Dear Sir,
I am 42 years old, married, and have two sons aged 4 and 1. I am a mechanical engineer in the steel sector, with a fixed deposit of 23 lakhs held in my retired father's name. I have annual income of 16 lakhs and a yearly income tax deduction of 90,000. I have 1 LIC policy of myself around 15000 per annum and no other investments. Current company is giving health insurance of 3 lakhs yearly for me and my family and I don't have any other health insurance.
I would like advice on structuring my finances to ensure long-term security for my family, including the best use of my fixed deposit, tax-saving strategies, and suitable investment options for future of my children education and other expenses.
A.vadivel
Ans: You are 42 years old with two small children. You earn Rs. 16 lakhs per year, have Rs. 23 lakhs in FD in your father’s name, and hold one LIC policy. Your health cover is employer-provided for Rs. 3 lakhs. You want a 360-degree plan that gives long-term protection for your family and builds wealth for your children.
Let us create a full structure covering tax savings, FD utilisation, children’s education, and wealth creation.
Analysing Your Present Financial Position
You have zero loans. That is very positive. It reduces pressure on monthly savings.
You depend on only one LIC policy. It is likely to be low-cover, low-return. This needs review.
Rs. 23 lakhs in fixed deposit is good liquidity. But not tax-efficient and not wealth-creating.
Health insurance cover of Rs. 3 lakhs is too small. Especially with two young children.
Your annual income is Rs. 16 lakhs. This gives you scope to plan monthly surplus well.
Risks in Current Situation
No personal term insurance cover. This is a serious risk to your family’s future.
FD is in father’s name. You cannot freely access it. And interest is taxed.
Children’s education is not funded yet. They are young, but long-term plan is needed.
Only one LIC policy means you have no real retirement or investment plan started.
Health insurance is only from your company. If you leave job, it lapses.
Action Plan – Step by Step
Let us divide your financial plan into eight parts for better clarity.
1. Personal Risk Cover – Term Insurance
Buy a term insurance policy of at least 15 times your annual income.
You can consider Rs. 1.5 crore cover. It will be very low premium per year.
Take this from a trusted insurer. Choose pure term plan, not investment one.
Do not delay. This is priority. Your family’s future depends on this cover.
2. Health Insurance – Beyond Employer Coverage
Take a family floater health insurance of at least Rs. 10 lakhs.
This should be in your personal name. Don’t rely only on company policy.
Look for plans with lifetime renewal, maternity cover, and day-care benefits.
Also take a top-up policy of Rs. 20 lakhs for higher protection.
3. LIC Policy Review
If it is an endowment or money-back, returns are likely very poor.
You are paying Rs. 15,000 yearly for low cover and low returns.
Ask the insurer for surrender value. Stop if it is not beneficial.
Redirect the surrendered money to mutual funds for better compounding.
4. Fixed Deposit of Rs. 23 Lakhs
This is earning low post-tax return. FD interest is taxed fully.
Since it is in father’s name, gift rules or clubbing may apply.
If father is retired and in low tax slab, then interest loss is lower.
You can discuss with father about using part of FD for long-term funds.
Shift FD partly to debt mutual funds for better tax-adjusted returns.
Use Rs. 10 lakhs from it in 2-3 lumpsums to start mutual funds.
5. Monthly Investments – Start SIP Now
You have no investments today. You must start SIP immediately.
You can invest Rs. 30,000 per month comfortably.
Use mix of flexi cap, large & mid cap, and mid cap funds.
Invest via regular plan through a Certified Financial Planner.
Avoid direct plans. You don’t get guidance or portfolio review there.
A CFP helps track, rebalance and guide your investments yearly.
Don’t choose index funds. Actively managed funds do better in Indian markets.
6. Children’s Education Planning
Education inflation is rising. You need at least 10-15 years to save.
Open two child plans via SIP for both sons.
Put Rs. 8,000 monthly for elder son and Rs. 5,000 for younger son.
Use dedicated child goals in mutual funds, not insurance-child combos.
Review these every 2 years with a CFP.
7. Tax Saving Strategies
Section 80C can give up to Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction.
LIC premium of Rs. 15,000 counts in 80C. But rest is open.
Invest in tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) for Rs. 1 lakh per year.
They give higher returns and shortest lock-in of 3 years.
Invest balance Rs. 35,000 in PPF. It is safe and tax-free.
Avoid insurance-cum-investment products for saving tax.
8. Retirement Planning
Retirement age is approaching in 15-18 years.
Start SIP of Rs. 5,000 per month in a separate fund.
Let it compound silently till you retire.
Later you can use SWP for monthly pension.
This creates dignity and independence after age 60.
Things You Should Not Do
Do not buy more LIC policies.
Do not invest in ULIPs or traditional plans.
Avoid real estate for now. It locks money and creates upkeep issues.
Do not keep large money in FDs. It erodes value due to tax and inflation.
Avoid direct mutual funds. There is no handholding and no guidance.
Do not delay insurance. Risk comes without warning.
More Steps for Better Future
Maintain emergency fund of Rs. 2-3 lakhs in liquid mutual fund.
Have a joint account with spouse for household expenses.
Create an Excel tracker to note all expenses, SIPs, and goals.
Every year, increase SIPs by 10%. Your salary will also grow.
Train your wife on basic money matters. It adds security.
Make a nomination in all investments. Also write a simple will.
Final Insights
You are earning well and have no big loans. That is a strong starting point.
Your children are still small. So time is your best friend for investments.
LIC and FD are not enough for long-term goals. Shift focus to mutual funds.
Secure your family first with term cover and medical insurance.
Start systematic investing for children and retirement now itself.
Avoid complex products. Stick to simple and flexible options.
Take help from a Certified Financial Planner to stay on track.
Every year, review your goals and adjust your plan accordingly.
These steps will build financial safety, growth, and peace for your family.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment