Friday 15 March 2019

Investment after Retirement Brings Good Returns

Retirement can mean a lot of things at once, a mixture of feelings and Olivia Greenwell sums it up beautifully in So You've Retired: A Practical Guide for Your Happy Retirement, "As you embark on the exciting journey into retirement, you will experience a transition that will be both thrilling and terrifying."  Yes, venturing into the unknown called world called retirement, you almost have to start from scratch again, albeit this time with limited resources and it is up to you whether you can handle the rising inflation and the dwindling funds with a certain degree of level-headedness.




So, everything boils down to that one thing, planning, planning your financial resources and searching for the best investment plan for senior citizens in India in a way that although does not allow you to be a veritable spendthrift it definitely helps you live your life comfortably, without having to unduly worry about the future.

Planning is good, but planning at the right time is even better and the ideal time to plan is as early as your 30’s and that’s not too early, do not think that there is still a long way off till you retire, the years breeze past at lightning speed and before long you will be left bidding goodbye to your colleagues and work with a heavy heart.

Save you must and in the right avenues when you can. Since when you are young you can tap into your risk-taking prowess fearlessly, but later you cannot do so, as you have this fear of losing your precious capital, gnawing your heart. Yes, investment is not anybody’s ball game, as you have to master the rare combination of tact, risk-taking ability, a certain degree of craftiness and just large doses of prudence and wariness.

 So, let’s find out which are the options you should explore to invest your lump sum money on your retirement. These investments will ensure that you have a substantial income every month adding to your original capital. Let's discuss and find out one of the best investment plans for senior citizens in India and how it can ensure the risk-free flow of income to meet your everyday expenses after your retirement.

•    Senior citizen savings scheme:

You have to reach 60 before you can open an account at the senior citizen savings scheme, you can open a saving account at the post office, State Bank of India or a few branches of notified banks. The maximum limit of investment in this scheme is 15 lakhs, individually and with your spouse up to 30 lakhs (provided both of you are past 60). It can fetch a monthly interest income is Rs 23,250. People who have retired voluntarily is eligible for this scheme, the age criteria for the same is 55 years. Interest paid at 9.30 % per annum.

•    Post office monthly income plan: 

You can invest up to Rs 4.5 lakh individually, 9 lakhs in a joint account at 8.40% p.a. Like the SCSS there is no age restriction here, the only catch is a lock-in period of 5 years.  You can further improve your monthly income with this one as it can add as much as Rs. 6300 per month. The interest is not taxable.

With the above two, you can generate a monthly income of Rs 29, 550 with a substantial investment of Rs 29,550. Now if you still have a little more money left for exploring more investment options for retired persons in India, don’t worry we will help you out.

•    Fixed Deposits

Earlier fixed deposits were considered to be the sole savior for retirees and yes, you can still invest a small amount in fixed deposits (FD) in a number of banks. The banks give cash interest each month. So why are not more retirees opting for fixed deposits, after all, what can be safer than investing your money in FD’s? Well, for starters the interest rate is the chief deterrent, which is around 8% p.a for a period of three years. Considering the other schemes available now, it doesn’t quite measure up, right? The banks do give an extra 0.50% interest to retirees, though. The upside to investing in fixed deposits is, it gives you a certain flexibility, as you can break the FD and withdraw the money when you require it urgently, at an interest penalty of 1%.

You can open a number of FDs of diversified amounts so you can prematurely withdraw the one which fulfills your requirement, rather than breaking a big FD and paying penalty for it.

•    Mutual Funds

If you are still up for more investment try the liquid mutual funds which promise substantial returns and with high returns compared to a bank FD. Balanced or hybrid funds are in fact great for your portfolio,  the Balance Advantage Fund, in particular, is made up of 70% equity and 30% Government securities. Dynamic asset allocation funds are a brand new category to invest in with a plethora of schemes from various banks and companies. These schemes provide steady returns to non-risk taking investors and shield them from any downside risk. All MF’s have monthly dividend fund for senior citizens and it is absolutely tax-free. The net asset value of the scheme of MF’S increases after every dividend pay-out.

So, try the above-listed investment options for senior citizens and find out which ones fulfill your needs to the t. Smart investment plans hold the key to your future, so make sure you invest right!

Sixty Plus is an organization who helps you explore the right investment plans and find the one which caters to your individualized requirement. The organization keeps you abreast of the latest updates and happenings in the market and provides you with a sound financial plan.





Monday 4 March 2019

Why You Should Buy Senior Citizen Travel Insurance

Traveling is an integral part of human life. Traversing through unexplored parts of the country has its own perks. Traveling with family, especially help you spend some quality time with them, which most of us are unable to do, thanks to our busy schedules.


We know traveling to a foreign land is an enriching experience, but we must be wary of the risks associated with it. So, consider all the pros before starting on a journey with senior citizens or you are a senior citizen and considering traveling alone or with friends or family. Senior citizens are at some major risks, so senior citizens need travel insurance while traveling when they travel to different geographical conditions, undergo a diet change, and suffer from low immunity levels of their bodies.
So, it is imperative you have travel insurance for senior citizen ​while going for overseas travel.

Medical Emergencies can affect anyone and anywhere and senior citizens, particularly are vulnerable in this regard, so it is important to understand the policy vis a vis the medical emergency concerned. In many western countries, medical expenses are hugely expensive also, some senior citizens have pre-existing disease conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems. So, it is very important to ensure that you check with your policy provider that such pre-existing ailments are covered and whether there is a chance of reimbursing. If there is a medical emergency due to the aforesaid mentioned ailments. Opt for a plan that covers the pre-existing medical conditions. 

If senior citizens are also traveling with you ensure to safeguard their passports, all the important documents and of course their personal belongings. Though most travel insurance covers things such as loss of passports and personal belongings, it always makes sense to play safe and not get entangled with such losses which also may affect your mind. Travel Insurance covers other things such as Repatriation of remains if there is death while traveling, personal liabilities, accidental coverage, loss of baggage or a delay in baggage arrival which is quite common these days. After all, more and more people are traveling than ever before.  

Travel Insurance for senior citizen ensures trip cancellation which occurs because of a number of reasons. Personal Accident occurs during the course of travel. Hijack Distress Allowance are provided in situations like Hijacking. Also, when you need emergency cash, you can also avail Emergency Cash Advance or Missed Flight Connection liabilities.

Like any other policy, there is a specific part of the budget travel insurance such as accidents resulting due to alcohol or drugs. Other mental health conditions such as depression, mental disorder, and anxiety are also not covered. Expenses arising out of the loss of valuables, securities, money, and tickets are left out of the policy. Likewise, certain specific treatment options such as Naturopathy treatment, ayurvedic /homeopathic therapies are not included.
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