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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |500 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2026

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money

LIC LIC’s New Jeevan Labh Plan (936): Start: 25.02.2021 Premium End: 25.01.2037 (16 Years) Maturity: 25.02.2046 (25 Years) Monthly Premium: 4983+GST (GST paid upto August 2025) Sum Assured: 1300000 Premium pid till 25.01.2026 (total 60 month) What if I discontinue further premium and convert it into paid up policy What will be maturity amount? Also what will be surrender value as of now? Also what will be maturity amour if I continue to pay premium till 16 years?

Ans: Hi,

I am sorry but plans like this doesn't give much benefit and one should never opt for such plans.
It is better for you to surrender this policy now rather than dragging this loss for another 20 years.

You can easily get more returns in simple FD and more than double if you choose mutual funds investment.
Your exact maturity value will be told by LIC office but you will definitely lose more than 15% on what you have paid.

But on a brighter side, surrendering and reinvesting the same in mutual funds with minimum 12% return will vanish your losses in just 2-3 years.

Hence, practical approach is to close this policy.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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  |10975 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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Money
I am having LIC of a 14 lakhs policy of Jeevan Anand paying premium of 71000. It's going to mature or complete it's 21years term. How much should I expect the maturity amount? Will I be be life covered post maturity amount withdrawal? Where should I invest this maturity amount?
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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10975 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2025
Money
Hello - I have 4 LIC policies. details as following 1 - Jevvan saral 12/2008. INR 1021 Mthly Pay till 11/2043. Maturity 12/2043 SA 2,50,000 2 - jeeval saral 07/2007 to 07/2042. inr 15,162 HLY. SA 6,25,000. Matruing Dec 2043. 3 - Jeevan Mitra Triple cover 04/2003 - 04/2033. Premium inr 3731 annually SA 1 lakh 4 - Jeevan Anand 11/2003 - 11/2027 premium 4176 annually SA 1 lakh. Pl advise if I should retain or surrender? esp the jeevan saral ones. Not sure how the expected return will look like? I guess the preduction the the agent was v optimistic when i purchased.
Ans: You have held these LIC policies for a long time.

You have been disciplined in paying premiums.

That shows commitment and patience.

But it is also important to assess if they are helping you build wealth.

Let us do a complete 360-degree assessment from a Certified Financial Planner’s view.

This will help you take a confident and informed decision.

Your Existing LIC Policies – A Summary Review

Policy 1: Jeevan Saral (started Dec 2008)

Monthly premium: Rs.1,021

Sum Assured: Rs.2.5 lakhs

Maturity: Dec 2043 (35 years term)

Policy 2: Jeevan Saral (started July 2007)

Half-yearly premium: Rs.15,162

Sum Assured: Rs.6.25 lakhs

Maturity: Dec 2043 (36.5 years term)

Policy 3: Jeevan Mitra – Triple Cover (started April 2003)

Annual premium: Rs.3,731

Sum Assured: Rs.1 lakh

Maturity: April 2033 (30 years term)

Policy 4: Jeevan Anand (started Nov 2003)

Annual premium: Rs.4,176

Sum Assured: Rs.1 lakh

Maturity: Nov 2027 (24 years term)

What Needs to Be Evaluated in Your Policies

Total premium paid so far.

Number of years left for maturity.

Guaranteed maturity benefit.

Bonus declared each year by LIC.

Internal Rate of Return (IRR).

How Jeevan Saral and Other LIC Plans Really Perform

LIC policies are mostly traditional endowment-type products.

They promise guaranteed returns and bonuses.

But the real returns are usually very low.

In most Jeevan Saral cases, final returns are between 4% to 5% per year.

Some even get less than 4% IRR.

That is much below inflation.

Why Jeevan Saral Needs Serious Review

LIC stopped selling Jeevan Saral.

There were many complaints about maturity mismatch.

Projections made by agents were often too optimistic.

Agents showed high maturity values which were not guaranteed.

In reality, maturity depends on age at entry and term.

Older policyholders often got very low maturity values.

Your Jeevan Saral Policies – Key Concerns

One policy has Rs.1,021 monthly premium for 35 years.

The total premium paid will be nearly Rs.4.3 lakhs.

Sum assured is only Rs.2.5 lakhs.

Expected maturity can be Rs.5 to 6 lakhs depending on bonus.

But that means less than 5% return for 35 years.

Second Jeevan Saral policy has higher premium of Rs.15,162 half-yearly.

Total paid will cross Rs.21 lakhs by 2043.

Sum assured is Rs.6.25 lakhs only.

Even with loyalty additions, returns may remain under 5.5%.

What About Jeevan Mitra and Jeevan Anand?

These are older plans with low sum assured.

Jeevan Mitra offers triple cover but investment value is low.

Jeevan Anand continues coverage even after maturity.

But it is of no real benefit unless it is for life insurance need.

Premiums are small, but the returns are not attractive.

Total investment is locked in for long term.

Big Issue – Mixing Insurance with Investment

LIC policies combine insurance and investment.

This is not ideal.

Insurance should give protection only.

Investment should create wealth.

Mixing both gives neither good coverage nor good returns.

Why You Should Surrender – Analytical Assessment

Your goal should be wealth creation and financial protection.

These LIC policies give low returns.

Real return after inflation may be zero or negative.

Even if held till maturity, returns remain weak.

These funds are better used in mutual funds with CFP guidance.

What Happens If You Surrender Now?

All your policies have completed more than 20 years or close to it.

That means surrender value will be higher than early years.

LIC will give you guaranteed surrender value plus bonuses.

In most cases, surrender gives 30% to 50% of total premiums paid.

But if you reinvest wisely, you can recover this gap.

The earlier you surrender, the faster your wealth creation begins.

Reinvestment Strategy – 360-Degree View

Surrender values can be reinvested into mutual funds.

Use actively managed equity funds with long term view.

Always invest through a CFP and MFD, not in direct plans.

Direct funds do not offer help or regular review.

Regular funds via CFP give guidance, rebalancing and emotional support.

Why Not Direct Funds? Key Disadvantages

No one to support during market fall.

No plan to shift asset when goals change.

No help in tax planning.

No family guidance in your absence.

Most people stop SIPs or withdraw in panic without advisor help.

Returns in direct funds may look high, but are rarely achieved.

Why Not Index Funds Also

Index funds copy market blindly.

They can’t protect from downside.

They don’t shift allocation during market bubble.

You get average market returns only.

No active fund manager to add value.

Good active funds have beaten index consistently in India.

India is not yet a mature market for passive investing.

What You Must Do Now – Action Steps

Take surrender quotes for all four LIC policies.

Check exact surrender value and accumulated bonuses.

Do not delay. Every month wasted is loss of growth.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner and execute surrender with confidence.

Shift the proceeds to mutual funds under long-term plan.

Allocate funds based on your risk level and goals.

Use SIPs and STP for reinvestment if large corpus.

Do You Need Insurance Now Separately?

Buy a term insurance plan for full protection.

Term plan is pure cover, no savings.

Premium is very low for large cover.

It is best way to protect your family.

Final Insights

You have kept the policies for long. That discipline is rare.

But continuing them will not create meaningful wealth.

LIC policies serve purpose only for guaranteed returns and simple safety.

But they don’t grow your money fast.

You should not mix insurance and investment.

Surrendering is not a loss. It is a correction.

Mutual funds offer better returns, more flexibility and full transparency.

You will also get better control of your money.

Your money must work for you. LIC policies are not doing that.

With right CFP guidance, you can recover and grow faster.

Start now. Every month delayed is growth lost.

Take smart decisions. Not emotional ones.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10975 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 13, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 11, 2026Hindi
Money
have lic jeevan saral policy plan 165 from June 2011 for 15 years with life coverage of Rs50000/- . Age at the time of policy 51 and Yearly premium Rs 24260/ Please inform maturity value at June 2026
Ans: I appreciate your patience in holding this policy for many years.
Many people continue such policies without clarity.
You are doing the right thing by seeking understanding now.
This shows maturity and financial awareness.

» Basic Understanding of Your Policy
– You started the policy in June 2011.
– Policy term is 15 years.
– Maturity is due in June 2026.
– Entry age was 51 years.
– Yearly premium is Rs 24,260.
– Life cover is only Rs 50,000.

This policy is insurance plus savings combined.
Such policies focus more on forced savings.
Protection element is very small.

» Total Premium Paid Over Policy Term
– You pay premium for full 15 years.
– Yearly premium remains constant.
– Premium payment ends before maturity.

By maturity, total premium paid will be substantial.
This is important for comparison.

» How Maturity Value Is Decided
– This policy does not give bonus like others.
– It works on a maturity value factor system.
– Maturity value depends on age and term.
– Loyalty additions may be added at maturity.

Returns are pre-declared, not market linked.

» Expected Maturity Value Range
– For your age and premium, returns are modest.
– Such policies generally give low annual growth.
– Growth is closer to traditional savings products.

Based on past experience with similar cases:
– Maturity value is usually between Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.2 lakh.

This is an approximate range.
Exact figure depends on final loyalty addition.

» Why Maturity Value Feels Low
– Large part of premium goes toward costs.
– Mortality charges are high due to entry age.
– Returns are not linked to equity growth.

These factors reduce wealth creation potential.

» Life Cover Assessment
– Life cover is only Rs 50,000.
– This amount is too small today.
– It does not protect family needs.

Insurance objective is not fulfilled properly.

» Investment Assessment
– Policy forces discipline, not growth.
– Returns do not beat long-term inflation.
– Purchasing power reduces over time.

This impacts real wealth.

» Liquidity Aspect
– Money is locked for long term.
– Exit before maturity causes loss.
– Flexibility is limited.

This restricts financial freedom.

» Risk Versus Reward Balance
– Risk is low.
– Reward is also low.
– Long holding period gives limited benefit.

Such balance does not suit wealth creation.

» Tax Aspect at Maturity
– Maturity proceeds are usually tax free.
– This is a positive aspect.
– But tax benefit alone is not enough.

Net outcome still remains weak.

» Emotional Attachment Factor
– Long association builds emotional comfort.
– Familiarity creates false security.
– Numbers should guide decisions.

Money decisions must be practical.

» Opportunity Cost Over 15 Years
– Same premium invested differently grows better.
– Time value of money is lost here.
– Compounding opportunity is underused.

This is the hidden cost.

» Should You Continue Till Maturity
– You are very close to maturity now.
– Only limited premiums remain.
– Exit now may reduce value.

From pure practicality, holding till maturity makes sense.

» What To Do After Maturity
– Do not reinvest maturity money here again.
– Do not buy similar policies.
– Separate insurance and investment clearly.

This improves clarity and control.

» Insurance Requirement Going Forward
– Insurance should be pure protection.
– Cover amount should be meaningful.
– Premium should be affordable.

This protects family properly.

» Investment Requirement Going Forward
– Investments should focus on growth.
– Long-term horizon suits market-linked options.
– Discipline should be maintained separately.

This builds real wealth.

» Why Such Policies Are Not Ideal
– They mix two different objectives.
– They dilute both protection and growth.
– Transparency is low.

Clarity always wins financially.

» Should You Surrender Similar Policies
– Yes, for long-term underperforming policies.
– Especially investment-cum-insurance types.
– Evaluate surrender versus paid-up carefully.

Each policy needs separate review.

» If You Hold Any Other LIC Policies
– Check premium versus life cover ratio.
– Review maturity value realistically.
– Assess opportunity cost honestly.

Do not assume all LIC policies are safe wealth tools.

» Behavioural Lesson From This Policy
– Forced savings feels comfortable.
– Comfort does not equal efficiency.
– Awareness changes future outcomes.

This lesson is valuable.

» 360 Degree View of Your Policy
– Protection is inadequate.
– Returns are low.
– Liquidity is poor.
– Tax benefit is limited advantage.

Overall outcome is average at best.

» Positive Side You Should Acknowledge
– You maintained long-term discipline.
– You honoured commitments regularly.
– You avoided policy lapsation.

This discipline is powerful.

» How To Use This Discipline Better
– Channel it into transparent investments.
– Keep insurance purely for protection.
– Review annually with clarity.

Discipline plus right structure creates wealth.

» Finally
– Expected maturity value is around Rs 4.5 to 5.2 lakh.
– Exact amount will be known near June 2026.
– Holding till maturity is sensible now.
– Avoid repeating similar products later.

You are in a position to improve future outcomes.
This awareness itself is progress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |500 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 18, 2026Hindi
Money
I am 42, I have two daughters 17 and 13. Me and my wife earn 5L per month currently. We do not know when we will stop being as productive as this We currently have the following portfolio 1. 1.2cr PF 2. 17L PPF 3. 40L MF 4. Real estate (3 flats in city and 5 acres in hometown) 4cr 5. Liquid 1 cr Upcoming life events 1. Kids college 2. Kids marriage After these between me and wife we need atleast 1L per month to live. I want to continue to work for 10 more years and my wife will work for 5 more. Can I retire early?
Ans: Hi,

You two are earning well and have accumulated a lot at such young age. Let us analyse in detail:
- Liquid - 1 crore >> this can take care of the immediate requirement for your kid's higher education.
- Your current investments in PF, PPF and MF - can be considered a portion for your retired life.
- Land and Flats worth 4 crores - can liquidate worth half value to keep it aside for your kids marriage.
- Save aggressively in equity and balanced mutual funds till the time you guys are working. Investing as small as 2 lakhs per month for next 10 years can grow your MF corpus from 40 lakhs to 6 crores.
This along with your PF is more than sufficient for the two of you to retire at your respective paces.

Make sure that the current MF investment along with planned SIP of 2 lakhs monthly is done under professional supervision. Any wrong investment can lower returns and create a negative impact.

Summary - You are on the right path. Start investing aggressively for next 10 years and consider liquidating 50% of your real estate assets to fulfil kids education and marriage.

And also consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...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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