IndianMarketPulse-Investment Advice

What is annuity? Younger people may not know sufficiently about it. But ask financial advisors, and they will invaribly suggest a retired person to buy an annuity. Annuity is not a popular investment vehicle for people below 60. But after retirement, it is hard to ignore annuity. What makes annuity such a desirable investment option for retired people? Generating a “steady source of income” is a first priority for retired people. Annuity is that investment vehicle which generates a steady source of income. In the market there are other investment options available, which also promises steady income generation. So why annuity is so popular? No, I am not going to say that its rate of interest is high. It is popular because it is tailor made for retired people (like  POMIS and SCSS ). When one buys an annuity, he/she must be assured that, “income generation” is the only objective for the fund manager. Unlike other hybrid income generation plans, where conflict ...

Life is an unpredictable journey. It can take sharp, fatal turn at moments, which are capable of leaving one physically, mentally, emotionally and financially bruised. Many of us ignore buying a personal Health Insurance plan   (Mediclaim) .  Most of us also think that the mediclaim coverage provided by the employer  (if salaried)   is sufficient enough to cover any unforeseen medical expenses. In my experience, the average medical cover opted  (personal health insurance)  or provided by an employer  (group mediclaim)   is generally in the range of Rs 3 Lakh to Rs 5 Lakh.  Do you really think that this coverage is sufficient? What if the claim amount is more than the coverage amount? Can you afford to pay for the medical expenses out of your pocket? Do you agree that medical expenses are increasing at a very fast rate every year? But, we are also aware of the fact that the premiums of health insurance plans and medical treatment costs...