When it comes to personal finance, two of the most commonly recommended products are term insurance and a retirement plan. Both are essential. Both are long-term. And both can deeply impact your family’s future.

But here’s the real question: if you’re just starting your financial journey and can only pick one for now, which should you prioritise first?

Let’s break it down step by step, and help you make a decision based on your life stage, responsibilities, and goals.

Understanding the Two Products

Before comparing, it helps to understand what each one does, and what problems they solve.

Term Insurance

• A pure life cover product
• Offers a high sum assured at a low premium
• Payout is made to your nominee in case of your untimely death during the policy term
• No maturity benefit if you survive the term

Purpose: To provide financial protection to your family in your absence

Retirement Plan

• A long-term savings or investment plan to build a post-retirement income
• Can be market-linked (like NPS or mutual funds) or fixed-return (like pension plans from life insurance providers)
• Starts giving returns either as a lump sum or regular monthly income after a certain age

Purpose: To ensure you can maintain your lifestyle after your income stops

So Which One Should You Get First?

The short answer:
Start with term insurance. Then, build your retirement plan.

Here’s why.

1. Term Insurance Protects Your Family From Day One

You can’t predict life. But you can prepare for it.

If you have:

• A spouse who depends on your income
• Children or parents relying on your support
• Ongoing EMIs like home or education loans

…then term insurance should be your first financial priority.

If something happens to you unexpectedly, your retirement fund (however small or large) may not be enough to secure your family’s future. But a ₹1 crore term insurance policy, which can cost as little as ₹600–₹1,000/month if you’re young and healthy, ensures they’re not left struggling.

It’s the foundation of every solid financial plan.

2. Retirement Planning Is Important, But It Needs Time to Work

Yes, the earlier you start your retirement plan, the better. Compounding works best over decades.

But retirement planning only works if you’re around to retire. That’s why it comes after term insurance.

Once your family is protected, you can:

• Set up SIPs in mutual funds
• Invest in NPS or PPF
• Explore annuity-based life insurance plans

These products grow over time, and you can scale them as your income increases.

3. Life Stage Matters

Here’s a quick guide based on your current phase of life:

Life Stage	Priority: Term Insurance	Priority: Retirement Plan
Just started earning	Yes	Optional (start small)
Married (no kids)	Yes	Start planning
Married with children	Absolutely Yes	Yes
Age 40+	Yes (if not already)	Should begin now
Nearing retirement	May reduce need	Critical

The earlier you secure term insurance, the cheaper it is, and it frees you up to focus on long-term wealth creation next.

4. Premiums for Term Insurance Are Time-Sensitive

Term insurance premiums are based on age and health. That means:

• A 28-year-old non-smoker may get ₹1 crore cover for ₹700/month
• A 40-year-old may pay ₹1,500–₹2,000 for the same cover
• If diagnosed with health issues, you might be denied altogether

On the other hand, you can always start or scale your retirement plan later, even at 35 or 40, though you may need to contribute more aggressively.

But you won’t get back the low premium advantage of early term insurance.

5. Combining Both, A Smart Strategy

If you have a bit of flexibility in your budget, don’t think of this as either/or. You can do both with careful planning.

Sample approach for someone earning ₹50,000/month:

• ₹800: Term insurance
• ₹2,000: SIP in a retirement-focused mutual fund
• ₹1,000: NPS contribution
• ₹500: Emergency fund

Small, consistent steps can help you protect and grow your wealth without overwhelming your budget.

6. What If You’re Self-Employed or a Freelancer?

If you don’t get employer benefits like EPF or group insurance, your need for both products increases.

Start with:

• A personal term insurance plan (because you don’t have company cover)
• Set up your own retirement strategy with NPS, mutual funds, or guaranteed return life insurance plans

This way, you protect your income and your future, independently.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between term insurance and a retirement plan isn’t really about one being better than the other. It’s about timing and priorities.

Start with what your family needs today, protection.
Then build what you will need tomorrow, income security.

In 2025, life is fast, uncertain, and full of possibilities. The smartest thing you can do is secure the basics first, and build up from there.

Because true wealth isn’t just about growing money, it’s about protecting what matters most.