Fixed Deposit aka term deposit is an instrument by which one can deposit his/her savings for a prescribed period of time with a bank. When the period of deposit elapses, the depositor is entitled to the interest on the deposited amount. In some cases, the rate of interest on fixed deposits can be as high as 9.5%!

How to do it?
All you got to do is deposit your savings in a bank account of your preference and watch your money grow over time. Do remember to check with multiple sources regarding the various options available. There are a wide range of fixed deposit products available to suit a wide range of investor preferences. So choose the one that matches closely with your investment goals.

The Bankers View:
For banks, fixed deposits (or term deposits) represent a loan arrangement. In simple terms, the money deposited through such investments shall earn a said amount as interest, as per the existing norms and guidelines as set by the banking regulatory authority. The rate of interest on your fixed deposit is determined by many factors such as the location of deposit, the duration for which the amount is deposited as also the currency involved for making the deposit.

The Investors Take:
For starters, a fixed deposit is not a normal deposit that you do at your bank and then withdraw it as and when you please. But, it is a deposit that cannot be withdrawn in the specified period. Generally, these types of deposits are made for duration of 5 years. During this time, the amount remains in your bank account and is prohibited to be withdrawn for any reason whatsoever. Non-profit organizations, corporate entities and individuals alike, who wish to keep aside a stipulated sum for a particular period of time, most often than not, find that such deposits are the easiest way in attaining their objective. The icing on the cake is their money will earn a rate of interest that is shielded by any fluctuations in the interest rates that governs other type of investments. Such deposits are a good (if not the best) way to gain a return on investment which is a tad higher than a conventional savings account.

Trust Deposits:
Deposits that are made "in the name of one person, as trustee for another" are branded as "trust deposits."

Trust deposits are made for three basic reasons:

1) Pose for the disposition of a domain after demise sans the use of a will or administration,
2) Hide from others info of financial standing, or
3) Escalate deposits where a prescribed limit is set upon single deposits.

Lastly, fixed deposits offer investors a relatively safe avenue for parking their funds, albeit at the risk of earning a slightly lower return on investment. At the end of the day, it is up-to the individual investor to decide for themselves whether they wish to pursue a high return-high risk approach or a relatively lower but largely safe investment approach.

Types of Companies offering Fixed Deposits

Financial Institutions
Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs).
Manufacturing Companies
Housing Finance Companies
Government Companies

Features and Benefits

Company Fixed Deposits offer comparatively higher returns than banks.
Choose the best tenure for you from a wide range as per your convenience.

You can choose how frequently you want to receive your interest payments:

Maturity
Yearly
Half-yearly
Quarterly
Monthly

Company Fixed Deposits are non transferable that means there is no fear of FD receipt being stolen. In case it falls into wrong hands, it cannot be misused.
Premature encashment of deposit is available any time subject to payment of prescribed penalty.
Diversify Risk- The deposits should be spread over a large number of companies engaged in different industries. This way, youll be able to diversify your risk among various industries/companies.
Wide Choices- Many companies operating in the Company Deposit market. This will help you decide whether to renew or reshuffle the deposit.
Attractive rates as applicable from time to time.

In todays current investment markets, there has been an increase in the number of individuals deciding and adhering to an investment plan. Perhaps this is caused by the drastic increases in the cost of living or the profound insecurity about the future of social security, and retirement funds. Many families are looking for investments plans which help them build two funds - one for the future and one for the present. Most people are not interested in purchasing stocks and bonds. This is both time consuming and complicated.

Investment plans essential allow the an investor to buy a set number of stocks, bonds, and securities. Purchasing is done on a regular and consistent basis. Funds for the investment are taking directly from a check, savings, or money market accounts automatically. These money is used to buy stocks and bonds that were pre-decided upon. For the most part you can change any of variables at anytime. These variables include amount, frequency, and what stocks are bought. There may be fees associated with changes. Make sure these fees are known before you sign your contract with your broker. However, if you are looking for more freedom most online investments firms allow you to change your variables anytime for free.

The next important step in an investment plan is figure out how much money you would like to invest.

It is a good idea to have a household budget. This will allow you to clearly analyze how much extra money is available for investing. Due to the long term nature of investment plans, you would suffer a financial lost if you had pull out early because you invested more money then you could afford. Make sure the amount you pick is readily available for each time the investment comes up. Remember just because you have extra money now does not mean in the future you will. Many investors come up short several months after starting their investments plans because they did not budget for an emergency fun. If you do feel you are at point where you can not no longer make a regular investment more investment companies will allow you to reduce or hold the next schedule investment.

Now you know how an investment plan works and you have the money to invest. The next question is how do you decide what to invest in. Research is the key component to this step. It does take time to decide but it is well worth the effort. Make sure you find stocks that have a history of performing well in the long term. At the time of purchase they may be expensive however they will probably also continue to increases which will directly benefit you. As you feel more and more comfortable with investing feel free to add more stocks and bonds to your portfolios. Many financial experts believe that diversification is a great way to increase your investment profits.

A financial plan is the road map for your financial life. It covers major financial areas of your life addressing aspects such as cash flow, savings, debt management, risk management, childrens education planning, taxes, retirement, estate planning, and of course, investments and a strategy for managing them. It is more than a guide. It is a written strategy that gives you a clear, pragmatic path to follow towards the accomplishment of your most important financial goals.

Having a financial plan is like having a travel plan - it identifies where youre going, how and when youll get there, how much will it cost, and things to do along the way. A personal financial plan looks at where you are today and where you want to go. Then it sets out all the steps you need to take to get there. Everyone who is earning should draw up a financial plan. The plan will help you get the most from your money and help you in achieving your financial goals in life.

Some people naturally resist the process of creating a Financial Plan. Initially, it seems overwhelming and/or just too much of trouble. However, the potentially devastating consequences of not having it are far greater than the initial discomfort that you experience of the process. For most people we have worked with, the hardest part is just making the decision to get started. Once the process has begun, most clients find it engaging and interesting.

Do you need financial plan?

Yes - if you have an income, a family or planning to have one in the future, retirement dreams, and for many other financial reasons / goals that are unique to you. No one can predict the future but one can certainly be better prepared for it. An effective financial plan will make sure that you are financially prepared to deal with the unexpected events and stormy times. If you dont have one, youre more likely to end up in a financial mess. On the contrary, if you have one and the recommendations thereon have been executed, most of your financial goals will be satisfactorily met. A good financial plan can alert you to changes that must be made to make sure a smooth transition through lifes financial phases, such as decreasing spending or changing asset allocation.

By developing a financial plan you and your family:

Will have a better understanding of your current financial position.
Determine attainable retirement, education, insurance, and other financial goals.
Review goals, funding strategies, and alternatives to balance all goals.
Have the necessary financial resources set aside to fund your goals as they occur.
Reduce the effects of unexpected events such as disability, premature death etc.

You need not be very rich to have a financial plan. No matter how much you earn and at what age, a plan is important to make your life easier. As your financial situation influences almost every aspect of your life, a regular financial plan can help give you peace of mind and protect you from unforeseen, unfavorable situations. Once you have a working personal financial plan, you can use it to make informed financial choices. Having a good financial plan will allow you an over view of what you can afford. It will allow you to analyze your wants versus your needs. It also provides you a way to see how to avoid major financial mistakes in the future.

Risks of not having a financial plan:
You may be able to achieve what you want today but might not be able to achieve what you need few years down the line. Say, if you buy a new car now, you might not have enough funds later to buy your dream home.

You may not see the big picture. Say, you may grow your wealth by making good investment choices but end up being tax inefficient and pay more taxes than you need to.

You may take a short-term view of an opportunity and make rushed financial decisions, or fall into some scam trap. Worst of all, you may end up doing nothing (and just thinking of doing something) and never achieve your financial goals.

You might become a victim of mis-selling and build a corpus of investment products that neither suits your financial needs nor your risk profile.

You are very much likely to worry more about money and financial security. You may not know where you are today and where are you heading for.

Tips for Effective Financial Plan

Be realistic with your investment returns; dont plan to outperform the markets.
Account for market risk and dont assume the same return to repeat every year.
Dont forget to plan for inflation, taxes and your financial planners fees.
Review your financial plan regularly to see if you are on track or need any changes in the plan.

The need for financial plan is all the more very important in the turbulent economic times of today. If you dont have one till now, dont delay any more and Get it Now. Dont be self-satisfied that you will be okay whatever happens. Face the reality. Unless you develop a financial plan early, it will be too late.

Having choices is important in investing.All is well services believes in change of Investors plans as their lifestyles and needs do. Through us, investors are offered an extensive array of investment alternatives and services.

Retirement Planning

With retirement not far around the corner, your needs will be rapidly changing. And you will be asking the big questions – what does retirement mean to me, and will I have enough? How can I be better off? As our lives change, our financial needs and priorities change too. Even if you’re years away from retiring, you’re wise to be thinking about retirement planning. Years from now you’ll be a lot happier saying, “I’m glad I did” instead of “I wish I had”. A retirement plan is an assurance that you will continue to earn a satisfying income and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, even when you are no longer working. Investment Locker will help you understand how much you need to grow your wealth before you retire and how to plan for it.

Mutual Funds
A mutual fund is a financial intermediary which allows a group of investors to pool in their money with a predetermined investment objective. A qualified fund manager is appointed, who is responsible for investing the pooled money into specific securities and asset classes (usually stocks or bonds)

Life Insurance
Life insurance is a financial resource for your family and loved ones in case of your death. It is a cover which allows your family to maintain a standard to living as they are currently, and meet their financial obligations. It also serves as an effective investment and tax saving tool.

Equity
When we buy equities, we start looking at the price next day or next week. For many who call themselves investors,ong run is 1 month. But do you think the management of the business of which we buy shares really looks at their business growth in such a short period.

Tax Planning
Whats the most tax advantaged group in the tax code? The answer may surprise you, especially if youre a business owner. But the answer is simple - you, the business owner are POTENTIALLY the most tax advantaged group in the tax code. Believe it or not, business owners get all the breaks. And no, the tax breaks are not just for the Fortune 500 companies, but the middle market, small business, or family owned business all the same. I would add a caveat to make it a little more believable and accurate. The most advantaged group in the tax code is the INFORMED business owner. If you feel encumbered by the tax code and business laws, and dont see too many breaks coming your way, its because you fall into the unfortunate group called the UNINFORMED business owners!

Fixed Deposits
A fixed deposit (FD) is a financial instrument provided by Indian banks which provides investors with a higher rate of interest than a regular savings account, until the given maturity date . It may or may not require the creation of a separate account. It is known as a term deposit or time deposit in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, and as a bond in the United Kingdom. They are considered to be very safe investments. Term deposits in India is used to denote a larger class of investments with varying levels of liquidity. The defining criteria for a fixed deposit is that the money cannot be withdrawn for the FD as compared to a recurring deposit or a demand deposit before maturity.

Real estate
Real estate is a special instance of real property, which is real estate – land and buildings – plus the rights of use and enjoyment that come with the land and its improvements.