Sir, I did my BMS in HR as well as MBA in HR and got a job in a private media company on their third party pay-roll. At the time of interview, the Company assured me that after a period of 6 months in third party pay-roll they will absorb me in the Company with a salary hike. However, after completing my 6 months, my work even by exceeding the expectation of the company, the company is extending my service with the third party for another 6 months with the same salary stating that they do not have a vacancy in the company to absorb me at this moment. I am very disappointed about this behaviour of the company that after assuring me of absorbing in the company with a salary upon completion of 6 months with the third party payroll, now they are not fulfilling the commitment. I feel I have wasted my 6 months with the lower salary offered by the company under third party payroll. I would seek your guidance as to whether I should take up the extension with third party for another 6 months with same salary or should resign and seek for another job.

Ans: Given your financial situation and goals, here's a suggested investment and savings plan:

Retirement Corpus:

Voluntary EPF: Continue investing in EPF as it offers tax benefits and a secure return. Aim to maximize your contribution to reach your retirement goal.
Mutual Funds: Maintain and diversify your SIPs across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds to balance risk and potential returns.
NPS: Investing in NPS can be beneficial as it provides an additional avenue for retirement savings with tax benefits. Consider allocating a portion of your monthly investment to NPS for diversification and potential higher returns.
Child's Education and Marriage:

Child Education Fund: Start a separate SIP or invest in a diversified equity fund with a target maturity date aligned with your child's higher education.
Child Marriage Fund: Open a separate investment account or mutual fund SIP specifically for your child's marriage expenses.
Home Loan:

Home Loan Repayment: Continue paying the EMIs for the home loan to clear the debt as scheduled. Consider making partial prepayments whenever possible to reduce the interest burden.
Additional Investments:

Tax-saving Investments: Utilize tax-saving instruments like PPF, ELSS, and NPS to optimize tax savings and boost your investments.
Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your living expenses for financial security.
Financial Planning:

Review and Adjust: Regularly review and adjust your investment plan based on changing financial goals, market conditions, and life circumstances.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting a financial advisor to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs, goals, and risk tolerance.
Optimize Expenses:

Reduce Expenses: Identify and eliminate unnecessary expenses to free up more funds for investments.
Increase Savings: Gradually increase your monthly savings and investments to achieve your financial goals faster.
By following this investment and savings plan, you can work towards building a substantial retirement corpus, securing your child's future education and marriage expenses, and achieving your financial goals. Remember to stay disciplined, invest regularly, and consult a financial advisor to guide you through your financial journey.

Ans: Given your financial situation and goals, here's a suggested investment plan:

Emergency Fund: Start by building an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your living expenses. Keep this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account like a savings account or a short-term fixed deposit.

Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage. Given your responsibilities as a single mother, having a term insurance plan can provide financial security for your child's future.

Investment in Child's Education: Since you already have a child education policy and PPF, consider adding an equity-oriented mutual fund to potentially earn higher returns for your child's education expenses.

Retirement Planning: Start investing in retirement-focused mutual funds or retirement plans. Given your age, investing in equity-oriented retirement funds can provide good returns over the long term.

Real Estate: Since you own two apartments, consider the rental income from one apartment as a source of passive income. Regularly review the rental income and expenses to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.

Additional Investments:

Mutual Funds: Start a monthly SIP in diversified equity funds for long-term wealth creation.
PPF: Continue investing in PPF for tax benefits and fixed returns.
Debt Funds: Consider investing in debt funds for stability and regular income.
Gold or Gold Funds: Allocate a small portion to gold or gold funds for diversification and hedging against inflation.
Financial Planning: Consult a financial advisor to create a personalized financial plan tailored to your needs, goals, and risk tolerance. A professional can help you prioritize investments, optimize tax savings, and achieve your financial objectives.

Remember to regularly review and adjust your investment plan based on changing financial goals, market conditions, and life circumstances. Starting early and maintaining discipline in your investment approach can help you achieve financial security and provide a comfortable future for you and your child.

Ans: Your SIP portfolio looks diversified across different market caps, which is good for long-term growth. However, to further optimize and diversify your portfolio, consider the following suggestions:

Large Cap Funds: Add a large-cap fund to provide stability and balance to your portfolio.

International Funds: Consider adding an international or global equity fund to diversify geographically.

Debt Funds: For stability and to balance out the equity-heavy portfolio, consider allocating a small portion to debt funds.

As your income grows and you intend to increase the SIP by 10% each year, ensure to adjust the allocation accordingly to maintain the desired balance and diversification. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Ans: ELSS funds are tax-saving mutual funds that offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. They combine the benefits of tax savings with the potential for higher returns from equity investments. Research and choose ELSS funds from reputable mf companies with a strong track record and favorable performance. Additionally, review the fund's investment strategy, past performance, and charges before investing.

Ans: Yes, insuring your health and your children's health is essential for financial security. Given your family's medical history and the significant health expenses incurred for your wife's treatment, it's prudent to have health insurance coverage. It will protect your savings from potential high medical costs and ensure timely and quality healthcare for you and your children.

Ans: if you find that the Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance's ABSLI Wealth Infinia Plan is underperforming and the charges are high, it may be more beneficial to discontinue the plan and surrender it. Reinvesting the surrendered amount in mutual funds (MF) or other investment avenues could potentially offer better returns and flexibility.

Here are steps to consider:

Surrender the Policy:

Contact Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance to initiate the surrender process of your ABSLI Wealth Infinia Plan. Be aware of any surrender charges that may apply.
Reinvestment in Mutual Funds (MF):

Research and identify suitable mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals.
Diversify your investment across different mutual funds to spread the risk and maximize returns.
Consider both equity and debt mutual funds to balance growth potential and stability.
Set up systematic investment plans (SIPs) to invest regularly and benefit from rupee-cost averaging.
Consult a Financial Advisor:

Consult a financial advisor or investment expert to help you select the right mutual funds and create a diversified investment portfolio.
Consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon when making investment decisions.
Monitor and Review:

Regularly monitor and review your mutual fund investments to ensure they are performing as expected.
Adjust your investment strategy as needed based on changing market conditions, your financial goals, and risk tolerance.
Tax Consideration:

Be mindful of the tax implications of surrendering the insurance policy and investing in mutual funds. Consult a tax advisor to understand the tax implications and optimize your tax liability.
By discontinuing the ABSLI Wealth Infinia Plan and reinvesting in mutual funds or other investment avenues, you may have the opportunity to achieve better returns and more flexibility in managing your investments. However, it's crucial to research and select suitable mutual funds and consider professional advice to make informed investment decisions tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Ans: key things to consider before choosing a family health insurance plan with cashless coverage:

Family Coverage:

Member inclusions: Ensure the plan covers all your immediate family members (spouse, dependent children, and potentially parents depending on the plan).
Sum Insured: Choose a sufficient sum insured per person considering potential medical inflation and future healthcare costs. Opt for a joint sum insured or individual sum insured per family member based on your needs.
Cashless Network Hospitals:

Network breadth: Research the insurance company's network hospitals in your area. Accessibility and quality of hospitals within the network are crucial factors.
Cashless claim settlement ratio: Check the company's cashless claim settlement ratio, indicating the percentage of cashless claims approved. A higher ratio indicates smoother claim processing.
Policy Coverage:

Hospitalization expenses: Ensure the plan covers hospitalization bills, including room rent, surgeon fees, medications, and other related costs.
Pre-existing conditions: Look for a plan that covers pre-existing conditions if any family member has one. However, there might be waiting periods for coverage.
Daycare expenses: Some plans offer coverage for daycare expenses incurred during hospitalization.
Co-pay/Deductible: Some plans involve co-pays (fixed amount paid for specific services) or deductibles (amount you pay before insurance kicks in). Understand these clauses and choose a plan with terms that suit you.
Claim Settlement Process:

Claim settlement turnaround time: Research the average time the insurance company takes to settle claims.
Claim intimation process: Understand the claim intimation procedure and required documentation to ensure a smooth process.
Company Reputation:

Financial stability: Choose a health insurance company with a strong financial track record for claim settlements.
Customer service: Look for a company known for good customer service, especially regarding claim processing assistance.
Ways to Research Plans & Claim Coverage:

Company Websites: Most insurance companies have detailed information about their health insurance plans on their websites.
Insurance Comparison Websites: Websites like Policybazaar (https://www.policybazaar.com/), CompareRaja (https://health-plan-compare.com/), or Fincare (https://www.insurancedekho.com/health-insurance/news/religare-health-insurance-partners-with-fincare-small-finance-bank-7) allow plan comparisons and provide valuable insights.
Insurance Agents: A licensed insurance agent can help you compare plans, understand exclusions, and choose the one that best suits your family's needs.
Understanding Exclusions:

Most health insurance plans have exclusions, which are medical expenses the plan doesn't cover. Here's how to learn about them:

Policy Wording: Read the policy wording carefully, focusing on the exclusions section. This will clearly outline what isn't covered by the plan.
Speak to the Insurance Provider: Contact the insurance company directly and ask about any exclusions related to specific procedures or pre-existing conditions.
Choosing the Right Plan:

Don't just focus on premiums: While cost is important, prioritize comprehensive coverage over just the lowest premium.
Get quotes from multiple companies: Compare quotes from different providers to find a plan that offers the best value for your needs.
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify any doubts you have about the plan details or claim settlement process.
By considering these factors and thoroughly researching your options, you can choose a family health insurance plan with cashless coverage that provides peace of mind and financial protection for your loved ones.

Ans: I can provide some guidance on finding health insurance at 69 years old:

Understanding Senior Citizen Health Insurance:

Many companies in India offer health insurance specifically designed for senior citizens, often referred to as "Senior Citizen Mediclaim Plans" or "Senior Citizen Health Insurance Plans." These plans cater to the specific healthcare needs of older adults.
Finding the Right Company:

Research Online: Start by searching for "Senior Citizen Health Insurance" or "Health Insurance for 69 year olds" in India. Websites like Policybazaar (https://www.policybazaar.com/health-insurance/senior-citizen-health-insurance/), CompareRaja (https://health-plan-compare.com/), or Bajaj Finserv (https://www.bajajfinserv.in/insurance/senior-citizen-care) allow plan comparisons and might provide leads.

Consider Reputable Companies: Look for established health insurance providers with a good track record in claim settlements. Some reputable companies in India include:

New India Assurance (https://www.newindia.co.in/)
Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Limited (https://www.starhealth.in/)
Max Bupa Health Insurance (https://www.nivabupa.com/)
HDFC ERGO Health Insurance (https://www.hdfcergo.com/)
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited (https://ilhc.icicilombard.com/)
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan:

Pre-existing Conditions: Choose a plan that covers pre-existing conditions you might have, especially at your age.
Coverage: Look for a plan that covers hospitalization expenses, medications, and any specific needs you might have.
Network Hospitals: Consider the plan's network hospitals and their proximity to your location.
Renewal Options: Ensure the plan has guaranteed lifetime renewability.
Premiums: Compare premiums from different companies but prioritize coverage over just cost.
Additional Tips:

Contact Insurance Companies Directly: Get quotes and speak with representatives from several companies.
Consult an Insurance Agent: A licensed insurance agent can help you compare plans and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Remember, choosing the right health insurance plan is crucial at any age, especially after retirement. Take your time, research your options, and don't hesitate to ask questions before making a decision. I hope this information helps you find the best health insurance company for your needs!

Ans: The coverage for hip joint replacement surgery under your Tata AIG insurance policy would depend on the specific terms and conditions of your policy. Generally, health insurance policies may cover joint replacement surgeries, including hip replacement, if it is deemed medically necessary.

Here are steps to determine coverage:

Review Policy Document: Check your Tata AIG insurance policy document to understand the coverage details, exclusions, and limitations related to joint replacement surgeries.

Pre-Authorization: Before undergoing the surgery, it's essential to inform the insurance company and obtain pre-authorization for the treatment. This process involves submitting relevant medical documents and getting approval from the insurer.

Claim Submission: After the surgery, submit a claim to Tata AIG along with all the necessary documents, including medical bills, doctor's prescription, hospitalization records, and pre-authorization approval letter.

Policy Coverage: Review the policy's coverage limit, co-payment, deductibles, and any waiting periods related to joint replacement surgeries.

Exclusions: Be aware of any exclusions related to pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, or specific treatments not covered under your policy.

Claim Settlement: Once the claim is submitted, Tata AIG will review the documents and process the claim as per the policy terms. If the surgery is covered under your policy, you may receive reimbursement or cashless treatment as per the policy terms and conditions.

Alternative Coverage: If the joint replacement surgery is not covered under your current policy or the coverage is insufficient, consider exploring additional health insurance options or upgrading your existing policy to include better coverage for such treatments.

It's crucial to read the policy document carefully and consult with Tata AIG customer service or your insurance agent to understand the coverage details and claim process related to hip joint replacement surgery. Remember to keep all the medical records and bills safely for claim submission and reimbursement.