NOBODY CAN PREDICT THE MARKET and/or FUND PERFORMANCE.
Talking about in 2015 or 2020?
There is no way we can find out the fund! The only way is some comparatively new funds which are promising in terms of portfolio.
For example:
If one want to invest Rs. 6000/- per month,
instead of taking Rs. 3000/- each in Reliance growth and HDFC Top 200,
make the asset allocation like this,
Rs. 2500/- each in Reliance Growth and HDFC Top 200 and
Rs. 1000/- in IDFC Premier Equity or Mirae Asset India Opportunities or Morgan Stanley A.C.E fund or DWS Alpha Equity fund.
Nutrition and Diet
Nutrition & Diet
Obesity is the largest global chronic health problem and it is going to emerge as a more serious world problem than malnutrition.It is often associated with discrimination and prejudice causing some people to loose self esteem and reduced quality of life.
Overweight refers to a person having extra body weight from musle, bone, fat and water. Obesity refers to person having a high amounts of extra body fat.
How you predict overweight and obesity?
The easy and important predictor of overweight and obesity is the Body Mass Index(BMI). BMI can be calculated by using the formula
BMI=Weight in Kg/Height in meters2
Classification BMI(Kg/m2 )
Underweight 18.5
Normal range 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25.0-29.9
Obesity >=30
Class 1 30.0-34.9
Class 11 35.0-39.9
Class 111 >40
Causes of Obesity
Obesity is determined by a combination of genes, metabolism,behaviour,culture and environment.Genes and metabolism may help explain about 25-40% of body weight.Genes may increase one's risk for obesity,but it may not be the only cause of obesity. Obesity results from eating too much and not being active enough for most of the population. Modern society encourages poor diets and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of obesity
Problem with bones, muscles such as lower back pain and arthritis
Heartburn
High cholesterol levels
High BP
Menstrual problems
Breathing problems like shortness of breath
Main co morbidities associated with obesity
Insulin resistance,dyslipidemia,infertility,psychosocial distress,obstructive sleep- apnea,inflammation/atherosclerosis,cardiovascular disease,osteoarthritis,hyperuricaemia and cancer.
Tips to reduce and maintain healthy weight
* Do not skip meals
* Eat balanced diet. Include cereals ,pulses,green leafy vegetables,other vegetables,moderate vegetable oil(un saturated),fruits,restricted sugar, skimmed milk and its products daily in proper quantities to meet the requirements of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and fibre by the body. Calorie reduction is the most important requirement for weight loss. cutdown of 100 calories per day leads to 4.5kg weight reduction per year.The total calories from food should be 25-30% from fat in the form of unsaturated fat, 15% from protein and 50-60% from carbohydrates in the form of complex carbohydrates like wholegrains,vegetables and fruits.Reduction of 500calories from Basal energy expenditure helps to reduce 9 kg weight per year.
* Go for whole cereals and pulses like wheat, ragi, jowar, millets rather than refined ones like maida and its products like bread,biscuits,refined noodles,pastries etc
* Don't be over restrictive like avoiding one or two meals and replacing it with fruits or juices.
* Regular physical exercise (atleast brisk walking for 45minutes 5 to 7 days a week)
Physical activity contributes to weight loss,decreases abdominal fat,increases cardio respiratory fitness.Exercises like aerobic exercise, swimming, bicycling, jogging, dancing leads to these benefits. Brisk walking is the easiest one applicable to almost all age groups. Weight lifting can also be helpful to loose weight.You should be more active everyday by doing routine work like climbing up stairs rather than taking elevator or walking somewhere rather than driving ,engage yourself in gardening,household work rather than using electronic gadgets or depend upon the servant can help you to burn calories without much difficulty. * Watch for food portion size
* Inclusion of liberal amount of fresh vegetables and fruits reduces hunger pans,maintains your blood sugar and prevent constipation because of its fibre content and it is abundant in phytochemicals ,antioxidants which prevent against cancer
* Try to include fruits with skin. Because deskinning removes fibre.
* No fat or low fat dairy and its products can be used
* Drink liberal amounts of water frequently like one glass of water once in two hours intervals.
* Get rid of deep fried items and calorie dense foods
* Avoid fatty items like mutton, beef, pork,crab, prawns
* Include fish or fish oil , soya and its products weekly twice because of its omega3fatty acid content.
* Eggwhite can be taken daily.
* Replace saturated fats like butter,ghee,vanaspathy,coconut oil and include vegetable oils like saffola, sunflower, gingelly, soyabean, olive, ricebran oil etc in minimum quantity.
* Cooking medium of all food should be either steaming,pressure cooking,boiling or grilling.
* The combination of reduced calorie balanced diet and increased physical activity leads to better weight loss than either one done separately
* Watch for sugary drinks and nutritional sweeteners and eliminate it.
* Replace sugar with artificial sweeteners.There are two types of artificial sweeteners. You should include non nutritive sweeteners in minimum quantity.
Nutritive sweeteners-White and brown table sugars,molasses,honey,syrups are nutritive sweeteners.In addition sugar alcohols derived from fruits (or) commercially made are also nutritive sweeteners.The most common sugar alcohols include sorbitol,mannitol,xylitol and maltitol.All nutritive Sweeteners provide calories to the body and may affect your blood glucose.
Non nutritive sweeteners are the true artificial sweeteners.They do not provide calories and will not influence blood glucose.These include saccharin,neotame,aspartame,sucralose,stevia acesulfame potassium(Ace-k) Which sweeteners are safe?
Sweetener Comments
Sucralose Safe
Neotame Safe
Sugar alcohols Safe but may cause bloating,gas or diarrhoea
Aspartame Safe.people with pku should avoid.some people have complaints of head ache
Acesulfame potassium I nadequately tested
Stevia Inadequately tested
Sacharin Unsafe
What is Zero calorie Diet?
The Diet which provides less than 5 kilocalories is zero calorie Diet.
The only naturally occuring zero calorie diet is water .Daily consumption of 8 to 10 glasses of water helps you to maintain healthy life.
The artificially engineered zero calorie diet is diet soda which made out of artificial sweeteners.Eventhough diet soda is less in calorie, does not mean that you can include in liberal quantities like water. It has its side effects if you consume in liberal quantities.
Is Reading Food labels help you?
Yes,Reading food labels can help you to make wise food choices.Most packed foods in the grocery or departmental stores list nutrition information on the package in a section called the Nutrition Facts.
The nutrition facts tells you the serving size and the amount of various nutrients such as total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, Polyunsaturated fat, Mono unsaturated fat, electrolytes like sodium,potassium,carbohydrates like simple sugar,nutritive sweeteners,artificial sweeteners with name, carbohydrate and protein sources like wheat,ragi,whey,milk solids(fat/non fat),soy protein,fibre per serving.
The foods that are exempt from the label include foods in very small packages,foods prepared in the store and foods made by small manufacturers.
For individualised diet plan you can approach Qualified Dietitian
Obesity is the largest global chronic health problem and it is going to emerge as a more serious world problem than malnutrition.It is often associated with discrimination and prejudice causing some people to loose self esteem and reduced quality of life.
Overweight refers to a person having extra body weight from musle, bone, fat and water. Obesity refers to person having a high amounts of extra body fat.
How you predict overweight and obesity?
The easy and important predictor of overweight and obesity is the Body Mass Index(BMI). BMI can be calculated by using the formula
BMI=Weight in Kg/Height in meters2
Classification BMI(Kg/m2 )
Underweight 18.5
Normal range 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25.0-29.9
Obesity >=30
Class 1 30.0-34.9
Class 11 35.0-39.9
Class 111 >40
Causes of Obesity
Obesity is determined by a combination of genes, metabolism,behaviour,culture and environment.Genes and metabolism may help explain about 25-40% of body weight.Genes may increase one's risk for obesity,but it may not be the only cause of obesity. Obesity results from eating too much and not being active enough for most of the population. Modern society encourages poor diets and lack of exercise.
Symptoms of obesity
Problem with bones, muscles such as lower back pain and arthritis
Heartburn
High cholesterol levels
High BP
Menstrual problems
Breathing problems like shortness of breath
Main co morbidities associated with obesity
Insulin resistance,dyslipidemia,infertility,psychosocial distress,obstructive sleep- apnea,inflammation/atherosclerosis,cardiovascular disease,osteoarthritis,hyperuricaemia and cancer.
Tips to reduce and maintain healthy weight
* Do not skip meals
* Eat balanced diet. Include cereals ,pulses,green leafy vegetables,other vegetables,moderate vegetable oil(un saturated),fruits,restricted sugar, skimmed milk and its products daily in proper quantities to meet the requirements of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and fibre by the body. Calorie reduction is the most important requirement for weight loss. cutdown of 100 calories per day leads to 4.5kg weight reduction per year.The total calories from food should be 25-30% from fat in the form of unsaturated fat, 15% from protein and 50-60% from carbohydrates in the form of complex carbohydrates like wholegrains,vegetables and fruits.Reduction of 500calories from Basal energy expenditure helps to reduce 9 kg weight per year.
* Go for whole cereals and pulses like wheat, ragi, jowar, millets rather than refined ones like maida and its products like bread,biscuits,refined noodles,pastries etc
* Don't be over restrictive like avoiding one or two meals and replacing it with fruits or juices.
* Regular physical exercise (atleast brisk walking for 45minutes 5 to 7 days a week)
Physical activity contributes to weight loss,decreases abdominal fat,increases cardio respiratory fitness.Exercises like aerobic exercise, swimming, bicycling, jogging, dancing leads to these benefits. Brisk walking is the easiest one applicable to almost all age groups. Weight lifting can also be helpful to loose weight.You should be more active everyday by doing routine work like climbing up stairs rather than taking elevator or walking somewhere rather than driving ,engage yourself in gardening,household work rather than using electronic gadgets or depend upon the servant can help you to burn calories without much difficulty. * Watch for food portion size
* Inclusion of liberal amount of fresh vegetables and fruits reduces hunger pans,maintains your blood sugar and prevent constipation because of its fibre content and it is abundant in phytochemicals ,antioxidants which prevent against cancer
* Try to include fruits with skin. Because deskinning removes fibre.
* No fat or low fat dairy and its products can be used
* Drink liberal amounts of water frequently like one glass of water once in two hours intervals.
* Get rid of deep fried items and calorie dense foods
* Avoid fatty items like mutton, beef, pork,crab, prawns
* Include fish or fish oil , soya and its products weekly twice because of its omega3fatty acid content.
* Eggwhite can be taken daily.
* Replace saturated fats like butter,ghee,vanaspathy,coconut oil and include vegetable oils like saffola, sunflower, gingelly, soyabean, olive, ricebran oil etc in minimum quantity.
* Cooking medium of all food should be either steaming,pressure cooking,boiling or grilling.
* The combination of reduced calorie balanced diet and increased physical activity leads to better weight loss than either one done separately
* Watch for sugary drinks and nutritional sweeteners and eliminate it.
* Replace sugar with artificial sweeteners.There are two types of artificial sweeteners. You should include non nutritive sweeteners in minimum quantity.
Nutritive sweeteners-White and brown table sugars,molasses,honey,syrups are nutritive sweeteners.In addition sugar alcohols derived from fruits (or) commercially made are also nutritive sweeteners.The most common sugar alcohols include sorbitol,mannitol,xylitol and maltitol.All nutritive Sweeteners provide calories to the body and may affect your blood glucose.
Non nutritive sweeteners are the true artificial sweeteners.They do not provide calories and will not influence blood glucose.These include saccharin,neotame,aspartame,sucralose,stevia acesulfame potassium(Ace-k) Which sweeteners are safe?
Sweetener Comments
Sucralose Safe
Neotame Safe
Sugar alcohols Safe but may cause bloating,gas or diarrhoea
Aspartame Safe.people with pku should avoid.some people have complaints of head ache
Acesulfame potassium I nadequately tested
Stevia Inadequately tested
Sacharin Unsafe
What is Zero calorie Diet?
The Diet which provides less than 5 kilocalories is zero calorie Diet.
The only naturally occuring zero calorie diet is water .Daily consumption of 8 to 10 glasses of water helps you to maintain healthy life.
The artificially engineered zero calorie diet is diet soda which made out of artificial sweeteners.Eventhough diet soda is less in calorie, does not mean that you can include in liberal quantities like water. It has its side effects if you consume in liberal quantities.
Is Reading Food labels help you?
Yes,Reading food labels can help you to make wise food choices.Most packed foods in the grocery or departmental stores list nutrition information on the package in a section called the Nutrition Facts.
The nutrition facts tells you the serving size and the amount of various nutrients such as total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, Polyunsaturated fat, Mono unsaturated fat, electrolytes like sodium,potassium,carbohydrates like simple sugar,nutritive sweeteners,artificial sweeteners with name, carbohydrate and protein sources like wheat,ragi,whey,milk solids(fat/non fat),soy protein,fibre per serving.
The foods that are exempt from the label include foods in very small packages,foods prepared in the store and foods made by small manufacturers.
For individualised diet plan you can approach Qualified Dietitian
NATIIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE CO LTD
Introduces NATIONAL HEALTH PLAN
A Health Insurance plan designed exclusively for customers of KARVY Group
Highlights of National Health Plan
1. Family Floater coverage available up to 6 members of a family including dependant children and
Dependant parents
2. Cashless hospitalisation facility
3. Wide age band width between 3 months and 65 years
4. NO medical tests required
5. Pre-existing diseases covered immediately on issuance of policy - except for treatment of
Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy & Dialysis
6. Maternity coverage of Rs. 25,000/- for caesarean & Rs. 15,000/- for normal delivery, with 9 months
Waiting period.
7. Additional Critical Illness buffer of Rs.75,000/- for treatment of:
Heart surgery
Neuro surgery
Organ transplant
Cancer
Road traffic accidents
8. Income Tax benefit under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act to extent of:
• Rs.15,000/- for covering self, spouse and dependant children.
• An additional Rs.15,000/- (Rs.20,000 if they are senior citizens) for covering dependant parents.
Documents Required:
1. Proposal Form
2. 2 Passport Size Photographs of everyone covered in the policy
3. ID Proof
4. Age Proof
5. Cheque or DD in Favour of “ National Insurance Co Ltd ”
Introduces NATIONAL HEALTH PLAN
A Health Insurance plan designed exclusively for customers of KARVY Group
Highlights of National Health Plan
1. Family Floater coverage available up to 6 members of a family including dependant children and
Dependant parents
2. Cashless hospitalisation facility
3. Wide age band width between 3 months and 65 years
4. NO medical tests required
5. Pre-existing diseases covered immediately on issuance of policy - except for treatment of
Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy & Dialysis
6. Maternity coverage of Rs. 25,000/- for caesarean & Rs. 15,000/- for normal delivery, with 9 months
Waiting period.
7. Additional Critical Illness buffer of Rs.75,000/- for treatment of:
Heart surgery
Neuro surgery
Organ transplant
Cancer
Road traffic accidents
8. Income Tax benefit under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act to extent of:
• Rs.15,000/- for covering self, spouse and dependant children.
• An additional Rs.15,000/- (Rs.20,000 if they are senior citizens) for covering dependant parents.
Documents Required:
1. Proposal Form
2. 2 Passport Size Photographs of everyone covered in the policy
3. ID Proof
4. Age Proof
5. Cheque or DD in Favour of “ National Insurance Co Ltd ”
LIC Wealth Plus
LIC Wealth Plus (Table No.801) is an investment plan for limited time offer! Click Here to Apply(only Mumbai).
LIC Wealth Plus Summary:
LIC’s Wealth Plus (Table No.801) is a ULIP insurance plan that protects your investment from market fluctuations, so that your investments are protected in financially volatile times. Wealth Plus offers Guarantee of the highest NAV in the first 7 years of the policy, subject to a minimum of Rs.10. Policy term is 8 years.
Wealth Plus Features:
1. Guaranteed Highest NAV of 7 year.
2. Very Attractive Returns.
3. Life cover.
Risk cover of 5 times of the annualized premium or 1.25 times of single premium.
4. Minimum Yearly premium Rs. 20,000 for three years term policy and there is no limit on maximum premium.
5. Tax benefits.
6. Partial withdrawals allowed:
Two Partial withdrawals are allowed in a policy year subject to certain conditions.
7. Limited Period Offer.
8. Extended life cover:
A unique feature of the Plan is the extended life cover for 2 years after the completion of policy term of 8 years.
9. Maturity Benefit:
At the end of policy term and the policy is in full force, payment of fund value will be made based on the highest NAV over the first 7 years of the policy or the NAV as applicable at the end of the policy terms whichever is higher.
Death benefit:
In case of death during the policy term, the nominee shall receive Sum Assured under the basic plan together with the Policyholder’s Fund Value as death benefit. In case of death of the Life assured after the policy term, but before the expiry of extended period, the nominee shall receive the Sum Assured under the Basic Plan.
Accident Benefit:
Accident Benefit Option equal to the amount of life cover subject to minimum of Rs. 50,000 and maximum of Rs. 50 lakh is available subject to certain limits and conditions. Accident Benefit charge at the rate of Rs. 0.50 per thousand Accident Benefit Sum Assured per policy year will be levied every month.
Modes of Premium Payment for LIC Wealth Plus :
The premium can be paid either in a Single premium (One time investment) or for 3 years regularly at yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or monthly (through ECS).
Minimum Premium:
Minimum Premium for 3 years Premium Paying policies is Rs.20,000 p.a. whereas for Single premium policies it is Rs.40,000 For Monthly (ECS) mode the minimum premium is Rs.2,000 p.m.
Eligibility for LIC’s Wealth Plus:
Minimum Age at entry is 10 years (age last birthday)
Maximum Age at entry is 65 years (age nearer birthday).
Premium Top ups:
Premium Top ups are not allowed.
Surrender Value:
LIC Wealth Plus can be surrendered only during the policy term. The surrender value, if any, is payable only after the completion of the third policy anniversary both under Single and 3 years Premium Paying Term contract. The surrender value will be the Policyholder’s Fund Value at the date of surrender. There will be no Surrender charge. The policy can not be surrendered during the extended life cover period.
Download LIC Wealth Plus details in pdf format.
Example: If Mr. LIC buy Wealth Plus today at Rs.10 NAV ( You will get Approx. 4700 Units for one time investment of Rs.50000 *Calculated on Rs.10 NAV) and market goes upto Rs.50 per NAV in 5 years and then again market collapse and comes down to Rs.20 In this case the highest NAV is Rs.50 and hence your maturity amount will be 4700×50=Rs.2,35,000/- (No. of units x Highest NAV)
How to Apply for LIC Wealth Plus policy?
Contact your nearest Life Insurance Of India (LIC) Branch/ LIC Agent. Or
Fill the Application form to apply online.(For Mumbai only)
Register to receive LIC Policy updates on your Mobile .
Click here:
SMS Alert
Note:
The above is the product summary giving the key features of the plan. This is for illustrative purpose only. This does not represent a contract and for details please refer to your policy document.
Enter your Email address here to subscribe for FREE future updates:
Your email:
LIC Wealth Plus Summary:
LIC’s Wealth Plus (Table No.801) is a ULIP insurance plan that protects your investment from market fluctuations, so that your investments are protected in financially volatile times. Wealth Plus offers Guarantee of the highest NAV in the first 7 years of the policy, subject to a minimum of Rs.10. Policy term is 8 years.
Wealth Plus Features:
1. Guaranteed Highest NAV of 7 year.
2. Very Attractive Returns.
3. Life cover.
Risk cover of 5 times of the annualized premium or 1.25 times of single premium.
4. Minimum Yearly premium Rs. 20,000 for three years term policy and there is no limit on maximum premium.
5. Tax benefits.
6. Partial withdrawals allowed:
Two Partial withdrawals are allowed in a policy year subject to certain conditions.
7. Limited Period Offer.
8. Extended life cover:
A unique feature of the Plan is the extended life cover for 2 years after the completion of policy term of 8 years.
9. Maturity Benefit:
At the end of policy term and the policy is in full force, payment of fund value will be made based on the highest NAV over the first 7 years of the policy or the NAV as applicable at the end of the policy terms whichever is higher.
Death benefit:
In case of death during the policy term, the nominee shall receive Sum Assured under the basic plan together with the Policyholder’s Fund Value as death benefit. In case of death of the Life assured after the policy term, but before the expiry of extended period, the nominee shall receive the Sum Assured under the Basic Plan.
Accident Benefit:
Accident Benefit Option equal to the amount of life cover subject to minimum of Rs. 50,000 and maximum of Rs. 50 lakh is available subject to certain limits and conditions. Accident Benefit charge at the rate of Rs. 0.50 per thousand Accident Benefit Sum Assured per policy year will be levied every month.
Modes of Premium Payment for LIC Wealth Plus :
The premium can be paid either in a Single premium (One time investment) or for 3 years regularly at yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or monthly (through ECS).
Minimum Premium:
Minimum Premium for 3 years Premium Paying policies is Rs.20,000 p.a. whereas for Single premium policies it is Rs.40,000 For Monthly (ECS) mode the minimum premium is Rs.2,000 p.m.
Eligibility for LIC’s Wealth Plus:
Minimum Age at entry is 10 years (age last birthday)
Maximum Age at entry is 65 years (age nearer birthday).
Premium Top ups:
Premium Top ups are not allowed.
Surrender Value:
LIC Wealth Plus can be surrendered only during the policy term. The surrender value, if any, is payable only after the completion of the third policy anniversary both under Single and 3 years Premium Paying Term contract. The surrender value will be the Policyholder’s Fund Value at the date of surrender. There will be no Surrender charge. The policy can not be surrendered during the extended life cover period.
Download LIC Wealth Plus details in pdf format.
Example: If Mr. LIC buy Wealth Plus today at Rs.10 NAV ( You will get Approx. 4700 Units for one time investment of Rs.50000 *Calculated on Rs.10 NAV) and market goes upto Rs.50 per NAV in 5 years and then again market collapse and comes down to Rs.20 In this case the highest NAV is Rs.50 and hence your maturity amount will be 4700×50=Rs.2,35,000/- (No. of units x Highest NAV)
How to Apply for LIC Wealth Plus policy?
Contact your nearest Life Insurance Of India (LIC) Branch/ LIC Agent. Or
Fill the Application form to apply online.(For Mumbai only)
Register to receive LIC Policy updates on your Mobile .
Click here:
SMS Alert
Note:
The above is the product summary giving the key features of the plan. This is for illustrative purpose only. This does not represent a contract and for details please refer to your policy document.
Enter your Email address here to subscribe for FREE future updates:
Your email:
Simple Money Tips to make you Financially Fit
Simple Money Tips to make you Financially Fit
Articulate your goals
Make sure you have clear and concise financial goals put down. This would help you to shape out how your investments for the year ahead should be. Unless you know what you want and where you want to be, you will not be able to direct your investments into something useful. It is best to list small, attainable goals rather than go for a lifestyle change overnight. By giving yourself simple tasks that you can even complete in five minutes, once a day, you will make headway over the course of time.
Decide your asset allocation
A lot of people make investments in an ad hoc manner especially to save taxes in the last months of financial year. It results in portfolio which is heavily skewed towards debt and low-return instruments – FDs, PPF, endowment policies, NSCs, debt options in ULIPs. All these have fixed or low-returns, thereby making them unsuitable options if you are investing with a horizon of 15 -20 years or more.
Young people should do an asset allocation based on their age, risk profile and time horizon and then start making investments. For a longer horizon the exposure to equity should be higher especially if you are in 20s.
Protect your family
This is an area that is omitted from most peoples’ lists, but it should be a top priority – protect your loved ones. What happens in the event of a death or disability? Will the family be comfortable financially? Will the children be able to go college? Most people’s greatest financial asset isn’t their home or investment accounts; it is the ability to earn money. It is necessary to protect against this asset being prematurely taken away.
Create a budget
Determine your income and expenses for each month by reviewing your bank statements, credit card bills and receipts for the last year. Record actual results regularly and update your plan quarterly. This will reveal where your money is being spent and provide information you need to manage it correctly. This will also help you to provide for big expenses which arise during some months like a festival or a short holiday.
Put your savings to work
Saving early for long-term expenses such as retirement or your kids’ college expenses allows you to capitalize on the most important investing force: Time. Start a systematic investment plan and make sure that your savings are routed in to long term investments. This way, you are forced to save because the cash is drawn directly from your bank before you can get your hands on it.
Be prepared for emergencies
Emergencies arise. Cars break down, ankles are sprained, and jobs are lost. It would be ideal to set aside three to six months of living expenses as a regular reserve. This fund will cover those inevitable, unexpected costs and keep you from borrowing money when they occur. Make sure you and your family has adequate health insurance so that you are not bogged down by a financial crunch during a sudden medical emergency.
Do not try to time the market
In the long run slow and steady wins the race. Try to be a regular and disciplined investor. Even the best of investors and stock market veterans have repeatedly failed to predict what’s going to happen next. The recent crash and then sudden surge in the market is an example to prove this. As retail investors this task becomes even more difficult. SIP and rupee cost averaging are great techniques to invest regularly and have a great return over longer horizon.
Contribute to your retirement plan
Look at your salary slip and see how much money you are contributing to the EPF (Employee Provident Fund). Make sure you realize it and keep it going. Over 15-20 years the power of compounding will do its magic and it will grow into a decent corpus. PPF is another good option for investing extra money for retirement purpose. It offers tax benefits as well.
Keep good records
Lack of documents and records can hamper your tax filing process and you may not be able to claim all benefits. Maintain records of all important transactions in a systematic manner. You can use the age old system of maintaining documents in files or use the new age budgeting and other online software. Good record keeping also help you in collating and analyzing how you spend and invest.
Pay your credit card dues
Pay all credit card balances in full each month. Leaving a balance on a credit card account will leave you susceptible to very high interest rates. Having balance on credit cards is the beginning of debt trap. Control your urges to spend and try to spend using debit card or cash so that credit card debt is avoided.
Find a good financial advisor
One fails to realize that the wrong financial advice, and thus the wrong financial advisor, could be costing you lots of money every year. Do you know how your advisor is compensated? How does that compare to other advisors? Do they have the expertise you need? Even if you prefer to do things yourself, the occasional check up from an advisor may provide you with some valuable tips.
Money isn’t everything
Remember health, family and happiness are as important so do not neglect these aspects. Another very important thing to realize is your investments in skill accumulation. If you keep enhancing skills related to work, you can probably get a better job, faster promotion and chance to earn more money.
Take a deep breath and think about how you can move up the ladder. It may mean doing new certifications, improving soft skills and learning to manage human relationships better. This will probably be your biggest investment in the New Year.
Articulate your goals
Make sure you have clear and concise financial goals put down. This would help you to shape out how your investments for the year ahead should be. Unless you know what you want and where you want to be, you will not be able to direct your investments into something useful. It is best to list small, attainable goals rather than go for a lifestyle change overnight. By giving yourself simple tasks that you can even complete in five minutes, once a day, you will make headway over the course of time.
Decide your asset allocation
A lot of people make investments in an ad hoc manner especially to save taxes in the last months of financial year. It results in portfolio which is heavily skewed towards debt and low-return instruments – FDs, PPF, endowment policies, NSCs, debt options in ULIPs. All these have fixed or low-returns, thereby making them unsuitable options if you are investing with a horizon of 15 -20 years or more.
Young people should do an asset allocation based on their age, risk profile and time horizon and then start making investments. For a longer horizon the exposure to equity should be higher especially if you are in 20s.
Protect your family
This is an area that is omitted from most peoples’ lists, but it should be a top priority – protect your loved ones. What happens in the event of a death or disability? Will the family be comfortable financially? Will the children be able to go college? Most people’s greatest financial asset isn’t their home or investment accounts; it is the ability to earn money. It is necessary to protect against this asset being prematurely taken away.
Create a budget
Determine your income and expenses for each month by reviewing your bank statements, credit card bills and receipts for the last year. Record actual results regularly and update your plan quarterly. This will reveal where your money is being spent and provide information you need to manage it correctly. This will also help you to provide for big expenses which arise during some months like a festival or a short holiday.
Put your savings to work
Saving early for long-term expenses such as retirement or your kids’ college expenses allows you to capitalize on the most important investing force: Time. Start a systematic investment plan and make sure that your savings are routed in to long term investments. This way, you are forced to save because the cash is drawn directly from your bank before you can get your hands on it.
Be prepared for emergencies
Emergencies arise. Cars break down, ankles are sprained, and jobs are lost. It would be ideal to set aside three to six months of living expenses as a regular reserve. This fund will cover those inevitable, unexpected costs and keep you from borrowing money when they occur. Make sure you and your family has adequate health insurance so that you are not bogged down by a financial crunch during a sudden medical emergency.
Do not try to time the market
In the long run slow and steady wins the race. Try to be a regular and disciplined investor. Even the best of investors and stock market veterans have repeatedly failed to predict what’s going to happen next. The recent crash and then sudden surge in the market is an example to prove this. As retail investors this task becomes even more difficult. SIP and rupee cost averaging are great techniques to invest regularly and have a great return over longer horizon.
Contribute to your retirement plan
Look at your salary slip and see how much money you are contributing to the EPF (Employee Provident Fund). Make sure you realize it and keep it going. Over 15-20 years the power of compounding will do its magic and it will grow into a decent corpus. PPF is another good option for investing extra money for retirement purpose. It offers tax benefits as well.
Keep good records
Lack of documents and records can hamper your tax filing process and you may not be able to claim all benefits. Maintain records of all important transactions in a systematic manner. You can use the age old system of maintaining documents in files or use the new age budgeting and other online software. Good record keeping also help you in collating and analyzing how you spend and invest.
Pay your credit card dues
Pay all credit card balances in full each month. Leaving a balance on a credit card account will leave you susceptible to very high interest rates. Having balance on credit cards is the beginning of debt trap. Control your urges to spend and try to spend using debit card or cash so that credit card debt is avoided.
Find a good financial advisor
One fails to realize that the wrong financial advice, and thus the wrong financial advisor, could be costing you lots of money every year. Do you know how your advisor is compensated? How does that compare to other advisors? Do they have the expertise you need? Even if you prefer to do things yourself, the occasional check up from an advisor may provide you with some valuable tips.
Money isn’t everything
Remember health, family and happiness are as important so do not neglect these aspects. Another very important thing to realize is your investments in skill accumulation. If you keep enhancing skills related to work, you can probably get a better job, faster promotion and chance to earn more money.
Take a deep breath and think about how you can move up the ladder. It may mean doing new certifications, improving soft skills and learning to manage human relationships better. This will probably be your biggest investment in the New Year.
LIC LATEST NAV AS ON DATE
NAV'S AS ON DATE
http://licindia.com/plan_navs.htm
OR
Contact your nearest LIC Branch Office.
http://licindia.com/plan_navs.htm
OR
Contact your nearest LIC Branch Office.
Retiring Wealthy
Retiring Wealthy is the most desired aspects of Retirement Planning. Thanks to the advances in modern science, the average life expectancy is continuously increasing. Changing trends show that the non-working life of an individual can be longer than his working life. With increasingly stressful life every one wants to retire early but this requires right planning.
For a 25 year old who needs Rs.30000 per month today to run his household would require Rs. 1.28 lacs per month after 25 years if inflation is assumed at 6%. This comes to Rs.15.45 lacs per annum. Now if one assumes to earn 10% return post retirement, he needs Rs.1.55 crores just to meet his monthly household expenses.
Monthly Expense: Rs. 30000/- Rate of Inflation:6% No of yrs for retirement: 25 Future Value:Rs. 1.28 lacs
You need to plan for retirement because:
* Traditional avenue of savings are not sufficient to meet retirement expenses.
* Rising cost of living.
* With higher life expectancy you need to provide for around 30 years of your retired life.
* Not all of us are covered under pension schemes.
* No social security system in India like in the USA.
For a 25 year old who needs Rs.30000 per month today to run his household would require Rs. 1.28 lacs per month after 25 years if inflation is assumed at 6%. This comes to Rs.15.45 lacs per annum. Now if one assumes to earn 10% return post retirement, he needs Rs.1.55 crores just to meet his monthly household expenses.
Monthly Expense: Rs. 30000/- Rate of Inflation:6% No of yrs for retirement: 25 Future Value:Rs. 1.28 lacs
You need to plan for retirement because:
* Traditional avenue of savings are not sufficient to meet retirement expenses.
* Rising cost of living.
* With higher life expectancy you need to provide for around 30 years of your retired life.
* Not all of us are covered under pension schemes.
* No social security system in India like in the USA.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)