Author: Naresh Saini

Gold and the stock market have been hot investment options in 2024, both offering impressive returns. While gold has been traditionally seen as a safe and reliable choice, the stock market has its appeal, with its potential for high returns. This year, gold has slightly outpaced the stock market, leaving many investors wondering which is the better choice for the future. How Did Gold Perform This Year? Gold has performed remarkably well in 2024. At the start of the year, the price of 24-carat gold was around ₹63,000 per 10 grams. As of now, it has crossed ₹75,000 per 10…

The Central Government has introduced the NPS Vatsalya Scheme to promote early financial planning for children. It is a pension scheme designed to secure the financial future of minors (children aged 0-18 years). Parents and guardians across the country have shown great interest in this scheme, which is now available through leading banks, including Federal Bank, SBI, ICICI, and others. Let’s break down the key details, requirements, and steps to open an NPS Vatsalya account for your child. What Is the NPS Vatsalya Scheme? NPS Vatsalya is an initiative under the National Pension System (NPS) aimed at securing the financial…

The Indian government is preparing for a significant overhaul of three major public sector insurance companies. These include New India Assurance, Oriental Insurance, and United India Insurance. Aiming to rejuvenate these companies, the government is reviewing their capital needs and considering multiple possibilities, including a potential merger. This move could reshape the insurance sector, following previous major reforms in defence, railways, and energy sectors. Government’s Rejuvenation Plan for Insurance Companies The central government recently conducted a detailed review of the capital requirements of these public sector insurers. A big change is on the horizon, but instead of directly infusing capital…

The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) scheme, introduced by PM Narendra Modi’s government, aimed to encourage citizens to invest in gold through paper bonds rather than physical gold. These bonds provide returns equivalent to the market price of gold at maturity, along with an additional 2.5% annual interest offered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, currently, the scheme is on hold, and many investors are wondering when it will return. Recent updates suggest that the government is in no hurry to re-issue the Sovereign Gold Bonds. CNBC, quoting government sources, reports that while the Modi government is not opposed…

When it comes to saving taxes while investing, two popular options that come to mind are Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) and Tax Saving Fixed Deposits (FD). These investment avenues allow individuals to claim tax exemptions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year. However, both come with their own set of benefits, risks and return potentials. To make an informed choice, let’s dive into a comparison of ELSS and tax-saving FDs, keeping your financial goals in mind. What is Common Between ELSS and Tax Saving FD? Both ELSS and tax-saving FDs…

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) have become a popular choice for people looking to secure their future through investments. Whether it’s for retirement or general financial planning, SIPs offer a structured approach to building wealth over time. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? Can the money you invest in SIPs be lost, and if yes, how can you protect it? Why SIPs Are Calculated Based on Past Performance SIP returns are often calculated by analyzing the market’s performance over the last two decades. This data is used to predict the future returns that an investor can expect. For…

Are you eagerly waiting for the next Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) installment? Unfortunately, you may have to wait longer, as reports suggest that the government is hesitant to issue a new tranche. While there has been no official confirmation, sources say that the likelihood of a new SGB release is low. The reasons behind this reluctance are largely financial, as issuing SGBs has become costlier for the government. Why is the Government Not Keen on Issuing More SGBs? One of the primary reasons for this hesitation is the cost involved. The money raised through Sovereign Gold Bonds is more expensive…

Investing wisely is the key to achieving financial goals, but often, people are unsure about how long it will take to see significant growth in their money. Whether it’s saving for your child’s education or building a retirement corpus, understanding how quickly your money will grow is essential. This is where simple investment formulas like Rule 72 and Rule 114 come in handy. These formulas help you estimate how long it will take for your investment to double or triple, and they can guide you towards better financial planning. The Importance of Planning for Inflation Before diving into the investment…

Building wealth over time is possible for anyone, regardless of age. Many people are turning to Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) in mutual funds to achieve their financial goals, including becoming a millionaire. But how much should you invest, and how long will it take? Let’s break it down into easy-to-understand steps, without the jargon. Invest Smart, Age Doesn’t Matter No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start investing. The key to becoming a millionaire is consistent investing in the right financial scheme. Many people invest in options like mutual funds, stocks, or property, but one of…

The cost of medical treatments in India is rising, with hospital bills climbing to record levels. A recent report highlights a staggering insurance claim of ₹1.1 crore for heart disease, underscoring the urgent need for health insurance coverage. The India Health Report 2024 by ACKO reveals that hospital expenses are at an all-time high, with the average claim in 2023-24 now at ₹70,558, marking an 11.35% increase from ₹62,548 the previous year. Rising Healthcare Costs Impacting Families Medical expenses, especially for lifestyle-related illnesses, are soaring in India. The ACKO report, based on 60,000 health insurance claims, shows that healthcare inflation…