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
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.
Manipal Cigna LifeTime Amount Remark Max cover 50/75/100/150/200/300 L 50/75/100/150/200/300 L 50/75/100/150/200/300 L Age Child : 91 Days – 25 Years Adult : 18 years – 65 years Child : 91 Days – 25 Years Adult : 18 years – 65 years Child : 91 Days – 25 Years Adult : 18 years – 65 years Waiting Period 30 days 30 days 30 days Pre existing diseases 24 months 24 months 24 months Specified diseases 24 months 24 months 24 months Bariatric surgery waiting period 24 months ( Add on) ( Health +) 24 months ( Add on) ( Health +) 24 months ( Add on) ( Health +) Maternity waiting period NO NO NO Mental illness cover waiting period NA NA – cover pertains to IPD coverage for anxiety, stress, depression OPD waiting period 30 days 30 days 30 days Dental OPD waiting period 30 days 30 days 30 days Critical illness waiting period 90 days( add on) – survival waiting period of 30 days 90 days( add on) – survival waiting period of 30 days 90 days( add on) – survival waiting period of 30 days Pre Policy medical Test After 55 years no charges on test. even if policy is rejected Co -payment No No No Deductibles ADD on 5/10 L 5/10 L Aggregate Deductible Not applicable health check up Premium waiver option Optional packages – Healh+, Women+, Critical illness add on rider, First claim SI SI + Bonus SI + Bonus SI + Bonus Maximum claim SI/ Restored SI + Bonus SI/ Restored SI + Bonus SI/ Restored SI + Bonus Room Rent caping Yes / Add on (360 Advance) upto SI, – SI upto 2 Cr any room except suite or higher category – SI 2 cr to 3 cr covered any room category -Add on (360 Advance- Any Category Room ) – SI upto 2 Cr any room except suite or higher category – SI 2 cr to 3 cr covered any room category including suite rooms – Rider health 360 advance – any room category If the Insured Person is admitted to a room category higher than the one specified in the Policy Schedule, the Policyholder/Insured Person shall bear a ratable proportion of the total Associated Medical Expenses (including surcharge or taxes) in proportion to the difference between the room rent of the entitled room category and the room rent actually incurred. ICU cover Yes upto SI upto SI Disease Based caping No No No IPD Yes / Add on (360 Advance) upto SI, – SI upto 2 Cr any room except suite or higher category – SI 2 cr to 3 cr covered any room category -Add on (360 Advance- Any Category Room ) a. Reasonable and Customary charges for Room Rent for accommodation in Hospital room up to room category as per the Sum Insured1. b. Intensive Care Unit charges, c. Operation theatre charges, d. Fees of Medical Practitioner/ Surgeon, e. Anaesthetist, f. Qualified Nurses, g. Specialists, h. Cost of diagnostic tests, i. Medicines, j. Drugs and consumables, blood, oxygen, surgical appliances and prosthetic devices recommended by the attending Medical Practitioner and that are used intra operatively during a Surgical Procedure.we will cover the expenses towards artificial life maintenance, including life support machine use, even where such treatment will not result in recovery or restoration of the previous state of health under any circumstances unless in a vegetative state, as certified by the treating Medical Practitioner.- Medical exnses related the eternal feeding is covered for max 15 days in a policy year Pre Hospitalisation 60 days upto SI upto SI Post Hospitalisation 180 days upto SI upto SI Day Care procedure Yes upto SI All day care treatment covered Advance technology method Yes upto SI – The following Modern and Advanced Treatment methods will be covered when availed under In-patient Hospitalization or as a Day Care Treatment: • Uterine Artery Embolization and HIFU • Balloon Sinuplasty • Deep Brain stimulation • Oral chemotherapy • Immunotherapy – Monoclonal Antibody to be given as injection • Intra vitreal injections • Stereotactic radio surgeries • Bronchial Thermoplasty • Vaporisation of the prostate (Green laser treatment or holmium laser treatment) • IONM ( Intra Operative Neuro Monitoring) • Stem cell therapy – Hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplant for haematological conditions to be covered. Home care treatment NA NA NA Domiciliary treatment Healthcare Yes upto 10% SI i. The condition of the Insured Person does not allow a hospital transfer: or ii. Hospital bed was unavailable provided that the treatment of the Insured Person continues at least 3 days in which case the reasonable cost of any Medically Necessary treatment for the entire period shall be payable.-upto 10% SIThe following are not covered – • Asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and upper respiratory tract infection including laryngitis and pharyngitis, cough and cold, influenza, • Arthritis, gout and rheumatism, • Chronic nephritis and nephritic syndrome, • Diarrhoea and all type of dysenteries, including gastroenteritis, • Diabetes mellitus and insipidus, • Epilepsy, • Hypertension, • Pyrexia of unknown origin. • Any use of artificial life maintenance including life support machine use. -Consumables Alternate treatment ( AYUSH) Yes Upto SI The following exclusions will be applicable in addition to the other Policy exclusions: i. Facilities and services availed for pleasure or rejuvenation or as a preventive aid, like beauty treatments, Panchakarma, purification, detoxification and rejuvenation. Organ Donor expenses Yes upto SI – Donor for harvesting the organ – No pre and post covered – No cost in consequent to harvesting – Stem cell donation even if medically neccesaary except bone marrow transplant – No cost coverage organ transportation or preservation expenses – No cost for donor screening , cost of acquisition of organ. any medical complication during harvesting of organ Road Ambulance Yes upto SI – to nearest Hospital – Diagnostic centre for advanced diagnostics – to move to better hospital due to lack of super speciality treatment in current hospital – The neccessaity of use
Last week, a significant report hit the financial wires: the India Protection Quotient (IPQ) 7.0, a collaborative effort by Axis Max Life Insurance Ltd. and KANTAR, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company. The report can be accessed on the link (https://www.axismaxlife.com/maxlife-ipq). This year’s IPQ offers an invaluable deep dive into the evolving financial preparedness of urban India, revealing both encouraging progress and critical areas that still demand our collective attention. The Bright Spots: Urban India’s Growing Financial Resilience The IPQ 7.0 paints a largely optimistic picture of how urban Indians are approaching financial security. We’re seeing some truly positive trends: Record-High Protection Quotient: Urban India’s Protection Quotient has made an impressive leap to 48, up significantly from 35 in 2019. This growth is largely fueled by a deeper adoption of term insurance and the growing influence of digital platforms in financial decisions. Surging Life Insurance Ownership: For the first time, life insurance ownership has reached an all-time high, with a remarkable 78% of urban Indians now owning one or more life insurance products. This clearly indicates a broadening acceptance and understanding of its importance. Improved Financial Literacy: The Knowledge Index, a key indicator of financial awareness, has improved to 63 (up by two points), signifying that urban Indians are becoming more knowledgeable about life insurance and its benefits. Prioritizing Protection Over Price: Perhaps the most compelling shift is the change in consumer mindset. For the first time, 3 out of 4 urban Indians are prioritizing ‘cover’ over ‘cost’ when purchasing term life insurance. With 56% expressing confidence in their existing protection, it signals a growing maturity in how individuals view and secure their financial future. Gen-Z Leads with Proactive Planning: The youngest adult cohort, Gen-Z, is emerging as a standout. They boast a Protection Quotient of 41, with two-thirds already owning life insurance. Their strong intent toward mid-term goals like buying a house, a car, or planning vacations, coupled with their early adoption of protection, is truly commendable. Regional Shifts and Strengths: South India continues its seven-year lead, driven by increased term insurance (33% to 37%) and savings product ownership (42% to 46%). West India has shown significant strides, achieving the highest term plan ownership ever recorded in IPQ history at 41%. North India also improved its Protection Quotient through better term plan uptake (28% to 31%). East India, however, remains an area requiring more focused intervention, with stagnant ownership despite growing awareness. Salaried vs. Self-Employed: While the salaried class maintains a lead in Protection Quotient, it’s encouraging to see the self-employed segment showing gains in financial security, though there’s still a gap in their overall insurance ownership. The Unfinished Agenda: Challenges and Overlooked Realities Despite these encouraging numbers, the IPQ 7.0 also sheds light on some critical issues that demand our immediate attention and a more nuanced discussion: The Affordability Hurdle: A significant concern is that nearly 1 in 4 individuals still cite term insurance affordability as a major hurdle, with an increase in those (from 21% to 25%) feeling a lack of funds. This raises a pertinent question: in an era where consumers are readily embracing EMIs for discretionary pleasures like new phones, why is a crucial protection for family security still considered “too costly”? This paradox highlights a need for better education on value vs. perceived cost. The Gender Protection Gap: The report underscores a concerning disparity. While men saw their Protection Quotient rise to 50 (from 47), working women’s Protection Quotient remained stagnant at 48. Furthermore, women reported lower financial security for key life milestones such as retirement, children’s education, and marriage. This discrepancy points to a persistent oversight: the invaluable financial contribution of working women to families is often still undervalued or not adequately covered in family financial planning. Low Insurance penetration in North : It seems the geographic divide the people of north still need to think about buying insurance for protection of family. Though it had improved better with term plan foundation which i believe is a good signal. Time for Deeper Questions and Inclusive Planning These findings make it abundantly clear that while awareness is rising, there’s a vital need for individuals to engage with qualified financial advisors. Advisors can help demystify complexities and facilitate truly effective planning. It’s high time we integrate some fundamental, often overlooked, questions into every financial discussion: How much protection is truly sufficient for a family’s unique needs? Why is the wife’s insurance not consistently considered and prioritized while planning a family’s overall financial protection? Making insurance a part of more holistic financial planning rather than just looking as a standalone instrument ? We need to move beyond outdated norms and ensure that financial protection is optimised for the entire family unit, recognising and covering the contributions of all members, not just the primary earner. If you are stuck or not able to find how to by life insurance plan do reach out to me. I would help you out with the same. Reach out to us today.