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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Bharat Question by Bharat on May 15, 2025
Money

Sir, Sum assured is 5 lacs and GA is 75 per thousand of SA, it is showing bonus, GA as 9 lacs as of today, Can you recheck your calculation?

Ans: Hello;

Please confirm with your insurance advisor for the exact payout expected.

Thanks;
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 03, 2025

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

..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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