What income advantages can segregated funds offer?

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Segregated fund policies are unique insurance-related products with some guaranteed investment features that can benefit both your capital and income for years.

· Premiums are paid to the insurer for an insurance policy. These monies are allocated to segregated fund investment options.

· An investment manager then invests these premiums in the segregated fund. He invests in stocks, bonds or other assets, according to the fund’s stated investment objectives.

· Through the insurance policy, you can take advantage of unique benefits that can bring more certainty and flexibility to your financial strategies.

· Where a segregated fund invests in aggressive growth equities, there are some unique provisions that risk-averse investors may prefer. Often a portion of the capital invested may carry an agreement to be returned after the timing of maturity. Check the contract provisions which often include reinvesting options at certain junctures of time which also should be understood.

Guaranteed retirement capital and income

· Lifetime guarantee on your income Some policies offer some control over your retirement income by providing you an income for life. With a lifetime income benefit option, your income may not decrease regardless of how the segregated fund performs unless excess withdrawals are taken. This may give some protection against the risk of outliving your money, market volatility and inflation.

· Maturity guarantee on your capital Segregated fund policies provide some certainties to return a percentage of the premiums paid into the segregated fund (less a proportional amount of redemptions), depending on the product selected.

Make sure that you pay careful attention to the contract terms and time periods relating to any mention of a certainty regarding the return of a percentage of premiums paid. Go over this carefully with your advisor.

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