Home > Career > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |1138 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 28, 2024

Nayagam is a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360.
He started his career as an HR professional and has over 10 years of experience in tutoring and mentoring students from Classes 8 to 12, helping them choose the right stream, course and college/university.
He also counsels students on how to prepare for entrance exams for getting admission into reputed universities /colleges for their graduate/postgraduate courses.
He has guided both fresh graduates and experienced professionals on how to write a resume, how to prepare for job interviews and how to negotiate their salary when joining a new job.
Nayagam has published an eBook, Professional Resume Writing Without Googling.
He has a postgraduate degree in human resources from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi, a postgraduate diploma in labour law from Madras University, a postgraduate diploma in school counselling from Symbiosis, Pune, and a certification in child psychology from Counsel India.
He has also completed his master’s degree in career counselling from ICCC-Mindler and Counsel, India.
... more
Ashish Question by Ashish on Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career

Can u suggest which will be better BITs Goa CSE or MNNIT Allahabad CSE ?

Ans: Ashish, prefer BITS-CSE-Goa (if fees affordable). If not, MNNIT-A-CSE. All the BEST.

To Know More on 'Education | Careers | Jobs', Ask / Follow Me in RediffGURUS Here.
Career

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4159 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
Money
Im 42 years old and wife 40 years, my net salary income in hand 5.5 lacs/month + perquisite benefits (car+driver+fuel+others). Additional variable income around 10-15 lacs/year. Current equity (shares+mf) holding value is around 9.5 Cr and dividend income around 6 to 8 lacs/year. We have 2 daughters with 10 years and 1 year. We will need elder daughter higher eduction around 5cr (after 2030) and for younger daughter higher education expense expecting 10 cr (after 2038). I want to retire by age 55 years. I have additional saving in PF+NPS+SGB+SSY is around 1.2 cr. I have 2 flats (total market value 2.5 cr), with total home loan liability 70 lacs and rent inome from another flat is 50,000 per month. My retirement goal with saving of around 15 cr + separate daughters higher education expenses + medical & marriage expense around 5cr. Pls advise, how much saving need to be done per month/year and where to invest next 13 years to acheive above goals.
Ans: It's impressive that you have set clear financial goals for your retirement and your daughters' education. With a structured approach and the right investments, you can achieve your goals. Let's analyze your current financial situation and create a plan to reach your targets.

Current Financial Situation
Income:

Net Salary: Rs 5.5 lakhs/month
Perquisite Benefits: Car, driver, fuel, etc.
Variable Income: Rs 10-15 lakhs/year
Investments:

Equity (Shares + Mutual Funds): Rs 9.5 crores
Dividend Income: Rs 6-8 lakhs/year
PF + NPS + SGB + SSY: Rs 1.2 crores
Two Flats: Market value Rs 2.5 crores, Home loan liability Rs 70 lakhs, Rent income Rs 50,000/month
Goals:

Retirement at age 55 with Rs 15 crores
Elder Daughter's Higher Education: Rs 5 crores (by 2030)
Younger Daughter's Higher Education: Rs 10 crores (by 2038)
Medical and Marriage Expenses: Rs 5 crores
Analyzing Financial Goals
Retirement Corpus
You aim to retire at 55 with a retirement corpus of Rs 15 crores. This should provide a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement.

Education Funds
Elder Daughter: Rs 5 crores by 2030
Younger Daughter: Rs 10 crores by 2038
These amounts need to be accumulated separately to avoid dipping into your retirement corpus.

Medical and Marriage Expenses
You plan to set aside Rs 5 crores for medical and marriage expenses. This should be part of your overall financial planning.

Monthly/Yearly Savings Needed
To achieve these goals, you need to save and invest strategically over the next 13 years. Here's a plan to help you stay on track:

Step-by-Step Plan
Increase Equity Investments:

Equity investments offer high returns over the long term.
Continue investing in diversified equity mutual funds.
Consider large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for diversification.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

SIPs in equity mutual funds are an effective way to build wealth over time.
Increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.
Debt Investments for Stability:

Balance your portfolio with debt investments.
Invest in Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Savings Certificate (NSC), and Debt Mutual Funds.
Review and Adjust:

Regularly review your investments.
Adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and life changes.
Investment Strategies
Equity Mutual Funds
Diversification: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Professional Management: Fund managers make informed decisions based on market analysis.
Potential for High Returns: Equities tend to outperform other asset classes over the long term.
Debt Mutual Funds
Stability: Less volatile compared to equity funds.
Regular Income: Can provide regular income through interest payments.
Diversification: Adds stability to your overall portfolio.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Tax Benefits: Contributions are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C.
Safe Investment: Government-backed, risk-free investment.
Compounding Benefits: Interest earned is compounded annually.
National Pension System (NPS)
Tax Benefits: Additional deduction under Section 80CCD(1B) up to Rs 50,000.
Retirement Corpus: Helps build a substantial retirement corpus.
Investment Options: Choose between equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
Power of Compounding
Start Early: The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compounding.
Stay Invested: Avoid premature withdrawals to maximize compounding benefits.
Reinvest Earnings: Reinvest dividends and interest to enhance growth.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Returns: Potential to outperform index funds through active management.
Expert Management: Fund managers make strategic decisions to maximize returns.
Flexibility: Ability to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Time-Consuming: Requires significant time and effort to manage.
Lack of Expertise: Individual investors may not have the necessary expertise.
Higher Risk: Direct investments carry higher risk due to lack of diversification and professional management.
Regular Reviews and Rebalancing
Periodic Reviews: Regularly review your portfolio to ensure alignment with goals.
Rebalancing: Adjust your asset allocation based on market conditions and life changes.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of market trends and economic conditions.
Emergency Fund
Maintain Liquidity: Ensure you have sufficient liquid assets for emergencies.
Safety Net: An emergency fund provides a financial cushion during unforeseen events.
Review Periodically: Assess your emergency fund needs periodically and adjust as necessary.
Health and Life Insurance
Health Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage for medical emergencies.
Life Insurance: Consider term insurance for financial protection of your family.
Review Coverage: Periodically review your insurance coverage to ensure it meets your needs.
Final Insights
Your current financial situation is robust, and you are on the right path to achieving your goals. Here are some final insights:

Increase SIP Contributions: Increase your SIP contributions to build a larger corpus.
Tax Planning: Utilize all available tax-saving options to reduce your tax liability.
Regular Reviews: Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed.
Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and to fine-tune your financial strategy.
By following this plan, you can achieve your retirement goals, ensure your daughters' education expenses are covered, and have a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4159 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello I am a private professional in an IT firm. I have 2 kids elder son is 3 years old and another is one year old. My fixed income is 13 lacks per annum. I have invested in smart kid policy for kids for 20 years at a value of 5k per month for 10 years. And I also have a FD of 20 lacs. Balance 17 lacs I am maintaining as emergency fund. please advise for TDS savings and when and how to plan a safe retirement in 50s
Ans: It's great to see that you are planning for your future and your children's future so thoughtfully. With a well-structured plan, you can achieve your goals of saving on taxes and retiring safely in your 50s. Let's delve into your financial situation and strategize accordingly.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You have a stable income and a good start with your investments. Here’s a summary:

Annual Income: Rs 13 lakhs
Smart Kid Policy: Rs 5,000 per month for 10 years
Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs 20 lakhs
Emergency Fund: Rs 17 lakhs
Goals and Priorities
Tax Savings: Maximize tax deductions and minimize TDS.
Children’s Education: Secure funds for your children’s future education.
Retirement Planning: Plan for a safe retirement in your 50s.
Tax Saving Strategies
Section 80C: You can claim up to Rs 1.5 lakhs per annum for investments in instruments like PPF, ELSS, and life insurance.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a great option for tax savings and long-term investment. It provides tax-free returns and is a safe investment.

Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C and have the potential for high returns. However, they come with a lock-in period of three years.

National Pension System (NPS): Contributions to NPS are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80CCD(1B), up to Rs 50,000. It also offers additional tax benefits under Section 80C.

Health Insurance: Premiums paid for health insurance are deductible under Section 80D. You can claim up to Rs 25,000 for yourself, spouse, and children, and an additional Rs 25,000 for parents.

Home Loan Interest: If you have a home loan, the interest paid is deductible under Section 24 up to Rs 2 lakhs.

Tax-Free Bonds: Investments in tax-free bonds can provide tax-free income, reducing your tax liability.

Planning for Children’s Education
Your Smart Kid Policy is a start, but you may need additional funds to cover the rising costs of education. Consider the following:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Continue or start SIPs in mutual funds for long-term growth. Choose equity mutual funds for higher returns over a longer period.

Education Insurance Plans: These plans are designed to cover education costs and can provide a lump sum when needed.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Open a PPF account in your children’s names. The investment will grow tax-free and can be used for their education.

Retirement Planning
To retire comfortably in your 50s, you need a well-structured plan. Here are some steps:

Assess Your Retirement Corpus
Estimate your monthly expenses post-retirement and factor in inflation. Aim to build a corpus that can generate sufficient monthly income.

Diversify Your Investments
Mutual Funds: Continue with SIPs in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Consider balanced or hybrid funds to reduce risk.

National Pension System (NPS): Increase contributions to NPS for additional tax benefits and a steady retirement income.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Maximize your contributions to PPF. It offers tax-free returns and is a safe investment.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Use FDs for short-term goals and liquidity. They provide safety but lower returns compared to other investments.

Regular Review and Rebalance
Regularly review your portfolio and rebalance it to align with your goals and risk appetite. As you approach retirement, shift to safer investments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Returns: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds.
Professional Management: Fund managers make strategic decisions based on market conditions.
Flexibility: Active management allows for quick adjustments in response to market changes.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Time-Consuming: Managing direct funds requires significant time and effort.
Lack of Expertise: Individual investors may lack the expertise to make informed decisions.
Higher Risk: Direct investments carry higher risk due to lack of diversification and professional management.
The Power of Compounding
Compounding allows your money to grow exponentially over time. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Start Early: The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow.
Stay Invested: Avoid withdrawing investments prematurely to benefit fully from compounding.
Reinvest Returns: Reinvest dividends and interest to enhance growth.
Building a Safe Retirement Plan
Emergency Fund
Your emergency fund of Rs 17 lakhs is a great safety net. Keep this fund accessible for unexpected expenses.

Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage to protect against medical emergencies.

Life Insurance
Consider term insurance to provide financial security for your family in case of unforeseen events.

Final Insights
Your current financial situation is stable, and you are on the right track with your investments. To enhance your plan:

Increase SIP Contributions: If possible, increase your SIP contributions to build a larger corpus.
Tax Planning: Utilize all available tax-saving options to reduce your tax liability.
Regular Reviews: Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed.
Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and to fine-tune your financial strategy.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4159 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Money
Hi, I am 39 year old, want to retire by age of 45. One son 4 year old, no loan but need to build home which needs around 60 lakh. What corpus value i need at 45 age to beat inflation, for child education and how much i can get pm income with below investment. Please suggest if need any changes to diversified portfolio. I have salary of 1.80 lakh pm, MF value 40 lakh, invested 28 lakh, equitiea 5 lakh, NPS 5 lakh, ppf 18 lakh, epf 20 lakh. SIP contribution is 1.30 lakh pm, i can increase by 20k.
Ans: it's great that you are planning for early retirement and ensuring a secure future for your family. Your current financial setup is robust, and you are already on a disciplined investment path. Let's dive into a detailed analysis and plan for your early retirement, child’s education, and building your home.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Retire by Age 45: You want to stop working at 45 and live off your investments.

Build a Home: You need Rs 60 lakh to build a home.

Child’s Education: Your son is 4 years old, and you need to plan for his higher education.

Current Financial Snapshot
Monthly Salary: Rs 1.80 lakh

Mutual Fund Value: Rs 40 lakh

Total Investment in Mutual Funds: Rs 28 lakh

Equities: Rs 5 lakh

NPS: Rs 5 lakh

PPF: Rs 18 lakh

EPF: Rs 20 lakh

SIP Contribution: Rs 1.30 lakh per month (can increase by Rs 20,000)

Estimating Retirement Corpus
To retire comfortably at 45, you need to ensure your investments can cover your living expenses, child's education, and other goals. Let's break down these requirements.

Living Expenses
Calculate your current monthly expenses and project them into the future, considering inflation. Assume a conservative inflation rate of 6-7% annually. Post-retirement, you will need a corpus that generates enough income to cover these expenses.

Child’s Education
The cost of education is rising rapidly. Estimate the future cost of your child's higher education by considering an inflation rate of around 10-12% annually. This includes school fees, college fees, and potentially overseas education expenses.

Building a Home
You need Rs 60 lakh to build your home. This should be accounted for separately from your retirement corpus.

Current Investments and Growth
Your current investments are well-diversified across mutual funds, equities, NPS, PPF, and EPF. Here's an assessment of each:

Mutual Funds
Diversification: Mutual funds offer diversification, reducing risk.
Professional Management: Managed by experts.
Compounding: The power of compounding significantly boosts returns over time.
Equities
High Growth Potential: Equities offer high returns but come with higher risk.
Volatility: The stock market is volatile, requiring regular monitoring and adjustments.
NPS (National Pension System)
Tax Benefits: NPS provides tax benefits and is designed for retirement savings.
Balanced Growth: Offers a mix of equity and debt investments, balancing growth and stability.
PPF (Public Provident Fund)
Safety and Returns: PPF is a safe investment with decent returns, suitable for long-term goals.
Tax-Free: PPF returns are tax-free, enhancing net returns.
EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund)
Secure Investment: EPF is a secure investment with fixed returns.
Retirement-Oriented: Designed for retirement savings, offering tax benefits.
Evaluating SIP Contributions
Your current SIP contributions of Rs 1.30 lakh per month are commendable. Increasing it by Rs 20,000 will further enhance your corpus. The discipline of SIPs ensures regular investment and leverages rupee cost averaging.

Building Your Home
Allocate Rs 60 lakh separately for building your home. You can achieve this by liquidating some of your current investments or redirecting part of your future savings.

Planning for Child’s Education
Continue your SIPs and consider increasing the amount as your income grows. Invest in a mix of equity and balanced funds to ensure steady growth and safety.

Estimating Post-Retirement Income
Post-retirement, you will rely on your corpus to generate a regular income. Here’s how to ensure a sustainable monthly income:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Use SWP from your mutual funds to generate monthly income. It allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly while keeping your corpus invested.
Dividends and Interest: Invest in dividend-yielding stocks and interest-bearing instruments to generate regular income.
Rental Income: If you have additional properties, rental income can supplement your post-retirement income.
Adjusting Your Portfolio
Diversify Further: Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across different asset classes to minimize risk.
Regular Monitoring: Review your investments regularly and rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions and your financial goals.
Increase Equity Exposure: Given your long-term goals, consider increasing your equity exposure for higher growth potential.
Include Debt Funds: Include debt funds to provide stability and reduce overall portfolio risk.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Returns: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds.
Flexibility: Fund managers can make strategic decisions based on market conditions.
Expertise: Professional fund managers use their expertise to pick the best stocks and bonds.
Risks of Direct Funds
Time-Consuming: Managing direct funds requires significant time and effort.
Lack of Expertise: Individual investors may lack the expertise to make informed decisions.
Higher Risk: Direct investments come with higher risk due to lack of diversification and professional management.
Power of Compounding
Start Early: The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compounding.
Stay Invested: Staying invested for the long term maximizes the compounding effect.
Reinvest Returns: Reinvesting returns accelerates the growth of your investments.
Seeking Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation. They can help with:

Holistic Planning: Consider all aspects of your financial situation.
Tailored Strategy: Develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks.
Final Insights
You have a strong foundation for achieving your early retirement goal. Continue your disciplined investment approach, increase your SIP contributions, and allocate funds wisely for building your home and your child’s education. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner can further enhance your planning and help you make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4159 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Money
Hi Sir My name gaurav. My age is 38. My EPF amount is 40 lakhs, company NPS is 14 lacks. I have stocks worth of 35 lakhs. I have invested 18 lacks in mutual funds. I am continuously investing 10000 rs/ month for my first child since 4 years and 10000 rs/ month for my second child since 3 year in mutual fund. Plus I have also taken pension plan for my self which is 15000 rs/ month since 4 year. I have invested 10 lakhs in FD. Can I take early retirement at the age of 45. Pl tell me. I have no load liabilities and I have my own house
Ans: Hello Gaurav,

First, let me commend you on your impressive financial planning. You have accumulated a substantial corpus through various investments and have thoughtfully planned for your children’s future. Your diligent efforts and foresight are commendable. Now, let's explore whether you can take early retirement at the age of 45, considering your current financial situation and future goals.

Understanding Your Current Financial Status
You have a diversified portfolio comprising EPF, NPS, stocks, mutual funds, and fixed deposits. Let's break down each of these:

EPF: Rs 40 lakhs
NPS: Rs 14 lakhs
Stocks: Rs 35 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs 18 lakhs
Monthly SIP for Children: Rs 10,000 each (for 4 years and 3 years)
Pension Plan: Rs 15,000 per month (for 4 years)
Fixed Deposit: Rs 10 lakhs
No liabilities: You own your house
These investments are well-distributed across various asset classes, providing a good mix of growth and stability.

Evaluating Your Retirement Goal
Retiring at 45 means you have seven years to grow your current investments. Post-retirement, you will need to sustain your lifestyle without a regular salary. Let's examine your readiness for early retirement by analyzing the following factors:

Estimating Post-Retirement Expenses
Basic Living Expenses: Calculate your monthly and annual living expenses. Consider inflation and lifestyle changes post-retirement.
Healthcare Costs: These tend to increase with age. Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage.
Children’s Education and Marriage: Plan for your children’s higher education and marriage expenses.
Travel and Leisure: Retirement often brings the desire to travel and pursue hobbies. Budget for these activities.
Analyzing Your Investment Portfolio
EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund)
EPF is a secure and tax-efficient investment. The interest is compounded annually, making it a powerful tool for long-term savings. However, it is primarily a retirement-oriented investment, and premature withdrawal can result in tax implications and loss of compounding benefits.

NPS (National Pension System)
NPS is a good retirement planning tool due to its tax benefits and market-linked returns. It provides a mix of equity and debt exposure. However, a portion of the corpus must be used to purchase an annuity, which may not be ideal for early retirement as it reduces immediate liquidity.

Stocks
Your investment in stocks is commendable as it offers significant growth potential. However, the stock market is volatile. It’s crucial to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to mitigate risks.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds provide diversification and professional management. Your ongoing SIPs are beneficial as they instill investment discipline and leverage the power of rupee cost averaging.

Fixed Deposits
FDs offer safety and guaranteed returns but usually provide lower returns compared to other investment options. They should be part of your portfolio to ensure liquidity and stability.

Pension Plan
Your pension plan is another pillar of your retirement planning. It’s essential to understand the plan’s payout structure and ensure it aligns with your post-retirement needs.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio, reducing risk.
Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle investments.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell, providing flexibility.
Power of Compounding: Reinvested returns generate more returns, accelerating wealth accumulation.
Risks of Mutual Funds
Market Risk: Equity funds are subject to market fluctuations.
Credit Risk: Debt funds carry the risk of default by issuers.
Liquidity Risk: Certain funds might face liquidity issues during market downturns.
The Power of Compounding
Compounding allows your returns to generate further returns, significantly boosting your wealth over time. Starting early and staying invested are crucial to harnessing its full potential.

Assessing Your Monthly Investments
You are investing Rs 10,000 each for your two children in mutual funds and Rs 15,000 in a pension plan. These consistent investments are building a substantial corpus for their future and your retirement.

Children's Education Fund
Your current investments will grow significantly by the time your children need funds for higher education. Continue monitoring and adjusting the SIP amounts as needed based on their future needs.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
Current Investments: Total of EPF, NPS, stocks, mutual funds, FD.
Future Value: Estimate the future value of these investments considering the compounding effect and expected returns.
Monthly Withdrawal: Determine the monthly amount required to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.
Withdrawal Rate: Ensure a sustainable withdrawal rate to avoid depleting your corpus too soon.
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Early Retirement
Continue Investing: Maintain your SIPs and pension contributions.
Increase Contributions: Gradually increase your monthly SIPs if possible.
Diversify Portfolio: Regularly rebalance your portfolio to maintain an optimal mix of assets.
Build an Emergency Fund: Set aside funds to cover unexpected expenses.
Review Insurance: Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage.
Debt-Free: Remain free from liabilities to reduce financial stress.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and help you make informed decisions. They can assist in:

Holistic Planning: Consider all aspects of your financial situation.
Tailored Strategy: Develop a strategy that aligns with your goals.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks.
Final Insights
Gaurav, your current financial status is impressive. You have diversified investments and no liabilities, which is a strong foundation for early retirement. However, retiring at 45 requires careful planning and disciplined execution.

Plan Meticulously: Detailed planning is crucial to ensure financial security.
Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on market trends and investment options.
Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on changing circumstances.
Seek Help: Professional guidance can significantly enhance your planning and execution.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |4159 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi , my daughter wands to be a surgeon gynaecologist .currently I can commit only 30k a month towards mf and she’s 14. I have already started since 2 years but what should be my minimum monthly commitment for her to reach her goal ?
Ans: let's dive into this with a structured plan. I'll cover everything you need to know to ensure your daughter achieves her goal of becoming a surgeon gynaecologist, even with a Rs 30,000 monthly investment. Here's a thorough guide to help you understand how to maximize your investments and plan effectively.

Understanding the Goal
First, it's wonderful to hear about your daughter's ambition. Becoming a surgeon gynaecologist is a noble and highly rewarding career. It requires extensive education and training. Given she's 14, you have about four years until she enters college, and then several years of medical education after that. Let's outline the financial planning needed to support this journey.

The Cost of Medical Education
Medical education in India can be quite expensive. The costs can range significantly depending on whether she attends a government or private college.

Undergraduate Medical Education (MBBS): The cost can range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for the entire course. Government colleges are cheaper, while private institutions are on the higher end.

Postgraduate Education (MD/MS): This can add another Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, depending on the specialization and the institution.

Additional Costs: This includes entrance exam preparations, books, equipment, and living expenses.

Investment Strategy: Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an excellent way to grow your savings. They provide diversification, professional management, and the potential for high returns. Here’s how to approach investing in mutual funds to meet your financial goals.

Types of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds: These invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. They are suitable for long-term goals, such as your daughter's education.

Debt Mutual Funds: These invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They are safer but offer lower returns compared to equity funds. They can be used for short-term goals or to balance your portfolio.

Hybrid Mutual Funds: These funds invest in both equities and debt, providing a balanced approach. They offer moderate returns with reduced risk.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a variety of assets, reducing the risk associated with investing in a single asset.

Professional Management: Fund managers with expertise in the financial market manage mutual funds.

Compounding: Reinvesting your returns allows your money to grow exponentially over time.

Liquidity: Mutual funds are generally liquid, meaning you can easily convert them to cash if needed.

Assessing Your Current Investment
You've already been investing Rs 30,000 per month for the past two years. That’s a great start! Let’s assess how this contributes to your goal.

Power of Compounding
The key benefit of mutual funds is the power of compounding. The earlier you start, the more your money grows. Since you have started early, your investments will benefit significantly from compounding.

Regular Review and Adjustment
It's crucial to review your investment portfolio regularly. Make adjustments based on market conditions, your financial goals, and changes in your personal circumstances.

Estimating the Required Investment
To support your daughter's education, you'll need to ensure that your investments grow adequately. Here’s how you can estimate the required monthly investment:

Future Education Costs: Estimate the future cost of education considering inflation. Education costs tend to rise by about 10-12% annually.

Current Savings and Investments: Assess your current savings, including your mutual fund investments and any other savings.

Expected Returns: Estimate the returns on your mutual fund investments. Equity mutual funds typically offer returns of 12-15% per annum over the long term.

Shortfall and Monthly Investment: Calculate the shortfall between your current savings and the future education costs. Based on this, determine the additional monthly investment required.

Risk Management
Investing in mutual funds involves some risk. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

Diversify Your Investments: Don't put all your money in one type of fund. Spread it across equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on the performance of your funds. Make changes if a fund consistently underperforms.

Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner to help you make informed decisions.

SIPs: Systematic Investment Plans
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a great way to invest in mutual funds. They allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, making it easier to manage your finances.

Consistency: SIPs encourage regular investment, which is crucial for long-term wealth creation.

Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs average out the cost of your investments by buying more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high.

Discipline: SIPs instill a disciplined approach to investing, helping you stay committed to your financial goals.

Active vs Passive Funds
Active funds are managed by professionals who make decisions about where to invest the fund's money. They aim to outperform the market.

Benefits of Active Funds: They have the potential for higher returns compared to index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks that they believe will perform well.

Disadvantages of Index Funds: Index funds simply mimic a market index. They do not have the potential to outperform the market and might not provide the best returns for long-term goals.

Importance of Professional Guidance
While you can manage your investments on your own, seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner can be very beneficial.

Expertise: Certified Financial Planners have the expertise to guide you through complex financial decisions.

Tailored Advice: They can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals.

Holistic Planning: They look at your overall financial picture, including insurance, retirement planning, and tax planning.

Reviewing Your Insurance
If you hold LIC, ULIP, or investment-cum-insurance policies, consider their effectiveness.

Surrender and Reinvest: If these policies are not performing well, it may be wise to surrender them and reinvest the funds in mutual funds.

Insurance and Investment Separation: It's often better to keep insurance and investment separate. Term insurance provides adequate coverage, while mutual funds offer better returns on investments.

Final Insights
Planning for your daughter's education is a significant responsibility. By starting early and investing wisely, you can ensure she has the financial support she needs to achieve her dreams.

Start Early: The earlier you start, the better. Compounding works best over the long term.

Stay Consistent: Regular investments through SIPs help in building a substantial corpus over time.

Diversify: Spread your investments across different types of mutual funds to manage risk.

Seek Professional Help: A Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance and help you make informed decisions.

Review Regularly: Keep an eye on your investments and make adjustments as needed.

With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can ensure a bright future for your daughter. Remember, every small step you take today will contribute to her success tomorrow.

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x