Dear sir,
I have 70 lakhs cash but i do not work. I am a trader. I do not know anything about mutual funds. I want to grow my capital from the cash i have and want some sort of monthy income. Please can you guide me.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Status
Rs. 70 lakhs is a good base amount.
You are not employed.
You trade for income.
But trading has high risk.
It does not give stable income.
You want capital growth and regular monthly income.
You are unfamiliar with mutual funds.
This is common and completely okay.
Many begin here and grow later.
It is important you think long-term now.
You must protect your capital and grow it.
Let’s explore a 360-degree plan together.
Why Monthly Income Needs Careful Planning
Monthly income needs regular cash flows.
You must not touch core capital often.
Else capital will vanish slowly.
Also, income needs to be inflation-proof.
Rs. 50,000 today is small after 10 years.
So, your plan must grow and give income.
We will divide your Rs. 70 lakhs into parts.
Each part will have one clear job.
This will reduce risk and bring balance.
Step 1: Create Safety Net First
Keep Rs. 6 lakhs in savings account or FD.
This is your emergency fund.
Use it only for real emergencies.
This gives peace of mind in crisis.
Keep this safe and accessible always.
Do not invest this in any risky area.
Add to it if you can later.
This should be 8-10 months of expenses.
Step 2: Build a Stable Monthly Income Stream
You can use around Rs. 25 lakhs for income.
But don’t rely on FD interest alone.
FD interest is taxable fully.
Also, returns fall behind inflation.
Instead, use well-managed monthly income solutions.
These are actively managed by fund houses.
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide selection.
Don’t use direct plans on your own.
They seem cheap, but you miss guidance.
Regular plans via MFD with CFP help more.
Disadvantage of Direct Plans:
No help on asset allocation.
No help in choosing quality funds.
No handholding in market corrections.
Wrong selection causes loss or low returns.
Benefit of Regular Plans through CFPs:
Better risk control with professional advice.
Timely changes based on goals.
Hand-holding during market ups and downs.
Long-term focus, not just past performance.
Now back to income:
Rs. 25 lakhs can give monthly withdrawals.
Use systematic withdrawal from balanced hybrid funds.
These funds give steady income potential.
They mix debt and equity.
This brings less ups and downs.
Withdraw fixed sum monthly.
Withdraw only gains, not capital.
This makes income last longer.
Taxation on Withdrawals:
If you hold over 1 year, gains are LTCG.
Over Rs. 1.25 lakh per year, tax is 12.5%.
If less than a year, tax is 20% as STCG.
You can plan timing of withdrawals.
With proper planning, your Rs. 25 lakhs can support 10–15 years.
Later, you shift more capital as needed.
Step 3: Grow Rest of Capital Long-Term
Remaining Rs. 39 lakhs can grow slowly.
Don’t chase fast returns.
They vanish fast with high risk.
Go for long-term wealth creation.
Use actively managed diversified equity mutual funds.
Why not Index Funds?
Index funds copy the market blindly.
They don’t protect in falling markets.
They never beat the market.
You remain average, always.
They don’t work well in India now.
Active Funds give:
Better downside protection in bad times.
Flexibility to shift to better sectors.
Human expertise, not just a formula.
Higher return chance in long run.
So, use diversified equity funds wisely.
Use large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap mix.
Don’t use all in one fund.
Divide based on time and risk levels.
A Certified Financial Planner will create your mix.
They monitor your funds and guide changes.
You can grow Rs. 39 lakhs to a big amount.
Use it for future needs.
Retirement, children’s future or healthcare can be goals.
Step 4: Avoid Common Investment Traps
Do not invest in real estate again.
It needs high money to enter.
Hard to sell quickly when needed.
High maintenance and poor rental yield.
Better to avoid in your case.
Do not buy ULIPs or LIC policies for investment.
If you already have, check returns.
Returns are very low with long lock-ins.
They don’t beat inflation.
They mix insurance and investment wrongly.
If you hold them, plan to exit.
Shift that money to mutual funds.
Avoid gold jewellery as investment.
Making charges eat away gains.
Also, not easy to sell in parts.
Step 5: Control Lifestyle and Expenses
Monthly expenses must be watched carefully.
Don’t let lifestyle grow fast with wealth.
Set a clear monthly budget.
Track all expenses using an app or book.
Set clear boundaries for shopping and travel.
Keep monthly income plan realistic.
Don’t expect too high returns.
Keep withdrawals low to protect capital.
Step 6: Keep Reviewing Regularly
Markets keep changing always.
Your goals may change too.
So, review plan once in 6 months.
A CFP helps to do it well.
Rebalance between equity and debt as needed.
If income feels short, shift slowly.
Never touch all funds at once.
Step 7: Protect Your Family Too
Take health insurance for your family.
Medical costs are rising each year.
Don't depend on savings for hospital bills.
Get a good term insurance if dependents exist.
Cover at least 15-20 times yearly needs.
Write a Will for your assets.
Keep nominees in all investments.
It makes things easy later.
Step 8: Focus on Learning More
Learn basics of mutual funds slowly.
Start watching beginner videos on YouTube.
Visit reliable educational websites also.
Ask doubts from Certified Financial Planners.
Don’t act on WhatsApp or social media tips.
Step 9: Build A Second Income Skill
Relying only on investments is risky.
Learn a skill that gives part-time income.
It can be online or offline.
Teaching, consulting, or any service helps.
This supports you in slow years.
Finally
You have a solid start with Rs. 70 lakhs.
Now your job is to protect, grow and earn from it.
Follow a clear system.
Divide the money with purpose.
Use expert-managed mutual funds through regular plans.
Avoid risky direct stocks, gold jewellery and real estate.
Take help from a Certified Financial Planner.
Track income and reduce unnecessary spending.
Add knowledge slowly and take interest.
This will give you both peace and growth.
You will never regret this disciplined approach.
Your money will support you for decades ahead.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Question by aman on Apr 03, 2025English
