Wednesday, October 13, 2010

FISCA Talk on Financial Planning

I gave a talk to some students on financial planning. I showed them examples of benefit illustrations of life insurance policies that took away 40% or more of the accumulated premiums. They were shocked. They never thought that it was possible for so much of their savings to be taken away. They also assumed that the life insurance company had to offer the best terms through market competition. In reality, some life insurance companies were not ashamed to take away a lot of the savings because the consumer was not aware about it.

Usually, the insurance policies are sold by newly appointed agents who approached their classmates. These new agents were not even aware that they were causing a big financial loss to their friend by selling them a bad product. When they know about it a year later, the agents are likely to give up this job.

As I get to know more of these cases, I intensify my effort to educate the consumers. I urge you to attend my  talk on financial planning organised by FISCA. You should also encourage your children (if they are about to start work) to attend the talk, so that they do not make a big mistake by buying the wrong product.

Tan Kin Lian