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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
PANKAJ Question by PANKAJ on Jul 22, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 27 years old i buy LIC's New Jeevan Labh Plan Plan -936 With Commencement date:28/07/2022 With Instalment Premium: 45,027.00 Per Year and I have LIC's Jeevan Umang Plan (945) With Commencement Date:-28/07/2022 With Instalment Premium: 66386.00 Per Year . My monthly income is eighty thousand Than What should I do With LIC Policy can I Surrender it or Something else

Ans: You are 27 years old. Your income is Rs. 80,000 per month. You are paying Rs. 45,027 annually for LIC’s New Jeevan Labh (Plan 936). You are also paying Rs. 66,386 annually for LIC’s Jeevan Umang (Plan 945). Both started on 28/07/2022. Combined, you are paying Rs. 1,11,413 per year. That is around Rs. 9,284 per month.

Let’s assess this from all angles.

? Your Age and Financial Advantage

– You are just 27 years old now.
– You have long working life ahead.
– This is the best time to build wealth.
– Time is your biggest asset right now.
– Small changes now will give big results later.
– Your current income is good.
– Rs. 80,000 per month gives you high saving potential.
– You are on the right track to start financial planning early.

? What LIC Policies Really Do

– Jeevan Labh and Jeevan Umang are traditional LIC policies.
– These are investment plus insurance plans.
– They offer low life cover.
– They offer very low returns.
– Returns are around 4% to 5% only.
– This is even lower than inflation.
– So your money loses value over time.
– You pay regular premium but get poor growth.
– These plans are not good for wealth creation.

? Problems With Investment-Cum-Insurance Plans

– These plans mix two different goals.
– One is protection, other is wealth building.
– But neither goal is fully achieved.
– Insurance cover is too low for your need.
– Investment return is too small for your future.
– Your money gets locked for long term.
– There is very low liquidity in such plans.
– You can’t withdraw when you need.
– If you miss premium, policy may lapse.
– It becomes a burden without good benefit.

? Better Way to Do Insurance

– Insurance is only for protection.
– For that, buy a pure term insurance plan.
– It is cheaper and gives high life cover.
– Premium will be very low at your age.
– You can get Rs. 1 crore cover at low cost.
– That will protect your family fully.
– Don’t use LIC traditional plans for insurance needs.

? Better Way to Do Investment

– Investment is for growth of money.
– Use mutual funds for this purpose.
– Start SIPs in actively managed mutual funds.
– These funds grow with market and give better returns.
– Index funds are not good for you.
– Index funds only copy the market blindly.
– They fall badly when market crashes.
– They don’t protect your money in tough times.
– Actively managed funds adjust risk and return.
– They are better for a long-term investor like you.

? Disadvantages of Continuing LIC Plans

– You will pay high premiums every year.
– Your returns will stay very low.
– You will not be able to stop in middle.
– You lose flexibility with your money.
– In future, you may need that money.
– But these plans lock it for 15–20 years.
– If you surrender later, you get less than what you paid.
– So, more delay will lead to more loss.

? Can You Surrender Now?

– Yes, you can surrender the plans now.
– But you have completed only 2 years.
– So surrender value will be low now.
– Still, it is better to stop early than regret later.
– You can consider paid-up option also.
– But that also gives poor return.
– The best step is to stop both policies.
– Take the loss now and secure your future better.
– Redeploy that money into mutual funds.

? What You Should Do Now

– First, buy a term insurance plan.
– This gives full life protection at low cost.
– Second, stop both LIC policies immediately.
– Don’t renew premium this July 2025.
– Third, start SIPs of Rs. 9,000 monthly in mutual funds.
– Choose 2 or 3 actively managed mutual funds.
– Use different types like large-cap, flexi-cap, hybrid.
– Start with regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner.
– Don’t go with direct mutual fund apps.

? Why Regular Funds Through CFP Are Better

– Direct funds offer no support.
– No one tells you when to change funds.
– During market fall, you may panic and stop SIPs.
– That harms your goals and confidence.
– Regular funds with CFP and MFD guidance give direction.
– CFP gives full financial planning service.
– They help in goal setting, rebalancing and exit strategy.
– Regular mode is more suitable for working individuals.
– Focus on value, not just cost.

? What Happens If You Delay Action

– You will continue paying Rs. 1.1 lakh yearly.
– For 20 years, this is over Rs. 22 lakh.
– You may get Rs. 30–32 lakh after 25 years.
– But value of money will reduce due to inflation.
– You are locking your potential wealth for poor gain.
– If you act now, your money will grow better.
– Mutual funds can build Rs. 1 crore in 25 years.
– But traditional LIC plans can’t reach there.

? Tax Benefit is Not Enough Reason

– LIC policies offer 80C benefit.
– But that’s not enough to keep bad investment.
– ELSS mutual fund also gives same benefit.
– And gives higher returns than LIC plans.
– Tax-saving should not be your main reason to invest.
– Return, liquidity and flexibility are more important.

? Protecting Your Financial Future

– You are young and earning well.
– This is the best time to invest right.
– Avoid emotional attachment to LIC policies.
– Take informed decision with full calculation.
– Focus on long-term wealth creation.
– Your financial freedom depends on your decisions today.
– Choose flexible, high-growth investment options.
– Stay protected with proper term insurance.

? Role of a Certified Financial Planner

– A CFP helps build your financial foundation.
– They create a plan based on your life goals.
– They track your progress and help in rebalancing.
– They also help in choosing right SIPs and insurance.
– A CFP ensures you don’t make random decisions.
– Instead of following crowd, you follow a structured path.
– Your money works better with CFP guidance.

? Finally

– You are still early in your working life.
– But LIC policies are not suitable for you.
– They give low return, low cover, and low flexibility.
– You should stop both plans now.
– Buy a good term insurance policy.
– Start mutual fund SIPs in regular plan through CFP.
– Plan your future with full awareness and proper support.
– Take this small step today.
– It will give you peace and growth for many years ahead.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 28, 2024

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Money
I have a lic policy montly premium is 2220 for 10 yrs i have to pay. But policy will mature after 15 yrs i will get 5 lakhs should i continue or discontinued
Ans: Assessing Your LIC Policy
You have a LIC policy where you pay Rs. 2,220 monthly for 10 years. The policy matures in 15 years, with an expected maturity amount of Rs. 5 lakhs. Let's explore if it is wise to continue or discontinue this policy, considering your financial goals.

Evaluating the Policy’s Return
To begin, let's examine the return you are likely to get:

Premium Paid: Over 10 years, you will pay Rs. 2,220 monthly, totaling Rs. 2,66,400.
Maturity Amount: You will receive Rs. 5 lakhs after 15 years.
At first glance, it seems like you are getting back more than you paid. However, when you account for inflation and other factors, the return is modest.

Considering the Inflation Impact
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. The Rs. 5 lakhs you expect to receive after 15 years will not have the same value as it does today.

Key Points to Note:

Inflation can erode the real value of your maturity amount.
The return you get may not match your financial needs in 15 years.
Analyzing Alternative Investment Options
There are other investment avenues that might offer better returns with the same or even lower risk. These include mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, where a Certified Financial Planner can help you pick funds that align with your risk profile and goals.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:

Potential for higher returns compared to traditional insurance policies.
Professional management and regular adjustments to maximize gains.
Assessing the Disadvantages of Continuing with the Policy
By continuing with the policy, you might miss out on higher returns offered by alternative investments.

Points to Consider:

Traditional insurance policies often provide lower returns.
Opportunity cost of not investing in higher-return options like mutual funds.
Should You Discontinue the Policy?
If your primary goal is wealth creation, this policy might not be the best option. Discontinuing and reallocating your funds could be a better strategy.

What You Should Do:

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner: They can guide you on the best mutual funds to switch to.
Consider Surrendering the Policy: If it aligns with your financial goals, you could surrender the policy and reinvest the proceeds in a better-performing investment.
Assessing the Insurance Aspect
It’s important to consider that this policy may also provide life coverage. However, the coverage offered by such policies is often inadequate compared to term insurance plans.

Key Insights:

Term insurance offers higher coverage at a lower premium.
You could get better protection by opting for a term insurance plan and investing the remaining funds elsewhere.
Understanding the Cost of Surrendering the Policy
If you decide to discontinue the policy, you might incur some costs. It's important to weigh these costs against the benefits of reinvesting your funds.

Key Considerations:

Check the surrender value and any penalties involved.
Calculate the potential gains from alternative investments after accounting for these costs.
Exploring a Balanced Approach
If you're unsure whether to continue or discontinue, a balanced approach could involve maintaining the policy while diversifying your investments.

Points to Think About:

Continue with the policy for its insurance cover while also starting a mutual fund SIP.
Reassess your investment strategy periodically with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.
Final Insights
Continuing with your LIC policy might not be the best decision if wealth creation is your main goal. There are other investment avenues like mutual funds that offer potentially higher returns. You might consider surrendering the policy and reinvesting the funds into mutual funds while ensuring you have adequate life insurance coverage through a term plan.

Steps You Should Take:

Review your financial goals with a Certified Financial Planner.
Consider the benefits of alternative investments like mutual funds.
Ensure you have sufficient life coverage through term insurance.
This way, you can make informed decisions that align with your long-term financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2025
Money
Hello - I have 4 LIC policies. details as following 1 - Jevvan saral 12/2008. INR 1021 Mthly Pay till 11/2043. Maturity 12/2043 SA 2,50,000 2 - jeeval saral 07/2007 to 07/2042. inr 15,162 HLY. SA 6,25,000. Matruing Dec 2043. 3 - Jeevan Mitra Triple cover 04/2003 - 04/2033. Premium inr 3731 annually SA 1 lakh 4 - Jeevan Anand 11/2003 - 11/2027 premium 4176 annually SA 1 lakh. Pl advise if I should retain or surrender? esp the jeevan saral ones. Not sure how the expected return will look like? I guess the preduction the the agent was v optimistic when i purchased.
Ans: You have held these LIC policies for a long time.

You have been disciplined in paying premiums.

That shows commitment and patience.

But it is also important to assess if they are helping you build wealth.

Let us do a complete 360-degree assessment from a Certified Financial Planner’s view.

This will help you take a confident and informed decision.

Your Existing LIC Policies – A Summary Review

Policy 1: Jeevan Saral (started Dec 2008)

Monthly premium: Rs.1,021

Sum Assured: Rs.2.5 lakhs

Maturity: Dec 2043 (35 years term)

Policy 2: Jeevan Saral (started July 2007)

Half-yearly premium: Rs.15,162

Sum Assured: Rs.6.25 lakhs

Maturity: Dec 2043 (36.5 years term)

Policy 3: Jeevan Mitra – Triple Cover (started April 2003)

Annual premium: Rs.3,731

Sum Assured: Rs.1 lakh

Maturity: April 2033 (30 years term)

Policy 4: Jeevan Anand (started Nov 2003)

Annual premium: Rs.4,176

Sum Assured: Rs.1 lakh

Maturity: Nov 2027 (24 years term)

What Needs to Be Evaluated in Your Policies

Total premium paid so far.

Number of years left for maturity.

Guaranteed maturity benefit.

Bonus declared each year by LIC.

Internal Rate of Return (IRR).

How Jeevan Saral and Other LIC Plans Really Perform

LIC policies are mostly traditional endowment-type products.

They promise guaranteed returns and bonuses.

But the real returns are usually very low.

In most Jeevan Saral cases, final returns are between 4% to 5% per year.

Some even get less than 4% IRR.

That is much below inflation.

Why Jeevan Saral Needs Serious Review

LIC stopped selling Jeevan Saral.

There were many complaints about maturity mismatch.

Projections made by agents were often too optimistic.

Agents showed high maturity values which were not guaranteed.

In reality, maturity depends on age at entry and term.

Older policyholders often got very low maturity values.

Your Jeevan Saral Policies – Key Concerns

One policy has Rs.1,021 monthly premium for 35 years.

The total premium paid will be nearly Rs.4.3 lakhs.

Sum assured is only Rs.2.5 lakhs.

Expected maturity can be Rs.5 to 6 lakhs depending on bonus.

But that means less than 5% return for 35 years.

Second Jeevan Saral policy has higher premium of Rs.15,162 half-yearly.

Total paid will cross Rs.21 lakhs by 2043.

Sum assured is Rs.6.25 lakhs only.

Even with loyalty additions, returns may remain under 5.5%.

What About Jeevan Mitra and Jeevan Anand?

These are older plans with low sum assured.

Jeevan Mitra offers triple cover but investment value is low.

Jeevan Anand continues coverage even after maturity.

But it is of no real benefit unless it is for life insurance need.

Premiums are small, but the returns are not attractive.

Total investment is locked in for long term.

Big Issue – Mixing Insurance with Investment

LIC policies combine insurance and investment.

This is not ideal.

Insurance should give protection only.

Investment should create wealth.

Mixing both gives neither good coverage nor good returns.

Why You Should Surrender – Analytical Assessment

Your goal should be wealth creation and financial protection.

These LIC policies give low returns.

Real return after inflation may be zero or negative.

Even if held till maturity, returns remain weak.

These funds are better used in mutual funds with CFP guidance.

What Happens If You Surrender Now?

All your policies have completed more than 20 years or close to it.

That means surrender value will be higher than early years.

LIC will give you guaranteed surrender value plus bonuses.

In most cases, surrender gives 30% to 50% of total premiums paid.

But if you reinvest wisely, you can recover this gap.

The earlier you surrender, the faster your wealth creation begins.

Reinvestment Strategy – 360-Degree View

Surrender values can be reinvested into mutual funds.

Use actively managed equity funds with long term view.

Always invest through a CFP and MFD, not in direct plans.

Direct funds do not offer help or regular review.

Regular funds via CFP give guidance, rebalancing and emotional support.

Why Not Direct Funds? Key Disadvantages

No one to support during market fall.

No plan to shift asset when goals change.

No help in tax planning.

No family guidance in your absence.

Most people stop SIPs or withdraw in panic without advisor help.

Returns in direct funds may look high, but are rarely achieved.

Why Not Index Funds Also

Index funds copy market blindly.

They can’t protect from downside.

They don’t shift allocation during market bubble.

You get average market returns only.

No active fund manager to add value.

Good active funds have beaten index consistently in India.

India is not yet a mature market for passive investing.

What You Must Do Now – Action Steps

Take surrender quotes for all four LIC policies.

Check exact surrender value and accumulated bonuses.

Do not delay. Every month wasted is loss of growth.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner and execute surrender with confidence.

Shift the proceeds to mutual funds under long-term plan.

Allocate funds based on your risk level and goals.

Use SIPs and STP for reinvestment if large corpus.

Do You Need Insurance Now Separately?

Buy a term insurance plan for full protection.

Term plan is pure cover, no savings.

Premium is very low for large cover.

It is best way to protect your family.

Final Insights

You have kept the policies for long. That discipline is rare.

But continuing them will not create meaningful wealth.

LIC policies serve purpose only for guaranteed returns and simple safety.

But they don’t grow your money fast.

You should not mix insurance and investment.

Surrendering is not a loss. It is a correction.

Mutual funds offer better returns, more flexibility and full transparency.

You will also get better control of your money.

Your money must work for you. LIC policies are not doing that.

With right CFP guidance, you can recover and grow faster.

Start now. Every month delayed is growth lost.

Take smart decisions. Not emotional ones.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2025
Money
Hello Sir. Could you please help me to evaluate on to Surrender LIC policy is a wise decision now. Plan details below. Plan - Lic Jeevan Anand 815 Sum insured - 8lakhs Premium - 36 Annualy Policy in force from - 2015 Maturity year - 2040 Premium paid - 10 years Premium remaining - 15 years Please help me to understand if I surrender this policy will be beneficial to reduce by debts or to invest in MF via SIP. Also please advise how much I get if I surrender the policy now. Thank you Thank you.
Ans: You have clearly outlined your concern. Evaluating whether to surrender your LIC Jeevan Anand Plan 815 is a valid question, especially in a debt crisis. Let's assess this from a 360-degree financial planning perspective.

Policy Summary and Present Status
Policy Name: LIC Jeevan Anand (Plan 815)

Sum Assured: Rs. 8 lakhs

Annual Premium: Rs. 36,000

Policy Start Year: 2015

Maturity Year: 2040

Premiums Paid: 10 years completed

Premiums Remaining: 15 more years to go

You have paid Rs. 3.6 lakhs till date (Rs. 36,000 × 10 years)

Surrender Value Possibility at This Stage
After 10 years, policy acquires good surrender value.

You are eligible for a Guaranteed Surrender Value plus bonus value.

Usually, you can get 30% to 50% of total premiums paid.

That means, you may receive around Rs. 1.2 lakhs to Rs. 1.8 lakhs.

Bonus accumulated may add another Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000

So, expected surrender value = Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 2.3 lakhs.

You must confirm exact amount from the LIC branch or online portal.

LIC agents may not give accurate surrender value details. Go to branch directly.

Is Surrendering Beneficial During Debt Pressure?
You are currently under heavy debt of Rs. 30 lakhs.

Every rupee counts in managing your debt pressure.

Rs. 2 lakhs recovery from this LIC policy can ease your situation slightly.

Also, you will stop paying Rs. 36,000 annually going forward.

That means extra Rs. 3,000 every month saved.

This saving can be used to clear smaller EMIs.

Stopping premium outflow will ease your monthly budget.

Also, LIC policies give very low returns – around 4% to 5% per year.

That’s not good enough when your loans are charging 18% or more interest.

Holding this policy makes no sense when you are paying 2x or 3x in interest.

Insurance and Investment Are Different
LIC Jeevan Anand is an investment cum insurance plan.

Such plans offer low insurance cover and low returns.

You must separate insurance and investment always.

Buy term insurance only for pure life cover.

Invest separately in instruments with better returns.

Do not mix the two goals. It creates confusion and underperformance.

Once Debts Are Cleared – Start Fresh Investment
When your loan burden is reduced, start SIPs in mutual funds.

But don’t choose direct funds on your own. They look cheaper but are risky.

Direct plans don’t guide you when market falls.

Regular plans via MFD with CFP support are more reliable.

Professional help matters more than 0.5% savings in cost.

Actively managed funds give consistent performance over time.

Index funds don’t adapt to market changes. They lack flexibility.

Actively managed funds are better in Indian markets due to volatility.

Invest in regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

What If You Don’t Surrender the Policy?
You’ll continue paying Rs. 36,000 every year for 15 more years.

Total outflow will be Rs. 5.4 lakhs more in future.

On maturity in 2040, expected return will be around Rs. 12 to 14 lakhs.

That gives you less than 5% return yearly.

Against that, your credit cards or personal loans are eating 18% to 36%.

You are borrowing at 36% and investing at 5%. It is a huge mismatch.

It is not wise to keep such a policy when under high debt pressure.

Also, keeping it does not help in your credit score recovery.

It only blocks your cash flow for the next 15 years.

If You Are Emotionally Attached to the Policy
Some people feel emotional about LIC policies.

They may feel security or trust due to LIC brand.

But emotional decisions don’t work well in money matters.

Make decision based on logic, not emotions.

You can always restart investment later with better options.

But your debt needs urgent solution today.

Steps to Surrender the Policy
Visit the LIC branch where the policy was issued.

Carry original bond, ID proof, cancelled cheque, and surrender request form.

Request surrender value statement. Ask for exact amount.

Submit the request in writing and get acknowledgement.

You will get amount by NEFT in 7–10 working days.

Once received, use it immediately to reduce your highest-interest loan.

What to Do with the Surrender Proceeds
Don’t spend the amount. Use it only for loan repayment.

Target the most painful loan first – credit card or loan app.

Next, use the freed-up monthly Rs. 3,000 for loan EMIs.

Recalculate your EMI burden after that.

This will reduce your stress and improve CIBIL score.

Don’t reinvest this money now.

Focus only on debt elimination till your income becomes stable.

Final Insights
Your decision to question this policy is smart.

Most people don’t review old policies. You have taken a right step.

Surrendering this LIC policy now is a wise choice.

It gives cash today and saves money in future.

It helps you reduce debt faster and gain control over money.

Once your situation improves, you can start better investments.

Don’t feel guilty for surrendering. It is a practical step, not failure.

Financial planning is about making right choices at right time.

And this is the right time for that decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Money
am 27 years old i have LIC's Jeevan Umang Plan (945) With Commencement Date:-28/07/2022 With Instalment Premium: 66386.00 Per Year . For 20 Years. If I Surrender my LIC Policy than What amount of surrender value money it is worth it to surrender my ongoing policy
Ans: You have made a proactive step by reviewing your existing insurance-cum-investment plan. That reflects responsibility and financial awareness at an early stage of your life. Many investors delay such evaluations. But you’ve started early, and that is always rewarding in the long term.

Now, let us analyse your LIC Jeevan Umang (Plan 945) from a 360-degree lens.

» Understanding Your LIC Policy’s Nature

– This is a non-linked, with-profits, whole-life insurance plan.
– It offers life cover for the entire life and survival benefits after the premium-paying term.
– After 20 years of paying premiums, you will start getting yearly income for life.
– Also, on death or maturity (after age 100), your nominee or you will get lump sum money.

» What You’ve Paid So Far

– Commencement was on 28/07/2022.
– You have likely paid 2 full premiums of Rs 66,386 each.
– You may have paid the third instalment recently or it is due soon.
– Total payment so far is roughly Rs 1.32 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, depending on instalments completed.

» Surrender Value at This Stage

– LIC policies like Jeevan Umang build surrender value slowly in the initial years.
– No surrender value is available in the first 2 policy years.
– After 2 years, Guaranteed Surrender Value (GSV) is offered.
– In your case, since the policy just completed 2 years, GSV would be applicable.

– The surrender value is typically around 30% of total premiums paid (excluding GST, rider premium).
– In your case, expected surrender value can be Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000.
– The amount is low because of LIC’s long-term structure and heavy allocation to initial charges.

» Should You Surrender the Policy Now?

– Surrendering early gives very low value.
– But continuing may lock your money in a sub-optimal product for 20 years.
– Let us explore this from multiple angles before deciding.

» Returns Expectation from LIC Jeevan Umang

– Internal Rate of Return (IRR) in Jeevan Umang is usually between 4% and 5%.
– This return is over the long term (20+ years) and includes bonuses.
– Bonuses are not guaranteed. They depend on LIC's future profits.
– Even in best-case scenarios, returns don’t beat inflation.

– For a young person like you, a 4% return does not create wealth.
– Mutual funds or other investment-focused tools offer better compounding potential.

» Drawbacks of Continuing Jeevan Umang

– Low liquidity: You cannot access your money for 20 years.
– Low returns: Earnings won’t outpace inflation or meet future goals.
– Opportunity cost: Better growth assets are available, especially at your age.
– Locked-in commitment: You must pay Rs 66,386 yearly for 20 years. That’s Rs 13+ lakh over time.

– If you miss premiums in between, policy may lapse or benefits reduce.
– Risk cover is also modest, compared to standalone term plans.

» Do You Need Life Insurance Right Now?

– At 27, you may or may not have major dependents.
– If unmarried and no major financial liabilities, insurance may not be urgent.
– When needed, pure term insurance gives high cover at low cost.
– For example, Rs 1 crore term cover may cost Rs 8,000–10,000 yearly.
– Compare that to Rs 66,386 for limited life cover in Jeevan Umang.

» What If You Invest the Same Amount Elsewhere?

– If you invest Rs 66,386 every year in a diversified mutual fund, returns can be far superior.
– Over 20 years, assuming conservative 10% return, the corpus may reach Rs 38–40 lakh.
– That’s significantly more than what Jeevan Umang can deliver.
– Mutual funds are flexible and liquid. You can pause, increase or redeem as needed.
– You stay in control of your money.

» Actively Managed Mutual Funds vs LIC

– Mutual funds are meant purely for wealth creation.
– LIC plans mix investment and insurance, which dilutes both.
– You get transparency, flexibility, and higher return expectation in mutual funds.
– Active fund managers dynamically rebalance based on market conditions.
– This agility is absent in traditional insurance plans.

» Why You Should Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

– Direct plans may seem cheaper due to lower expense ratio.
– But without expert guidance, wrong choices can ruin returns.
– Lack of goal alignment, poor rebalancing, or overexposure are common risks.
– A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) partnered MFD can help guide your journey.
– Regular plan investors get personal advisory support at no extra effort.
– This ensures correct fund choice, periodic reviews, and disciplined investing.

» What To Do After Surrendering Jeevan Umang

– Surrender the policy to avoid locking funds in a low-yield plan.
– The surrender amount may be small, but the future savings can be large.
– Use future Rs 66,386 annual amount in a diversified mutual fund SIP.
– Create a target-based portfolio based on your long-term goals.
– Get a pure term plan if insurance is needed. Keep it separate from investments.

– Build emergency fund for liquidity.
– Keep health insurance in place for protection.
– Align all financial moves to future goals, not just product features.

» Handling Emotional Attachment with LIC

– Many investors hesitate to exit LIC due to legacy, family belief, or peer advice.
– But financial decisions must serve your goals, not legacy systems.
– Being loyal to LIC doesn’t mean staying in unsuitable products.
– A professional and independent outlook is better than emotional dependency.

» Final Insights

– You’ve started financial introspection early, and that’s commendable.
– Your LIC Jeevan Umang is better suited for those needing low-risk, long-term assurance.
– It does not match the return expectations or flexibility needs of a young earner.
– Surrendering now, though slightly loss-making, frees you for better options.
– That gives you long-term control, agility, and compounding advantage.

– You can rebuild faster with the right mutual fund SIP strategy.
– Keep protection and investment separate always.
– Choose regular plans and consult a qualified CFP for best results.
– Focus on goal-based investments, not product-oriented approaches.
– This step today will make a huge difference to your financial future.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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