Ever since MCLR (Marginal Cost of funds based Lending Rate) came into existence from April 1, 2016, a question that I have been asked multiple times is “Should I switch from Base Rate to MCLR?” The frequency of these questions grew after various banks cut their MCLR sharply after the demonetisation drive. How Can I… Continue Reading
In this post, I will share an example where the bank did not pass the interest rate cut to the customer for a very long time. I found out about this case in an article in MoneyLife magazine. A gentleman took a floating rate loan from HDFC Bank in 2007. The loan was to be… Continue Reading
A few days back, one of my clients me told that his brother was going for higher education and that he (his brother) was unsure if he should take a personal loan or education loan to fund the education. Frankly, it was an apple and orange comparison. It is difficult to compare an education and… Continue Reading
Almost everyone plans to purchase a house sooner or later. For those who want to purchase their house early in their professional career, affordability of the home loan can be a serious issue. Your salary grows over a period of time. Your non-discretionary expenses such as rent, groceries, utility bills, school fees for kids etc.… Continue Reading
Many of us purchase car on loans. Wouldn’t it help if you were to pay lower EMIs every month? Here are a few tips to reduce your car loan EMI burden. 1. Negotiate on the Price First, Then on the Loan Terms You need to negotiate on the price of the car first. Loan interest… Continue Reading
Personal loans are easily available. Many banks even claim to provide instant personal loans. You get regular email alerts that you have a pre-approved loan. And if you are planning a very expensive vacation, don’t think twice because the personal loan is yours for the taking. The picture is rosy. Your ego is bloated. Cost… Continue Reading
Refinancing a loan simply means availing a loan from a new lender to pay off an existing one. You approach a new lender for loan refinancing/balance transfer. The new lender sanctions the loan and settles your loan outstanding with the existing lender. Subsequently, your obligation with the existing lender terminates and a new repayment obligation… Continue Reading
[pullquote]A floating rate loan is offered at a spread over the benchmark. MCLR and Base Rate are benchmarks. Loan is given at MCLR (or Base Rate) + Spread.[/pullquote] I have discussed the question of whether you should switch your home loan from Base Rate to MCLR in an earlier post. Most of us focus only… Continue Reading
To promote affordable housing, the Government had launched Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) in 2015. Under PMAY, among other schemes, Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low Income Group (LIG) were to be given interest rate subsidy on their housing loans. The interest subsidy was to be provided under Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under PMAY. EWS… Continue Reading
You recently learnt driving in a driving school and want to purchase a car. But you are still not sure of your driving skills. And it hurts to even see a minor dent on a new car. You decide to go for a pre-owned or a second hand car. By the way, your lack of… Continue Reading