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Ans: At 46, you have built a solid financial foundation. Your combined monthly income is Rs 2.3 lakhs. You own three properties in Thane, one worth Rs 60 lakhs (loan-free), another worth Rs 40 lakhs (with Rs 5 lakhs loan remaining), and the third worth Rs 90 lakhs (currently your residence, with a Rs 60,000 EMI for 15 years).

These properties provide a rental income of Rs 28,000 per month. You also have Rs 15 lakhs in gold, Rs 4 lakhs in NPS, Rs 10 lakhs in FDs, and Rs 2 lakhs in mutual funds and stocks. Additionally, you hold term and life insurance worth Rs 75 lakhs, with a surrender value of Rs 8 lakhs, and a medical insurance cover of Rs 60 lakhs. You have a car loan with an EMI of Rs 14,000 for 3.5 years.

Assessing Your Real Estate Investment
1. Heavy Exposure to Real Estate
You have substantial investments in real estate, which constitute a significant portion of your net worth. While real estate can be a good asset class, being overly invested in it can limit liquidity and expose you to market fluctuations.

2. Rental Income vs. Loan Obligations
Your rental income from two properties is Rs 28,000 per month, which is relatively low considering the property values. Meanwhile, you are servicing a Rs 60,000 EMI for your residence and a Rs 10,000 EMI for your second property. This imbalance suggests that your real estate investments might not be optimally aligned with your financial goals.

3. Low Liquidity and Diversification
Real estate, while valuable, is not a liquid asset. It’s also heavily dependent on market conditions. Your portfolio lacks diversification, particularly in more liquid and potentially higher-yielding assets like equity and debt mutual funds.

Evaluating Your Non-Real Estate Assets
1. Fixed Deposits
You have Rs 10 lakhs in FDs, which offer safety but limited returns. The interest earned is likely to be lower than inflation, leading to a gradual erosion of purchasing power over time.

2. Gold Holdings
Your Rs 15 lakhs in gold is a good hedge against inflation and currency risks. However, gold does not generate regular income and is more of a store of value rather than a growth asset.

3. National Pension System (NPS)
Your Rs 4 lakhs in NPS is a solid long-term retirement vehicle, offering tax benefits and potential for growth. However, your current contribution seems low given your ambitious goal of a Rs 10 crore corpus by 50.

4. Mutual Funds and Stocks
You have Rs 2 lakhs invested in mutual funds and stocks, which is relatively small compared to your overall net worth. This is the asset class with the highest potential for growth, and increasing your allocation here could significantly impact your corpus goal.

Identifying the Gaps in Your Portfolio
1. Over-Reliance on Real Estate
Your current portfolio is heavily skewed towards real estate, which limits growth potential and flexibility. Real estate markets can be volatile, and selling properties quickly to meet financial needs can be challenging.

2. Under-Investment in Growth Assets
You have limited exposure to equity mutual funds and stocks, which are essential for building a substantial corpus. The power of compounding in equities can help you achieve your Rs 10 crore goal, but you need to increase your investments in this asset class.

3. Loan and EMI Burden
You are managing multiple loans, including a substantial home loan with a 15-year tenure. These EMIs can strain your cash flow, limiting your ability to invest more aggressively in growth assets.

Steps to Achieve a Rs 10 Crore Corpus by 50
1. Rebalance Your Portfolio
Consider selling one or both of the rental properties to free up capital. This will reduce your real estate exposure and provide funds for higher-growth investments.

Use the proceeds to pay off your remaining loans, especially the Rs 5 lakhs loan on your second property and the home loan. Reducing debt will improve your cash flow and reduce financial stress.

After clearing the loans, invest the remaining proceeds into a diversified portfolio of equity and debt mutual funds. This will provide a balanced approach to growth and stability.

2. Increase Your Investment in Mutual Funds
Significantly increase your monthly SIPs in equity mutual funds. Focus on well-managed funds that align with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Equity mutual funds have the potential to generate higher returns over time, helping you grow your wealth.

Consider investing in debt mutual funds for stability and to maintain liquidity. This can act as a buffer against market volatility while still providing better returns than FDs.

3. Maximize Contributions to NPS
Increase your contributions to the NPS. This will not only boost your retirement savings but also provide additional tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD(1B).
4. Evaluate Your Insurance Needs
Review your term insurance coverage. Rs 75 lakhs may be sufficient, but consider if it aligns with your family’s future financial needs. If necessary, increase your coverage to ensure your family is financially secure in your absence.

The surrender value of your life insurance policy is Rs 8 lakhs. Consider surrendering it if the policy is not providing adequate returns or benefits. The proceeds can be reinvested in mutual funds for better growth.

5. Diversify Your Gold Holdings
While gold is a good asset, consider reducing your exposure slightly to free up funds for other investments. The proceeds can be directed towards equity or balanced mutual funds for better long-term growth.
6. Manage Your Car Loan Effectively
The car loan EMI of Rs 14,000 for 3.5 years is a manageable expense. However, if you have the liquidity after selling a property, consider prepaying the loan. This will free up cash flow for additional investments.
Long-Term Financial Planning
1. Focus on Compounding
Time is your greatest asset when it comes to compounding. The earlier and more consistently you invest in growth assets, the more your wealth will compound. This is crucial for achieving your Rs 10 crore goal.
2. Stay Disciplined with Investments
Set up a disciplined investment plan and stick to it. Regular SIPs in mutual funds, along with lump-sum investments when possible, will help you steadily grow your corpus.

Avoid making impulsive financial decisions based on market movements. A long-term view and consistent strategy are key to wealth creation.

3. Plan for Inflation
Inflation can erode the value of your savings over time. Ensure that your investment strategy considers inflation and aims to generate returns that outpace it.

Equity investments are one of the best ways to combat inflation and grow your wealth in real terms.

Finally
To achieve your Rs 10 crore corpus by age 50, a strategic shift in your investment approach is essential. Reducing your heavy reliance on real estate, paying off outstanding loans, and increasing your exposure to equity and debt mutual funds will help you build wealth more effectively.

By diversifying your portfolio and focusing on long-term growth, you can meet your financial goals and secure your future. Consider working closely with a Certified Financial Planner to refine and implement this strategy, ensuring all aspects of your financial life are aligned with your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in