MAM
Top Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals in 2025
Retirement planning supports a structured financial approach for salaried and self-employed individuals. It allows individuals to prepare for future income needs after their active working years end. Planning early may help individuals set up regular income options. Various pension and annuity plans are available in 2025 for individuals with different financial goals. Also, many plans offer options such as immediate payouts or deferred income structures. This article explains the top retirement plans for salaried and self-employed professionals in 2025.
Retirement Plans for Salaried and Self-Employed Professionals
The retirement plan for salaried and self-employed professionals in 2025 is as follows:
National Pension System (NPS)
The National Pension System is a voluntary scheme managed by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It is available to salaried employees, government staff, and self-employed persons. Individuals contribute to their pension account regularly during their working years. At retirement, some part of the accumulated fund can be withdrawn as a lump sum, and the remaining portion may be used to buy an annuity plan. Contributions made under NPS are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80CCD.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
The Public Provident Fund is a long-term savings scheme supported by the Government of India. It is available to both salaried and self-employed individuals. The scheme has a 15-year lock-in period, and contributions earn interest at a rate decided by the Ministry of Finance every quarter. The interest earned and the maturity amount are exempt from income tax. Individuals can contribute a fixed amount every year, and partial withdrawals are allowed after 6 years of opening the PPF account.
Annuity Plans
Annuity plans are available through life insurance companies and can be suitable for those nearing retirement. Individuals invest a lump sum amount, and the insurer provides regular payouts for life or a fixed duration. Annuity options include immediate annuity, deferred annuity, and joint life annuity. These plans do not allow the withdrawal of the principal amount but offer fixed income during the post-retirement period. An annuity plan can be helpful for self-employed individuals who want a predictable payout pattern.
Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS)
The Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme is designed for individuals aged 60 years and above. It is available through banks and post offices. The scheme allows a one-time investment, and interest is paid quarterly. The interest rate is reviewed every quarter by the Ministry of Finance. SCSS has a tenure of five years and may be extended by three more years. The SCSS can be suitable for retirees who seek regular interest income in their retirement years.
Life Insurance Retirement Plans
Many life insurance providers offer pension or retirement-focused insurance policies. This plan combines savings with life coverage, and both salaried and self-employed individuals can buy life insurance retirement plans. This plan usually involves regular premiums or a one-time payment. On maturity, a part of the amount can be paid to the policyholder as a lump sum, while the rest is used to offer periodic income. Many life insurance retirement plans offer deferred annuity or immediate annuity options, based on the policyholder’s age and preference.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Atal Pension Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme mainly aimed at unorganised sector workers. However, any Indian citizen between 18 and 40 years of age may join. People who enrol for this yojana can receive monthly pension benefits after reaching the age of 60. The contribution amount depends on the chosen monthly pension and the age of entry.
Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF)
The Voluntary Provident Fund is an extension of the Employees’ Provident Fund. It allows salaried employees to contribute a higher percentage of their salary beyond the mandatory EPF amount. The interest rate is usually similar to EPF. Additionally, it offers tax benefits under Section 80C, and the maturity amount is tax-exempt if certain conditions are met. VPF may suit those who want to increase long-term savings through payroll deductions.
Retirement-Linked Mutual Funds
Retirement-linked mutual funds are designed to support long-term retirement planning objectives. These funds typically follow equity or hybrid investment strategies and are suited for long-term goals. They may include lock-in periods and step-down strategies that gradually reduce equity exposure as the investor nears retirement. These funds are available to both salaried and self-employed individuals. Retirement-linked mutual funds provide flexibility in contribution amounts and allow investment through systematic investment plans (SIPs).
Conclusion
Retirement planning is an important part of long-term financial preparation. Choosing a plan with suitable annuity features may support future income after regular employment ends. Retirement products vary in structure and may include options for single life or joint life annuity, immediate or deferred income. Understanding how these options work helps individuals select plans that match their financial goals. It is important to review the terms of each policy carefully before making a decision. All information should be read directly from the official website of the provider for an accurate understanding.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or legal advice. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information.
Brands
Lovetc appoints Tamannaah Bhatia as brand face
Ananya Birla’s premium colour cosmetics line gears up for strong second year with 30 per cent monthly growth and fresh face category launch.
MUMBAI: Lovetc is tinting its success story with a starry new shade Tamannaah Bhatia has just been named the face of Ananya Birla’s premium beauty brand. As the colour cosmetics label under Birla Cosmetics completes a vibrant first year in April 2026, it is entering its second chapter with impressive momentum. The brand has delivered 30 per cent month-on-month growth, expanded thoughtfully into offline and quick-commerce channels, and built a loyal following through a digital-first approach mixed with genuine consumer connections.
Priced between Rs 650 and Rs 1,850, Lovetc focused its debut portfolio on lips and eyes categories. Hero products such as Tint, Talk, Etc Radiant Glow Hydrating Tint (SPF 30 PA++), Pout, Perfect, Etc Matte Bullet Lipstick, and Melt, Miracle, Etc Treatment Oil-Infused Lip Balm quickly won hearts. Early shoppers showed strong purchase intent, with average order values ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,800 and an average of two items per transaction, signalling healthy basket-building and repeat purchases.
The brand made its mark in key metros including Mumbai, NCR, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Cochin, while Tier-2 cities surprised with robust demand and loyalty. On the distribution side, Lovetc entered 90 offline retail doors in year one and is on track to cross 150 doors by Q2 2026, choosing each outlet carefully to match its premium positioning.
To mark the milestone, Lovetc is stepping into the face category with the launch of Ace, Face, Etc 4K Blur Matte Foundation in eight shades tailored for diverse Indian skin tones. Additional innovations like the multi-purpose The Etc stick and longwear lip tint Love Bites are also in the pipeline.
Tamannaah Bhatia, known for her pan-India appeal across films and her authentic love for beauty, brings cultural relevance and credibility to the brand. Ananya Birla, founder of Birla Cosmetics, said, “Year Two is going to be big. The brief for every new launch remains the same: Does it perform? Is it playful? Is it kind to the person wearing it? Performance, playfulness, and kindness that is the promise we intend to keep. Bringing Tamannaah on board feels especially pertinent because she brings together an authentic love for beauty with a connection that cuts across audiences and geographies.”
Tamannaah Bhatia added, “I have always loved beauty as a form of self-expression, and what drew me to Lovetc is that it feels playful, thoughtful, and modern at the same time. I am excited to be the face of a brand that is creating products with both performance and personality.”
With deliberate growth, quality-focused retail expansion, and a celebrity partner who genuinely connects with beauty lovers nationwide, Lovetc is blending performance with personality in a market hungry for thoughtful premium options. As it steps into year two, the brand is proving that in beauty, the right tint can make everything glow a little brighter. Delhi, Mumbai, or a Tier-2 favourite Lovetc is colouring India’s beauty shelves with confidence and charm.
