My 10 yr old kid has mild autism. He is unable to concentrate and always tries to throw objects out of house window. Dr said it could be due to sensory overload or anxiety. We are doing therapy as recommended. But is there any medicine to help him with his concenration and throwing objects?

Ans: Investing for retirement at a young age is a smart financial decision. Let's calculate how much money you would need by retirement and how much you should invest monthly to achieve that goal.

Determining Retirement Corpus:
Estimate your desired retirement corpus based on your expected expenses during retirement. Consider factors like inflation, lifestyle preferences, healthcare costs, and other financial obligations.
Assuming a moderate estimate of future expenses, let's say you aim for a retirement corpus of 5 Crores.
Calculating Monthly Investment:
Use a retirement calculator or financial planning software to determine the monthly investment required to reach your retirement corpus.
Assuming an annual return of 10% on your mutual fund investments (which is a reasonable long-term average for equity investments), we can calculate the monthly investment required.
With a 30-year investment horizon, the power of compounding will work in your favor. By starting early, you can invest smaller amounts monthly to achieve your goal.
For example, if you aim for a retirement corpus of 5 Crores and assuming a 10% annual return:
Using a financial calculator or formula, the monthly investment required would be approximately 22,000 INR.
Regular Review and Adjustments:
Periodically review your investment strategy and adjust your contributions based on changes in your financial situation, investment performance, and retirement goals.
As your income increases or expenses decrease over time, consider increasing your monthly investments to accelerate your progress towards your retirement goal.
By consistently investing in mutual funds over the next 30 years and staying committed to your long-term financial plan, you can work towards achieving a comfortable retirement.

Remember, while this calculation provides a rough estimate, individual circumstances may vary. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial goals and help you create a comprehensive retirement plan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Considering your risk appetite and investment horizon, moving 50 lakhs from your mutual fund (MF) portfolio to a Portfolio Management Service (PMS) requires careful evaluation.
Here are some points to consider before making a decision:
1. Risk and Volatility: PMS typically offers a more concentrated portfolio with higher exposure to individual stocks compared to mutual funds. While this can potentially result in higher returns, it also comes with increased risk and volatility. Ensure that you're comfortable with the higher level of risk associated with PMS, especially given your moderate risk appetite.
2. Track Record and Expertise: Before opting for a PMS, thoroughly research and evaluate the track record, expertise, and investment philosophy of the PMS provider. Look for consistent performance over various market cycles and assess their ability to generate returns in line with your expectations.
3. Fees and Charges: Understand the fee structure of the PMS, including management fees, performance fees, and other charges. Compare these costs with the expenses associated with your mutual fund investments to ensure that the potential benefits justify the additional expenses.
4. Diversification: Consider the impact of reducing diversification by moving a significant portion of your portfolio to PMS. Diversification helps mitigate risk by spreading investments across different asset classes and securities. Ensure that the PMS portfolio aligns with your overall asset allocation strategy and risk management goals.
5. Investment Horizon: While you mention a holding capacity of 3-5 years, it's essential to align your investment horizon with the PMS strategy. Some PMS strategies may have longer investment horizons, and exiting prematurely could hinder your ability to realize potential returns.
6. Review and Monitoring: Continuously monitor the performance of your PMS portfolio and stay informed about changes in the market environment and the PMS strategy. Be prepared to reassess your investment decision periodically and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your financial goals.
As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend discussing your decision with a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your individual circumstances and investment objectives. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It's never too late to start saving and investing, even at 55 years of age. Let's outline a plan to help you accumulate 25 lakhs in the next 5 years:
1. Assess Current Finances: Begin by evaluating your current financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Understanding your financial baseline will help in setting realistic savings goals.
2. Create a Budget: Develop a monthly budget that accounts for all your expenses, including essentials like utilities, groceries, and medical expenses. Identify areas where you can potentially reduce spending to increase savings.
3. Emergency Fund: Prioritize building an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of your living expenses. This fund will provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or emergencies, ensuring you don't dip into your savings prematurely.
4. Investment Strategy: With a 5-year timeframe, consider a combination of savings and investment avenues to achieve your goal of accumulating 25 lakhs. Since you have a relatively short investment horizon, focus on low to moderate risk options with potential for growth.
5. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Start a monthly SIP in mutual funds or other investment vehicles that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider diversified equity funds for growth potential, balanced funds for stability, and debt funds for capital preservation.
6. Additional Income Streams: Explore opportunities to increase your income through part-time work, freelancing, or utilizing any specialized skills or hobbies you may have. Even a small additional income can significantly boost your savings over time.
7. Minimize Expenses: Continuously review your expenses and look for ways to minimize discretionary spending. Cut back on non-essential purchases and focus on living within your means to maximize savings.
8. Regular Review: Periodically review your financial progress and adjust your savings and investment strategy as needed. Monitor the performance of your investments and make any necessary changes to stay on track towards your goal.
9. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and goals. They can help you create a comprehensive financial plan and navigate the investment landscape effectively.
By following these steps and staying disciplined in your approach, you can work towards achieving your target of saving 25 lakhs in the next 5 years, securing your financial future.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Here's how you can complain against the organization that allegedly opened an institutional trading account for you without your consent:

1. File a Complaint with the Broker:

Start by directly contacting the broker's customer care department. Lodge a formal complaint about the unauthorized opening of an institutional account.
Request them to rectify the situation and close the account immediately.
Keep a record of your complaint, including the date, time, and reference number (if provided).
2. Approach Regulatory Bodies:

If the broker doesn't address your complaint satisfactorily, you can escalate it to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI is the regulatory body for the Indian stock market.
You can file a complaint online on the SEBI SCORES portal (https://scores.gov.in/) or by post/email.
SEBI will investigate your complaint and take necessary action against the broker if they find any wrongdoing.
3. Stock Exchange Grievance Redressal Mechanism:

If the broker is a member of a stock exchange (NSE or BSE), you can also file a complaint with their grievance redressal mechanism.
Each exchange has a dedicated portal for filing complaints.
4. Legal Action:

As a last resort, you can consider legal action against the broker. This might be a more complex and time-consuming route, so consulting a lawyer specializing in financial matters is recommended.
Documents to Keep Handy:

Any communication you had with the broker regarding the account opening (emails, SMS, call recordings, etc.)
Account opening documents (if you have any)
Proof of your identity and residence
Remember:

Act promptly. The sooner you file a complaint, the better the chances of resolving the issue effectively.
Keep detailed records of all your communication and actions taken.
By following these steps, you can take action against the organization and potentially get the unauthorized account closed.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Here's a breakdown of the tax implications for your mother's situation:

Sale of Flats:

The sale proceeds from selling the flats will likely be considered a capital gain. Since she received these flats in exchange for her land, the cost price for calculating the capital gain will be the cost of the original land.
Tax Treatment:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If your mother held the flats for more than 2 years before selling, the capital gains will be considered LTCG. For senior citizens (over 60 years), LTCG from the sale of any type of capital asset (including land or buildings) is exempt from tax.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): If she held the flats for 2 years or less, the gains will be considered STCG. However, there's no separate capital gains account required for seniors.

Exemption for Senior Citizens:

The good news is that since your mother is a senior citizen, LTCG from the sale of the flats is exempt from tax irrespective of whether she opened a capital gains account or not.
Recommendations:

It's advisable to consult a tax advisor for a more personalized assessment. They can consider factors like the specific holding period of the flats, any applicable exemptions, and filing requirements for senior citizens.
Additional Points:

Even though LTCG is exempt, it's still recommended to maintain records of the original land cost, sale proceeds, and ownership period for future reference.
If the sale proceeds are significant, tax implications on other income sources might need to be considered while filing the ITR.
I hope this clarifies the situation!

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You're right, there seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the TDS deduction on your Jeevan Asha-II policy maturity amount. Here's a breakdown:

TDS on Maturity: Generally, for pre-2014 ULIPs and traditional endowment plans like Jeevan Asha-II, maturity proceeds are exempt from tax if the annual premium doesn't exceed 20% of the sum assured. In your case, the premium amount seems to be well below the 20% limit.

Possible Reasons for TDS: There could be a few reasons for the TDS deduction:

Technical Error: An error in LIC's system might have triggered the TDS deduction.
Change in Rules: While the rule generally applies to pre-2014 policies, there might have been a specific clarification or change applicable to your policy.
Recommendations:

Contact LIC: Get in touch with LIC's customer care or your agent. Explain the situation and the relevant tax rule. Request clarification on the reason for TDS deduction and explore the possibility of a refund if it was an error.
Tax Return Filing: While filing your Income Tax Return (ITR), you can mention the maturity amount received, the TDS deducted (Rs. 16,180), and the exemption clause applicable to your policy (premiums below 20% of sum assured). This will help you claim the deducted TDS amount if it wasn't justified.
Calculating Your Tax Liability:

Since the maturity amount is likely exempt from tax, you don't need to calculate any additional tax liability on it (assuming you haven't received any taxable bonuses). However, your total income for the year will determine your tax bracket (30% in your case) and the tax applicable to your other income sources.

Remember: For specific advice on your situation and the possibility of an LIC error or rule change, consulting a tax advisor familiar with LIC policies and tax rules for pre-2014 plans might be helpful.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Looks like you've got a good head start on your retirement savings plan! It's great that you're investing consistently through SIPs and have a long investment horizon. Let's break down your portfolio:
Good Diversification: Having a mix of funds across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap captures different risk-reward opportunities. This is a good approach for building wealth over the long term.
High Risk Appetite: Your fund selection indicates a high-risk appetite. This can potentially lead to higher returns, but also means your investments can experience more ups and downs along the way.
Consider Portfolio Review: While a general overview looks promising, a more in-depth analysis might be helpful. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can assess your individual risk tolerance, investment goals, and review your specific fund choices to ensure they align with your overall plan.
Staying the Course: Remember, market fluctuations are normal. Don't panic and make impulsive decisions based on short-term dips. If you have a long-term view (20-22 years) and stay invested, your SIPs can help you ride out market volatility.
Keep an Eye on It: Periodic reviews are important. Markets and your financial goals can evolve over time. A CFP can help you monitor your portfolio and make adjustments as needed.


There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.

Overall, you're on the right track! Keep up the good work!
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Here's a breakdown of your tax situation and some advice:

Tax on Share Trading Profits (STCG):

You're correct. Since you plan to sell the shares within 5-6 months (short-term), the profits will be considered Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG).
STCG on equity shares is taxed at a flat rate of 15% in the old tax regime.
Paying STCG Tax:

You don't need to pay STCG tax directly while filing your Demat account.
However, you are responsible for reporting the STCG income and paying the tax when you file your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the relevant financial year.
ITR Filing:

While filing your ITR, you'll need to declare the sale of shares, the profits earned (STCG), and the tax liability (15%).
The ITR itself doesn't involve direct tax payment. You might need to pay any tax due through challan or other methods specified by the Income Tax department.
Profit Booking vs. Long-Term Investment:

Here's a consideration for your strategy:

Tax Benefit of Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): If you hold the shares for more than 1 year, any profits become Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG). LTCG exceeding Rs. 1 lakh attracts a 10% tax with indexation benefit (reducing impact of inflation). This can be a tax advantage compared to the flat 15% on STCG.
Market Volatility: Short-term trading involves higher risk due to market volatility. Consider your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Recommendation:

It might be beneficial to hold the shares for the long term to potentially benefit from LTCG tax advantages and potentially higher returns over time. However, the decision depends on your individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and investment goals.
Additional Tips:

Consult a qualified tax advisor for personalized advice on your specific tax situation, considering your income sources, deductions, and tax regime.
Research and understand the risks involved in share trading before investing.

I hope this clarifies your queries!

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Based on your scenario, here's how your capital gains tax will be calculated:

Capital Gains from Equity Mutual Funds:

You mentioned Rs. 6.25 lakh as capital gains from equity mutual funds.
Long-term capital gains (held for over 1 year) on equity mutual funds exceeding Rs. 1 lakh are taxed at 10% without indexation benefit.
Tax Calculation:

Taxable capital gains = Rs. 6.25 lakh (total capital gains) - Rs. 1 lakh (exempt limit) = Rs. 5.25 lakh
Capital Gains Tax:

You'll need to pay tax on Rs. 5.25 lakh at 10% = Rs. 52,500
Overall Tax Liability:

Here's how to determine your overall tax liability for FY 23-24:

Combine your Income Sources: Add your salary income, interest income from FDs, RDs, and savings account to the Rs. 52,500 capital gains tax.
Deductions and Exemptions: You can then factor in any deductions and exemptions you're eligible for under the Old or New tax regime (whichever offers a lower tax liability).
Net Tax Liability: After applying relevant deductions and exemptions, calculate your final taxable income. If the final taxable income falls below the minimum taxable limit, your net tax liability becomes zero.
Key Points:

Capital gains tax is calculated separately from your salary and interest income.
You can choose the tax regime (Old or New) that minimizes your overall tax liability. Explore both options using a tax calculator or consult a tax advisor for a more accurate assessment.
Remember, this is a general overview. Tax rules and exemptions can be subject to change. For a definitive assessment of your tax situation, consider consulting a qualified tax advisor who can consider all your income sources, deductions, and exemptions applicable to your specific circumstances.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in