Planning your finances before the stork arrives

Written by Shiv Nandan Negi – mintwalk.com

Appeared on Daily News & Analysis11-May-2017


Finding out that you are expecting a baby is the most memorable day of your life. Women start thinking about the cute little baby clothes and diapers. But what most women forget to take into consideration are the expenses that would follow this joyous news. There are some major pre- and post-birth expenses that you need to take into account and budget for, before you go on your maternity leave. Here are some tips to ensure a relaxed and peaceful maternity leave.
Medical expenses and hospital fees : The doctor’s fee and the hospital bill will be your biggest expense. Talk to your doctor and find out what bill amount to expect in case of a natural birth or a C-section. Take into account the cost of a few ultrasounds, various blood tests and prenatal tests during these nine months.
Talk to HR : Find out about your company’s maternity leave and insurance policy. Check what all maternity expenses and how much of your hospital bill will be covered by the insurance policy.
Spend wisely : Save money to make necessary expenditure later like BPA free feeding bottles, bowls, cutlery and toys, hypo allergic skin care products and diapers. Look out for any sale or discounts in the market to get lucrative deals.
Delay your maternity leave: Contrary to what women do, the maternity leave span is more crucial after the baby arrives. So, don’t be in a rush to avail your maternity leave, and use it cherish the moments with your baby instead. This can also help in case you have less than 26 weeks of maternity leave or are just not yet ready to get back to work.
Budgeting after the baby has arrived
1) Baby birth is a time for gifts. Most of the time your family and friends will ask you what to gift the baby; use this opportunity to get items on your checklist to ease your financial burden. If you get double gifts then check with friends if they can be exchanged for something else that you need.
2) A lot of relatives and friends would give cash, use this money wisely to manage any unexpected expenses. You could also invest this money in a liquid fund so that it grows and is easily accessible when you need it.
3) If you live in a nuclear family, then you might want to check out day care options or hire a nanny to look after your baby when you get back to work. A few corporates offer day care facility to their employees, so find out if your company has any such facility.
Extended maternity leave : If you are still not ready to leave your baby then tap into your unused sick leaves, public holidays or any comp offs to buy in a few more days to spend with your baby. Check with your boss if you could work from home for a few weeks until you get back to work.
Extra income : Raising a baby is a physical, emotional and financial commitment and it is expensive. If you have any skills or are in a field that offers free lancing work, then you should take up those opportunities to earn an extra income. You would have to work three-four hours from the comfort of your home.
As the child grows so will your expenses. If you have already not started an SIP for your child’s education and other expenses then please do so now. Invest in an equity and debt fund to diversify your investment and secure your child’s future.
All in all, having a baby is a life changing experience which can be absolutely precious when well planned.

App download link – MintWalk

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ABOUT MINTWALK
Co-Founded by private equity industry veterans and IIM alumni, Shiv Nandan Negi and Nikhil Banerjee, MintWalk (“GetClarity Fintech Services Pvt Ltd”), is a goal based Digital mutual investing platform.  It provides honest financial solutions, helping users fulfill their dreams (goals) in life through customized financial plans. 
Driving the concept of achieving our life’s goals and dreams, MintWalk provides a clean, immersive, non-intimidating user experience which is focused on decision making, and tracking the portfolio. MintWalk takes into consideration the user’s goals, age, time period till Goal, tax bracket amongst multiple factors to customize the right plan. Algorithms work on artificial intelligence based systems which understand and anticipate needs better.  
A key feature that MintWalk provides is the periodic review of your investments, and based on progress, the App suggests course correction or modification of investments, thus ensuring that the user does not waver from their goal.
Mintwalk combines world class machine learning analytics with deep insight into behavioural sciences to create a platform  that anticipates user needs and provide a dynamic experience most relevant for the user. The app is now live on Google Play Store (iOS/web version work-in-progress).
MintWalk is registered with Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) as a registered intermediary (ARN-107889) and is one of the very few firms in online and offline domain having a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) license issued by the regulator- SEBI.




Your wealth is not defined by your salary

your-wealth-is-not-defined-by-your-salary

Hi folks!
The appraisal season is almost over by now, must be getting the new salary in your account. You will be amongst lucky few if you are happy with the appraisal you got. For those who aren’t satisfied, there is a trick to make it better for your bank account and own happiness. There are many ways you can save that extra buck, more than often even having an extra cash-flow besides your 9-6 Job salary. Even if you are happy with your salary, still you can try!  I am listing 10 things to duel upon. Wear a thinking hat and find your one!
Hobby – This particular Skill we mostly pick up in childhood days! Like collecting coins, stickers, painting, singing, playing an instrument, photography etc. With age either we give up, or make a career out of it. But few in us keep a hidden interest in the subject and occasionally think about how to make a new beginning in it. Yes! new beginning is right decision at any scale you are comfocomfortable from making YouTube video of your recipes to having an exhibition of your artwork. Making some interesting YouTube video is a very inn thing! Making some quick dollars! Challenge your creative side! And enjoy!
Credit card – more than often considered as a villain for making financial mess, is a good product for easing out the cash flow. For making annual purchases like a TV, Fridge etc.. you don’t need to make the chunk payment at one go, with a 50 day credit cycle, you can divide in two months  (by prepaying half of it) and saving a cash crunch situation and some brownie points as loyalty points on your credit card. Using it smartly helps you develop a good credit score, proves to be quite useful for a loan taking purpose in future. 
*pay Credit card bill on time, if you dont remember the dates, this idea is not good for you

Dividend mutual find (equity or equity based balanced mutual funds)- This particular product is really efficient as a second income. In case of some extra spending above your monthly budget this comes as a saviour. This is also tax efficient. You may consider monthly/quaterly/annual dividend plan. This attempts to provide a regular pay Out as promised, easing out some cash crunch issue, if you don’t require the sum, you may chose to re-invest or keep the cash in bank account for liquidity.
Pool car – If you take your car to office, you can consider sharing the ride with Neighbors or office colleagues in the vicinity and share fuel cost. It can bring down a significant cost on fuel and also environment friendly.

Share your house – This is tricky. This is especially for people who own a house and find it difficult to pay the EMI and maintenance cost at the same time, to ease out here, you make keep like minded paying guest or opt for AIRBNB partnership of you have an extra room to spare.
Share a meal – Pizza Pasta, Burmese Khausue is a comfort food for many of us. Eating alone could be very boring and to heavy for the stomach. Mind sharing the meal with a friend and the cost?  Save upto few hundred rupees each time. 
Recycle/upcycle – Do you know even cigarette butt can be recycled? And you can earn from it too! Your discarded plastic bags bottles can be used for the repairing roads? Or China extract Gold and silver from your discarded phones! Too much cash in the trash I tell you. Next time think bwfore throwing anything in the garbage box! Money and environment both can get better.

Contingency find – setting aside 3 months income for an emergency is a prudent way to be prepared for unforseen, and a relaxed mind.

Save on bills – if you are habituated at setting AC yemparature at 21 degree in the winter, try raising it to 24 levels, you will see a difference in the electricity bill. Saving some water and cooking gas also Will save you some money. 
It pays to have an opinion – YouTube, Instagram, blogs, Twitter and Facebook all can help you earn extra buck if you are consistent with posts. Create your niche.. from finance, food, Fashion, poetry, recipes every niche has dedicated viewers! 
Enjoy the monsoon😊

#your-wealth-is-not-defined-by-your-salary

Rs. 1 is back! What you can buy for Rs.1.

What-you-can-buy-for-rs-1
In the World of Inflation and demonitisation, after making lot of wave by Rs. 2000 and Rs. 500, with a big bang the new kid has arrived! Rs. 1. 
When a water bottle cost Rs. 20, minimum Auto rickshaw fare is at Rs. 18 and Cab at 22, many major publications keenly following the re-launch of the hero Rs. 1 note. When my newspaper stack is sold Rs. 10 a killo, my interest on Rs.1 has increased many folds. I thought it would be interesting to see what all you can buy with Rs. 1. I have found 10 interesting things you can do with Rs. 1
Buy books on kindle – For this you need to have a smart phone, amazon app and kindle app. You will find dozens of book costing Rs. 1.
Take a cab – OLA Cabs just promoting share pass with Rs. 1 Grab it till the offer lasts! *terms and conditions applied.
Online shopping – Some crazy offers often can be seen on shopping portals as Rs. 1 sale





Invest in Equity–  No kidding, we have hundreds of share below the total value of Rs. 1. So literally you can own a company with Rs.1. (Hoewever funny it sounds, it’s true. Yet buying penny stock can be injurious to financial health! This is just for information purpose)
Navaratna Hair oil  – Thanda and cool Navaratna oil available at Rs.1. Per pouch! 

Candies – Some candies still available at Rs.1 like Pulse, Vicks, alpenlibe! Grab it!
Shampoo – sunsilk shampoo pouches are available for Rs.1. 😊 quite a deal for a good hair wash!





Use public toilet – This also is available. You may use public toilet beginning Rs. 1
Photocopy – The black and white xerox or / photocopy is still available at Rs. 1 on in a A4 sheet in Mumbai.
Rs.1. As a loose change is awesome when Bata sell you shoes for Rs.1999, handing out the Rs. 1 change is a perfect revenge!!
Enjoy guys with the new Rs.1. Keep spending keep saving😊
# What-you-can-buy-for-rs-1

Some of my friends who contributed to do the ideas – Debo, Bono, Nitin.. and the list goes long. Thank you 😊

Residential realty – buy home or rent home

Series of announcements in real estate sector. RERA has been in force in more than a dozen state and about a dozen of them are about to adopt. I often wonder is #buying-a-home is realistic or an emotional decision made by most of us?

Many expert says.. one should not measure monetary value of the house one reside in. “That is not for sale” If this is the argument for buying a house, go for it! Otherwise let’s do a reality check on how residential real estate fair amongst all asset classes.

10 things you want to know about the cost and risks attached to property investment 

  • A large sum of money blocked as a down payment
  • Hefty EMI
  • Monthly mainatanance charges to society
  • Interior expenses once in few years
  • Cost and tax on electricity, water connection
  • Maintaining the structure gets costlier every passing year
  • Yearly property tax
  • Tax on rent earned
  • Difficult to sale at a fair value, besides a portion of earning goes in tax and broker
  • Property prices are not regulated, negotiation can be erratic
Renting a property is much easier with significant benefit.
1. Rent paid is tax free under HRA regulation 
2. Only capital blocked is advance payment of the rent/ deposit money, refundable 
3. Don’t like the house, change it
4. Don’t spend on interior, just choose a better one
5. Don’t stay in the old house, rent a brand new every time
6. Changing the city for job? You don’t have to think about leaving behind a previous asset.
7. Put the hefty sum set aside for down payment of equity. It is likely to give double digit return over long term 
8. No extra cost apart from the monthly rent of the house and basic bills
9. Maintenance is the job of the house owner, not yours
10. Put the EMI money in debt mutual fund and earn decent money over long term, to pay your rent, which can be offset on income tax return as house rent according to your income slab is eligible for tax exemption on housing rent. 
If you are a prudent money manager, renting is a much better option if you are staying in metro like a mumbai, smaller cities still give you a little better deal with cheaper maintenance cost. buying a second home is absolutely NO NO, you will earn a much better return with equity investments through mutual fund.

My money my way 🙂 

Save money smartly with digital wallets

When banks are in news for charging customers under unheard expenses, the new found digital payment methods offer some cool in the summer for us. Post digitization drive, there is a considerable amount of competition between the digital wallets for customer acquisition and retention and in the battle, consumer is the clear winner.

The independent digital wallets are fighting head on with home grown banks as well as government baby BHIM and Adhaar PAY. while I wish there is a long and healthy battles between the companies, let’s quickly look at how best we can save some smart cash. Every penny saved is every penny earned. And you are much important customer than you think  😊
I am listing down some key ways to earn extra cash using these digital wallets.
1. The referal program – Have a friend?  Refer your wallet to him/ her and get some cash/ discounts on their first purchase. It’s the most common feature amongst wallets.
2. Don’t forget the joining bonus – Yes, thats right, you are rewarded handsomely for choosing them. Some loyalty points, discounts are mostly on offer. Just do a basic Google to find promo codes /joining offers 
3. Check for the partner offers on discounts – there are loads. Food delivery companies, online shopping portals and many more are queuing up for your attention with attractive discounts by partnering with these wallets. Check out!
4. Keep an eye on the wallet recharge deals – there are many deals floating on the wallet recharge. What you need to do is just Google the recharge “wallet name” coupons, there s A chance you may get some extra cash on recharge, some up to 20%. How that’s big!
5. Have you explored Utility payments – Now it’s possible to pay your electricity bills with your wallets, besides some attractive offers it saves you from long view and previous time. Time saved is money saved.
6. Have you won cashback on your purchases – big discount offers on airline tickets, movies and other purchase. Not of research always helps.
Hope you enjoy summer and the offers. Have a good time. Happy spending and happy saving.

Next read – Have you heard of peer2peer lending?

Packed for summer holidays? are you forex ready?


It is about time that travelers are set for summer holidays abroad. I am sure the destination, tentative itenary, and bookings must be done by now. Two important things for foreign travel you should carefully plan is a comprehensive travel insurance and arrangement of foreign currencies. 
  • While traveling to other countries, one can carry about USD 3000 per trip as a cash component. Individual limit for forex expenses per year is capped at USD2,50,000 which can be used with traveller’s cheque and #Forex-cards.
    In this post, I would like to focus on forex cards, a must hassle-free card for your foreign travel. Forex cards are pre-loaded currency card for your expenses abroad.
  • IndusInd Bank recently launched indusforex.com wherein the travelers can by prepaid forex cards and reload anytime, anywhere. The portal allows a user to carry out the foreign exchange on the overseas trip in an innovative and secured ways.  The portal also allows customers to buy and sell foreign currency with zero conversion charges, send money abroad with no extra charges and processing fee. Visit https://indusforex.indusind.com/ for a quick process for getting your #forex-card.
    How it works 
    ·     Select what you wanna do – buy Forex Card or cash and send money abroad, the portal fetches the best rates for you
    ·       Complete a few details, upload your documents online and select your preferred mode of delivery
    ·       Book your rate online by paying a token amount, and pay remaining later

     Get your order completed within 24-48 hours
  • Multiple currency cards available in 16 currencies, allows you to add up to 8 currencies at a go. you can reload the card for your next trip from any of these 8 currencies. 
  • Advantages of Indus Forex cards –
    • It is the safest form to carry money
    • It is PIN protected, hence safe and can have configurable spending limits
    • Cards are accepted in establishments like Hotels, shopping centers, without any charges
    • The cards usually offer better rates than travellers’ cheques (TC). Travellers’Cheques is  a dying business with very few accepting establishments
    • You can reload currency anytime
    • Better than debit /credit cards which charges extra 2-5% for transaction. Also offers free ATM Transactions. 
    • Also, come with insurance cover, (Customers can buy online for lost baggage, trip cancellation, hospitiasation)
    • 8 currencies available on card and cash. 16 currencies for wire transfer
    Happy holidaying 🙂 
    Do share your experienes

    Shout out to HR Teams – Save some tax for your employees with Zeta Optima

    Looks like a dream come true offer for the employees! The days of punching the bunch of colleterals while submitting the reimbursements seem over! I found this info and sharing as is, as it looks very interesting but only HR personnel would be rightly placed to evaluate and take it ahead.

    HR TEAM needs to look at this – 

    These offers can help save tax and resources for both employees and employers.

    (Information sourced from ZETA – Information included as is)

    The Zeta payment suite gives users access to over 11 lakh outlets and can be used to make online payments as well.
    Zeta Optima is fully compliant with the Income-tax act and RBI guidelines. It’s the only solution that has been certified compliant through a written opinion by every one of the big 4 Accounting firms: KPMG, Ernst & Young, PriceWaterHouseCoopers and Deloitte.
    Optima is used by over 70,000 users, across 600 organisations that:
           have eliminated paper while managing employee benefits
           send grants instantly to employees
           outsource claim verifications
           customise the programme and set usage rules
           generate on-demand digital reports
         receive audit-ready statements

    The Optima suite of smart benefits includes:
    Optima Meal Vouchers
    An electronic meal voucher programme that replaces non-compliant paper vouchers and meal cards, with a 100% compliant, fully digitised solution. Optima Meal Vouchers can be spent via the Zeta app and the Super Card at 3 lakh+ outlets and can help your employees save up to Rs 11,880 every year. Optima Meal Vouchers can also be spent at office cafeterias with the Zeta Super Tag.
    Optima Medical Reimbursements
    The first fully digitised medical reimbursements programme in India, Optima Medical Reimbursements lets employees file claims on-the-go via the Zeta app. Through Optima Medical Reimbursements, employees can save up to Rs 4,500 in taxes, every year. Optima Medical Reimbursements grants can be spent via the Zeta app and the Super Card.
    Optima Fuel & Travel Card
    A digitised solution to manage fuel and transport expenses, employees receive grants from their organisations on their Optima Fuel & Travel Card. The balance in this virtual card can be spent at any fuel or vehicle maintenance station via the Super Card. Employees also have the option to upload bills via the Zeta app and file for fuel or transportation reimbursements. Employees can also use the Fuel & Travel Card to file claims against costs incurred during their commute to work. On the whole, employees can save up to Rs 11,880 in a year.
    Optima Communications Card
    The Optima Communications Card is a digital solution that helps users save up to 30% in taxes on communications bills. Employees receive their communications grants on their Optima Communications Card, which they can use to pay mobile, landline, data card and internet bills via the Zeta app.
    Optima Gadget Card
    The Optima Gadget Card not only allows employees to save up to 30% in taxes on the purchase of gadgets, it also helps organisations save tax on the gadget’s depreciation. Employees receive grants to purchase gadgets in their Optima Gadget Card, which they can either claim on a monthly basis or accumulate to purchase a gadget at the end of the year with the Super Card or via the Zeta app.
    Optima LTA Card
    Definitely the most compliant LTA programme out there, the solution is the first digitised LTA claims platform in India. Optima LTA Card ensures your claims are in line with all compliance guidelines and gives organisations the flexibility to outsource verifications of travel documents to Optima. Employees can upload relevant documents via the Optima LTA Card on the Zeta app and receive reimbursements. They can save up to 30% in taxes with the Optima LTA Card.
    Optima Gift Card
    With the Optima Gift Card, employees can receive tax-free electronic gift vouchers of up to Rs 5000 in value from their employer. These gift vouchers can be spent at over 11 lakh outlets and online through the Zeta Super Card or the Zeta app.
    Optima Books & Periodicals Card
    Designed to encourage, sharpen and develop new skills, the Optima Gift Card is a digital solution to claim reimbursements on journals, reading materials, books and more. Employees receive grants in their Optima Books & Periodicals Card, which they can spend using the Zeta Super Card. Through the Optima Books & Periodicals Card, employees can save up to 30% in taxes.
    Optima is built to be comprehensive, it can be tailored to include any tax perquisite that a company may wish to offer. It is also flexible, allowing organisations to customise how each programme is implemented.
    This table will give you a break-up of how employees under different tax brackets can save maximum amount of tax:

    ‘Money order’ days are coming back soon? India Post, the flag bearer of financial inclusion

    Launch of #Indiapost #payments-bank and #aadhaar-based-money-transfer – and my childhood memories
    I am born and brouht up in a semi-urban locality in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and hold some fascinating memories of childhood days with my grand-parents. Holding my grand-mom’s hand, my tours to Post-office and banks comes flashing often. I remember my grand ma calculating her interest earnings, gifting us Indira Vikas patra, Kishan Vikas Patra certificates as birthday gifts. Urging my father to buy NSC certificates was a routine for her without having a proper understanding of product positioning but with a complete knowledge of how to “double” her savings with fixed income products.

    Also Read Airtel Payments Bank

    I still vaguely remember, I would be about 8 years old when my cousin cleared his board exams with brilliant numbers. My family was thrilled. My Grand-father enthusiastically summoned my Grand-ma to send “money order” of Rs. 500 to my cousin as blessings. Sending any other gift through courier was a far-fetched dream at that time. And as usual, I enthusiastically accompanied my granny to the Post office and see her write neat requisition slip, speaking to the head post master, giving some extra money as a fee for transfer and done! We received a letter from uncle and brother in receipt and thanks within the month (we didn’t have a telephone yet).
    India Post was an important part of our lives with the Postcards and in-land letters, the deposit certificates and occasional money orders. It was a complete financial service destination for my grand mom with their monthly income scheme and senior deposit schemes. 
    It was such a thrilling experience from my ‘slo-mo’ childhood memories. The visit to Post office was just fascinating!
    It may sound weird for a bit that why I am detailing out my childhood experience in a finance-centric blog. Hold on! I will tell you. ☺ I just came across the news yesterday that India Post payments bank plans to launch Aadhaar based money transfer. Though the minute details aren’t out yet, I just recalled the sweet childhood days! It will be fascinating to see how the whole process pan out. India Post one of the oldest entities in India, with more than 1,50,000 point of presence and 3 lakh postmen on its payroll clear winner in the outreach to the rural and remotest places in India. According to reports the India Post has more than 89% branches are in rural areas. 
    Though #India Post temporarily lost its sheen during the late 90s and early 2000’s, with many service running into losses, closure of its telegram services and thanks to the internet era, postcards and inland letters are history now. But great to see that the old champ is all set to get on with the modern times and give a high competition and contribution in the banking system of India
    India Post, older than our formal banking system has served Indian population with various fixed income product and Many times higher return on fixed income products. The institution is a true symbol of financial inclusion in India, quietly working for decades humbly without hogging much lime-light. This is an ode to you India Post, the true torch-bearer of financial inclusion journey.
    I welcome you whole heartedly for your newest venture of Payments banking. Despite strong opposition by the banking lobby, you made it there and you truly deserve it. I wish you write an amazing story of financial inclusion in India for people to acknowledge and remember you for your unforgettable contribution to rural India.

    Pay Taxes, for a better India!

    Following the demonitisation spree, we had the union budget session 2017-18, where taxation was one of the most debated topics. Its been more than a month of concluding 50 days period of complete withdrawal of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes. We must understand that the primary reason of the demonitisation was to fight corruption and black money, which primarily arises from illegal income and tax evasion. As we are just fresh out of budget announcement, I thought it would be only appropriate to share some thoughts on the importance of taxation for any country. 
    Government as an entity doesn’t have any money of its own; taxes are the main source of funding for the government. In India, we have two types of taxes, direct and indirect. Direct tax comprises of income tax, surcharge, gift tax, wealth tax, corporation tax etc. Indirect tax is a component added on a particular expense incurred by individuals on service received or buying goods, collected by the service providers or seller of goods in form of service tax or VAT.
    The tax earnings are used for administration, infrastructure, education, security and defense amongst others. Government-run hospitals provide services for almost free of cost, government-run schools across the country educate children for negligible fees; provide cooking gasses for subsidized prices.  A major part of our tax contribution goes into our security and defense system. The taxes are utilised for maintaining law and order in the country, maintaining cleanliness by the municipal corporation etc. A major area of spending of these tax monies are towards healthcare and medical expenditure of the less-privileged children. All of these things cost money and while not everyone uses them every day, most of us use or benefit from them over time.
    What government takes from in form of direct and indirect taxes is spent on the common development areas of the country. So, with increased tax income government can allocate more funds towards social benefits. 
    India vs. developed countries
    One may argue that Indian government doesn’t provide for medical and social securities like other developed countries, but we need to have a fair base for comparison. We must appreciate the fact that the developed countries have higher income tax earning. According to government data, only 4.1% of total Indian population pays taxes, while in the US, 45% population pays tax. The tax rates in these countries are comparable and higher than India.
    Tax is the price we pay to live in a civilized society. An increase in a number of taxpayers is only a sign of prosperity of the country. The temptation towards evading tax is a crime (in making) towards the society. There are advocates of lower taxes who says, it helps in economic growth by reducing cost, it only benefits the traders and the upper segment of the society. In a holistic growth of socio-economic environment, taxes pay a key role.
    Make use of 80C benefits
    Image taken from wealth18

    This union budget, the thresold limit for taxable income has been set above 2.5 lakh. Also, an additional benefits of making the first tax slab to 5% and for tax payersearning upto Rs. 3.5 lakh will get a rebate of Rs. 2.5 thousand. A majority of population within the 5% tax bracket, earning up to 4.5 lakh can completely save taxes by the 80C investment instruments. A fair exemption upto 1.5 lakh rupee can be claimed on various investments and expenditure listed by income tax department. Earning arising from long-term equity investment doesn’t attract any taxes, similarly for equity mutual funds. Also, ELSS schemes managed by mutual fund companies are specifically designed to get triple tax benefits with only 3 years lock in period. There are also other investment options like – PPF, Tax Saving Deposits, NSC and few more dedicated towards tax-saving purposes. Additionally, there is a special exemption up to Rs. 50 thousand for citizen who contributes towards NPS. Government also encourages taxpayers to build their homes by offering exemption towards repayment of loan and interest payout. One must utilize these benefits for saving taxes, creating wealth, securing health and donating for good causes. 
    Higher income from taxes reflect a good health of the economy of the country, similarly, an individual who needs to pay tax only signifies that his income is high enough to contribute towards the wellbeing of the country. Discussion on positives and negative about taxes are debatable, we must look at taxes in a rational and positive light and its contribution towards the country as a whole.  The culture of paying taxes need to imbibed in our lives.

    10 investment ideas for happy 2017

    #happy2017
    We are living in a very busy world, leading a hectic life, especially in the metro cities. We have friends but no time to meet them, we like cooking but no time to buy choicest ingredients, we love movies but by the time weekend comes we are too tired and withdrawn. It’s one life! We must enjoy!
    We should make most of everything we have. We must breathe fresh air, enjoy some music in the rain, laugh out loud with friends around and go on celebrating with the uninhibited spirit of life. However, though my mind wanders around Marine Drive alternate evenings, I am aware it’s not practically possible for a suburban resident. Sigh!
    But hey! I may not get all I want at one go, but I will surely invest my time drawing up a list of 10 things which I will do in 2017 to make myself happy. These are definite investment tools,  for a true rich life.
    1. Financial security – This is most important thing, having financial security. If your money doesn’t fulfil your basic requirements of life, you may not be in a position to enjoy a lot of things. So, invest some money in Mutual funds, plan your taxes, buy or renew your life insurance and also not to forget the health insurance. Once you have completed these financial commitments, you can be mentally free to indulge in self-pampering all the luxury you want.
    2. Health and fitness – Besides buying a health insurance, you must choose to be healthy.  Consider routine medical check-up at-least once a year. Do some physical activities like jogging/yoga/swimming in the morning or evening, it will help in your physical and mental well-being.
    3. Books – There is a saying that “dog is man’s best friend.” But if you are not very comfortable with pets, you can try Books! Neither does it let down anyone nor does it bite. Go buy some books on fiction, non-fiction, world history or self help book. Choose as per your interest. It helps you groom as an individual. If you are an avid reader, you may also check out on amazon for kindle free e-books. I personally love them. Go for comics, if you like it!
    4. Kitchen equipments – This is a little tricky one. Either you have to be a foodie or cooking enthusiast. A new baking tray or an air fryer, it only enhances the look and feel of the kitchen. It also gives you an opportunity to whip up some new dishes in a healthy way for your family.
    5. Friends – Please don’t get me wrong here! I am not trying to commoditize friendship. I am just reiterating an old saying, ‘friends are the family we choose’. We should make some time for them to share some quality moments together. Bonding with friends over some food or games, can make you forget stress, let’s you feel light and help in emotional and social well-being.
    6. Skills –  If you don’t grow, you are bound get side-lined or obsolete in some cases. It is important to periodically adding or honing your skills to keep up with the pace of time, and sometimes being ahead of the race. So, if you get an opportunity do some training offered by your employer, don’t pass it. You may also take up some part-time or online courses of your choice.
    7. Hobby – This is one area of real recreation and sometimes an opportunity to reinvent  yourself. It’s always fresh, always new, it will make you feel good, it will enrich your creative senses and help you deal with otherwise mundane routine. So get ready with your boots for Sunday fishing, paint all your walls to give it a bright look. Do Whatever makes you feel happy!
    8. A gadget – This is for the time we live in. It’s cool to have some gadgets on you. By default, we ‘ll have a smart phone, you may take this opportunity to invest in a gadget which interests you. If you are fitness freak you may buy a fitness band, it will track your daily physical activities. You may chose a good camera of you like photography. My personal recommendation is to get a kindle ebook reader for all the book lovers.
    9. Gardening – You may or may not have a land patch for this, never mind, the pots are good enough for even vegetables. An amazing stress buster, you won’t be able to control your smiles and twinkle on your eyes, looking at the budding flowers, the growing leaves, tomatoes and mini bitter guards. Watering the plants, removing the dead leaves, cleaning the garden will make you much happier than you can imagine.
    10. Groom yourself up, to get in with a vibrant life. Invest some time and money in getting a jazzy haircut, good spa. Some more in buying clothes and accessories to brighten up your look. And as they say shopping, is a therapy! Go indulge!


    I like in staying busy and occupied always. But with time I realised, doing things which make you happy doesn’t really tire you. It makes you a happier person leading richer life. 

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