You might be familiar with ULIPs, or Unit Linked Insurance Plans, known as a top investment choice in India. Ever wondered about the wealth potential they hold over a decade? This blog will address this question.
Factors Affecting ULIP Returns
The returns from ULIP investments depend on several factors, such as:
- Market conditions: ULIPs are linked to the market performance of the underlying assets. That means your ULIP returns will also be high if the market is doing well. Conversely, your ULIP returns will also be low if the market is down. However, ULIPs also offer you the option to switch between funds, which can help you mitigate the market risk and optimise your returns.
- Fund performance: ULIPs offer a range of fund options, each with a different risk-return profile. The fund’s performance depends on the fund manager’s expertise, the fund’s portfolio, and the fund’s expenses. You can check the fund’s performance by looking at its NAV (Net Asset Value), which is the value of one fund unit. You can also compare the fund’s performance with its benchmark index, which represents the market performance of the fund’s category.
- Charges: ULIPs have various charges associated with them, such as premium allocation charges, policy administration fees, fund management expenses, mortality charges, and surrender charges. These charges are deducted from your premium or fund value, reducing your ULIP returns. However, ULIPs have become more cost-effective in recent years, as the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has capped the charges and made them more transparent. You can compare the charges of different ULIPs before investing in them and choose the one that offers the best value.
- Tax benefits: ULIPs offer tax perks under Section 80C and Section 10(10D). You can get a reduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh for the premium paid under Section 80C, and the maturity proceeds are tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to certain conditions. These tax benefits can enhance your ULIP returns and help you save more.
Expected Returns from Different Fund Options
ULIPs offer you different fund options to suit your risk appetite and investment goal. The fund options are:
- Equity funds: These funds invest predominantly in equity or equity-related securities, such as stocks and shares. These funds offer the highest returns but also carry the highest risk. Equity funds are useful for investors who have a high-risk propensity and a long-term investment horizon.
- Debt funds: These funds invest mainly in debt or fixed-income securities, such as bonds, debentures and government securities. These funds offer moderate returns but also carry low risk. Debt funds are perfect for investors who have a low-risk appetite and a short-term investment horizon.
- Balanced funds: These funds park your funds in a mix of equity and debt bonds in a proportion that balances the risk and return. These funds offer moderate to high returns, with moderate risk. Balanced ones are suitable for investors who have a medium risk appetite and a medium-term investment horizon.
You can use the ULIP calculator to get a fair idea.
Tips to Choose the Best Fund Option
- Risk Tolerance: Your risk appetite is how much risk you can take in your investment. Equity is suitable for you if you are willing to take high risk for high returns. Debt funds are suitable for you if you prefer low-risk and moderate returns. Balanced funds are suitable for you if you want a mix of risk and return.
- Investment goal: As discussed before, it is what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it with your investment. Equity funds are suitable for you if you have a long-term investment goal, such as saving for retirement or your child’s education, as they can help you reach your goal faster. Debt funds are suitable for you if you have a short-term investment goal, such as building a necessity fund or clearing off debt, as they offer stability and liquidity. Balanced funds are suitable for you if you have a medium-term investment goal, such as planning a vacation or renovating your home, as they offer moderate growth and flexibility.
Conclusion
ULIPs are not the only investment option available in the market. There are other popular investment options, such as mutual funds, PPF, NPS, and fixed deposits. However, ULIPs offer the highest returns, risk and tax benefits but come with the lowest liquidity. ULIPs are the best investment option for investors who have a high-risk appetite and a long-term investment goal.
