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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 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
Umapathy Question by Umapathy on Jul 04, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Sir, I had invested in SBI life Smart Privilege, 10LPY, locking period over and i Can claim full with draw. Now, I am 61y. fund value after 10y grow 1.0cr. My question is can I withdraw all amount and invent SBI MF or other MF effectively so that I can get more benefits in my rest of life? Please guide me..

Ans: You're now 61 and have a fund value of Rs 1.0 crore from an insurance-investment policy (SBI Life Smart Privilege) after its 10-year lock-in period. You ask whether you can withdraw it fully and invest in mutual funds for better benefits.

Let us evaluate this with clarity and structure, considering insurance withdrawal, investment options, taxation, risk, liquidity, and long-term income.

Assessing Your Current Policy Commitment
You hold an investment-linked insurance plan (Smart Privilege) which you funded for 10 years and now its lock-in period is over.

This is an investment-linked policy (ULIP-like).

Such plans carry embedded insurance and fund charges.

Over time, these charges reduce returns.

You now have full flexibility to exit or continue.

You have two options:

Continue in the policy: keep funds invested under the insurer.

Exit and redirect proceeds into financial assets.

Option 1: Staying Invested in the Policy
This fund may continue growing. But check:

What are the ongoing fund management charges?

What are switching or withdrawal penalties?

What is the sum assured or paid-up insurance value?

Evaluate if continuing is financially sensible, or whether keeping insurance cover is still needed at 61. Many ULIPs lose value generation edge due to high costs.

Option 2: Full Withdrawal and Reinvestment
You can exit fully, retrieve Rs 1.0 crore, and use it for new investments.

Steps to take:

Withdraw the entire amount after lock-in

Build a diversified investment plan for this corpus

Reinvest proceeds wisely to generate sustainable income

Tax Implications on Withdrawal
The taxes on your withdrawal depend on the nature of the policy:

If it was a ULIP: withdrawals after 5 years are tax-free.

If it was an insurance-linked investment: insider fund rules apply.

Confirm with your insurer and tax advisor precisely.

Assuming tax-free withdrawal, you can redeploy Rs 1.0 crore without tax hit. If partially taxable or insurance gain is taxed, adjust your corpus figure.

Your Financial Objectives at 61
You’re now approaching retirement and want:

Stability of returns

Regular income in later years

Liquidity for healthcare or emergencies

Strong protection for dependents

Ensure these goals guide your investment strategy.

Immediate Use of Funds: Building the Income structure
With Rs 1.0 crore, you need a smart allocation to generate steady income and preserve capital long-term.

Proposed Portfolio Structure
Debt & Hybrid funds – Rs 40 lakh

Active equity funds – Rs 30 lakh

Liquid / Ultra?short funds – Rs 20 lakh

Short?term debt ladder or bank FD – Rs 10 lakh

This mix:

Provides regular income from debt/hybrid

Lets equity boost corpus growth

Keeps liquidity for urgent needs

Diversifies risk

Choosing Actively Managed Funds
Avoid index funds—they just mirror markets.

They don’t protect during market drops.

No manager works to avoid downside.

Performance equals market average.

Active mutual funds work differently:

Fund managers pick quality stocks and bonds

They aim to outperform or reduce volatility

You get ongoing review and risk management

Make sure you invest through regular plans via an MFD?CFP who can advise on fund selection, rebalancing, and risk profile.

Liquid Funds and Short-Term Debt
Good liquidity is key in later age:

Liquid or ultra-short debt funds offer instant access.

Use them for emergency cash or health bills.

Place 20% of your corpus here for safety.

Choose funds with low exit load and stable returns.

Hybrid Funds for Regular Income
Hybrid funds invest in equity and debt mix.

They offer stable income + moderate growth

Great for retirees looking for monthly payout

Debt allocation cushions equity volatility

Choose conservative hybrid funds for better risk control

You can set up systematic withdrawal plans for monthly income.

Equity Exposure for Growth
Even in retirement, equity adds value over time:

Helps beat inflation

Supports legacy and wealth transfer goals

Equity funds offer dividends and growth

Keep equity exposure conservative:

Large cap or balanced equity themes

No small?cap or sector?specific high?volatility funds

Continue only if risk appetite remains

Tax Planning and Exit Strategy
Remember new mutual fund tax rules:

Equity funds: LTCG over Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt and hybrid funds: gains taxed at slab rates

Plan withdrawals to utilize lower tax brackets. Stagger exits over two financial years if needed. Use your CFP to optimise this efficiently.

Protecting Life and Health Security
Now at 61, protection is crucial.

Insurance Needs:
Term Life Insurance: If cover is still active, ensure it's sufficient.

After 61, your insurance cover may reduce; check policy terms.

Consider increasing health and critical illness cover.

Health Insurance:
Medical costs increase with age

Cashless hospitalisation is vital

Opt for high cover (Rs 5–10 lakh) with family floater

Renew policy annually for guaranteed cover

Ensure you hold both types of insurance actively.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
You must review investments regularly:

Check performance every 6 months

Rebalance equity/debt ratios as needed

Evaluate dividend distributions from hybrid funds

Adjust withdrawals to align with inflation and health needs

Use your CFP to keep the plan relevant and effective.

Financial Stability After Your Lifetime
You wish to cover family needs after your death:

Maintain a will or nominee listing for each asset

Keep liquid assets easily transferable

Ensure term and health insurance are active at all times

Use systematic transfer plans for any corpus you pass on

Inform family about account access and investments

This ensures they have financial safety when needed.

Summary of Action Plan
Exit your current policy post lock?in

Withdraw Rs 1 crore, confirm tax impact

Invest via active mutual funds through regular plans

Equity: Rs 30 lakh

Hybrid/debt: Rs 40 lakh

Liquid: Rs 20 lakh

Short-term debt/FD: Rs 10 lakh

Start systematic withdrawals from hybrid/debt funds

Verify insurance adequacy (life and health)

Monitor and rebalance portfolio every 6 months

Plan for tax-efficient fund exits later

This strategy should give you stable financial security, regular income, liquidity, and strong protection for your loved ones.

Finally
Your idea of switching to mutual funds is smart.
A diversified corpus can improve returns and income stability.
Active funds, not index funds, will help grow wealth wisely.
Regular plans via a CFP ensure ongoing review and guidance.
This approach will give structure, safety, and income in your golden years.

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 Jul 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi evryone. I'm 34. I've invested in Sbilife smart privilege policy 6L per year.4th payment done two days ago. Inwas shocked to see the current fund value. The investment amount is 18L and it has become 19.9L in three yrs. It was invested in 70% bond fund and 30% bond optimiser fund. I was not very aware of how to invest in mutual funds during the start of this policy.now that I've started to research a bit I've understood that I should not hv mixed insurance with investment. So please don't come with comments like that. Please guide on me as to how to proceed with this. I've contacted them and they are now saying they ll invest this in 100% mid cap fund of sbilife. Which has good returns. And then I'll start seeing changes in 6months. There is a lock in period of 5yrs. Only one more payment left for now, which will be in next year. Wt to do now? Also if I consider withdrawing after five yrs and plan to invest in MF, I don't know if I'll invest 30L in mutual funds Please guide.
Ans: It’s great that you are taking steps to understand and improve your investments. You have invested Rs 6 lakhs per year in the SBI Life Smart Privilege policy, with a total investment of Rs 18 lakhs over three years. The current fund value is Rs 19.9 lakhs.

This policy invests in 70% bond funds and 30% bond optimiser funds. Now, they suggest shifting to a 100% mid-cap fund.

Understanding the Current Fund Performance

Your investment has grown from Rs 18 lakhs to Rs 19.9 lakhs in three years. This indicates a modest return. The current fund allocation in bond funds and bond optimiser funds typically yields lower returns compared to equity funds. This might be why the growth has been slower than expected.

Disadvantages of Mixing Insurance with Investment

It’s crucial to understand that insurance and investment serve different purposes. Insurance is meant for protection, while investment is for wealth creation. Mixing these often leads to suboptimal results for both.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) like the one you have, combine insurance with investment. The charges involved can be high, and the returns may not be as attractive compared to other investment options like mutual funds.

Considering the Shift to Mid-Cap Funds

Mid-cap funds have the potential for higher returns. However, they also come with higher risk. The suggestion to move your investment to a 100% mid-cap fund could improve your returns but will also increase volatility. Since you have a lock-in period of five years, you cannot withdraw without penalty until then.

Exploring Mutual Funds as an Alternative

Mutual funds can be a better investment option for wealth creation. They offer a variety of funds catering to different risk profiles and investment goals. If you plan to withdraw your investment after five years, you can consider mutual funds for your future investments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market. These funds can provide higher returns compared to passive funds like index funds, which only track a market index.

Fund managers of actively managed funds perform thorough research and analysis to select stocks, adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, and capitalize on investment opportunities. This active management can result in better performance, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific index. While they have lower management fees, they lack the potential for higher returns. Index funds are limited to the stocks within the index and cannot exploit opportunities outside the index. Additionally, index funds cannot outperform the market; they can only match the market's performance, minus the fees.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Investing in direct funds without professional guidance can be risky. Without expert advice, you might make poor investment choices. Regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provide the advantage of professional advice. This can help in selecting the right funds, monitoring your investments, and making necessary adjustments.

Evaluating Your Options Moving Forward

Stay Invested in the Current Policy:

Consider staying invested in the current policy until the lock-in period ends.
This avoids penalties and makes use of the current investment.
Shift to Mid-Cap Funds:

Moving your existing investment to 100% mid-cap funds could improve returns.
Understand the associated risks and be prepared for higher volatility.
Plan for Post-Lock-In Investments:

Once the lock-in period ends, plan to withdraw and invest in mutual funds.
Consider a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Planning Your Mutual Fund Investments

When the lock-in period ends, and you consider investing Rs 30 lakhs in mutual funds, follow these steps:

Assess Your Risk Tolerance:

Understand your risk tolerance level.
Choose a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk profile.
Set Financial Goals:

Define your financial goals, such as retirement, children's education, or buying a house.
This helps in selecting the right funds.
Diversify Your Portfolio:

Diversify across different types of mutual funds, such as large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and debt funds.
This spreads the risk and maximizes returns.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner:

Seek professional advice from a CFP.
They can help design a personalized investment plan, monitor your portfolio, and make necessary adjustments.
Building a Diversified Mutual Fund Portfolio

Large-Cap Funds:

Invest in large-cap funds for stability and moderate returns.
These funds invest in large, well-established companies.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds:

Allocate a portion to mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher growth potential.
These funds invest in medium-sized and smaller companies, which can offer higher returns but come with higher risks.
Debt Funds:

Include debt funds for stability and regular income.
These funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds.
Balanced or Hybrid Funds:

Consider balanced or hybrid funds that invest in a mix of equity and debt.
These funds offer a balanced approach with moderate risk and returns.
Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing

Regularly monitor your mutual fund investments to ensure they align with your financial goals. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves selling some overperforming assets and buying underperforming ones.

Building Good Financial Habits

Develop good financial habits to achieve long-term financial goals. These include:

Living Within Your Means:

Avoid overspending and live within your income.
Saving Regularly:

Save a portion of your income regularly.
Automate your savings to ensure consistency.
Avoiding High-Interest Debt:

Stay away from high-interest debt like credit card debt.
Investing Wisely:

Make informed investment decisions based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Importance of Financial Education

Enhancing your financial literacy empowers you to make informed decisions. Learn about different investment options, market trends, and financial planning strategies. This knowledge helps you take control of your financial future.

Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance. They offer personalized advice, help you design a comprehensive financial plan, and assist in selecting suitable investments. Engaging with a CFP ensures that your investments align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Considering Tax Implications

Understand the tax implications of your investments. Different investments have different tax treatments. For example, long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds are taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains. A CFP can help you design a tax-efficient investment strategy.

Final Insights

You have made a significant investment in the SBI Life Smart Privilege policy. The returns have been modest due to the fund allocation. Considering a shift to mid-cap funds could improve returns but also increases risk. Once the lock-in period ends, consider diversifying your investments into mutual funds.

Engage with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalized investment plan. Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals. Enhance your financial literacy to make informed decisions. Developing good financial habits and staying disciplined will help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 26, 2024Hindi
Money
I have paid 30 lakhs at 6 lakhs annually in SBI smart privilege LP for 5 years. It is complete now as on date. Is it worth to continue in it or withdraw and invest in MF for good returns in 3 years
Ans: Let's thoroughly assess your SBI Smart Privilege Life Plan (LP) investment and its potential in comparison to mutual funds (MFs) for generating good returns over the next three years.

1. Evaluating SBI Smart Privilege Life Plan's Potential
SBI Smart Privilege is a ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plan), which combines life insurance with market-linked investments. Given its structure, it has both advantages and limitations that need consideration for meeting your current financial goals.

High Charges: ULIPs typically include premium allocation, administration, and fund management charges, which can significantly impact returns. Over the policy term, these charges reduce your net investment value compared to mutual funds.

Moderate Flexibility: While ULIPs provide insurance coverage and tax benefits under Section 80C, they also carry limited flexibility. Investment in mutual funds may offer better control and liquidity, especially when aligning with short-term financial goals.

Lock-In Period and Surrender Charges: Although you have completed the mandatory five-year premium period, early withdrawal may still carry surrender charges, which could impact your returns. However, some policies waive this after a certain term, so confirming with SBI on exact charges is advisable.

2. Understanding the Three-Year Investment Goal
For your current objective of achieving growth within three years, the choice of investment needs to be strategic and aligned with optimal returns:

Short-Term Goals and ULIPs: ULIPs are generally better suited for long-term goals, as market-linked benefits are maximized over an extended horizon. For three years, the costs of maintaining a ULIP may outpace returns, especially if you are aiming for higher liquidity and growth.

Growth Opportunities in Mutual Funds: Mutual funds offer a flexible structure, allowing selection of funds based on investment tenure and risk tolerance. Actively managed funds, particularly in categories such as hybrid or equity-oriented funds, tend to outperform ULIPs in short-term returns due to lower charges and active management strategies.

3. Exploring Mutual Fund Advantages for a Three-Year Plan
Mutual funds bring various advantages that align well with short- to medium-term investment horizons:

Enhanced Flexibility and Liquidity: Mutual funds provide the flexibility to redeem funds whenever necessary, offering higher liquidity compared to ULIPs. This flexibility is ideal for achieving a target within three years.

Lower Expense Ratios: Actively managed mutual funds typically have lower expense ratios compared to ULIPs. By investing directly in a mutual fund portfolio, you gain the potential for better growth as fund returns aren’t diminished by high administrative charges.

Tax Efficiency: For equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains (held less than one year) are taxed at 20%. Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab. This tax efficiency can further improve your returns over the investment period.

4. Active Management vs. Direct Fund Investment
Opting for a direct investment may seem cost-effective, but regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer critical benefits. A CFP-backed investment route brings personalized guidance, portfolio monitoring, and tax-efficient rebalancing, which are essential in adapting to changing markets. In direct funds, you would need to manage these aspects on your own, which could lead to missed opportunities or unmanaged risk.

5. Suggested Mutual Fund Categories for Your Goal
Based on your three-year timeframe, the following categories may suit your risk-return expectations:

Hybrid or Balanced Funds: These funds mix equity and debt, giving a balanced risk profile. They aim for moderate returns with less volatility, which is favorable for short- to medium-term goals. This category can stabilize your portfolio without limiting growth.

Dynamic Asset Allocation Funds: These funds adjust their equity-debt allocation based on market conditions. By dynamically responding to market changes, these funds offer both growth potential and risk mitigation, making them suitable for three-year investments.

Debt Mutual Funds: If you prefer minimal risk, debt funds can be a suitable alternative. They invest in bonds and fixed-income instruments, generally providing more stable returns. Keep in mind, though, that debt funds may yield lower returns compared to equity but remain advantageous for safety-focused investments.

6. Portfolio Rebalancing and Periodic Reviews
Investing in mutual funds requires periodic reviews and rebalancing to keep the portfolio aligned with your goals. Reviewing the fund’s performance annually allows adjustments based on returns, market conditions, and any changes in your risk tolerance. A Certified Financial Planner can play a vital role here by managing rebalancing, enhancing tax efficiency, and providing advice tailored to your evolving needs.

7. Tax Implications and Efficient Withdrawals
Your mutual fund returns will be subject to capital gains tax based on the duration and type of fund:

Equity Funds: For equity funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%, while STCG is at 20%.

Debt Funds: Gains from debt funds are taxed as per your income slab, both for short- and long-term holdings. This taxation structure allows for tax-efficient planning and effective withdrawals.

By structuring your withdrawals and holding period, you can maximize post-tax returns, an important consideration for short-term growth.

8. Final Insights
Given your three-year timeframe and growth target, mutual funds are likely to provide higher returns with flexibility and control compared to continuing in the SBI Smart Privilege Life Plan. The fund flexibility, lower charges, and effective tax management options in mutual funds are strong advantages. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner will enable you to build a customized mutual fund portfolio with enhanced monitoring, rebalancing, and guidance that aligns with your goal. Moving funds from a high-cost ULIP structure to a targeted mutual fund portfolio may significantly improve your investment journey and results.

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 Dec 11, 2024

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Money
I have 20 lakhs in my account and a house in my name. At present I am not earning. I have taken SBI Life smart wealth builder with installment of 1Lakh, for 12 years and premium payment term of 7 years. Applicable tax rate is 18%. I also invested in MF and taken a health insurance. I am thinking if it would be wise to continue with the SBI life. If I close SBI life and invest that in MF will it be beneficial for me? I have taken a break from my career due to health issues, and planning to continue with my job soon with an expected income of 40-50k. I am 50 years old. I need to take care of my son's (18 years) higher studies and plan for my retirement.
Ans: You are in a transitional phase with important financial goals. Let’s assess your options to make informed decisions.

Assessing SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder Policy
High Cost of Policy: The policy includes administration charges, fund management fees, and taxes of 18%.

Limited Returns: ULIPs often provide lower returns compared to actively managed mutual funds.

Lock-in Period: Your policy locks funds, restricting liquidity for immediate goals.

Surrender Value: Check the surrender value. Early surrender might lead to penalties and reduced returns.

Potential Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds
Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, often outperform ULIPs over time.

Flexibility: You can withdraw funds based on your needs, offering better liquidity.

Diversification: Mutual funds provide exposure to different asset classes, reducing risk.

Cost Efficiency: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner minimises hidden charges and optimises returns.

Managing Your Rs. 20 Lakh Corpus
Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 5-6 lakhs in liquid funds or fixed deposits for emergencies.

Education Planning: Allocate funds in short-term debt mutual funds or recurring deposits for your son’s higher studies.

Retirement Corpus: Invest the remaining amount in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for long-term growth.

Health Insurance Adequacy: Review your existing health insurance to ensure sufficient coverage.

Planning Your Income Resumption
Once you resume work, save at least 20-30% of your income.

Prioritise retirement contributions alongside education planning.

Use surplus income to reduce financial dependency on investments.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds provide tax benefits but watch for LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh (taxed at 12.5%).

Surrendering ULIP: Check tax implications on surrender proceeds. ULIPs offer tax exemption if premiums don't exceed 10% of the sum assured.

Health Insurance: Claim Section 80D deductions for premiums paid.

Strategic Steps Forward
Review the policy surrender value. If penalties are high, consider continuing till break-even.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for a detailed portfolio review.

Set realistic timelines for education and retirement goals.

Maintain separate funds for short-term needs and long-term growth.

Finally
Your proactive approach will create a strong financial foundation. By reallocating your resources wisely, you can secure your son’s education and your retirement.

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 Dec 27, 2024

Money
I have 20 lakhs in my account and a house in my name. At present I am not earning. I have taken SBI Life smart wealth builder with installment of 1Lakh, for 12 years and premium payment term of 7 years. Applicable tax rate is 18%. I have paid the premium for 2 years so far. I also invested in MF and taken a health insurance. I am thinking if it would be wise to continue with the SBI life. If I close SBI life and invest that in MF will it be beneficial for me? I have taken a break from my career due to health issues, and planning to continue with my job soon with an expected income of 40-50k. I am 50 years old. I need to take care of my son's (18 years) higher studies and plan for my retirement.
Ans: You have Rs. 20 lakhs in your bank account and own a house. At present, you are not earning, but you plan to restart your career soon with an expected income of Rs. 40,000–50,000 monthly.

Your key financial priorities include:

Funding your son’s higher education (he is 18 years old).

Planning for your retirement at age 50.

You hold an SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder policy with a yearly premium of Rs. 1 lakh. You have paid for 2 years, with a premium payment term of 7 years and a policy term of 12 years.

You also have mutual funds and health insurance in place. This is commendable as it shows thoughtful financial planning.

Let us evaluate whether to continue with the SBI Life policy or switch to mutual funds.

Understanding SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder
SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder is a unit-linked insurance plan (ULIP).

It combines insurance and investment but tends to underperform compared to standalone investments.

ULIPs have higher charges like mortality fees, premium allocation, and administration charges.

These charges eat into your returns, especially in the initial years.

Tax deductions under Section 80C are available, but only premiums within 10% of the sum assured qualify.

Disadvantages of Continuing SBI Life
The fund returns in ULIPs are generally lower than mutual funds.

High charges reduce your corpus growth potential.

You already have health insurance, which is essential.

Buying a standalone term insurance plan separately is more cost-effective than ULIPs.

Benefits of Switching to Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer flexibility with no lock-in beyond ELSS funds (3 years).

They provide higher returns than ULIPs over long-term horizons like 10–15 years.

Actively managed funds allow diversification across equity, debt, and hybrid categories.

You can adjust your portfolio based on changing goals, such as education or retirement.

Tax Implications of Surrendering SBI Life
ULIP surrender after 5 years is tax-free.

If surrendered within 5 years, the tax benefits claimed earlier may need to be reversed.

The amount withdrawn could be added to your taxable income.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner to manage these tax implications effectively.

Steps to Execute the Switch
Step 1: Surrender the SBI Life Policy
Stop paying further premiums for the SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder policy.

Surrender the policy after understanding any exit penalties and charges.

Step 2: Allocate the Surrendered Amount to Mutual Funds
Diversify the amount into equity mutual funds, debt mutual funds, and hybrid funds.

Choose funds based on your risk appetite and financial goals.

Step 3: Use SIPs for Regular Contributions
Start systematic investment plans (SIPs) for your monthly contributions.

Begin SIPs of Rs. 1 lakh yearly or Rs. 8,000 monthly after surrendering the ULIP.

Investment Plan for Rs. 20 Lakhs
Higher Education Goal
Allocate Rs. 10–12 lakhs to a mix of equity and hybrid mutual funds.

Ensure a significant portion is invested in funds with low to moderate risk.

Use the Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) to move funds to safer options closer to need.

Retirement Planning
Allocate Rs. 8–10 lakhs for long-term growth in diversified equity funds.

Choose funds that align with your risk tolerance and provide inflation-beating returns.

Review your retirement corpus periodically to ensure it meets future needs.

Importance of Diversification
Balance equity and debt to mitigate risks.

Use equity funds for long-term wealth creation.

Use debt funds or fixed-income instruments for stability.

Consider a hybrid fund for a balanced approach between equity and debt.

Tax Considerations for Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds: Gains taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals efficiently to reduce tax outgo.

Key Points for Financial Stability
Build an emergency fund with 6 months of expenses before investing further.

Continue your health insurance policy for financial protection against medical emergencies.

Restart SIPs once your job stabilises to ensure disciplined investing.

Final Insights
Switching from SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder to mutual funds can optimise your financial goals. This strategy offers higher returns, better flexibility, and lower costs. It aligns well with your priorities for your son’s education and your retirement. Evaluate your decisions annually and consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice.

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 Aug 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 28, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello sir I am 35 year old working woman who have taken sbi retire smart 3 years ago that is in 2022 october. I pay 5lac as premium pwr year and my fund has just increased by 1.2lac. Now my doubt ia should i continue paying the premium for 2 more years ? My agent is suggesting me to close sbi retire smart and start with sbi smart privilege, i am confused
Ans: You have shown very good discipline by investing Rs 5 lakh per year. Starting this journey at 32 years of age is also a strong step. You are rightly reviewing now after three years. This is the right time to check suitability.

» Nature of the product you hold
– The plan you hold is an insurance-cum-investment type.
– Such plans have high charges in the first five years.
– Mortality charges, fund management, and policy admin costs reduce returns.
– In early years, fund growth looks slow due to these deductions.
– That is why you see only Rs 1.2 lakh growth after three years.
– These products are not designed for short-term wealth creation.
– They work only if continued for long horizon like 15–20 years.

» Why returns look low now
– First three to five years mainly cover initial charges.
– Money invested is not fully allocated to growth funds.
– You may feel disappointed, but this is how ULIP-style products behave.
– Equity allocation inside the plan is also restricted by fund rules.
– They cannot take aggressive active positions like mutual funds.
– So even when markets grow, your plan return is capped.

» Difference between insurance products and pure investment
– These plans combine life cover with investment.
– But the insurance cover is not cost effective.
– A pure term insurance gives much higher cover for less premium.
– Investment inside these plans is also not flexible.
– You cannot switch easily into better performing active funds.
– There are lock-ins and surrender penalties if you exit early.
– So they do not serve either insurance or investment role fully.

» Agent’s suggestion to switch product
– Your agent is asking you to stop and take another similar product.
– Remember, every time you buy new, high charges start again.
– Surrendering now means booking loss of past three years.
– New plan will again lock you for another five years minimum.
– Agents suggest this mainly because of fresh commission benefit.
– This move will not create value for you in long term.

» Better approach for your situation
– Continue current plan only till minimum premium payment period ends.
– You mentioned two more years left. Pay these to avoid penalties.
– After five years are over, you can stop further payment.
– Let the invested money stay as paid-up and grow inside funds.
– From sixth year, you can even do partial withdrawals if needed.
– At that time, shift your new savings fully into mutual funds.

» Why mutual funds are better
– Mutual funds are transparent in charges.
– They allow you to invest monthly through SIP.
– You can select active funds across large cap, flexi cap, mid cap.
– Actively managed funds adjust strategy and beat index funds.
– Index funds only copy market and cannot protect downside.
– Mutual funds are liquid, flexible, and easy to redeem.
– You also get professional management and diversification.
– With SIP and step-up option, compounding works strongly over years.

» Insurance requirement
– Do not depend on investment plans for life cover.
– Buy a separate pure term insurance for adequate cover.
– It is cheaper and gives family security at low cost.
– Keep investment and insurance separate for better clarity.

» Taxation view
– When you surrender these plans early, tax benefits may be reversed.
– So it is better to complete minimum premium years first.
– After five years, surrender or partial withdrawals do not reverse tax benefits.
– For mutual funds, taxation is simple and more investor friendly.
– Equity funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%. Debt funds taxed as per income slab.
– Tax planning becomes easier with mutual funds compared to such products.

» Steps you can take now
– Pay premiums for two more years and complete five years.
– Do not take new insurance-cum-investment plan again.
– After five years, make policy paid-up and stop new money there.
– Start SIPs in good active mutual funds with CFP guidance.
– Take a pure term insurance for required life cover.
– Build emergency fund in liquid mutual fund or bank FD.
– Plan health insurance also separately if not already covered.
– Use mutual funds for long term wealth creation and retirement goals.

» Finally
– You started early, which is your biggest strength.
– Current plan looks slow, but charges are reason, not your mistake.
– Do not surrender now, complete two more years.
– Avoid switching to another insurance product suggested by agent.
– After lock-in, shift future savings into mutual funds.
– Keep insurance and investment separate for clarity.
– This approach will create faster wealth with flexibility.
– You will gain confidence and long-term stability by this change.

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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