My son is 5th sem BTech(MSE) student in IIT Kanpur. He is very much interested to do MS/ Research in ML/ Robotics in USA. His seniors discouraged him as are financially insolvent to bear the burden. Please advise what would be the best option for him..

Ans: You are 54 years old, investing Rs 50,000 monthly via SIP, and holding a Rs 20 lakh portfolio in shares. You are likely preparing for a secure and comfortable retirement. Let’s assess this from all angles with a 360-degree financial view.

Understanding Your Life Stage
You are in the pre-retirement phase.

Retirement could be 5 to 8 years away.

This is a critical phase for wealth preservation.

Also, time to optimise for stable post-retirement income.

Investment mistakes now can affect lifestyle later.

So, decisions now must be very mindful and calculated.

Your Current SIP – A Solid Habit
Rs 50,000 SIP shows strong discipline. Appreciate that.

Continue SIPs in a well-diversified mix of mutual funds.

Actively managed funds are better suited at this stage.

They adjust portfolio during market ups and downs.

This is not possible with passive funds or index funds.

Why Index Funds May Not Suit You
Index funds mirror the market without active control.

They can’t reduce risk during market downturns.

No fund manager to rebalance your asset mix.

You are closer to retirement. Risk must be controlled.

Actively managed funds can do that better.

Shares Portfolio of Rs 20 Lakhs – Review Needed
Direct shares are risky for retirement planning.

Prices fluctuate daily. No guaranteed returns.

Sell part of the shares and move to mutual funds.

This reduces risk and brings consistency.

Keep only 20–25% of your portfolio in shares.

Remaining should shift to diversified mutual funds.

Direct Mutual Funds – Disadvantages for You
Direct funds need continuous tracking and monitoring.

You may miss portfolio reviews or rebalancing needs.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner help more.

They ensure periodic assessment, rebalancing, and tax planning.

A CFP also gives long-term planning with strategy.

They don’t stop at just selling mutual funds.

Asset Allocation – The Real Foundation
Divide your money into different buckets:

Short-term: next 1–2 years cash needs.

Medium-term: 3–5 years, lower risk funds.

Long-term: 5+ years, higher equity allocation.

This protects you from market shock and ensures liquidity.

Suggested Portfolio Structure (Broadly)
50% Equity Mutual Funds (actives, diversified, balanced)

25% Debt Mutual Funds (low duration, short term)

15% Hybrid Mutual Funds (equity + debt mix)

10% Gold Mutual Funds (inflation hedge)

Continue SIPs in These Categories
Diversified Flexi Cap and Balanced Advantage Funds.

These give flexibility and moderate risk.

SIPs must be reviewed yearly.

Ensure funds are managed by top-quality fund houses.

Don’t Ignore Retirement Goal Planning
Estimate how much money you need at 60.

Consider expenses, inflation, medical, and emergencies.

Map your SIPs and existing assets to this goal.

Adjust SIP amount or asset allocation if gap exists.

Emergency Fund and Health Cover
Keep 6–12 months of expenses in liquid mutual funds.

Avoid keeping in savings account. Use low duration funds.

Have adequate health insurance (Rs 10–15 lakh or more).

Include a super top-up policy if base cover is less.

Avoid These Mistakes Now
Don’t chase high returns through stocks.

Don’t start risky thematic funds now.

Don’t invest through tips or social media.

Don’t stop SIPs when markets fall.

Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Don’t invest in real estate for returns.

Tax Planning – Be Smart About Withdrawals
When redeeming equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, gains taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals slowly, not in one go.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) post retirement.

Investment cum Insurance Policies – Caution Needed
If you hold any LIC, ULIP, or endowment-type plans,

Review them thoroughly.

These usually give low returns.

Consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.

But do this after checking surrender charges and lock-ins.

Retirement Corpus Withdrawal Strategy
Start SWP from debt funds or hybrid funds post 60.

This gives monthly income, and keeps tax low.

Equity should be tapped last.

Don’t withdraw lump sum. Withdraw in parts.

This helps fight inflation for 20–25 years of retirement.

Post-Retirement Investment Focus
Prioritise safety, then liquidity, then return.

Don’t aim to “grow wealth” aggressively.

Ensure stable income with low risk.

Use mix of debt and balanced funds.

Review portfolio once a year with a CFP.

Financial Planning Services Benefit You More Now
You are close to retirement. Emotions and market noise increase.

A Certified Financial Planner can:

Guide you with tax-smart withdrawal plans

Do regular portfolio rebalancing

Adjust goals and strategies if life situations change

Ensure emotional mistakes are avoided during volatility

Final Insights
You are on the right path. Rs 50,000 SIP is very good.

Now shift focus from only growing to protecting wealth.

Don’t keep all Rs 20 lakh in stocks. Shift gradually.

Review goals, plan withdrawals, cover risks.

Align everything towards a peaceful, financially independent retirement.

You need a well-structured, personalised financial roadmap now.

Execute every decision with full clarity, not on instinct.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment