The financial market has a wide range of investment options, each one of them being associated with a different level of returns and risks. This dynamic environment has seen the emergence of ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) as the top and most profitable investment avenue. Offering the dual advantages of insurance and investment, they are an ideal proposition for investors. This is where the ULIP calculator becomes a powerful tool in helping you achieve the most from these investments.

An online ULIP calculator is a tool that you can use to calculate the potential returns from your ULIP investments. Through its direct view of your investment, it assists in making wise investment-related decisions. The following are the ways of using a ULIP calculator to achieve the best investment planning –

∙       Understanding investment needs: A ULIP calculator is a simple tool that allows you to know the intricacies of your investment needs. Through your financial goals, risk tolerance and investment timeframe, it gives you a visual of how much money you need to invest and what percentage of return you can achieve. It allows you to adjust your investment plan to your own unique needs and situations.

∙       Comparing different plans: There are various ULIP plans which exist in the market, and each of them has its features and advantages. A ULIP calculator makes it possible for you to see how these plans differ from each other. It gives information about the potential returns, fees, and features of the different ULIPs which helps you to compare and choose the best one for yourself.

∙       Calculating premium amounts: The premium amount is among the most important factors to take into account when investing in ULIPs. A ULIP calculator helps you know the amount of premium you will pay for the selected ULIP plan, which is based on policy term, premium payment term and the sum assured.

∙       Estimating prospective returns: The ULIP calculator allows you to determine the possible returns on your ULIP investment over a certain time period. It considers parameters such as the premium amount, policy duration, and estimated rate of return to generate an estimate of the maturity amount after the policy period.

∙       Planning financial goals: A ULIP calculator may help you plan your long-term financial goals, such as purchasing a house, paying for your child’s school, retiring, and so on, by providing a clear picture of the prospective returns. It enables you to coordinate your investing approach in order to successfully achieve these objectives.

∙       Assessing risk: The ULIP calculator will help you understand the risks associated with your investment. It demonstrates how fluctuations in the market might influence your investment returns, allowing you to make educated, risk-averse decisions.

∙       Determining the investment tenure: Depending on your financial objectives, you may use the ULIP calculator to determine the best length for your investment. It shows you how different tenures affect your returns, allowing you to make the optimal option for your needs.

∙       Evaluating fund performance: The ULIP calculator gives information about the previous performance of various ULIP funds, allowing you to make better-informed decisions. By analysing the performance of many funds, you may choose the one that has consistently produced positive results.

∙       Understanding costs: There are several charges associated with ULIP investments, including premium allocation, policy administration, and fund management. The ULIP calculator gives a full analysis of these expenses, allowing you to better understand the costs of investing.

∙       Planning for retirement: A ULIP calculator may be a useful tool for retirement planning. It can assist you in calculating the amount you can accrue through a ULIP plan, giving you a clear picture of how much you need to invest today to ensure a comfortable retirement.

∙       Tax planning: ULIPs provide a variety of tax incentives under the Income Tax Act of India. The ULIP calculator may help with tax planning by displaying the tax benefits available through a ULIP investment, allowing you to maximise your tax savings.

∙       Determining death benefits: In the sad event that the policyholder dies, the ULIP pays a death benefit to the nominees. You can use the ULIP calculator to determine the death benefits that your nominees will receive in your absence.

∙       Assessing surrender value: If you decide to leave your ULIP plan early, you are entitled to a surrender value. The ULIP calculator may help you determine the surrender value of your plan, allowing you to make an educated decision.

∙       Calculating maturity value: The ULIP calculator helps you to know the maturity value of your ULIP at the end of the investment period. It gives a clear picture of how much your investment will return by the maturity date.

∙       Identifying investment gaps: An ULIP calculator online can help to determine if your investment plan has any gaps. It allows you to assess if the present investment approach can help you reach your financial goals. Otherwise, you can modify your strategy to accommodate the missing information.

While ULIPs are an excellent investment option, diversifying your portfolio is equally essential. One of the traditional and trustworthy ways of doing so is by investing in gold. Here are five points on why and how to invest in gold online 

∙       Why invest in gold: The real value of gold as a store of value has been for centuries. Gold, being a safe-haven asset, retains its worth even in the face of economic recessions. It is more likely to grow in value and act as a safety net during a downturn in the market. Additionally, gold protects against inflation. With the surge in the living cost, the gold price also tends to rise consistently over time. Thus, hold gold as an investment to sustain your buying power in the future. Also, it gives your portfolio some diversification. Investing in a basket of asset classes including gold would enable you to reduce the overall investment risk.

∙       Ease and convenience: The invention of digital technology has made investing in gold an effortless process. Thanks to the internet you have a chance to purchase and sell gold whenever you want and from any place. This makes it possible to beat gold-buying techniques that are commonly used. From the comfort of your home, you can instantly make transactions and monitor live market prices anytime you wish.

∙       Purity assurance: One of the main concerns when purchasing actual gold is its purity. However, internet platforms have successfully addressed this issue. They offer certified gold, ensuring its purity. They provide gold coins and bars with a certificate of authenticity from a recognised certifying authority. This alleviates the stress of dealing with counterfeit items and provides peace of mind.

∙       Flexible investment options: Investing in gold online provides a variety of solutions to meet your financial objectives and risk tolerance. You can opt to invest in digital gold, which allows you to purchase gold in fractions, making it more accessible to everyone. Alternatively, you can choose Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), which are traded on the stock exchange and combine the benefits of stock and gold investments. Gold mutual funds, which invest in firms involved in gold mining and production, offer a unique opportunity to obtain exposure to the gold market.

∙       Safe storage: Investing in actual gold raises concerns about security and the danger of theft. However, investing in gold online eliminates this risk. Physical storage is not required for digital gold, gold exchange-traded funds, or gold mutual funds. They are saved in your account in a dematerialized or ‘demat’ form. This ensures a high level of security against theft or loss due to natural calamities. Furthermore, it eliminates the added expenses and problems involved with insuring and keeping actual gold.

Investing in ULIPs, gold, and other market-linked products can help you build a well-balanced and diverse portfolio. While ULIPs provide both insurance and investment benefits, gold serves as a buffer against market volatility. They can work together to help you attain financial stability and reach your investing objectives more effectively. Thus, for the ultimate portfolio, include both ULIPs and gold in your investing plan.