Categories: Insurance

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III – Wealth Variant: Good or Bad? An Insightful Review

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Life throws financial hurdles our way, and navigating them requires careful planning. After all, our hard-earned savings deserve to be put to work for our future dreams. So, how can we ensure our investments empower us to reach those goals?

This article dives into the specifics of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III – Wealth Variant, exploring whether it could be the key to unlocking your financial aspirations by evaluating the advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) with IRR analysis.

Table of Contents:

What is the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

What are the Features of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

Who is Eligible for Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

What are the Benefits of the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

i) Death benefit

ii) Maturity benefit

iii) Loyalty benefits

Investment Strategies & Fund Options in the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Various Charges under the Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal III

Grace period, Discontinuance & Revival of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Free look period of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Surrendering Bajaj Alliance Smart Wealth Goal III

What are the Advantages of Bajaj Alliance Smart Wealth Goal III?

What are the Disadvantages of Bajaj Alliance Smart Wealth Goal III?

Research Methodology of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Benefit Illustration – IRR Analysis of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Vs Other investment products

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Vs. Term Plan + ELSS

Final verdict on Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

What is the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III is a non-participating, individual, life, regular premium, Unit-Linked, limited premium and single premium payment plan.

This Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III plan is loaded with features like Life cover, Return of Life Cover charge, Return of Allocation charge, and multiple investment strategies to make the most of your savings.

What are the Features of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

  • Option to receive Maturity Benefit or Death Benefit in instalments with Return Enhancer
  • Choice of 5 investment portfolio strategies & 17 Funds
  • Option to reduce the premium
  • Option to change the Premium paying term
  • Tax benefits may be as per prevalent tax laws

Who is Eligible for Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

Minimum Maximum
Entry Age 0 year Regular/ Limited Premium: 60 years
Single Premium: 70 years
Age at Maturity 18 years Regular/ Limited Premium: 99 years
Single Premium: 90 years
Premium Paying Term Single pay
Limited/ Regular Premium
For maturity age less than or equal to 85 years: 5 years to PT chosen
For maturity age greater than 85 years: 10 years to PT chosen
Premium Paying Frequency Yearly, Half-yearly, Quarterly and Monthly
Minimum & Maximum Sum Assured Regular/ Limited Premium:
Minimum: 7 times Annualized Premium
Maximum: 10 times Annualized Premium
Single Premium:
Minimum: 1.25 times single premium
Maximum: 1.25 times /10 times the single premium
Minimum Top-up Sum Assured Single/ Regular/ Limited: 1.25 times Top-up Premium
Maximum Top-up Sum Assured Regular/ Limited Premium: 10 times Top-up Premium
Single Premium: 1.25 times Top-up Premium

What are the Benefits of the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III?

i.) Death benefit

If all due Premiums are paid, then, in case of unfortunate death of the Life Assured during the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Policy term, the Death Benefit payable will be

  • Higher of, Prevailing Sum Assured or Regular Premium Fund value /Single premium fund value plus
  • Higher of, Prevailing Top-up Sum Assured or top-up Premium Fund value, if any.
  • The Death Benefit payable is subject to the Guaranteed Benefit of 105% of the Total Premiums paid, till the date of death.

ii.) Maturity benefit

Provided the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Policy is in force and the Life Assured is alive, the Maturity Benefit will be the Fund value as of the date of maturity of your policy.

iii.) Loyalty benefits

The Loyalty Benefits available in the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III plan are as mentioned below:

  • At the end of the 10th Policy year or the date of maturity (whichever is earlier), the total of all the Premium Allocation charges will be added to the Fund as a Loyalty Benefit.
  • At the end of the 15th policy year and every 5th policy year thereafter till the Policy term (maximum till 60th policy year), Fund Booster as a percentage will be added to the Fund as a Loyalty Benefit.
  • At the end of the Policy term, on the date of maturity of your Policy, the total amount of Mortality charges deducted in respect of life cover provided throughout the Policy term, will be added back as ROMC, to the Fund value.

Investment Strategies & Fund Options in the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III provides you with five unique portfolio strategies, out of which anyone can be chosen at the inception of your Policy:

  • Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy
  • Wheel of Life Portfolio Strategy II
  • Trigger Based Portfolio Strategy II
  • Auto Transfer Portfolio Strategy
  • Capital Preservation-Oriented Strategy

A. Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy:

If you want to allocate your Premiums based on your personal choice and decision, you can opt for this Investment Strategy and choose from among the 15 Funds below to suit your investment needs.

Asset Allocation

S.no

Fund Name

Equity

Debt

Money Market

Risk profile

1

Equity Growth Fund II

Not less than 60%

0% – 40%

0% – 40%

Very High

2

Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II

Not less than 60% (at least 50% in Mid cap)

0% – 40%

0% – 40%

Very High

3

Pure Stock Fund

Not less than 60%

0% – 40%

0% – 40%

Very High

4

Pure Stock Fund II

Not less than 75%

0% -25%

Very High

5

Asset Allocation Fund II

40% – 90%

0% – 60%

0% – 50%

High

6

Blue-chip Equity Fund

Not less than 60%

0% – 40%

0% – 40%

High

7

Bond Fund

40% – 100%

0% – 60%

Moderate

8

Liquid Fund

100%

Low

9

Flexi Cap Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

10

Sustainable Equity Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

11

Small Cap Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

12

Midcap Index Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

13

Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund

10% 90%

10% 90%

0% – 80%

High

14

SmallCap Quality Index Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

15

Individual Short-Term Debt Fund

40% – 100%

0% – 60%

Moderate

16

Nifty Alpha 50 Index Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

17

Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index Fund

65% – 100%

0% – 35%

0% – 35%

Very High

B. Wheel of Life Portfolio Strategy – II of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

In this Portfolio Strategy at the commencement of the Policy, the Regular/Limited Premium, and the Top up Premium, if any, would be allocated in the Funds mentioned (namely Equity Growth Fund II, Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II, Bond Fund & Liquid Fund) in the proportion as mentioned in the table below, depending on the outstanding years to maturity.

Proportion in Following Funds
Years to Maturity Equity Growth Fund II Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II Bond Fund Liquid Fund Total
10 & above 40% 45% 15% 0% 100%
9 35% 50% 15% 0% 100%
8 30% 55% 15% 0% 100%
7 25% 60% 15% 0% 100%
6 25% 60% 15% 0% 100%
5 20% 65% 15% 0% 100%
4 20% 55% 15% 10% 100%
3 20% 50% 15% 15% 100%
2 10% 30% 30% 30% 100%
1 0% 0% 35% 65% 100%

C. Trigger-Based Portfolio Strategy II of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Under this Portfolio Strategy, Regular/Limited Premiums and Top up Premiums if any, will be allocated between two Funds, Equity Growth Fund II (an equity-oriented Fund), and Bond Fund (a debt-oriented Fund), in a 75%: 25% proportion.

The Fund value proportions may subsequently get altered due to market movements.

Any appreciation over three times the value of units is considered a gain and is switched to the Liquid Fund.

Later it will be switched to the Equity Growth Fund II and the Bond Fund such that, after the transfer, the ratio of the value of units in the Equity Growth Fund II to that in the Bond Fund is restored to 75%:25%.

D. Auto Transfer Portfolio Strategy of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

This strategy helps you to invest your money systematically by automatically transferring your money every month, from a low-risk Fund to the Fund(s) of your choice. In this Portfolio Strategy, your Premium will be allocated to Bond Fund and/or Liquid Fund, as specified by you.

At the start of each monthly anniversary of the Policy, a proportion (as mentioned below) of Fund value in the Bond Fund and/or Liquid Fund as on that date will be switched to the other Fund/s (available in the plan) as specified by you.

The proportion of Fund value = 1/ Outstanding no. of months till the next premium due date.

E. Capital Preservation-Oriented Strategy of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

The objective of the strategy is to optimize risk and return, by investing across five pre-determined Funds, which are a mix of very high to low-risk Funds, in such a way that the monies invested over the years along with the accumulated returns are subjected to lesser market volatility, in the years closer to maturity.

Under this strategy, at the commencement of the policy, the Regular Premium and the Top Up premium, if any, would be allocated to the Funds mentioned (namely Equity Growth Fund II, Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II, Pure Stock Fund II, Bond Fund & Liquid Fund) in the proportion as mentioned in the table below.

Proportion in Following Funds
Years to Maturity Equity Growth Fund II Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II Pure Stock Fund II Bond Fund Liquid Fund Total
10 & above 40% 15% 15% 30% 0% 100%
9 35% 15% 15% 35% 0% 100%
8 30% 15% 15% 40% 0% 100%
7 30% 15% 15% 40% 0% 100%
6 30% 10% 15% 45% 0% 100%
5 25% 10% 15% 40% 10% 100%
4 20% 5% 10% 40% 25% 100%
3 15% 0% 5% 40% 40% 100%
2 0% 0% 0% 40% 60% 100%
1 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 100%

Various Charges under the Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal III

1. Premium Allocation Charge:

Policy Year 1 2 3 – 5 Years 6 – PPT years
Yearly Mode 6% 6% 6% NIL
Other Mode 5% 5% 5% NIL
Single Premium 3% _ _ _

2. Policy Administration Charge:

Year 1 – 5 1.08% of Annualised Premium
Year 6 – 10 2.16% p.a. of the prevailing annualized Premium
11th year onward NIL
Single Premium Year 5 -6: 2.16% p.a. of the prevailing annualized Premium

3. Fund Management Charge:

Fund Name

Fund Management Charge

Equity Growth Fund II

1.35%

Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II

1.35%

Pure Stock Fund

1.35%

Pure Stock Fund II

1.30%

Asset Allocation Fund II

1.25%

Blue-chip Equity Fund

1.25%

Bond Fund

0.95%

Liquid Fund

0.95%

Flexi Cap Fund

1.35%

Sustainable Equity Fund

1.35%

Small Cap Fund

1.35%

Midcap Index Fund

1.35%

Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund

1.35%

SmallCap Quality Index Fund

1.35%

Individual Short Term Debt Fund

0.95%

Nifty Alpha 50 Index Fund

1.35%

Nifty 200 Alpha 30 Index Fund

1.35%

Discontinued Life Policy Fund

0.50%

4. Miscellaneous Charge

A miscellaneous charge of Rs. 100 per transaction will be charged.

5. Discontinuance /Surrender Charge:

It depends on the Annual premium amount and the year of discontinuance or surrender. There is no Discontinuance /Surrender Charge from the 5th policy year.

6. Mortality Charge:

Mortality Charges will be deducted at each monthly anniversary by the cancellation of units. Female Life Assured will be eligible for an age setback of 3 years.

Inference from the charges:

The fees linked with this ULIP plan are standard. However, Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal III incurs significant fees and falls short in terms of transparency.

On the other hand, alternative market-related investment options typically feature minimal and transparent charges, rendering them more attractive than Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal III.

Grace period, Discontinuance & Revival of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

(For Limited / Regular Premium Policies)

Grace period

A grace period of 30 days for yearly, half-yearly and quarterly premium payment frequency, and 15 days is available for monthly premium payment frequency from the due date of Regular/Limited Premium payment.

Discontinuance

On Discontinuance of Regular Premiums due during the first 5 Policy years, the Policy will be converted to a Discontinued Life Policy, and the Regular Premium Fund Value less the Discontinuance/Surrender charge along with Top-up Premium Fund Value, if any, will be transferred to the Discontinued Life Policy fund.

The Discontinuance Value shall be payable as the Surrender Benefit at the end of the lock-in period of five Policy years.

On Discontinuance of Regular Premiums due after the lock-in period of 5 Policy years, the Policy will be, immediately and automatically, converted to a Paid-up Policy.

The Paid-up Sum Assured will be the Sum Assured in the Policy multiplied by the proportion of the number of Regular Premiums paid to the number of Regular Premiums payable in the Policy.

Revival

A policy that has been discontinued or is paid up due to non-payment of premiums can only be revived within 3 years from the date of the first unpaid premium.

Free look period of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

If the policyholder disagrees with any of the terms or conditions, he has the option to return the policy within 15 days from the date of receipt of the policy document and a period of 30 days in case of electronic policies and policies obtained through distance mode.

Surrendering Bajaj Alliance Smart Wealth Goal III

During the lock-in period of the first 5 policy years: The Regular Premium Fund Value less the discontinuance/ surrender charge, along with the Top-Up Premium Fund Value, if any, as on the date of surrender, will be credited to the Discontinued Life Policy Fund.

The Discontinuance Value, at the end of the Lock-in Period, will be payable to the Policyholder as Surrender Value.

On surrender after the lock-in period, the surrender value available will be the Total Fund Value as of the date of surrender.

What are the Advantages of Bajaj Alliance Smart Wealth Goal III?

  • Option to take out the Loyalty Benefits as Periodical Money Backs by way of systematic partial withdrawal.
  • Option to pay Top-up Premiums at any time, except during the last five Policy years.
  • You can switch units from one Fund to another at any time (only under Investor Selectable Portfolio Strategy)
  • You may, at any Policy anniversary, switch out from any of the five unique portfolio strategies.
  • You can opt to alter your premium payment frequency.

What are the Disadvantages of Bajaj Alliance Smart Wealth Goal III?

  • No loan facility is available under the plan.
  • The asset allocation under the fund options looks similar. So, the fund options seem repetitive.
  • The return on charges is not attractive, as they do not consider the time value of money.
  • The plan does not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the policy term.

Research Methodology of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal III is a market-linked product that offers periodic money-back benefits. It’s crucial to analyse the cash flow requirements thoroughly before investing in this plan.

Calculating the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) can assist in determining whether the potential returns exceed the inflation rate. Let’s compute the IRR based on the benefit illustration provided in the policy brochure.

Benefit Illustration – IRR Analysis of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

A 35-year-old male has taken a Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Policy (Wealth Variant) to meet his Life Goals for a Policy Term of 20 years.

He is paying an Annual Premium of Rs 1 lakh for a payment term of 10 years with a Sum Assured of Rs 10 Lakhs.

Male 35 years
Sum Assured ₹ 10,00,000
Policy Term 20 years
Premium Paying Term 10 years
Annualised Premium ₹ 1,00,000

If he pays the premium regularly, he receives a Return of allocation charge at the end of the 10th year and Fund Booster at the end of the 15th year. At the end of the policy term, he receives Fund Booster, Return of Mortality charges and Maturity benefit.

The returns indicated at 4% and 8% are illustrative and not guaranteed and do not indicate the upper or lower limits of returns under the Policy.

At 4% p.a.

At 8% p.a.

Age

Year

Annualised premium / Maturity benefit

Death benefit

Annualised premium / Maturity benefit

Death benefit

35

1

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

36

2

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

37

3

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

38

4

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

39

5

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

40

6

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

41

7

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

42

8

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

43

9

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

44

10

-1,00,000

10,00,000

-1,00,000

10,00,000

45

11

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

46

12

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

47

13

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

48

14

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

49

15

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

50

16

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

51

17

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

52

18

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

53

19

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

54

20

0

10,00,000

0

10,00,000

55

14,34,590

25,82,202

IRR

2.34%

6.21%

Based on the Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III calculator, and with the provided cash flow, the IRR at a 4% scenario yields 2.34%, while at the 8% scenario, it’s 6.21%.

This calculation depicts that the IRR falls short of being satisfactory for investing in Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal III. A low return below the inflation rate won’t help you achieve your financial goals effectively.

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Vs Other investment products

Let’s now compare the returns with alternative investment options. Instead of bundling life cover with market-related investments, let’s divide these aspects.

For the same metrics as given in the previous illustration, we’ll explore a standalone term life insurance policy and invest separately for specific life goals.

Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III Vs. Term Plan + Equity Mutual fund

Opting for a pure term life insurance policy with a sum assured of ₹10 Lakhs would incur a cost of ₹ 8,800. The policy spans 20 years, with a premium paying term of 10 years.

By choosing this policy, you could save ₹91,200 annually out of ₹1 Lakh. This saved amount can then be invested based on your risk tolerance and preferences.

Pure Term Life Insurance Policy
Sum Assured ₹ 10,00,000
Policy Term 20 years
Premium Paying Term 10 years
Annualised Premium ₹ 8,800
Investment ₹ 91,200

In this strategy, we’ve selected the Equity Mutual fund as the market-linked investment option. Initially, any surplus funds are invested in the equity mutual fund. The units held in the fund are redeemed (post-tax value) at the end of 20 years.

Term insurance + Equity Mutual fund

Age

Year

Term Insurance premium + Equity Mutual fund

Death benefit

35

1

-1,00,000

10,00,000

36

2

-1,00,000

10,00,000

37

3

-1,00,000

10,00,000

38

4

-1,00,000

10,00,000

39

5

-1,00,000

10,00,000

40

6

-1,00,000

10,00,000

41

7

-1,00,000

10,00,000

42

8

-1,00,000

10,00,000

43

9

-1,00,000

10,00,000

44

10

-1,00,000

10,00,000

45

11

0

10,00,000

46

12

0

10,00,000

47

13

0

10,00,000

48

14

0

10,00,000

49

15

0

10,00,000

50

16

0

10,00,000

51

17

0

10,00,000

52

18

0

10,00,000

53

19

0

10,00,000

54

20

0

10,00,000

55

50,00,948

IRR

10.64%

ELSS Tax Calculation

Maturity value after 20 years

55,67,227

Purchase price

9,12,000

Long-Term Capital Gains

46,55,227

Exemption limit

1,25,000

Taxable LTCG

45,30,227

Tax paid on LTCG

5,66,278

Maturity value after tax

50,00,948

We’ve aligned the cash flow pattern with the 8% scenario of Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal. Based on this cash flow, the IRR calculation yields 10.64%. By refraining from intermediate withdrawals and allowing the fund to grow, we could potentially achieve even higher returns.

This analysis distinctly illustrates that investing separately for life goals is the optimal approach. It provides superior returns and liquidity compared to Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal.

Final verdict on Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal III

This Bajaj Allianz smart wealth goal plan isn’t your typical ULIP found in the market. While it touts the benefits of returning charges and fund boosters during the policy term, this approach actually disrupts the power of compounding. The significant charges, high agent commission, and interference with compounding lead to diminished returns.

The risk and return profile of this plan isn’t proportionate for investment. Opting for Bajaj Allianz Life Smart Wealth Goal won’t effectively aid in long-term wealth accumulation.

Before embarking on your investment journey, consider opting for a standalone pure-term life insurance policy for life coverage, ensuring the premium remains affordable.

Subsequently, based on your life goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, invest your surplus wisely. Constructing a robust investment portfolio is crucial for meeting all your financial goals.

Should you trust your finances solely to the wisdom of social media such as Quora, Twitter, and Facebook? While social media can be a starting point for financial information, it might not be the most reliable source for critical decisions. For personalized guidance in navigating the financial landscape, consult a Certified Financial Planner. They can assist you in crafting a tailored financial plan to achieve your objectives effectively.

Holistic

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