Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) continue to be popular among individuals who wish to tackle insurance coverage and wealth creation in one package. Over the years, they have also established themselves as the top investment plan in this class. A ULIP policy does this by investing part of the premium payment in various market-linked instruments. This allows one to acquire health coverage and potential profits from diversification of the wealth portfolio. Since strategic planning and market knowledge are needed for effective income maximizing of ULIP investment, the average investor needs to be alert and educated on the same.
They opt for a wide range of fund options ranging from equity funds to debt funds and balanced funds, which tend to vary in risk and revenue returns. Investors can choose between equity funds, which give higher returns but with significant risks, and risk-free, comparatively low returns, such as debt funds. Picking up a plan on this basis, with all the required information and knowledge, is vital in achieving higher ULIP returns!
Long Term is Key to all the Plans of ULIPS
ULIPs are created as long-term investment products. Their five-year lock-in period is enough to let the market settle and compound. If properly handled, to bring hyper-lucrative returns, some ULIPs even offer a loyalty addition to provide a compounding effect in return.
Consider making a top-up ULIP to prepare you for financially tough days with additional funds. Using such top-up premiums, you may invest in any company of your choice. You stand to directly increase both your life cover and your investment amount at the same time.
A carefully planned investment policy in Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) can enhance earnings potential, allowing investors to select from various fund options according to their financial goals and risk tolerance. Investments in ULIPs are subject to market risks and fund management performance. Premiums paid towards ULIPs qualify for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, provided the premium does not exceed 10% of the sum assured for policies issued after April 1, 2012. For policies issued before this date, the premium must not exceed 20% of the sum assured.
Additionally, the maturity proceeds from ULIPs are generally tax-free under Section 10(10D), with the condition that the premium for any year does not exceed 10% of the sum assured. However, as per the 2021 financial budget, if the annual premium exceeds ₹2.5 lakh, the returns on maturity would be subject to taxation. This ensures a balance between tax savings and investment growth under regulated conditions.
Your financial position and needs change as you move through the different phases of life. Hence, it is vital that you periodically review your ULIP investments and alter them according to the current objectives. It includes replanning fund choices, contributing extra, and adjusting the goals due to life events.
Unit-linked insurance plans( ULIPs) are not uniform in all sizes. While picking a ULIP, you must pay attention to different aspects, including fund choices, some of which may be quite good and some not so good, and the list of fees plus all additional features, like the retention benefit and help in time of future need, for example. A pension plan may generate a higher yield when more funds under better management but at a lower price are in action. So choose wisely.