Volatility in the financial markets during the past few months has unnerved scores of investors. Global benchmark indices plunged in the bear market territory in record time. Making sense of the market could not be tougher and as far as finding an entry and exit point is concerned, it has proved to be an uphill task even for veteran investors.
Investments in a Monthly Investment Plan (MIP) could prove to be a hedge against volatility and have therefore been among one of the top choices for salaried employees. A monthly investment plan includes a plan that provides for flexible payment modes like annually, quarterly or also monthly.
By regular purchase of units of a fund, investors build a passive income source as a fixed sum is deducted regularly irrespective of how the markets are performing. The long-term nature of investment through this process is an important benefit that a monthly investment plan like ULIP may provide.
Benefits of monthly investment plans
• Power of compounding
Investment experts would agree that long-term investment strategy has proved more beneficial historically. By investing in a monthly investment plan, you are more likely to reap the benefit of the multiplier effect due to long-term investment strategy. The benefits are magnified if you invest early and wisely.
• Rupee cost averaging
Averaging out of cost with investments of a fixed amount at regular intervals enables the investor to buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices increase. By using this method, the investment risk is spread across market movements.
• Benefitting from monthly investments
Small amount of investment on a regular basis falls easy on the investor’s pocket. A ULIP plan gives investors the option to invest a sum each month. This is a better option to go about with investments (by investing systematically) during volatile market conditions, and reduces the burden of market timing on the investor. Besides, investors can use a ULIP return calculator to understand his or her maturity benefit from these regular investments.
• Maximising gains with fund switching options
ULIP offers investors flexibility of investments. Through this, investors can switch between funds according to strategy. This strategy helps the investor's to plan their investment better during market fluctuations. The switches can be made based on market conditions, term to maturity, and risk profile and individual asset allocation. Today, many ULIPs provide unlimited free fund switches.
• Meeting life goals
Monthly investment strategy enables the investor to build an inflation-adjusted corpus over a period of time, which helps tide over market fluctuations. By following monthly investment plan, you can make steady progress towards your life goals. The maturity benefit at the end of the policy term could help investors achieve their goals. With a ULIP plan, the investor can enjoy market-linked returns through periodic investments and within defined period. The power of compounding concept, rupee cost averaging principle, fund switching option, and disciplined investments work in tandem to help the investors take a step closer to their financial commitment and life goals.
Why should you go for online monthly investment plans?
Now, if you have planned to go for a monthly investment plan, you would be wondering about how to invest money in such a plan. The answer is an online monthly investment plan. Also, note that few of the benefits mentioned below can also be availed offline while purchasing a ULIP plan.
Below are the reasons why you should go for an online MIP –
• Affordable premiums
When you buy a ULIP Policy online, you will eventually come to understand that the costs involved are lower. The reason why online ULIPs are cheaper than offline ULIPs is because of no involvement of intermediaries, hence the larger portion of the premium is allocated to the funds selected. There are also some online ULIP products, which come with zero premium allocation charges.
• Fund switches
Online access to your funds help you switch funds at will.
• Partial Withdrawal
After the sixth year, investors can withdraw portion of their investments in ULIPs, which solves concerns related to liquidity.
• Life Cover
With a life cover in-built in ULIPs, you get much more. In case of an unfortunate event, your family will be paid a lump sum amount to secure their financial future.
• Return of Mortality charges (ROMC)
There are some ULIP plans available online which provide for ROMC. To enhance the benefits of ULIPs for the customers, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance pioneered the idea of returning the mortality charges to the policyholders on maturity. This feature has been introduced in its new-age ULIPs - Bajaj Allianz Life Goal Assure and Bajaj Allianz Life Goal Based Savings (excluding single premium policy). Under the RoMC feature, the total amount of mortality charges deducted until maturity to provide life cover throughout the policy term is added back to the fund value at the end of the policy term. This is an innovative and a pioneering step in the Indian ULIP’s category and is aimed at enabling customers to enjoy the benefits of investing and enhance their fund value on maturity. Thus, policyholders get to realize their life goals on maturity of policy, and enjoy the little extra amount that is added back to their fund value. The Return of Mortality Charge feature makes new-age ULIPs more lucrative and gives another reason to the retail investors to invest for their Life Goals through ULIPs.
Conclusion
Disciplined approach, rupee cost averaging, and power of compounding have made monthly investment plans an attractive investment option over the years. ULIP is one of the preferred option for retail investors who may not be well versed with the market dynamics.
