Srinagar, May 22 -- Ask around in Srinagar or Shopian, and you'll hear people say, "I've started investing in mutual funds through my LIC agent."

The catch? It's usually not a mutual fund at all. It's a life insurance policy with a bit of market exposure, wrapped in financial jargon.

Mutual funds are straightforward. They take your money, pool it with others', and invest in stocks, bonds, or a mix.

You can start small, stop anytime, and withdraw when you need the money. It's flexible and built for growth.

Insurance doesn't work that way. Term insurance gives a payout if something happens to you. Health insurance helps with hospital bills.

And then there are investment-linked plans, like ULIPs, that promise returns but lock your money...