Investing for the future can be confusing with so many choices available. Two great options are unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs) and annuity plans. Each has its strengths, but combined, they can create a strong investment strategy that balances growth, stability, and guaranteed income.
Read on to learn more about how ULIPs and annuity plans work individually and how they can complement each other in a balanced investment strategy.
What is a ULIP?
A ULIP is an insurance policy that provides both protection and investment. Part of the premium pays for a life insurance component, while the remainder goes into investment funds of one’s choice. The funds are tied to market performance; hence, the returns are not fixed, but they have the potential for higher growth over time.
Other advantages include the flexibility to switch between fund types, tax benefits on premiums and payouts, and a lump sum payout to beneficiaries upon the insured’s death.
What is an Annuity Plan?
Annuity plans provide guaranteed regular income for life. Upon maturity, the accumulated amount is paid in installments rather than as a lump sum. Such policies bring stability amid fluctuating markets while ensuring one doesn’t outlive savings in retirement years. Some annuities offer partial commutation, allowing partial lump sum withdrawals if needed. The remaining corpus continues to be paid for in regular installments.
Blending Both Worlds: ULIP and Annuity Plans
ULIPs and annuities have complementary strengths when blended into one’s portfolio. Here’s how they balance each other out:
Market Growth and Regular Income
The market-linked returns of ULIP plans help build a large corpus over the long term. Annuity plans then provide guaranteed income from the maturity amount through one’s golden years, ensuring income security regardless of how markets perform later.
Flexibility and Stability
The lump sum payout and fund-switching flexibility of ULIPs provide financial options to handle unexpected needs. The lifelong regular payouts of annuity plans offer stability and assurance of income amid any fluctuations.
Liquidity and Safety Net
ULIPs typically have a 5-year lock-in period. Emergency withdrawals can be made by paying surrender charges. Annuities provide lifelong assured income backed by insurers, reducing risks linked to market downturns and longevity.
Wealth Transfer and Income Continuity
The death benefit payout of ULIP passes wealth to beneficiaries and secures their future. On the other hand, annuity plans can include joint life policies covering spouses, ensuring continued income in case of the primary holder’s demise.
Tax Benefits
ULIPs (under ₹1.5 lakh premium) and eligible annuities offer tax deductions under Section 80C. Capital gains from ULIPs and annuity payouts are tax-exempt per Section 10(10D), maximising savings.
Ideal Stage for Each Plan
One’s age and life stage determine the ideal time for ULIP and annuity plans within their investment journey:
ULIP Plans
It is best suited for people between 30 and 50 with a higher risk appetite. Market-linked returns have great potential early on. Per evolving needs, funds can be switched between equities, debt, etc.
Annuity Plans
Best purchased around retirement at 55 to 60 years, when a substantial corpus has been accumulated. Annuity plans provide predictable income to cover living expenses after earnings stop, offering financial security during non-working years.
Optimal Asset Allocation
ULIPs may comprise 80% of investments from age 30 to 50. The remaining 20% can go into debt assets for stability. Closer to retirement at 55 years, 40% may shift to annuities from ULIP funds to start building guaranteed income. Eventually, annuity allocation may rise to 60% by age 60.
Choosing the Right Annuity
The income phase of retirement planning becomes successful only when the right annuity product is purchased. Here are some tips to buy suitable annuities:
Conclusion
Combining ULIPs and annuity plans can significantly enhance your financial strategy. ULIPs offer market-linked growth and flexibility, while annuities provide stability and guaranteed income. By understanding the ideal stages for each and optimising asset allocation, investors can enjoy the benefits of both worlds. Careful selection of the right annuity and regular review of one’s financial needs ensure a secure and comfortable future.
Contact PNB MetLife to understand the benefits of combining ULIP and annuity plans in your portfolio.
Reference Links:
https://www.pnbmetlife.com/articles/wealth/know-all-about-unit-linked-insurance-plan.html