund generated a positive 5.62%, compared to the Nifty50 index’s -1.13% during the same period. This advantage arose because investments were made during a market decline, allowing the investor to buy at lower NAVs. For example, on February 17, 2025, the NAV was 99.97, significantly lower than the NAV of 110.52 on September 16, 2024. This enabled the purchase of more units at discounted prices. Similarly, other instances of market dips allowed SIP investors to accumulate more units, resulting in SIPs delivering superior returns during market downturns. Nav Date Nav Cumulative Units Cumulative Invested Amount Market Value 15-09-2023 80.83 247.433 20,000 20,000 16-10-2023 79.63 498.594 40,000 39,703 15-11-2023 80.44 747.227 60,000 60,107 15-12-2023 87.66 975.381 80,000 85,502 15-01-2024 90.77 1,195.718 1,00,000 1,08,535 15-02-2024 93.13 1,410.472 1,20,000 1,31,357 15-03-2024 93.79 1,623.714 1,40,000 1,52,288 15-04-2024 95.54 1,833.051 1,60,000 1,75,130 15-05-2024 96.88 2,039.492 1,80,000 1,97,586 18-06-2024 102.14 2,235.301 2,00,000 2,28,314 15-07-2024 106.71 2,422.725 2,20,000 2,58,529 16-08-2024 106.71 2,610.149 2,40,000 2,78,529 16-09-2024 110.52 2,791.112 2,60,000 3,08,474 15-10-2024 109.42 2,973.894 2,80,000 3,25,403 18-11-2024 103.01 3,168.050 3,00,000 3,26,341 16-12-2024 108.16 3,352.961 3,20,000 3,62,656 15-01-2025 101.13 3,550.726 3,40,000 3,59,085 17-02-2025 99.97 3,750.786 3,60,000 3,74,966 17-03-2025 98.15 3,954.556 3,80,000 3,88,140 15-04-2025 102.47 4,149.735 4,00,000 4,25,223 15-05-2025 109.37 4,332.600 4,20,000 4,73,857 16-06-2025 109.44 4,515.349 4,40,000 4,94,160 15-07-2025 110.79 4,695.871 4,60,000 5,20,256 18-08-2025 110.8 4,876.376 4,80,000 5,40,302 15-09-2025 111.14 4,876.376 4,80,000 5,41,960.43 Long-Term SIP Returns in a Volatile Market To understand how long-term investors fared using the SIP route, let’s take a look at the overall returns generated over the two-year period shown in the table above. Despite the volatility in the market, the fund was able to deliver a commendable XIRR of 12.10%, compared to an 11.42% return from the Nifty50 index during the same timeframe. This demonstrates how disciplined SIP investing can generate competitive returns even in uncertain market conditions. Watch the Video :
A critical illness plan is a type of insurance that provides a lump-sum cash payout if you’re diagnosed with a life-threatening condition listed in the policy. It’s designed to supplement your existing health insurance, giving you a financial safety net to cover expenses that regular health insurance might not. What is a Critical Illness Plan and How Does It Work? Critical Illness plan would make a Lumpsum payout on diagnosis of the specified critical illness.( So make sure to read through all Critical illness are covered in your policy). Unlike standard health insurance, which reimburses your medical bills for hospital stays and treatments, a critical illness plan pays you a predetermined lump sum upon the diagnosis of a covered illness. This payment is made regardless of your actual medical expenses( So you do not have to produce any medical bills to claim). You can use this money however you see fit: to pay for non-medical costs, cover lost income during your recovery, or even pay off debts. ( So the end use is not specified here). Imagine you’re diagnosed with cancer. Your health insurance will take care of your hospital and treatment bills, but what about the time you’ll have to take off work? Or the travel costs for specialized treatment? This is where a critical illness plan comes in, providing a financial cushion that helps you focus on getting better without worrying about day-to-day finances. The question is how is it helpful ? Having health insurance and a life cover is a great start, but a critical illness plan offers a unique and crucial layer of financial protection. It’s not a myth, it’s a valuable tool that provides support in three major ways. Lumpsum Payments Unlike health insurance, which reimburses specific medical expenses, a critical illness policy provides a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis. You have complete freedom to use this money for any purpose, whether it’s paying for large hospital bills, clearing outstanding debts, or covering EMIs and household bills. This flexibility ensures you can handle various financial needs without added stress. Income Replacement Critical illnesses often lead to prolonged treatments or a debilitated state, making it impossible for the primary earner to work. During these stressful times, a CI plan can serve as an income replacement, providing a financial cushion for your family. This helps compensate for lost income and ensures financial stability when you need to focus on recovery. Cover both medical and non- medical expenditures Because the end use of the claim payout is not defined, it can be used for both medical and non-medical expenditures that arise during or after the illness. This includes expenses that standard health insurance won’t cover, such as specialized care, travel for treatment, or even home modifications. Who should buy it ? Sole Breadwinners If your family’s financial security depends on your income, a critical illness plan is a must-have. It acts as a safety net, protecting your loved ones from financial hardship if you are unable to work. Individuals with a Family History of CI If critical illnesses run in your family, you may be more susceptible. It is highly advisable to secure a critical illness cover, as it becomes a necessary part of your health and financial planning. People with a Sedentary Lifestyle Those with a sedentary lifestyle face a higher risk of developing critical illnesses. A critical illness plan provides essential protection against the financial fallout of such health issues. What Illnesses Are Typically Covered? While the exact list of covered illnesses varies by insurer, most critical illness plans cover a range of serious, life-altering conditions. These often include: Cancer of specified severity Kidney failure requiring regular dialysis Multiple Sclerosis with persisting symptoms Benign Brain Tumour Motor Neuron Disease with Permanent Symptoms End-Stage Lung Failure End-Stage Liver Failure Primary (Idiopathic) Pulmonary Hypertension Parkinson’s Disease Before the Age Of 50 Years Alzheimer’s Disease Before the Age Of 50 Years Major Organ (Heart/ Lung/ Liver/ Kidney /Pancreas) or Human Bone Marrow Transplant Open heart replacement or repair of heart valves Open chest CABG Surgery Of Aorta Stroke resulting in permanent symptoms Permanent Paralysis of Limbs Myocardial Infarction (First Heart Attack of specified severity) Third Degree Burns Loss of Speech Blindness Loss of Limbs Deafness Coma of Specified Severity Major Head Trauma Muscular Dystrophy Note to reader : Always check the policy document to see the full list of covered conditions, as well as the specific definitions and severity criteria required to make a claim. Basics of the plan? Let’s understand the basic conditions of the plan , to understand the basic structure of the plans. Again note to readers these a basic conditions can vary from plan to plan Age – 5 years to max 65 Years Sum Insured – 1 lakh to 1 cr or even more is available under some plans Renewability : Life Time Waiting Periods : Applicable ( 0/30/90/180 Days) Survival Period : applicable ( 0/15/ 30 days) ( This is an important condition, a claim can be made only after the insured person survives this survival period ) Exclusion : applicable ( read policy document for better understanding) Tax Benefits Premium Paid : Rs 25,000/- per year ( this is the maximum limit ) (under section 80 D) Claim : Tax free claim proceeds Critical Illness vs. Health Insurance: What’s the Difference? Feature Critical Illness Insurance Health Insurance Policy Type Benefit-based Indemnity-based Purpose Backup shield for major health crises Primary shield for medical expenses Payout One-time lump sum upon diagnosis Reimbursement of hospital and medical expenses Tied to Bills? No, the payout is not tied to medical bills Yes, payout is based on actual medical expenses Usage of Funds You can use the lump sum as you need (e.g., for lost income, debt, etc.) Funds are used to pay for medical bills via cashless or reimbursement Claim Frequency Usually a single claim after which the policy ends You can make multiple claims throughout the policy period Role Provides a financial boost for non-medical
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