How to Choose Between ULIP and MF?

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When it comes to investing, there are a lot more questions asked rather than answered.
However, presented here is an overview of two of the most common investment options: A Unit Linked Insurance Plan [ULIP] and a Mutual Fund [MF].
  • What is it?
ULIP Is a combination of life insurance and investment.
Apart from providing risk cover, ulips provide the profits made on investments so that the investor earns significant ROI.
The sub-types include: for retirement planning, education, wealth generation, and health solutions.
MF Is a complete investment product, which could be stocks, shares, or gold.
The ROI received is based on the entire value of the investment.
Mutual Fund types include: Equity oriented, hybrid or balanced, debt funds and cash funds.
  • How much does it cost?
ULIP You will have to pay a monthly premium, a major portion of which goes towards your insurance cover and the remaining is towards your investment.
The value of your premium depends on the value of insurance cover you have chosen.
MF Involves a minimal payment, i.
e.
the only time you will be required to pay would be the time you choose to invest in a particular mutual fund.
There is small management fee involved which is usually not more than 2% of the value of your investment, to be paid annually.
  • What is the risk involved?
ULIP Low risk is involved, since there is an insurance component.
MF Higher risk involved when compared to ulips.
  • What is the duration involved (lock-in period)?
ULIP The minimum lock-in period is 5 years, it can be as long as 10 to 15 years.
You cannot withdraw your money until the lock-in period is over and it is always advisable (in case of a unit linked) to not withdraw till the maturity period.
MF There is usually no lock-in period involved.
You may buy or sell at any time.
However, there are certain types of MFs called closed funds which have a lock-in period of 3 years.
  • What are the features?
Every investment product has its set of advantages and disadvantages; choosing an option that is most suited to the current financial status of the investor is the way to do it.
ULIP
  • Provides risk cover when a claim is made.
  • Relatively less risk involved.
  • Returns are less when compared to mutual funds, however these are significant returns.
  • Irrespective of the way the investment performs, there is assured returns in terms of insurance
  • Tax benefits under Section 80D
MF
  • Do not provide insurance cover.
  • Investments made under MF can be easily liquidated.
  • MFs declare yearly dividends.
  • Returns depend entirely on the performance of markets.
  • Minimal charges involved
There is no final word on this, because an insurance as well as an investment are vital aspects of every individual's financial life.
It won't do any good to come to a compromise on this, the solution is to choose what suits them best not just by taking into account the present but by keeping in mind - the future.
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