Hi. I was forced by HDFC bank to open HDFC life sampoorn nivesh plan by investing annually 25,000. I was reluctant but they told if I need locker facility, I have to invest in Hdfc Life sampoorn nivesh. They told me that only 1400 will be deducted as various chargers, but after receiving online document, around Rs 3000 is deducted and there is lock in period of 5 years. I want to know if Hdfc life sampoorn nivesh is good choice. I do not aim for a big return from this, but at least equivalent to bank fixed deposit is okay for me. Should I continue or withdraw as there is 30-days cooling period for withdrawal. Kindly suggest.

Ans: It's always better to have a term plan with over 10 time the annual income and investments through mutual funds route. Investments through insurance is not advisable. 

Ans: Deciding whether to continue with your current HDFC SL Youngstar Super Policy or to switch to a different option depends on several factors, including your financial goals, the policy's performance, and the benefits it provides. Here are a few steps you can take to make an informed decision:

1. Evaluate Your Current Policy:

• Performance: Review the policy’s performance since 2010. How has it grown? Is it meeting your expectations in terms of returns?
• Benefits: What are the key benefits of the HDFC SL Youngstar Super Policy? Does it provide life insurance, investment benefits, and other features you need?
• Charges and Fees: Understand the charges associated with the policy (e.g., premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, fund management charges).

2. Compare with Other Options:

Consider comparing your current policy with other financial products that can offer similar or better benefits. Here are a few alternatives:

Term Insurance + Mutual Funds:

• Term Insurance: Provides pure risk cover without any investment component. It's usually cheaper than ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans).
• Examples: HDFC Click 2 Protect, ICICI Prudential iProtect Smart, Max Life Online Term Plan Plus.

• Mutual Funds: For investment purposes, consider investing in mutual funds for potentially higher returns.
• Examples: Axis Bluechip Fund, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, SBI Small Cap Fund, HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):

• A long-term investment option with tax benefits and guaranteed returns. It's a good option for risk-averse investors.

National Pension System (NPS):

• A government-backed retirement savings scheme with tax benefits and market-linked returns. Suitable for long-term retirement planning.

Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS):

• Mutual funds that offer tax benefits under Section 80C and have the potential for high returns.
• Examples: Axis Long Term Equity Fund, Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund, Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96.

3. Assess Your Risk Appetite and Goals:

• Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable with market-linked products (mutual funds, ULIPs) or do you prefer guaranteed returns (PPF, fixed deposits)?
• Financial Goals: What are your financial goals (e.g., child’s education, retirement)? Choose products that align with these goals.

4. Consult a Financial Advisor:

It’s always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor who can provide personalised advice based on your entire financial situation.
 
Summary:

• If your HDFC SL Youngstar Super Policy has not performed well or if the charges are high, consider alternatives like term insurance combined with mutual funds for better returns and flexibility.
• For risk-averse investors, PPF or NPS might be suitable options.
• Always align your investments with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
• Carefully assess these factors before making a decision. If needed, get professional advice to ensure your financial plans are on the right track.

Ans: Current Investment Overview
Investment Vehicle: HDFC Sanchay Retirement Combo Plan
Annual Investment: Rs 2 lakhs (Rs 1 lakh in a capital guaranteed plan and Rs 1 lakh in a market-linked plan)
Capital Guaranteed Plan: Promised Rs 20 lakhs in 2042
Market-Linked Plan: Promised Rs 1 lakh per month after 18 years
Age: 28 years
Retirement Goal: Retire by 45 years
Analysis of the HDFC Sanchay Retirement Combo Plan
Capital Guaranteed Plan
Promise: Rs 20 lakhs in 2042

Duration: 18 years

Annual Contribution: Rs 1 lakh

Evaluation:

Return Rate: Calculate the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to evaluate returns.
Inflation: Rs 20 lakhs in 2042 may have lower purchasing power due to inflation.
Flexibility: Check the plan’s liquidity and penalties for early withdrawal.
Market-Linked Plan
Promise: Rs 1 lakh per month after 18 years

Duration: 18 years

Annual Contribution: Rs 1 lakh

Evaluation:

Performance: Market-linked plans depend on the performance of the underlying assets.
Risk: Higher risk compared to guaranteed plans.
Transparency: Understand the underlying investments and associated fees.
Concerns and Considerations
Capital Guaranteed Plan
Low Returns: Such plans often offer lower returns compared to mutual funds or other investment vehicles.
Inflation Impact: Fixed returns may not keep pace with inflation, reducing real value.
Lock-In Period: Long lock-in period may restrict financial flexibility.
Market-Linked Plan
Uncertain Returns: Returns are not guaranteed and depend on market performance.
Promises: Be cautious of promises of high returns. Verify with documented terms and conditions.
High Fees: Market-linked plans can have higher management fees and charges.
Better Alternatives
Diversified Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds: Higher potential returns with long-term growth prospects.
Debt Mutual Funds: Stable returns with lower risk, ideal for capital preservation.
Balanced Funds: Combination of equity and debt for balanced growth and stability.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Monthly Investments: Invest smaller amounts monthly for rupee cost averaging.
Flexibility: Easily adjustable contributions based on financial situation.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Tax Benefits: Tax-free returns and principal under Section 80C.
Safety: Government-backed and secure.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Expert fund managers aim for higher returns.
Dynamic Allocation: Adjusts to market conditions for optimal performance.
Diversification: Spreads risk across various sectors and assets.
Final Insights
Reevaluate Current Plan: The HDFC Sanchay Retirement Combo Plan may not be the best fit given the low returns and long lock-in period.
Explore Alternatives: Consider diversified mutual funds, SIPs, and PPF for better returns and flexibility.
Consult a CFP: A Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice and help optimize your investment strategy.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: First, it’s great that you’re reassessing your financial decisions. Realising a mistake early can save you from long-term financial issues. HDFC Life Sampoorn Nivesh is an insurance-cum-investment plan, which may not align with everyone’s financial goals. Let's explore the steps you can take now to address this situation.

Evaluating the HDFC Life Sampoorn Nivesh Plan
The first step is to understand what you’ve signed up for:

Nature of the Plan: This plan is a combination of insurance and investment. While it offers life cover, the investment returns are usually lower compared to other pure investment options.

Charges and Fees: Insurance-cum-investment plans often have higher charges. These include premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, and fund management charges. These charges can eat into your returns, reducing the overall growth of your investment.

Lock-in Period: Most such plans have a lock-in period, usually five years. During this time, surrendering the policy can result in significant losses, as surrender charges are high, and the amount you receive may be less than what you’ve paid.

Investment Returns: The returns on such plans are generally modest. The money invested in the fund options provided may not grow as much as other investment avenues like mutual funds or direct equity.

Assessing Your Financial Goals
Now that you understand the plan, align it with your financial goals:

Insurance Needs: Do you need life insurance? If yes, a term insurance plan would provide better coverage at a lower cost. Evaluate if the life cover provided by this plan is sufficient for your needs.

Investment Goals: If your primary goal is investment, then consider other options. Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, can offer better returns over time. They also provide the flexibility to invest according to your risk profile.

Lock-in Concerns: The lock-in period restricts your ability to access your money. Consider if you can afford to keep this investment locked in or if you need liquidity.

Surrendering the Policy
If you decide that this plan doesn’t suit your needs, here’s what you can do:

Surrender Charges: Be aware of the surrender charges. If you surrender within the first few years, these charges can be significant. The surrender value might be less than the premiums paid.

Free-Look Period: If you’re still within the free-look period (usually 15-30 days from receiving the policy document), you can cancel the policy without penalties. You’ll receive a refund of the premium after deducting administrative charges.

Paid-Up Option: If you’re past the free-look period but still want to exit, you can consider making the policy paid-up. This means you stop paying further premiums, and the policy continues with reduced benefits until maturity.

Complete Surrender: If you choose to surrender, you’ll receive the surrender value after deducting charges. Evaluate this against your financial needs and alternative investment options.

Reinvesting the Proceeds
If you choose to surrender or make the policy paid-up, think about how to reinvest the money:

Mutual Funds: Actively managed mutual funds offer potentially higher returns and flexibility. They are also more transparent, with lower charges compared to insurance-cum-investment plans. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you in selecting funds that match your risk tolerance and goals.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): If you’re looking for a safe, long-term investment with tax benefits, PPF is a good option. It offers guaranteed returns and is backed by the government.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Investing in SIPs ensures disciplined savings. It also helps you take advantage of market fluctuations by averaging the purchase cost over time.

Emergency Fund: Consider setting aside some of the proceeds in an emergency fund. This will ensure you have liquidity in case of unexpected expenses.

Taking Action Against Mis-selling
If you were coerced into buying this policy, you can take steps to address the issue:

Contact the Bank: First, approach HDFC Bank and explain your situation. They may offer a solution, especially if you were misled during the sale.

Complaint to the Insurer: If the bank doesn’t resolve your issue, file a complaint directly with HDFC Life. They have a grievance redressal mechanism in place.

Approach IRDAI: If you’re not satisfied with the response from the insurer, you can escalate the matter to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). They can investigate and take action if there was any malpractice involved.

Consumer Forum: As a last resort, you can approach the consumer forum. This may take time, but it’s an option if all other avenues fail.

Protecting Yourself in the Future
To avoid similar situations in the future, consider the following:

Do Your Research: Before buying any financial product, take time to research. Understand the product, its benefits, and its drawbacks. Don’t rush into decisions based on sales pressure.

Seek Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner before making any significant financial decisions. They can provide unbiased advice tailored to your needs.

Understand Your Rights: Know your rights as a consumer. You have the right to information, the right to choose, and the right to redressal if you’re sold a product under false pretenses.

Be Wary of Cross-Selling: Banks often cross-sell insurance and investment products. Be cautious when a bank tries to push a product that you didn’t ask for. Remember, you’re not obligated to buy any financial product to avail of a service like a locker facility.

Finally
You’ve taken the first step by recognising that the HDFC Life Sampoorn Nivesh plan may not be the right fit for you. Now, it’s about taking informed actions. Whether you choose to surrender the policy, make it paid-up, or keep it active, ensure that the decision aligns with your financial goals. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice. Your financial well-being is important, and making the right decisions now will benefit you in the long run.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in