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Can I afford to fulfill my children's dreams with my current salary of 140000?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1216 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 02, 2025

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
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My current in hand salary after deduction of tax and pf is around 140000. My monthly expenses is around 45K/month. Currently my son is in class 2 wanted and he wanted to became pilot and my daughter is 1 year.

Ans: Hello;

You may initiate a monthly sip of 45 K for 16 years for your retirement planning. It may grow into a sum of 2.62 Cr assuming modest return of 12%.

Also do a monthly sip of 20 K(12 years) and 10 K(17 years) for the higher education goal of your kids. Both may grow into sums of around 65 L each so as to safeguard higher education of your kids.

The retirement corpus may be used buy an immediate annuity which may provide monthly income of 1 L+ post tax.

NPS may used to boost retirement income at 60.

All sips are considered in pure equity mutual funds.

Retirement in 12 years looks difficult.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8341 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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I am 39 year old married we are leaving with our 7year old daughter. I have 1Cr term insurance. I have 5L office + 5L personal health Insurance. Current Cumulative (me and wife) income 135000 per month. Liabilities Home Loan 24L remained paying 21500 per month EMI. Other Loans - 225000, 10000 per month EMI. My Current detailed investment. NPS 368000/-, 6643 per month EPF 827000/-, 16000 per month Total Mutual Funds 612000/-, 7750 per month Nippon India Small cap 112000/-, 500 per month Mirae asset Larg & Mid Cap 263000/-, 3500 per month, Kotak Flexi cap Fund 142000/- , 1000per month. Prag Parekh Flexi Cap 75450/-, 1750 per month. ICICI Corporate Bond Fund 19750/-, 1000 per month. My Wife investment. Total Mutual Funds 633000/- 13500 per month. Axis Small Cap 94580/-, 1300 per month. Mirae asset Larg & Mid Cap 127000/-, 2500 per month. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF 58390/-, 1600 per month. Axis Blue Chip 184000/-, 4500 per month. Parag Parekh Flexi cap 169000/-, 3600 per month. Sukanya Samrudhi Yojna 75000/-, 1000 per month Cumulatively we have overall Saving till now is 247500/- aprox, and current monthly investment is 44893/- Our currently Monthly expenses are around 50000/- Goals Car of 1500000/- in next 3 to 4 years. Daughters Education 1Cr after 11 years. Daughters Marriage 5000000/- After 17 years. Retirement at 58 years 2Cr life expectancy 75Years (me and wife) Please suggest if goals are reachable with current investment? Please suggest estimated goal amount will be sufficient that time? Please suggest if changes required in goal or monthly or mutual funds investment? Highly appreciated if other suggestions
Ans: You've laid out a comprehensive financial picture with clear goals and detailed investments. Let's analyze and provide insights to help you reach your objectives:

Goals Assessment:
Car Purchase: With your current monthly savings and investment capacity, you're on track to achieve this goal within the specified timeframe.
Daughter's Education: To accumulate 1 crore in 11 years, consider increasing your monthly investment in mutual funds and exploring additional avenues like education-specific investment products or child education plans.
Daughter's Marriage: To accumulate 50 lakhs in 17 years, you may need to enhance your investment contributions further. Review your asset allocation and consider higher-risk, potentially higher-return investments to accelerate growth.
Retirement: Accumulating 2 crores by age 58 seems achievable with your current investments, but it's essential to regularly review and adjust your portfolio to account for changing market conditions and evolving financial needs.
Monthly Investments and Mutual Funds:
Evaluate your current mutual fund portfolio's performance and alignment with your goals. Consider diversifying across different asset classes and fund categories to manage risk and optimize returns.
Increase your SIP amounts gradually, aiming to maximize contributions within your budget constraints. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain an optimal asset allocation.
Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
Emergency Fund and Insurance:
Ensure your emergency fund is sufficient to cover at least six months' worth of living expenses. Consider enhancing it further to mitigate unforeseen financial risks effectively.
Review your insurance coverage periodically to ensure it adequately protects your family's financial well-being. Consider supplementing your term insurance coverage if necessary.
Additional Suggestions:
Explore tax-efficient investment options such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) to optimize tax benefits while investing for your long-term goals.
Continuously educate yourself on personal finance and investment principles to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market dynamics effectively.
Regularly reassess your financial plan and goals, making adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving financial independence and security.
Overall, with disciplined saving, prudent investing, and periodic review and adjustments, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial goals. Stay focused on your objectives, remain disciplined in your financial habits, and seek professional guidance when needed to navigate your financial journey successfully.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8341 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 11, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 43 years old, have 13 yrs son in 9th std, 8yrs daughter in 3rd std. Both in India. Currently i am NRI monthly 5lacs salary. But soon coming back to india my salary will be 2.3lac per month. I have 1plot size 30x40 in bangalore. Around 5acres of active agricultural in native tier 3 city. I have epf balance 30lacs(not performing last 2.5yrs) . Current bank balance is 10lacs. Have sukanya samruthi for my daughter 10k per month (around 4lacs in account) Around 500gm gold jewel, wife(home maker, not nri) having 250gm gold, 1.5acre agri land in her name purchased by me with good potential for real estate. Invested in stock market 1lac recently in my wife's name. No debt now. Planning construct home 1cr(will get rent 40k per month) in 1year in bangalore, planning to buy car 15lacs less than 2years. Own home in village. Holding 1cr term insurance. My current family expense 1lac per month(including school fees, petrol etc.)Kindly advice me for kids education marriage and my retirement corpus. Currently having 2nd old santro for my personal travel in India.
Ans: Thank you for sharing the details of your financial situation. I understand your goals and concerns, and I appreciate the effort you’ve put into securing your family’s future. Let's analyze your financial position and provide a comprehensive plan for your children's education, their marriage, and your retirement.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Current Income and Assets
Monthly NRI Salary: Rs 5 lakhs
Upcoming Indian Salary: Rs 2.3 lakhs per month
Plot in Bangalore: 30x40
Active Agricultural Land: 5 acres
EPF Balance: Rs 30 lakhs
Bank Balance: Rs 10 lakhs
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Rs 10,000 per month (Rs 4 lakhs in account)
Gold Jewelry: 750 grams (500 gm yours, 250 gm wife’s)
Agricultural Land (Wife’s name): 1.5 acres
Recent Stock Investment: Rs 1 lakh (wife’s name)
Current Family Expenses: Rs 1 lakh per month
Term Insurance: Rs 1 crore
Plan to Construct Home: Rs 1 crore (rent: Rs 40,000 per month)
Plan to Buy Car: Rs 15 lakhs (in less than 2 years)
Own Home in Village
Current Car: Old Santro
Financial Goals
Children’s education
Children’s marriage
Retirement corpus
Construct home and generate rental income
Purchase a car
Evaluating Your Assets
EPF Balance
Your EPF balance of Rs 30 lakhs is substantial but hasn’t been performing well. It’s crucial to reassess this investment and consider moving a portion to other instruments that may offer better returns.

Agricultural Land and Plot
Agricultural land and the plot in Bangalore are valuable assets. The agricultural land in your wife’s name has real estate potential, which can be considered for future use or sale.

Gold
Gold is a secure investment and can be used as a safety net in times of need. It’s good to have a portion of your assets in gold.

Stock Market Investment
Investing in stocks can yield high returns, but it’s also risky. Ensure you’re diversifying adequately to manage risk.

Planning for Children’s Education and Marriage
Education
Estimate Future Costs: Education costs are rising. Estimate the future costs for both your children’s education. Consider inflation and choose investments accordingly.

Investment Vehicles: SIPs in mutual funds are an effective way to build an education corpus. Diversify between equity and debt funds for balanced growth and safety.

Marriage
Estimate Marriage Expenses: Determine a realistic amount for marriage expenses considering current trends and inflation.

Long-Term Investments: For long-term goals like marriage, consider investing in PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (for your daughter), and balanced mutual funds.

Retirement Planning
Retirement Corpus
Calculate Corpus Needed: Estimate the amount you’ll need to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement. Consider inflation and life expectancy.

Diversified Portfolio: A mix of mutual funds, fixed deposits, and pension schemes can help create a robust retirement corpus.

Monthly Contributions
Systematic Investments: Allocate a portion of your salary towards SIPs in mutual funds. Diversify between equity, debt, and hybrid funds for balanced growth and safety.

EPF and PPF: Continue contributing to EPF and PPF. They offer tax benefits and relatively secure returns.

Construction of Home and Rental Income
Construction Plan
Budget Management: Ensure the construction cost of Rs 1 crore is within your budget. Consider taking a home loan if necessary but ensure it’s manageable within your salary.

Rental Income: The expected rental income of Rs 40,000 per month will help supplement your monthly income. This can be allocated towards your children’s education or marriage fund.

Tax Benefits
Home Loan Interest: Utilize tax benefits on home loan interest under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.

Principal Repayment: Avail of tax deductions on the principal repayment under Section 80C.

Buying a Car
Budget Allocation
Down Payment and Loan: Decide on the down payment and the amount to be financed through a loan. Ensure the EMI is affordable within your post-return salary.

Savings Plan: Start a dedicated savings plan for the car purchase to avoid large financial strain at the time of purchase.

Maintaining Emergency Fund
Emergency Fund
Allocate Funds: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your monthly expenses. This ensures financial stability in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Liquid Investments: Keep the emergency fund in liquid investments like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds for easy access.

Risk Management
Insurance
Health Insurance: Ensure adequate health insurance coverage for your entire family. Consider enhancing your current health insurance plan given the rising medical costs.

Term Insurance: Your Rs 1 crore term insurance is good. Reassess the coverage to ensure it meets your family’s needs.

Diversification
Diversified Portfolio: Diversify your investments across various asset classes to reduce risk and improve returns.

Regular Review: Regularly review your investment portfolio and rebalance it to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Creating a Financial Plan
Setting Clear Goals
Specific Goals: Define specific financial goals for your children’s education, their marriage, and your retirement.

Timeframes: Set realistic timeframes for each goal to help in planning and tracking progress.

Monthly Budget
Income Allocation: Allocate your income towards various expenses, savings, and investments. Ensure you’re saving and investing a significant portion of your income.

Expense Tracking: Track your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget and can allocate more towards savings and investments.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Consult a CFP to help create a detailed financial plan tailored to your needs and goals.

Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor and review your financial plan with your CFP to make necessary adjustments based on changing circumstances.

Final Insights
You have a solid foundation with various assets and a good income. By strategically planning your investments and expenses, you can comfortably achieve your financial goals. Focus on diversifying your investments, maintaining an emergency fund, and seeking professional advice. This will ensure your children’s education and marriage are well-funded, and you can enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1620 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
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Hello, i am 15 years old......my 10th result just came out and i got 97%......actually i have always been a topper since i was small but in 9th i started getting bored of always studying and i got tired .....so i started drifting away from studies.....my grades dropped continously......and when the results came for 10th boards.....i have scored less than many people that i know were not toppers rather some were even below average.....my parents are really disappointed and are telling me that if i would have gone to classes for subjects, i would have gotten better marks......i didn't go to any classes in 10th standard for studies.....because i was very tired of constanty trying to be the best.....now i have joined coaching for NEET preparation to give neet in 2027......i really want to get the best attitude and marks back which i lost and became a phone addict......i want to show the world that i can do it.....i want to be successful......pls guide me.....i didnt tell this to my parents because i am really dissapointed in myself.....pls help
Ans: Hello, dear friend.
First of all, congratulations on scoring a fantastic 97% in 10th grade! Now, forget all your worries, problems, and what your parents and others are saying. Don't compare yourself to your friends who scored higher than you in 10th grade. If you are a hard worker, then there’s no need to worry; hard work always pays off. Your upcoming target is to crack NEET with a high score. Focus more on the syllabus for NEET, and aim to achieve what you feel you missed in 10th grade. You're not the only one who is a phone addict; many others are more addicted to their phones. Schedule your time to use your phone for a limited period to help overcome the addiction. It’s always better to share your feelings with your parents if they understand you well and create a comfortable dialogue between you and them. There’s no need to feel disappointed at this early stage. 10th grade is not the end of life. Many people who failed in 10th grade went on to build their empires. Be courageous and give your best to the upcoming NEET examination. Set a target of 700+ and prove that HUM BHI KISISE SAM NAHI. Best of luck for your bright future!
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8341 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I am 53 year old & wanted to retire with having total saving around 60 lacs & my wife is govt teacher & i am a father of two girl child both are unmarried . One is working in Google & other is doing degree. Kindly advise should i retire or prolong my service. I am really fed up with the routine work at office.
Ans: You have done many things right. Being debt-free and raising two daughters successfully is a big achievement. One daughter is working in a top global firm. The other is pursuing education. Your wife is also earning a regular salary as a government teacher. You have around Rs. 60 lakhs in savings. Now you are asking if it is the right time to retire or not. Let us assess it completely.

You will get clear direction with this detailed analysis.

Assessing Monthly Cash Flow Post Retirement
First, find your monthly expenses. Add household, healthcare, travel, and family expenses.

Now check your wife’s monthly salary. Is it enough to cover those expenses?

If not, check how much monthly income your Rs. 60 lakh corpus can generate.

A safe withdrawal of 4% gives about Rs. 20,000 per month from this Rs. 60 lakhs.

That Rs. 20,000 plus your wife’s salary must match your monthly needs.

If there is a gap, you will need to postpone retirement or create more income sources.

Your Daughters’ Financial Responsibilities
Your elder daughter is working. That’s great. You don’t need to plan for her now.

Your younger daughter is still studying. You must plan for her education and marriage.

Set aside part of your Rs. 60 lakh savings for her future expenses.

You may need Rs. 10–15 lakh for education or marriage-related costs.

Deduct that from your savings and check how much is left for your retirement.

Retirement Corpus Suitability
Rs. 60 lakh corpus is too low to support full retirement at age 53.

You need income for at least 35 years if you live up to 88.

Expenses will increase every year due to inflation.

You also need a buffer for medical costs, travel, and family emergencies.

Rs. 60 lakhs may not grow enough to last all your retirement years safely.

Mental Tiredness vs Financial Freedom
Feeling fed up at work is understandable. Many people go through this phase.

But emotional frustration should not force early retirement if money is not sufficient.

Take a short break or vacation instead of full retirement now.

Try reducing work hours if your job allows. Or request flexible roles.

Semi-retirement with part-time work may give better balance.

Role of Your Spouse’s Government Job
Your wife’s job gives good financial stability.

Government jobs provide pension and healthcare benefits.

But do not depend fully on her income. She also may retire in future.

You must have your own retirement corpus to remain financially independent.

Investment Suggestions to Build Retirement Corpus
Your current savings must be made to grow.

Invest a part of your Rs. 60 lakh in balanced mutual funds.

Allocate some in actively managed equity mutual funds through Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct mutual funds. They lack handholding, discipline, and expert monitoring.

Regular plans through MFD with CFP gives long-term guidance, goal setting, and review.

Direct funds may look cheaper but can be less efficient for long-term wealth.

Avoid index funds also. They follow market blindly without downside protection.

Active funds aim for better returns by managing risks actively.

Maintain Emergency Fund Separately
Keep Rs. 5–6 lakh as emergency fund in liquid form.

This is not for investment. Only for sudden family or health needs.

This prevents you from redeeming long-term investments in panic.

Health Insurance Must Be Reviewed
At 53, you must have a strong health insurance cover.

Also ensure your wife and younger daughter have adequate medical cover.

Do not depend only on employer-provided insurance.

Premiums will rise as you age. Start early and secure lifelong protection.

Jeevan Saral Policy
If you hold a LIC Jeevan Saral policy, continue till maturity.

Since only 4–5 years are left, surrendering now won’t give full benefits.

But avoid buying any more investment-cum-insurance policies.

Pure term plans and mutual funds are more efficient for protection and growth.

Role of Gold in Long-Term Planning
You have not mentioned gold holdings. If you have, treat it as backup.

Physical gold should not be relied on for regular income.

It can stay as generational wealth but not as retirement income generator.

Target Corpus For Peaceful Retirement
A peaceful retirement needs stable income for at least 30 years post-retirement.

Assuming modest lifestyle, monthly expenses may be around Rs. 50,000 today.

With inflation, this will become Rs. 1.2 lakh in next 15 years.

To get that income, you need around Rs. 2.5 crore corpus by age 60.

Rs. 60 lakh today is a good start, but you need to build more.

Action Plan To Retire Peacefully
Continue working for 5–7 more years, if health permits.

Use this time to increase investments aggressively.

Avoid all unwanted expenses. Save 30–40% of income.

Invest monthly through SIPs in diversified actively managed mutual funds.

Review your investment plan every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Do not chase real estate. It locks money and brings illiquidity.

Build a portfolio of equity and hybrid funds with proper asset allocation.

Keep increasing SIP amount every year as income rises.

Delay big purchases unless truly needed.

Family Support And Emotional Planning
Discuss your retirement plan with your wife and daughters.

Take their input also. Align family goals with your retirement.

After retirement, plan a daily routine with meaningful activities.

Focus on health, hobbies, and purposeful engagements.

Retirement is not the end. It is a new beginning of your choice.

Final Insights
Rs. 60 lakh is a great base. But not enough for full retirement at age 53.

Continue job for some more years. Build Rs. 2–2.5 crore corpus steadily.

Your wife’s job gives comfort. But don’t depend fully on it.

Create income-generating portfolio for long-term independence.

Plan for younger daughter’s future and your own health costs.

Take help of Certified Financial Planner for goal-wise investing.

Protect corpus from inflation, taxation, and wrong product choices.

After 58 or 60, you may retire peacefully with confidence.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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