24, Unemployed, BCom Incomplete: Should I Finish My Degree to Find a Better Job?

Ans: Hello;

Your monthly expenses:
Current EMIs: 67000
New EMI: ~133000
Rent: 35000
Household expenses:~ 50000
Total monthly Expense: 285000
Total monthly Income:~ 300000

You have hardly any income left for investments.

If I would have been in your place, I would have settled earlier loans before venturing into a new home loan, using part of the savings.

Also I would have sold the flat in other city and used the sale proceeds towards down payment of new house purchase.

This will ensure that my current investments remain mostly untouched(except loan prepayment).

I get exemption from long term capital gain arising from sale of old flat since reinvested into new residence(As per provisions of ITax Act).

My EMI burden will be much lesser and I can invest aggressively in mutual funds and NPS for:
1. Kid higher education &
2. Retirement

This was my perspective.

You may have different approach but key is to ensure reasonable amount of debt so that you have disposable income left for investments towards
future goals.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

Ans: Hello;

Your monthly expenses:
Current EMIs: 67000
New EMI: ~133000
Rent: 35000
Household expenses:~ 50000
Total monthly Expense: 285000
Total monthly Income:~ 300000

You have hardly any income left for investments.

If I would have been in your place, I would have settled earlier loans before venturing into a new home loan, using part of the savings.

Also I would have sold the flat in other city and used the sale proceeds towards down payment of new house purchase.

This will ensure that my current investments remain mostly untouched(except loan prepayment).

I get exemption from long term capital gain arising from sale of old flat since reinvested into new residence(As per provisions of ITax Act).

My EMI burden will be much lesser and I can invest aggressively in mutual funds and NPS for:
1. Kid higher education &
2. Retirement

This was my perspective.

You may have different approach but key is to ensure reasonable amount of debt so that you have disposable income left for investments towards
future goals.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

Ans: You have a strong financial base for early retirement. Let’s structure your wealth to generate a sustainable income, ensure your child’s education, and preserve wealth for the long term.

Evaluating Your Financial Snapshot
1. Assets Overview
Rs. 35 lakh in fixed deposits and savings accounts for liquidity.
Rs. 2.5 crore in stocks and mutual funds for long-term growth.
Rs. 1 crore land, offering future capital appreciation.
Rs. 5 lakh in gold, acting as a hedge against inflation.
Own house, ensuring zero rent obligations.
2. Monthly Expense Analysis
Monthly expenses are Rs. 80,000.
Annual expense requirement is Rs. 9.6 lakh.
3. Retirement Horizon
You plan to retire at 50.
Your expenses need funding for the next 30-35 years.
Inflation must be accounted for to maintain your lifestyle.
Managing Monthly Expenses Post-Retirement
A. Immediate Liquidity
Emergency Fund

Set aside Rs. 10-12 lakh in a liquid fund or FD.
This should cover 12-15 months of expenses.
Short-Term Needs

Keep Rs. 15 lakh in a low-risk debt mutual fund.
This will fund your expenses for 2-3 years.
B. Long-Term Growth and Income
Equity Allocation

Retain Rs. 1.5 crore in well-diversified equity mutual funds.
Allocate funds across large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid schemes.
Equity provides inflation-beating returns over time.
Debt Allocation

Invest Rs. 75 lakh in high-quality debt mutual funds.
Debt ensures stability and predictable returns.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Use SWP to withdraw monthly income from debt and hybrid funds.
Start with Rs. 80,000 monthly and adjust annually for inflation.
Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education
A. Estimated Education Costs
Factor in inflation for education expenses.
Allocate Rs. 25-30 lakh in equity and hybrid mutual funds.
This corpus will grow in 5-7 years to cover education fees.
B. Dedicated Portfolio
Create a separate portfolio for education goals.
Avoid withdrawing from this portfolio for other needs.
Land and Gold
A. Land Asset
Land is a non-earning, long-term asset.
You can hold it for potential capital appreciation.
Avoid liquidating unless needed for major goals.
B. Gold Holding
Retain gold as a hedge against inflation.
Avoid increasing allocation unless it is a specific need.
Tax Planning Post-Retirement
A. Mutual Fund Gains
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term gains from equity are taxed at 20%.
B. Debt Fund Taxation
Gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Withdraw systematically to optimise your tax liability.
C. Senior Citizen Tax Benefits
Once you turn 60, claim senior citizen tax deductions.
Use Section 80TTB for interest income up to Rs. 50,000.
Healthcare and Contingency
A. Health Insurance
Ensure health insurance coverage of at least Rs. 20-25 lakh.
Include a top-up or super top-up policy for additional protection.
B. Contingency Fund
Reserve Rs. 5-7 lakh specifically for medical emergencies.
Keep this amount separate from your emergency fund.
Estate Planning
A. Will Creation
Draft a will to distribute your wealth as per your wishes.
Ensure clarity in property and financial asset allocation.
B. Nomination Updates
Update nominations for all investments, FDs, and insurance policies.
This ensures a smooth transfer of assets.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
A. Avoid Annuity Plans
Annuities provide low returns and lack flexibility.
They may not keep pace with inflation over time.
B. Avoid Over-Exposure to Direct Stocks
Stocks are volatile and may not suit retirement needs.
Reduce direct stock exposure and focus on mutual funds.
C. Avoid Direct Funds
Direct funds lack professional guidance.
Invest in regular funds with the assistance of a Certified Financial Planner.
Final Insights
You are in a strong position to retire comfortably at 50. By diversifying your investments and aligning them with your goals, you can ensure financial security and a stress-free retirement. Focus on systematic planning to meet your monthly expenses, child’s education, and other long-term needs. Regularly monitor your portfolio and make adjustments as required to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello;

Remember the standard warning regarding mutual funds:

Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

Volatility is a feature of equity markets, it may affect you in the short to medium term but may provide inflation beating returns over the long term.

You may do lumpsum investment in a combination of flexicap and multicap funds.

Select any fund/s from the top quartile in respective category.

Happy Investing;
X: @ mars_invest

Ans: Hello;

Your exposure to small cap funds is quite high.

You should have one flexicap fund and one aggressive hybrid (equity) fund for your sip of 20 K.

Your wife may have one flexicap fund and one Large & Midcap type fund for her sip of 20 K.

Further you may start one more monthly sip of 5 K in a multi asset allocation type fund.

This total monthly sip of 45 K may yield you desired sum of 1 Cr. in 10 years. (A modest return of 12% is considered)

You may select any fund from the top quartile in the respective category or consult an MFD for the same.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

Ans: After Diploma he can't go abroad for studies. First he has to complete the degree course. Football is his hobby. Let him enjoy that. But for abroad studies graduation is must. Regards.Professor........................:)

Ans: Hi Rajan,

Good to know you planned investment for your son's education. There a few things to keep in mind when planning investment which are market linked.
The time horizon is very important to reap the benefit from the market linked investments. In your case your son is going to join college this year and than means you will need this money for his fees. Along with this the fund selection based on the risk profile.
There have been 2 things that seem to be of concern at this time - 1. Markets are bearish currently and 2. Not enough time to stay invested. Also the funds you have selected are of very high risk category and hence you may see higher impact in the fund value compare to the market.
If you still see a return of 19% as mentioned, I would recommend you to withdraw and for whatever time you have the money before utilizing it, do consider a low risk option of investment like Bank FDs.
This will provide safety and liquidity of your money when required.
All the best to your son for his future.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

Ans: First let me tell you, I am always with you. In this platform I can't share my phone no or email ID. But I will give you the ultimate solution. As a father you have done your full duty and I understand your situation. 90+ mother is there and along with her another son's complete responsibility is there. Regarding marriage and other things let him take his own decision, no issue. But during the critical hours he has to support you per month and the minimum amount what he should send is 1200 US Dollar ( nearly one lakh rupees). Straight away put this condition. This discaring attitude generates out of pampering and for 99% sons their typical Indian mothers are responsible. Put your condition with a tough tone. Be good for good and bad for bad. Now behave like a manager, not like a father. I don't know his branch. If he is in IT then he must be earning 9000-10000 US Dollar per month. So let him send 1200 USD per month. If he doesn't listen to you then for time being keep distance with him. You are the father, so you must have the personality so that he listens to you. Use this advice and follow me and in future please contact me whenever you face some difficulties. Regards. Professor.

Ans: Certainly USA. But now a days there are lot of VISA issue. So keep Australia in the back burner. Best of luck to your son. Just follow me. May God Bless Him. Professor...........:)