A Demat account is required to trade and invest in the stock market. It ensures secure, paperless transactions and easy access to holdings.

You can open a Demat account through a registered Depository Participant (DP) like banks, stockbrokers, or financial institutions by completing KYC formalities.

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Address proof
• Bank account details
• Passport-size photograph

Charges vary by provider and may include:

• Account opening fees (some brokers offer free accounts)
• Annual maintenance charges (AMC)
• Transaction fees for buying/selling securities

Insurance is a financial agreement where you pay a premium to an insurance company in exchange for coverage against financial risks like accidents, illness, or property damage.

• Life Insurance – Provides financial security to your family in case of your death.
• Health Insurance – Covers medical expenses.
• Motor Insurance – Covers vehicle damages and third-party liabilities.
• Home Insurance – Protects against damage to your house.
• Travel Insurance – Covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies while traveling.

Insurance helps manage financial risks, provides security for loved ones, and covers unexpected expenses due to accidents, illnesses, or disasters.

Consider your needs, coverage amount, policy benefits, claim settlement ratio of the insurer, and premium costs before selecting a policy.

A claim is a request you make to the insurance company to receive compensation or benefits under your policy. You need to submit documents like a claim form, medical reports (for health claims), or an FIR (for accidents).

A Loan Against Securities (LAS) allows you to borrow money by pledging your shares, mutual funds, bonds, or other financial assets as collateral.

The lender provides a loan based on the market value of the pledged securities. You continue to own the securities and receive dividends, but they remain pledged until the loan is repaid.

• Equity shares
• Mutual funds
• Government bonds
• Insurance policies
• ETFs and debt securities (as per lender’s list)

Interest rates typically range from 8% to 15% per annum, varying by lender, security type, and loan amount.

Most lenders offer flexible repayment, where you can pay only interest monthly and repay the principal later.