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Can I Withdraw My SBILIFE Retire Smart Plan After Five Years?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1031 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jan 27, 2025

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 27, 2025Hindi
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I have deposited in SBILIFE retire smart plan of 500000/per year for five years, the last premium was paid in July 2023, now will it be possible to withdraw the whole amount?

Ans: Hello;

It is a unit linked pension plan with mandatory 5 year lock-in.

Even at maturity you can commute only 60% of the fund value and necessarily have to buy annuity for the balance 40%.

Best Wishes;
X: @mars_invest
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  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 14, 2024

Money
I am 64 years old having sbi life retired smart policy. Premium of Rs. 200000 per year. Started on 2nd September 2019 .last Premium paid on 2nd September 2024 . Policy period 10 years. Should I continue or transfer to some other mutual funds
Ans: At the age of 64, it is important to carefully assess the effectiveness of your financial strategies. You have been investing Rs. 2,00,000 annually into the SBI Life Retired Smart Policy since 2019. Now that your last premium has been paid in September 2024, the key question is whether you should continue with this policy or shift to other investment options like mutual funds. Let’s evaluate this from various perspectives to guide you in making an informed decision.

Understanding Your Policy Structure
This policy is a ULIP (Unit-Linked Insurance Plan), which offers life cover as well as investment benefits. However, ULIPs often have a high-cost structure, including premium allocation charges, fund management fees, and mortality charges, especially in the early years of the policy. This affects the overall returns.

Now that you have completed five years of premium payments, you might have overcome the high initial costs. Let’s break down the key factors:

Premium Paid: You have paid Rs. 2,00,000 annually for 5 years, which amounts to Rs. 10,00,000 in total.

Policy Period: It is a 10-year policy, and you are halfway through. You still have 5 years remaining.

Returns: ULIP returns are linked to the performance of the funds you are invested in, which could be either equity, debt, or balanced. These returns vary, and ULIPs typically do not outperform mutual funds due to higher costs.

Let’s now weigh the pros and cons of continuing with your policy.

Benefits of Continuing the SBI Life Retired Smart Policy
There are a few advantages to staying with the current policy, especially since you have already paid 5 years of premiums.

Life Insurance Coverage: The policy provides life cover, which can be a key benefit if you do not have adequate life insurance coverage. However, at the age of 64, the need for life insurance generally reduces unless you have dependents.

Completion of Lock-in Period: You have completed the lock-in period, so you can exit without penalties if needed. You also avoid the heavy initial charges that were already deducted in the early years.

Tax Benefits: The premiums paid provide tax benefits under Section 80C, and the maturity proceeds could be tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to conditions. However, these tax benefits alone may not justify continuing the policy if the returns are subpar.

Disadvantages of Continuing the SBI Life Retired Smart Policy
On the flip side, there are several reasons why continuing with the policy might not be the best decision for you.

High Charges: ULIPs come with several charges, such as fund management fees, mortality charges, and policy administration fees. These charges reduce the overall return on your investment. Mutual funds, in comparison, tend to have lower fees, especially if you invest through a certified financial planner.

Limited Flexibility: In a ULIP, you are limited to the funds offered by the insurance company. These funds may not have the same performance or diversity as mutual funds managed by top fund houses. Actively managed mutual funds have a proven track record of generating superior returns over the long term due to the expertise of professional fund managers.

Mediocre Returns: Most ULIPs deliver lower returns than mutual funds, primarily due to their cost structure. You might have experienced average growth in your policy, which could affect your retirement planning.

Lack of Liquidity: ULIPs typically do not offer liquidity until the end of the policy term, whereas mutual funds provide better flexibility, allowing you to redeem funds when needed.

Exploring Mutual Fund Investments
Switching to mutual funds could be a better strategy at this stage, given that you’ve completed 5 years in the ULIP. Here are the advantages of transitioning to mutual funds:

Higher Returns Potential: Actively managed mutual funds have consistently outperformed ULIPs due to their lower cost structure and professional fund management. You can invest in funds that suit your risk profile, whether equity, hybrid, or debt funds.

Better Flexibility: Mutual funds offer the flexibility to switch between different types of funds based on your financial goals. This flexibility is lacking in ULIPs, which have a rigid structure.

Low Costs: Mutual funds, especially through a certified financial planner, have much lower expense ratios than ULIPs. This ensures that a larger portion of your investment goes toward earning returns rather than paying fees.

Tax Efficiency: With the new tax rules for mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Debt mutual funds are taxed according to your income tax slab. Despite these tax implications, mutual funds may still offer better post-tax returns compared to ULIPs.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Funds
While you might be tempted to explore index funds or direct mutual fund investments, they have certain limitations.

Index Funds: These funds replicate market indices like Nifty or Sensex. However, they do not offer the potential to outperform the market. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the ability to generate higher returns by capitalising on market opportunities. Given that your policy period has another 5 years, you may benefit more from actively managed funds than passive index funds.

Direct Funds: While direct funds have lower expense ratios than regular funds, they may not be ideal for everyone. Without professional advice, it can be challenging to choose the right funds and manage your portfolio effectively. Investing through a certified financial planner ensures that you receive expert advice, helping you achieve better long-term results.

Should You Surrender the Policy?
Given the analysis above, surrendering the SBI Life Retired Smart Policy and reinvesting in mutual funds could offer you better returns, lower costs, and more flexibility. However, it is important to consider the following before making a decision:

Surrender Charges: Check if there are any surrender charges applicable to your policy. If these charges are high, you may want to wait until the policy matures to avoid any penalties.

Tax Implications: While the premiums paid are eligible for tax deductions, the maturity proceeds might also be tax-exempt. However, surrendering the policy could lead to tax implications, so it’s important to consult with a certified financial planner to understand the tax impact.

Alternative Investment: If you decide to exit the policy, mutual funds offer a diverse range of options tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights
In summary, your decision to continue or exit the SBI Life Retired Smart Policy depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy.

The policy has provided life insurance coverage and tax benefits, but its returns may be limited due to high charges.

By switching to mutual funds, you can potentially achieve higher returns, lower costs, and better flexibility for your remaining investment horizon.

Avoid index funds and direct funds in favour of actively managed mutual funds through a certified financial planner to get the best results for your retirement planning.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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Hi ... I am a 48 year old male and need some specific financial advice on my finances. Here is a detailed breakup of my income, assets and liabilities Income from Salary : 4.6L per month after taxes Assets & Investments : Apartment - 4 crore at current value Savings & Equity - 35L SIP - 40L corpus (75K per month being invested) EPF & VPF - 60L (I contribute around 15K every month to VPF) Liabilities : Home Loan : 1.1 Crore (Tenure remaining 9 yrs) Other Loans : 45L (Tenure remaining 5 yrs) Monthly household Exp : 2.2L Insurance : Health Insurance Coverage : 25L (Company provides 5L and I have upgraded to 25L) Life Insurance : 1cr for wife & 6cr for self Future Milestones : Retirement Son's Education & Marriage (Currently 17 yrs old) I don't think I have enough savings and assets to head to a comfortable retirement and this gives me sleepless nights. Can you please help by providing a detailed plan of where I should invest more and by how much? Please note that I don't have much room to save more given my expenses. Thank you.
Ans: You're in a solid financial position but carrying a heavy loan burden, which is affecting your retirement confidence. Here’s how you can optimize your finances:

Debt Management
Prioritize clearing your Rs 45L loan in the next 3-5 years.
Try prepaying Rs 5-10L annually from bonuses, RSUs, or other windfalls.
Keep your home loan for tax benefits, but consider refinancing if a lower rate is available.
Investment Strategy
Your SIPs are strong; continue the Rs 75K/month allocation.
Increase your equity exposure post-loan repayment for better growth.
Review your portfolio to balance large caps, mid-small caps, and debt.
Retirement Planning
At 48, you should aim for Rs 12-15 crore by 60.
Your current investments will compound, but increasing contributions post-loan repayment is key.
Consider a mix of mutual funds, PPF, and NPS for tax efficiency.
Son’s Education & Marriage
With 1-2 years left, ensure Rs 40-50L liquidity for college fees.
If not done yet, set aside a lump sum in debt mutual funds or a fixed deposit.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

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Dear Sir, I took a loan of Rs. 44 lakhs @ 8.70% floating with 216 EMIs in August 2019 from HDFC Housing. Till recent, i'm not aware that the rate of interest being applied is 10.5% and still it is shown as 213 EMIs balance to be remitted as on 18.02.2025, despite no pending or late payments at my end. Please advise what to be done sir!
Ans: Your situation is a classic case of interest rate hikes affecting floating-rate home loans. Since you took the loan in August 2019 at 8.70%, and now the rate has increased to 10.5%, your EMI is going more towards interest rather than the principal. That's why your loan tenure has barely reduced.

Immediate Steps to Take
1. Contact HDFC Housing Immediately
Visit or call your bank and ask for a detailed loan amortization statement.
Get clarity on why the tenure is not reducing despite timely payments.
Request a break-up of the outstanding loan amount and revised interest calculations.
2. Ask for an Interest Rate Reduction
HDFC allows you to reduce your floating rate by paying a nominal fee (loan conversion charge).
Check the current floating home loan rates for existing borrowers and ask them to apply the lowest possible rate.
If HDFC refuses, ask about switching to a better scheme within HDFC itself.
3. Consider Balance Transfer to Another Bank
If HDFC does not reduce your interest rate significantly, you can transfer your home loan to another bank with lower rates.

Banks like SBI, ICICI, and Axis Bank may offer interest rates below 9% for a balance transfer.
Check with a few banks and negotiate for the lowest possible interest rate.
Ensure that the processing fee and other charges do not offset the savings from lower interest.
4. Prepay a Part of Your Loan (If Possible)
If you have some savings, prepay at least 5-10% of the loan principal.
This will reduce your interest burden and EMI tenure.
Ensure that prepayment charges (if any) are minimal or waived.
5. Monitor Your Loan Regularly
Floating-rate loans fluctuate based on RBI policy changes.
Check your home loan rate every 6 months to avoid sudden increases.
Opt for automatic rate conversion with HDFC, if available.
Final Insights
You should first try to reduce your rate with HDFC.
If they do not offer a better rate, go for a balance transfer.
If you have surplus funds, consider prepayment to reduce your tenure faster.
Always monitor your home loan rate every 6 months to avoid overpaying.
Would you like help in evaluating a balance transfer option with a different bank?

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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Hello Team, Please advice from the below stocks which are not good from long term perspective of 3-5yrs with reasons: 1.Bajaj Housing Finance 2.BEL 3.Coal India 4.Dixon 5.Deepak Nitrite 6.Escorts 7.First Source Solution 8.Gareware Fiber Textile 9.Greaves Cotton 10.IRCTC 11.JK Paper 12.Maruti 13.Mazgon Dockyard 14.RVNL 15.Pidilite 16.Trent 17.Titan 18.Zen Technologies Regards, Amarendra
Ans: Your stock portfolio consists of companies from various sectors, including finance, defense, auto, infrastructure, and manufacturing. While some of these stocks have strong long-term potential, a few may face challenges over the next 3-5 years. Below is an analysis of stocks that may not be the best fit for long-term holding.

Stocks to Reconsider for Long-Term Investment (3-5 Years)
1. Bajaj Housing Finance
Housing finance companies are highly dependent on interest rate cycles.
RBI rate hikes can impact lending growth.
Competition from banks and fintech players is increasing.
2. Coal India
Coal demand may decline due to a global shift towards renewable energy.
Government regulations on carbon emissions could impact future growth.
The company has strong dividends, but capital appreciation may be limited.
3. Greaves Cotton
Faces stiff competition in the electric vehicle (EV) and auto component space.
EV transition is challenging for traditional engine manufacturers.
Growth prospects depend on EV adoption, which is uncertain.
4. First Source Solutions
IT services firms face margin pressure due to automation and AI.
The company lacks strong global scalability compared to bigger IT players.
Growth in the BPM (Business Process Management) industry is slowing down.
5. IRCTC
Revenue depends heavily on Indian Railways policies.
Any policy change by the government can impact profitability.
Stock is overvalued with limited growth potential.
6. RVNL (Rail Vikas Nigam Limited)
PSU infrastructure stocks depend on government projects.
Execution risks and delays affect revenue growth.
Limited innovation and scalability compared to private players.
Stocks with Strong Long-Term Potential
The remaining stocks in your portfolio have strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. However, active management is necessary to ensure continued performance.

Switch to Active Mutual Funds for Better Growth
Managing an individual stock portfolio requires constant tracking, analysis, and decision-making. Instead of investing in individual stocks, switching to actively managed mutual funds can offer several benefits:

? Professional Management – Fund managers actively monitor and adjust holdings.
? Diversification – Reduces risk by investing in multiple sectors.
? Consistent Returns – Actively managed funds can outperform the market over time.
? Tax Efficiency – Mutual funds offer better tax advantages compared to stocks.

You can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap mutual funds based on your risk appetite. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized investment advice.

Would you like a detailed mutual fund recommendation based on your goals?

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8005 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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Hello Ramalingam, Could you provide your feedback on my active SIPs? Axis Bluechip Fund Direct Plan Growth - 5k DSP Global Innovation FoF Direct Growth - 10k ICICI Prudential Tech Direct Growth - 8k Axis Small Cap Fund Direct Growth - 10k Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Direct Growth - 2.5k PGIM India Midcap Oppurtunites Fund Direct Growth - 6k Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct Growth - 15k Nippon India Pharma Fund Direct Growth - 10k Quant Small Cap Direct Plan Growth - 10k Axis ELSS Tax Saver Regular Growth - 2.5k Kotak Emerging Equity Fund Regular - 4.3k Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Direct Regular - 2.5k Kotak Small Cap Fund Growth Regular - 2.5k
Ans: You have a well-diversified SIP portfolio, but some improvements can be made. Below is a detailed review of your portfolio with suggestions.

Portfolio Diversification
Your portfolio covers large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, pharma, technology, and international exposure.

There are too many funds in the portfolio, leading to duplication.

A more focused approach can improve returns while maintaining diversification.

Large-Cap Exposure
Your portfolio has a large-cap fund. Large-cap funds provide stability.

Consider keeping only one large-cap fund instead of multiple overlapping ones.

Large-cap funds deliver steady growth but may not beat inflation significantly.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Exposure
You have multiple mid-cap and small-cap funds. These funds offer high growth potential.

Overexposure to small-cap and mid-cap can increase risk.

Reducing the number of mid-cap and small-cap funds will avoid redundancy.

Flexi-Cap and Multi-Cap Exposure
Flexi-cap funds allow fund managers to invest across market caps.

One flexi-cap fund is sufficient. Multiple flexi-cap funds lead to overlap.

A well-managed flexi-cap fund can balance risk and returns.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Pharma and technology funds are sectoral funds. They perform well in specific market cycles.

Sectoral funds are high-risk and should not exceed 10-15% of the total portfolio.

Consider reducing exposure to sectoral funds unless you have a long-term view.

International Fund Exposure
Global exposure adds diversification. However, international markets have different risks.

Foreign exchange rates and geopolitical risks can affect returns.

A single international fund is enough for diversification.

Tax-Saving ELSS Fund
ELSS funds help save tax under Section 80C.

ELSS has a lock-in period of three years.

One ELSS fund is enough instead of multiple tax-saving funds.

Direct vs Regular Funds
You have invested in direct funds. Direct funds require active tracking.

Regular funds provide guidance from an MFD with CFP credentials.

If you are not monitoring regularly, consider switching to regular funds.

Overlap Analysis
Some funds have similar stocks, leading to portfolio overlap.

Reducing overlapping funds can make your portfolio more efficient.

A focused approach improves returns without excessive diversification.

Debt Fund Allocation
There is no debt fund in the portfolio.

Debt funds provide stability and liquidity.

A small allocation to a short-duration debt fund can help manage short-term goals.

Portfolio Simplification Suggestions
Reduce the number of overlapping funds.

Keep one large-cap, one mid-cap, one small-cap, one flexi-cap, and one sectoral fund.

Limit international exposure to a single fund.

Maintain tax-saving investments only if needed under Section 80C.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-structured but has too many funds.

Streamlining the portfolio will improve efficiency and returns.

Reduce sectoral and mid/small-cap exposure for better risk management.

Add a debt fund for stability and liquidity.

Monitor the portfolio regularly or consult a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |249 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 23, 2024Hindi
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Career
Sir,I am a bsc. Zoology student interested in pursuing Msc.Clinical embryology. Which all exams should I appear to get admission to this course? Which is better - Msc. Clinical Embryology or Msc. Clinical embryology and Assisted reproductive technology? What is the scope of this subject and what is its pay level? Please guide
Ans: The NTA has started conducting eligibility exams for all PG courses, including professional courses like Pharmacy (MPHARM), known as the PG CUET exams. This is the first year for these exams, with 174 universities participating: 41 central universities, 38 state universities, 12 government institutions, 14 deemed universities, and 69 private universities. Similar to NEET, universities from all over India are involved, so you need not worry. Additionally, you may be able to obtain a scholarship to pursue your course. In the near future, many more universities are expected to join this initiative.

For your specific situation, you need to appear for the entrance exam for TEST PAPER SCQP17, based on the course you have studied and the one you have selected. In some cases, the syllabus is also provided. Therefore, you don’t need to struggle with the admission process. However, you should research which courses are offered by each university to gather the necessary details individually. If you haven't registered this time, you can always try again next time. Please note: A candidate can take up to four different test papers.
Both courses are acceptable, but consider pursuing an MSc in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology for a better future.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |528 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025
Relationship
Hi i am a married woman aged 45 years, i am happily married and have a loving husband. My husband travels a lot due to work and my son is studying in college in Pune. Everything was going fine in my life, but few months back a MBA graduate boy 23 years joined our office in my team. He had to report to me, and our company send us for sales corporatemeetings to Mumbai and other cities often. Gradually we became close and he confessed he had a crush on me. I was falttered but told him i am much older and married. Although i was very flattered that he found me attractive. I am tall 5ft 7 inches and kept myself very fit and always men keep hitting on me but i always ignore them. On our last trip together we went for a meal and had a few drinks together. Then i told him i was sleepy and needed to go to my room. He accompanied to my room and had a coffee. I had a bavk ache and he said he can massage me for 5 mins. I hesitantly agreed during the massage one thing led to another and we had sex and since then we have started having sex whenever we travel togther often. He says he truly loves me but for next 5 years he cannot marry anyone. I have now started loving him a lot i often fight with my husband. I want to continue this affair but am afraid if my husband finds out or if people in office come to know. Strangely another young man in office has starterd showing interest in me and asked me out for a coffee. He also says he likes me a lot anf is caring, I am confused shall i also go for a simple coffee. what if my husband or younger boyfriend find out. Is what i am doing wrong, i just want to live my life fully am i wrong ???
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
If you do not have an open marriage, then what you are doing is certainly wrong. When has cheating ever been right? Especially when you did not mention anything wrong with your husband. I am not judging you; but I would suggest that if you want to keep this up, you either come clean to your husband or let him go. This isn't fair. You living your life to the fullest should not harm or hurt others.
Hope this helps.

...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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