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Harsh Bharwani  |63 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Oct 19, 2023

Harsh Bharwani is a fourth generation entrepreneur.
As CEO and managing director, he leads the international business and employability initiatives at the computer networking institute, Jetking Infotrain Limited.
After graduating from Delhi University, Bharwani joined the family business in 2010 and set up operations in the US and Vietnam.
He has trained over three lakh students in employability, confidence and key life skills.... more
Deepa Question by Deepa on Jul 19, 2023Hindi
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We have highway touch land around 1 acre, front facing. It is 25 kms away from Main city. Please suggest best business ideas

Ans: Gas Station/Convenience Store: Setting up a gas station with an attached convenience store is a lucrative option, especially if there is limited competition in the area. Highway travelers often need to refuel and purchase snacks or necessities.
Truck Stop or Rest Area: If the location is near a major trucking route, consider creating a rest area or truck stop with amenities like parking, food, showers, and restrooms for truck drivers and long-haul travelers.

Fast Food or Drive-Thru Restaurant: Establish a fast-food restaurant or drive-thru with a focus on quick service. This can attract both travelers and locals looking for a convenient meal option.

Hotel/Motel: If there is a demand for lodging in the area, consider building a hotel or motel. Tourists and long-distance travelers often seek comfortable places to stay.

Auto Repair Shop: Set up an auto repair shop or service station. With the highway proximity, you can attract travelers in need of vehicle maintenance or repair services.

Farmers' Market: If the land is suitable for farming, consider starting a farmers' market. You can grow and sell fresh produce, attracting locals and tourists passing through.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park: Develop an RV park or campground for travelers looking to spend the night. Offer amenities like hookups, showers, and a common area.

Warehousing/Storage Facility: Depending on the location's zoning regulations, you could build a warehouse or storage facility for businesses in need of storage space.

Outdoor Adventure/Recreation Center: If the area has scenic or natural attractions, consider starting an adventure or recreation center, offering activities like hiking, biking, or guided tours.

Auto Dealership: If you have the capital and market demand, you can consider opening an auto dealership, specializing in used or niche vehicles.

Retail Plaza: Build a small retail plaza with multiple shops for various businesses like a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, and other convenience stores.

Car Wash: A car wash facility can be profitable, as many travelers like to keep their vehicles clean while on the road.

Truck Rental/Leasing: Offer truck rental or leasing services for businesses and individuals needing commercial vehicles for transportation or moving purposes.

Billboard Advertising: If the land is close to a high-traffic area, consider leasing space for billboard advertising. Advertisers often pay for prominent billboard locations.

Solar Farm: If the land is not suitable for other businesses, you could lease it for a solar farm, generating renewable energy and earning income through power generation.

Before starting any business, conduct a thorough market analysis, assess the local competition, and consider the specific needs and preferences of the target audience in your area. Additionally, check local zoning regulations and obtain any necessary permits or approvals before proceeding with your business idea.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 17, 2024Hindi
Money
Question on Financial Planning: I am 53 years old and took retirement in 2023, a year ago. I have a corpus of approximately ?20 crores allocated as follows: ?6.5 crores in stocks ?5 crores in mutual funds ?5 crores in debt instruments ?2 crores in gold ?1.8 crores in a savings bank account** (to cover the next 12 years of household expenses). My monthly expenses are approximately ?1 lakh, and I receive: ?70,000 per month as house rent (?8.4 lakhs annually) ?10 lakhs annually as dividends from stocks. I have allocated ?5 crores in debt instruments to fund the higher education of my two sons (expenses will arise after 1 year and after 4 years). My goal is to grow my equity portfolio over the next 12 years since I do not depend on it for my current monthly expenses. Additionally: I have adequate health insurance. I own properties worth ?7.5 crores. I have no liabilities. My query: Is my financial planning on track, or do you see any areas for improvement or correction? I am open to suggestions for optimizing my investments, especially considering my goals of equity growth, funding my sons' education, and maintaining a comfortable retirement.
Ans: Your financial planning reflects strong foresight and effective resource allocation. With a corpus of Rs. 20 crores and no liabilities, your position is financially stable. Let us evaluate your financial setup from a 360-degree perspective and suggest areas for optimisation.

Assessment of Current Allocations
Equity Portfolio: Stocks (Rs. 6.5 Crores)
Your equity allocation reflects a growth-oriented approach.
A diversified stock portfolio is ideal for long-term growth.
Ensure the portfolio is well-balanced across sectors and market capitalisations.
Mutual Funds (Rs. 5 Crores)
Mutual funds provide diversification and professional management.
Review the fund categories to maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Regular performance reviews are essential to optimise returns.
Debt Instruments (Rs. 5 Crores)
Allocating Rs. 5 crores for your sons’ education is prudent.
Ensure the debt investments are in low-risk instruments like bonds or fixed deposits.
Laddering maturity dates aligns well with your sons’ educational timelines.
Gold (Rs. 2 Crores)
Gold provides stability during market volatility.
Keep it as a hedge against inflation but avoid further allocation to this asset.
Savings Account (Rs. 1.8 Crores)
Holding Rs. 1.8 crores for 12 years of expenses is a cautious approach.
Move a part of this amount into liquid funds for better returns with liquidity.
Income and Monthly Expenses
Rental Income (Rs. 8.4 Lakhs Annually)
Rental income covers 70% of your monthly expenses.
Ensure the rental property is well-maintained to sustain consistent returns.
Dividends (Rs. 10 Lakhs Annually)
Dividend income provides an additional safety net.
Reinvest surplus dividends into mutual funds for compounded growth.
Monthly Expenses (Rs. 1 Lakh)
Your monthly expenses are comfortably managed.
Maintain a contingency fund of at least Rs. 20-25 lakhs for unexpected costs.
Recommendations for Optimising Equity Portfolio
Focus on Quality Stocks

Prioritise stocks of companies with strong fundamentals and consistent earnings.
Avoid overexposure to any single sector or company.
Systematic Equity Investments

Add to your equity portfolio gradually through Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs).
This reduces market timing risks.
Regular Portfolio Review

Review the equity portfolio annually.
Exit underperforming stocks and reallocate to high-growth opportunities.
Enhancing Mutual Fund Returns
Diversify Fund Selection

Include funds with different strategies to maximise returns.
A Certified Financial Planner can help identify high-performing funds.
Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

Regular funds offer advisory support for timely rebalancing.
This helps navigate market volatility effectively.
Utilise Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals systematically to reduce tax liability on capital gains.
Debt Instruments: Securing Educational Goals
Low-Risk Instruments for Predictable Returns

Allocate funds to secure options like government bonds, fixed deposits, or debt mutual funds.
Match the maturity timelines with educational milestones.
Avoid Premature Withdrawals

Breaking long-term debt investments can reduce returns.
Use other funds for emergencies to protect this allocation.
Optimising Gold Allocation
Retain as a Hedge

Gold should form no more than 10% of your portfolio.
Avoid further investments unless there are specific requirements.
Leverage Gold for Liquidity

Gold-backed loans can provide temporary liquidity if needed.
Savings Account Allocation
Move Funds to Liquid Investments

Savings account returns are suboptimal for such a large balance.
Move funds into liquid funds for higher returns and liquidity.
Emergency Fund Segregation

Retain Rs. 50 lakhs for immediate emergencies.
Invest the rest in short-term debt instruments or liquid funds.
Maintaining a Comfortable Retirement
Healthcare Planning

Ensure health insurance policies are adequate for critical illnesses.
Maintain a separate corpus for medical emergencies.
Contingency Fund Maintenance

Keep Rs. 20-25 lakhs readily accessible for unforeseen expenses.
Review this fund periodically to adjust for inflation.
Estate Planning

Draft a will to avoid disputes and ensure smooth wealth transfer.
Assign nominees for all investments and properties.
Taxation Considerations
Equity Taxation

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Taxation

Debt instruments are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Choose tax-efficient options like tax-free bonds if needed.
Dividend Income

Dividends are taxed at your marginal income tax rate.
Reinvest dividends for tax-efficient growth.
Final Insights
Your financial plan is well-structured and aligns with your goals. However, optimising your equity and mutual fund allocations can enhance growth potential. Move idle funds from your savings account into liquid investments for better returns. Review and rebalance your portfolio periodically with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Your current strategy provides a secure foundation for funding education, retirement, and wealth growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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