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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8058 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

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 - May 04, 2024Hindi
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I am have a ulip with 3lakh premium per year,I have already paid for 3yrs and have 3 more yrs to pay should I continue with uulip or stop the payment,as per my once we stop payment it is moved to account with 2% interest until the tenure,my current fund value is 1060000 Please advise

Ans: Deciding whether to continue or discontinue your ULIP investment requires careful consideration of various factors. Let's analyze your situation to determine the best course of action.

Assessing ULIP Performance and Features
Current Fund Value: Your ULIP has accumulated a fund value of 10,60,000 rupees over three years, indicating positive growth.

Remaining Premium Payments: You have three more years of premium payments left on your ULIP policy.

Interest on Suspended Payments: According to your policy, if premium payments are stopped, the amount is moved to an account with a 2% interest rate until the end of the tenure.

Factors to Consider
Fund Performance: Evaluate the historical performance of your ULIP fund. Compare it with benchmark indices and similar investment options to gauge its competitiveness.

Costs and Charges: Assess the charges associated with your ULIP, including fund management charges, policy administration fees, and mortality charges. Ensure these fees are reasonable and do not erode your returns significantly.

Future Financial Goals: Consider your long-term financial objectives and whether your ULIP aligns with them. Evaluate alternative investment avenues that may offer better growth potential or align more closely with your risk tolerance and goals.

Decision Making
Continue with ULIP: If your ULIP has demonstrated consistent growth, low fees, and aligns with your financial goals, continuing with premium payments may be beneficial. Ensure you can sustain premium payments without compromising your financial stability.

Stop Premium Payments: If you are dissatisfied with the ULIP's performance, facing financial constraints, or find better investment opportunities elsewhere, stopping premium payments and moving the funds to the interest-bearing account may be prudent. However, consider the opportunity cost of potentially higher returns in other investments.

Consultation and Review
Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized insights into your ULIP investment and help you make an informed decision. Review your ULIP policy document, assess its terms and conditions, and consider seeking professional advice before making any changes.

Your diligence in reviewing your ULIP investment reflects responsible financial management. By carefully evaluating your options and seeking guidance when needed, you're taking proactive steps towards optimizing your financial well-being.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jun 01, 2024 | Answered on Jun 01, 2024
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Is there a way to continue my ULIP such that I can discontinue my insurance part in that and continue it until the end of tenure
Ans: Your inquiry about modifying your Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) to discontinue the insurance component and continue the investment part demonstrates your strategic thinking. Let’s explore this further, considering the practical aspects and alternatives to optimize your financial growth.

Understanding ULIPs
ULIPs combine investment and insurance into a single product. They provide life cover while allowing you to invest in various funds, such as equity, debt, or a mix. This combination can be advantageous, but it can also lead to complexities and higher costs.

Challenges in Discontinuing the Insurance Component
Most ULIPs are designed to integrate both insurance and investment. Therefore, separating the insurance component while retaining the investment part might not be possible. However, let’s explore some potential strategies and their implications:

Potential Strategies Within ULIPs
Partial Withdrawals or Top-Ups:

Some ULIPs allow partial withdrawals after a lock-in period, usually five years. This can help you manage your investments more flexibly.
Top-up payments can enhance the investment portion without significantly increasing the insurance cover.
Reducing the Sum Assured:

Check with your ULIP provider if reducing the sum assured is an option after a certain period. This can lower the insurance premium, directing more of your payments towards investments.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits of Continuing ULIP:

Continued Investment Growth:
Staying invested in the ULIP allows your funds to grow, leveraging potential market upsides.
Tax Benefits:
ULIPs offer tax benefits under Section 80C for premiums paid and Section 10(10D) for maturity proceeds, subject to conditions.
Drawbacks of Continuing ULIP:

Inflexibility:
The integrated nature of ULIPs can limit your flexibility in managing investments and insurance separately.
Charges:
ULIPs have various charges, including mortality charges, fund management fees, and policy administration charges, which can impact overall returns.
Alternative Strategy: Surrendering the ULIP
Given the complexities and potential drawbacks of continuing with a ULIP, you might consider surrendering it and reinvesting the proceeds into mutual funds. Here’s why this can be advantageous:

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Higher Potential Returns:

Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, aim to outperform market indices. Professional fund managers make strategic decisions to maximize returns.
Flexibility and Liquidity:

Mutual funds offer greater flexibility and liquidity compared to ULIPs. You can choose from a wide range of funds tailored to your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Cost Efficiency:

While mutual funds have their own set of fees, they tend to be more transparent and often lower than the combined charges of ULIPs.
Professional Management:

Actively managed mutual funds benefit from the expertise of fund managers who actively monitor and adjust the portfolio to optimize performance.
Tax Benefits:

Long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds are taxed at a lower rate, providing tax efficiency over the long term.
Steps to Surrender Your ULIP and Reinvest in Mutual Funds
Evaluate Surrender Charges:

Before surrendering your ULIP, understand the surrender charges and how they might impact your proceeds.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

A CFP can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals, helping you understand the implications of surrendering your ULIP and guiding you through the reinvestment process.
Reinvest in Mutual Funds:

With the proceeds from your ULIP, invest in mutual funds that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. A CFP can help you select the right funds and create a diversified portfolio.
Why Consult a Certified Financial Planner
Navigating the complexities of investment choices and optimizing your financial strategy can be challenging. A Certified Financial Planner offers:

Personalized Guidance:
Tailored advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.
Professional Expertise:
Insights and strategies to maximize returns and manage risks effectively.
Holistic Planning:
Comprehensive financial planning that considers all aspects of your financial life.
Conclusion
While modifying your ULIP to discontinue the insurance component might not be feasible, surrendering the policy and reinvesting in mutual funds can offer better flexibility, potential returns, and cost efficiency. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner will ensure that your investment decisions are well-informed and aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |8058 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

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Having 2 matured ulip ( 5 years lockin completed), invested 3 k each in hdfc and Bajaj. Now bajaj value is 270k, hdfc is 302k, should I leave the amount invested or should I withdraw.
Ans: Understanding Your ULIP Situation
Congratulations on completing the five-year lock-in period for your ULIPs. You now have two matured ULIPs: one with Bajaj and another with HDFC. The Bajaj ULIP is currently valued at Rs 2.70 lakh, and the HDFC ULIP at Rs 3.02 lakh. It's time to evaluate whether to leave the investment or withdraw.

Assessing ULIP Performance
Evaluating the historical performance of both ULIPs is crucial. Consider the annual returns compared to other investments. ULIPs combine insurance with investment, which impacts returns. Typically, ULIPs have higher charges than mutual funds, affecting net returns.

Charges and Costs in ULIPs
ULIPs often have several charges: premium allocation, policy administration, fund management, and mortality charges. These charges can significantly reduce your overall returns. Comparing these charges with potential returns from other investment options is essential. Lower-cost alternatives might offer better net returns over time.

Evaluating Investment Needs
Assessing your current financial goals and needs is necessary. Are these ULIPs aligned with your long-term financial objectives? If not, it might be wise to reallocate these funds. Your investment should match your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Benefits of Staying Invested
Continuing with ULIPs can offer benefits such as loyalty additions and bonuses. Check the policy terms to see if staying invested provides additional benefits. If market conditions are favourable, the investment could grow further. Evaluate the performance potential of the underlying funds.

Withdraw and Reinvest Strategy
Given the charges and potentially better alternatives, it might be prudent to withdraw from your ULIPs. Reinvesting in more cost-effective options like actively managed equity mutual funds can offer higher returns with lower costs. Consult a certified financial planner to select suitable mutual funds. Ensure your new investments align with your financial goals and risk profile.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds, particularly actively managed ones, often outperform ULIPs due to lower costs and professional management. Direct funds might seem appealing but require active management and market knowledge. Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credential provide professional management and advice. This ensures optimal fund performance and alignment with your goals.

Tax Implications
Consider the tax implications of withdrawing from ULIPs. ULIPs held for over five years often enjoy tax benefits on maturity. Check if withdrawing and reinvesting impacts your tax liabilities. Consult a certified financial planner for detailed tax planning.

Liquidity Needs
Evaluate your liquidity needs before making a decision. ULIPs can be less liquid compared to other investments. If you need funds soon, withdrawing might be a better option. Ensure you have enough liquidity for emergencies and short-term goals.

Reviewing Financial Goals
Revisit your financial goals and retirement plans. Ensure your investments are geared towards achieving these goals. Regularly review and adjust your investment strategy with your certified financial planner. A well-planned strategy helps secure your financial future.

Risk Management
Diversify your investment portfolio to manage risk effectively. Consider a balanced mix of equities, fixed-income instruments, and other asset classes. Regularly rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. Work with a certified financial planner to tailor a risk management strategy.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Certified financial planners provide valuable insights and personalized advice. They help in selecting the best investment options based on your needs. A professional can guide you through market fluctuations and economic changes. Rely on their expertise to make informed investment decisions.

Final Assessment
Assess the overall performance and charges of your ULIPs. Compare potential returns from alternative investments. Consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. Make a decision that aligns with your long-term financial strategy.

Conclusion
Given the high charges and the availability of better-performing, lower-cost alternatives, it is advisable to withdraw your investments from the ULIPs. Reinvesting these funds in actively managed mutual funds can provide you with better returns and professional management. Regular reviews and professional guidance are key to successful investing.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8058 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 42 years old. I have started an ULIP in Sbi Life - Smart Privilege LP in 2017. Policy Term of 20 Years and premium payment of 5years. Currently the policy is in fully paid up condition . So far the policy performed well. I paid 6 Lacs per year and totally 30 Lacs in 5 years. Current Value of my policy is 72 Lacs. I have selected 70% in Midcap , 5% in Balance Fund, 20% in Equity growth fund & 5% in Top 300 fund. I am not worried about the risk taking level. Is it worth to continue this policy further? my aim is to get 75 K monthly. Can I change to Mutual fund with SWP?
Ans: You have a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) with SBI Life - Smart Privilege LP, which you started in 2017. You paid Rs. 6 lakhs annually for five years, totaling Rs. 30 lakhs. The current value of your policy is Rs. 72 lakhs. Your allocation is 70% in Midcap, 5% in Balanced Fund, 20% in Equity Growth Fund, and 5% in Top 300 Fund.

You aim to receive Rs. 75,000 monthly. Let's explore whether it's better to continue with the ULIP or switch to Mutual Funds with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

Performance and Structure of ULIPs
ULIPs combine insurance and investment. Your policy has done well, growing from Rs. 30 lakhs to Rs. 72 lakhs. This growth indicates a good performance. ULIPs offer life cover, which provides financial security to your family in case of your untimely demise.

The charges in ULIPs include premium allocation, fund management, mortality, and policy administration. These charges can impact returns over the long term. Despite these charges, your policy has performed admirably.

Evaluating Mutual Funds with SWP
Mutual Funds are solely investment products, without an insurance component. They typically have lower charges compared to ULIPs. Actively managed Mutual Funds allow flexibility and can be tailored to meet your risk profile and investment goals.

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your Mutual Fund investment. This can provide a steady monthly income. With an SWP, you can plan for Rs. 75,000 monthly withdrawals.

Risk and Return Assessment
You mentioned that you are not worried about risk. Both ULIPs and Mutual Funds can be tailored to match your risk appetite. In your ULIP, 70% is in Midcap, which is high-risk but high-reward. A similar allocation in Mutual Funds can potentially yield better returns due to lower costs.

Mutual Funds provide diversification and professional management. You can choose a mix of Equity, Balanced, and Debt funds to match your risk profile. With the right selection, Mutual Funds can outperform ULIPs over the long term.

Tax Implications
ULIPs have a tax advantage under Section 80C for premiums paid and Section 10(10D) for maturity proceeds. Mutual Funds also offer tax benefits, particularly Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) under Section 80C.

However, the tax treatment on withdrawals differs. Withdrawals from Mutual Funds are subject to capital gains tax. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are taxed at 10% above Rs. 1 lakh. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 15%.

For debt funds, LTCG is taxed at 20% with indexation, and STCG is taxed as per your income slab. It's essential to consider these tax implications when planning your SWP.

Costs and Charges
ULIPs have higher costs due to the insurance component and various charges. These charges can eat into your returns over time. Mutual Funds have lower costs, primarily the expense ratio. By investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you can benefit from professional advice and potentially better fund selection.

Direct Mutual Funds have lower expense ratios than regular plans. However, investing through a CFP can provide personalized advice, which can enhance your returns and help in achieving your financial goals.

Liquidity and Flexibility
Mutual Funds offer better liquidity compared to ULIPs. You can redeem your Mutual Fund units partially or fully at any time. ULIPs have a lock-in period, typically five years, limiting liquidity.

The flexibility in Mutual Funds allows you to switch between funds without charges, unlike ULIPs which may have switching charges. This flexibility can help you adapt your portfolio to changing market conditions and personal circumstances.

Benefits of Staying with ULIP
Your ULIP has performed well, doubling in value. Continuing with the ULIP can provide continued life cover and potential tax benefits. If you value the insurance component and the current performance, staying invested might be beneficial.

However, consider reviewing the fund performance periodically and reassess the charges. If the charges start to outweigh the benefits, it might be time to consider switching.

Transitioning to Mutual Funds
Switching to Mutual Funds with an SWP can provide a steady income and potentially higher returns due to lower costs. Here's how you can proceed:

Evaluate Your Goals: Ensure that Rs. 75,000 monthly is realistic based on your corpus and expected returns.
Select Funds Carefully: Choose a mix of equity, balanced, and debt funds to match your risk profile.
Plan Withdrawals: Set up an SWP to provide the desired monthly income. Review and adjust periodically.
Consult a CFP: A Certified Financial Planner can help optimize your portfolio and ensure it aligns with your goals.
Transition Strategy
If you decide to switch, do it gradually to avoid market timing risks. Redeem your ULIP in phases and invest in Mutual Funds systematically. This strategy can help mitigate market volatility.

Ensure that your new investments are diversified. A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and debt funds can provide stability and growth. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals.

Final Insights
Your ULIP has done well, and it offers insurance cover and tax benefits. However, the high charges can impact long-term returns. Mutual Funds with an SWP offer flexibility, potentially higher returns, and lower costs.

Evaluate your goals, risk profile, and tax implications carefully. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to help make an informed decision. A gradual transition to Mutual Funds can provide the desired monthly income and better long-term growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Moneywize

Moneywize   |181 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 20, 2024Hindi
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I’m Neha from Thane. I’m 35, married with one son aged 7. I have a term insurance policy for Rs 1 crore. Should I also consider a ULIP for additional savings, or is continuing with mutual funds a better option?
Ans: Hi Neha! Considering that you already have a term insurance policy for Rs 1 crore, it's great that your family is covered in case of unforeseen events. When deciding between ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) and mutual funds for savings and investment, here are some key points to consider:

ULIP vs Mutual Funds:

1. Cost and Charges:

ULIPs often have higher charges, such as premium allocation charges, mortality charges, and fund management fees. Mutual funds, on the other hand, usually have lower expense ratios, especially if you are investing in direct plans.

2. Flexibility:

Mutual funds offer more flexibility in terms of choosing different fund categories (large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, debt, etc.), switching between funds, and liquidity.

ULIPs typically lock in your money for five years and come with restrictions on switching funds.

3. Investment Returns:

Mutual funds tend to offer more transparency in terms of returns and performance as they are pure investment vehicles. ULIPs, being a combination of insurance and investment, may offer lower returns compared to dedicated mutual funds.

4. Tax Benefits:

ULIPs offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, just like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds. However, after the budget of 2021, the tax-free advantage for ULIPs is limited if the annual premium exceeds Rs 2.5 lakh.

5. Purpose:

ULIPs mix insurance and investment, but it’s generally recommended to keep insurance and investments separate for better clarity and optimisation. Term insurance covers risk, while mutual funds focus purely on growing your wealth.

6. Recommendation:

Since you already have a good term insurance plan, it would be more beneficial to continue with or increase your investment in mutual funds. Mutual funds will provide better flexibility, potential returns, and lower costs in the long run compared to ULIPs. You can choose funds based on your risk profile and financial goals.

..Read more

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My son got 97.3 percentile in Mains which NIT he will get belong to OBC NCL
Ans: Pawan Sir,

How to Predict Your Chances of Admission After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Once the January JEE Main session results are declared, many students and JEE applicants start asking common questions about eligibility for specific institutes (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, etc.) based on their percentile, category, preferred branch, and home state.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, and preparation strategies, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions! ????

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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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