Hi, I'm almost 36years old married no kids, earning around 1.2L, staying in a rented flat in Hyderabad with expenses up to 50-60K per month. No loans and have around 10L in FD and doing the following savings: ELSS: 50k yearly, around 2.86L in investment NPS: 50k yearly, started 3years back LIC: 50k yearly, 16year term (finished 10 installments) MF: 12k monthly combination of Large/Mid/Small Cap’s Stocks: 40k Gold: SGB bond worth 1L and 2L physical gold PPF: 20k yearly EPF: 10k monthly I feel I’m doing the financial planning with less risky and guaranteed returns. With inflation in mind, will these be enough? how to diversify the savings? Even my Parents are staying in Rented flat. Want to buy a flat but worried all my earnings will go into EMI and might become a burden.

Ans: You are doing a commendable job with your financial planning, focusing on a variety of investment options. At almost 36 years old, earning around ?1.2 lakh monthly, and maintaining expenses up to ?60,000 per month, you have managed to save and invest diligently.

Existing Investments
Your current investments include:

ELSS: ?50,000 yearly
NPS: ?50,000 yearly
LIC: ?50,000 yearly
Mutual Funds: ?12,000 monthly
Stocks: ?40,000
Gold: ?1 lakh in SGB bonds and ?2 lakh in physical gold
PPF: ?20,000 yearly
EPF: ?10,000 monthly
Fixed Deposit: ?10 lakh
You are saving well and have diversified into various financial instruments. However, there are areas for improvement to ensure you achieve your financial goals while managing inflation and ensuring long-term growth.

Concerns and Goals
You mentioned concerns about inflation and the sufficiency of your savings. You are also contemplating buying a flat but worry about the financial burden of EMIs. Additionally, your parents live in a rented flat, which might also influence your decision to buy property.

Analysis of Current Investments
Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
ELSS is a good tax-saving instrument that offers potential for long-term growth. However, investing only ?50,000 annually might not be sufficient to keep pace with inflation. Consider increasing your ELSS contribution if possible.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a solid option for retirement planning, offering tax benefits and long-term growth. However, be mindful of the investment choices within NPS, ensuring a good balance of equity and debt for optimal growth.

Life Insurance (LIC)
While LIC policies offer security, they often come with lower returns compared to other investment options. Ensure that your life insurance coverage is adequate for your needs, but consider other investment avenues for higher returns.

Insurance-cum-investment schemes
Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:
• Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
• Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
• Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:
• Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
• Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
• Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!
• Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
• Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.


Mutual Funds
Investing ?12,000 monthly in a combination of large, mid, and small-cap mutual funds is a good strategy. Actively managed mutual funds often outperform index funds, offering better potential for returns. Ensure you are regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio.

Stocks
A direct investment in stocks of ?40,000 is a good start. Ensure you are diversifying across sectors and companies to mitigate risks. Regularly monitor and adjust your stock portfolio based on market conditions and performance.

Gold
Holding gold through SGB bonds and physical gold provides a hedge against inflation. However, ensure it doesn't constitute too large a portion of your portfolio, as gold typically doesn't provide significant returns compared to equities.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe and tax-efficient investment. Your annual contribution of ?20,000 is good for stable returns. However, considering its lock-in period and return rate, ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF)
EPF contributions are beneficial for retirement, offering tax benefits and stable returns. Your monthly contribution of ?10,000 is a good base, contributing to long-term financial security.

Fixed Deposits (FD)
Fixed Deposits offer safety but with lower returns, often not keeping pace with inflation. Your ?10 lakh in FDs might be too conservative. Consider reallocating some funds to higher-return investments.

Recommendations for Diversification and Growth
Increase Equity Exposure
Equities tend to outperform other asset classes over the long term. Consider increasing your allocation to equity mutual funds or stocks. Actively managed funds often offer better returns compared to index funds, as fund managers can make strategic decisions to outperform the market.

Rebalance Your Portfolio
Regularly review and rebalance your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Diversification across different asset classes can help manage risk while aiming for higher returns.

Benefits of Regular Mutual Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable guidance. Regular funds often come with advisory benefits that can help you make informed decisions, balancing growth and risk effectively.

Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
While direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios, they lack advisory services. This can be a disadvantage if you are not well-versed in market trends and investment strategies. Regular funds, through an MFD with CFP credentials, offer personalized advice and better support.

Maintain Adequate Insurance Coverage
Ensure your life insurance coverage is adequate to protect your family in case of unforeseen events. However, do not over-invest in insurance products as they generally offer lower returns compared to other investment options.

Assessing the Decision to Buy a Flat
Buying a flat is a significant financial decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Financial Burden of EMIs
Calculate the potential EMI and ensure it doesn't exceed 30-40% of your monthly income. Consider future expenses, such as children's education, while making this decision. Buying a flat might impact your cash flow and savings ability.

Renting vs. Buying
Evaluate the cost of renting versus buying. In some cases, renting might be more cost-effective and flexible, especially if property prices are high. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and taxes, when making your decision.

Long-term Goals
Ensure that buying a flat aligns with your long-term financial goals. If it hampers your ability to save for retirement or other goals, it might be better to wait or explore more affordable options.

Conclusion
Your current financial plan is robust, but there is always room for improvement. By increasing equity exposure, rebalancing your portfolio, and carefully evaluating the decision to buy a flat, you can ensure financial security and growth.

Remember, the key to successful financial planning is regular review and adjustment based on changing goals and market conditions. You are on the right track, and with some strategic adjustments, you can enhance your financial well-being.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in