The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme designed to encourage small savings & investment among citizens. Individuals can open a PPF account with authorized banks or post offices. The account has a fixed tenure of 15 years which can be extended to 5 more years, and it offers a secure and tax-efficient way to build savings.
Contributions made to the PPF account, interest earned, and withdrawals are not taxable under Income Tax. PPF provides a reliable avenue for individuals to build wealth gradually, making it a popular choice for those looking for a stable and tax-friendly investment option.
PPF helps you plan your finances in a disciplined way. Regularly checking the account balance can help in tracking contributions, interest accrual, and overall funds' performance. This disciplined approach ensures that individuals remain focused on their long-term objectives, such as education, home purchase, or a comfortable retirement.
Reasons to Check PPF Account Balance
1. Monitor Savings Progress
Checking the PPF account balance regularly helps individuals to monitor their savings progress. It helps individuals to determine how much they have saved and how much more they need to achieve their savings goals. By monitoring their savings progress, individuals can adjust their saving habits or PPF contributions.
2. Track Interest Earnings
PPF is a fixed-income instrument that offers a high rate of interest, which is calculated and compounded annually. Checking the PPF interest rate and PPF account balance regularly can help individuals track the interest earned on their PPF investment. This can help individuals to estimate their earnings and plan their finances accordingly.
3. Plan Withdrawals
PPF comes with a fixed lock-in period of 15 years, which means that the account can only be withdrawn on maturity. Checking the PPF account balance regularly can help individuals plan their withdrawals in advance. Withdrawals can only be made after the completion of the lock-in period, so keeping track of the tenure and the balance in the account is essential.