Here’s all you need to know about fund switching techniques in ULIPs.
Unit-linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) are a mix of life insurance and investment options. You get the dual benefits of a life cover while investing in funds that align with your goals. By opting for a ULIP, you can select a specific type of fund and remain invested until the policy matures.
ULIPs offer the flexibility to switch funds to help you achieve your life goals and manage risks better. This feature allows you to adjust your investments to maximise returns. You can transfer your investments from one fund to another. This could be in response to market volatility or to align with your long-term objectives.
Unit-linked insurance plans offer a variety of fund options. This includes equity, debt, and balanced funds. You can invest according to your financial objectives and risk tolerance. Consider factors like risk appetite and life goals to analyse which fund type would suit you best.
If you are unhappy with the returns from your ULIP, you have the flexibility to switch between funds. You can transfer units partially or entirely between different investment funds. Initially, ULIPs provide a limited number of free fund switches. Once these are exhausted, a fund switch charge may apply for any additional transfers.
Benefits of ULIP Fund Switch
Here are a few benefits of fund switching in ULIPs.
Risk Appetite-based Investment
When it comes to investments, each investor has a unique risk appetite. While you might prefer stable returns with lower risk, this preference could change. This is where fund switching in ULIP could come in handy. It allows you to adjust your investments as per your risk tolerance. In case your risk appetite changes, you can opt for the ULIP fund switch option without any hassles.
Investing in Accordance to Life Goals
Responsibilities and life goals evolve as individuals age and their circumstances change. In your early 20s, you might be comfortable with high-risk investments. However, as you start a family, you may prefer switching to hybrid funds for more stable returns. ULIP fund switching techniques allow you to adjust your investments in line with your long-term life goals.
No Tax Applicable
There is no tax applicable on fund switching in ULIP. However, you may have to pay the charges levied by your insurer for offering this facility. You must keep in mind that tax will be applicable on the maturity benefit if the annual premiums exceed ₹2.5 Lakhs.Generally, there are two types of fund switching techniques in ULIP plans, namely:
1. Life Stage-based Fund Switching
In this type of fund switching, the risk appetite of an investor is based on the life stage they are in. For instance, you may have a higher risk appetite when you are young as you may be able to afford to take risks.
For example, as you grow older, you may wish to switch from equity-oriented funds to debt funds. You could use such ULIP fund switching techniques to suit your current stage of life and potentially earn better returns.
2. Fund Switching to Maximise Profit
Here, switching from one fund to another depends on the market performance. Beginner investors should be careful when utilising fund switching. This is because market fluctuations can be quite unpredictable. You must have a thorough understanding of the fund pattern, the share market, and your investment strategy.
Before investing in ULIPs, it's crucial to understand their features and how the fund switching options work. You must also learn how stock market fluctuations could impact fund performance. This knowledge could help you make informed decisions and optimise your ULIP investment strategy.
You could utilise the ULIP risk calculator to know your risk appetite and choose a suitable plan.
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