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MSRIT CSE Cyber vs. NIT Civil/Mech/Metallurgical/Life Sci: Did I Make the Right Choice?

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |655 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Dr Dipankar Dutta is an associate professor in the computer science and engineering department at the University Institute of Technology, the University of Burdwan, West Bengal.
He has 27 years of experience and his interests include AI, data science, machine learning, pattern recognition, deep learning and evolutionary computation.
Aside from his responsibilities at the college, he also delivers lectures and conducts webinars.
Dr Dipankar has published 25 papers in international journals, written book chapters, attended conferences, served as a board observer for WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination) exams and as a counsellor for engineering college admissions in West Bengal. He helps students choose the right college and stream for undergraduate, masters and PhD programmes.
A senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (SMIEEE), he holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College and a an MTech degree in computer technology from Jadavpur University.
He completed his PhD in engineering from IIEST, Shibpur (formerly BE College).... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 18, 2024Hindi
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I joined MSRIT ( cse cyber ) this year , i got 96 percentile in mains , but rank was round 60k (open) , I was having option in BMSCE cse core but I dropped it as the seat intake in cse core itself went from 300 to 1200 , Here at Msrit few told me I should have taken civil , mech , metallurgy at nits or life sci at NIT rourkela, I love to learn coding now , but could u tell me did I have taken a right decision , I was thinking too one time about that nit tag but as from this year onwards branch change provision in may nits has been stopped so I took msrit! I am big depressed did I choose right decsion or not , plz elaborate sir/mam

Ans: MSRIT is a well-established institution with a strong reputation for engineering, particularly in computer science and related branches.
The CSE Cyber specialization is one of the most in-demand fields, especially with the growth in data security, ethical hacking, cybersecurity, and AI.
The NIT tag is definitely prestigious, but keep in mind that it’s important to choose a field that aligns with your passion. While civil, mechanical, or metallurgy at an NIT would give you the NIT brand, these fields may not provide the same level of growth and opportunities (at least in the short term) as CSE Cyber.
Upskill yourself in coding, algorithms, data structures, cybersecurity, and other relevant fields.
Participate in hackathons, coding competitions, and internships.
Do relevant online courses from NPTEL etc, to gather skills.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6537 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I'm 47 yrs old PSU Employee. Presently having corpus of 1.20 cr in PF, around 50 lakhs in NPS, Two PPFs of 22 lakhs , mutual fund around 20 lakhs, savings account deposit around 7 lakhs . apartment cost 60 lakhs is in rent (receiving monthly rental Rs.12000 ) , Two lands. Contribution at present 1. PF around Rs.26600 2. NPS around Rs.23600 3. PPF yearly contribution Rs.300000 (will take care education of my two sons of 12yrs age) 4. Mutual fund Rs. 19000 Take Home salary : Rs.135000 Present monthly expenses : Rs. 55000 to 65000 Goals: 1.May think up new apartment disposing present property after 10yrs 2. Child (Twin son of 12yrs) education will be taken care by PPF 3. Marriage of children after 13/14 yrs 4. Retirement corpus >6 crs to generate monthly income at least 3 Lakhs (adjusted inflation) Risk :Considering 13 yrs to retire, I'm redy to take ample risk Mutual fund Portfolio SBI bLuechip fund -Rs.6000 , Kotak emerging equity - Rs.5000, Nippon Small cap fund -Rs.5000, Parag parikh flexi cap fund -Rs.5000, Franklin smaller companies fund- Rs. 1000, ICICI pru value discovery fund- Rs.1000 , HDFC hybrid fund - Rs.1000 Want to invest Rs.45000 in mutual fund SIP with 10% step up , Rs,5000 in ETFs. Kindly suggest how to proceed and suggest changes in my portfolio
Ans: At 47, you have a solid base with Rs 1.20 crore in PF, Rs 50 lakhs in NPS, and Rs 22 lakhs in PPF. Your goal of Rs 6 crore by retirement and generating Rs 3 lakhs monthly income post-retirement is achievable, given a 13-year investment horizon. However, it will require discipline, proper asset allocation, and regular contributions.

Let's break down how you can approach it.

Existing Portfolio Overview
Your current portfolio has a mix of Provident Fund (PF), National Pension System (NPS), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Mutual Funds. This diversified approach is commendable and provides stability for long-term growth.

Provident Fund (PF): You are contributing Rs 26,600 per month. This ensures safety and steady growth but might not beat inflation over time.

NPS: Your Rs 23,600 monthly contribution will also support retirement needs, with tax benefits. NPS invests in a mix of equity and debt, providing moderate growth.

PPF: Rs 3 lakh yearly contribution helps in building a tax-free corpus, especially for your children's education.

Mutual Funds: You currently have Rs 20 lakhs in mutual funds with a monthly SIP of Rs 19,000. This part of your portfolio has growth potential, but it needs some adjustment for better returns.

Current Mutual Fund Portfolio Analysis
Your mutual fund portfolio has a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. However, your contribution to some schemes is too small (Rs 1,000 per fund) to make a significant impact. Also, having too many small SIPs can dilute the returns.

Large-Cap Fund: This is essential for stability. But avoid over-exposure here, as large caps grow slower than mid and small caps.

Mid and Small-Cap Funds: You have exposure to mid and small-cap funds, which are essential for long-term growth. These funds provide higher returns but come with higher volatility.

Hybrid Fund: Your hybrid fund offers a balanced approach, but the allocation is very low (Rs 1,000). It may not be impactful.

Suggested Changes to Mutual Fund Portfolio
Focus on High Growth Funds:

You should concentrate more on mid-cap and small-cap funds for aggressive growth.
Reduce Underperforming SIPs:

Some of your small investments (Rs 1,000) in certain funds won't significantly impact your portfolio. You can stop or reduce SIPs in underperforming funds and reallocate this amount to better-performing funds.
Avoid too Many Funds:

Stick to a few funds with larger SIPs. This will help compound your investments better. Simplify your portfolio by reducing the number of funds to 5 or 6.
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually:

Your plan to invest Rs 45,000 per month with a 10% step-up is good. Gradually increasing the SIP amount helps in achieving the Rs 6 crore retirement goal faster.
Focus on Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds can outperform passive funds like ETFs, especially in the Indian market, where there's still scope for fund managers to generate alpha.
Avoid Over-Allocation to ETFs:

While ETFs provide low-cost investment options, they are passive and can underperform in an emerging market like India, where active fund managers can identify better opportunities. Your allocation to ETFs can be kept low or even avoided.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
Your plan to invest Rs 45,000 in SIPs with a 10% yearly step-up is excellent. This strategy ensures that you increase your contributions to match your income growth. SIPs are an ideal way to accumulate wealth gradually, especially when aligned with long-term goals like retirement.

Suggested Allocation:

Large-Cap Funds: 20% (Stability and lower risk)

Mid-Cap Funds: 40% (Moderate risk and high growth potential)

Small-Cap Funds: 30% (High risk but highest growth potential)

Flexi-Cap Funds: 10% (Allows dynamic allocation across large, mid, and small caps)

This mix will provide a good balance between risk and reward, helping you build the desired corpus over the next 13 years.

National Pension System (NPS)
You already contribute Rs 23,600 to NPS monthly. This amount is sufficient to generate a healthy corpus for your retirement. The NPS’s equity allocation helps with growth, while the debt portion provides stability. Given your risk appetite, you can increase the equity exposure in your NPS to maximize growth potential.

Remember, upon retirement, a portion of the NPS will need to be converted into an annuity, which may not generate high returns. Therefore, having a robust mutual fund portfolio as well is crucial.

Real Estate Consideration
Although you’re considering selling your current apartment and buying a new one in 10 years, I suggest thinking carefully before relying heavily on real estate as an investment. Real estate requires maintenance, can have low liquidity, and returns are not guaranteed. Moreover, rental yields are generally low in India (around 2-3%).

Instead, if you continue building your mutual fund portfolio, you will have more liquidity and better returns over time.

Children’s Education
You have wisely allocated your PPF funds towards your children’s education. PPF is safe, and its tax-free nature makes it ideal for funding future education expenses. Given your children are 12 years old, you have around 5 to 6 years before higher education costs kick in. Continue your PPF contributions, but also consider creating a separate mutual fund portfolio specifically for their education to account for rising costs.

You can allocate a part of your existing SIPs towards an education goal to complement the PPF. Equity mutual funds can help you beat inflation over the long term and provide a larger corpus when the time comes.

Retirement Planning and Corpus Goal
You have set a goal of Rs 6 crore for your retirement corpus. This will allow you to generate a monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs post-retirement. To achieve this, your existing investments and SIPs, along with a 10% step-up, should be enough, provided the market performs well.

Suggested Steps for Retirement:
Continue PF and NPS Contributions:

These will form a substantial part of your retirement corpus.
Increase Mutual Fund SIPs:

The plan to step up your SIPs by 10% annually is sound. This will allow you to accumulate the desired corpus.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Retirement:

Once you retire, an SWP from your mutual fund corpus can generate a regular monthly income. It’s a tax-efficient way to withdraw money while your investments continue to grow. Unlike real estate, mutual funds provide better liquidity and growth. An SWP will not deplete your corpus rapidly if planned well.
Tax Planning:

Keep in mind the tax implications when selling mutual funds. The new LTCG tax on equity mutual funds is 12.5% beyond Rs 1.25 lakh of gains. Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. Plan your withdrawals accordingly.
Final Insights
You’re on the right track with your investments and goals. With a 13-year horizon, focusing on equity mutual funds for growth will help you achieve your retirement goal. Avoid over-reliance on real estate for rental income, as mutual funds offer better liquidity and returns.

Simplify your mutual fund portfolio by reducing underperforming funds.

Concentrate on high-growth funds and step up your SIPs regularly.

Keep your NPS and PF contributions going for retirement stability.

Use SWP as a retirement income tool instead of depending on real estate.

Your children’s education can be secured through your PPF and a separate education-focused portfolio. Continue building your investments with discipline, and you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6537 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I am currently 42 years old Insurance professional. My wife is a teacher. Together our monthly earning is 165000/-. My daughter is in class 6. Here are the details of our investment and asset. We have our own apartment hence no home loan. I want to buy another flat for my daughter. I also would like to send my daughter to Germany for masters. Currently our investment are as below : Mutual fund : We have a portfolio of 28 lakh. Our monthly investment is 35K.. Our PPF fund is 12 lakh. We invest around 1 lakh a year there. Our FD is around 22 lakh. We have endowment insurance investment of around 10 lakh.In Sukanyacsamriddhi account we have 2 lakh. Cash in bank account 8 lakh. I wish to retire at 55 with a corpus of 2 Cr with all my liabilities mitigated. How should I approach?
Ans: You wish to retire at 55, leaving you with 13 years to build a corpus of Rs 2 crore. You have a solid financial foundation, and your current investments are heading in the right direction. With your combined monthly income of Rs 1.65 lakh and monthly SIP of Rs 35,000, your portfolio can grow substantially. However, achieving a Rs 2 crore corpus by 55 will require careful planning, discipline, and some adjustments to your investment strategy. Your goal is achievable, but you will need to evaluate your current approach and potentially make some changes.

Assessing Your Current Investment Portfolio
Let’s review the different components of your current investment portfolio.

Mutual Funds (Rs 28 lakh): You are investing Rs 35,000 per month, which is a good contribution. Mutual funds offer long-term growth and wealth-building opportunities. However, we need to ensure that your mutual funds are diversified across different asset classes. Since you are primarily focused on retirement and your daughter’s education, having a mix of equity funds, hybrid funds, and debt funds would be ideal to balance risk and returns. Equity mutual funds can provide higher returns but come with more volatility.

Public Provident Fund (PPF, Rs 12 lakh): PPF is a safe, long-term investment option with tax benefits under Section 80C. Your yearly investment of Rs 1 lakh is prudent, as it helps build a guaranteed, risk-free retirement corpus. PPF works well for conservative investors but doesn’t generate the high returns needed for aggressive growth. You can continue with this as part of a low-risk portion of your portfolio. However, for higher growth, your focus should remain on equity mutual funds.

Fixed Deposits (Rs 22 lakh): Fixed deposits offer safety but generate low returns, which may not keep up with inflation. It’s wise to hold some portion of your assets in FDs for short-term goals or emergencies. However, a large FD balance could slow down your portfolio’s overall growth. You may want to consider reallocating some of this to mutual funds for better long-term returns. You could keep around Rs 5-10 lakh in FDs and move the rest to a well-diversified portfolio.

Endowment Insurance (Rs 10 lakh): Endowment plans mix insurance with investment, but they generally offer low returns. While they provide life cover, their investment returns tend to be much lower than mutual funds or other pure investment products. You may consider surrendering these plans and using the proceeds to invest in high-growth mutual funds. For life insurance, you can shift to a term insurance plan, which will give you higher coverage at a lower premium.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY, Rs 2 lakh): This is a great savings option for your daughter’s future. It provides tax benefits and has a good interest rate. Continue contributing to this as part of your child’s education fund. SSY works best for long-term savings for daughters and is a safe, government-backed scheme.

Cash in Bank (Rs 8 lakh): Keeping Rs 8 lakh in your savings account is good for emergency needs. You should maintain an emergency fund equivalent to six months of your expenses. With a combined monthly earning of Rs 1.65 lakh, an emergency fund of Rs 8 lakh is appropriate. You could consider moving any excess cash beyond your emergency fund to more productive investments like mutual funds.

Buying Another Flat for Your Daughter
You have mentioned wanting to buy another flat for your daughter. While buying real estate is often seen as a good investment, it may not always be the best option for wealth creation. Real estate investments typically offer lower returns compared to equity mutual funds in the long run. Moreover, real estate requires large upfront capital, and the returns are less liquid compared to mutual funds. Since your primary focus is retirement and your daughter’s education, prioritizing those goals through financial investments may offer better growth and flexibility.

Rather than buying another flat, consider continuing to invest in equity mutual funds. This will allow your wealth to grow faster and give you more liquidity to meet your daughter’s education expenses and retirement needs. Additionally, you can explore renting a flat when the time comes if she needs housing during her education.

Daughter’s Education in Germany
Sending your daughter to Germany for her master’s education is a commendable goal. Education abroad can be expensive, and the cost of living in Germany, tuition fees, and travel expenses should all be factored in. Based on current costs, a master’s education abroad could cost around Rs 50-70 lakh over two years. To prepare for this, you should start a dedicated investment plan for her education.

You can consider setting aside a separate portion of your monthly investments toward her education fund. Flexi-cap mutual funds or balanced hybrid funds would be suitable for this goal, as they offer a mix of growth and stability. You already have a good foundation with Rs 2 lakh in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. This can be complemented with additional equity investments to ensure you meet the required corpus for her education in the next 6-7 years.

Strategy to Reach Rs 2 Crore Retirement Corpus
To reach your goal of Rs 2 crore by 55, let’s focus on your existing investment strategy and how to enhance it.

Continue Investing in Mutual Funds: Your current monthly SIP of Rs 35,000 is a good amount. You should continue investing consistently. Given that you have 13 years left until retirement, the power of compounding will work in your favor. You should target equity mutual funds with a long-term growth potential. A well-diversified portfolio with exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds would offer a balanced risk-return profile. It’s also essential to review and rebalance your portfolio every 1-2 years.

Increase SIP Contributions: To accelerate your wealth-building, consider increasing your monthly SIP amount by 10-15% each year. This will allow your investments to keep pace with inflation and your rising income. Gradually increasing your SIP will ensure that you are contributing more toward your retirement goal as your earnings grow.

Consider Debt Funds for Stability: Since you are nearing retirement, you could allocate a small portion of your portfolio to debt mutual funds or hybrid funds. These will provide stability and reduce the overall risk of your portfolio as you approach retirement. Debt funds offer lower volatility compared to equity funds and are suitable for those with a shorter investment horizon.

Term Insurance for Adequate Coverage: While you currently have an endowment insurance plan, term insurance would be a better option for life coverage. A term plan will offer you and your family financial security in case of any unfortunate events. The premium for term insurance is much lower than endowment plans, allowing you to free up more money for investments.

Tax Planning: Continue investing in tax-saving instruments like PPF, which offer Section 80C benefits. Additionally, your mutual fund investments can be planned to optimize your tax liability. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh from equity mutual funds are taxed at 12.5%. Planning withdrawals from your equity funds efficiently will help minimize tax payments when you begin using the corpus for retirement.

Health Insurance
It’s crucial to ensure you and your family have adequate health insurance coverage. You should review your existing health insurance policy to make sure it covers all potential medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, and critical illnesses. Your wife’s coverage, if provided by her employer, can supplement your insurance, but it’s always better to have independent coverage. You may also want to consider a separate health insurance plan for your daughter, as well as additional critical illness or accident insurance.

Emergency Fund
Your emergency fund of Rs 8 lakh is adequate for now, but you should aim to increase it slightly as your expenses grow. An emergency fund equivalent to six months of your household expenses is typically sufficient. If your monthly expenses are Rs 1.65 lakh, then Rs 8-10 lakh in emergency savings is a reasonable amount. Keeping this in a liquid or short-term debt fund will help it grow slightly while still being easily accessible in case of emergencies.

Finally
You are on the right track with your investments and financial planning. Achieving your Rs 2 crore retirement goal is possible with disciplined savings, the right mix of mutual funds, and regular reviews of your portfolio.

Focus on diversifying your mutual fund portfolio to ensure a balance of risk and growth.

Consider reallocating some of your fixed deposit funds to mutual funds for better returns.

Keep your home loan for tax benefits, and use endowment plan funds for better investment opportunities.

Plan for your daughter’s education through a combination of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and mutual funds.

Review your health insurance to make sure you have sufficient coverage for you, your wife, and your daughter.

Gradually increase your SIP contributions to ensure you meet your retirement and education goals.

By following these steps and consistently reviewing your progress, you’ll be well-positioned to retire comfortably at 55 with the desired corpus.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6537 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir Me and my husband, both are working and draw around 2.6 lac pa. I am 42 and my husband is 43 yrs old. In my ppf, I have 18.9 lac (close to 10 yrs) and in my husband's, it is 4.6 lac (close to 6 years)...I put monthly 12500 in each ppf account and will extend for another five years. In NPS, we both invest 9k and 10k monthly respectively. We also increased our PF by 8% under volunteer with current holding as 5.6 lac (mine) and 5.9 lac (husband). For my kid, I have taken HDFC growth plus with 2.5 lac annually paid for 5 yrs with maturity at 15 yrs. I just sold my home and will be having 50 lac. Only car loan is there, for which emi is 10.5K pm for next 5 yrs. Just want to know, how can I build a corpus of 2 cr in next five years. We are not going to buy home as don't want to get into debt again. My monthly expenses are around 1.5 lac including rent, car loan, school fees and other home expenses. Please let me know if we are moving in a right direction and where we can invest
Ans: Your current financial situation reflects a thoughtful approach to savings and investments. With a combined annual income of Rs 2.6 lakh, you have been diligent in accumulating assets through various financial instruments.

Current Assets Breakdown
Public Provident Fund (PPF):
Your PPF balance stands at Rs 18.9 lakh, which is a significant amount after nearly 10 years. Your husband's PPF has a balance of Rs 4.6 lakh after approximately six years.

National Pension System (NPS):
You both contribute to NPS, with you investing Rs 9,000 monthly and your husband contributing Rs 10,000 monthly. NPS is a solid choice for retirement planning, given its tax benefits and potential for market-linked returns.

Provident Fund (PF):
Your PF balance is Rs 5.6 lakh, while your husband has Rs 5.9 lakh. The PF accounts not only provide a safety net but also benefit from compounding over time.

Child’s Education Fund:
You have taken an HDFC Growth Plus policy with an annual premium of Rs 2.5 lakh for five years. This plan is designed to accumulate funds for your child's future educational expenses.

Home Sale Proceeds:
With the sale of your home, you will have Rs 50 lakh available. This amount presents a unique opportunity to bolster your investments.

Liabilities:
You currently have a car loan with an EMI of Rs 10,500 per month for the next five years. Managing this liability efficiently is essential to improve your overall cash flow.

Monthly Expenses:
Your monthly expenses are around Rs 1.5 lakh, which includes rent, car loan, school fees, and other home expenses. Monitoring and managing these expenses will be crucial as you work toward your financial goals.

Investment Strategy for Corpus Building
To build a corpus of Rs 2 crore in five years, you will need a well-structured investment strategy that leverages your current assets and income. Let’s explore a systematic approach.

1. Utilize Sale Proceeds Wisely
The Rs 50 lakh you receive from the home sale is a significant amount. Here’s how you can allocate these funds:

Emergency Fund:

Set aside Rs 10 lakh as an emergency fund. This will cover unforeseen expenses, ensuring you don’t have to dip into your investments during emergencies.
An emergency fund should ideally cover at least six months of living expenses.
Long-term Investments:

Allocate the remaining Rs 40 lakh towards growth-oriented investments. This allocation will form a substantial part of your corpus-building strategy.
2. Growth-Oriented Investments
You need to choose investments that offer high potential returns, considering your five-year horizon. Here are suitable options:

Equity Mutual Funds:

Consider investing a significant portion in actively managed equity mutual funds. Historically, they have the potential to deliver higher returns compared to traditional fixed-income investments and index funds.
Actively managed funds allow professional fund managers to select stocks based on market conditions. This increases your chances of outperforming the benchmark indices.
SIP Investments:

Continue your monthly SIPs in mutual funds. This disciplined approach allows you to invest consistently, reducing the impact of market volatility over time.
Increasing your SIP contributions, if financially feasible, can significantly boost your long-term wealth accumulation.
Tax-saving Options:

Explore equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) for tax benefits under Section 80C. Investing in ELSS can enhance your overall returns while simultaneously providing tax relief.
These schemes have a lock-in period of three years but offer the potential for significant capital appreciation.
Diversification:

Ensure your investment portfolio is diversified across different sectors and asset classes. Diversification helps mitigate risks and enhances potential returns.
Include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds in your portfolio to capture growth across market segments.
3. Maximizing NPS Contributions
Your commitment to NPS is commendable. It is a great tool for retirement savings and provides various benefits. Here’s how to maximize your NPS contributions:

Increased Contributions:

If possible, consider increasing your NPS contributions. Higher contributions will lead to a larger retirement corpus and benefit from compounding.
NPS allows you to choose your investment mix between equity and fixed income. Tailor this mix according to your risk appetite and retirement timeline.
Investment Mix:

Review the asset allocation in your NPS account. Make sure you have a balanced mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
A well-balanced portfolio within NPS can lead to better returns over time while reducing overall risk.
4. Evaluating Provident Fund (PF) Contributions
Your decision to increase PF contributions is wise. The PF scheme provides steady growth. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Voluntary Contribution:

Continue your voluntary contributions to the PF. This will enhance your retirement corpus significantly.
The compounding effect of the PF interest over time can contribute substantially to your long-term savings.
Monitoring Growth:

Keep track of your PF growth and ensure your contributions align with your overall financial goals.
Regular monitoring allows you to make necessary adjustments to your savings strategy as required.
Assessing Current Investments
You mentioned having an HDFC Growth Plus plan for your child. Here’s a deeper insight into evaluating this investment:

Investment Evaluation:

Regularly evaluate the performance of the HDFC Growth Plus plan. Compare it with benchmarks to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.
If the policy shows consistent underperformance, consider redirecting those funds into mutual funds, which may provide better returns over the investment horizon.
Consideration of Alternatives:

If the returns from HDFC Growth Plus are not satisfactory, assess other investment avenues. Mutual funds typically offer better performance due to professional management and a diverse portfolio.
Debt Management
Effectively managing your car loan is crucial for financial stability. Here’s how to approach it:

Car Loan Strategy:

Maintain timely payments for the car loan to avoid penalties and maintain a good credit score.
Consider prepaying part of the loan if you have surplus funds. This can save on interest costs and reduce your overall debt burden.
Debt-Free Goal:

Prioritize becoming debt-free after the car loan repayment. This will free up cash flow and allow you to allocate those funds toward investments.
With no home loan, your focus should be on clearing the car loan as soon as possible.
Monthly Expense Management
Your monthly expenses are approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. Efficient management of these expenses is critical as you work toward your financial goals. Here are strategies to consider:

Budgeting:

Create a detailed monthly budget to track and manage your expenses. Allocate funds for essential and discretionary spending.
Review your budget regularly to ensure you are sticking to your financial plan.
Expense Review:

Regularly review your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can cut costs, especially in discretionary spending.
Look for opportunities to reduce expenses, such as dining out or entertainment costs.
Investing in Actively Managed Funds
It’s essential to understand the disadvantages of direct funds. Here’s why opting for regular funds through a certified financial planner can be beneficial:

Lack of Expertise:

Direct funds require significant knowledge and expertise. Without it, you may make uninformed decisions that could negatively impact your returns.
This lack of knowledge can lead to misallocating funds, potentially harming your financial growth.
Time Commitment:

Managing direct investments can be time-consuming. It requires constant monitoring, research, and market analysis.
If you have a demanding job or other commitments, managing investments directly may not be feasible.
Access to Better Options:

Certified financial planners can provide access to better investment options and exclusive funds. They have insights into top-performing funds that may not be available to individual investors.
A planner can help you choose the right funds based on your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Personalized Strategy:

Regular funds through a certified financial planner allow for a tailored investment strategy. This approach can adapt to your changing financial needs and goals.
A personalized strategy can lead to better overall performance and alignment with your financial objectives.
Final Insights
You are on the right track toward building a corpus of Rs 2 crore in the next five years. Your disciplined approach to saving and investing will serve you well. Here’s a recap of your actionable steps:

Focus on Growth:

Emphasize growth-oriented investments, primarily in actively managed equity mutual funds. This will allow for better returns in the long run.
Utilize Resources Wisely:

Make the most of your sale proceeds while ensuring you have a robust emergency fund in place.
Monitor and Adjust:

Regularly review your investment strategy and adjust as needed based on market conditions and personal circumstances.
Stay Committed:

Remain disciplined with your monthly contributions and maintain a keen eye on your expenses.
By following these strategies, you can effectively work towards achieving your financial goal of Rs 2 crore in five years.

The combination of strategic investment, disciplined saving, and effective debt management will position you well for future financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |355 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

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Hi Sir, iam 54 years old investor, recently resigned and active in shares trading and investing last 20 years. liquid assets approx. 3.75 cr. Rental income 33k and Gold another 1cr. Immovable property home and vacant shop 2 cr each. wife 51 yr old-home maker. Medical Policy 20 Lacs. household expenses 1.75 lacs inclusive of 45k of SIPs as per table. SCHEMES UNITS SIP VALUE AXIS LONG TERM - D 8247 240000 ADITYA BIRLA SL TAX RELIEF 96 D 759 150000 AXIS BLUE CHIP G 5702 375000 MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP G 1151 130000 HDFC BALANCE ADVANTAGE D 6905 5000 285000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES D 5616 5000 335000 ICICI PRU LIFE BLUE CHIP FUND G 6652 5000 750000 PARAG PARIKH LONG TERM G 6087 5000 500000 KOTAK FLEXI CAP FUND GROWTH 1694 145000 SBI BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND 5814 550000 AXIS MIDCAP FUND DIVIDEND 2165 100000 SBI SMALL CAP REGULAR GROWTH 895 5000 170000 KOTAK EMERGING EQUITY FUND 1306 5000 180000 SBI LARGE AND MIDCAP FUND 261 5000 155000 MOTILAL NIFTY DEFENCE INDEX G 5000 45000 NPS 12000 10000 1700000 45000 5810000 Goals / Requirements : *Need following funds next year - daughter marriage 30 lacs and son education 50 lacs and my retirement corpus plus 15 lacs for car. *mutual fund portfolio re-alignment. Queries : *should i sell commercial shop and invest in FDs / MFs / Shares. Rental value is 50k which is less as compared to invest 2 cr in FDs also will fetch me 1.25 lacs per month. will be able meet next year requirement also without selling my liquid portfolio. *also should i go for SWPs for all inactive MFs upto to the extent of 45k to fund my SIP and NPS from allocation and can also increase the SIPs, if suggested. * should i increase NPS allocation by another 5k for better retirement prospects or any other suggestion related to retirement as to how much more money needed to meet ends.
Ans: Hello;

Query1:

Yes it is better to sell low rent yielding commercial property now, utilise the sell proceeds to fund you goals next year i.e. daughter's marriage, son's education and car purchase while the balance should be invested in mutual funds(equity savings type mutual fund)

Query 2:

Exit all inactive mutual funds and invest corpus(16.9 L) in Mirae Asset equity savings fund (low to moderate risk profile).

You should then start an SWP at 3.6% so as to generate income of 5 K for additional monthly allocation to NPS.

You should do SIP only in following 3 funds:
SBI hybrid equity fund(15 K)
HDFC balanced advantage fund (15 K)
ICICI Pru Multi asset allocation fund (15 K)

The taxation of these funds is like equity funds but they have exposure to alternate asset classes to impart some stability to corpus during extreme market fluctuations which is also suited for your age category.

Liquid assets+ gold+ NPS corpus will add up to approx 6.51 Cr which if annuitized will yield post tax monthly income of 2.15 L.

MF corpus may still grow to build up your inflation war chest.

Health care cover for family needs enhancement upto 50 L minimum as a safe precaution.

Reduce exposure to direct equity as you near retirement. You may continue trading as a hobby with a minimum risk capital with adequate knowhow, setup and temperament.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |971 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir I am making my question more clear.... I am currently in 12th standard. I have done 11th from Biology now instead of giving 12th boards I am thinking to give 11th exam with mathematics.... Will it be okay
Ans: Hello.
Thanks for contacting me again. As I said earlier, there is no need to take the 11th examination in mathematics. You can appear 12th Board examination with your chosen subjects. As of now, you are in 12th, it is easy for you to cover the important topics of mathematics from 11th and 12th in a short period. Hence appear directly for the board examination in mathematics subject.
Why are you not able to take the 12th board examination is yet not clear to me. Do you wish to appear for JEE is also not clear.
Conclusion/suggestion:
1) Drop the idea of repeating 11th with mathematics.
2) Appear 12th board examination in mathematics subject
3) You can easily cover the important topics from a passing point of view in a short period (max 30-45 days)

If you are dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |355 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, i am 40 years old with 2 girls age 12,7.I earn 90k. i am investing in the following mutual funds - 1) axis bluechip - 2500 2) Franklin India prima - 1000 3) hdfc short term debt - 1000 4) kotak flexicap - 1500 5) mirae asset large & midcap - 1000 & 2500 6)Nippon India growth - 25,500 7) tata digital - 1000 Total 36k Total corpus valuation as of today is 10.8L. I have a Home loan with outstanding of 11.85L, with 80 months left at 10.5p.a.(emi - 20,360) I have place it on rent for 9.5k. I am living in a rented apt at for convenience of job travel(rent - 17.5k). House expense is 30k.(basics, needs,wants). My wife(house wife) receives 1.5L p.a as rent towards her property, which is joint with her sister.( which we use towards the rent) My elder daughter has received a property from her grandparent, but it is under construction with disputable builder,thus no rental from it yet. Please assist how can i plan towards my goals 1)girls education 2) marriage 3) our retirement 4) should i prepay loan and start with zero As there is no emergency fund other than the savings. I was planning to increase my MF investments and continue clearing loan via EMI itself. We are in mumbai. No insurance till date.
Ans: Hello;

I am sure you have some EPF corpus accumulated over the years.

It may be utilised to prepay the home loan because that is your biggest liability as of now. (High ROI). If EPF withdrawal is an issue please think about selling the under construction flat by disputed builder.

Home loan repayment has to be priority number 1.

Typically home loan lenders demand term life insurance as collateral security but I am bit surprised in your case it has not happened so.

Nevertheless you should buy pure term plan with adequate sum assured including riders for critical illness and accident benefit.

Once home loan is completely prepayed you may start 2 additional monthly SIPs as follows:
10 K PPFAS flexicap fund
10 K ICICI Pru equity and debt fund

The existing corpus should be earmarked against elder daughter's education.

10 K ppfas flexi cap sip will be for your marriage corpus for daughters.
(55.5 L corpus expected in 15 years)

10 K ICICI Pru equity and debt fund sip will be for education of younger daughter. (~ 25 L corpus expected in 10 years)

36 K sip continued for another 20 years will grow into a retirement corpus of 4.12 Cr.

A modest return of 13% considered for all workings.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

...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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