RRIFs: Consider segregated funds

Zoomer | January 1st, 2006

Segregated funds are investment vehicles offered by life insurance companies. They’re similar to mutual funds, but with several interesting differences.

Generally, segregated funds are on a par with mutual funds when it comes to investment returns, although fees are often higher for segregated funds. The term ‘segregated’ is used because laws governing life insurance require the companies to keep these funds separate from other assets and to hold them in trust for their owners, the unit holders.

You can buy a registered retirement income fund based on various segregated funds. Or you can add them to your mix within a self-directed RRIF – just as you can with mutual funds.

Segregated funds are managed by professional money experts, in some instances the same people who manage major mutual funds.

Two-fold guarantee
The most attractive feature of these funds is that they can combine the growth aspects of a mutual fund with the principal guarantees of a GIC – guarantees that do not come normally with mutual funds nor with any other growth investments.

The guarantee is two-fold:

    1. Segregated funds offerartial or full return of your investment (minus any withdrawals) at maturity (usually your investment must mature at least 10 years in the future) no matter how the markets perform during that time.

In other words, if the market goes up, the gains are yours. If the market falls, you get back all the money you invested.

    2. These funds offer full return of your investment, less any withdrawals, at death, regardless of the maturity date.

In this case, your heirs receive whichever is greater, the total amount you invested or the current value of your holdings.

Purchase options
Generally, investments in segregated funds do not have to be combined with any other life insurance policy or annuity. In some cases, however, there are potential tax savings if they are bought in tandem with certain life policies. Consult an independent expert before making any decision.

Segregated funds are offered in all the major fund categories:

  • Indexed
  • Money market
  • Bond, equity
  • Balanced
  • International
Some life insurance companies also offer the same range of purchase options and services on their segregated funds as are available with many mutual funds.
  • A prime example are no cost periodic withdrawal plans to provide investors with regular income. In addition, if you name a family member as your beneficiary, your investment in segregated funds will be protected from the claims of creditors.

No foreign limits
One additional benefit, albeit a temporary one:

  • Until January 1, 2002, segregated funds are exempt from the foreign-content limits that are imposed on other types of registered plans.

If you are interested in such funds, it is best to ‘shop the market’ by dealing with an advisor or broker who acts as agent for at least several insurance companies. Avoid those who represent only one company. Most investment dealer representatives are now licensed to sell such insurance products as well.

Also, be aware that some companies are changing the guarantee policies on their funds because of recent changes in regulations. Be sure to get up-to-the-minute information.

©2001 Gordon Pape Enterprises Ltd.