How to Choose the Best Investment Scheme among PPF, FD, RD and Post Office Saving?

Investment schemes are potent ways of increasing your wealth with high investment returns for the future. There are various types of investment options available. Public Provident Fund, Fixed Deposit, Recurring Deposit and Post Office Savings scheme offer guaranteed returns at a relatively high rate of interest. These are the best saving options when it comes to low-risk but high yield investments.

Choosing any one investment scheme can become a difficult task, especially for first-time investors. All of the options mentioned above come with their unique perks. You should choose a scheme which will be advantageous as per your unique requirements. So, let’s take a look at how to select the best investment schemes among PPF, FD, RD, and Post Office Saving.

These funds are ideal to create a strong financial backup for future requirements. Individuals use these investment or saving schemes for a multitude of reasons, from funding their child’s future educational prospects to a world tour or even a new house post-retirement.

Considering Different Aspects of Each Investment Option

To choose an investment plan first, you have to consider the essential features of each scheme. Let’s take a look at some key features of these schemes for a better understanding.

1. Maturity Period

Maturity period is the time duration for which you invest. Your capital amount along with the total interest will be returned to you when the policy matures.

For a Public Provident Fund, the maturity period is of 15 years. Maturity period of FDs ranges from 7 days to 10 years. RD offers a minimum tenure period of 6 months to a maximum of 10 years. Various schemes in post offices offer different maturity periods. These generally range from 1 year to 15 years depending on the policy.

2. Interest Rates 

Interest rates are a key factor while choosing the best saving schemes. All of the plans mentioned above offer an attractive rate of interest.




The rate of interest of the PPF is reviewed every quarter. The current interest rate is 8.0% p.a. Fixed deposit interest rate varies between financial institutions. Currently, it ranges from 3.50% to 8.10% p.a.

3. Tax Deduction

Certain investment options offer tax exemptions under Section 80C of Income Tax Act. PPF and FD qualify for tax exemptions under this act. Certain post office schemes also offer tax exemptions. These include 5-Year Post Office Time Deposit, Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, National Savings Certificates, Post Office Savings Account, etc.

4. Security

Schemes like PPF, FD, various policies in the Post Office are considered secure investment options, putting them among the best saving options. All these policies guarantee returns because they are supported by the Government.

5. Premature Withdrawal

Premature withdrawal is possible in some policies like FD, RD, and a few schemes offered by the Post Office. PPF also offers withdrawals, but only after the 5th year of investment.

Premature withdrawals may be subjected to a fee in case of FD, RD, and Post Office schemes.

6. Investable Amount

Fixed deposit and recurring deposit schemes do not have a limitation on maximum investment amount. PPF has a maximum of Rs. 1.5 Lakh per annum, while various Post Office schemes offer different maximum investment limit.

Choosing the Right Savings Scheme

Considering the factors mentioned above, the best saving options for you will depend on your requirements and future financial plans. Their are numbers of long term as well as best short term investments that you can choose according to your financial need. For example, if you can invest a certain sum every month and want the flexibility to access your money, an RD will be suitable for you. FD is ideal for someone who can invest a certain sum for a fixed period.

PPF is a long term investment scheme, ideal for higher gains. You can also choose from various schemes offered by the Post Office. They have long-term and short-term savings options as well as policies for seniors, farmers, and girl child of the family.

Carefully consider the options and factors mentioned above, and you will find the suitable investment scheme for yourself.

Why a Mattress Full of Cash Is Worse Than Basic Investments

If you are thinking about keeping your hard-earned cash at home where you can keep an eye on it, you are in good company. While many people actively invest extra cash in the stock market or in other types of investments, you may be worried about your losing money through bad investments, market downturns and more. 

It may seem safer to keep your money at home, but this is not actually the case. These are a few reasons why you may want to consider safe investments, such as CDs or a high-yield savings account.

The Impact of Inflation

While some investments are risky and have the possibility of financial loss, CDs and high-yield savings accounts do not. When cash sits at home, the impact of inflation causes that money to lose earning power. 

On the other hand, CDs and high-yield savings accounts may keep pace with inflation so that your money continues to have the same earning power. In some cases, these investments may outpace inflation slightly.

The Risk of Fire or Theft

Unless you store your cash at home in a fireproof safe, there is always a risk of significant financial loss through a fire or another type of damaging event. Theft is also a serious concern, and some thieves may be strong enough or savvy enough to remove the entire safe from your home. 




While you may lose some cash through a bad stock market investment, you likely will not have a total loss situation as you would in the case of a fire, theft or other event at home.

When You Pass Away

Another reason to consider investing your cash outside the home is related to your death. Death is inevitable, so you need to plan ahead for how your assets will be divvied when you pass away. Preparing a will and working with wills and estates lawyers can help you to create a strategic plan for doing so. 

Funds are more easily and securely disbursed according to your wishes when they are in accounts at reputable financial institutions. On the other hand, cash stored in a safe at home may be inaccessible unless you tell your family what the combination is beforehand. Even then, there is a possibility that some loved ones may pull out cash that is not rightfully theirs.

As you can see, there are several reasons why it makes sense to keep your assets in safe investments rather than at home. Spend time learning about CDs, savings accounts and other safe investments so that you can make a smart decision about how to manage your cash going forward.

8 Loan Against Property Eligibility Conditions To Fulfil

A loan against property does what the name suggests – it gives you a loan against your property. It is a facility where a bank or non-banking finance company (NBFC) provides you with easy access to money. It is provided while holding the property as collateral.

Once the loan is repaid under the scheduled tenor, the lender releases your property. You can then again use it as collateral to get another loan.

If you fail to repay the loan in time, the lender has the right to attach your property and sell or dispose of it to recover its unsettled dues.

However, only having the property in a city as per the exclusive list of the lender is not the only eligibility criteria. 





The loan against property India approval is dependent on many other valid eligibility conditions. Yes, you need to match the loan against property documents required with your profile to finally receive the approval.

What is a Loan Against Property facility?

When you keep your property as collateral with a lender, you get to avail the loan against property for a higher loan amount. Based on our requirements, the eligibility, and property’s value, you can get an amount between Rs.1 crore to Rs.3.5 crore.

How can you use the Loan Against Property funds?

The loan against property facility is similar to that of personal loan in nature. Once you receive the money, you are free to use it for multiple purposes such as: 

• Business expansion 
• Debt consolidation 
• Education costs 
• Family and personal medical emergency 
• For all other personal needs 

What is the Loan Against Property Eligibility Criteria?

To become eligible for the loan and get quick approval from a prospective lender/bank, you need to fulfil some eligibility terms. Some of the standard loan against property eligibility conditions includes:

1. Mostly such properties that are residential in nature, either self-occupied or rented to tenants. You don’t have the authority to apply for the loan against property for a space that you don’t own and that you live in on rent. You are also not allowed to mortgage the empty or unused piece of land. 
2. Your sales/title deed must be clear with absolutely no discrepancies that could affect it later. 
3. Commercial properties are also available as collateral during the loan against property application. You will need to have clean property documentation for availing the loan against all such properties. 
4. You need to be an Indian citizen whose age is as per the terms and conditions of your lender. 
5. You should have a regular source of income and must be working for an MNC, privately owned or public limited companies. 
6. You should have a robust CIBIL Score in the range of 750+ 
7. The applicants need to have no defaults and have clean repayment history 
8. You need to have your ‘to be mortgaged properties’ in major cities of India or as declared by your lender. 

Additional Read: Different Kinds of Loans against Property

Loan Against Property Documents Required

Some of the common loan against property documents required that you need to provide to your lender to complete your eligibility are:

• KYC documents such as PAN Card and Aadhaar Card 
• Address proofs such as Driving License, Voter ID Card, Passport or Aadhaar Card 
• Latest Salary Slips 
• Last 3 months bank account statements 
• Copy of the property that you want to keep as the collateral/security 

The loan against property can help you if you need to fulfil any long-craved financial aim or cover other purposes of life. Now that you are clear about the loan against property eligibility and documents, you will find it easier to apply for it online. 

Bajaj Finserv presents some incredible pre-approved offers on loan against property, housing finance, business loans, and personal loans and more. They are created to make your loan application easier and less time-consuming.

How to Pay Off a Title Loan Early

A title loan is a nice way to access quick cash to solve some pressing problems. The loan is simple to process. It can take a couple of hours from application to the time you finally receive the loan. However, for some people, it is repaying the loan that is a bit problematic. Most time it may be because of other loans that the borrower has pending. This guide will help you find ways to pay off your car title loan in no time.

Tighten Up

The months in which you are required to repay your loan will need some tough budgeting if you are to pay off the loan early. It is likely to include some sacrifices in the area of expenses. Always make sure you understand ahead of time what your situation will look like under the terms of the title loan contract and prepare for it. Have it at the back of your mind that, it is temporary and will be paid off faster than a standard loan.

Talk to your lender

If you encounter any financial difficulty during the course of your repayment period, call your lender and speak with them. They will be glad to work with you to get the loan paid off as soon as possible because it will be in the best interest of everyone. 




Be honest with your lender because they are used to every possible situation and have equally dealt with all kinds of unexpected contingencies. (This only works with reputable lenders. If you’re dealing with a fox, don’t expect any help at all. Be wise and choose a high-rated lender from the start.

Consolidate

If you are certain, under your circumstances, you will not be able to pay off your car title loan within the required timeframe; you may consider consolidating your debt into one payment. Consolidation loans will pay for your title loan and allow you to keep your vehicle. These kinds of loans take much longer time to pay off and may come with additional interest fees, but it will help you not to default on your loan.

Do not take the full amount

It may look tempting to take the full amount on offer, but if you can, just take the amount you need, rather than the amount you would like to have. Taking a lesser amount will make the repayment process easier on your wallet.

Downgrade

If you cannot find any other means to pay off your car title loan, you may consider selling the vehicle. Selling the vehicle for the full market value would allow you pay off the loan and may as well leave you with some funds to buy a cheaper car. Do not get discouraged when this happens, the bottom line is your loan is paid off and you are free to save up to buy a better vehicle in the future.

Knowing Aflac and the Insurance Plans Covered - Auto, Disability Insurance and Health Care

There is virtually no way to avoid being bombarded by commercials and advertising aimed at selling you the latest and greatest car, truck or SUV. Whether you choose what you drive for “status” or if it is merely a transportation necessity, the automobile is a part of daily life in North America.

And for every automobile ad you see or hear, there is likely to be an auto insurance ad nearby. After all, if you have a car, there is a very good chance that you have car insurance. But do you have enough? And do you have the right insurance? Far too often we discover the deficiencies in our insurance coverage after it is too late.

For a family living on a fixed budget, with little or no savings, a major automobile accident can be a significant setback. Even if your auto insurance covers damages to property and your liabilities, there are often collateral expenses that are not covered and can be a significant financial burden. 

Fortunately, Aflac, an insurance carrier, has an insurance product which helps policyholders in time of need when their primary auto insurance is not enough. Aflac car insurance, however, is not your typical auto insurance policy, which can create confusion for those trying to understand exactly what insurance options they have with Aflac.

To help you better understand, Aflac is a known as a supplemental insurance company, meaning, Aflac covers what typical insurance coverage exempts. These exemptions might include lost wages. 

Therefore, the Aflac auto insurance policy, supplements disability insurance policies. As such, an Aflac auto policy may only be purchased as an addition to insurance from a typical carrier. Such a safeguard may be a wise investment for those unforeseen extra liabilities that you may encounter after an accident.

Understanding Aflac Car Insurance

Vehicular accidents are unpredictable and sometimes fatal. The bills that come thereafter can be financially crippling, affecting your family’s economic stability. You may require time off work to recover, during which you still need to pay your bills. 

In the long run, if not well prepared, the stress of juggling between paying hospital bills and meeting your family’s everyday needs can make your present and future financial stability. In extreme circumstances, bankruptcy may be the end result.

To help reduce that stress and burden, Aflac provides a lifeline by providing disability insurance policies, including an auto insurance supplement - that is why there is no Aflac auto insurance, per say. 

The Aflac car insurance policy is like an insurance for your insurance. It kicks in when the policyholder is incapacitated after an accident and unable to return to work in a timely manner. The Aflac policy provides additional financial resources to keep the bills paid and the bank account balanced when income stops as a result of an accident.




Aflac has become a globally popular supplemental insurance provider and there are several reasons customers are finding Aflac auto insurance worth the investment.

To start with, several Aflac car insurance plans include rider insurance

A rider insurance option comes in handy as it addresses any extra medical costs resulting from the accident and gives the victims a recurring income. The accident victim still receives an income while recuperating. The rider insurance is very expensive not offered by most insurance companies that alone should help you see why Aflac’s plan is so popular.

Since the rider insurance is not affordable to all, Aflac has a supplemental insurance provision which extends to what other auto insurers will not cover. That is, the Aflac car insurance takes care of dental care, daily income expenses, intensive care, short-term lost wages, ambulance services, emergency room costs and extended hospital stays. With all these being included in the insurance plan, why would a policyholder opt out of Aflac?

Aflac Claims- Car Insurance

With a better understanding of the Aflac car insurance policy, one can’t help but wonder how effective Aflac is in terms of paying out a victim’s claim. Some insurance providers manage their policyholder claims through third party companies, which can be a great inconvenience to the policyholder. Aflac does things a little differently. 

Once an Aflac car insurance claim is made, Aflac makes payment directly to the customer with no third parties involved. This reduces delays in payment and frustration on the part of the insured party. Additionally, Aflac has a great deal of care for its customers, demonstrating this through offering immediate benefits to a victim’s spouse in case of serious bodily harm.

Aflac’s ability to pay claims quickly and efficiently not only saves the victim and family members a great deal financially, but also provides them peace of mind while the afflicted receive necessary medical attention.

Disability Insurance

Notwithstanding the unique Aflac car insurance, this insurer differentiates itself from other insurers particularly in its mode of operation. Instead of your typical insurance coverage, Aflac treats companies, non-profit organizations and individual clients to the disability insurance coverage. Their product ensures that the policyholder does not endure financial struggles after being injured while on the job or if they fall ill which leads to an inability to work.

Aflac’s medical and disability plans protect companies as well. Aflac offers plans that can be purchased in terms of group coverage. The group policy covers all employees in circumstances of illness or injury. The coverage comes into effect if they are incapacitated while on the job. All an employer has to do is to file a claim and will be ensured that their employee will be handed a financial lifeline.

The Aflac disability insurance plan is everything you will need, not only for your vehicle. Whether you are an individual or a group, this coverage will be your solution in times of accidents.

Healthcare

One might assume that since Aflac’s services are aimed at helping people meet their medical needs, there must also be an Aflac health insurance plan. Sadly, there is none. Aflac has, however, designed the disability insurance to work together with a policyholder’s health insurance coverage. Thus, there is no Aflac healthcare coverage.




A policyholder may only be eligible for Aflac’s insurance with an existing health insurance plan. In fact, many insurance providers will present their own policyholders with Aflac’s policy option as a way to supplement the purchased health insurance plan. The wide range of medical costs covered by Aflac is definitely worth supplementing the standard health plan.

About Aflac

There is no argument that the Aflac duck is the best corporate mascot ever. But the duck alone is not the star of the show. Founded in 1955, Aflac has gained worldwide popularity as a result of consistently meeting their customer’s needs and keeping their promises. Aflac has millions of satisfied customers with policies that include vision, dental, accident, cancer, life, short –term disability, hospital indemnity and hospital intensive care covers.

Aflac’s claim-handling procedures sets them apart from their competitors. Policyholders can file their claims on their website or over the phone. Claims are typically paid within a few days and, in some instances, on the same day, reducing stress and financial burdens for their customers. 

Aflac’s world class customer service has made it a trusted name in the insurance industry. This is, after all, what defines a good insurance company and customer relationship. Although Aflac is not the only option for supplemental insurance, it has built itself a name through exemplary service.

Through the decades Aflac has extended its services across the United States, Canada, Japan and other nations, proving that supplemental insurance can ease people’s financial struggles in times of accidents and illnesses.

Aflac’s excellent customer service and unique delivery of insurance plans makes it a top option for your supplemental insurance needs. Do yourself a favor by insuring yourself against unexpected accidents and financial stress with Aflac automobile insurance or disability insurance.

Five Simple Steps to Finding the Right Loan

Submitting a loan application isn’t something to be taken lightly. Whether you are looking to borrow £1,000 or £100,000, it’s important to know you’re getting a deal that suits your requirements and budgets.

These days, there’s no shortage of options to explore. If anything, you’re more likely to find yourself wondering where to start.

So with this in mind, what follows is a brief overview of the five simple steps that stand between you and your perfect loan:

1. Consider if you really need a loan

Before going any further, it’s worth considering whether or not you actually need a loan. The reason being that it’s never a good idea to take on additional debt for frivolous reasons.

In addition, you may also be able to cover the expense using your existing credit facilities. A credit card with a low APR, an interest free overdraft or perhaps the savings you’ve got stashed away in the bank. If there’s a way of getting things done without taking on additional debt, it’s an option to consider.

2. Check your credit score

These days, having an imperfect credit score doesn’t mean exclusion from financial support. Nevertheless, it could mean higher overall borrowing costs, or exclusion from certain lenders.




If your credit report is only slightly blemished, your application will probably be considered by most lenders. If your credit report is in a sorry state, you might want to target lenders who specifically cater to poor-credit applicants.

Always remember that denial of your application could inflict further damage on your credit report.

3. Evaluate your financial position

When applying for a loan, you need to consider your financial position beyond today. You may be able to cover the repayments right now, but what if things take a turn for the worse a few months down the line? Are you absolutely sure that no matter what happens, you won’t slip into arrears?

Taking chances is never a good idea. Unless you’re 100% confident in your capacity to repay the loan, you may wish to delay your application.

4. Compare the market in full

Comparing the market in full means looking beyond the High Street. Up and down the UK, there are dozens of specialist lenders who routinely offer secured and unsecured loans at rates that outperform those of major lenders.

Working with a specialist loan comparison website or independent broker is therefore advisable. Particularly for anyone with poor credit, who’s unlikely to be fairly considered by a major High Street bank.

5. Consider overall borrowing costs

Last but not least, the vast majority of loan products attach costs that go far beyond monthly and annual interest rates. Arrangement fees, administration fees, final settlement fees, late payment fees and so on – all stand to significantly increase the overall cost of the loan.

When carrying out your market comparison therefore, be sure to factor all borrowing costs into the equation. Once again, this is where an independent broker can help you compare the best deals on the market from specialist lenders across the UK.