Answer Book question

Should my parents keep all their money in fixed deposits?

No. but not because FDs are bad. Because all-in-one-thing is fragile: one bank above the insurance limit, one rate cycle, one inflation decade. Spread across banks within insured limits, use SCSS for the eligible portion, keep a reserve liquid, and. if they can tolerate it. a small balanced-fund slice for growth.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

No. but not because FDs are bad. Because all-in-one-thing is fragile: one bank above the insurance limit, one rate cycle, one inflation decade. Spread across banks within insured limits, use SCSS for the eligible portion, keep a reserve liquid, and. if they can tolerate it. a small balanced-fund slice for growth.

Real life

Parents hold ₹38 lakh in one cooperative bank at an attractive rate. The bank runs into trouble. Withdrawals are restricted for a year. Their entire retirement is frozen.

What this means

Deposit insurance covers a fixed amount per depositor per bank. Beyond that, you are an unsecured creditor. Concentration risk is real even in "safe" products.

What to check

Amount per bank vs. insured limit Institution type and regulation Rate reset exposure SCSS usage Inflation

What people often miss

Treating every institution called a "bank" as equally safe.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Cooperative institutions are part of Kerala's fabric and many are sound. Still: insured limit per institution, and verify status.

An example

₹38 lakh: ₹5 lakh × 3 commercial banks, SCSS at cap for each spouse, ₹4 lakh liquid fund, ₹6 lakh balanced fund. No institution above the insured limit.

When this may not be the right answer

A very small corpus may simply fit within one insured limit; then one bank is fine.

What to do next

List deposits by institution Restructure to within insured limits Add SCSS

Related questions

What is SCSS and when is it useful? My father has accounts in five banks. Should we consolidate them?

Related Kerala Rising help

Senior-citizen services

Sources and what to verify

India Post / SCSS rules · IRDAI annuity product guidance · RBI deposit insurance (DICGC) limits · Kerala Social Security Mission and Social Justice Department for pension schemes Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Send us your parents' rough monthly expenses, their income sources and what lump sum exists. We will help you see whether it holds up. and what to organise before there is an emergency. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Seniors › Retirement · Retirement 16

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.