I about to take 65lakhs home loan for ROI 8.5%. The EMI is coming 56.6K per month. Along with this, I am investing 20k in mutual fund. What are the consequences burden less steps to mitigate the financial crisis. Suggest me wise steps to prevent any unexpected problems on financing.
Ans: You are showing good financial planning by thinking before taking a big home loan. Taking Rs. 65 lakh loan at 8.5% interest is a major step. You also invest Rs. 20,000 in mutual funds monthly. That is a positive sign. Let's now explore the risks and solutions from a 360-degree view.
We will go point-by-point to make things easier.
Understand Your Financial Commitments Clearly
EMI of Rs. 56,600 is a fixed long-term obligation.
Mutual fund SIP of Rs. 20,000 is your wealth-building investment.
Together, Rs. 76,600 is going out monthly from your income.
That’s a big amount. You must assess if your income can handle it.
Also check if your job or business income is stable every month.
Build a Strong Emergency Fund First
Emergency fund is your first safety layer.
Keep at least 6–9 months’ of EMI + SIP in one savings instrument.
That means at least Rs. 5.5 lakhs in liquid savings or short deposits.
This will protect you from salary delays or job loss.
Do not invest emergency fund in equity or long-term products.
Don’t Increase EMI Just Because Bank Allows
Banks approve loans based on maximum eligibility.
That doesn’t mean you should take the highest EMI possible.
You must take EMI within 35–40% of your take-home income.
If EMI goes above 50% of income, you may feel pressure later.
Keep room for lifestyle, children’s needs, and medical needs.
Continue SIP Only If Basic Needs Are Covered
Your Rs. 20,000 SIP should not affect your daily cash flow.
If monthly budget is getting tight, reduce SIP for few months.
You can restart or increase SIP later when income improves.
Stopping SIP completely is not wise unless it’s a financial crisis.
Keep a Buffer Fund for Home Maintenance
Home ownership is not just EMI.
Repairs, painting, society charges, taxes are extra costs.
Keep a separate fund of Rs. 1–2 lakhs for home-related expenses.
Don’t use this fund for vacation or festivals.
Have Life and Health Insurance in Place
Before EMI starts, take term insurance to cover home loan.
Insurance should be 15–20 times of your annual income.
If you pass away, family should not suffer under EMI burden.
Also take health insurance for all family members.
Hospital expenses can disturb loan repayment if uninsured.
Don’t Rely on Property for Future Return
Never see real estate as investment to grow money.
Home should be bought only if you plan to stay in it.
Future property prices are uncertain.
EMI should be based on living need, not resale hope.
Review Loan Terms Carefully
Fixed rate or floating rate can impact your EMI later.
Floating rate changes with RBI decisions.
Check if your EMI will rise if rate goes from 8.5% to 10%.
Plan for higher EMI possibility from beginning.
Don’t Depend Only on Salary for EMI
Try to have secondary income.
This can be spouse’s income, rent, or part-time work.
This reduces pressure on main income.
Helps in EMI and SIP continuation even if income drops.
Track Your CIBIL Score Regularly
Loan repayment will impact your CIBIL score.
Keep EMI auto-debit active from account.
Never delay even a single EMI.
Keep credit card bills paid before due date.
Good credit score helps in future loan top-ups or balance transfer.
Avoid Taking New Loans While Paying Home Loan
Don’t take car loan, consumer loan, or credit card EMI now.
These loans reduce your repayment ability.
Also increase your total EMI percentage against income.
Stay debt-free except for home loan.
Revisit Mutual Fund Strategy with Expert
SIP is good. But review fund types with certified financial planner.
Avoid index funds or direct funds if investing without guidance.
Direct funds give no support or rebalancing help.
Regular funds with MFD and CFP give advice and timely review.
Actively managed funds offer flexibility in market ups and downs.
Plan for Prepayment, But Don’t Rush
Once you have emergency fund and insurance, think of loan prepayment.
Don’t prepay using all your savings.
Prepay only from bonus, surplus, or extra income.
Avoid selling mutual funds for loan prepayment.
Let mutual funds compound wealth in long term.
Check Tax Benefits, But Don’t Depend on Them
Home loan gives tax benefit on interest and principal.
But don’t take loan only for tax saving.
Tax laws can change anytime.
Focus on affordability, not deduction.
Maintain Budget Sheet Every Month
Keep monthly record of income and expenses.
Track EMI, SIP, groceries, utilities, kids’ school fees.
Watch out for overspending on lifestyle.
Adjust SIP or expenses if needed, but never EMI.
Avoid Financial Panic
Don’t panic if one month goes tight.
Use emergency fund calmly.
Don’t use credit card to pay EMI.
Don’t break long-term investments for short-term problems.
Educate Family Members Too
Make your spouse or family aware of EMI and financial plan.
Keep joint account for EMI and joint emergency savings.
Share insurance details and bank login in written file at home.
Build Financial Discipline
Don’t skip EMI or SIP due to temporary emotional decisions.
Don’t increase lifestyle expenses after home purchase.
Stick to budget even if salary increases.
Stay focused on debt freedom and wealth growth.
What to Do If Crisis Still Comes?
Contact bank immediately if EMI is difficult to pay.
Don’t hide or delay communication.
Ask for moratorium or restructuring if needed.
You may pause SIP but never miss EMI.
Revisit budget and cut unnecessary costs.
Prepare for Future With Step-Up SIP
Once you are stable with EMI, increase SIP slowly.
Increase by 5%–10% every year.
This helps in wealth creation for future goals.
Use mutual funds for retirement, child education, and long-term goals.
Finally
You are making a big decision. But you are asking right questions.
Loan of Rs. 65 lakh is not small. But manageable with discipline.
Keep EMI under 40% of income. Keep SIP going if income allows.
Build buffer funds, insurance, and stay calm under pressure.
Always seek expert advice, not emotional suggestions.
Review financial plan yearly to stay on track.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment