Reasons for the popularity of unit-linked insurance plan

Let us start with, what is ULIP? Unit linked insurance plan (ULIP) is a financial product offered by insurance companies that provides the dual benefit of health insurance and investment plan. One of the reasons for the popularity of ULIP is their tax-saving feature. Another popular reason why more people are purchasing the ULIP plan is that they can switch between equity funds, debt funds, and balanced funds taking into account the market conditions. Thus ULIPS gives the added benefit of Savings plan and health protection. Under present circumstances, you can purchase ULIP at a competitive price. ULIP earns you high returns if you have a high-risk appetite.

Let us discuss the reasons for the popularity of ULIP in detail.

Insurance plus investment

From an investment point of view, ULIPs are seeing a rise in NAV for financial products over the period, though many times unpredictable. Another important feature is the CAGR which also performs well under good market conditions for a specific period. However, it cannot assure growth consistently because of volatile market conditions. In addition to this investment feature, it also provides life cover.

Cost-effectiveness

ULIPs have come down with prices and become quite competitive in recent years. Plans can be purchased directly from the companies through their official websites. This is a big advantage as there are no intermediate sources to share the percentage of profit money.

Options to minimize your risk

In ULIP you have the option to switch your fund mode from Equity to debt or balanced mode. By doing this you can minimize your risk on the invested amount and earn good returns. Equity funds invest the money in stocks. Stocks are dependent on market conditions and can be volatile at times. You can opt for debt funds if you are not willing to take high risks of the volatile stock market. Debt funds invest in bonds that provide fixed returns. The balanced fund provides the best returns by partly investing in stocks for high returns and partly investing in debt funds for fixed income every year.

Freedom to discontinue

You can discontinue ULIP once the tenure or fixed period is over. No charges for discontinuation will be applicable.

Flexible plans additional cover at low cost

Study if the ULIP Plans are flexible i.e. you can increase the cover midway with a nominal increase in premium. Also, see the payout options whether they can be availed partially in cash and partially in monthly equated installments.

Long-term investment plans

ULIP works as a long-term investment plan. Lock-in period is for 5 years. If you have goals to achieve after 5 years of child education, children’s marriage, building house, etc these plans prove to be quite useful. They also help in accumulating wealth and work as a savings plan. ULIPs offer various benefits that help you meet your financial goals easily. Choose the right plan and start investing in ULIP sooner to get the most out of your investments.

Tips to Invest in Your First Home in 2021

Purchasing a property is a huge financial investment, especially if you are buying your first home. The interplay of several factors can determine whether the investment yields good returns. The year 2020 saw a strong buyer’s market, given the changing consumer demands due to the raging pandemic. A report by Knight Frank revealed that top Indian housing markets have witnessed a price correction between 2%-7% in the July-September period. The ripple effect is likely to be felt in the upcoming year. A poll by Reuters already predicted that the average house price is expected to fall by 3% in 2021. So, this may be an excellent time to find out about home loan interest rates and invest in a house.

However, buying a house without proper knowledge might not be the best idea for your financial health. So, have a look a few effective tips to invest in your new home in the new year.

Consider Home Loans

Getting an ICICI HFC home loan is easy and promises a rewarding experience. The application process is simple and can be completed fast and with minimum documents. Plus, the ICICI HFC home loan is available for both salaried and self-employed people with affordable home loan interest rates. Technical experts support you at every step to help fulfil the dream of owning a house. You can use a housing loan calculator to know the EMI amount beforehand.

Take Professional Help

Get in touch with local property experts who can share unique insights. This helps buyers to make an in-depth comparison based on preferences like amenities and locations. You can explore over 300 properties in various categories like under construction, pre-launch and ready to move. One can expect sound guidance on topics ranging from which sites to choose and how to negotiate to get discounts via government schemes and home loan options.

Check the Documents

Several legal documents are required to seal the deal. You will need title search and report, agreement to sell, receipt of property tax, encumbrance certificate, non-objective certificates (NOCs), sanctioned building plan and power of attorney, if any. These will help you avoid pitfalls in the buying journey. Consult a professional who will help you get all of these documents in order.

Asses Financial Goals

Besides purchasing a home, think about your other financial commitments. For example, you might have education or family celebrations to consider. Therefore, carefully evaluate and prioritise before going ahead with the big decision. This will make sure you are not affecting other goals while investing in a property. Make sure to use a housing loan calculator to determine the EMI amount during the initial planning stage.

Choose the Seller Type

In India, you can either buy a property from the owner or from brokers. In the former, there are fewer gaps in communication. Plus, there are high chances of getting a better deal. However, if you work with realtors who are well versed in the home buying-selling process, the experience becomes quite hassle-free. Professionals are able to price homes for what they are worth. Therefore, explore the pros and cons of both to make an informed choice.

Instead of getting tempted by discounts and deals, keep your property preferences and financial status in mind. Also, ensure to check out ICICI HFC home loans for good interest rates and a smooth process.

Understanding the pros of pension plans in India

When it comes to pension plans in India, they come with a dual benefit of investment as well as an insurance cover. The pension plan allows you to create a substantial financial corpse by investing a certain amount regularly towards the selected plan. Once that happens, you can rest assured of a steady flow of funds in your retirement phase.

The trick here is to start early. More time gives you an edge to earn more than what you would if you delayed the purchasing by a day or two. Furthermore, a good pension plan in India help you rise above inflation given its power of compounding.

Pros of pension plans in India:

Guaranteed pension:

The pension plans in India give you an opportunity to get a fixed and steady income even after your retirement. There is also an immediate plan which gives you an income as soon as the investment is done. Pension plans in India are designed to offer you a financially independent life post your retirement. A pension plan calculator will help you figure out the possible earning which you will get at the time of your plan’s maturity.

Tax-efficiency:

When it comes to gaining tax-benefits, pension plans in India provide you a tax exemption as specified in Section 80C. Once you invest in a pension plan, you can then avail for the significant tax respite as cited under Chapter VI-A. Section 80C, 80CCC and 80CCD.

Accumulation timeframe:

As an investor, you can either choose to pay the premium at regular and specified intervals, or you can pay it all at once as a lump sum investment. What happens further in the process is that your wealth will be accumulated over the tenure of the plan to form a substantial financial corpus. This accumulated wealth plays a significant role when it comes to the pay-out for the chosen period.

Having said this, it is best to do your research of consult a financial expert for buying a pension plan in India. You can also check out the plans which are available online. Study the features of the plans and select the one which best suits your lifestyle. Note: Before you sign-up for a plan ensure that your plan has flexible features, especially when it comes to terminating your plan before the maturity period. Some plans charge penalty, which may not be the best thing to do.

New to investment? Learn how SIP works in mutual funds

Are you a novice in the investment section? Do you know how sip works in mutual funds? If the answer is yes, then you do not have to worry. In this article, we will explain how a sipworks in mutual funds.

What is a SIP?

A systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method to invest a fixed amount regularly, monthly, or quarterly in a mutual fund scheme.
If you select a date, sip allows you to buy your selected scheme’s units.
As an investor, you can invest a pre-determined fixed amount in a chosen scheme.

How will you start?

Before start investing in SIP, keep in mind a few points-

Your financial goals should be attainable and specific.
A timeline is a must if you decide to invest in SIP. It will keep you focused, and you can make a decision when you need the money.
Using a SIP calculator, you can calculate how much you need to invest regularly to accomplish your financial goals.
Lastly, consult with your financial advisor and make a plan that meets your requirements.

How does it work?

You need to fill up an application form and SIP registration cum mandate form.
You need to mention your choice of scheme name, amount, frequency. The SIP date needs to be mentioned as the amount will be deducted from your bank account.
SIPs help you to invest a meager amount, like Rs500 per month over some time.
You can average your cost of investing and the benefit of the power of compounding.
The compounding rate will help you to invest over a long period. This will enable you to earn money over the years.
In a mutual fund scheme, through the SIP method, you can invest a fixed sum regularly.
It helps you buy units on a given date each month. This enables you to implement a saving plan for yourself.

Thus, it is clear how sip works in mutual funds.

Advantages of SIP

As your earning grows with the time, you can increase the investment amount. Thus, it is a flexible and affordable option.
If you see your investment is not working out, you can withdraw every single penny you have invested without penalty. So, you can get free of entry or exit charges.
You do not have to worry about the ups and downs of the market. You can remain stress-free.
You do not need to do the things on your own. The money market experts will do it for you.

Conclusion

SIP works on the same principle of the famous saying, ‘drop by drop fills the bucket’. By investing a small amount regularly in an interval, you can save a lot of money. Even if you are a first-time investor and do not want to take risks, SIP is the best option for you.

IVF Success Rate- why you should not lose hope

The success rate of IVF treatment is an important factor to be considered before choosing a fertility clinic. Here is an explanation on the IVF treatment success rate to help you choose the best fertility clinic.

What do you mean by ‘IVF treatment success rate’?

There is no standard definition of ‘IVF success rate’. IVF treatment success rates are measured in two ways-

i. By counting the number of clinical pregnancies achieved

ii. By determining the live birth rate.

Clinical Pregnancy Rate– The procedure has different stages or steps which form one IVF cycle. The IVF cycle includes ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer. After the embryo is transferred into the womb and implanted in the uterine wall, a pregnancy test is taken usually after a few days. If it comes positive, the treatment will be considered successful. However, at times, the pregnancy may not result in birth of a baby due to miscarriage or any other reason. Hence, not all clinical pregnancies may lead to a birth of a child.
Live Birth Rate– The live birth rate is calculated on the basis of the number of IVF based pregnancies which have resulted into the birth of live babies. Only those clinical pregnancies at the end of which a live baby is delivered will be taken into account to determine the IVF treatment success rates.

What are the factors that can affect success rates?

IVF treatment success rates are determined by several factors such as:

Experience, expertise and skill of the doctors
Standard of facilities available
Efficacy of the technology used

These are not the only decisive aspects. There are several other variables influencing the chances of successful pregnancy.

Age of the women is a crucial aspect. Older the age, more difficult it is to achieve pregnancy. Fertility of women over the age of 35 is lower than younger women.
IVF treatment success rate is also dependent upon the medical history and conditions of the woman. A woman with a healthy BMI, with no medical condition, has a good likelihood of achieving pregnancy than a woman with medical issues.
Besides, lifestyle, environmental factors, use of alcohol or drugs and smoking also affect your chances at getting pregnancy

How to Compare the IVF Treatment Success Rates of Fertility Clinics?

You must understand that IVF is a couple-specific treatment. Since the cases vary, the success rates also differ.

While comparing the success rate of IVF clinics, consider the success in cases having similar conditions as yours.

Be careful about including only those cases which fall within your age group. A 40 year woman does not stand in equal footing with a 30 year woman in terms of reproductive capacity.

Also take into account the number of IVF cycles undertaken to achieve a successful pregnancy.

A high success rate is definitely encouraging to couples as it reflects the effectiveness of the treatment and the skills of the doctors. However, thoroughly scrutinize the success rates and details of the fertility clinic before choosing one.

With many options for fertility clinics available, the best IVF centre in Bangalore provides the most advanced techniques in IVF. The best IVF centre in Bangalore furnishes transparent data relating to their success rate to help you make a wise decision. IVF treatment with the best IVF centre in Bangalore will help you experience the bliss of parenthood.

What is the importance of pressure and flow control in the SCFE process?

Supercritical fluid extraction equipment manufacturers need to focus on the pressure and flow control systems. This is because these parameters collectively determine the accuracy of extraction as well as its yield, and efficiency. In short, the viability of a CO2 extraction plant in India or anywhere else in the world depends to a large extent on the degree to which pressure and flow are correctly controlled. Other parameters such as temperature and time also play their role in determining the success of extraction.

Fluids enter their supercritical state when their pressure and temperature respectively exceeds critical pressure and temperature. In this state, their properties can be similar to that of liquids, or gases, or both:

Density of supercritical fluids is high, similar to that of liquids. High density provides them superior solvent power.
Viscosity of supercritical fluids is gas-like, that is lesser. .
Surface Tension of supercritical fluids is low as that of gases.

Lesser values of surface tension and viscosity enables them to penetrate deeper inside porous solids. All these three properties have implications for the supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) process.

Typically, solvent power of supercritical fluids rises with increase in density. And density depends very much on pressure and temperature. Therefore, changing pressure varies the solvent power of the supercritical fluid.

In the SCFE process, high pressure supercritical fluid passes through raw material. The pressure is at such a value that the fluid will dissolve one particular molecule (the target molecule) with very little or no dissolution of other molecules. Extraction occurs in purpose-built, high-pressure vessels called extractors. Pressure of the supercritical fluid is then gradually and systematically lowered to bring the target molecule out of solution. This occurs in vessels called separators.

Seen from this point of view, precise pressure control is at the very crux of the SCFE process. Many supercritical fluid extraction equipment manufacturers provide systems to extract more than one target molecule from the same raw material. This is possible by subjecting the raw material to the supercritical fluid at different pressures.

Besides, the pressure drop between the extractor and separator has to be carefully and systematically managed. If gas pressure drops rapidly without any heat exchange and without any external work being performed, gas temperature drops drastically. This happens according to the Joules Thompson Principle. Drastic temperature fall can cause solidification of CO2, which blocks the equipment. And downtimes are a serious waste of resources.

Coming to flow control. Changing the flow rate changes the resident time, the time for which the supercritical fluid is in contact with the raw material. Optimized flow rates improve the extraction yield. Flow rate also partly influences the extraction efficiency, which is also affected by pressure, temperature, sample quantity, and time. Another dimension to flow rate is the relative flow rate between the supercritical fluid and the co-solvent. Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) is good at extracting non-polar compounds. Co-solvents such as ethanol, water, and methanol improve its capacity to dissolve polar compounds. Therefore, CO2 extraction plants in India and elsewhere use a co-solvent pump to mix cosolvents with sCO2 in the required proportion.

The Biggest Difference Between Plagiarism and Copyright

As a writer, you have common knowledge and must be aware of copyright and plagiarism. Even though both are almost similar to each other, there is a slight difference between plagiarism and copyright. In both cases, the content is copied without the authorization of the author. But it is not the same thing. Here is some information that can help you differentiate between the two.

Understanding Plagiarism

Content is said to be plagiarized when original content is presented used by someone else as his or her own content. Plagiarized content is often found among students in schools and colleges and also in offices as part of their presentation. However, many institutes and offices take plagiarism very seriously and terminate the employee or student due to this reason. Hence, it is important to consider the sentence structure.

Plagiarism is mostly duplicate content that does not have any legal implications. It is nothing but an inconvenience to the receiver. It may be easy to copy the content from the internet, but it can also be easily detected through a plagiarism detector. However, content is not plagiarized if the credit to the owner is given and used as a reference. Plagiarism is not illegal in the United States.

Understanding Copyright Infringement

If the content is copyrighted and it is being used, then it comes under infringement of the copyright. Copyrighted works have a legal binding and any such content used or copied can lead to legal implications. This could be anything from written content to images or any other creative work.

A content that is protected by copyright can only be used by its owner. This is an exclusive right given to the copyright owners to protect their creative work from getting copied. Unlike plagiarism, copyright is legally wrong and hence, one should be very careful if the content is being used. If you are using the content and giving credit to the owner, then it may also fall under infringement. The owner should give the authorization to use his or her work as part of your work by giving him or her due credit. However, this can last for only 70 years.

Detecting Plagiarism

Plagiarism can be detected through various plagiarism checker tools. The tool detects plagiarism by using codes to identify similar content from various sources across different web pages. There are different tools used for different types of content. Some of these are paid, while others are free. To avoid any unethical presentation of work, you should use these tools to ensure that your content is completely unique and not plagiarized in any manner.

Detecting Work that is Copyrighted

Any work that has copyright registration is considered to be copyrighted. Most of these contents have a statement that mentions the same. Hence, be very careful about using any content that you may have got from the internet. You should also make sure that you are well aware of the copyright law before you use the content. Some owners copyright their works with some exceptions. Hence, ensure that you are aware of them all.

If the content is stored in an area from where it can be copied, then it is considered as fixed in a tangible. This means that owner has provided permission to use certain parts of his or her work for reproduction, further communication, etc. Before you visit a copyright office for your intellectual property, ensure that you are clear about the copyright rules and laws.

5 Common gynecological problems among women which affect pregnancy

With hectic schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, many health problems which were once unheard of have now become common. This has also had an adverse effect on the gynecological health of a woman. Today, almost every woman suffers from at least one gynecological issue. This has made it imperative to visit a gynecologist once in every three months. Additionally, while doing so, it is important that you visit the best gynecologist in Bangalore. Not only will the doctor help you identify the problem but, he or she will also administer you the proper medication.

Let’s look gynecological disorders which have become fairly common these days.

Dysmenorrhea:

Backaches, abdominal pain, and even cramps are common pains for a woman, especially in those four days of the month. However, some women experience excruciating pain on a day-to-day basis too. The nature of the pain is strong contractions which occur in the uterus. It also affects the oxygen levels in the body. This type of pain is known as dysmenorrhea.

When you experience this pain, it is important that you visit the best gynecologist in Bangalore. While the pain tends to get better with time, especially after childbirth, treating it immediately will offer you early relief.

Ovarian Cysts:

One of the most common gynecological problems in women is ovarian cysts. They come in various sizes and the pain depends on these sizes of the cysts. Ovarian cysts are so common that many women live their entire life healthily without realizing the presence of the disease. These cysts initially exist as sacs filled with fluid. Eventually, the sacs develop on and around the ovaries leading into the formation of ovarian cysts. The cysts may or may not be tumors. Generally, the cysts tend to dissolve by themselves. However, if the problem persists, you may visit the best gynecologist in Bangalore to seek medical aid.

Endometriosis:

Endometriosis is another common gynecological condition many women face. It is mostly observed in women aged 30 to 40 years old. In this condition, the inner lining of the uterus grows on the outer walls of the uterus. It is also common to see this growth on the ovaries or the fallopian tube. Consulting the best gynecologist in Bangalore is imperative if you see growth on the cervix, bladder, bowel, or rectum. While the exact cause of Endometriosis remains unknown, the condition can get severe if neglected. Some symptoms of Endometriosis are – abdominal cramps, pain while having sex, and bleeding between menstrual cycles. Some women may also experience digestive problems as a symptom of endometriosis.

PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease:

Three out of every 10 women have PCOD in some form or the other. In this condition, the follicles, which are produced by the ovaries, develop cysts instead of eggs. The drop in the number of eggs can lead to fertility issues. Some common signs of PCOD are mood swings and depression. Visiting the best gynecologist in Bangalore once in every three months will help you detect and treat the above gynecological conditions at an early stage, allowing you to lead a healthier life and experience a healthier pregnancy.

Smart Tips For Early Retirement

We live in a world where working hours are extended up to 22 hours per day at times. In such instances, wouldn’t we want to retire early and breathe some fresh air? But is it really possible to get early retirement from work when we have so many responsibilities?

Well, with careful planning, we can plan our retirement earlier than the said 58 or 60 years. Money is a primary concern, and if we have enough investments to provide us an income without working, we can say goodbye to the hectic schedule.

In this blog, we’ve got a few retirement plans for you to consider so that your dream decision of early retirement will come true.

1. Start Investing Now

If you are in your 20’s or even your early 30’s, it’s time to get started investing in long term plans that give handsome returns. The maturity period should be fixed to match your retirement. That way, this money will support and provide you an income when you have none.

The sooner you start, the more tolerance you’ll have to handle risky investments such as the volatile equity market. If your investment pays off, you’ll be able to accumulate a decent corpus fund in just a few years.

2. Equity Should Get the Major Share

Investing in the right scheme is crucial. Low-risk low return schemes may not give you enough money to retire. Put a major share of your investments in equity funds. The stock market, mutual funds, SIPs, etc., deal with equity markets as well.

Keep aside a minor portion to invest in debt funds for safety. Do not put all into investments in the same company or shares. Having a diverse portfolio has its own advantages.

3. Don’t Ignore Health Insurance

The online retirement planning calculator will tell you how much you need to save to reach your target amount. Inflation will be considered. But what about your health and unexpected medical expenses?

We never know when we’ll end up sick, all thanks to the hectic and stress-filled lifestyle we live. The last thing you’d want is to dip into your retirement fund to pay the medical bills. Buy a health insurance cover for you and your family.

The younger you are when you sign the health insurance policy, the less the premium will be. You can also invest in life insurance for additional cover and investment benefits.

4. Go with SIP (Systematic Investment Planning)

Why? Because it is automated and is a disciplined way to save for the early retirement you envisioned. Planning retirement, just like every other life goal, requires dedication. You don’t want to forget or let go midway for any reason.

The best way to prevent such breaks is to invest through SIP, where the amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account every month.

Set aside a little for liquids funds so that you can use them in emergencies. Remember that you should not touch the principal amount unless there is no other choice.

Things to know before you go for an HSG

Infertility is a major hurdle for couples looking to conceive. Infertility can affect either of the partners and many have many underlying things, from temporary medical conditions to hereditary issues.

However, this is no cause for losing hope. It is important to know the reason behind your infertility so that it can be cured. This can be done by hysterosalpingography.

But what is it and how is it useful? Here are some things to know before going for an HSG.

What Is Hysterosalpingography?

A Hysterosalpingography is performed to determine the shape of your uterine cavity and the opening of your fallopian tube. Hysterosalpingogram is a fluoroscopic x-ray. The test is generally performed in the presence of a doctor. The test takes about half an hour to perform. The test is usually performed between day 1 to day 14 of a woman’s menstrual cycle, which is the time span, where she is less likely to get pregnant.

What Are The Benefits Of HSG Test? What makes it helpful?

Hysterosalpingography’s purpose is to diagnose the reason for a woman’s infertility. Are you a woman and experiencing bleeding, with a history of miscarriage? Your fallopian tube is probably blocked and an HSG test will help detect that. An HSG will help your doctor gain more information about your medical issue for treating it.

Does HSG increase fertility?

HSG test has little to no effect on our fertility. The test can determine the blockage in the fallopian tube, tubal ligation, and other such medical issues. The doctor can then treat you effectively.

How Is Hysterosalpingography performed?

The Hysterosalpingography procedure takes just about 30 minutes. The doctor will insert a catheter, that is, a thin needle, within the cervix and uterus to reach the injection of radio-opaque contrast media.

What Are The Risks Of Hysterosalpingography?

Even though the process is safe, there are some hysterosalpingography risks that you must know about. Some of them are listed below.

Bleeding from the vaginal wall
Cramps in the abdominal region
High fever
Vomiting and dizziness
Spotting after one or two days after the procedure
Severe body ache
Pelvic injury and allergic reaction to the dye used.

What safety tips should you follow?

Before the hysterosalpingogram test, you should inform the doctor about any allergies you might have or are prone to. It is even better if you can show the physician a list of the medicines which you consume at present.

How to prepare for the procedure?

You may be advised by your doctor to take a pain killer an hour before the test. This is because the dye may cause cramping in some cases. An antibiotic might also, be suggested by the doctor, depending on the patient’s health. A technologist and radiologist will be present during the procedure.

What are the after-effects of this process?

Usually, patients experience slight cramps for a day after the test is over. You might see vaginal spotting and get exhausted quickly. However, if any of the after-effects persist, do not hesitate to contact the doctor.