Life insurance is often seen as a safety net for unforeseen circumstances, but it can also be a powerful tool that helps you create a solid financial plan for the long term. By investing in life insurance products that offer growth potential and financial security, you can not only secure your family’s future but also build generational wealth through guaranteed additions.
In this article, we will explore why it’s essential to include life insurance plans in your portfolio for tax-efficient legacy planning.
Going Beyond Term Insurance
While term insurance provides basic protection, it may not offer any returns on your investment. To maximise your savings while being protected by a term cover, consider exploring hybrid life insurance products. These plans provide ample financial protection for your loved ones and offer flexibility when it comes to receiving maturity benefits or regular income up to age 100.
With the option to choose from various premium payment frequencies and customisation features, these plans are designed to meet individual needs effectively.
Exploring Savings Life Insurance Plans
For risk-averse investors seeking guaranteed returns, traditional savings life insurance plans are ideal. These plans provide a sum assured and a guaranteed or vested bonus at maturity and offer tax benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act. Maturity proceeds from these plans are also non-taxable as long as the premium doesn’t exceed Rs.5 lakh in a financial year.
Investors looking for an additional income stream or lump sum payouts over a period of years can opt for guaranteed life insurance plans that provide assured payouts. These money-back plans offer tax benefits similar to traditional savings life insurance plans and allow policyholders to choose the duration of money-back income based on their goals.
For those with a higher risk appetite, Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) offer the potential for higher returns. A part of the premium is invested in debt, equity, or hybrid mutual funds. However, it’s important to note that maturity proceeds from ULIPs are taxable if the premiums exceed Rs.2.5 lakh in a financial year.
Benefits of Savings Life Insurance Plans
Investing in savings life insurance plans offers several benefits beyond financial protection:
- Complete Peace of Mind: These plans provide immediate support through a death benefit to your dependents and regular income or lump sum payouts as survival benefits. This combination makes them suitable for long-term financial planning.
- Tax Efficiency: Premiums paid and maturity amounts from these plans are eligible for tax benefits, making them an ideal option for transferring wealth to future generations. By leveraging the tax advantages offered by life insurance plans, you can create a sizeable corpus for your heirs without the uncertainty and volatility associated with market-linked investments.
To understand how life insurance can contribute to your tax-efficient legacy planning, let’s consider a few relatable scenarios:
Building Wealth for Your Child’s Education
Let’s say you’re planning for your child’s education 15 years down the line. By investing in a savings life insurance plan, you not only secure their future but also accumulate wealth over time. Consider the following example:
– Premium paid annually: ₹1 lakh
– Policy term: 15 years
– Guaranteed annual bonus: 5% of the sum assured
– Maturity amount: ₹25 lakhs
With this plan, you ensure financial security while building a substantial corpus that can be utilised for your child’s education expenses.
Legacy Planning with Tax Benefits
You want to pass on a significant portion of your wealth to your children without burdening them with taxes. By investing in a savings life insurance plan, you can achieve this goal. Here’s how it works:
– Premium paid annually: ₹2 lakh
– Policy term: 30 years
– Guaranteed annual bonus: 3% of the sum assured
– Maturity amount: ₹1 crore
By leveraging the tax benefits on premiums and maturity proceeds, you can create a tax-efficient legacy for your children.
Retirement Planning with Regular Income
You’re approaching retirement and want to ensure a regular income stream even after you stop working. By choosing a guaranteed life insurance plan that offers regular income up to age 100, you can secure your retirement years. Consider this example:
– Premium paid annually: ₹3 lakh
– Policy term: Until age 100
– Annual income after retirement: ₹6 lakhs
With this plan, you not only have financial security but also a steady income during your golden years.
Utilising Life Insurance Calculators for Effective Legacy Planning
Making informed decisions about life insurance requires careful consideration of various factors such as premium amount, policy term, sum assured, and expected returns. To simplify this process, use a life insurance calculator.
By using a life insurance calculator, you can:
- Determine the ideal coverage amount based on your financial obligations.
- Compare different plans and their associated premiums.
- Understand the potential growth of your investment over time.
- Assess the impact of tax benefits on your overall financial plan.
To make the most of these calculators, gather accurate information about your income, expenses, and financial goals before using them. Remember to choose a reliable calculator from a reputable insurer to ensure accurate results.
Conclusion
Life insurance is not just about protection; it’s also an effective tool for building and preserving wealth. By integrating life insurance into your financial plan, you can enjoy tax-efficient wealth accumulation, secure your family’s future, and create a lasting legacy.
As you plan your financial journey, consider seeking professional advice and using the resources available to make informed decisions. With the right life insurance plan and strategic legacy planning, you can pave the way for a financially secure and prosperous future.
