Unit linked investment plans (ULIPs)
A ULIP is a financial instrument that comes with the dual benefit of investment in the capital market and financial protection through a life cover5. Typically, these plans offer investment opportunities through equity, debt and balanced (hybrid) funds making them appropriate for investors of all kinds of risk appetite. ULIPs are long-term investment products offering a healthy market-linked capital growth over a 10 to 15 year horizon. The ICICI Pru Signature Plan is a good ULIP offering useful benefits, such as systematic withdrawals1, wealth boosters, tax benefits2, unlimited free fund switches, and more.
Endowment plans
Endowment plans are life insurance policies that combine savings and protection and offer the benefit of both through a single instrument. These plans provide risk-free savings in a systematic manner along with a life cover5. The returns on these policies are not market-linked. They come with a fixed policy tenure. For assured returns, you should go for a plan like the ICICI Pru Guaranteed Income for Tomorrow Plan. This plan offers you guaranteed3 benefits in the form of lump sum or regular payment as per your choice, making it a suitable option for risk-free savings.
3 T&C apply
Monthly income plan
A monthly income plan offers systematic investment into the capital market along with a life cover5. These plans allow you to make periodic investments into the capital market of your choice. These investments can be monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual. Just like ULIPs, these plans allow you to invest in equity, debt or balanced funds based on your risk appetite. With plans like the ICICI Pru Lifetime Classic, you get the opportunity to systematically invest in the capital market with useful benefits like fund switching, top up options, loyalty rewards and wealth boosters4, and more.
National Pension Scheme (NPS)
NPS is a long term investment plan backed by the Government of India for employees of all sectors. Through this instrument, you can systematically invest money through periodic installments and build your retirement corpus. Once you reach the age of 60, the scheme allows you to withdraw a certain portion of the total corpus in a lump sum and then receive the rest in the form of monthly income. NPS also offers tax2 benefits under The Income Tax Act of 1961.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is also a retirement investment option that offers high returns at a minimal risk. A PPF can be opened in a bank or post office by all Indian citizens. It offers tax2 benefits under The Income Tax Act of 1961.
Senior Citizen Saving Scheme
As the name suggests, the Senior Citizen Saving Scheme is a special savings plan for investors over the age of 60. This account can be opened at a public or private bank or the post office. You can also avail tax2 benefits under The Income Tax Act of 1961.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is an investment option specifically designed for the parents of a girl child. The returns are guaranteed by the Government of India. The savings corpus for this scheme can be withdrawn at the time of higher education, or wedding of the daughter. Similar to a PPF and the Senior Citizen Saving Scheme, this plan can also be opened in a post office or a bank. Moreover, you can enjoy tax2 benefits under The Income Tax Act of 1961.
Conclusion
Investment plans can help you create wealth, but it is important to understand how each instrument can benefit you as per your financial goals and future needs. Understanding the various investment options and being up to date with their benefits, interest rates, and features can help you pick a plan that aligns with your goals and offers you the best possible returns.
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