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A look at women’s evolving relationship with money

Women’s Evolving Relationship with Money
January 12, 2024

 

In this policy, the investment risks in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder.  

It’s still a pretty grim picture when it comes to women taking charge of their financial security in India. Recent surveys conclude that 51% of Indian women are on their investment journey, out of which a mere 27% make decisions on their own. But indeed, there’s a ray of hope as well. Trends reveal that, compared to the past, more and more women are now treading the financial path and their perspectives towards investment are changing gradually.

The evolving financial ecosystem in households

For ages, investment strategies and decisions in Indian households have been majorly governed by men. Even though men still dominate this area, the ratios are definitely changing. As more women are now financially independent, they are increasingly realising the need to invest, not just for tax savings but for etching a stable financial path. According to the Economic Survey 2023, moving away from the conventional preference towards savings, women in India are now looking at investment as a crucial step towards a secured financial future. So, what lies behind this evolving financial ecosystem in households? While higher income is surely a reason, it’s the digital freedom through smartphones that has contributed a major shift. The easy access to digital resources has helped women shape their knowledge and consequently, their investment decisions.

Are financial choices changing for women?

Earlier, even if women made financial decisions, these were mostly restricted to savings. Financial independence has shifted the focus towards investment and naturally financial choices by women are changing too. Indian women are now increasingly getting comfortable with market-linked investments in search of higher returns, compared to the secured, low-return ones. Recent years have witnessed a rapid rise of women investors and a jump in equity investment by women from 16% to 24% in just two years.

The popular choice of investment by women

Gone are the days of regular savings accounts, recurring deposits or NSCs which women used to secure their savings. Surveys claim that Indian women these days are actively investing in mutual funds, stocks, fixed deposits and even digital assets, moving away from traditional savings avenues and gold purchases.

ULIP, a strong choice for women?

As the willingness to take risks is showing an upward curve for Indian women in recent times, high-risk, high-gain financial instruments are increasingly becoming a preferred investment choice for them. However, to avoid losses, investing in a portfolio with a combination of risky and risk-free funds can be a wiser bet. Alongside, the growing uncertainties of life, it is crucial to secure the child’s or the family’s future too, which is now a responsibility of the financially independent women as well.  

Here’s where the Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) can be considered a strong choice for women investors. In a combination of life insurance and an investment plan, a part of the premium in these policies forms the life cover, while the rest is invested in a portfolio depending on the risk appetite. In turn, the investor can choose a portfolio of only equities, only debt funds or a mix of both depending on how much risk she is willing to take.

Conclusion

The tilt shift towards investment from savings is indeed alluring. Women’s evolving relationship with money and the growing percentage of female investors is an empowering factor. But of course, before you take the plunge to invest, remember to analyse your needs, calculate your budget and get clarity on what investment opportunities would be profitable for you. Who said men handle finance better?

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Source-

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/only-27-of-women-take-their-own-financial-decisions-study-11678160654342.html

ARN - ED/12/23/6959

Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Author Profile Written By:
Vishal Subharwal Vishal Subharwal

Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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We at HDFC Life are committed to offer innovative products and services that enable individuals live a ‘Life of Pride’. For over two decades we have been providing life insurance plans - protection, pension, savings, investment, annuity and health.

The Unit Linked Insurance products do not offer any liquidity during the first five years of the contract. The policyholders will not be able to surrender or withdraw the monies invested in Unit Linked Insurance Products completely or partially till the end of fifth year  

For more details on risk factors, associated terms and conditions and exclusions please read sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Unit Linked Life Insurance products are different from the traditional insurance products and are subject to the risk factors. The premium paid in Unit Linked Life Insurance policies are subject to investment risks associated with capital markets and the NAVs of the units may go up or down based on the performance of fund and factors influencing the capital market and the insured is responsible for his/her decisions. HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited is only the name of the Insurance Company, The name of the company, name of the contract does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. Please know the associated risks and the applicable charges, from your Insurance agent or the Intermediary or policy document of the insurer. The various funds offered under this contract are the names of the funds and do not in any way indicate the quality of these plans, their future prospects and returns.