Should I choose SWP or dividend mutual funds?

please advise me, how this SWP is better than dividend fund. From my understanding, the SWP will drain the capital, whereas in the dividend only residual profit is distributed and capital remain safe. I also understand declaration of dividend is not for sure; but there are mutual funds (like balanced fund and hybrid funds) who pays dividend consistently. Even in taxation, the tax policy are likely to change every year or at regular frequency; so from the tax structure it can not be decided for long period say for over 10 or 20 years. At one point of time in SWP the fund value will be zero. but in dividend, the capital remains in tact. So, please advise, how SWP is better than dividend pay out mutual fund.

Ans: Let’s take a close look at both Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) and Dividend Payout options to understand how they compare.

The goal is to evaluate them on various factors like capital safety, income consistency, tax impact, and long-term growth.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): A Structured Cash Flow
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed sum regularly from your mutual fund investment. This gives you steady cash flow, often monthly, quarterly, or yearly. With SWP, the withdrawal amount is entirely in your control.

The capital remains invested, growing at the prevailing rate. Only the amount you withdraw comes out of your investment. This allows you to benefit from market gains, while also receiving regular cash flow.

An important point to remember here is that, unlike dividends, the SWP allows you to decide the withdrawal amount based on your needs.

In this sense, SWP provides both flexibility and control.

Dividend Payout: Irregular and Uncertain Income
In the Dividend Payout option, the mutual fund company declares dividends based on the surplus generated. The frequency of dividends depends on the fund’s performance and the fund manager’s decision. This means you do not have control over the payout amount or the timing of the dividends.

Dividends are only distributed when the fund makes a profit. So, while there may be periods where you get regular income, there could be times when you receive nothing. This irregularity makes dividend options unreliable for long-term income planning.

Key Factors to Compare

Let us compare SWP and Dividends based on key factors like capital depletion, income certainty, and tax efficiency.

Capital Safety: Myth vs Reality
SWP: You mentioned that an SWP may drain the capital over time. While this is technically true, it depends on the withdrawal rate and market performance. If you withdraw too much, too quickly, the fund could deplete. However, with a balanced withdrawal approach and a diversified portfolio, the capital can last longer while still growing.

Dividend Payout: On the other hand, it is a myth that the capital remains intact in dividend-paying funds. When dividends are paid out, the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the fund reduces. This reduction in NAV affects your total investment value. You may not be withdrawing capital directly, but dividends are reducing your investment’s potential for growth.

Hence, neither option guarantees capital safety.

Income Consistency: SWP Gives You Control
SWP: With an SWP, you can plan your cash flow according to your financial needs. You decide the withdrawal amount, and it remains consistent regardless of market performance. This is particularly helpful for retirees or those seeking regular income.

Dividend Payout: Dividends, as mentioned earlier, are uncertain. Even funds that have a history of paying regular dividends may not continue to do so in the future. Economic conditions or fund performance can influence this, leaving you with inconsistent income.

Long-Term Growth: SWP Keeps You Invested
SWP: In an SWP, most of your capital remains invested, allowing you to benefit from market growth. As long as your withdrawal rate is moderate, the remaining corpus continues to grow. Over time, the power of compounding can help replenish your withdrawn amounts.

Dividend Payout: With dividends, your returns are distributed, reducing the amount that stays invested. This hampers the compounding effect, leading to lower long-term growth potential compared to SWP.

Tax Implications: How the Rules Have Changed
SWP: In an SWP, withdrawals are treated as partial redemption. The taxation depends on the holding period and the capital gains tax rules. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax is lower if you hold equity funds for more than one year. Short-term capital gains tax (STCG) applies if the holding is less than a year.

Dividend Payout: Dividends used to be tax-free in the hands of investors. However, this has changed. Now, dividends are taxed according to your income slab. This makes dividends less attractive from a tax perspective, especially for those in higher tax brackets.

Given the dynamic nature of tax laws, relying on dividends solely for tax benefits is not advisable. SWP offers better tax management, as you can control when to sell and reduce tax impact by holding investments long-term.

Why SWP Is a Better Choice

Now that we have compared both options, here’s why SWP can be more advantageous over dividend options.

Flexibility and Control Over Withdrawals
You get to choose the withdrawal amount and frequency.

Unlike dividends, which depend on the fund’s performance, you are in charge.

This control is valuable for financial planning.

Consistent and Predictable Income
SWP provides steady income, unlike the irregularity of dividend payouts.

For those who need consistent cash flow, SWP is more reliable.

Market Participation and Growth
The corpus in SWP continues to grow, whereas in the dividend option, part of the growth is paid out regularly.

Over a long period, SWP allows you to take advantage of market growth.

Better Tax Efficiency
SWP can be tax-efficient as compared to dividends.

With SWP, capital gains tax applies only on the amount withdrawn, not the entire investment.

Addressing the Misconceptions Around Capital Depletion

It’s important to address your concern about SWP draining the capital. While the fund value can go down, this is true for all investments based on market performance.

In the case of dividend-paying funds, the fund value also reduces whenever dividends are declared. The only difference is that you don’t have control over how much or when the payout happens.

With proper planning, the chances of depleting your corpus through SWP can be reduced. The key lies in determining a sustainable withdrawal rate based on your investment’s growth potential.

Balanced Approach Can Help
A balanced portfolio with a mix of equity and debt funds can help in maintaining capital for a longer time while allowing you to withdraw regularly.

You can consult with a Certified Financial Planner to review your portfolio, withdrawal rates, and future needs.

Final Insights
In summary, while dividends may seem like a safer option, they come with unpredictability and tax challenges. SWP offers greater control, better tax management, and the potential for long-term growth.

By carefully choosing the withdrawal rate and monitoring the investment, SWP can meet your needs for regular income without unnecessarily depleting your capital.

It offers a far more predictable income stream and keeps you invested in the market for growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_investment_planners/

Ans: Sir, I appreciate your proactive approach to managing your post-retirement finances. You have a solid foundation with sufficient savings in the equity market and mutual funds. Now, you are looking for a steady monthly income, which is a prudent move.

Your focus on Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) is wise. SWPs offer regular income while keeping your investments intact, ensuring that you don’t have to liquidate your assets prematurely. This approach can help you manage your retirement expenses smoothly.

Evaluating SWP: A Strategic Approach
Before discussing specific SWP options, it’s important to understand the broader strategy. Your choice of SWP should align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Let's assess these factors in detail.

Your Financial Goals
Monthly Income: You need a continuous, steady income to cover your living expenses. This income should be inflation-adjusted to maintain your purchasing power over time.

Capital Preservation: While generating income, it's vital to preserve your capital. You want your investments to last throughout your retirement years.

Growth Potential: Though you’re focused on income, growth remains important. A small portion of your portfolio should aim for capital appreciation to counter inflation.

Risk Tolerance
Moderate Risk: At this stage, your risk tolerance should be moderate. You can take some risk for higher returns but must avoid high-risk investments that could erode your capital.

Market Volatility: Given the current market scenario, it's important to select investments that can withstand volatility while still providing a steady income.

Market Conditions
Current Scenario: The market conditions can change rapidly. Therefore, flexibility in your SWP plan is essential. It’s important to choose funds that can adapt to changing market dynamics.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Given your goal of regular income, actively managed funds offer significant advantages over index funds or ETFs. Let’s explore why actively managed funds are more suitable for your needs.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Active Management: Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers. These managers adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, aiming to maximise returns while minimising risk.

Better Downside Protection: During market downturns, actively managed funds can shift to safer assets, protecting your capital better than index funds.

Tailored Strategy
Income Focus: Actively managed funds can focus on generating regular income. They can invest in dividend-paying stocks or interest-bearing bonds, aligning with your need for a continuous income stream.

Customized Risk Management: These funds can be tailored to match your risk tolerance, offering a mix of equity and debt that suits your profile.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Funds
Let’s also address why index funds or direct mutual funds may not be the best choice for your SWP strategy.

Lack of Flexibility in Index Funds
No Active Management: Index funds simply track a market index and do not offer active management. They cannot adapt to changing market conditions, which can be risky during downturns.

Market-Driven Returns: Your returns are directly tied to market performance. If the market declines, so do your returns, which can affect your SWP income.

Challenges with Direct Funds
Lack of Guidance: Direct funds do not involve the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This means you’re on your own when it comes to selecting and managing your investments.

Inconsistent Performance: Without professional management, the risk of selecting underperforming funds increases. This can impact your overall returns and the sustainability of your SWP.

Choosing the Right SWP: Criteria to Consider
Selecting the right SWP involves more than just picking a scheme. It’s about ensuring that the fund aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook.

Fund Type and Objective
Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds are designed to balance risk and reward by dynamically adjusting their equity and debt allocations based on market conditions. They offer a good mix of stability and growth potential.

Hybrid Funds: These funds combine equity and debt, providing income through dividends and interest. They are less volatile than pure equity funds and can offer more stable returns for your SWP.

Performance Track Record
Consistency: Look for funds with a consistent performance track record over multiple market cycles. This indicates that the fund management team can navigate different market conditions effectively.

Risk-Adjusted Returns: Focus on funds that offer good risk-adjusted returns. This means they provide higher returns relative to the level of risk they take on.

Expense Ratio and Tax Efficiency
Lower Expense Ratio: Choose funds with a reasonable expense ratio. High expenses can eat into your returns, reducing the effectiveness of your SWP.

Tax Efficiency: Consider the tax implications of your SWP. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are taxed at 10% after Rs 1 lakh. Debt funds offer indexation benefits, making them more tax-efficient for long-term investments.

Setting Up Your SWP: Steps for Implementation
Once you’ve selected the right funds, setting up your SWP involves a few key steps. This ensures that you start receiving your monthly income smoothly.

Determine the Withdrawal Amount
Sustainable Withdrawal: Calculate the withdrawal amount that your portfolio can sustain. With Rs 60 lakhs, a withdrawal rate of 4-5% is generally considered safe. This translates to an SWP of around Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month initially, adjusting for inflation over time.

Inflation Adjustment: Plan to increase your SWP amount gradually to keep pace with inflation. This ensures that your purchasing power remains intact.

Monitor and Review Regularly
Annual Review: Review your SWP plan annually to ensure it remains aligned with your needs and market conditions. Adjust the withdrawal amount or switch funds if necessary.

Rebalance Portfolio: Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps manage risk and optimise returns.

Addressing Common Concerns: A Practical Perspective
It’s natural to have concerns about your SWP strategy. Let’s address some common ones to ensure you feel confident about your plan.

Market Volatility Impact
Short-Term Fluctuations: Market volatility is inevitable, but a well-chosen SWP can withstand short-term fluctuations. Funds with a balanced or hybrid approach provide a cushion during market downturns.

Long-Term Perspective: Keep a long-term perspective. While markets may be volatile in the short term, they generally trend upwards over the long run, supporting the sustainability of your SWP.

Running Out of Money
Sustainable Withdrawal Rate: Sticking to a sustainable withdrawal rate (4-5%) helps ensure that your portfolio lasts throughout your retirement. Avoid withdrawing too much too soon.

Growth Component: Including a growth component in your portfolio helps your capital grow over time, reducing the risk of running out of money.

Final Insights
Sir, setting up an SWP is a smart move for generating a steady monthly income during retirement. It allows you to enjoy the fruits of your investments without liquidating your entire portfolio.

Focus on choosing the right funds, considering actively managed options that align with your goals and risk tolerance. Avoid index funds and direct funds, as they may not offer the flexibility and professional management you need at this stage.

Regularly review and adjust your SWP plan to keep it aligned with your needs and the market conditions. By doing so, you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free retirement with a reliable income stream.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hi, I understand that you pursued a medicine course in Russia (a non-European country) and, since you are from India, you have completed the FMGE. Now you want to practice or work in the UK as a doctor?

Based on your question, you are eligible to practice in India after completing your internship (which you haven't mentioned, but I assume you have completed it). The FMGE is essentially a licensure exam for Indian students who have completed their medical studies abroad, so you are eligible to practice in India only.

If you want to practice medicine in the UK, you need to complete the PLAB test, as you are from outside the UK/Switzerland/European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland).

You also inquired about sponsorship. Here is the information related to sponsorship for practicing medicine in the UK.
(Extracted from general medical council, uk org. )Applying for registration using sponsorship
If you apply through sponsorship, you will have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK. Each sponsor has their own scheme which we have pre-approved. If you can satisfy the requirements of their scheme, they will issue you with a Sponsorship Registration Certificate (SRC) which you will need for your application with us. Please ensure this is a Sponsorship Registration Certificate for GMC registration, as we can’t accept UK visa sponsorship certificates for your application for registration.
Please note that a core part of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for an offer of sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. If you cannot meet these minimum criteria, it is unlikely that you'll be able to supply sufficient evidence to support your application for sponsorship.
Doctors applying through sponsorship are required to demonstrate their English language skills by achieving our current minimum scores in the academic version of the IELTS test or the OET (medicine version).
• Alder Hey International Fellowship Scheme (Anaesthetics)
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• University of Chester and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust – International Training Fellows Psychiatry
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KINDLY NOTE: If your sponsor is not on this list then you cannot apply using sponsorship.
If you have any further questions, please visit the GMC website for more information.

WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST.