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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Sir, I have an LIC New Bima Gold Plan 179 policy with a Sum Assured of 5 lacs INR that started in 2008 and would end in 2028 (i.e. premium paying term of 20 years). The policy term is also 20 years. The policy has paid me survival benefits to the tune of 10% of Sum Assured in the 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th years since commencement so far. Now my questions are as follows: Question 1) In 2028, what would be the final payout? Will it be A) Premiums paid (+) Sum Assured (+) Loyalty additions (-) Survival Benefits Paid or B) Premiums paid (+) Loyalty additions (-) Survival Benefits Paid? Question 2) How is Loyalty addition calculated for this policy?

Ans: You have maintained the LIC New Bima Gold policy consistently for many years. That shows your patience and commitment. Many investors do not hold policies this long. You have done that with discipline.

Now you are in the final phase of this plan. With only 3 years to go, it is important to clearly understand what happens at maturity. Let us address both of your questions one by one and also explore some deep-level insights you must consider now.

Understanding What Happens in 2028 – The Maturity Payout Structure
Let us begin with your first question on how the final payout is calculated in 2028.

This policy is a Money Back plan. It pays part of the Sum Assured during the term as Survival Benefits. Then at maturity, it pays the balance Sum Assured (if any) and Loyalty Additions.

You have already received 10% of Sum Assured each in the 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th years. That is 40% of Rs 5 lakh — total Rs 2 lakh paid already.

So now, here is what you will receive in 2028:

The remaining 60% of Sum Assured, which is Rs 3 lakh

Loyalty Additions (only declared at maturity, non-guaranteed)

There is no return of total premiums paid. There is no extra payout for paying premiums regularly. Premiums are not refunded. They are only the cost of insurance and benefits.

So the correct answer is:

Final payout = Remaining Sum Assured (60%) + Loyalty Additions

That is, Option B in your question is correct.
You will not receive full Sum Assured plus Loyalty Additions.
You will not get total premiums paid back.

Your received payouts already include part of the Sum Assured. Hence, final payment includes only what is left of the Sum Assured and any loyalty addition.

Dissecting Loyalty Addition – How It Is Calculated
Now your second question: How is Loyalty Addition (LA) calculated?

LA is a one-time bonus declared at maturity.

It is based on Sum Assured, not the premiums paid.

It is not guaranteed. LIC declares it depending on profits.

LA rate is per Rs 1000 Sum Assured.

Your policy’s LA will be announced only at maturity.

Factors that impact LA:

LIC’s annual surplus and valuation.

Type of policy (Money Back, Endowment, etc.).

Policy term. Longer policies usually get better LA.

Consistent premium payment is essential to be eligible.

You can expect LA between Rs 20 to Rs 50 per Rs 1000 Sum Assured.
For Rs 5 lakh SA, this could be Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 approx.
However, it could vary. There is no fixed number. Past performance does not guarantee future additions.

Actual Returns from This Policy – An Uncomfortable Reality
You started this policy in 2008. You are paying premiums for 20 years. You have received some money in between. And you will get some more in 2028.

But let’s step back and assess what this policy really delivered:

You paid premiums for 20 years.

Received Rs 2 lakh across four survival benefit payouts.

Will receive Rs 3 lakh + LA (around Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000).

Total maturity may be around Rs 3.1 to Rs 3.25 lakh.

This means over 20 years, your Rs 5 lakh sum assured got distributed back to you. But it grew very little. The internal rate of return is often just 4% to 5% in these plans.

Inflation eats away this return.

What You Could Have Done Instead – And Can Still Do Now
Had you put this amount in a mutual fund through a well-chosen SIP, the outcome could have been different:

SIPs in good equity mutual funds can deliver 10%-12% over 15-20 years.

Even with Rs 2000 per month SIP, you may build Rs 15–18 lakh over 20 years.

Instead of Rs 3.2 lakh in return, you may have got five times that.

Mutual funds offer growth, flexibility, and transparency.

Even now, it is not too late.

If this is your only LIC type policy, you may complete the last 3 years. Then shift full maturity amount to mutual funds through Systematic Transfer Plans (STP) into equity funds. If you hold other LIC/ULIP/traditional plans, we suggest surrendering and reinvesting.

What You Must Do Immediately
Go through your full LIC policy

Check how much premium you have paid so far.

Check survival benefit payouts received so far.

Ask LIC branch to give expected Loyalty Addition range.

Evaluate if you have similar low-yield policies.

List all investment-linked insurance policies.

Meet a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to analyse surrender value, switch options.

If no heavy penalty or if break-even is achieved, surrender now.

Redeploy in long-term mutual funds with CFP support.

Why These LIC-type Policies Underperform
They offer insurance + investment combined.

They lack flexibility in payouts.

Most give returns that fail to beat inflation.

Real wealth creation never happens in them.

Your money gets locked for 15-25 years.

Early exit is allowed but not attractive due to penalties.

Insurance is for protection. Investment is for growth. Do not mix both.

Role of Mutual Funds for Long-Term Goals
Mutual funds offer transparent, regulated growth.

Different types for different goals: equity, hybrid, debt.

You can select based on time, risk, and needs.

Funds are actively managed. Portfolio managers adjust strategy as per markets.

Long-term SIPs build wealth silently and strongly.

Avoid index funds. They do not adjust during falls. They just copy the market. Actively managed funds with professional MFD and CFP support do much better.

Also avoid direct mutual funds. You miss out on guidance, portfolio reviews, and behavioural support. Regular funds with CFP supervision give long-term discipline and support.

Future-Proofing Your Finances – Going Beyond This One Policy
Use this opportunity to do a 360-degree portfolio review:

Analyse all LICs, ULIPs, endowment policies.

Exit or convert them to mutual fund flows.

Create a customised education goal portfolio.

Build a retirement income strategy with SWP method.

Protect with term insurance, not mixed plans.

Set up family emergency fund in liquid mutual funds.

Ensure health insurance is updated and adequate.

This creates a strong financial safety net and future corpus.

Final Insights
Your LIC policy will soon mature. It gives a fixed amount with a loyalty bonus.
But its return is very low over 20 years. It underperformed inflation.

Now is the time to realign your full financial life. Shift from traditional plans to modern, growth-focused solutions. Mutual funds, if selected and managed with guidance, offer better wealth-building.

You still have time to optimise the rest of your life’s earnings.

Take control now.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 30, 2024Hindi
Money
Resp. Sir, I need your guidance regarding Insurance cum guranteed Income Plan. I did purchased ICICI Pru Guaranteed Income For Tomorrow (GIFT) Plan in 2023. I purchased 12 yrs PPT + 2 Year Plan. The annual premium is Rs. 5 Lakh + GST. ( 522500 in 1st year, 511250 for rest of 11 years ). I have paid 2 installment ( 2023 and 2024). Last installment to be paid in March 2034. I have choosed annual Payout. the first payout will start in September 2038 ( as I have chossed save on date) The payout amount will be Rs. 790926- tax free for 25 years ( upto 2062. I will be 95 by 2062). ICICI will return all premium also with 10% bonus. That mean Rs. 6600000/-( 66 Lakhs) will be paid with last payout. Now I am again confused for If I should contimnue or not. Policy is now fully paid after payment of minimum payment of two premium ( it means I will get reduced payout from 2038 onwards). Pl. guide me , 1) If I should continue the payment of premium, 2) what will be the rate of return and XIRR, 3) alternate investment if I discontinue the payment of Premium. Waiting for your reply. Thanks in Advance.
Ans: Your decision to purchase the ICICI Pru Guaranteed Income For Tomorrow (GIFT) Plan reflects a prudent approach to creating a future income stream. The policy offers guaranteed returns and aligns well with long-term financial security. However, it’s essential to carefully assess whether continuing with the premium payments will help you meet your financial goals efficiently.

Let’s evaluate the key elements of this plan, the expected returns, and alternative options to help you make an informed choice.

Key Highlights of Your Current Insurance Plan
Here’s a quick summary of your ICICI Pru Guaranteed Income For Tomorrow Plan:

Premium Payment Term (PPT): 12 years
Annual Premium: Rs 5 lakh + GST (Rs 5,22,500 in the first year, Rs 5,11,250 for the next 11 years)
Annual Payout Start: September 2038
Annual Payout Amount: Rs 7,90,926 (tax-free) for 25 years
Return of Premium with Bonus: Rs 66 lakhs at the end of the payout term in 2062
Evaluation of Returns: Rate of Return and XIRR
Rate of Return: This insurance-cum-guaranteed income plan typically offers returns in the range of 5-6%, which is relatively modest compared to other investment vehicles.

Expected XIRR: Calculating the exact XIRR is complex as it considers both premium payments and the eventual payouts. Given the guaranteed amount, the XIRR is expected to be in the range of 5.5-6.5%.

Opportunity Cost: This return may appear low compared to the potential returns from other investment options like mutual funds, especially when compounded over 12 years. High inflation rates may further erode the purchasing power of the fixed payouts, potentially affecting your financial freedom in the future.

Benefits of Continuing with the Plan
If your primary goal is guaranteed income and stability, here’s why you might consider continuing:

Assured Income: This plan provides a predictable, tax-free income stream for 25 years, helping you maintain cash flow without market risk.

Capital Preservation: With the return of premium and bonus at the end, the plan ensures capital preservation, which may suit a conservative investment outlook.

Tax-Free Income: The payouts are tax-free, which can be beneficial, particularly if you anticipate a high tax bracket in the future.

Considerations for Discontinuing the Plan
Although this plan provides guaranteed income, certain factors may urge you to consider discontinuing:

Lower Rate of Return: Traditional insurance-cum-investment plans generally offer lower returns. These returns may not match the long-term growth rates required for wealth accumulation.

Liquidity Constraints: The plan restricts liquidity since you must commit for 12 years, with no flexible withdrawal options. This can be a drawback if you anticipate needing funds for other investments or emergencies.

Inflation Impact: While the payouts are fixed, the real value of the income will diminish over time due to inflation. Alternative investments can offer growth that more effectively counters inflation.

Alternate Investment Options
If you decide to discontinue premium payments, here are some diversified options to consider for potentially higher returns with a balanced risk:

Actively Managed Mutual Funds: Investing in actively managed funds can offer a blend of equity and debt exposure. Experienced fund managers adjust portfolios to capture market gains while managing risk. Unlike index funds, actively managed funds may outperform due to professional insights. Explore equity mutual funds with a long-term focus for higher returns.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds: These funds offer a combination of equity and debt, reducing volatility while aiming for reasonable growth. Balanced funds are suitable for generating wealth over time, with moderate risk.

Debt Mutual Funds: For conservative growth, debt funds provide stable returns with relatively low risk. Note that debt fund returns are now taxed at your income slab rate, which may affect post-tax returns. Consider debt funds if you prefer a safer, predictable growth without long lock-ins.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): If you haven’t maximized your PPF contributions, this instrument offers tax-free interest and principal, with long-term compounding benefits. PPF is risk-free and provides stable, inflation-protected growth over time.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB): For those interested in gold investments, SGBs offer regular interest income and long-term price appreciation potential. SGBs come with tax-free redemption if held to maturity, providing a hedge against inflation.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Mutual Funds: An SWP offers regular payouts by systematically redeeming mutual fund units. Unlike insurance payouts, SWPs give you flexibility, and the invested corpus has growth potential, enhancing overall wealth.

Recommendation for Next Steps
To determine whether to continue with the premiums, consider the following steps:

Re-evaluate Your Financial Goals: Consider your long-term objectives and whether guaranteed, fixed returns align with them.

Assess Liquidity Needs: If liquidity is crucial, continuing this plan may limit your ability to allocate funds to better-suited investments.

Discuss with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Consulting a CFP can provide tailored insights and assist in calculating the precise XIRR and assessing the tax impact on your returns.

Final Insights
Your current insurance plan provides stability and guaranteed returns, which is suitable if you prioritize capital preservation. However, if wealth accumulation and inflation protection are key, consider exploring other options that offer higher growth potential with some market exposure.

Choosing the right path ultimately depends on balancing security with growth, ensuring that your investments remain aligned with your future financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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