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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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
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  |10872 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  |10872 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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am 61, self dependent and self disciplined in a minimalist life style. I have stopped paying insurance premiums on traditional plan instead investing the premium amount in mutual fund (nearest to thousands), and kept it as paid up instead of surrender, because, the surrender value is far less getting more losses. Did my decision is correct or should I surrender the lic policy Even at loss. Investing premium after suspending the lic payment only for next 5 to 8 years. I have term plan, and health insurance as per human life value calculator Please guide me should I surrender or continue as paid up policy
Ans: Your self-driven approach and minimalistic lifestyle are truly inspiring. Stopping traditional plan premiums and choosing to invest in mutual funds is a strong, thoughtful move.

» Understanding the Paid-Up Policy Option
– Converting to paid-up means you keep the policy with reduced benefits.
– No more premiums need to be paid once made paid-up.
– Insurance coverage continues but is much lower than the original cover.
– Paid-up value pays after maturity or on death, along with bonus added till last active premium.
– No fresh bonuses will accrue after paid-up status.
– This choice gives some life cover and future payout without more payments.

» Surrendering the Policy: What to Expect
– Surrender gives you some money now, but it is less than premiums paid.
– Surrender value often is just 30-60% of total premiums paid, sometimes even less.
– All policy benefits, bonuses, and protection stop after surrender.
– Once surrendered, you get no death cover or maturity benefit at all.
– Money you get on surrender can be invested right away for growth.
– If surrender value is extremely low, loss can feel unfair and disappointing.

» Key Differences: Paid-Up vs Surrender
– Paid-up means waiting till maturity or death for payout, but coverage remains.
– Surrender means immediate cash, but you lose all policy benefits.
– Reduced paid-up is less payout but at least you do not exit with huge loss.
– Some policies let you wait for higher value at maturity than what you’d get from surrender.
– No more bonuses after going paid-up, but you retain whatever bonus is already attached.

» Evaluating Your Personal Situation
– At 61, term plan and health insurance are already in place, which protects dependents.
– You are self-sufficient and do not depend on the old plan benefits.
– If no urgent financial emergency, immediate cash from surrender may not be vital.
– If you can invest on your own, mutual fund SIPs offer better growth than leaving money in many LIC traditional plans.

» Why Not Surrender in Your Case
– Paid-up is a practical choice if surrender value is too low.
– You avoid booking a big loss by keeping it paid-up.
– For many policies, paid-up value at maturity is greater than what immediate surrender gives.
– Your decision to stop premiums and keep as paid-up is usually the most loss-minimising route.

» When Surrender Might Be Better
– If surrender value is close or equal to current paid-up value.
– If you urgently need liquidity now for a better investment or emergency.
– If growth from mutual funds would strongly outpace what a tiny maturity benefit would deliver years later.
– If policy is many years from maturity and the death cover is not required, sometimes surrender makes sense.

» Insights from Similar Cases
– Most traditional LIC plans penalise early exits, giving poor value if surrendered soon.
– Many people keep paid-up to avoid emotional loss and keep at least some benefit alive.
– Those who can utilise surrender amount for very high return growth might opt to surrender, but that is rare at your stage.

» Emotional Impact and Practical Factors
– Keeping the paid-up relieves premium payment stress.
– Seeing the policy remain may reduce emotional loss from ending it completely.
– Emotionally, keeping some link gives peace till maturity, especially for long-held policies.

» Combining with Mutual Fund Strategy
– Continue investing premiums previously paid to LIC in mutual funds.
– For next 5 to 8 years, mutual funds can help grow wealth much faster.
– Paid-up policy remains as a backup and bonus for the end of tenure.

» Tax Considerations and Timing
– Surrender may trigger a tax liability on profits if surrender value is more than premiums paid.
– Paid-up policy is usually tax-neutral till maturity, and benefits paid on maturity are often tax-free, based on Section 10(10D) rules (check your document or with a tax expert).

» Final Insights
– Your move to keep policy as paid-up and start investing in mutual funds is smart.
– Unless you must access money quickly, do not surrender at deep loss.
– If you do not need death cover, surrender can be checked only if value matches or has minimal gap with paid-up.
– Otherwise, let the policy quietly run its course.
– Use mutual funds to fill up any insurance or growth gap from now onward.
– Maintain your disciplined investment with hope and patience.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

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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