UPI vs Digital Wallet: What’s the Difference?

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In today's digital age, people don't like to carry cash. Now everything has become online - whether it is shopping, paying bills or transferring money. The two most popular digital payment options in India are UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and Digital Wallet. Many people consider these two to be the same, but in reality their working method, features and benefits are different. In this blog, we will learn in detail what UPI and digital wallet are, how they work, and what are the main differences between them. What is UPI? The full form of UPI is Unified Payments Interface. It was launched by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) in 2016. UPI is a system through which you can transfer money directly from your bank account to another person's bank account - that too without entering IFSC code, account number, just by mobile number or UPI ID. Main advantages of UPI: Send or receive money directly from your bank Real-time transactions Available 24x7 ...

Which is the best tax saving scheme?

In today's time, every person wants to save as much as possible from his hard-earned money. If you choose the right tax saving scheme, then along with saving tax, you can also create a good fund for your future.

In this blog, we will tell you about the best tax saving plans , so that you can choose the right plan according to your needs.

1. Public Provident Fund (PPF) – The Safest Scheme

  • Tax exemption: Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
  • Interest Rate: Around 7.1% (fixed by the government)
  • Lock-in period: 15 years
  • Risk: Absolutely safe (Guaranteed by Government)

Why choose us?

  • Safe and long term savings plan
  • Investment, interest and maturity amount – all three are tax free
  • Partial withdrawal can be done after 7 years

2. Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) – Highest Returning Scheme

  • Tax exemption: Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
  • Interest Rate: 12-15% (on average)
  • Lock-in period: 3 years
  • Risk: Depends on the stock market

Why choose us?

  • Lowest lock-in period (only 3 years)
  • Higher returns than other tax saving schemes
  • Investing in the long term can give good returns

3. National Pension Scheme (NPS) – Best scheme for retirement planning

  • Tax exemption:
    • Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
    • Additional ₹50,000 under section 80CCD(1B)
  • Interest Rate: 8-10% (on average)
  • Lock-in period: Till the age of 60 years
  • Risk: Depends on stock market and bonds

Why choose us?

  • Great returns for the long term
  • Source of regular income after retirement
  • Government-backed scheme

4. Employee Provident Fund (EPF) – Best for salaried people

  • Tax exemption: Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
  • Interest Rate: Around 8.15% per annum
  • Lock-in period: Till the tenure of employment
  • Risk: Absolutely safe

Why choose us?

  • Investment by deducting salary every month
  • Funds can be transferred when you change jobs
  • There is no tax on interest

5. Tax Saving Fixed Deposit (FD) – The Easiest and Safest Way

  • Tax exemption: Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
  • Interest Rate: 6-7% per annum
  • Lock-in period: 5 years
  • Risk: Absolutely safe

Why choose us?

  • One can easily invest in the bank
  • Ideal for seniors as it is risk-free
  • Interest rate is slightly higher as compared to other FDs

6. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) – Best for daughter’s future

  • Tax exemption: Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
  • Interest Rate: Around 8% per annum
  • Lock-in period: 21 years (or partial withdrawal when daughter turns 18)
  • Risk: Absolutely safe

Why choose us?

  • Ideal for education and marriage of daughters
  • Interest rate is higher than PPF
  • Both investment and interest are tax free

7. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) – Most beneficial for the elderly

  • Tax exemption: Up to ₹1.5 lakh under section 80C
  • Interest Rate: Around 8.2% per annum
  • Lock-in period: 5 years
  • Risk: None (Government Guarantee)

Why choose us?

  • Assured income after retirement
  • Higher interest rate than other schemes
  • Available at banks and post offices

8. Health Insurance – The best way to save tax on medical expenses

  • Tax exemption:
    • Up to ₹25,000 for self and family
    • Up to ₹50,000 for parents
  • Risk: none

Why choose us?

  • Protection from huge hospital expenses
  • Health cover along with saving tax
  • Higher discounts for senior citizens

Which is the best tax saving scheme?

If you…

  • Want a completely safe plan → PPF, EPF, Tax Saving FD, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
  • Want good returns → ELSS, NPS, SCSS
  • Want the lowest lock-in period → ELSS (3 years), Tax Saving FD (5 years)
  • Retirement planning → NPS, SCSS
  • Want to save for your daughter → Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
  • Want to save tax with health insurance → Health Insurance (80D)

conclusion

If you want to save tax as well as plan for the future, then choosing the right scheme is very important.

  • If you want safe investment for the long term , then PPF, EPF, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are the best options.
  • If you want higher returns , then ELSS and NPS are better.
  • If you are planning for retirement , then you can choose NPS and SCSS .

Choose the right option from these schemes for tax saving and make the right investments to secure and grow your money!

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