Reply: Annuity plans need improvements

24 March 2006

Editor
Zaobao

I refer to the letter, 'Annuity plans need improvements', by Mr Yang Song Jian, (Zaobao, 23 March).

Mr Yang asked insurance companies to improve the annuity plans to better take care of the elderly. More should be done educate Singaporeans on the importance of financial planning and savings.

I agree.

In a recent survey, we found out that 50 percent of the respondents wanted to increase their regular savings for their retirement. They know that their current savings in the Central Provident Fund is inadequate.

As a general guide, each person should set aside 10 to 15 percent of the regular earnings as savings for the future. They can use the savings for their retirement or to meet emergencies, in they lose their jobs or have to pay a large medical bill.

They should invest these savings in a flexible plan that can give an attractive rate of return, by investing for the long term.

NTUC Income offers a choice of attractive annuity plans. We handle 65 percent of all life annuities sold in Singapore. Our annuities offer an attractive return, an annual bonus (in most years) to supplement the guaranteed return, and a refund of the balance of the capital on death.

There are a few ways for the public to learn about financial planning:

- see an insurance adviser;
- attend an educational talk;
- visit an educational website.

NTUC Income holds an educational talk every week. The topics include retirement plans, medical insurance, financial planning, reverse mortgage scheme, etc. Schedule of the talks can be found at www.income.coop/seminar. Admission to these talks is free.

We also manage an educational website at www.KnowYourInsurance.com.sg. It is available in English, Chinese and Malay versions. The website covers a wide range of insurance topics, such as: personal accident, medical insurance, financial planning, travel insurance and saving for education.

Tan Kin Lian
Chief Executive Officer
NTUC Income