Friday, September 16, 2022

Proper Safe Storage and Other Methods of Protecting Your Valuables

We all have things that are especially valuable to us. While these things may have great monetary value, their real value is tied up in the emotions and memories they elicit from us.

Things like heirlooms, keepsakes, antiques, and rare collectibles may feel irreplaceable to you. When things are that important to you, you should take steps to protect them. Below are some strategies to use.

Safe Deposit Box


One thing you should be aware of is that banks and credit unions provide services apart from banking. One service they provide to clients is the safe storage of valuables on their premises. This is usually done within safe deposit boxes

Your valuables will be placed inside a metal box, and this metal box will then be placed inside the vault. You’ll typically be given a key used with a guard key to open the box when you want.

Home Safe


Still, you may want to keep your valuables in your home instead of a bank. That way, you’ll be able to access them more easily when you want. 

However, the risk of losing such valuables is more serious inside your own house than in a bank or credit union. It just takes being burglarized once. 



In this case, invest in a home safe that can be used to store your most valuable possessions. Without the correct combination, breaking into the safe will be nearly impossible. 

It will also be so heavy that moving it out of your home will be impossible as well. Purchase one from a safe company, someone like Safe & Knife Co., that can give you a firm guarantee that your possessions will be protected while in their safe.

A Hidden Compartment


In other cases, you may not even want anyone to be made aware of the fact that valuables are stored in your house at all. In this case, a hidden compartment in your home is what you want. 

You’ll be to store your valuables without anyone other than you knowing about it. Even robbers will be unlikely to detect their existence. 

This is most easily accomplished by building the compartment into a wall. Installing a safe into that compartment will increase the security even more. Place something like a bookshelf in front of it or a framed photo. No one will know it’s there.

Overall, consider how you store your most valuable possessions and whether or not you believe it’s safe enough. If you make the wrong choices, you could lose those important items forever. 

Options such as safe deposit boxes, home safes, and hidden compartments in your home can present excellent solutions for storing your valuables in ways that keep them safe and as available as you may need them to be.


Thursday, September 15, 2022

Building More Financial Institutions at Scale: Sanjiv Bajaj's Solution to Building Financial Inclusivity

The scale of the Indian finance sector has transformed over the past few years, especially instead of rampant digitization; the rise of online payments and increased internet penetration has been unprecedented. Yet, more must be done if millions of people are brought under the ambit of 'financial inclusivity.'

As long as the bottom 40% of India's population remains excluded from financial services, India can not become a developed country. Many famous finance personalities in India have echoed this sentiment – but Sanjiv Bajaj, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv, has been the flagbearer in many ways.

The recent spate of inflation, leading to uncertainty, can be detrimental to the common man's financial security – more so for those who remain underserved by the financial system. 

But Sanjiv Bajaj remains confident that the coming decade can still be favorable for India, as long as it creates the capacity to build more financial institutions like Bajaj Finance and prominent private banks – tens of them.

Often featured prominently in the top industry leaders list, Sanjiv Bajaj urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep inflation in check. Raising high-interest rates would hurt the market. In 2022, the RBI raised the repo rate by over 90 basis points.

Who is Sanjiv Bajaj?


Sanjiv Bajaj is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv – the financial services arm of the Bajaj Group that has contributed immensely to India's growth over the past century.

As a 4th generation entrepreneur and one of the leading finance business leaders in his own right, Sanjiv Bajaj has been instrumental in nurturing Bajaj Finserv for over a decade to become India's top financial services company. 

With a digital-first, differentiated, community-centric approach that puts the customer first and a culture that values excellence through innovative disruption, Mr. Bajaj is known for being the first to offer digital consumer financing, which helped change the financial services industry in India.

He is also the President of the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) for 2022-23. He has been with CII at state, national and regional levels for many years. 



His efforts in guiding the financial ecosystem of Bajaj Finserv and working relentlessly in making his products and services reach every Indian household has firmly established him as one of the top industry leaders in finance. 

He is known for his insightful views on the industry, policy changes, reforms, and everything linked to the financial health of the country and the population – and truly believes that India needs more than 10 Bajaj Finances and HDFC Banks if India is to realize its true potential.

Why does India need 10 more Bajaj Finances?


The answer to this question is rather simple: India needs to expand its financial services footprint so that no one remains unbanked or underbanked, especially in the digital age.

In a recent interview with ET Now, Sanjiv Bajaj shared his views on the country's economy and inflation. According to him, the employee rate incentive plans, PLI scheme, private sector capital investment return, and debt reduction in the banking sector can help India in the medium term.

Since the outlook for the world has not changed and the government is not likely to cut spending, the RBI has to lead the race against inflation. Sanjiv Bajaj also thinks India will continuously see high inflation with increased interest rates. 

In addition, India could expect a monsoon, bringing inflation down by 50–75 bps and helping reduce food prices. He attributes this as another reason India needs more than 10 Bajaj Finances.

Like other top industry leaders, Sanjiv Bajaj also thinks that problems in the supply chain will keep pushing up inflation, which is already high because of how the economy is set up. 



The Indian government is also working to lower import taxes and control exports when necessary. But the general population needs to regulate oil and food prices in India, and home ownership needs to go down for middle-class Indians.

Conclusion


India needs more large-scale financial service companies like Bajaj Finance - the most obvious solution to the country's challenge in enabling financial security for 1.4 billion people. This is all the more important as inflation is here to stay and often heavily depends on factors outside India's control.

In light of this, Sanjiv Bajaj has also listed four factors that will be important to developing robust financial services. The first is getting financial services to people who do not have access to them yet. 

Second, we need to build up our skills. India needs more non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and banks. Third, innovation will make a big difference as India is working hard toward becoming an economic champion. 

The fourth factor is the desire to create bigger things on a global scale. Once these parameters are accomplished, India can steam ahead, ace its financial inclusivity goals, and crank up the economic engine from its slumber.

Despite the advent of fintech and the rise of digital finance in India, many population segments remain underserved. As their needs for financial inclusivity and security grow – especially in light of growing inflation – so will India's need to build more financial services institutions. 

Sanjiv Bajaj – one of the most revered financial leaders of our age – has chipped in by saying that India needs 10 more companies like Bajaj Finance to realize its true potential. 

In this blog, we delve deeper into understanding the reason behind the need for more finance companies and the way forward.


Wednesday, September 14, 2022

A Beginner's Guide to Asset-Based Lending

Asset-based lending (ABL) is a type of loan that uses the value of a borrower's assets as collateral. This type of loan can be quickly accessible for borrowers who have poor credit or who lack the financial qualifications for traditional loans. 

In this beginner's guide, we will explain asset-based lending in terms of how it works, its advantages, and disadvantages, among other perimeters. But first, let's take a look at how asset-based lending works.

How Asset-Based Lending Works


When a borrower makes an application for an ABL, the lender will start by analyzing the value of their assets. Once the valuation is done, the lender will use this value as collateral to fund the loan. 

Usually, lenders will be willing to loan borrowers up to about 90% of the value of their collateral. The terms and conditions of these loans, however, do vary based on the value and type of the security. 

In most cases, lenders will prefer high liquid assets that can easily be converted into cash in case of a default. These assets include accounts receivable, inventory, real estate, equipment, and machinery.

The Advantages of Asset-Based Lending


You may be wondering if this type of loan is right for you. There are several advantages to using asset-based lending to consider in regard to your current situation.




Faster Approval Times


Asset-based lending is quicker and easier to process than a traditional loan. This is because the borrower's assets are used as security to fund the loan. So, there is no need for a third-party guarantor for the loans. 

Therefore, the process of approving such loans will take less time compared to traditional loans. This also makes it a practical option for those in urgent need of cash.

Suitable for Bad Credit Borrowers


Since asset-based transactions are covered by security, lenders will be less concerned about how good a borrower's credit history is.

Relatively Low Interest


The other advantage of ABL is that they charge lower interest rates than other types of loans. This is because lenders are not concerned about the creditworthiness of their customers. 

Whether you need staff agency business financing, want a loan for expansion, or for any other reasons, the ABL will offer the best financing rates. It can be particularly helpful for business financing if you need a quick cash boost to get your business up and running.

The Disadvantages of Asset-Based Lending


While asset-based lending has its strengths, like all financial decisions, it has its risks and drawbacks as well. Here are a few to watch out for.



Asset Seizure


One of the main disadvantages of asset-based lending is asset seizure. As we already discussed, ABL is secured by collateral. Therefore, if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can seize the collateral to cover a default.

Not All Assets Qualify For ABL


It is important to note that not every asset qualifies to be used as collateral. Most lenders do focus on high-value assets, and this can be limiting for some borrowers.

Final Thoughts


Asset-based lending is a good loan option for borrowers who need urgent cash and those with bad credit history. So long as you are willing to respect the terms and conditions, you will easily manage the demerits of this type of loan. 

As a beginner, we hope this post has given you enough information and insight about ABL to make more of an informed decision.


Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Why You Need a Thorough Understanding of Your Healthcare Coverage

Healthcare is a very confusing space. There is so much jargon and acronyms flying around that it can be difficult to know what you need or how you fit into the system.

If you have recently signed up for healthcare or are planning on doing so soon, there are some important things you need to understand before signing up with a plan. 

To ensure you understand what type of coverage you need and how it will impact your life moving forward, let's review some key components of any healthcare plan.

What Type of Coverage Is Right for You?


When researching different healthcare plans, you'll find that each one has a different type of coverage. The type of coverage is important because it can determine your out-of-pocket costs and the level of access to healthcare services. 

Generally, there are two main types of plans that you'll find are offered. Some plans offer a certain number of doctor’s visits and other healthcare needs for a monthly or yearly premium. 

These plans usually have a deductible that you must meet before the plan kicks in. Other plans cover only specific health needs, such as hospitalization.

Your Deductible


If you have a typical health insurance plan, the deductible is the amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance plan kicks in. 



You can think of your deductible as the amount of money you will need to pay out of pocket to receive services—the higher your deductible, the lower the premium of your monthly payment. 

However, if you don’t often need healthcare, this higher deductible may mean that you end up paying for a health insurance plan you never benefit from because you don’t meet your deductible.

Co-payments


Co-payments are what you will need to pay for each service that you receive after meeting your deductible. Co-payments differ from deductibles in that they can vary depending on the type of service that you receive. 

It's important to know that the more you receive services, the higher your co-payment may be. If you have an expensive ailment and need many services, your co-payment will be higher. If you have a low co-payment, it's important to be mindful of not overusing the system.

Why Is Healthcare So Complicated?


Healthcare, as it is currently structured, is complicated. Many factors determine a healthcare plan's price and each service's cost. 

To understand how these factors impact your costs, you need someone who can break things down. For example, America's Healthcare Advocate brings together various experts, healthcare providers, and business and industry leaders who try to break down health insurance and make it easier for everyone to understand. 

This can be a great way to get more information and better understand how health insurance works, what you’re paying for, and how to save money.

Healthcare is complicated because it can be difficult to understand what types of plans are available and what services are covered. It's also a very expensive industry attempting to provide a valuable service while making a profit. 

With all these factors at play, it's not surprising that healthcare is so complicated. However, once you understand the various components of healthcare and the coverage available, it can be a lot easier to navigate the system and ensure you are prepared for what lies ahead.


Monday, September 5, 2022

Methods of Making Sure You Can Afford Your Health Insurance

Insurance protects from the things that can go wrong in life. One of the most important forms of insurance you can hold is health insurance. 

Health insurance could end up saving your life one day without forcing you to go into financial ruin to do so. Like many things, health insurance isn’t always cheap. If you’re worried about whether not you can afford it, below are some strategies to deploy.

Obtain State Provided Health Insurance


Quite often, the most cost-effective plans are “state health insurance.” Investigate what your state offers. These plans often work in conjunction with Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace to provide the cheapest possible health insurance to those that qualify. 

For certain low-income individuals, this insurance may be provided virtually cost-free. Investigate your state’s healthcare website to see if you qualify and what the enrollment process consists of.

Use a Health Savings Account


Another choice you can use to help you save on health insurance expenses is an HSA, short for Health Savings Account. This is a special kind of savings account. 

Funds placed in the account are not subject to US income tax. They can then be used to pay for your deductible. If you have high deductibles with your insurance plan, this is one way to help slash some costs when paying off your yearly deductible.



Get Insurance Through an Individual Health Insurance Plan


Don’t be afraid to look for individual health insurance outside of other options like an employer or the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

Today, there is a lot more competition than ever before in the insurance market, and other factors are helping to bring costs down for the insured. 

Make sure to speak to an insurance agent, like someone at American Eagle Health Insurance, and discuss the different possibilities of obtaining insurance for yourself and for your family. 

You may be able to obtain significant discounts versus other options. Adding more family members to your plan could bring down costs even more.

Utilize the Children's Health Insurance Plan


Another option you should consider if you have children is CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Plan. This is a plan for children of low-income families that is supported by a collaboration between the US Department of Health and Human Services and different states. 

It is designed specifically for families with modest incomes with too much income to be approved for Medicaid. It can provide low-cost coverage for families with qualified children, thanks to the matching funds provided by the federal government.

Obtain Coverage Through an Employer


One of the best ways to obtain affordable health insurance is through your employer or your spouse's employer. Under such plans, the employer often pays for part of your premium. 

The insurance company is also incentivized to provide cheaper rates because they insure an entire group of people. While certain employees may get sick, not all of them will. This brings down costs.

While healthcare can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be necessary. Investigate the options above for bringing the cost of your coverage down. You don’t have a choice, really. Health insurance is necessary in today’s world that your family cannot go without.


Sunday, September 4, 2022

Tips for Preparing to Purchase a Second Home

Buying a second home can be a great way to invest in your family and get tax benefits simultaneously. However, it's not always easy to find out what will make you the best option for maximizing returns on your investment.

Here are some tips that may help you prepare for purchasing a second home.

Budget


First things first – make sure that you have a budget in place. A good rule of thumb is spending 25% more than you would for a primary home. 

And while that may seem like a lot of money, there are many tax benefits and other perks of buying a second home that can offset the higher cost of ownership.

Finances


Your current financial situation needs to be taken into account when it comes to buying a second home. For example, if you are in between jobs, and cannot afford all of the payments on your current mortgage, see if you can get a loan modification from your lender or homeowners association (HOA)

According to the HSH.com Mortgage Provider Directory, a loan modification is an agreement between the borrower and lender that modifies the terms of a loan, such as interest rate, length of terms, and payment amounts. 

If you are already getting help from your lender to manage your current mortgage payment, ask them if they will also assist you with a loan modification on your second home.

Mortgage Company


A mortgage company is there to help you find a loan when you are purchasing a second home. There are many things to consider when getting a loan. 



You need to decide how long you want your mortgage term, whether you will put your home or second home in someone else's name or if it will be in your name, and how much money you want the loan for.

Home Inspection


When you're purchasing a home, get a professional home inspection. A house can have many hidden issues that are not immediately obvious. 

For example, there could be problems with the roof, foundation, or appliances that will leave you paying for work on your house or second home for years. Get things like inspections and repairs to be done when you get your mortgage to cover these costs.

Mortgage Rates


These days, mortgage rates are meager, but there is always a risk associated with them. Also, you may not be able to get the best loan or the lowest rate if you have bad credit or poor credit history. 

In addition, the interest rate of your second home may be higher than what you can afford while still paying off your first home. Some states require homeowners to pay only a portion of their monthly mortgage payments toward the principal balance. 

This lowers your interest payment and helps increase the money you can borrow on your second home.

Buying a second home is a significant investment; you must be prepared to ensure that you get everything right the first time. With such a large purchase, it's essential to know where you stand financially and your financial priorities.




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