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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 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 - May 08, 2024Hindi
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I'm 25 with a 40 LPA job in a fast growing startup. I really have desires for car and want to buy porche 911 gt3 at any cost. How should I proceed with my investments? I'm okay with buying it at an age of 40 as well but I want to have one.

Ans: It's great to have aspirations, and planning for a Porsche 911 GT3 is a big dream. Here's how you could approach your investments to make it a reality:
1. Start with a Budget: Determine the cost of the Porsche 911 GT3 you desire. Factor in additional expenses like insurance, maintenance, and taxes. This will give you a target amount to save.
2. Prioritize Financial Goals: While buying your dream car is exciting, it's essential to prioritize your financial goals. Ensure you're allocating sufficient funds towards essential objectives like emergency savings, retirement planning, and wealth accumulation.
3. Create a Savings Plan: Calculate how much you need to save each month to reach your target amount by your desired age. Consider setting up a separate savings account specifically for your Porsche fund to track your progress.
4. Invest Wisely: With a high-income job, you have the opportunity to invest aggressively to achieve your goal. Consider a mix of equity investments like mutual funds or stocks, which have the potential for higher returns over the long term.
5. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your investment portfolio and adjust your savings plan as needed. As your income grows or your financial situation changes, you may need to increase your savings rate or adjust your investment strategy.
6. Stay Disciplined: Achieving a big goal like owning a Porsche 911 GT3 requires discipline and patience. Stick to your savings plan, avoid unnecessary expenses, and stay focused on your long-term objectives.
7. Consider Financing Options: While it's admirable to save up and buy the car outright, you could also explore financing options like car loans. Evaluate the terms and interest rates carefully to ensure it fits within your overall financial plan.
Remember, buying a luxury car like a Porsche is a significant financial commitment, and it's important to balance your aspirations with prudent financial management. By setting clear goals, saving diligently, and investing wisely, you can work towards making your dream a reality while also securing your financial future.
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  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Hello Experts, Greetings Im 33yr old and was earning just to make ends meet until now.Now I have a job where I can save 1.5 lakhs per month. I have short term goal to buy a car worth 10 lakhs in next 1 year or so. . suggest an investment strategy so that I can plan accordingly to achieve this goal. Also with about 50,000 I can invest in equity and debt with 60%-40% ratio for a long time. please suggest SIPs for the same. Thank you
Ans: Congratulations on your new job and the opportunity to save significantly each month! Let's outline a strategy to help you achieve your short-term goal of buying a car worth 10 lakhs within the next year, as well as a long-term investment plan for your equity and debt portfolio:

Short-Term Goal (Car Purchase):
Since your goal is to buy a car within the next year, it's crucial to focus on low-risk, liquid investment options to ensure the safety of your capital.
Consider investing your savings in a combination of fixed deposits (FDs), liquid mutual funds, or short-term debt funds. These options provide relatively stable returns and allow for easy access to funds when needed.
Aim to allocate your savings in such a way that you can accumulate 10 lakhs within the specified timeframe. Calculate the required monthly contribution based on your investment choice and the expected rate of return.
Long-Term Investment (Equity and Debt):
With a monthly surplus of 50,000 for long-term investments, you have the opportunity to build a well-diversified portfolio that balances growth potential and risk.
Considering your risk tolerance and the long investment horizon, a 60%-40% allocation to equity and debt, respectively, seems reasonable.
For equity investments, consider investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap mutual funds through SIPs. These funds offer exposure to different segments of the market and can help diversify your portfolio.
For debt investments, opt for high-quality debt funds or fixed income options like PPF or debt-oriented mutual funds. These instruments provide stability and regular income while preserving capital.
Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
For your short-term goal, prioritize capital preservation and liquidity, while for your long-term investment portfolio, focus on creating a balanced mix of equity and debt instruments to achieve your financial objectives.

Best of luck with your investments and car purchase journey!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 15, 2024

Money
I am planning to buy a luxury car by age of 35. I am a 24 year old guy with 10 LPA package. How much should i save and invest
Ans: Purchasing a luxury car is a dream for many, and it's great that you have set a clear goal for yourself. As a 24-year-old with a package of Rs 10 LPA, you have a solid foundation to build upon. However, buying a luxury car involves significant financial planning and consideration. Let's explore how you can achieve this goal while also ensuring long-term financial stability.

Current Financial Situation and Analysis
Understanding your current financial position is the first step. You earn Rs 10 lakhs per annum, which translates to approximately Rs 83,333 per month before taxes. It's essential to evaluate your monthly expenses, savings, and investments to create a comprehensive plan.

Monthly Income: Rs 83,333 before taxes.
Monthly Expenses: Assess your fixed and variable expenses. This could include rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, entertainment, and other personal expenses.
Setting Clear Financial Goals
Having a clear financial goal is crucial. You want to buy a luxury car by the age of 35. This gives you 11 years to plan and save. However, it's important to balance this goal with other financial objectives such as retirement planning, emergency funds, and potential future expenses like a house or family.

The Concept of Delayed Gratification
A luxury car is an example of instant gratification. While it offers immediate pleasure and status, it is a depreciating asset. Its value decreases over time, and it does not contribute to your long-term wealth. Instead, focusing on delayed gratification can yield better financial results.

Understanding Depreciating Assets
Luxury cars are depreciating assets. They lose value over time, which means the money spent on them does not appreciate. Instead of spending a significant amount on a luxury car now, consider investing that money. Investments can grow over time and potentially fund your luxury car purchase without compromising your financial stability.

Benefits of Investing Early
Investing early allows your money to grow through the power of compounding. By starting now, you can build a substantial corpus over the next 11 years. This approach ensures that you have enough funds for your luxury car while also securing your financial future.

Investment Strategies for Wealth Creation
To achieve your financial goals, consider the following investment strategies:

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a disciplined way to build wealth over time. It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly, which helps in averaging the cost and mitigating market volatility.

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. Actively managed equity funds can outperform index funds by selecting high-potential stocks.

Debt Mutual Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities and provide stable returns with lower risk. They can balance your investment portfolio.

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt, offering growth potential with reduced risk.

Budgeting and Saving for Your Goal
Creating a detailed budget is essential to track your income and expenses. This helps you identify areas where you can save more. Consider the following steps:

Monthly Savings: Set aside a specific amount each month for your luxury car fund. Automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account can help you stay disciplined.

Reduce Unnecessary Expenses: Analyze your spending habits and cut down on non-essential expenses. This can free up more money for savings and investments.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund that covers at least six months of your expenses. This ensures financial stability in case of unexpected events.

Long-Term Financial Planning
While saving for a luxury car, it's crucial not to neglect other long-term financial goals. These include retirement planning, buying a house, and other significant expenses. Here's how you can balance multiple financial goals:

Retirement Planning: Start investing in retirement-specific instruments like EPF, PPF, and NPS. These provide long-term benefits and tax advantages.

Diversified Investments: Diversify your investment portfolio to include a mix of equities, debt, and other instruments. This helps in spreading risk and maximizing returns.

Regular Financial Review: Conduct regular reviews of your financial plan. Adjust your savings and investment strategies based on your progress and changing financial situation.

The Importance of Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide professional guidance tailored to your financial goals. They can help you create a comprehensive financial plan, select suitable investment options, and ensure you stay on track to achieve your objectives.

Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls
When planning for a significant purchase like a luxury car, it's essential to avoid common financial pitfalls:

Over-Leverage: Avoid taking on too much debt. High-interest loans can strain your finances and reduce your ability to save and invest.

Impulse Purchases: Stick to your financial plan and avoid impulsive spending. This discipline is crucial for long-term financial success.

Ignoring Inflation: Factor in inflation when planning your savings and investments. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money over time.

Understanding the Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds offer low costs and diversification, they may not always outperform the market. Actively managed funds, guided by professional fund managers, can potentially provide higher returns by selecting high-performing stocks.

Benefits of Regular Funds Through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing in regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential offers several advantages:

Professional Guidance: Access to expert advice and personalized investment strategies.

Active Management: Benefit from the expertise of fund managers who actively select and manage stocks.

Convenience: MFDs handle the administrative aspects of your investments, making the process hassle-free.

Final Insights
Purchasing a luxury car is a significant financial decision that requires careful planning and consideration. While it represents a dream and a status symbol, it is also a depreciating asset. By focusing on delayed gratification, disciplined savings, and smart investments, you can achieve your goal without compromising your financial stability.

Start by creating a detailed budget, setting aside savings, and investing in diversified instruments. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to help you navigate your financial journey and make informed decisions. Remember, the key to financial success lies in balancing your short-term desires with long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2024Hindi
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Hii, I earn 1.5 lakh/month after all the taxes. My age is currently 22, I have no loans and my parents do not depend on me. How should I be investing if I plan to take a 20-25 lakhs car in the near future (3-4 years). I do not need to buy a house as I will be living with my parents only. Currently I have to pay rent of 25k/month and that is my only fixed cost for a month.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You earn Rs 1.5 lakh per month after taxes. At 22, you have no loans and your parents are not dependent on you. Your only fixed cost is a monthly rent of Rs 25,000.

This leaves you with Rs 1.25 lakh per month for savings and investments.

Defining Your Goals
You plan to buy a car worth Rs 20-25 lakh in 3-4 years. This is a significant goal that requires a structured investment plan.

Investment Strategy
Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover 6 months of expenses. For you, this would be around Rs 1.5 lakh (25k rent + 1 lakh for other expenses x 6). This should be kept in a high-interest savings account or a liquid fund.

Short-Term Investments

To buy a car in 3-4 years, you need to invest in low-risk, short-term instruments. Avoid equity for this goal as it is volatile.

Recurring Deposit (RD)

An RD with a bank is a good option. It provides guaranteed returns and is low risk.

Debt Mutual Funds

Consider investing in short-term debt mutual funds. These are less volatile and provide better returns than fixed deposits.

Fixed Deposit (FD)

You can also consider a fixed deposit. It offers guaranteed returns with low risk.

Long-Term Investments

Since you don't need to buy a house and have no other major financial commitments, you can invest aggressively for the long term. This will help you build wealth over time.

Equity Mutual Funds

Invest in equity mutual funds through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). It spreads risk over time and helps in rupee cost averaging. Choose funds with a good track record and managed by reputable fund managers.

Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Fund managers adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This can result in higher returns.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a good option for long-term savings. It offers tax benefits under Section 80C and provides a fixed return.

National Pension System (NPS)

NPS is another good long-term investment. It offers tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus.

Savings Plan for Car Purchase
To save Rs 20-25 lakh in 3-4 years:

Monthly Savings Target

To reach your goal, you need to save around Rs 50,000-60,000 per month.

Investment Options

Divide your savings between RDs, short-term debt mutual funds, and FDs. This diversification will reduce risk.

Monthly Budgeting
Track Expenses

Keep a record of your expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs.

Automate Investments

Set up automatic transfers to your investment accounts. This ensures discipline and consistency.

Tax Planning
Section 80C Investments

Utilize the Rs 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C. Investments in PPF, NPS, and ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) can help you save tax.

Health Insurance

Consider taking health insurance. Premiums are tax-deductible under Section 80D.

Final Insights
Start saving and investing as early as possible. Diversify your investments to reduce risk. Review your investments regularly and adjust as needed.

Be disciplined and consistent with your savings plan to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 43 years Old, I had started 10k per month TATA AIA SIP in previous year for total 7years Plan. I want to education plan for my 1 kid who is 6 years old now. Please advice and guide me about more investments plan, as i am still confused about future growth and any plan for my wife age 38years.
Ans: You're at a critical financial stage. Planning for your child’s education and securing your family’s future are both top priorities. You've already started a ULIP, which is a start. But let’s take a deeper 360-degree view of your situation.

Below is a detailed plan, broken into simple sections for better clarity.



Assessment of Your Current ULIP Investment

You're investing Rs. 10,000 per month in a 7-year ULIP.



ULIPs mix insurance with investment. That reduces the growth power of your money.



Charges like premium allocation, fund management, and mortality charges reduce returns.



Your actual invested amount is much lower in the first few years.



ULIPs have limited flexibility in fund switching and partial withdrawal rules.



Maturity benefits are taxed if the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. Be cautious of this.



A ULIP is not ideal for education goals or long-term wealth building.



As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest surrendering this policy and moving funds to mutual funds.



You can continue till 5 years to avoid surrender charges if already started.



But do not renew after the 7-year term. Don't increase contributions in this ULIP.



Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education

Your child is 6 years old. You have around 11-12 years.



College education in India or abroad can cost Rs. 30–60 lakhs or more.



Instead of ULIPs, invest in diversified mutual funds. This will give better inflation-adjusted returns.



Use a mix of large cap, flexi cap and small cap mutual funds.



Start SIPs in these funds with a long-term horizon of 10-12 years.



You may also consider goal-based child education funds that are actively managed.



Don't invest in direct funds. They look cheaper, but don’t offer guidance.



Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan.



Your investment will stay aligned with your goal as the planner will guide with rebalancing.



Use a dedicated SIP only for child’s education goal. Don’t merge it with retirement planning.



Suggested Action Plan for Child’s Education

Shift future contributions from ULIP to SIPs in active funds.



Start with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP only for education.



Review this SIP every year and increase it by 10%-15% annually.



Add lump sums like bonuses or yearly increments into the same goal fund.



In the last 2 years before the education goal, shift to debt funds slowly.



This will protect your accumulated amount from equity volatility.



Investment Plan for Your Wife (Age 38)

She has a long horizon. She can invest for both retirement and her independent needs.



Open a separate mutual fund folio in her name.



Start SIPs in flexi cap, large & midcap, and hybrid funds in regular plans.



You can start with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase gradually.



You may also use her PPF account for additional tax-free corpus.



Avoid investing in gold, insurance policies, or real estate for her.



Ensure she has her own health insurance and a term insurance if she’s working.



If she’s not working, then create an emergency fund in her name.



That gives her independence and safety if she needs cash.



Family Protection with Insurance

You did not mention your term cover. You must have it if not already.



Ideal cover should be 15–20 times your yearly income.



ULIPs or LIC endowment policies should not be considered for protection.



Avoid investment-linked insurance plans. Keep insurance and investment separate.



Review your existing insurance covers. Add riders like critical illness and accident if needed.



Tax Efficient Planning

Use Section 80C wisely. Don’t just rely on ULIP or LIC plans.



Max out PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and children tuition for tax saving.



Invest in actively managed ELSS funds for better returns than ULIPs.



Avoid index funds for tax planning. They may underperform in volatile markets.



Debt funds are taxed as per slab now. Use carefully if short horizon.



Track capital gains if you sell mutual funds. Use new tax rules for equity funds:



  - LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

  

  - STCG taxed at 20%



Plan redemptions well in advance to manage taxes efficiently.



Retirement Planning (For You and Wife)

Start a separate SIP for your retirement corpus. Do not merge with other goals.



You have 17 years for retirement. That’s good for wealth accumulation.



Invest in a mix of actively managed flexi-cap and large-cap funds.



Add hybrid funds to reduce volatility as you near retirement.



Continue EPF, and increase VPF if possible. It is tax-free and safe.



Don't consider NPS if liquidity is important. Maturity rules are rigid.



Use mutual funds with regular advice to stay on track till age 60.



Exit ULIPs and Poor Insurance Products

You mentioned TATA AIA ULIP. Continue for 5 years to avoid penalty.



After that, exit and move funds to SIP in mutual funds.



If you or wife have LIC endowment, Jeevan Saral, or ULIPs, surrender them.



Reinvest maturity amount into SIPs in regular mutual fund plans.



Do not fall for insurance agents who pitch plans as tax saving or guaranteed.



Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 months of family expenses in a liquid mutual fund.



Don’t use your SIP or education fund as emergency source.



You may open a separate savings bank linked sweep account for this.



This fund will help if there is any job loss, health issue, or urgent need.



What Not to Do

Don’t invest in new ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.



Avoid direct mutual fund investments. You won’t get guided rebalancing.



Do not use your child’s education fund for house down payment.



Don’t pick index funds. They underperform in sideways or bear markets.



Don’t buy land or gold as an investment for your goals.



Final Insights

You are at a very strategic life stage. You have time and income strength.



ULIPs will not help you grow wealth. Shift to goal-based mutual fund SIPs.



Separate goals: child education, your retirement, wife’s security, and emergencies.



Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner for customised long-term support.



Review all goals every year. Increase SIPs with income.



Protect family with pure term insurance and health insurance.



Focus on building wealth in regular mutual funds, not through insurance products.



Real financial freedom comes when goals are funded without stress.



You have a clear head start. Use it with discipline and right guidance.



Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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