Finance

Ever heard of the adage: it is best to save? When it comes to financial matters, saving is the top priority, but it is easier said than done. Sometimes, it is impossible to save, and you may need to decide on the financing option that wins the battle between instant personal loan vs. credit cards. Both of these options will offer you the cash you need, but they have different terms. One may be better than the other, depending on your financial standing and goals.

Personal Loan Vs. Credit Cards: At a Glance

A credit card is a revolving credit; thus, you can only borrow money when you are in need of it, and the payment is based on the outstanding balance at a given time. On the other hand, personal loans are a type of installment loan where you get the funds in a lump sum and repay it in equal installments over time.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is an unsecured loan offered in lump sums. It is typically repaid in fixed installments over a period of time. A personal loan can also be referred to as an installment loan with a fixed loan term ranging from one year to five years or more, depending on the lender.

Personal loans don’t have ongoing access to money like credit cards but have low interest, especially for those borrowers with good credit scores. With a personal loan, you can use it for anything like buying new appliances, upgrading a home, consolidating debt, etc. Normally, these loans are unsecured which means they do need collateral.

When to Use a Personal Loan

Personal loans are the best choice when you need to settle large expenses like car repair, consolidating debt, home renovations, etc. Whether you want to give your home a new look, pay medical bills, or just handle those large purchases, personal loans can save the day thanks to their flexibility.

Most people take personal loans for:

• Debt consolidation.
• Buy or repair a card.
• Travel/holiday expenses.
• Cover education costs.
• Home remodeling.

Credit Cards

This is a type of revolving credit where the borrower has ongoing access to funds. Usually, a revolving credit allows borrowers to access a certain amount of money based on the credit limit. However, you don’t get that money in full; rather, you will use it whenever you need it. It is a kind of a short-term loan.

You only pay the interest on those funds you use. Therefore, you might have an open account but no interest if there is no balance. Credit cards are very different from personal loans, which require monthly payments and are normally the same throughout the whole repayment period. The card bill varies every month depending on your spending.

What you’ll owe depends on your balance and interest rate. You’ll have a minimum payment, but you will not be obligated to repay it in full. The remaining balance is carried forward to the following month, and you get charged with interest. The catch with owning a credit card is that it comes with rewards and a zero percent introductory period. Besides, they are convenient when you need to make daily purchases since they are acceptable at retailers, online shopping, and anywhere electronic purchases are used. Your credit limit may also be raised with time.

When to Use a Credit Card

The main purpose of taking a credit card is to help handle smaller, frequent purchases that you will pay off quickly. It is recommended to pay off the entire bill on your credit card before it is due to avoid high-interest rates. Credit card issues charge users interest if they carry a balance from one month to another.

Therefore, by repaying it in full, you are actually getting a free loan. When you do this frequently, you may even put your expenses on rewards cards so that you can get all benefits without the need to pay the interest. However, the key is discipline. It is often easy to start spending more than you can pay, and the rewards you get will not outweigh the interest you will owe.

Personal Loan Vs. Credit Cards: The Application Process

The way you apply for a personal loan is different than when applying for a credit card. Both options are unsecured, so there will be no collateral; however, the application procedure for personal loans can take a little longer. Normally, lenders and card issuers will do a quick credit check when you apply to get the loan and credit card.

This will help them examine your payment history and credit score to know if you are a risk borrower. After that, the DTI (debt to income) ratio will be calculated to assess how you manage your debt with your current income. But, loan lenders look more closely at your DTI ratio than the card issuer companies. You will also be required to provide proof of your income, employment, etc, before qualifying for the loan.

To Sum Up

Both personal loans and credit cards are important sources of availing quick money. However, the right option depends on your needs. Personal loans can handle huge expenses, while credit cards are only suited for smaller daily costs.

Introduction

Embarking on the journey of higher education often involves a financial aspect that necessitates careful consideration—college loans. As students delve into the world of academia, understanding the nuances of college loans becomes crucial for making informed decisions about financing education. This guide sheds light on the various facets of college loans, offering insights into the types, considerations, and repayment strategies.

Unveiling the Landscape of College Loans

It takes a thorough grasp of all of the alternatives available and the ramifications of each to successfully navigate the complex landscape of student loans. Here, we explore the key aspects shaping the college financing world.

Types of College Loans:

• Federal Student Loans:
  • Subsidized Loans: Awarded based on financial need, with the government covering interest during certain periods.
  • Unsubsidized Loans: Available to a broader range of students, with interest accumulating from the time of disbursement.
• Private Student Loans:
  • Private lenders offer these loans with varying interest rates and terms. They may require a credit check or a co-signer.
• Parent PLUS Loans:
  • Targeted at parents of dependent undergraduate students, these federal loans help cover education expenses.
• Consolidation Loans:
  • Allow borrowers to combine multiple federal loans into a single loan, simplifying repayment.

Considerations When Choosing College Loans:

• Interest Rates:
  • Understanding fixed and variable interest rates is essential, as they can significantly impact the overall cost of the loan.
• Repayment Terms:
  • Examining the duration and flexibility of repayment options ensures alignment with the borrower’s financial circumstances.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs:
  • Exploring eligibility for loan forgiveness programs can alleviate repayment burdens in certain professions or circumstances.
• Impact on Credit Score:
  • Recognizing the potential impact on credit scores emphasizes the importance of responsible borrowing and timely repayments.

Strategies for Repayment:

• Income-Driven Repayment Plans:
  • Tailoring monthly payments based on income can relieve borrowers facing financial challenges.
• Loan Refinancing:
  • Exploring the option to refinance loans at a lower interest rate can contribute to long-term savings.
• Early Repayment:
  • Making extra payments or paying off the loan ahead of schedule can minimize interest accruals.

Navigating the Application Process

• Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

• The gateway to federal student aid, FAFSA, determines eligibility for various financial aid programs.

• Exploring Private Loan Options:

• Researching and comparing private loan offerings helps identify lenders with favorable terms.

• Understanding Award Letters:

• Evaluating award letters from colleges provides a clear picture of the financial aid package offered.

• Reviewing Loan Agreements:

• Thoroughly reviewing loan agreements ensures awareness of terms, interest rates, and repayment obligations.

Conclusion: Empowering Educational Aspirations Responsibly

As students embark on their educational journeys, college loans become a pivotal aspect of the higher education landscape. Navigating this terrain requires a strategic approach, informed decision-making, and a commitment to responsible borrowing. By understanding the diverse array of loan options, considering key factors, and implementing sound repayment strategies, individuals can embark on their academic pursuits with financial empowerment and confidence. As the pursuit of knowledge intertwines with financial responsibility, the doors to higher education open wide, offering a path to a brighter future.

Investing your hard-earned money is as crucial as earning it. It offers a way to achieve different financial goals, generate passive income, and build a nest egg for a secure future. However, not everyone has the knowledge, time, and resources to invest in individual stocks, bonds, or other investments. Moreover, the market is unpredictable and it can be tough to keep up with market fluctuations and economic trends. That’s where mutual funds help.

Mutual funds offer an easy and accessible way to diversify your portfolio across different sectors and asset classes with professional management, low fees, and high liquidity. They now come with the SIP facility, which allows investors to buy mutual fund schemes periodically, bringing discipline through an automatic and regular investment strategy.

To help you invest wisely, here is a complete guide for investing in mutual funds.

• Understanding how mutual funds work

Mutual funds are investment schemes that collect money from many investors and invest the same in stocks, bonds, or other securities, distributing profits among them. There are different types of mutual funds based on asset class, sector, theme, structure, risk, and benefits. You must understand the type of mutual fund before investing in as it will determine the returns you get.

• Before investing, know your investment objectives

Identify your investment objectives. Do you want to invest for a short term or a long term goal? Are you looking for income or growth? Knowing your objectives will help you select the appropriate mutual funds. For instance, if your objective is long term growth, then a mutual fund with a high percentage of stocks can be suitable.

• Always go through mutual fund offer documents

Mutual fund offer documents provide valuable information about the scheme offered by an asset management company to the public. These include the scheme’s objective, minimum subscription amounts, cost structure (exit and entry loads), SIP details, fund manager’s profile and their experience, AMC details, etc.

By reviewing these details, you can better evaluate the risk return profile of a mutual fund investment plan.

• Importance of fund expenses

Mutual funds incur expenses, which are reflected in the total expense ratio (TER). It includes management fees, administrative costs, and other operating expenses.

As an investor, pay attention to the expense ratio as it significantly impacts your returns over the long term. For example, a lower TER means more money goes towards buying the actual assets in the fund instead of paying for its operational expenses. This helps you maximise both your returns and investment value.

• Ways to invest in mutual funds

You can invest in mutual fund schemes online through a bank’s or AMC’s website and investment apps. The online method allows you to easily buy and sell funds whenever you want. You can invest a lump sum or use a systematic investment plan (SIP) method, which staggers your investments in instalments to reduce risks.

To make things even easier, many fund houses and banks offer a lump sum and SIP calculator on their websites. These calculators help you estimate returns with three basic outputs- investment amount, tenure, and interest rate. Just click on calculate and get an insight into how much you will receive upon maturity. This means that you can create a plan, determine how much to invest, and set a timeframe to achieve your goals.

So, these are some pointers to help you get started with mutual funds and fulfil different goals and aspirations.

A current account is a type of bank account that is primarily used for business purposes. It allows the account holder to carry out transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and payments on a regular basis. If you are planning to open a current account, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Procedure for opening a current account

The steps for opening a current account are relatively simple. First, you need to identify a bank that offers current accounts. Since most banks offer different types of current accounts, it’s important to compare current accounts and choose one that suits your business needs. Once you have identified a bank, you need to submit the following documents:

Identity proof: You must submit documents such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID card.

Address proof: You also need to provide address proof documents such as a utility bill, rent agreement, or property papers.

Business proof: You need to provide proof of your business, such as a business registration or GST certificate.

Passport size photographs: You must submit passport size photographs of all authorized signatories.

Once you have submitted these documents, the bank will verify them, and if everything is in order, they will open a current account for you. The account will be activated and you will receive a cheque book, debit card, and internet banking details.

Minimum balance requirements

The minimum balance requirement varies from bank to bank and also depends on your current account type. Most banks require a minimum balance to be maintained in the current account. Some banks may require a higher minimum balance if you opt for additional services such as a higher number of free transactions or a higher credit limit.

Overdraft facilities

Overdraft facilities can be a useful feature, especially for businesses that experience occasional cash flow problems. However, overdrafts can also be expensive, so it’s important to compare the overdraft fees and interest rates before choosing an account with this facility.

Fees and charges

Different banks have different fees and charges, so it’s important to compare the costs before opening an account. Look for an account with low monthly fees and transaction charges. Some banks may also require a minimum balance to be maintained in the account to avoid additional charges.

Interest rates

Unlike savings accounts, current accounts usually do not earn any interest.

Services and benefits

Finally, customer service is an important consideration when choosing a bank for your current account. Make sure the bank provides good customer service, with a dedicated customer support team that is available to help you with any queries or issues.

To wrap up

Opening a current account is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Choosing a bank that offers the services and benefits relevant to your business needs is essential. Maintaining the minimum balance requirements is crucial to avoid penalty charges.

Retirement is something everyone looks forward to. Most salaried workers and corporate employees have a particular retirement age, but retirement planning can be tricky if you’re a business owner. Firstly, your retirement plan would be intertwined with your business plan. Secondly, as a business owner, you should stay involved for as long as possible.

Your retirement investment plan requires careful consideration and strategic financial planning. Therefore, early retirement planning can help you in the long run to ensure financial stability and security in your golden years.

Best Retirement Plans In India For Early Retirement 

If you want to know what pension or retirement plans will best suit you, try to determine what you want your life to look like during your retirement years. Your retirement planning can include details like where you want to live, how much that could cost you and what other expenses you might have to pay to maintain your lifestyle.

A good retirement plan can ensure all of your needs are met. Investing in an early retirement insurance plan is in your best interest since you get a more extended period to save and invest more money in a disciplined manner.

Retirement Investment Plans For Business Owners

These are some standard retirement plans you should consider when planning for retirement.

• National Pension Scheme (NPS)

The NPS is a government-backed scheme where you can invest in different avenues. It’s a standard retirement scheme used by corporate employees and self-employed individuals. Note that this scheme will mature only after your retirement or at the age of 60 years.

• Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Another government-backed scheme that offers a safe investment is the PPF. This fund allows you to invest a maximum of ₹1.5 lakhs a year and offers an interest rate of 7.1% per annum. The interest rate is, however, subject to change.

• Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)

A ULIP combines the benefits of life insurance and market-linked investment under one plan. It also offers the benefit of partial withdrawal of funds after the mandatory 5-year lock-in period for your various financial needs.

• Pension Plans

Pension plans allow you to receive income during your retirement. Generally, you invest in the plan regularly and receive a regular income after retirement. These are some standard pension plans:

• 1. Deferred Annuity Plans
  2. Immediate Annuity Plans
  3. Pension With Life Cover
• Mutual Funds

A mutual fund allows you to invest your money in a fund created by a fund house. Several other investors also invest in the same fund managed by an experienced fund manager. These funds are then invested in marketable securities to earn returns. Here are some types of mutual funds:

1. 1. Equity Mutual Funds
   2. Debt Funds
   3. Liquid Funds
   4. Hybrid Funds

When buying a life insurance retirement plan, note that the life cover of the policy will secure your family in your absence. This makes your insurance provider’s claim settlement ratio an essential factor to consider. For instance, Tata AIA retirement plans offer a high claim settlement ratio of 98.53%.

Which Fund Or Plan Should You Choose?

Instead of choosing one retirement plan, diversify your income streams to build wealth. So investing in multiple assets that align with your financial capabilities is what is best for you.

Opt for retirement plans that offer maximum returns on your investment or allow you to save regularly over a long period while guaranteeing a steady income post-retirement. Also, make sure that you consider the inflation rate so that you can grow your wealth accordingly.

Generally, it would be best if you aimed to invest at least 20% of your income. As a business owner, your financial security is riskier than a regular salaried employee, so it’s best to start planning and investing sooner.

Conclusion

Most business owners don’t want to part with their businesses.  You may still want to be partially involved in your business management or operations. Even then, you should still consider planning for your retirement.

A good retirement plan will offer you a financial safety net regardless of how you spend your golden years. Furthermore, a retirement plan will support you and your family in any significant financial crisis.

No one here is unfamiliar with the notion of credit cards, and the benefits excite you all. This, when paired with the incentives and cashback that a credit card offers, is enough to entice consumers to apply for one. It may surprise you that applying for a credit card in India is a cinch.

Regardless of the bank, the application procedure is essentially the same. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of important considerations to make when applying for a credit card.

Applying for a credit card only if you meet all the requirements

Nowadays, getting a credit card is simpler than ever before, and most banks are eager to entice new customers by offering attractive incentives. Before credit card apply, meet the age and income requirements. There are many Indian banks that provide credit cards to customers ages 21 to 65 years old.

Your income level determines which cards you are qualified for, and each card has a distinct set of benefits depending on your income level. You don’t have to be working to have a credit card; most banks encourage self-employed persons to use them. You may be able to get a credit card from your bank in exchange for a set deposit. Being an Indian resident or NRI of 18 years of age is all that is required to apply for a visa.

Make sure all the paperwork is in order

A record of your earnings, such as tax returns, a paycheck, or a bank statement every application for a credit card apply will be required to provide these papers. You may prove your identity using a variety of papers, including your voter identification card, driver’s license, and pension book.

A driving license, ration card, or passport are acceptable forms of address verification. In addition, you may require a passport-sized photo and a copy of your PAN card. Be aware that you may not always need evidence of residence and identification, a passport-sized picture, and a PAN card. This varies from bank to bank and depends on whether or not the bank has your KYC information on file.

Submitting an application for a job

Choosing a bank to open a credit card account is the next step after settling on a card and ensuring that you have all the necessary paperwork. Even if you don’t have an account with a major Indian bank, you may still apply for a credit card.

The bank’s official website will contain a section devoted to credit card apply. Existing users may use their net banking credentials to apply for a credit card of their choosing immediately from the site’s application page.

If you don’t want to apply for a credit card online, you may stroll into the local branch of any bank, whether you already have a savings account there or not. You can even make credit card bill payments online if you live in the digital age. You may get travel credit cards, student credit cards, etc.

Decide how you want to pay your credit card bill

Just input your credit card information into the payee account number field and follow the onscreen instructions to make a payment. On a working day, payments are paid instantly; after hours, payments are credited the next business day. When you’re applying for a credit card, it’ll be much simpler if you know exactly how you’ll be paying your bills.

Conclusion

As you can see, obtaining a credit card is a straightforward procedure, and the approval process is quickly provided your paperwork is in order. Banks want more credit card apply users, and they’ll do all in their power to make your experience as pleasant as possible. A sensible spending trip is ahead of you as you prepare all the necessary documentation and begin the credit card journey.

Expeditious technological advancement and spread of unknown diseases both contribute towards volatility and ambiguity in a global economy. Development of new technologies blow away the need for manual assistance in organizations, which results in opportunity and income loss while new or deadly diseases may end the sole breadwinner’s life.

One of the prudent ways to provide financial assistance to yourself and your family dependents against such unexpected upheavals is to opt for life insurance. Before we explain in detail parameters to factor in to buy life insurance as per your budget, let us define what is life insurance.

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a contract signed between the insurance company and the insurance holder wherein the insurer promises to pay a predetermined sum to the insured’s dependents upon his demise or after the completion of a set period. The sum assured is paid by the insurer in exchange for a particular premium amount borne by the insured.

As there are different kinds of life insurance options providing financial aid in the form of term life cover, post retirement cover, wealth creation, long term financial goal attainment etc., it is important for you to assess among all the available insurance options to choose the one as per your financial requirement.

How to purchase an appropriate life insurance policy on budget?

In contrast to the popular belief, when you buy life insurance you do not require investing a huge chunk of money upfront. For instance, ULIPs is an insurance plan that combines both life insurance and market linked investment. A part of your insurance premium goes towards insuring your life while the rest is invested in bonds, stocks, market instruments etc. Investment in such insurance plans can be started with usually as less as Rs 3,000 per month to avail long term benefits of numerous bull-runs in market. ULIPs come with a lock-in period of 5 years and qualify for tax deductions as per Section 80C. In case of term insurance, as its premium is based upon the insurer’s age and medical history, purchasing it early can fetch you the insurance at a low premium.

Your insurance premium cost must be viewed as an investment, which allows you and your family a safety net during uncertain events. Hence, you must research in depth to select the correct insurance, which not just would assist you to save on the premium cost but also cater you with sufficient cover.

Here, we will discuss ways on how you can purchase life insurance as per your planned budget:

Purchase it as early as possible

Your age impacts your insurance premium amount directly, i.e. the younger you are, lower is your insurance premium and vice versa. To put it simply, if you buy your insurance at a young age or as early as possible, you will get the policy at lower premiums as compared to if you procrastinate until you get older as there is reduced risk linked with young policy holders. Thus, it is recommended that you buy insurance in your 20s as it saves money on your premium and helps you to avail it within budget.

Follow a healthy lifestyle

For those maintaining a good lifestyle, their premium amount is lower. Insurance companies pay attention to the policyholder’s medical history. Lifestyle linked maladies like hypertension and blood pressure can enhance the premium amount. Thus, it is crucial to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Irony here is when most require life insurance just after they have had a health issue, they are least likely to avail it or may avail it at an extremely high premium. Before providing you with insurance, insurers conduct medical checkups to collect information regarding your medical history. Based on the checkup, insurers either approve or reject your policy request. Thus, ensure to maintain a healthy lifestyle as it reduces the risk of contracting ailments, which helps avail lower premium on insurance.

Use life insurance premium calculator to compare among multiple insurers

Before approving the insurance cover to the insured, insurers check various factors such as the insurer’s age, health condition and income. As the insurance premium is set as per the individual’s risk profile it can vary by a great margin from one customer to another. By using online life insurance premium calculators, insurance seekers can self-check their policy approval prospects as well as determine the suitable insurer as per their budget.

Choose premium payment mode carefully

When buying a life policy, you get the choice to pay premiums in numerous ways – monthly, half yearly or annually. For those who select the monthly premium option, should be careful to pay their premiums monthly as nonpayment can result in termination of the policy.  Also, many insurance companies permit the insured to pay a lump sum premium amount, which gets the holders a good discount on premium. Thus, ensure to compare all the premium payment modes on the platform i.e. monthly, half yearly or annually to choose the one giving you maximum discount.