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Maxim

Maxim Emmanuel  |266 Answers  |Ask -

Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Jul 04, 2024

Maxim Emmanuel is the marketing director of Maxwill Zeus Expositions.
An alumnus of the Xavier Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, Maxim has over 30 years of experience in training young professionals and corporate organisations on how to improve soft skills and build interpersonal relationships through effective communication.
He also works with students and job aspirants offering career guidance, preparing them for job interviews and group discussions and teaching them how to make effective presentations.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 28, 2024Hindi
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Career

Hello Sir, my son is a very brolliant student. He wanted to go abroad for studies, so he dint concentrate on cet or comedk and he has got 80000 and 56000 ranks respectively, inspite of getting 90% in cbse boards. He dintt get a seat abroad We are looking for mangement seats in CS now for him as we dont want to waste his year. Please advice as how to proceed. We live in Bangalore. Should we take managemnt seat or take admission in any college we get thorigh cet/ comedk just to get a degree and let him uoscale on his own by doing various courses. He has already many certifications in computer programming and other AI related topics. Just because he did not take the admissions rtests seriously we are in this situation now and not able to decide what to do. Kindly advice us.

Ans: I understand the quagmire you are in this case,that is full of ifs and buts, which have caused you to be in this situation.

Now to course correct, since you reside in Bangalore you have multiple options.

If you need professional advice, happy to assist https://m.me/maxim.emmanuel.2024
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4307 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello, i m a single women. 38 years old. Plans to remain single. Have plans to adopt 2 kids. Take home around 1 lakh/month. I have my own house without loan. I have a personnel loan emi Till the age of 42, 12k per month. Done with funds for child care and children's education. Please advise on retirement financial planning. As i have to start from scratch.
Ans: It’s commendable that you’re planning for your retirement and future so thoughtfully. Let’s map out a comprehensive financial plan for you.

Current Financial Snapshot
Age: 38 years
Monthly Take-Home Salary: Rs. 1 lakh
Personal Loan EMI: Rs. 12,000/month (till age 42)
Own House: No loan
Child Care and Education Funds: Already managed
Starting your retirement planning from scratch is entirely feasible. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Assessing Your Monthly Budget
Fixed Expenses
Personal Loan EMI: Rs. 12,000
Living Expenses: Assuming Rs. 25,000
Savings and Investments: Allocating the remainder
You have about Rs. 63,000 left each month for savings and investments after deducting living expenses and EMI.

Emergency Fund
Importance of Emergency Fund
Before diving into investments, ensure you have an emergency fund. This should cover 6-12 months of your expenses.

Building the Fund
Aim to save at least Rs. 2-3 lakhs in a high-interest savings account or liquid mutual funds. This ensures liquidity and safety.

Retirement Goals
Defining Retirement Age and Corpus
Assuming you want to retire at 60, you have 22 years to build your retirement corpus. Estimate the corpus needed based on your current expenses and inflation.

For instance, if your current expenses are Rs. 25,000/month, they might be Rs. 1 lakh/month at retirement due to inflation. You will need a substantial corpus to cover these expenses post-retirement.

Investment Strategy
Diversified Portfolio
A diversified portfolio is key. It reduces risk and maximizes returns. Include mutual funds, PPF, EPF, and stocks.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Start with SIPs in mutual funds. SIPs allow disciplined investing and take advantage of compounding. Allocate Rs. 30,000/month to SIPs. Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for balanced growth.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe investment with tax benefits. It has a 15-year lock-in period but offers attractive returns. Invest Rs. 10,000/month in PPF.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
Ensure maximum contribution to EPF through your employer. EPF offers tax benefits and a steady interest rate. It’s a reliable retirement tool.

Stocks
Invest a portion directly in stocks. Stocks can offer high returns but are risky. Invest Rs. 10,000/month in blue-chip companies. These are established firms with a history of stable returns.

Health and Life Insurance
Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance is crucial. Ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan. This should cover you and your future children.

Life Insurance
Term insurance is vital, especially once you have dependents. It provides a large cover at a low premium. Ensure you have coverage that’s at least 10-15 times your annual income.

Mutual Funds: Power of Compounding and Advantages
Power of Compounding
Mutual funds benefit greatly from compounding. The returns generated are reinvested, generating more returns. Over time, this significantly grows your investment.

Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by experts. They have the knowledge and experience to make informed investment decisions. This management can often yield better returns compared to individual stock investments.

Diversification
Mutual funds spread your investment across various securities. This reduces risk. If one security performs poorly, others may perform well, balancing the overall returns.

SIP Advantage
SIPs help in averaging the cost of investment. You buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. This reduces the impact of market volatility.

Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds offer tax benefits. Long-term capital gains are taxed at a lower rate compared to short-term gains. ELSS funds also provide tax deductions under Section 80C.

Advantages of Mutual Funds over Direct Stocks
Lower Risk
Direct stocks are volatile. They require active management and market knowledge. Mutual funds diversify risk across various securities.

Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by professionals. They make informed decisions, providing potentially better returns.

Convenience
Investing in mutual funds is easier. SIPs automate investments, requiring less effort from you. Direct stocks need constant monitoring and management.

Consistency
Mutual funds offer more consistent returns over time. Stocks can provide high returns but are unpredictable. Mutual funds balance risk and reward.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
Estimating Corpus
Let’s estimate a retirement corpus considering inflation. If your current monthly expenses are Rs. 25,000, they might be Rs. 1 lakh/month at retirement.

Assuming you live for 25 years post-retirement, you’ll need Rs. 3 crore (Rs. 1 lakh x 12 months x 25 years). This is a simplified estimate and should be adjusted for actual inflation and lifestyle changes.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Annual Review
Review your financial plan annually. Check your investments’ performance. Adjust SIP amounts and reallocate funds if necessary.

Stay Informed
Stay updated on market trends and economic changes. This helps in making informed decisions and adjustments to your strategy.

Final Insights
Starting from scratch at 38 is challenging but entirely possible with disciplined planning. Ensure you have a diversified portfolio, adequate insurance, and regular reviews. Focus on consistent investing through SIPs, PPF, and EPF. Leverage the power of compounding and professional management of mutual funds. Your proactive approach and commitment to planning will secure a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4307 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 29 years old unmarried, earning 90 per month(77 in hand), fixed expense 20k per month. I have sip 25000 per month,I don't have any loans as of now. I have fd of 9.5 lakh,2 lakhs in savings and 4 lakhs lended to someone, mutual fund investment of 12.5 lakhs(including profit) and stock portfolio of 7 lakhs(including profit) ,I have 1 lakh in PPF and 3 lakhs in PF as well.Kindly suggest how can i manage my finance to reach a amount of 1 cr till I am 45 years old. Mutual funds I am investing are- 1- quant else tax saver 2- parag parekh flexi cap 3- HDFC midcap opportunities direct 4- ICICI prudential Bharat 22 ETF 5- quant absolute direct growth 6 - SBI small cap(1k) 7- Quant small cap (2k)
Ans: You’re doing great at 29 with your savings and investments! Let’s see how you can achieve your goal of Rs. 1 crore by the age of 45.

Current Financial Overview
You have a monthly income of Rs. 90,000 and take home Rs. 77,000. Your fixed expenses are Rs. 20,000 per month. Your investments include:

Rs. 9.5 lakhs in Fixed Deposits
Rs. 2 lakhs in Savings
Rs. 4 lakhs lent to someone
Rs. 12.5 lakhs in Mutual Funds
Rs. 7 lakhs in Stocks
Rs. 1 lakh in PPF
Rs. 3 lakhs in PF
You also have a monthly SIP of Rs. 25,000. Your mutual fund investments include a mix of tax saver, flexi cap, midcap, ETF, and small cap funds.

Goals and Planning
Setting a Clear Target
You aim to reach Rs. 1 crore by 45. That’s 16 years from now. Your current investments are well-placed. Now, let’s strategize to ensure you meet your goal.

Investment Strategy
Increase SIP Contribution
Currently, you’re investing Rs. 25,000 per month in SIPs. This is excellent. But increasing your SIP gradually will help you reach your goal faster. Consider increasing your SIP by 10% each year. This will leverage the power of compounding.

For instance, if you start with a SIP of Rs. 25,000 and increase it by 10% annually, it will significantly boost your corpus over the years. The power of compounding means your returns will generate more returns, accelerating your wealth growth.

Review and Optimize Portfolio
Your mutual funds include a good mix. However, it's important to review your portfolio annually. Check the performance of each fund. If any fund underperforms for more than 3 years, consider switching.

Emergency Fund
Maintain Liquidity
Keep 6 months of expenses as an emergency fund. You have Rs. 2 lakhs in savings, which is good. Ensure this fund is easily accessible. You can use a combination of savings accounts and liquid funds. This ensures you have funds available for unexpected expenses without having to liquidate your investments.

Fixed Deposits and Debt Investments
Utilize Fixed Deposits Wisely
You have Rs. 9.5 lakhs in FDs. FDs are low-risk but offer lower returns. Consider using part of this amount to increase your SIPs or invest in higher-return options like debt funds.

Debt funds can offer better returns than FDs while still being relatively low-risk. They invest in bonds and other fixed-income securities, providing a balance of safety and returns.

Stock Investments
Diversify and Monitor
You have Rs. 7 lakhs in stocks. Stock investments are high-risk, high-return. Ensure you diversify across different sectors. Regularly monitor and review your stock portfolio. Avoid putting all eggs in one basket.

Diversification reduces risk. If one sector underperforms, others may perform well, balancing your overall returns. Regular monitoring helps you stay updated on market trends and make timely adjustments.

PPF and PF Contributions
Long-Term Stability
You have Rs. 1 lakh in PPF and Rs. 3 lakhs in PF. These are great for long-term stability and tax benefits. Continue contributing to these regularly. PPF matures in 15 years, aligning well with your goal.

PPF and PF provide guaranteed returns and tax benefits. They are excellent for long-term financial security and should be a core part of your investment strategy.

Lending and Recovering Funds
Ensure Safety
You have Rs. 4 lakhs lent to someone. Make sure to recover this amount in time. Consider the safety and reliability of the borrower. Use this money to invest further once recovered.

Lending money can be risky. Ensure you have proper agreements in place and track repayment. Once recovered, reinvest it to generate returns.

Additional Investments and Insurance
Health and Life Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Life insurance is crucial too, especially once you have dependents. Consider term insurance for adequate coverage.

Adequate insurance protects you and your family from financial distress in case of medical emergencies or untimely demise. Term insurance is cost-effective and provides substantial coverage.

Building Retirement Corpus and Child Education Fund
Power of Compounding
Mutual funds are excellent for building a retirement corpus. The power of compounding works wonders over long periods. Start early, invest regularly, and stay invested. This helps in growing wealth significantly.

Mutual funds, especially equity funds, have the potential for high returns over the long term. Compounding means you earn returns on your returns, exponentially growing your wealth.

Mutual Funds vs. Direct Stocks
Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and lower risk compared to direct stocks. They are suitable for investors who prefer a hands-off approach. Direct stocks require active management and market knowledge. Mutual funds are more consistent for long-term goals.

Direct stocks can provide high returns but require market knowledge and time to manage. Mutual funds, managed by professionals, offer diversification and consistent returns, making them suitable for most investors.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Annual Review
Review your financial plan annually. Adjust SIPs, check fund performance, and rebalance your portfolio. Stay informed about market trends and economic changes. Adjust your strategy as needed.

Regular reviews ensure your investments are aligned with your goals. Rebalancing helps maintain the desired asset allocation, reducing risk and optimizing returns.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make informed investment decisions. This professional expertise can lead to better returns compared to individual stock investments.

Diversification
Mutual funds invest in a variety of securities, spreading risk. Diversification reduces the impact of poor performance by any single investment.

Systematic Investment
Mutual funds allow systematic investment plans (SIPs), enabling disciplined investing. SIPs help in averaging the cost of investments and reduce market timing risk.

Liquidity
Mutual funds offer high liquidity. You can redeem your investments anytime, providing flexibility in managing your funds.

Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds are tax-efficient, offering benefits like long-term capital gains tax exemption up to a certain limit. ELSS funds provide tax deductions under Section 80C.

Final Insights
Planning your finances to achieve Rs. 1 crore by 45 is attainable with disciplined investing and regular reviews. Ensure you maintain a diversified portfolio, leverage the power of compounding, and keep your goals in focus. Stay consistent with your investments, and increase contributions gradually. Remember, financial planning is a dynamic process. Regular reviews and adjustments are key to staying on track. Your current financial habits are commendable, and with these strategies, you’re well on your way to achieving your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

...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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