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75 Years Old with Expensive Med Insurance - What's a Better Option?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7184 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 08, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
SUBHAS Question by SUBHAS on Aug 02, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 75 yrs and my wife 64.We are having Med insurance from National Ins.The premium is going leaps and bounds and it is very difficult to continue now( I am paying now maybe for 20/25 years. What is the best scheme to switch over

Ans: You have been diligently paying for medical insurance for the past 20 to 25 years. The increasing premiums have made it challenging to continue with the current policy. This situation is common among senior citizens, as health insurance premiums tend to rise significantly with age. Here are some actionable steps to consider in finding a more affordable and sustainable solution.

Evaluate Current Coverage

Before making any changes, it’s essential to evaluate your current medical insurance coverage. Consider the following:

Coverage amount: Is the sum insured adequate for your and your wife’s healthcare needs?

Benefits: Are there specific benefits or features in your current policy that are crucial?

Network hospitals: Are the hospitals you prefer included in the insurer’s network?

Understanding these details will help you compare your current policy with potential alternatives effectively.

Consider Portability

Health insurance portability allows you to switch your existing policy to a new insurer without losing the continuity benefits. When considering portability:

Compare policies: Look for policies with similar or better coverage at a lower premium.

Continuity benefits: Ensure that the new insurer honors the waiting periods already served under your current policy.

No-claim bonus: Check if the new insurer will carry forward any no-claim bonus you have accumulated.

Portability can be a viable option to maintain your benefits while potentially reducing premium costs.

Look for Senior Citizen Policies

Many insurance companies offer policies specifically designed for senior citizens. These policies often have:

Higher entry age limits: Policies that accept new customers even in their 70s or 80s.

Specific benefits: Coverage tailored to common health issues among seniors, such as critical illness cover.

Lower premiums: Some senior citizen policies might have more affordable premiums compared to standard policies.

Evaluate these policies to see if they provide a better balance between cost and coverage.

Explore Family Floater Policies

Given your wife’s age, you might explore family floater policies. These policies cover the entire family under a single sum insured. Advantages include:

Combined coverage: One policy can cover both you and your wife.

Cost-effective: Often more affordable than individual policies for each member.

Simplicity: Managing one policy is easier than handling multiple policies.

Family floater policies can simplify your insurance management while potentially reducing costs.

Consider Deductibles

Policies with higher deductibles usually have lower premiums. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Consider:

Your financial ability: Ensure you can comfortably pay the deductible amount in case of a claim.

Premium savings: Evaluate how much you save on premiums with higher deductibles.

A higher deductible can be a strategic choice to lower your premium while still having substantial coverage for major medical expenses.

Review Co-Payment Options

Some policies offer co-payment options where you agree to pay a portion of the medical expenses. This arrangement can lower your premium. When considering co-payment:

Co-payment percentage: Understand how much you are expected to pay (e.g., 10%, 20%).

Impact on costs: Evaluate the overall impact on your medical expenses.

Co-payment can be a good way to balance premium costs and coverage, especially if you do not expect frequent high medical expenses.

Check for Wellness Programs and Discounts

Many insurers offer wellness programs that include preventive health check-ups, fitness memberships, and other health-related benefits. These programs often come with premium discounts for active participation. Look for:

Wellness benefits: Programs that encourage and reward healthy living.

Premium discounts: Savings on your premium for participating in wellness activities.

Taking advantage of wellness programs can help reduce your premium costs while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner

Making an informed decision about switching your health insurance requires a thorough understanding of your financial situation and healthcare needs. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Provide personalized advice: Tailored recommendations based on your specific needs and financial goals.

Help with comparisons: Assist in comparing different policies and insurers.

Ensure continuity benefits: Guide you through the process of maintaining continuity benefits during portability.

A CFP can offer valuable insights and help you navigate the complexities of choosing the right health insurance policy.

Finally

Switching your medical insurance policy at this stage of life requires careful consideration. By evaluating your current coverage, exploring portability, and considering policies tailored for seniors, you can find a solution that balances cost and coverage. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can further enhance your decision-making process, ensuring that you and your wife have adequate and affordable health coverage.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7184 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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Im 62 year old and retired person. I am looking for health insurance policy for me and my wife who is 52 year old and housewife. I am suffering from high BP, Cervical and Lumber spondylitis, knee osteoarthritis, IBS and taking medicines for last 10-12 years. My wife has hypothyroidism, spondylitis and diabetes Please suggest better health insurance policy. Also suggest whether individual or family policy will be better Regards
Ans: I understand you're looking for a good health insurance plan for you and your wife. That's a smart decision, especially considering your health conditions. Let's break it down to help you choose the best option:

Understanding Pre-existing Conditions:

Your existing health conditions (BP, spondylitis, etc.) are called pre-existing conditions. These might affect your policy options and premiums.
Individual vs. Family Plan:

Family plan: Covers you and your wife together under one plan. It can be cheaper, but coverage limits get shared.
Individual plans: Separate plans for each of you. More flexibility, but might cost slightly more overall.
Considering Your Needs:

Pre-existing condition coverage: Look for plans that cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period (if any).
Hospitalization coverage: Choose a plan with sufficient coverage for hospitalization expenses.
Medicines: Check if the plan covers medicines you take regularly.
Finding the Right Plan:

Talk to a CFP professional: A Certified Financial Planner can assess your needs and recommend suitable plans from different insurers.
Compare plans online: Many insurance companies offer online plan comparisons. Look for plans that cover pre-existing conditions and have good network hospitals in your area.
Here's a quick tip: Since your wife is younger and has a different health profile, individual plans might be better. This allows you to get customized coverage based on your specific needs.

Remember: Don't hesitate to ask questions! Choosing the right health insurance is important, and a CFP professional can guide you through the process.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7184 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sanjib, I took health insurance for my parents (father 64 and mother 61 and its renewed continuously for 6 years but now the insurance provider has increased the premium by 40%. My father has diabetes for the past 6 years and mother has BP for 10 years. I checked in the market, other insurance providers premiums are significantly lower than my current provider. Is it good to port my current plan to another service provider or stay with the current provider? please advise
Ans: Sanjib, I understand your concern about the significant increase in the health insurance premium for your parents. A 40% hike is substantial, especially when managing finances for retired or aging parents. Your father, aged 64, has diabetes, and your mother, aged 61, has been managing high blood pressure for a decade. Health insurance is crucial for them, and choosing the right provider is essential.

Evaluating Your Current Health Insurance

Long-term Relationship

You have maintained the current health insurance for six years, which is commendable. This continuity provides benefits like reduced waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Health Conditions

Considering your parents' medical history, including diabetes and hypertension, it's crucial to have a comprehensive policy that covers these conditions without excessive restrictions or exclusions.

Increased Premium

The 40% increase in premium can strain your budget. Evaluating the reasons behind this hike is necessary. Insurers often raise premiums due to increased claims or changes in their underwriting policy.

Exploring the Option to Port Insurance

Portability Rules

Health insurance portability allows you to switch insurers without losing benefits like waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. This is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Comparing New Providers

While other insurers offer lower premiums, it's essential to compare the coverage, benefits, and exclusions. A lower premium might come with reduced benefits or higher co-payments.

Pre-existing Conditions

Ensure the new provider covers diabetes and hypertension without new waiting periods. Confirm this before making any switch.

Benefits of Staying with the Current Provider

Accumulated Benefits

Staying with the current insurer means continuing to benefit from the accumulated waiting period, which might be fully exhausted for some conditions by now.

Policy Continuity

Continuity ensures your parents do not face new waiting periods or exclusions, which can be a risk when switching insurers.

Trusted Provider

If you are satisfied with the current insurer’s claim settlement process and customer service, it might be worth staying despite the higher premium.

Benefits of Porting to a New Provider

Cost Savings

Lower premiums with a new provider can offer immediate financial relief. This is particularly important if the premium hike strains your budget.

Potential Better Benefits

Some new policies might offer better or more comprehensive coverage, even at a lower premium. Evaluate the policy details carefully.

Healthy Competition

Porting can help you take advantage of competitive offers in the market. New insurers might offer attractive features to gain new customers.

Important Factors to Consider

Coverage and Benefits

Compare the coverage limits, room rent caps, and critical illness coverage of the current and new policies. Ensure the new policy matches or exceeds your current coverage.

Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Check the exclusions and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions with the new insurer. Ensure there are no hidden clauses that can affect future claims.

Network Hospitals

Ensure the new insurer has a robust network of hospitals in your area. Cashless treatment at preferred hospitals is a significant advantage.

Claim Settlement Ratio

Evaluate the claim settlement ratio of the new insurer. A higher ratio indicates better reliability and a smoother claims process.

Steps to Port Health Insurance

Research and Compare

Use online comparison tools to evaluate different health insurance policies. Look for reviews and ratings from existing policyholders.

Apply for Portability

Initiate the portability process at least 45 days before your current policy renewal date. This gives enough time to complete the process without a coverage lapse.

Submit Documents

Provide the necessary documents, including the previous policy details, claim history, and medical records. Complete all required forms accurately.

Wait for Approval

The new insurer will review your application and may request a medical check-up. Approval can take a few weeks, so plan accordingly.

Renew and Pay Premium

Once approved, pay the premium for the new policy. Ensure there is no coverage gap during the transition period.

Case Study: Porting vs. Staying

Let's consider a hypothetical example to illustrate the decision-making process.

Case Study: Staying with the Current Provider

Mr. Kumar, aged 65, with diabetes, and Mrs. Kumar, aged 62, with hypertension, have been with their current insurer for eight years. Their annual premium increased by 35%. They decided to stay because:

The current insurer covers their pre-existing conditions with no waiting period.
Claim settlements have been smooth, with timely reimbursements.
They value the peace of mind and continuity of coverage.
Case Study: Porting to a New Provider

Mr. Reddy, aged 63, with heart disease, and Mrs. Reddy, aged 60, with diabetes, faced a 40% premium hike. They decided to port because:

The new insurer offered a 25% lower premium with similar coverage.
The new policy had a lower co-payment for chronic conditions.
The new provider had a better hospital network in their city.
Long-term Considerations

Health Deterioration

As your parents age, their health may decline, leading to more frequent claims. Ensure the insurer has a good track record with senior citizens.

Financial Planning

Consider the long-term affordability of the premium. Opt for a policy that provides sustainable coverage without becoming a financial burden.

Emergency Coverage

Ensure the policy covers emergencies and offers cashless hospitalization in reputed hospitals. This reduces out-of-pocket expenses during critical times.

Conclusion

Porting your health insurance can offer financial benefits, but it requires careful evaluation. Compare the benefits, exclusions, and waiting periods of both current and new policies. Consider the long-term implications for your parents' health coverage. Staying with a trusted provider has its advantages, especially with pre-existing conditions. However, porting can provide cost savings and better benefits if chosen wisely. Regularly reviewing your policy and staying informed about market options ensures the best coverage for your parents.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |730 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

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Sir My Age is 38 Now. Running Business In Pune city. Below are the My Assets & Liabilities. Current Values - Assets. Own Industrial Plot - Rs. 2.0 Cr Business Income Yearly Rs. 24.00 Lack Own Company Investment ( Machinery, Debtors Etc ) - Rs 2.40 Cr Mutual Fund & Share Market Investment Rs. 2.10 Cr Bank FD - Rs. 50.00 Lack Own 3 Flats in Pune - Rs. 75 lack, 50 Lack & 35 Lack ( Current Values ) Golds - Rs. 25.00 Lack Land - Agriculture - Rs. 50.00 Lack Term Insurances - Rs. 20.00 Lack ( Till Date Premium Paid ) Labilities. House Loan - Rs. 30.00 Lack ( EMI 26500.00 PM ) Loan will close after 17 years. Car Loan - Rs. 6.35 lack ( EMI 12500.00 PM ) Loan will close after 5 years. This Assets & investment sufficient for maintain 7 family members Expenses after retirement ? ( 4 Adult + 3 Children (Below 5 Years) ). I will retire at the age of 45.
Ans: Hello;

What is the expected monthly rental from industrial plot and machinery?

Are you currently occupying one of the flats mentioned here or are all of them given on rent?

Also your term life insurance is very low. You should have minimum term insurance cover of 2.4 Cr.

You have good assets in agri land, industrial land, gold, real estate but they are relatively illiquid when need arises hence term insurance cover with riders for critical care and accident benefit are an absolute must!

Considering the home loan tenure of 17 years and 3 small kids in the family to be supported for education and decent lifestyle, I am not sure if you can retire in 7 years timeframe from now.

However I would appreciate your reply to my queries above, before I give my firm view about your retirement in 7 years timeframe.

Best wishes;

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |443 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 25, 2024Hindi
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I (26F) have been in the process of searching suitable prospects through Arranged Marriage Platforms. I had connected well with a match (29M), we have been getting along quite well, chatting, phone calls & even met several times in person, over the last few months & got engaged after both Families liked each other. The Wedding is scheduled early in 2025. After our Engagement, my Fiance came up with a Shocking Revelation. He confessed that he (along with his Family) had Hired a Private Detective to snoop on me for a month or more. The Detective had conducted a thorough background check about me & my Family by secretly snooping around many places such as my Neighborhood, my Alma Mater, my Workplace, my Gym etc. & finally gave the Family a 'Clean Chit' about me & hence they decided to go ahead with the Engagement. I wasn't aware of all this, until my Fiance told me, all by himself, but only after our Engagement. Needless to say, I am Shocked at his Confession as I had always been Honest with him about everything he wanted to know about me, still he had to rely upon the 'Clean Chit' issued by a Stranger to be sure of my Character, while he'd been acting like he Trusted me all the while. He tried to pacify me saying that this is just a part of the usual Procedure & most people are doing the same, these days. But I am not able to Digest it. Even though, he has been repeatedly Reassuring me that he completely Trusts me now, I am afraid that he might continue snooping on me, even after we get Married. I am confused as to whether I should be Trusting my Fiance & going ahead with the Wedding, as scheduled? Or discuss with my Family & Call off the Wedding for what my Fiance had done? Can you please advise me, whether Hiring Private Detectives & snooping on prospects is really a part of Arranged Marriage, these days or my Fiance & his Family have Trust Issues? Is it even Ethical (if not Illegal)? Can I initiate any legal action against them for breaching my (& my Family's) Privacy? How do I deal with this, if he continues being so Suspicious about me, even if we decide to go ahead with the Marriage? P.S: I have been completely Honest with my Fiance, right from the beginning & even I Trusted everything he told me without any Cross-verification. Have I been the Foolish one here, while my Fiance had been playing Smart? Would you advise me to do the same thing, which he did, even though, I do not like the idea of having to spy on Loved ones?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
First things first, you do not have to do what he did; tit for tat is not always the right approach. I would suggest discussing the matter openly with your family. Parents are often more experienced than us, and I am sure they can provide some good advice. Coming to him doing a background check- some people do that, and it's for some added security in an arranged marriage setup. But hiring a private detective is a bit too much; at least, personally, I have not heard of it before. Asking around or inquiring with mutual friends and family is common, but this might be too much. I am unsure if it indicates an overly doubtful nature in your fiance, or if the entire thing was his family's decision. My suggestion is not to rush into a decision; talk to your parents. If needed, take some more time to decide. And at any point, if you think all of these were too much, and you cannot trust him anymore, please do not hesitate to rethink the relationship. It's okay to prioritize yourself.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |730 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 28, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, what is best lum sum saving option with monthly returns. Returns wise as well risk wise? Is it MIS, SWP or annuity? I have little idea of Annuity? Could you please explain in detail?
Ans: Hello;

POMIS has sovereign assurance being a GOI scheme but it has interest rate risk, low tenure, investment limit.

SWP typically will have a higher risk(depends on the fund type) but still it's risk is higher than other instruments and may have a higher return, although this is not assured.

In case of income from annuity, returns may be lower but it offers you fixed income in retirement for longer tenures.

Mostly insurance companies invest annuity corpus in central and state government securities, PSU bonds, AAA rated corporate bonds etc so can't say 100% safe but highly secure and safe.

Here's a brief information about annuities:

Annuities are types of pension plans where you make a lump sum payment to a life insurance company and get a regular income for a certain period of time or for life.

There are primarily two types of annuities:

1. Immediate annuity
This is a type of annuity plan that provides you with a guaranteed regular income immediately after you pay the lump sum premium.

2. Deferred annuity
In a deferred annuity plan, your income starts at a later date and you can choose when you want the regular income to start.

Based on type of regular monthly payments annuities could also be classified as Fixed annuity and Variable annuity.

Below are the various options available in an annuity plan:

A. Life annuity: In this option, you receive annuity for life. The frequency of payments is usually pre-decided by you at the time of the purchase of the policy.

B. Joint life annuity: This is similar to a life annuity. In this option, you receive annuity payments for life. In your absence, your spouse continues to receive annuity payments for life.

C. Life annuity with return of purchase price: This provides you annuity payments for life. In case of an unfortunate event, your nominee will receive the amount you paid at the time of the purchase of the policy.

D. Annuity payable for a pre-decided term: This provides you the option to choose the duration for which you would want to receive annuity payments. The period can be 5 years, 10 years, or more.

Best wishes;

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Dr Shyam

Dr Shyam Jamalabad  |82 Answers  |Ask -

Dentist - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

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Health
Doctor, my 4.5-year-old son has baby bottle tooth decay in four of his front teeth. However, this wasn't caused by bottle-feeding but rather by him holding food in his mouth for extended periods when he was younger, around two years old. Local dentists have advised us to do nothing, as these teeth will eventually fall out and be replaced by adult teeth. However, I'm concerned that his new teeth might also be at risk. Is there anything we can do to prevent further decay of his current teeth, and is there a treatment available to help his teeth stay healthier? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Ans: Hello
This type of tooth decay is rather common in children. Most parents dismiss it as inconsequential because "milk teeth fall off anyway" and do not seek professional advice. I am happy to note that you are concerned and have already consulted a couple of dentists.
As long as your son's decayed teeth are asymptomatic, I would agree with your local dentists that, for now, no procedures should be done.
The logic is simple. A visit to the dentist is stressful even for adults. I imagine it would be even more so for a child of 4 or 5!
If the teeth in question are free from pain or underlying infection, we (the dental fraternity) would rather not expose the child to procedures which could potentially instill in him a lifelong fear of dentists and dental clinics.
However I strongly urge you to take your child for periodic check ups to ensure the decay doesn't spread unchecked and/or can be treated in time if the need arises. Please note if these teeth get infected and the infection is left untreated, the permanent teeth can also get damaged.
Also, you (the parent) need to inspect the said teeth and surrounding gums regularly to spot gum boils or swellings. If you spot any of this or if the child complains of pain please consult your dentist at once.
It goes without saying that he should brush his teeth with even more care. Ideally after every meal. Children cannot be fully trusted to brush their teeth well, so it's always wise for a parent to supervise.
If your son is a fussy eater you could consider giving him Calcium supplements. This will not help his current teeth in any way, but the permanent teeth which are due to erupt a few years later will hopefully be more resistant to decay.
Hope this answers your question.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7184 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

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I am 54 years. wnats to retire as early as possible. Have a housing loan of 70 lacs.. EMI is 80K every month. My monthly expenses is 70K. I have mutual funds /PF etc of app Rs 1.50 cr.. I want to clear my loan from the funds which I am having. Thereafter I will left with 80 lacs. I have two childerns. After 8-10 years I will requre funds for marrying both. My monthly in hand is app Rs 1.90 lacs.. For How many years will I have to work/or how much funds should i have to see that I have funds to marry my childerns and to met my monthly expenses once i retire
Ans: Your financial situation reflects thoughtful planning and steady savings. Let's assess your assets, liabilities, and goals for an early retirement.

Key Details of Your Financial Status
Housing Loan: Rs. 70 lakh housing loan with an EMI of Rs. 80,000 per month.

Monthly Expenses: Rs. 70,000 per month for regular living expenses.

Current Investments: Mutual funds and PF of Rs. 1.50 crore.

Funds Post Loan Clearance: Rs. 80 lakh remaining after clearing the loan.

Monthly Income: Rs. 1.90 lakh in-hand income.

Upcoming Responsibilities: Marriage expenses for two children in 8–10 years.

Evaluating the Housing Loan Decision
Clearing the housing loan now reduces debt burden but impacts your liquidity.

Rs. 70 lakh repayment will leave you with Rs. 80 lakh in investments.

Retain emergency funds for unforeseen expenses after loan repayment.

Once EMI stops, Rs. 80,000 will be available monthly for investments or savings.

Key Goals to Address
Retirement Planning: Ensure your corpus supports expenses after retirement.

Children's Marriages: Allocate funds for both weddings within 8–10 years.

Monthly Expenses Post Retirement: Maintain Rs. 70,000 adjusted for inflation.

Steps for Managing Funds After Loan Clearance
Emergency Fund Setup: Keep Rs. 10 lakh in a liquid fund for emergencies.

Diversify Remaining Funds: Divide Rs. 70 lakh into equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

Future Marriage Goals: Invest Rs. 30 lakh specifically for children's marriage expenses.

Retirement Corpus Growth: Use the remaining Rs. 40 lakh for retirement-focused investments.

Monthly Savings Post-Loan
After loan repayment, you save Rs. 80,000 EMI monthly.

Combine this with Rs. 40,000 (from Rs. 1.90 lakh income after expenses).

Total Rs. 1.20 lakh can be invested monthly for retirement and future goals.

Suggested Investment Allocation
Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate 60% of monthly savings for long-term growth.

Hybrid Mutual Funds: Allocate 20% for a balance of growth and stability.

Debt Funds: Allocate 20% for safer, predictable returns.

Goal-Based SIPs: Create separate SIPs for retirement and marriage goals.

Retirement Corpus Estimation
Aim for a corpus that generates Rs. 70,000 monthly, adjusted for inflation.

Plan for a 30-year retirement, assuming early retirement at age 55–57.

Factor in rising medical costs, lifestyle changes, and unforeseen expenses.

Taxation Considerations
Equity mutual funds' LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Invest strategically to minimise tax liabilities while maximising returns.

Children's Marriage Planning
Allocate Rs. 30 lakh across equity and balanced funds for this goal.

Ensure growth-oriented investments to meet inflation-adjusted costs.

Withdraw gradually closer to the marriage dates to avoid market volatility.

Suggestions for Early Retirement
Continue working for 3–5 years to build a stronger retirement corpus.

This allows you to grow investments and plan for children's weddings.

Focus on reducing liabilities, increasing savings, and investing wisely.

Protection for Your Family
Health Insurance: Increase family coverage to Rs. 20–25 lakh.

Life Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage, at least 10 times your annual income.

Will and Estate Planning: Secure your wealth distribution legally.

Final Insights
Clearing your housing loan now can simplify your finances. However, focus on balancing liquidity for future goals. Continue working for a few more years to strengthen your retirement corpus. A well-structured investment plan can help meet your children’s marriage expenses and ensure a comfortable retired life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Shyam

Dr Shyam Jamalabad  |82 Answers  |Ask -

Dentist - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
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Health
Dr Saheb, I have gum problems and need to get treated. But Iam not able to find good dentist. Iam scared when they don't show any kindness or use soothing words. How to identify good dentist.
Ans: Hello
I understand your anxiety. A visit to the dentist can be stressful, especially if you have had a bad experience.

Here are some key factors to help you identify a good dentist:

1. *Qualifications*: Check for a degree from a reputable dental school and valid licenses.

2. *Experience*: Consider a dentist with extensive experience in general dentistry or specialized fields like orthodontics or oral surgery.

3. *Communication*: A good dentist listens attentively, explains procedures clearly, and answers questions patiently.

4. *Chairside manner*: A caring and compassionate attitude can make dental visits less stressful.

5. *Up-to-date technology*: Modern equipment and digital X-rays indicate a commitment to quality care.

6. *Sterilization and hygiene*: Ensure proper sterilization techniques and a clean environment.

7. *Continuing education*: A good dentist stays updated on the latest techniques and advancements.

8. *Patient reviews*: Research online reviews and ask for referrals from satisfied patients.

9. *Professional affiliations*: Membership in organizations like the Indian Dental Association (IDA) or local dental societies indicates a commitment to ethical standards.

10. *Comfort level*: Trust your instincts and choose a dentist with whom you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and treatment options.

11. *Clear treatment plans*: A good dentist explains procedures, costs, and alternatives clearly.

12. *Emergency care*: Find out their policy for handling dental emergencies and after-hours care.

13. *Office hours and location*: Consider a dentist with convenient office hours and a location that suits your needs


By evaluating these factors, you can find a skilled and caring dentist who meets your oral health needs.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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