Concept Note on Introduction of Retirement Adviser for NPS

Retirement Planning

The objective of Retirement Planning is not only to determine the requirement but also the investments made during working age to achieve post retirement requirements. It is a process of both planning and management of financial resources, during the working years, for the period after retirement. Retirement Planning includes identifying a suitable savings program and managing assets. Future cash flows are estimated to determine if the post retirement financial requirement will be met out. A holistic approach to retirement planning considers financial preparation for life after paid work ends. The emphasis one puts on retirement planning changes during different life stages. In the early stage in a person’s working life, retirement planning is about setting aside enough money for retirement.

During the middle of an individual’s career, it might also include setting up specific income flow or asset targets and taking the steps to achieve them. In the last few years leading up to retirement, financial assets are more or less determined, and therefore, the emphasis changes to non-financial aspects like lifestyle. Page 5 of 20 When it comes to retirement planning, Indians have largely saved and invested with a dual focus on saving taxes and generating guaranteed returns. Limited education about financial saving, and lack of retirement planning outlook poses a grave challenge in increasing the penetration of pension schemes. Creating awareness about pension schemes regulated by PFRDA, educating people about the benefits of retirement planning and clear articulation of scheme details will play a critical role in boosting participation in this voluntary scheme. The PFRDA Act, 2013, mandates an orderly growth of pension sector and provision of old age income security, which thereby implies that pension is available for all masses, cutting across, educational, regional, economical, social and political barriers. An orderly growth is an inclusive growth. Retirement Planning has become more important due to increasing cost of living and rising inflation.

Retirement Adviser

Educating and making people aware of the benefits of the retirement planning and creating awareness about the pension schemes regulated by PFRDA is critical for increasing participation in the voluntary segment of NPS and other pension scheme regulated by PFRDA. The role of an advisory entity would be critical in propagating the schemes to the masses in order to achieve adequate social security. This requires penetration into the grass root level. Retirement Advisers, with adequate knowledge of a prospect’s needs and means, and knowledge of the pension products, will be in a better position to advise individuals, who have different levels of education, financial literacy, wealth, income potential, capacity to save and financial goals. Page 6 of 20 Retirement Adviser can play a significant role in helping the prospects/subscribers in deciding retirement plans.

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