Types of Retirement Plans and Their Benefits
Now, for those of you who have understood the essence of planning out your golden years, it’s time to explore some of the top retirement plans. Though there are a plethora of schemes and options, the following are a few hand-picked options:
1. Pension Plans:
Once you’ve retired, having a steady income can offer you financial independence.
Following are those two types of plans that can fulfil this purpose:
- Immediate Annuity Plans: You invest a lump sum and start receiving a pension immediately.
- Deferred Annuity Plans: The investments grow over time, and you receive a pension after retirement.
2. National Pension System (NPS):
The National Pension System (NPS) is a government-backed retirement plan designed to help individuals build a secure financial future. It offers market-linked returns, tax benefits, and the flexibility to invest in equity and debt funds. For instance, imagine Anirudh, a 35-year-old IT professional contributing regularly to NPS. By retirement, he accumulates a substantial corpus, ensuring a steady pension for his golden years. With disciplined investing, NPS not only provides financial stability but also peace of mind, making it a smart choice for those planning ahead.
3. Employee Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund (EPF and PPF):
EPF and PPF are long-term savings schemes that help individuals build a secure retirement fund with tax benefits and guaranteed returns. Take the example of Meera. She’s a school teacher who consistently contributes to her PPF account. Over the years, her savings grow with compounded interest, providing her with a financial cushion post-retirement.
Similarly, Girdhari, a private-sector employee, benefits from EPF contributions, where both he and his employer invest towards his future. These schemes ensure that individuals have a reliable source of income after retirement, making them essential for long-term financial security.
4. Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) for Retirement:
ULIPs combine investment, insurance, and tax exemption perks. This plan offers market-linked returns while ensuring you have a corpus ready for your golden period. Understand it by considering yourself as Prem, a 35-year-old professional who starts investing in a ULIP tailored for retirement. Over time, his premiums are allocated to equity and debt funds, growing his wealth while ensuring life coverage.
By the time he retires, his ULIP has built a substantial corpus, allowing him to enjoy financial independence. With tax benefits and flexible fund-switching options, ULIPs provide a balanced approach to wealth creation and security, making them a smart choice for retirement planning.