There are several retirement planning options available to the self-employed. The National Pension System (NPS) has an option exclusively for the self-employed. All the financial products available in the accumulation phase like mutual funds, insurance plans for retirement and the Public Provided Fund (PPF) are available to the selfemployed. What the self-employed need to be aware of is that unlike those in a regular employment, where mandatory PF deductions are made, for the self-employed, self-discipline is needed to make their accumulation meaningful over the years that they save for it.

OLMdesk@outlookindia.com