Those who know me knows that I use to have negative things to say about this type of saving plan product. However, for this post, I will write conversely, to give a balanced view. For this post I will talk about why to buy these type of product and who benefit from it most:
I) Saving Plan / Annuity or whatever you call it is basically you pay a certain fixed amount for a fixed period of time and in exchange the product provider will promise to pay you regular cash flow for a specific time period or until you die, depending on the product feature.
II) The IRR is usually low compared to pure investment products such as UT / Bond or stock market. It is usually in the range of OPR + 1.5%. If you see this as a tool for wealth creation... look elsewhere.
III) IMO, such a product is a good tool for wealth preservation / distribution.
IV) Firstly I say wealth preservation, meaning this product is good for people who already made enough money elsewhere be it from business or high income salary where they do not want to take anymore excessive risk. Such a product with its fixed income feature will be attractive to these people. If you are a just a regular salary man and you need to create wealth for, say retirement, then this product is too conservative for that purpose.
V) As a wealth distributor: This tool is very good for distribution purpose to your next of kin because this tool comes under insurance product. This means that you can put your children or spouse as the nominee and should whatever sh1t happens to you, the creditors cannot touch this portion of money. It is a social safety net. As the income is periodic and fixed, it is a great tool to pass wealth in a responsible manner to the next generation who may be financially frivolous.
For the people who are interested in point IV) & V) , they usually do not mind the low IRR as they have already achieve the desired wealth. They are now looking for wealth preservation and distribution.
OK, now.. you HLA agents out there, go and sell this product using my points discussed and stop disturbing regular salary men and women who are yet to build their fortune. Go and disturb those rich uncle, makciks, aunties and tycoons.
Xuzen
Hello ..
Thank you very much XUZEN .. your reply is most helpful in my case ..
I am not rich uncle or tycoon ..
but your pointers of i , ii ,iii ,iv ..and v .. served to my needs ..
thank you once again .. cheers