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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

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
Bharathi Question by Bharathi on Jun 02, 2025
Money

I'm 43 year old, single, no kids, my monthly expenses is 1L, including rent & 25k sip. No health insurance yet. Is it possible to retire by 45? How much money required to survive till the age of 80. No loans. Following are my investments: MF portfolio 1.80Cr Stocks 6.25L NBFC 8.5L (12% std return, no compounding) Ulip 5L annual premium, maturity by 2030 Ulip 7.5L annual premium, maturity by 2033

Ans: You are disciplined and focused. That is a great strength.

But early retirement needs deep planning — especially at age 45.

Let’s do a full 360-degree analysis of your case.

Personal Lifestyle and Expense Context
You are 43 years old and single

Monthly expense is Rs. 1 lakh, which includes Rs. 25,000 SIP

Your net living expense is Rs. 75,000 per month

No dependents, no EMIs, no loans

Rent is already part of expenses

You have no health cover as of now

You want to retire in 2 years — by age 45

That gives a retirement span of 35 years (till 80)

Assets and Investment Profile
Rs. 1.80 crore in mutual funds

Rs. 6.25 lakh in stocks (direct equity)

Rs. 8.5 lakh in NBFC fixed return plan (12%, no compounding)

Two ULIPs:

 • Rs. 5 lakh/year, maturing in 2030

 • Rs. 7.5 lakh/year, maturing in 2033

You are still paying heavy premiums for ULIPs every year

This is a serious cashflow burden at this stage

Retirement Timeline and Expense Planning
You wish to retire at 45 and live till 80

That’s 35 full years without salary

Rs. 75,000/month = Rs. 9 lakh/year needed after SIPs stop

This must grow with inflation every year

Retirement money must last for 35 years — with inflation and taxes

ULIP premiums also need Rs. 12.5 lakh yearly till 2033

This creates a cashflow mismatch post-retirement

Surrender ULIPs and Stop Leakage
You are paying Rs. 12.5 lakh annually for two ULIPs

These are not suitable at all — especially for early retirement planning

ULIPs mix insurance and investment — both poorly done

You are already 43. Protection need is low, wealth need is high

These ULIPs will eat your wealth silently

Maturity in 2030 and 2033 means cash blockage for 5–8 years

Recommendation:

Immediately plan to surrender both ULIPs

Calculate surrender value — even if there is some loss, take it now

Invest that amount in regular mutual funds through MFD-CFP route

This switch will unlock your portfolio and simplify cashflow

Review Health Risk First — Before Retirement
You have no health insurance — that is risky

One medical emergency can destroy your portfolio

Don’t wait. Buy a Rs. 10 lakh individual health policy now

Add Rs. 25 lakh top-up after 6 months of clean history

Premium will be around Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 22,000 yearly

This is non-negotiable for early retirement

Medical protection is a foundation — not an option

Mutual Fund Portfolio Needs Review
You have Rs. 1.80 crore in mutual funds

That is strong, but must be portfolio-structured properly

Check if funds are all equity or mix of equity and debt

If you hold direct funds, then switch to regular plans with CFP guidance

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

No personal review or human advice

No customised goal planning or taxation help

Portfolio may become aggressive or misaligned silently

Benefits of Regular Funds via CFP and MFD:

Reviewed yearly with goal-tracking

Proper mix of equity, debt, hybrid as per age

Emotionally supported decisions during market panic

Retirement planning becomes systematic, not emotional

You don’t need just low expense — you need high confidence

Stock Market Portfolio Should Not Be Relied On
Rs. 6.25 lakh is not large, but still needs caution

Don’t expect retirement cashflow from stocks

Stocks are good for growth, not for income post-retirement

Shift 50% of stock amount to mutual funds slowly

Rest can remain for long-term growth in bluechips

But this should not be core retirement corpus

NBFC Investment Must Be Watched Carefully
Rs. 8.5 lakh giving 12% is attractive, but not safe

NBFCs carry credit and reinvestment risk

There is no compounding here — only flat returns

Exit when tenure ends. Don’t renew again

Put maturity proceeds into conservative debt mutual funds

Debt mutual funds are tax-efficient and regulated

NBFC products often lack liquidity and safety

Don’t fall for high return offers from unregulated plans

Retirement Fund Target — Is It Enough?
Your current assets are:

Rs. 1.80 crore in mutual funds

Rs. 6.25 lakh in stocks

Rs. 8.5 lakh in NBFC

ULIPs to be surrendered

This gives you Rs. 1.95 crore approx. in liquid assets today

For 35 years of retirement, this is not fully enough

You need around Rs. 3.2 to Rs. 3.5 crore as corpus ideally

So, you still need to grow Rs. 1.2 crore in 2 years

This is not practical unless returns are aggressive

Or unless you extend working till 48 or 50

Key Risks in Retiring at 45
No fresh income for 35 years

Your corpus will deplete fast if markets underperform for 5 years

ULIP premiums will still be payable post-retirement

No health insurance risk

Rent may rise over time

Lifestyle shocks can arise — accidents, support to siblings or ageing parents

Retirement is not just numbers — it needs resilience and buffers

Strategic Plan to Achieve Secure Retirement
1. Surrender both ULIPs immediately

Use surrender value to strengthen mutual fund portfolio

Avoid cashflow burden of Rs. 12.5 lakh/year

2. Buy health insurance before age 44

Don’t wait till retirement or after diagnosis

Add a top-up cover after 6–8 months

Choose a known brand with lifetime renewability

3. Extend working career till age 48 or 50

Even 5 extra years of income adds strength

Your SIPs will grow fast, corpus will double up

Retirement from age 50 will be much safer

4. Restructure your MF portfolio via a CFP-MFD

Avoid direct plans, shift to regular for ongoing guidance

Choose a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds

Plan SWP (systematic withdrawal) for future income

Review tax impact yearly with planner

LTCG and STCG on MFs must be planned well post-retirement

• LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

• STCG taxed at 20%

5. Rent impact planning

Your rent will rise every 2–3 years

You need to build a buffer reserve just for rent growth

At least Rs. 40–50 lakh must be kept as buffer corpus

Don’t invest this in stocks or equity funds

Keep it in liquid, ultra-short or debt funds with easy access

This keeps you safe from sudden rental increase

You Are Close, But Not Yet Ready
You are financially independent already — but not retirement-ready yet

There’s a difference. Retirement needs extra safety margin

Emotionally, you are ready. But practically, 3 more years will be ideal

Continue SIPs for next 36 months — increase by 10% yearly

Surrender ULIPs and redirect all premiums to mutual funds

Track monthly corpus growth with your CFP or planner

Re-assess again at 46. You will be in much better place

Don’t retire early just to escape work stress

Instead, retire strong with peace and backup

Finally
You are on a solid financial path — with no liabilities or dependents.

But retirement at 45 needs one last push — of income, savings and insurance.

Surrendering ULIPs and holding on for 3 more years will protect your future.

Retirement should be peaceful — not full of “what if” stress.

Plan today with a 360-degree view. Stay strong, stay structured.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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I am 40 year old below is my portfolio, current monthly expenses is 80k. Monthly income 4.5 lacs including pf after taxes , investing 60k mf , 60k stocks , 1 lac in pf , PPF, ssy and lic. 1.5 lacs emi in site loan which has just started, which will be there for another 6 years. Me and my wife work in IT , having 5 year old daughter. Can we retire by 50 ? Own apartment loan paid off MF mix of small , mid , large and international - 70 lacs Direct coffe can stocks - 30 lacs PPF , PF , SSY , LIC - 1 CR
Ans: Retiring by 50 is an ambitious goal, but with careful planning and disciplined execution, it can be achievable. Here are some steps you can take:

Evaluate Your Financial Position: Review your current assets, liabilities, and investment portfolio. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of your financial situation.
Calculate Retirement Corpus: Estimate your desired retirement corpus based on your expected post-retirement expenses, inflation, and life expectancy. Consider consulting a financial planner for a detailed analysis.
Optimize Investments: Continue investing in a mix of mutual funds, stocks, and other instruments to grow your wealth. Since you have a diversified portfolio, ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.
Accelerate Savings: Increase your monthly investments if possible to accelerate wealth accumulation. Consider reallocating resources from lower-yield assets to those offering higher returns, keeping risk in mind.
Debt Management: Focus on paying off your site loan within the next six years. Reducing debt will free up more resources for savings and investments.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an adequate emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses. Aim for 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid and accessible account.
Plan for Contingencies: Consider factors like healthcare expenses, education costs for your daughter, and any other unforeseen events. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to mitigate risks.
Retirement Lifestyle: Define your desired retirement lifestyle and associated expenses. This will help you determine the size of your retirement corpus more accurately.
Regular Review: Periodically review your financial plan to track progress and make necessary adjustments. Stay informed about changes in tax laws, investment opportunities, and market trends.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.
Remember, achieving early retirement requires discipline, sacrifice, and careful financial management. While it may seem challenging, with dedication and the right approach, you can work towards realizing your goal of retiring by 50.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
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Hi , I am 35 Year old. I am a software developer. Currently I have ~18 lakhs in mutual funds , 8 lakhs in direct stocks , 11 lakhs in PF , 3 lakhs in NPS and 1.5 lakhs in SMALL Bank & NBFCs FD.Have 20 lakhs family floaters health insurance , 2 crore Term plan and 15 lakhs LIC policy. I am doing 40k/month SIP, 23k/m PF and 13k/m NPS. Want to retire at 45 with monthly expenses at this Time 1 lakhs. With the current corpus and investment will it be possible? If not what differently can be done? Thank you.
Ans: Your current financial discipline is very strong. You have built a good foundation already. Planning to retire at 45 is bold. But it needs careful strategy. Retiring early is possible only with sharp preparation and focused execution. Let's do a 360-degree assessment of your readiness and guide you through the required action plan.

? Current Financial Position

– You are 35 years old now.
– You want to retire at 45.
– That gives you 10 more years to prepare.
– You already have Rs. 18 lakh in mutual funds.
– Rs. 8 lakh is in direct equity stocks.
– Rs. 11 lakh is in EPF.
– Rs. 3 lakh in NPS.
– Rs. 1.5 lakh is in small bank and NBFC FDs.

Your total corpus is around Rs. 41.5 lakh. That is a good starting point. But early retirement requires a large retirement fund. And strong monthly investing.

? Ongoing Monthly Investments

– Rs. 40,000 per month goes to mutual funds.
– Rs. 23,000 goes to PF every month.
– Rs. 13,000 monthly to NPS.

That’s a total of Rs. 76,000 monthly investment. This is excellent. Your savings rate is strong. It shows you are serious about your retirement dream.

? Current Protection Planning

– You have Rs. 20 lakh health cover as floater.
– You also have Rs. 2 crore term life insurance.

Both are necessary and right-sized. Please continue them without break.

Health costs rise sharply after 45. Ensure the family floater also covers future dependents.

? LIC Policy Review

– You have Rs. 15 lakh in LIC.
– LIC policies are usually low-return, long-lock schemes.

Please check the policy type.

If it is an investment-linked policy (endowment/money-back), it may not help much.

Early retirement needs high-return investment. LIC policies mostly give only 4%–5% yearly.

You may consider surrendering it. And shift to mutual funds.

Discuss this with your MFD or Certified Financial Planner before acting.

? Retirement Corpus Assessment

– You want to retire at 45.
– Your current monthly need is Rs. 1 lakh.
– This means you may need Rs. 1.5 lakh–Rs. 2 lakh per month post-retirement.

This is after adjusting for inflation over 10 years.

Retirement period may last 40+ years. So, corpus must support very long non-working years.

If you stop earning at 45, your investments must work for next 40+ years.

That needs a large and well-diversified retirement portfolio.

? Gaps in the Current Path

– Current corpus is not enough yet.
– At 45, you may need around Rs. 4 crore–Rs. 5 crore.
– That will be required just to start early retirement comfortably.
– Your present pace may fall short by 15%–25%.
– Market volatility may also affect this.

This gap must be addressed soon. You still have 10 years. There is time to fix this.

? Direct Equity Holding Evaluation

– You have Rs. 8 lakh in direct stocks.
– This is about 20% of your corpus.

If you are confident and managing it well, continue with a limit.

But direct equity is risky if unmanaged.

Avoid increasing direct stocks beyond 15%-20% of total corpus.

Use active mutual funds instead. Fund managers actively manage portfolio risk.

They exit poor stocks and reallocate quickly. That’s the advantage over index funds.

Index funds copy all stocks, even the poor ones.

In a downturn, index funds fall without control.

Actively managed funds protect better.

Avoid index funds for serious wealth building.

Stick with MFD-recommended active mutual funds.

? Fund Choice and Direct vs. Regular

– Many people choose direct funds on platforms.
– But they get no advice, no support.

In market drops, they panic and exit. That harms compounding.

With regular plans through MFD and CFP, you get behavioural coaching.

You stay invested with confidence.

This adds real value over time.

The small difference in expense ratio is worth the long-term gain.

Use regular plans with professional support.

? Fixed Deposits in NBFC and Small Banks

– Rs. 1.5 lakh is in small bank and NBFC FDs.
– This is okay for short-term needs or emergency buffer.

But they give low post-tax returns.

And small banks and NBFCs also carry higher credit risk.

Do not increase exposure here.

You already have enough liquidity from PF and NPS.

For emergency fund, use liquid mutual funds instead.

They are safer, give better tax-adjusted returns.

? PF and NPS Positioning

– Your EPF and NPS are long-term instruments.
– Together they contribute Rs. 36,000 monthly.

They add safety and long-term compounding.

But their equity allocation is capped.

They grow slower than pure equity funds.

Don’t rely only on EPF and NPS.

Use mutual funds as core engine of your growth.

Use balanced equity funds for smoother journey.

Add multicap or flexicap funds for aggressive growth.

Always invest through a goal-specific strategy.

? Adjustments You Can Consider Now

– Increase mutual fund SIP to Rs. 50,000–55,000 per month.
– Reduce small bank FD gradually.
– Surrender LIC policy after review and shift to mutual funds.
– Avoid new insurance-investment combos.
– Keep direct stocks under control.
– Review funds every 6 months.

This will boost growth and reduce leakage.

Also keep reinvesting any bonuses or incentives.

Use top-ups in SIPs every year. This is called step-up SIP.

Even 10% yearly increase helps you reach target faster.

? Asset Allocation Strategy

At 35, you can take higher equity allocation.

Follow this structure now:

– 70% equity mutual funds
– 20% in EPF/NPS/low-risk instruments
– 10% liquid or cash buffer

As you near age 45, shift gradually.

Move 10%–15% to hybrid and debt-oriented funds.

This avoids sudden market fall hurting your corpus near retirement.

Keep your retirement corpus diversified.

Do not keep all in one category.

Keep mix of largecap, midcap and multicap funds.

Don’t run behind highest return.

Run behind safest journey.

? Tax Efficiency Planning

Mutual funds now have new tax rules:

– LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh on equity mutual funds is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds are taxed at income tax slab rate.

So, plan redemptions smartly.

Avoid unnecessary switching.

Hold equity funds longer for better taxation.

Use retirement withdrawal ladder post age 45.

This helps you draw money smartly.

? Retirement Planning Beyond Money

Also consider post-retirement goals:

– Will you stop working completely?
– Will you take part-time or freelance roles?
– Will you start something of your own?

Even small income after 45 helps reduce withdrawal pressure.

Plan for non-financial retirement life too.

Hobbies, purpose, family time, health and peace also matter.

? Finally

Your present financial discipline is excellent. You are saving well and investing right. But retiring at 45 is a steep goal. That too with Rs. 1 lakh per month as lifestyle. It needs a much larger corpus than usual.

You are doing many right things. But some changes are needed now. Slightly increase SIPs. Review LIC and shift to mutual funds. Control direct equity. Avoid index and direct plans. Take help of Certified Financial Planner and MFD for ongoing review. This will keep you aligned and confident.

Retirement is not just about stopping work. It’s about financial independence. With smart steps, that dream can become real.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Asked by Anonymous - Sep 07, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 44 yr old software professional. Following is my current financial portfolio: 1.6 CR IN BANK FD/ NBFC FD/PO FD/PO MIS/NCD/SGB/RBI BOND 40 L IN PAID UP ULIPS 30 L IN FIXED INCOME SCHEME 1 CR IN MFs (75 L INVESTED AMT) 1 CR IN SHARES (78 L INVESTED AMT) SIP 8O K MONTHLY 1 CR APARTMENT NO DEBT Have Life & Medical Insurance 14 YEAR OLD SON – EDUCATION NEEDS 2 L/MONTH EXPENDITURE AFTER RETIREMENT Based on above information, is retirement possible at 45?
Ans: You have done an excellent job in building wealth by 44. Your portfolio is diversified across deposits, bonds, mutual funds, stocks, insurance, and property. You are debt-free, with SIP discipline, and you have planned well for your family. Very few achieve this level of stability at your age. Now, let us assess retirement at 45 from a Certified Financial Planner perspective.

» Current portfolio snapshot

– Rs. 1.6 crore in bank FDs, NBFC FDs, PO deposits, MIS, NCDs, SGBs, RBI bonds.
– Rs. 40 lakh in paid-up ULIPs.
– Rs. 30 lakh in fixed income schemes.
– Rs. 1 crore in mutual funds, invested Rs. 75 lakh.
– Rs. 1 crore in shares, invested Rs. 78 lakh.
– Rs. 80,000 SIP monthly, showing strong discipline.
– Rs. 1 crore apartment, debt-free.
– Adequate life insurance and medical insurance.
– Family responsibility with 14-year-old son.
– Expected retirement expenditure: Rs. 2 lakh monthly.

Your assets today are around Rs. 5.3 crore. This is a strong number. But retirement at 45 means you need income for 40+ years. That makes assessment very critical.

» Cash flow requirement after retirement

– You expect Rs. 2 lakh monthly, Rs. 24 lakh yearly.
– With inflation, this expense will double in around 12 years.
– Retirement corpus must not just provide today’s income, but also protect against rising costs.
– So, investments must grow even during retirement.

This is where balance between growth assets and safety assets matters.

» Assessment of existing portfolio

Fixed deposits and bonds: Rs. 1.6 crore
– Gives stability but returns are low.
– Post-tax return will be around 5 to 6%.
– Not enough to beat inflation.

Paid-up ULIPs: Rs. 40 lakh
– Locked and low return.
– Better to surrender and reinvest in mutual funds.
– Insurance with investment is not efficient.

Fixed income schemes: Rs. 30 lakh
– Similar to FDs.
– Good for safety but weak growth.

Mutual funds: Rs. 1 crore
– Strong asset with growth potential.
– SIP of Rs. 80,000 will keep adding.
– If continued for long, wealth grows steadily.

Shares: Rs. 1 crore
– Direct stock portfolio is large.
– High growth possible, but risk also high.
– Managing this for 40 years may not be easy.

Apartment: Rs. 1 crore
– Provides stability, not regular cash flow.
– Good for family security, not for income.

Overall, portfolio is 60% in fixed return, 40% in equity. For early retirement, higher equity share is needed.

» Retirement at 45: challenges

– You will stop earning salary very early.
– Investment corpus has to sustain for 40 years.
– Inflation is the biggest enemy in this long horizon.
– Only equity-oriented funds can fight inflation.
– Too much money in deposits will erode value over time.
– ULIPs drag down return.
– Direct stock handling for decades requires active monitoring.

So, retiring at 45 is possible only if you shift portfolio structure.

» Role of mutual funds

Actively managed mutual funds should become your main growth engine.

– They provide diversification.
– Professional fund managers adjust strategy as economy changes.
– Regular plan investing through MFD with CFP gives ongoing advice and review.
– Direct funds look cheaper but lack support.
– Mistakes in timing, switching, or goal allocation can destroy returns.
– With regular plans, you pay small cost for proper guidance and discipline.

This helps to keep portfolio aligned for decades.

» Why not index funds or ETFs

Index funds follow index without active strategy.

– They do not protect in market falls.
– They cannot shift to sectors with higher potential.
– They deliver average returns, not superior returns.
– For a 40-year retirement, average return is dangerous.
– You need active management to stay ahead of inflation.

So, index funds are not suitable here. Stick to actively managed funds.

» Taxation impact on withdrawals

– When you sell equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual fund gains taxed as per your slab.
– FDs and bonds also taxed at slab rate.

So, designing systematic withdrawals matters. You need mix of equity and debt to reduce yearly tax.

» Education goal for son

Your son is 14. In 4 years, higher education costs will begin.

– Allocate a separate fund for education.
– Do not mix retirement corpus with education goal.
– Withdraw from FDs or bonds for education, not from equity funds.
– This avoids disturbing growth portfolio.

» Suggested portfolio rebalancing

– Surrender paid-up ULIPs and move to mutual funds.
– Reduce exposure in direct stocks. Shift part to mutual funds.
– Keep only manageable amount in FDs for safety.
– Balance should be at least 55% equity mutual funds, 45% debt.
– This keeps growth and stability together.

» Lifestyle expectation in retirement

Rs. 2 lakh monthly is your current target. But expenses will rise.

– In 15 years, this can become Rs. 4 lakh monthly.
– In 30 years, Rs. 8 lakh monthly.
– Your portfolio must grow faster than expenses.
– Equity helps to achieve this.
– If you stop investing at 45, growth slows.

So, you may need to continue some form of work or consulting till 50. This will reduce stress on corpus.

» Risk of early retirement

– Emotional boredom is possible after sudden retirement.
– Financial risk of long horizon.
– Dependence on markets at young age.
– Need for continuous rebalancing.
– High medical costs in future.

These must be kept in mind before final decision.

» Finally

You have done amazing work in building Rs. 5.3 crore net worth by 44. But retiring at 45 with Rs. 2 lakh monthly need for 40 years is risky. Inflation and long horizon can reduce wealth. You should restructure portfolio, move away from ULIPs and excess deposits, and rely more on mutual funds with Certified Financial Planner guidance. Also, consider extending work till at least 50. This will give more comfort and flexibility. Retirement at 45 is possible, but sustainability will be a challenge. With balanced strategy, you can retire early and still protect lifestyle.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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