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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2024Hindi
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What is liquid loans, is it safe?

Ans: Understanding Liquid Loans: Safety and Evaluation
Liquid loans refer to short-term loans typically used to meet immediate financial needs or bridge temporary cash flow gaps. Let's delve into their safety and assess their suitability for your financial portfolio.

Definition and Purpose
Definition of Liquid Loans
Liquid loans are short-term borrowing arrangements, often unsecured, designed to provide quick access to funds.

Purpose of Liquid Loans
They are used for emergency expenses, working capital requirements, or unexpected financial obligations.

Safety of Liquid Loans
Risk Factors
High Interest Rates
Liquid loans typically come with higher interest rates compared to long-term loans due to their short duration.

Creditworthiness
Your creditworthiness, financial stability, and credit score influence the availability and terms of liquid loans.

Safety Assessment
Emergency Use
Liquid loans can be safe when used for genuine emergencies and repaid promptly to avoid high interest costs.

Borrowing Discipline
Prudent borrowing practices, such as borrowing only what is necessary and repaying on time, enhance the safety of liquid loans.

Alternatives to Liquid Loans
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses. This reduces reliance on liquid loans during financial crises.

Line of Credit
Explore options like a personal line of credit or overdraft facility, which offer flexibility and lower interest rates than liquid loans.

Evaluating the Need for Liquid Loans
Immediate Financial Needs
Assess the urgency and necessity of borrowing. Consider alternative sources of funds before opting for liquid loans.

Repayment Plan
Have a clear repayment plan in place to avoid accumulating debt and paying excessive interest charges.

Risks and Precautions
Interest Cost
Calculate the total interest cost of liquid loans to determine affordability and impact on your financial health.

Repayment Capacity
Ensure you have sufficient income and cash flow to comfortably repay the loan on time.

Conclusion
Liquid loans can be a valuable financial tool for addressing short-term financial needs. However, they come with higher costs and require prudent usage and repayment discipline to ensure financial safety.

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  |5367 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2024Hindi
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What is lquid loans? Is this better to keep surplus funds instead of kerping standard saving accounts
Ans: Liquid loans, also known as liquidity loans or instant loans, are short-term loans provided by financial institutions to individuals or businesses to meet immediate cash needs. These loans are typically unsecured and have a quick approval process, allowing borrowers to access funds rapidly.

Features of Liquid Loans
Quick Access to Funds: Liquid loans offer rapid access to funds, making them suitable for addressing urgent financial requirements.
Short-Term Tenure: These loans usually have a short repayment tenure, ranging from a few days to a few months.
Unsecured Nature: Most liquid loans are unsecured, meaning borrowers aren't required to provide collateral to secure the loan.
High Interest Rates: Due to their convenience and quick approval process, liquid loans often come with higher interest rates compared to traditional loans.
Comparison with Standard Savings Accounts
Interest Rates: While standard savings accounts offer nominal interest rates, liquid loans typically charge higher interest rates. Therefore, from an investment perspective, keeping surplus funds in a savings account might be more beneficial in terms of earning interest rather than paying interest on a loan.

Liquidity: Savings accounts provide easy access to funds, allowing account holders to withdraw money whenever needed without incurring additional costs. On the other hand, liquid loans offer immediate cash availability but come with the obligation of repayment within a short period.

Risk Consideration: Keeping surplus funds in a savings account is relatively low risk, as the principal amount is generally protected. In contrast, liquid loans involve the risk of default if the borrower fails to repay the loan on time.

Considerations for Surplus Funds
Emergency Fund: Consider maintaining a portion of your surplus funds in a standard savings account as an emergency fund. This ensures liquidity and accessibility in case of unexpected expenses.

Investment Opportunities: Evaluate investment options that offer higher returns than savings accounts while considering the associated risks. Depending on your risk tolerance and investment horizon, explore avenues such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, or bonds.

Conclusion
Liquid loans provide quick access to funds but come with higher interest rates and short repayment tenures. When deciding whether to keep surplus funds in a standard savings account or opt for liquid loans, consider factors such as interest rates, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance. It's advisable to maintain a balance between liquidity and investment opportunities based on your financial goals and circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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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