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25-Year-Old Investor: How to Invest 1000 Monthly with a Housing Loan?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 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
Vignesh Question by Vignesh on Jun 15, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi Sir I'm planning to invest ?1000 monthly with step up of ?500 on each 6 months. Having a housing loan of 39L . Any suggestions on my investment and how or which SIP should I use for safe and secure investment to close my loan as earlier as possible.....

Ans: You are already planning wisely with your monthly investment and a step-up strategy. Your focus on closing your housing loan early is commendable. Let’s take a closer look at your situation and see how you can optimize your investments to achieve your goal.

Understanding Your Investment Plan
You plan to start with an investment of Rs 1000 per month and increase it by Rs 500 every six months. This step-up strategy is an excellent way to gradually increase your savings without feeling a significant impact on your monthly budget.

Managing Your Housing Loan
1. Impact of Early Loan Repayment
Paying off your housing loan early can save you a significant amount of interest. The faster you reduce your loan principal, the less interest you will pay over time.

However, it's important to balance this with your investment goals. You don’t want to divert all your resources towards loan repayment if it means missing out on potential investment growth.

2. Using SIPs for Loan Prepayment
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) can be an effective tool for accumulating funds to prepay your loan.

SIPs in equity mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to traditional savings options. Over time, the compounding effect can help you build a corpus that you can use to make lump-sum payments towards your loan.

This approach allows you to benefit from both market growth and loan repayment.

Choosing the Right SIP for Your Goal
1. Avoiding Index Funds
Index funds might seem attractive due to their low cost, but they usually follow the market’s ups and downs.

In India, actively managed funds often outperform index funds because fund managers can make strategic decisions based on market conditions.

For your goal of building a corpus to prepay your loan, actively managed funds are a better choice.

2. Benefits of Regular Funds
Direct funds might appear to have lower expense ratios, but they come with their own challenges.

Without guidance, you might find it difficult to choose the right fund or time your investments correctly.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures you have professional advice, which can help you stay on track with your financial goals.

3. Balancing Risk and Returns
Since you want a “safe and secure” investment, it’s important to balance risk and returns.

Equity funds generally offer higher returns but come with higher volatility. If you can handle some risk, a balanced or hybrid fund might be suitable for you.

These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt, offering a more stable return profile compared to pure equity funds.

Step-Up SIP Strategy
1. Gradually Increasing Investments
Your step-up strategy, increasing your SIP by Rs 500 every six months, is a smart approach.

This gradual increase will help you build a larger corpus over time without straining your finances. It also allows you to take advantage of rupee cost averaging, where you buy more units when prices are low.

Over time, this strategy can significantly increase your investment’s value, helping you accumulate the funds needed for your loan repayment.

Tax Implications and Withdrawal Strategy
1. Tax Efficiency
Tax efficiency is crucial when planning your investments. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are taxed at 10% for gains exceeding Rs 1 lakh.

To minimise tax liability, you should consider spreading out your withdrawals to stay within the tax-free limit.

If you opt for a balanced fund, remember that the debt component of the fund will have different tax implications. Long-term gains from debt funds are taxed at 20% after indexation.

2. Strategic Withdrawals for Loan Repayment
Once your investment has grown sufficiently, you can start making lump-sum payments towards your housing loan.

Aim to make these payments strategically, focusing on times when your investments have appreciated significantly. This will allow you to maximise your returns while reducing your loan principal.

As your investment corpus grows, you can also consider using part of it to prepay your loan in stages, rather than waiting to accumulate a large sum. This will reduce your loan tenure and save you more in interest.

Final Insights
Your step-up SIP strategy, combined with a focus on early loan repayment, is a sound approach. By carefully selecting the right funds and balancing your risk, you can achieve both investment growth and loan repayment efficiently. Avoid index funds and direct funds, as they may not align with your goal of secure and effective investment growth. Instead, opt for actively managed funds that can offer higher returns with professional guidance.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 34 years old living with my Parents, my wife and 3 yr old Son, I have invested around 75L through various FDs and Post office schemes, currently having a house loan of 45L for which I am paying EMI 35000 and extra amount each month around 25000 for past two years, planning to start to invest in SIP by this year to plan my retirement when I reach 50 years of age Could anyone please guide me for this. Currently having monthly salary 70,000 in hand.
Ans: Crafting a Financial Plan for Retirement and Wealth Accumulation
Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
At 34, you've demonstrated prudent financial habits by investing in FDs and Post Office schemes, along with diligently repaying your housing loan through regular EMIs and additional payments. With a stable monthly salary of 70,000 and a family to support, it's wise to plan for your long-term financial security.

Prioritizing Retirement Planning
Starting SIPs for retirement planning is a commendable step towards securing your financial future. Aim to allocate a portion of your monthly income towards equity-oriented mutual funds through SIPs to harness the power of compounding over the long term.

Determining Retirement Corpus
Calculate your desired retirement corpus based on your lifestyle expenses, inflation, and retirement age target of 50. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to determine the appropriate corpus required to maintain your desired standard of living post-retirement.

Choosing Suitable Mutual Funds
Select a mix of equity mutual funds that align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Diversify your portfolio across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to balance risk and potential returns. Monitor fund performance regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Optimizing Debt Repayment
Continue making additional payments towards your housing loan to accelerate debt reduction and save on interest costs. Consider evaluating refinancing options or negotiating with your lender to lower your interest rate and shorten the loan tenure, if feasible.

Emergency Fund and Contingency Planning
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen circumstances or financial emergencies. Review your insurance coverage, including health, life, and property insurance, to protect your family's financial well-being.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. A CFP can provide personalized advice, recommend suitable investment strategies, and help you navigate complex financial decisions.

Conclusion
By prioritizing retirement planning, optimizing debt repayment, and building a robust financial safety net, you can achieve your long-term financial goals and secure a comfortable retirement for yourself and your family. Stay disciplined in your savings and investment approach, and seek professional guidance to maximize your wealth accumulation potential.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi Sir/Mam Could you please help me out to close my housing loan of 39L in 10 years. Kindly suggest me regarding investment in SIP how/which SIP/ how much should I invest regularly
Ans: To close your housing loan of Rs. 39 lakhs in 10 years and to strategically invest in SIPs, we need a comprehensive plan that aligns with your financial goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. I appreciate your diligence in seeking a well-rounded financial strategy, and I am here to guide you through the process. Let’s break down the approach into clear, manageable steps:

Understanding Your Financial Position
Firstly, it’s essential to evaluate your current financial standing. This involves a detailed review of your income, expenses, existing investments, and liabilities. You earn Rs. 80,000 per month and have monthly expenses of Rs. 30,000. This leaves you with a disposable income of Rs. 50,000.

You have existing investments in mutual funds, stocks, PPF, NPS, and a car loan. Understanding this will help us allocate funds effectively towards your loan repayment and SIP investments.

Prioritizing Loan Repayment
Closing your housing loan in 10 years is a prudent financial decision. To achieve this, we need a disciplined repayment strategy. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Increase EMI Payments:

The most straightforward way to close your loan faster is to increase your EMI payments. By increasing your EMI amount, you can reduce the principal faster, thus saving on interest costs. Allocate a portion of your disposable income towards higher EMI payments.

Make Lump Sum Payments:

Whenever you receive a bonus, incentive, or any windfall gain, channel it towards your home loan. This will significantly reduce the outstanding principal and the interest burden.

Consider Part Prepayments:

Set a goal to make part prepayments annually. This will also help in reducing the loan tenure and overall interest.

Review Loan Terms Regularly:

Periodically review the interest rates and terms of your loan. If you find a better deal with a lower interest rate, consider refinancing your loan.

Strategic Investment in SIPs
Investing in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) is an excellent way to build wealth over time. Here’s how you can approach SIP investments to achieve your financial goals:

Determine Investment Goals:

Clearly define your financial goals. These could be retirement planning, children’s education, or building a corpus for future needs. Having specific goals will help in selecting the right SIPs.

Assess Risk Tolerance:

Your risk tolerance will dictate the type of SIPs you should invest in. Since you have a 10-year horizon for loan repayment and longer for other goals, a balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt funds is advisable.

Choose Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds, unlike index funds, are managed by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market. They offer the potential for higher returns and flexibility in managing the portfolio based on market conditions.

Avoid Direct Funds:

Investing through regular funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is beneficial. A CFP can provide professional advice, monitor your investments, and make necessary adjustments, ensuring your portfolio remains aligned with your goals.

Recommended Allocation for SIPs
Given your financial goals and current position, here’s a suggested allocation for your SIP investments:

Equity Funds:

Allocate a significant portion of your SIPs to equity funds. These include large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Equity funds offer higher returns over the long term, essential for wealth creation.

Debt Funds:

Invest in debt funds to balance the risk. Debt funds provide stable returns and are less volatile compared to equity funds. This is crucial for preserving capital and providing liquidity.

Hybrid Funds:

Consider hybrid funds, which invest in a mix of equities and debt. They offer a balanced risk-return profile, suitable for moderate risk tolerance.

Detailed SIP Strategy
Large-Cap Equity Funds:

Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a strong track record. They offer stability and steady returns. Allocate around 30% of your SIPs to large-cap funds.

Mid-Cap Equity Funds:

Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential. They are slightly riskier than large-cap funds but can provide higher returns. Allocate around 20% to mid-cap funds.

Small-Cap Equity Funds:

Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies with significant growth potential. They are riskier but can yield high returns. Allocate around 10% to small-cap funds.

Hybrid Funds:

Hybrid funds offer a balanced mix of equity and debt, suitable for moderate risk tolerance. Allocate around 20% to hybrid funds.

Debt Funds:

Debt funds provide stability and regular income. They are less risky and suitable for short to medium-term goals. Allocate around 20% to debt funds.

SIP Amount and Frequency
Monthly SIP Investment:

Based on your disposable income and financial goals, a monthly SIP investment of Rs. 25,000 is feasible. This amount can be distributed across the suggested fund categories.

Automatic Investments:

Set up automatic SIP investments to ensure consistency and discipline. This will help in averaging the cost of investments over time.

Monitoring and Review
Regularly monitor your SIP investments and loan repayment progress. Here’s how you can stay on track:

Annual Reviews:

Conduct annual reviews of your investment portfolio. Assess the performance of your SIPs and make necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your financial goals.

Rebalance Portfolio:

Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This ensures that your investments remain aligned with your risk tolerance and goals.

Stay Informed:

Keep yourself informed about market trends and economic developments. This will help you make informed decisions and adjust your investment strategy as needed.

Final Insights
Closing your housing loan in 10 years and building a robust investment portfolio through SIPs requires discipline and strategic planning. By increasing your EMI payments, making part prepayments, and investing in a balanced mix of equity and debt funds, you can achieve your financial goals.

Remember, investing through regular funds with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner offers significant benefits. A CFP can provide professional advice, monitor your investments, and make necessary adjustments to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals.

Stay disciplined, review your investments regularly, and make informed decisions to secure a financially sound future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

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Hi sir, My name is imdad Khan, I am married and father of a 1yr old boy and I am 27 years old and having monthly income 70k and 2 loans are running ie., of 35k, House rent will be 10k. Expenses are 10k per month. One of my colleague has suggested me to do SIP so i have started of SIP 2500. Could you please suggest me where and how many i have to invest so that with in 5 years. At least i have to save 20 lakhs. Thank you
Ans: Imdad,

Thank you for sharing your details. You have a stable income of Rs 70,000 per month. You are also a responsible father and husband.

Let's assess your financial situation:

Income: Rs 70,000 per month
Loans: Rs 35,000 per month
House Rent: Rs 10,000 per month
Expenses: Rs 10,000 per month
SIP Investment: Rs 2,500 per month
This leaves you with Rs 12,500 for savings and investments.

Goals and Investment Strategy
Your goal is to save Rs 20 lakhs in 5 years. To achieve this, a structured investment plan is essential.

Increase SIP Contributions
Step 1: Increase your SIP from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000. This will significantly boost your savings.
Step 2: Invest in diversified equity mutual funds. They provide potential for higher returns.
Debt Management
Step 1: Focus on repaying your loans. This will reduce your monthly liabilities.
Step 2: Aim to pay off your higher-interest loan first. This will save you money in the long run.
Emergency Fund
Step 1: Allocate a portion of your savings to build an emergency fund. Aim for at least 3 months of expenses.
Step 2: Keep this fund in a liquid asset. A liquid mutual fund is a good option.
Insurance Planning
Step 1: Ensure you have adequate life insurance. Term insurance is cost-effective.
Step 2: Health insurance is crucial. Secure a family floater plan for your family's protection.
Diversified Investment Plan
Step 1: Apart from SIPs, consider other investment avenues like PPF and NPS. These provide tax benefits and steady returns.
Step 2: Avoid direct funds. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer professional management.
Avoid Index Funds
Step 1: Index funds mimic the market. They offer average returns, which might not be sufficient for your goal.
Step 2: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market. Professional fund managers can navigate market fluctuations better.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Step 1: Regularly review your investment portfolio. Ensure it aligns with your goals.
Step 2: Adjust your investments based on market conditions. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.
Final Insights
Your goal of saving Rs 20 lakhs in 5 years is achievable. With disciplined savings and smart investments, you can secure a bright financial future for your family. Focus on increasing your SIP contributions, managing debt efficiently, and diversifying your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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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

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Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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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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