In the picturesque town of Thrissur, Kerala, the enchanting sound of temple bells mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee that wafted through the air. Amidst this tranquil setting lived the Menon family, renowned for their artistry in crafting exquisite gold jewellery. Led by the visionary patriarch, Mohan Menon, the family decided to begin a journey to expand their business horizons and sought the assistance of Manappuram, a trusted financial institution, by availing a gold loan.
What is a gold loan?
A gold loan, a financial boon for the Menon family, is a secured borrowing option where individuals pledge their gold ornaments or jewellery as collateral to obtain funds from a reputable financial institution like the Manappuram gold loan. This collateralised loan provides a safe and swift way to access funds, helping individuals fulfil their financial aspirations without parting ways with their cherished gold possessions.
Top benefits of availing a gold loan –
Minimal documentation
The Menon family found the gold loan process to be hassle-free, with Manappuram requiring only minimal documentation. This streamlined approach allowed them to focus more on their craft and business growth.
Quick disbursal
Manappuram stands true to its reputation, offering swift approval and disbursal of the gold loan, ensuring borrowers get immediate access to much-needed funds. This speed is particularly advantageous during emergencies or business expansion plans.
Lower interest rates
One of the most appealing aspects of the gold loan is the relatively lower Manappuram gold loan interest rates compared to unsecured loans. This feature significantly reduces the financial burden on borrowers.
No credit checks
Unlike conventional loans that involve stringent credit checks, the gold loan from Manappuram is secured against the value of the pledged gold. This eliminates the need for extensive credit scrutiny, making it accessible to a wider range of borrowers.
Flexible loan amount
The Menon family appreciated the flexibility offered by Manappuram, as they were able to borrow funds according to their gold’s value. This ensured they received an amount that aligned perfectly with their financial needs.
No prepayment penalties
The borrower’s sense of financial freedom is upheld with Manappuram’s gold loan, as there are no prepayment penalties. This allowed the Menon family to make early repayments and reduce their interest burden without any additional charges.
Short tenure options
Recognising that borrowers have varying repayment capacities, Manappuram provides multiple tenure options. The Menon family could choose the loan tenure that suited their financial capability, enabling them to repay comfortably.
No end-use restrictions
Manappuram respected the autonomy of the borrower, allowing them complete freedom to utilise the funds for any purpose they deemed fit, be it reinvesting in their business or meeting personal obligations.
Immediate liquidity
The gold loan served as a reliable financial lifeline for the Menon family during times of urgency or unpredicted expenses. It offered immediate liquidity to address their financial needs promptly.
Safe custody of gold
Manappuram reassured the Menon family by providing secure storage for their pledged gold during the loan tenure. The family was at ease knowing their precious heirlooms were safeguarded.
Transparent process
Transparency was evident in every step of the gold loan journey with Manappuram. The family appreciated the clarity and communication provided throughout the loan process.
Better credit score
The Menon family realised the importance of timely repayments, not just for the gold loan but also for their overall creditworthiness. Adhering to the repayment schedule positively impacted their credit score, opening doors to future financial opportunities.
High LTV or loan-to-value ratio
Manappuram offered a loan amount that was a significant proportion of the gold’s value, providing substantial funds without requiring the borrower to pledge excessive gold.
Credit shield
Some gold loan schemes offered insurance coverage to protect the borrower’s family in unfortunate events, ensuring that their loved ones would not bear the burden of loan repayment.
Easy eligibility
The simplicity of the eligibility criteria made the gold loan accessible to a wider audience. The Menon family was delighted by the straightforward process.
Managing timely repayments and prepayments –
Create a repayment plan
The Menon family wisely crafted a repayment plan with clear timelines, setting aside a portion of their monthly income to cover the EMI.
Automate payments
To ensure timely EMI payments, the Menon family opted for auto-debit facilities, guaranteeing that the payments were made without delays.
Budgeting
The family prioritised budgeting, allocating funds for the EMI payment to avoid any financial strain.
Track due dates
The Menon family diligently tracked the EMI due dates, setting reminders to avoid any missed payments.
Avoid missing payments
Understanding the consequences of missing EMIs, the Menon family made it a point never to default on their payments to prevent penalties and protect their credit score.
Use surplus funds wisely
Whenever they had surplus funds from bonuses or windfalls, the family utilised them for partial prepayments, reducing the principal amount and overall interest burden.
Grace periods
The family appreciated the grace period provided by Manappuram, ensuring they made payments within the specified timeframe.
Loan restructuring
During financial difficulties, the Menon family explored the option of loan restructuring with the lender, seeking a mutually beneficial solution.
Gold accumulation
As a practice similar to saving for the future, the family continued to accumulate gold, enabling them to pledge additional gold ornaments for future loans while managing their repayments.
Consider loan top-up
Instead of availing multiple loans, they wisely opted for a loan top-up if required, simplifying repayment management.
Avoid over-borrowing
The Menon family borrowed only what they genuinely needed, avoiding unnecessary debt burdens during repayment.
Review finances regularly
Periodic financial reviews helped the family assess their repayment capacity and make necessary adjustments.
Refinancing options
They kept a lookout for refinancing opportunities at lower interest rates to reduce the overall interest outgo.
Monitor interest rates
The family monitored interest rate fluctuations to make prepayments during low-rate periods, optimising their loan repayment strategy.
Financial advisor consultation
Seeking professional advice from a financial advisor assisted the Menon family in making informed financial decisions.
As the years passed, the Menon family’s business flourished, and they repaid the Manappuram gold loan with unwavering diligence and integrity. The bond between the family and the financial institution grew stronger, exemplifying the essence of trust and responsible.
On a serene day during the auspicious festival of Onam, the Menon family decided to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Manappuram branch manager, Mr Rajan Nair. They presented him with a delicately handcrafted gold ornament, a symbol of their gratitude for the institution’s unwavering support throughout their journey.
Touched by this sincere gesture, Mr. Nair was deeply moved. He commended the Menon family for their exemplary financial behaviour and shared their inspiring story with other borrowers. The family’s story became a shining example of how responsible borrowing, timely repayments, and prudent financial management can shape a brighter future for individuals and communities alike.
