Kolkata-based Subham (name changed), had two endowment insurance policies till recently. His father had bought these in Subham's name around the time he started his first job. Subham, who turned 30 last month, kept paying a premium of ₹50,000 annually for both the policies, with a sum assured of ₹10 lakh in total, till about six years. The policies were for a tenure of 20 years.
Recently, Subham consulted a financial planner for his overall needs. After looking at his portfolio, the planner asked him to consider surrendering his endowment policies. After a careful analysis of the policy details, his financial goals, affordability, and other aspects together with his advisor, Subham decided to surrender the two policies.
Insurance agents sell endowment plans aggressively as they earn high commissions on them. The commission on these endowment plans could be as high as 10-25 per cent or higher in the first year and about 5-7 per cent in the next couple of years. The commission for term plans is about the same range, but since it is a percentage of the premium, the amount earned is lower.
Product wise, endowment plans give low returns and offer low coverage for relatively higher premiums. Nevertheless, like Subham, most of us are tied with such plans bought early in our lives because of the insistence of friends or family. So, what do you do if you already have an endowment plan? Should you continue or surrender them? If yes, at what stage does it make sense to surrender such plans?
The Case For Surrender
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Outlook Money.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Outlook Money.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Future Of Credit Card Usage
Credit card usage is increasing in India, but it's prudent to manage credit wisely
Liquidity Coverage Ratio Framework
At the recent monetary policy committee meeting in April 2024, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das proposed changes in the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) framework to successfully meet liquidity risk.
STRATEGIES TO HELP YOU STAY ABROAD AFTER STUDIES
More Indians are now going abroad for higher studies with plans to stay and work. But living costs, the lack of job opportunities and the burden of education loans could often pose a problem. Assess the opportunities and be practical before making such a decision
FROM SAVINGS TO SECURITY: HOW INDIANS ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR SUNSET YEARS
The Outlook Money - Toluna Retirement Survey conducted in December-end 2023 threw light on how Indians plan and save for retirement. A growing number of Indians now understand the necessity of retirement planning, and want to enjoy their retirement years with kith and kin
Here's How To Install A Solar Panel
It is the season of solar panel subsidy announcements. Right after the Centre launched the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to offer subsidies to 10 million households to set up rooftop solar systems, the Delhi government has announced an extra capital subsidy of ₹2,000 per kilowatt (kW) to Delhi residents for rooftop solar panel installation. Both governments have caps on subsidies. Some other states, too, offer incentives on the use of solar rooftop panels.
Master Your Own Money Choices
Instead of judging others, have clarity about what you want from your money, where you want to spend it and how you want to feel about it
3 THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU EXIT YOUR POLICY
If you think that the insurance policy you bought doesn't quite align with your goals, you may surrender it. But that comes at a cost. Here's why you should do the calculations
Small And Mid Cap Rally: Be Wary
You may include small- and mid-caps in your portfolio for diversification, but understand that they may not replicate last year's returns and are relatively more volatile
HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF THE GOLD RUSH?
The precious metal has been on an upward rally for the last couple of years due to factors as diverse as geopolitical conflicts, bulk buying by central banks, and hope of rate cuts, of late. The key, therefore, is to invest in gold in a staggered manner
'People Are Normal. They Are Sometimes Ignorant But They Are Not Stupid'
Meir Statman, the Glenn Klimek Professor of Finance, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, California, is the second generation of behavioural finance experts who refused to label people as \"irrational\" and instead called them \"normal\". In his latest book, A Wealth of Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Finance, he expands the circle of finance to include life well-being and shows how they are inextricably intertwined. As part of an interview series, 'Wealth Wizards: Money Maestros in conversation with Nidhi Sinha, Editor, Outlook Money', Statman spoke about his research, and explained concepts through anecdotes that can help you take balanced decisions. Edited excerpts: