I have two pension plans:
- LIC Jeevan Tarang (with profits) annual Premium Rs 34000, started in 2009. Current surrender value approx. Rs 97000.
- HDFC Pension Plus. annual Premium Rs 15000, started in 2007. After more than 6 years, with about Rs 93750 paid in premia, the fund value is barely above Rs 100000. This is about the returns of savings bank deposits.
I am wondering whether to surrender / discontinue the above two pension plans and invest differently instead, as going by the returns these seem a waste of money. What do you recommend? Does the current fund position of the two plans warrant withdrawal or should I continue to remain invested? If you do recommend I surrender the HDFC plan, should I do it now or wait for the stock market to rise?
Does it make sense to surrender these two pension plans and invest in PPF + mutual funds /SIP? My age is 45 and having paid off my housing loan recently I don’t have much savings to speak of. I think I should look at a safety:risk ratio of 70:30 (or whatever you recommend). I only recently have started a PPF and there are very small funds there.
Your recommendations are much welcome and awaited. Thanks for the sterling service you’re doing to the general investing public.