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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I'm 24 years old and earning ?25,000 per month. Could anyone please provide some investment suggestions?

Ans: Starting to invest at 24 is a smart move. Let's explore some investment suggestions tailored to your current financial situation and future goals.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Income and Expenses
You earn Rs. 25,000 per month. It's crucial to manage expenses within this income while setting aside savings for investments.

Savings and Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 3-6 months of living expenses. This fund acts as a safety net during unexpected financial situations.

Investment Suggestions for Long-Term Growth
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer a diversified investment option managed by professionals. SIPs allow you to invest small amounts regularly.

Benefits of SIPs: They average out market fluctuations, potentially providing better returns over the long term.
Avoiding Index Funds: Unlike index funds, actively managed funds offer potential for higher returns through skilled fund management.
Equity Mutual Funds
Consider equity mutual funds for higher growth potential over the long term. These funds invest in stocks and have varying levels of risk.

Diversification: Spread investments across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for balanced risk.
Professional Management: Fund managers actively choose stocks, aiming to outperform the market.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a government-backed long-term investment with tax benefits. It's suitable for conservative investors looking for stable returns.

Lock-in Period: Funds are locked for 15 years, providing disciplined savings and tax benefits.
Interest Rates: Interest rates are competitive and often higher than bank savings.
Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills. They offer stable returns with lower risk compared to equity funds.

Risk Profile: Suitable for conservative investors or those looking to balance their portfolio with fixed-income options.
Liquidity: Generally more liquid than PPF and offer potential for better returns than traditional bank deposits.
Direct Equity Investment
Investing directly in stocks requires research and understanding of the market. It offers potential for high returns but comes with higher risk.

Long-Term Perspective: Invest in fundamentally strong companies for wealth creation over the long term.
Risk Management: Diversify your stock portfolio across sectors to reduce risk.
Insurance and Retirement Planning
Term Insurance
As a young earner, secure your family's financial future with term insurance. It provides a high coverage amount at a lower premium compared to other insurance products.

Financial Protection: Cover outstanding loans and ensure financial stability for dependents.
Review Existing Policies: Evaluate existing policies and consider surrendering low-return policies for better investment opportunities.
Retirement Planning
Start planning for retirement early to benefit from the power of compounding. Consider retirement-focused mutual funds or retirement plans offered by mutual fund houses.

Long-Term Investments: Allocate a portion of savings towards retirement funds for wealth accumulation.
Regular Review: Periodically review investments to align with changing financial goals and market conditions.
Creating Additional Income Streams
Skill Development and Side Income
Invest in enhancing skills or starting a side business to generate additional income. This can supplement your regular earnings and boost savings for investments.

Utilize Technology: Explore online platforms for freelance work or selling products/services.
Financial Goals: Allocate additional income towards investments or building emergency funds.
Final Insights
Investing at a young age provides ample time to harness the benefits of compounding and mitigate financial risks. By diversifying investments across mutual funds, PPF, and exploring direct equity, you can achieve long-term financial goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

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I am 35 and have a monthly income of 50000 and my savings are zero and all my commitment are cleared. I am ready to invest 12000 per month for the next 25 years. Can u please suggest how and where to invest.
Ans: At 35, with a monthly income of Rs. 50,000 and no current savings, you have a great opportunity to start building your financial future. Investing Rs. 12,000 per month over the next 25 years can help you achieve significant wealth. Here’s a detailed plan to guide your investments.

Investment Strategy
1. Diversified Portfolio:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds have the potential for high returns over the long term.
Debt Mutual Funds: These funds provide stability and lower risk.
Gold: A small portion in gold can act as a hedge against inflation.
Fixed Deposits: While they offer lower returns, they add safety to your portfolio.
2. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

SIPs help in disciplined investing.
They average out market volatility over time.
Investing Rs. 12,000 monthly through SIPs will ensure regular and consistent investments.
Recommended Allocation
Equity Mutual Funds:

Allocate 60% of your investment to equity mutual funds.
This equals Rs. 7,200 per month.
Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for diversification.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Allocate 20% to debt mutual funds.
This equals Rs. 2,400 per month.
These funds provide stability and reduce overall portfolio risk.
Gold:

Allocate 10% to gold.
This equals Rs. 1,200 per month.
Invest through gold bonds or gold ETFs.
Fixed Deposits:

Allocate 10% to fixed deposits.
This equals Rs. 1,200 per month.
This provides a safety net and liquidity.
Step-by-Step Plan
1. Start with Emergency Fund:

Build an emergency fund to cover 6 months of expenses.
Use your fixed deposit allocation to build this fund initially.
2. Begin SIPs:

Set up SIPs for equity mutual funds, debt mutual funds, and gold.
Automate your investments to ensure consistency.
3. Review and Adjust:

Review your portfolio every six months.
Adjust your allocations based on performance and market conditions.
4. Increase Investment Over Time:

Aim to increase your monthly investment by 5-10% annually.
This helps in countering inflation and increasing wealth.
Choosing the Right Funds
Equity Mutual Funds:

Look for funds with a consistent track record.
Choose funds managed by experienced fund managers.
Diversify across different sectors and market capitalizations.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Opt for funds with lower credit risk.
Look for funds that invest in high-quality debt instruments.
Consider funds with a good track record of stable returns.
Gold Investments:

Prefer sovereign gold bonds for better returns.
Gold ETFs offer liquidity and ease of investment.
Additional Tips
1. Tax Planning:

Utilize tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) for tax benefits.
ELSS funds have a lock-in period of three years but offer tax deductions.
2. Financial Discipline:

Avoid withdrawing from your investments prematurely.
Stick to your investment plan regardless of market fluctuations.
3. Knowledge and Awareness:

Stay informed about market trends and financial news.
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
Final Insights
Starting your investment journey at 35 with a disciplined approach can yield significant returns over 25 years. Diversify your portfolio across equity, debt, gold, and fixed deposits to balance risk and reward. Regularly review and adjust your investments to stay on track with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7548 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 28, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi am 32 yr old 50k per month salary need further advice for investment as i havent invested yet
Ans: At 32, it’s great that you're starting to think about investments. With a monthly income of Rs. 50,000, you have the potential to build wealth over time with consistent, well-structured investments.

To guide you, here’s a detailed approach to starting your investment journey in a systematic, sustainable way.

1. Build Your Emergency Fund First

Starting with an emergency fund is essential. It creates a financial cushion for unexpected expenses and emergencies.

Aim to save 6-8 months of your monthly expenses. This should cover rent, bills, groceries, and healthcare.
Keep this in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund. It keeps funds easily accessible, avoiding disruptions to long-term investments.
2. Evaluate Your Monthly Budget and Savings Potential

Reviewing your budget will give clarity on how much you can save each month.

Track your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut down.
After setting aside your expenses, aim to save at least 20-30% of your income consistently.
This dedicated saving amount will go toward different investments.
3. Establish Insurance for Financial Security

Investing is crucial, but protection comes first. Without adequate insurance, your financial goals could face setbacks in case of any unfortunate event.

Term Insurance: Protect your family with a term insurance plan that covers at least 10-15 times your annual income.
Health Insurance: Ensure you have health insurance covering critical illnesses and hospitalization costs. Preferably go for a family floater plan if you have dependents.
4. Consider Long-Term Investment Goals

Define your long-term financial objectives. These goals could include:

Retirement corpus
Down payment for a home
Funds for children's education or marriage
Clearly defined goals help align your investments with specific time horizons and risks.

5. Start SIPs in Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in actively managed mutual funds allow you to begin investing with discipline and consistency.

Actively managed funds outperform index funds in most cases. They adapt to changing market conditions better.
Investing in SIPs offers the advantage of rupee-cost averaging and compounding, helping you build wealth steadily.
6. Avoid Direct Mutual Funds – Choose Regular Funds with a CFP

While direct funds appear cost-effective, they can lack guidance.

Investing through a certified financial planner (CFP) provides the benefit of professional insights.
A CFP offers ongoing portfolio management, helping you make the best decisions for market trends and personal goals.
Regular plans might have slightly higher costs, but the guidance from a CFP can outweigh these costs in terms of returns.
7. Set Up a Mix of Equity and Debt Mutual Funds

For a balanced portfolio, consider both equity and debt funds. Each category offers unique benefits:

Equity Mutual Funds: Ideal for long-term wealth creation, suitable for goals 5-10 years away. Choose diversified or flexi-cap funds for balanced growth.
Debt Mutual Funds: Good for short-term stability, these funds reduce risk and offer modest returns. Suitable for goals within 1-3 years.
This combination provides growth potential while balancing risks.

8. Tax Implications on Mutual Funds

Understanding tax implications is essential as it affects your returns.

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds: Both LTCG and STCG are taxed based on your income slab. Holding debt funds for a longer period can reduce the tax impact.
Having a CFP manage your tax liabilities can maximize your returns.

9. Set Financial Milestones for Different Life Stages

Plan your investments around major life events and responsibilities.

In 5 Years: Aim to achieve short-term goals such as travel or higher education.
In 10-15 Years: Focus on long-term goals like buying a house or funding higher education for your children.
In 20+ Years: Prepare for retirement by investing in instruments that align with long-term growth.
10. Take Advantage of Tax-Advantaged Investment Options

Investing in tax-saving instruments helps you save taxes while meeting financial goals.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Offers a secure, tax-free return, which is ideal for building a retirement corpus.
ELSS Mutual Funds: Equity-linked savings schemes allow for wealth creation while providing tax savings under Section 80C.
11. Consider National Pension System (NPS) for Retirement Planning

The National Pension System offers tax benefits and builds a retirement corpus.

With NPS, you can allocate funds across equity, corporate debt, and government securities.
NPS provides tax benefits under Section 80CCD and Section 80C.
Remember that retirement requires a significant amount, so an early start in NPS helps secure future comfort.

12. Automate Your Investments for Discipline

Automating your investments keeps you disciplined and consistent.

Set up automatic transfers for SIPs and other recurring investments. This approach ensures consistent contributions.
Regular investment prevents the temptation to spend on non-essential items.
13. Review and Adjust Your Portfolio Periodically

Investing is not a one-time activity. Your portfolio needs regular assessment.

Check your portfolio performance annually, ideally with a CFP. Regular reviews allow you to stay on track.
Adjust investments if there’s any change in personal circumstances, financial goals, or market conditions.
14. Final Insights

With a steady approach, a balanced portfolio, and financial protection, you can secure your financial future. Begin by saving regularly, investing in a disciplined manner, and reviewing your portfolio. These practices ensure you stay aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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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