Retirement planning is a vital aspect of one’s financial goals that an individual needs to plan early in life. Retirement planning, however, doesn’t only mean creating a corpus but also determining how you can withdraw from it for your expenses optimally, with the help of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).
Post-retirement, the need is for a regular and steady cash flow to meet your regular expenses. An SWP or a systematic withdrawal plan is the answer if you want to withdraw the amount you have invested in mutual funds in a regular and planned manner. You can allocate a portion of your retirement corpus to a suitable mutual fund scheme to opt for regular withdrawal of the amount needed to meet your regular expenses. Let us look at how an SWP works to plan your retirement.
How Does an SWP Work?
A systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) helps you withdraw fixed amounts from your mutual fund investments in a planned and regular manner, monthly or at any frequency you prefer. You may choose to withdraw your fund quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. After setting up an SWP, as per your choice, the fund house redeems the required units from your mutual fund holdings and credits the amount to your savings bank account, providing you with steady cash flows.
Example: SWP in Action
Mr. Sharma, a recently retired individual, has diligently saved and invested throughout his working life. Upon retiring, he wants to ensure a steady and reliable income stream to cover his monthly expenses without depleting his retirement corpus too quickly. To achieve this, Mr. Sharma has decided to implement a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from his mutual fund investments.
Investment Details
Total Invested Amount: ₹1,00,00,000
Monthly Withdrawal Amount: ₹50,000
Expected Rate of Return: 10% per annum
Withdrawal Period: 1 Year
Financial Details
Total Invested Amount | Withdrawal Amount per Month | Expected Rate of Return | Withdrawal Period | Total Withdrawal Amount | Final Balance Amount | Total Profit |
₹1,00,00,000 | ₹50,000 | 10% | 1 Year | ₹6,00,000 | ₹1,03,72,973 | ₹9,72,973 |
Monthly Breakdown
Month | Balance at Beginning | Withdrawal | Interest Earned | Balance at End |
1 | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹50,000 | ₹79,741 | ₹1,00,29,741 |
2 | ₹1,00,29,741 | ₹50,000 | ₹79,978 | ₹1,00,59,719 |
3 | ₹1,00,59,719 | ₹50,000 | ₹80,217 | ₹1,00,89,937 |
4 | ₹1,00,89,937 | ₹50,000 | ₹80,458 | ₹1,01,20,396 |
5 | ₹1,01,20,396 | ₹50,000 | ₹80,701 | ₹1,01,51,097 |
6 | ₹1,01,51,097 | ₹50,000 | ₹80,946 | ₹1,01,82,043 |
7 | ₹1,01,82,043 | ₹50,000 | ₹81,193 | ₹1,02,13,236 |
8 | ₹1,02,13,236 | ₹50,000 | ₹81,441 | ₹1,02,44,678 |
9 | ₹1,02,44,678 | ₹50,000 | ₹81,692 | ₹1,02,76,371 |
10 | ₹1,02,76,371 | ₹50,000 | ₹81,945 | ₹1,03,08,316 |
11 | ₹1,03,08,316 | ₹50,000 | ₹82,199 | ₹1,03,40,516 |
12 | ₹1,03,40,516 | ₹50,000 | ₹82,456 | ₹1,03,72,973 |
Analysis
Over the course of one year, Mr. Sharma withdrew ₹6,00,000 from his mutual fund investments to meet his monthly expenses. Despite these withdrawals, the final balance in his account was ₹1,03,72,973, which is higher than his initial investment. This growth is attributed to the interest earned on the remaining corpus, demonstrating the effectiveness of SWP in providing regular income while preserving the principal amount.
Benefits of a SWP
Regular Stream of Income: SWPs provide a reliable inflow of funds post-retirement. By setting up regular withdrawals, you can cover living expenses and enjoy your golden years. Many investors choose debt funds for retirement planning due to their stable returns and lower risk levels.
Tax Efficiency: By selecting suitable funds and holding them for the long term, retirees can minimize their tax liability. For example, equity-oriented mutual funds benefit from more favorable tax treatment for long-term capital gains.
Better Liquidity: SWPs in mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing you to access your funds whenever needed. This flexibility helps manage financial emergencies and maintain financial independence. While having a contingency fund is wise, SWPs can also be easily liquidated in emergencies.
Portfolio Diversification: Retirement planning with SWPs often involves investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds, which helps spread risk and optimize return potential.
Professional Management: Mutual funds offering SWPs are managed by professional fund managers who make investment decisions on your behalf.
How to Generate Income Through SWP in Retirement:
Set Clear Retirement Goals: Define your retirement goals, including desired retirement age, estimated living expenses post-retirement, and other financial objectives. Use a retirement calculator to evaluate investment needs.
Choose the Right Mutual Funds: Select mutual fund schemes that align with your risk appetite and retirement goals. Diversify investments across asset classes for a balanced portfolio. Consult with a financial advisor if needed.
Determine the SWP Amount and Frequency: Calculate the SWP amount and withdrawal frequency to cover expenses. Adjust as needed based on requirements, considering inflation and market fluctuations.
Consider Tax Implications: Keep tax implications of withdrawals in mind when setting up your SWP. Depending on the type of mutual funds and investment duration, you may be eligible for tax benefits.
Review Regularly: Regularly review your investment portfolio and SWP strategy. Adjust investment choices and withdrawals to maximize benefits.
Conclusion
SWPs can be invaluable for ensuring a comfortable retirement. They provide a regular income stream, mitigate capital impact, and offer potential tax advantages long after your working years. A well-thought-out investment plan leveraging SWPs can help you enjoy your golden years with financial security and peace of mind. Consult with a financial advisor to choose suitable mutual funds that align with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.
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