Women are independent and capable enough to handle a family, organisation or even society. Women always hold it as a high priority when it comes to saving money. Investing in a good plan will help women reach all their financial goals and get reliable returns. When starting a financial planning journey, selecting the right investment plan can be difficult as it requires detailed research. This article will give you insights about which is the suitable plan for women to start their financial planning. Here is a comparative analysis of the two most popular investment avenues.

What is MSSC Scheme?

To empower women and to be financially independent, the finance minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced this scheme for women named “Mahila Samman Saving Certificate” (MSSC) during the 2023 budget. Girls and women can be self-reliant by investing in this plan by the government. Many women in this country prefer to invest in a fixed deposit plan. However, the MSSC plan provides an attractive interest rate of 7.5%* p.a. with a maximum investment amount of ₹2 Lakhs and a tenure of up to 2 years.

This new plan was introduced exclusively for women to help them achieve their short-term goals and requirements. Compared to other small savings schemes such as “Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna”, which provides a maximum investment amount of ₹1.5 Lakhs in a fiscal year with a long lock-in period, the MSSC scheme is the flexible investment option for women.

What is a Fixed Deposit?

A fixed deposit (FD) is a savings instrument offered by banks, post offices and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) that allows investors to deposit a lump sum amount for a fixed tenure and earn interest on it.

The interest rate on an FD is predetermined for the selected tenure and does not change during the deposit period.

Banks, and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) such as Shriram Finance provide a variety of fixed deposit plans. With Shriram Fixed Deposit, you get attractive interest rates of up to 8.15%* p.a. including 0.50%* p.a. for Senior Citizens and 0.05%* p.a. for Women Depositors.

Benefits of investing in Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC)

• This scheme provides a fixed interest rate of 7.5%*p.a. for a tenure of 2 years.
• There is no age limit; women and girl children of any age can invest in MSSC
• Partial withdrawals are allowed.
• It provides better returns when compared to any standard bank fixed deposit.
• It offers a better interest rate for a short-term investment.
• The interest amount calculation for the MSSC plan is the same as any other small savings scheme provided by the post office.

Benefits of investing in Shriram Fixed Deposit

• Book your FD with Shriram Finance to keep your money locked-in and enjoy steady returns.
• Shriram Finance provides one of India's highest FD interest rates compared to banks and other NBFCs.
• It provides you with flexible tenure options for every individual.
• If you are a woman, you will receive an additional interest rate benefit of 0.05%* p.a.
• Senior Citizens are entitled to an additional 0.50%* p.a. interest on Fixed Deposit.

Why should Women Depositors choose Shriram Unnati FD over MSSC Scheme?

• MSSC plan offers investment tenure only for two years, whereas Shriram Fixed Deposit tenure ranges from 1 to 5 years.
• With Shriram Finance, if you select a non-cumulative fixed deposit plan, you will receive monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly interest payouts whereas flexibility in payout option is not the same with MSSC Scheme.
• Booking an FD with Shriram Finance offers women an additional interest rate benefit of 0.05%* p.a.

Being financially independent will build your confidence and help you face any challenges that come your way. As life is very unpredictable, it is necessary to save money to achieve your goals in the future. Women can make the right decisions when it comes to financing. So, now is the right time to choose Shriram Fixed Deposit and start your investment savings for future financial needs.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed Deposit is a low-risk investment plan.
• The fixed deposit interest rates remain constant throughout the investment tenure and does not change with market fluctuations.
• Shriram Fixed Deposit helps you to earn predictable returns.
• MSSC Scheme is a small savings plan for women. The maximum investment amount is ₹2,00,000 and the maximum investment tenure is two years.
• If you want a long-term investment plan with better returns, choose Shriram Fixed Deposit.
• You can also avail of a loan against Shriram Fixed Deposit if you require extra funds during financial emergencies.

FAQs

Which is a better investment: MSSC or Shriram Fixed Deposit?

MSSC and Shriram Fixed Deposit provide different interest rates for different tenures. If you want to invest for two years, then the MSSC scheme can be a good fit. Shriram Fixed Deposit offers reliable returns at attractive interest rates for a tenure of up to 5 years. You can choose your investment option based on your need and start your investment.

Is financial planning essential for women?

Financial planning is essential for women as it allows them to build an independent financial future. Choosing an investment option like Shriram Fixed Deposit can help you start your financial planning wisely and take significant life decisions confidently.

Is there any benefit for women who invest in FD?

Shriram Finance offers up to 8.15%* p.a. on Shriram FD, which is inclusive of an additional 0.50%* p.a. for senior citizens and an additional 0.05%* p.a. for women depositors.

Is there any minimum amount that can be deposited in a fixed deposit?

Yes, the minimum amount that can be deposited in Shriram Fixed Deposit is ₹5000.