My Jeevan Anand LIC policy will mature next year. I do not wish to continue the policy till death but would like to withdraw this additional amount along with maturity amount. Please let me know how much additional amount I will get along with the maturity amount. The policy is of Rs 10 lakhs.

Ans: The LIC Jeevan Anand policy provides tax benefits to the insured individuals on the premium paid, as well as on the claims that are received.

This benefit is applicable under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act. Any income received by you is required to be reflected in the ITR, even if tax-free, in the suitable column of ITR.

Ans: Assessing Your LIC Jeevan Anand Policy
Understanding Maturity Amount
Your LIC Jeevan Anand policy is nearing the end of its 21-year term. Given a policy sum assured of ?14 lakhs and an annual premium of ?71,000, the maturity amount will include the sum assured along with any applicable bonuses. However, without specific bonus rates, an exact figure is challenging to determine. Generally, LIC policies like Jeevan Anand accrue bonuses over the years, which can significantly enhance the maturity amount.

Life Coverage Post Maturity
One key feature of the LIC Jeevan Anand policy is the continuation of life cover even after the maturity amount is paid out. This means you will still have a life cover equal to the sum assured (?14 lakhs) after the policy matures, providing continued financial security for your beneficiaries.

Investment Recommendations for Maturity Amount
Risk Assessment and Goals
Before deciding where to invest the maturity amount, consider your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon. Since the maturity amount is likely to be substantial, diversifying across various investment options is prudent.

Investment Options
1. Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds: If you have a high-risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon, consider equity mutual funds. They offer high growth potential but come with higher volatility.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds: For a moderate risk appetite, balanced funds invest in a mix of equities and debt, providing a balance of growth and stability.

Debt Mutual Funds: If you prefer low risk, debt funds are safer and provide regular income, suitable for short to medium-term goals.

2. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Consider investing a portion of the maturity amount in mutual funds through SIPs. This helps in averaging the purchase cost and reduces the impact of market volatility.

3. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
For long-term, risk-free investments, PPF is a good option. It offers attractive tax-free returns and has a lock-in period of 15 years, making it suitable for retirement planning.

4. National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is another long-term investment option, especially beneficial for retirement planning. It offers a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities with tax benefits.

5. Fixed Deposits (FD)
If you seek safety and assured returns, consider investing a portion in fixed deposits. Although returns are lower compared to equity, FDs provide guaranteed income.

6. Gold
Investing in gold through Gold ETFs or Sovereign Gold Bonds can provide a hedge against inflation and add stability to your portfolio.

Diversified Portfolio Approach
High-Risk Investments: Allocate around 40-50% in equity mutual funds or direct stocks for high growth potential.

Moderate-Risk Investments: Allocate 20-30% in balanced funds or hybrid funds for balanced growth and stability.

Low-Risk Investments: Allocate 20-30% in debt funds, PPF, or FDs for assured returns and safety.

Alternative Investments: Allocate a small portion, around 5-10%, in gold or other alternative assets for diversification.

Conclusion
Upon maturity of your LIC Jeevan Anand policy, you will receive a significant lump sum. Continue benefiting from life coverage even after maturity. To optimize this maturity amount, diversify your investments across equity, debt, and alternative options based on your risk profile and financial goals. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay aligned with your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Your LIC Jeevan Anand policy is a traditional endowment plan with a unique benefit structure. It combines both insurance and investment. The policy provides coverage during the premium-paying term and continues to offer life cover even after the term ends. This is one of the key features that differentiates Jeevan Anand from other endowment plans. You are paying premiums for 16 years, with the policy maturing in 2024, while the premium-paying term extends to 2029.

Maturity vs. Premium Paying Term

It's important to distinguish between maturity and premium-paying term. Maturity refers to the point when the policy reaches its end date, and you become eligible to receive the maturity benefits. In your case, this is set for 2024. The premium paying term is the period during which you need to pay premiums, which is until 2029.

Redeeming After Premium Paying Term

You mentioned that the maturity date is in 2024, while premiums are payable until 2029. If you choose to redeem the policy after the premium-paying term ends in 2029, you should receive the maturity benefits without any deductions. The full benefits include the sum assured, bonuses, and any loyalty additions applicable.

Waiting Until Maturity

Waiting until the policy matures in 2024 to redeem it might seem logical. However, since you are required to pay premiums until 2029, it’s advisable to continue with the policy. Redeeming after 2029 ensures you receive the maximum benefits. This approach also means you avoid any potential penalties or deductions that could apply if you redeem before the premium-paying term ends.

Impact of Early Redemption

If you consider redeeming the policy before the premium-paying term ends, there could be deductions or penalties. Early redemption might lead to a reduction in the final payout, and you could lose out on potential bonuses. Additionally, the policy's life cover will cease if you redeem early, which may not be advisable depending on your current insurance needs.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

Before deciding, assess your current financial situation. If you can comfortably continue paying the premiums until 2029, it is generally better to do so. This will allow you to maximize your benefits and avoid any unnecessary deductions. Also, consider your overall financial goals. If this policy fits into your long-term plan, continuing until the end of the premium-paying term is prudent.

Evaluating Alternative Investment Options

If you feel that this policy is not yielding the returns you desire, you may want to explore other investment options. However, surrendering the policy before the premium-paying term ends is usually not recommended due to potential financial losses. Consider alternative options only if you have thoroughly assessed the potential benefits versus the cost of early redemption.

Importance of Life Insurance Coverage

Jeevan Anand provides life coverage even after the policy matures. This is a crucial benefit to consider. If you redeem the policy early, you will lose this coverage. It’s important to ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage in place before making any decisions about early redemption.

Final Insights

Continuing with your LIC Jeevan Anand policy until the end of the premium-paying term in 2029 is advisable. This approach will maximize your benefits, including maturity value and life coverage. Redeeming the policy after 2029 ensures you receive the full sum assured, bonuses, and any loyalty additions without deductions. Assess your financial situation and insurance needs before making any decisions. Consider alternative investments only if they align better with your financial goals, but be mindful of potential losses from early redemption.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You hold a participating insurance policy with dual benefits: life cover and maturity payout.

The policy term is until age 100, ensuring lifelong coverage.

Your premium-paying term is 20 years, ending in 2025.

You will receive a maturity payout in 2025 if you choose.

Alternatively, you may keep the maturity amount invested in the policy.

If kept invested, benefits accumulate until policy maturity or claim.

Key Aspects to Evaluate
Life Coverage Beyond 2025
Post-2025, the policy continues to provide life cover until age 100.

The sum assured ensures financial security for your dependents.

Maturity Amount Usage
The payout in 2025 can address your financial goals.

Retaining the maturity amount earns additional bonuses over time.

Cost-Effectiveness of Continuing
Premium payments cease after 2025, reducing financial outflow.

Assess the policy's bonus and return rates for future benefits.

Assessing Financial Goals
Immediate Needs
Review current financial priorities like retirement planning or liabilities.

The maturity amount can supplement other investments.

Long-Term Growth Opportunities
Retaining the policy boosts long-term returns due to ongoing bonuses.

Consider the tax efficiency of keeping the maturity amount invested.

Alternative Investment Avenues
Evaluate reinvestment in mutual funds for potentially higher returns.

Active funds with a Certified Financial Planner's guidance can outperform.

Regular funds through an advisor ensure tailored advice and discipline.

Insurance Versus Investment
Dual-purpose policies often underperform as pure investments.

Standalone insurance offers better coverage at a lower premium.

Mutual funds provide transparency, liquidity, and targeted growth.

Tax Implications
The maturity payout is tax-free if premiums are below 10% of the sum assured.

Keeping the policy active beyond 2025 avoids tax on continued bonuses.

Evaluate the tax efficiency against returns from other instruments.

Recommendations
For Policyholders Like You
Continue with the policy until 2025 for the full maturity benefit.

Post-2025, decide based on returns and financial needs.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for optimizing maturity usage.

If Considering Policy Surrender
Reinvest surrendered funds in diversified mutual funds.

Seek active management for consistent, tax-efficient growth.

Final Insights
Your policy secures lifelong coverage and a guaranteed payout in 2025.

Retaining the policy beyond 2025 can maximize accumulated benefits.

Reinvesting in well-managed mutual funds may deliver superior growth.

Ensure alignment with your long-term financial goals and family security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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