Consider these astonishing figures:
- Over Rs. 1,00,000 Crore lies unclaimed in shares with the Investor Education & Protection Fund (IEPF).
- Unclaimed dividends worth over Rs. 5,700 Crore are dormant in the IEPF.
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) holds over Rs. 58,000 Crore in unclaimed amounts.
- Banks, under the oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), safeguard around Rs. 35,000 Crore in unclaimed deposits.
- Approximately Rs. 20,000 – 22,000 Crore in insurance policies remains unclaimed.
- Over Rs. 2,600 Crore sits idle in unclaimed Mutual Funds.
While these numbers are in itself staggering, more wealth might be hidden in other investment avenues like real estate, physical jewellery, etc. which remain unclaimed.
As individuals, we toil tirelessly to secure our future and that of our loved ones. We invest, we save, and we insure ourselves against the uncertainties of life. However, what happens if tragedy strikes, and our family is left unaware of the financial safety net we’ve painstakingly built?
Many families have found themselves in a tough spot, never realising that their departed loved ones have left behind substantial wealth meant for them.
In many Indian households financial matters remain with only one individual. This lack of transparency leaves families vulnerable, as heirs may be unaware of the wealth left behind for them. That’s why it’s important to engage in open conversations about finances within the family. Along with such conversations, we must take these proactive steps to safeguard our legacy:
- Appoint a nominee for all your accounts: Ensure someone trusted is designated as a nominee for all your accounts. Even regulators, recognizing the issue of unclaimed wealth, are urging investors to assign a nominee for each of their accounts.
- Create a Will: You may appoint a lawyer and get a Will created which will formalise your wishes regarding the distribution of your estate (assets). A well made Will can also avoid potential family feuds.
- Share financial details with your family: Make sure that your family is aware of the details of your investments and how to access them in your absence.
Without a designated nominee or Will, accessing these assets can become a bureaucratic nightmare. Banks may demand cumbersome paperwork and legal affidavits, with no guarantee of a smooth transfer to your family.
Even if a nominee is assigned, having a Will remains essential for two primary reasons:
- Nomination is limited to specific financial instruments like insurance policies, bank accounts and mutual fund holdings, whereas a Will covers the entirety of one’s estate.
- While nomination grants the right to receive and hold the asset, a Will bestows the right to own the assets. A Will holds supreme authority, overriding not only the nomination but also laws like the Hindu Succession Act.
To make it easier for you to document all details and share with your family, we have created an Excel based template where you can document all details pertaining to your assets like bank accounts, mutual funds, demat/ trading account, deposits, insurance policies, etc. and even your liabilities. To use, you can download this template and you can even modify it to suit your needs.
By sharing this filled-in template with your family, you can ensure that they are better equipped to manage your affairs in your absence.
I hope this is useful. If you believe there are additional details we should include in the template, do write to us.
Till the next time,
Vijay
CEO – InCred Money