Dhan Vidya Decode Money

Most Indian debit/ATM cards quietly include complimentary insurance—often personal accident cover running into lakhs—yet families frequently miss rightful claims due to low awareness, inactivity rules, or missed timelines. This guide simplifies what’s covered, how eligibility works, who underwrites these policies, and the exact steps to claim—so benefits aren’t left unclaimed when they matter most. What’s actually covered with ATM/debit cards Complimentary insurance bundled with debit cards typically includes: Personal accident insurance: Accidental death and permanent total disability are the core benefits across most cards, with some variants offering separate, higher “air accident” cover for flight-related incidents. Purchase protection: Coverage for eligible goods bought on the card against theft or accidental damage within a defined window (often up to 90 days), with exclusions such as perishables or jewelry depending on policy terms. ...

Hook: Home loans can feel like a marathon, but a small, consistent tweak—paying one extra EMI each year—can shave years off your repayment schedule and save lakhs in interest without straining your monthly cash flow. While most borrowers focus on getting a lower interest rate, smart repayment strategies often unlock far bigger savings. EMI Basics EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) is a fixed monthly payment that includes both interest and principal. For home loans, it is calculated on a reducing balance basis using this standard formula: EMI = (P × R × (1 + R) N ) / ((1 + R) N - 1) P = Principal loan amount R = Monthly interest rate N = Number of months Reducing Balance Method In the early years of a loan, most of the EMI goes toward interest because the outstanding principal is high. As the principal reduces, the interest component falls while the principal component rises, accelerating balance reduction in later years. ...

CIBIL is one of the most important factors in India’s lending ecosystem, directly influencing how banks approve loans, determine interest rates, and set credit limits. Yet, many borrowers misunderstand its role, assuming that a low score automatically blocks loans or that first-time borrowers are rejected for having no credit history. In reality, the Reserve Bank of India does not mandate a minimum score, and lenders also consider income, bank statements, collateral, employment stability, and internal risk models. While missed EMIs, “settled,” and “written off” accounts may impact approvals and pricing, they are not permanent barriers if corrective actions and consistent repayment behavior are demonstrated. CIBIL provides a credit report and a score ranging from 300 to 900. Higher scores, particularly above 750, often attract favorable interest rates and better loan terms. However, the score is only part of the picture. Borrowers with minor negative marks can still secure loans by m...

When it comes to safeguarding your hard-earned money, ensuring it reaches the right hands after you are gone is just as important as saving it in the first place. Yet many in India remain unaware of key details about nominations in bank and savings accounts — who can be nominated, how the process works, and the rules for different account types. Understanding nominations is essential to protect your family’s financial future and ensure that your funds are accessible when needed the most. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about nominees, joint account mandates, timelines, and legal frameworks. We will also discuss nominee rules across savings accounts, fixed deposits, Public Provident Fund (PPF), Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA), and other important schemes. What is a Nominee? A nominee is a person appointed to receive the balance in your bank or savings account after your death. Contrary to common misconceptions, a nominee does not automatically ...

If you have money saved in a Fixed Deposit (FD), you know it’s a safe way to grow your savings with steady interest. But what happens if you suddenly need cash for an emergency or urgent expense? You may not want to break your FD and lose out on the interest earned so far. This is where a Loan Against Deposit (LAD) comes into play. It lets you borrow money by using your FD as collateral, without stopping your FD from earning interest. What is a Loan Against Deposit? A Loan Against Deposit, also called a Loan Against FD, is a facility where banks lend you funds based on your existing FD. Rather than withdrawing the FD early, you keep earning interest and pay interest on the loan—usually just 1 to 2 percentage points above your FD rate. For example, if your FD earns 6.5%, your loan could be at 7.5%–8.5%, borrowing 75% to 90% of your FD’s value. Why Choose LAD? Low interest: Cheaper than personal loans or credit cards. Fast approval: Usually...

If you have ever taken a loan, started a SIP, or signed up for automatic bill payments, chances are you've encountered something called a NACH mandate. It's a convenient way to ensure payments go through without manual effort. But what happens when a NACH debit fails? Does it attract penalties? Can it even lead to legal trouble? Let's explore the answers in detail. What is a NACH Mandate? NACH (National Automated Clearing House) is a centralized payment system introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It allows banks and financial institutions to collect payments electronically on a recurring basis. Common uses include: Loan EMIs (personal, home, vehicle loans) Credit card bill payments Mutual fund SIPs and recurring investments Insurance premiums Utility bills and subscriptions When you sign a mandate, you authorize your bank to auto-debit a fixed amount on a fixed date. Why Do NACH Ma...

In today’s world, growing your savings can feel challenging. With fluctuating stock markets, volatile mutual funds, and unpredictable economic conditions, many investors hesitate to commit their hard-earned money. But what if you could build wealth steadily, without taking any market risk? That’s exactly what the Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers. What is PPF? The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed long-term savings scheme designed to encourage disciplined investing and financial security. Introduced by the Government of India, it provides a safe avenue for individuals to save and grow their money with guaranteed returns. Why PPF is a Risk-Free Investment Unlike stocks, mutual funds, or other market-linked instruments, PPF is completely free from market volatility. The interest rate is set and revised by the government periodically, which ensures transparency and security. This makes it an ideal choice for conservative investors who prioritize safety over speculative g...