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Ramalingam Kalirajan |10876 Answers |Ask -Follow
Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 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
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 - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
I'm retired from offshore jobs since last 10 years.age is 76. Ihave invested around 3cr.in equity 1.5 cr.in mutual funds Have a ppf 1cr.next year,extended for 5 years this year Have own house at chandigarh No loans Want suggestion to organize properly Have liability of paying around 90lakh in future
Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Landscape
You have built a good financial base over the years.
Your age is 76, and you are retired for the last 10 years.
Your key assets include equity shares of around Rs 3 crore and mutual funds of Rs 1.5 crore.
You also have a PPF account of Rs 1 crore, extended for five years this year.
Your primary residence is your own house in Chandigarh.
Importantly, you have no outstanding loans.
However, you have a future financial liability of around Rs 90 lakh.
Analysing the Nature of Your Investments
Your equity investment of Rs 3 crore carries high market volatility.
Equity is best for long-term wealth creation, but risk tolerance at your age is limited.
The mutual fund portfolio of Rs 1.5 crore offers a mix of diversification and growth.
However, at this stage, your mutual fund portfolio should be reviewed for risk exposure.
Your PPF of Rs 1 crore is a safe, government-backed investment.
It offers stable tax-free returns and suits your retirement profile.
Assessing the Future Rs 90 Lakh Liability
This Rs 90 lakh future liability is a serious obligation.
You have not shared when and how this liability will occur.
If the liability is due soon, funds should be kept in low-risk options.
If the liability is beyond five years, a moderate investment approach can work.
Your total investment corpus is over Rs 5.5 crore.
So, meeting the Rs 90 lakh liability is achievable with careful planning.
Priority 1: Liquidity Planning for the Rs 90 Lakh Obligation
Keep around Rs 1 crore in low-risk, highly liquid investments.
This can be in bank deposits, liquid mutual funds, or ultra-short-term funds.
This ensures the future Rs 90 lakh liability is met without market risk.
Do not keep such funds in equity or long-term mutual funds.
Priority 2: Rebalancing the Equity and Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your equity portfolio of Rs 3 crore is high for your age.
At 76, capital preservation is more important than growth.
You may consider reducing your direct equity exposure significantly.
Shift proceeds into conservative hybrid mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Avoid index funds as they simply copy the market.
Actively managed funds offer better downside protection.
Active funds are managed by experts who change strategy during market falls.
Priority 3: Evaluate Mutual Funds - Move to Regular Plans Through CFP
You are holding Rs 1.5 crore in mutual funds.
If they are direct plans, please re-evaluate them.
Direct plans give lower expense ratio but no expert guidance.
Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP qualification offer guidance.
A CFP helps monitor your risk, rebalance your portfolio, and help with tax planning.
Regular plans provide handholding in volatile markets.
The difference in returns is justified by the quality of advice and peace of mind.
Priority 4: Review Your PPF Strategy
Your PPF account of Rs 1 crore is well-placed.
PPF offers tax-free, assured returns and no market risk.
Continue this investment as a stable part of your portfolio.
You may use annual interest for your expenses if needed.
Priority 5: Building a Cash Flow for Monthly Expenses
You have not mentioned your monthly living expenses.
Set aside funds to generate monthly income.
Use a mix of SWP from debt mutual funds, PPF interest, and FD interest.
Avoid withdrawing from equity for day-to-day needs.
Priority 6: Taxation on Mutual Fund Withdrawals
Please remember the new tax rules on mutual funds.
For equity mutual funds, long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20%.
For debt mutual funds, all gains are taxed as per your tax slab.
Withdraw strategically with tax efficiency in mind.
A CFP can help you structure withdrawals to minimise taxes.
Priority 7: Don’t Rely Solely on Equity at This Stage
Equity creates wealth in the long term.
But, at your stage, wealth protection matters more.
Equity can fluctuate 30% to 40% in market downturns.
Such fluctuations may affect your peace of mind.
Gradually reduce equity to a much lower proportion.
Priority 8: Stay Away from Real Estate for Investment
Though you own your house, avoid investing further in real estate.
Real estate is illiquid and difficult to sell quickly when needed.
It has maintenance hassles and no guaranteed returns.
Focus instead on mutual funds and debt instruments which offer liquidity.
Priority 9: Avoid Index Funds in Your Situation
Index funds only mirror the market without any protection in downturns.
They don’t have a fund manager making active decisions.
In your life stage, downside protection is critical.
Actively managed funds adjust the portfolio during volatile times.
This reduces losses during market falls.
Your peace of mind is worth the slightly higher costs of active funds.
Priority 10: Avoid Annuities in Retirement
Annuities lock your funds with low returns.
They are illiquid and cannot meet sudden large expenses.
You lose flexibility to adjust to new needs.
Better to create income from mutual funds and debt funds.
This allows more flexibility and better returns.
Priority 11: Estate Planning is Essential
At 76, estate planning is important.
Prepare a Will to distribute your wealth smoothly.
This avoids future disputes and protects your legacy.
Nominate family members in all your financial investments.
Update nominations where missing or outdated.
Priority 12: Have a Financial Plan for Health Expenses
Health expenses can be unpredictable in older age.
Keep funds aside for medical emergencies.
Maintain a separate health emergency fund in a bank account.
Ensure your health insurance is adequate and active.
If you have not reviewed it recently, please do so now.
Priority 13: Creating a Low-Risk, Diversified Portfolio
Keep a mix of liquid funds, conservative hybrid funds, and debt mutual funds.
Liquid funds will handle immediate needs.
Conservative hybrid funds balance stability and moderate growth.
Debt funds can give better returns than FDs for medium-term needs.
Use an experienced CFP to design this portfolio mix.
Priority 14: Keep Regular Reviews Every Year
Even after retirement, periodic portfolio reviews are important.
Your future liabilities, health, and income needs may change.
A Certified Financial Planner can track this and make adjustments.
Don’t leave the portfolio unmanaged.
Ongoing management prevents unnecessary risks.
Priority 15: Protect Yourself From Emotional Investing
At your age, news about market ups and downs may cause worry.
Having a CFP on your side avoids emotional decision-making.
A CFP will advise you to stay calm during market turbulence.
This reduces chances of panic selling at the wrong time.
Priority 16: Plan for Required Minimum Withdrawals
Your investments must support your lifestyle.
Plan for systematic withdrawals to cover monthly and annual expenses.
Avoid random withdrawals, which deplete wealth faster.
A well-planned Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) helps maintain cash flow.
It also avoids sudden large capital gains in one year.
Priority 17: Future Proofing Against Inflation
Even at 76, inflation erodes your wealth.
Therefore, part of your portfolio should be in growth-oriented mutual funds.
Conservative hybrid and balanced advantage funds are suitable options.
They give growth with less volatility than pure equity.
Priority 18: Aligning Your Portfolio with Risk Capacity
At 76, your risk capacity is naturally lower.
Hence, your portfolio should be aligned with that risk capacity.
A safer portfolio avoids big losses during market falls.
Still, moderate growth is needed to fight inflation and preserve wealth.
Priority 19: Don’t Keep Idle Cash
Keeping large idle cash is not wise.
It loses value due to inflation.
Park idle cash in liquid mutual funds or short-term debt funds.
These give better returns with safety and liquidity.
Priority 20: Create a Systematic Giving Plan (If Desired)
If you wish to donate to causes, plan systematically.
Allocate a fixed amount yearly for charity.
This avoids sudden depletion of wealth.
Balance your giving with your family’s future needs.
Priority 21: Involve Family in Financial Matters
Discuss your financial matters with your family.
Let them know about your plans, investments, and future wishes.
This ensures they can manage things smoothly if needed.
Keep them informed about your Certified Financial Planner’s contact.
Priority 22: Don’t Depend on Any One Investment
Avoid over-relying on any single asset class.
A balanced approach between debt, hybrid funds, and some equity is better.
Diversification spreads the risk and improves long-term stability.
Priority 23: Review PPF Extension Periodically
PPF extension is for five years at a time.
Review whether to extend again after five years.
If you don’t need the money, keep extending.
It continues giving safe, tax-free returns.
Finally
Your financial foundation is strong, with no loans and multiple assets.
But asset allocation must now focus on capital protection and liquidity.
Address your Rs 90 lakh liability with low-risk funds.
Gradually reduce equity exposure as it carries market risks.
Use actively managed mutual funds, not index funds or direct funds.
Regular funds through a CFP give better guidance and risk management.
Estate planning, tax efficiency, and regular reviews are now vital.
Partner with a Certified Financial Planner for a 360-degree solution.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
You have built a good financial base over the years.
Your age is 76, and you are retired for the last 10 years.
Your key assets include equity shares of around Rs 3 crore and mutual funds of Rs 1.5 crore.
You also have a PPF account of Rs 1 crore, extended for five years this year.
Your primary residence is your own house in Chandigarh.
Importantly, you have no outstanding loans.
However, you have a future financial liability of around Rs 90 lakh.
Analysing the Nature of Your Investments
Your equity investment of Rs 3 crore carries high market volatility.
Equity is best for long-term wealth creation, but risk tolerance at your age is limited.
The mutual fund portfolio of Rs 1.5 crore offers a mix of diversification and growth.
However, at this stage, your mutual fund portfolio should be reviewed for risk exposure.
Your PPF of Rs 1 crore is a safe, government-backed investment.
It offers stable tax-free returns and suits your retirement profile.
Assessing the Future Rs 90 Lakh Liability
This Rs 90 lakh future liability is a serious obligation.
You have not shared when and how this liability will occur.
If the liability is due soon, funds should be kept in low-risk options.
If the liability is beyond five years, a moderate investment approach can work.
Your total investment corpus is over Rs 5.5 crore.
So, meeting the Rs 90 lakh liability is achievable with careful planning.
Priority 1: Liquidity Planning for the Rs 90 Lakh Obligation
Keep around Rs 1 crore in low-risk, highly liquid investments.
This can be in bank deposits, liquid mutual funds, or ultra-short-term funds.
This ensures the future Rs 90 lakh liability is met without market risk.
Do not keep such funds in equity or long-term mutual funds.
Priority 2: Rebalancing the Equity and Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your equity portfolio of Rs 3 crore is high for your age.
At 76, capital preservation is more important than growth.
You may consider reducing your direct equity exposure significantly.
Shift proceeds into conservative hybrid mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Avoid index funds as they simply copy the market.
Actively managed funds offer better downside protection.
Active funds are managed by experts who change strategy during market falls.
Priority 3: Evaluate Mutual Funds - Move to Regular Plans Through CFP
You are holding Rs 1.5 crore in mutual funds.
If they are direct plans, please re-evaluate them.
Direct plans give lower expense ratio but no expert guidance.
Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP qualification offer guidance.
A CFP helps monitor your risk, rebalance your portfolio, and help with tax planning.
Regular plans provide handholding in volatile markets.
The difference in returns is justified by the quality of advice and peace of mind.
Priority 4: Review Your PPF Strategy
Your PPF account of Rs 1 crore is well-placed.
PPF offers tax-free, assured returns and no market risk.
Continue this investment as a stable part of your portfolio.
You may use annual interest for your expenses if needed.
Priority 5: Building a Cash Flow for Monthly Expenses
You have not mentioned your monthly living expenses.
Set aside funds to generate monthly income.
Use a mix of SWP from debt mutual funds, PPF interest, and FD interest.
Avoid withdrawing from equity for day-to-day needs.
Priority 6: Taxation on Mutual Fund Withdrawals
Please remember the new tax rules on mutual funds.
For equity mutual funds, long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20%.
For debt mutual funds, all gains are taxed as per your tax slab.
Withdraw strategically with tax efficiency in mind.
A CFP can help you structure withdrawals to minimise taxes.
Priority 7: Don’t Rely Solely on Equity at This Stage
Equity creates wealth in the long term.
But, at your stage, wealth protection matters more.
Equity can fluctuate 30% to 40% in market downturns.
Such fluctuations may affect your peace of mind.
Gradually reduce equity to a much lower proportion.
Priority 8: Stay Away from Real Estate for Investment
Though you own your house, avoid investing further in real estate.
Real estate is illiquid and difficult to sell quickly when needed.
It has maintenance hassles and no guaranteed returns.
Focus instead on mutual funds and debt instruments which offer liquidity.
Priority 9: Avoid Index Funds in Your Situation
Index funds only mirror the market without any protection in downturns.
They don’t have a fund manager making active decisions.
In your life stage, downside protection is critical.
Actively managed funds adjust the portfolio during volatile times.
This reduces losses during market falls.
Your peace of mind is worth the slightly higher costs of active funds.
Priority 10: Avoid Annuities in Retirement
Annuities lock your funds with low returns.
They are illiquid and cannot meet sudden large expenses.
You lose flexibility to adjust to new needs.
Better to create income from mutual funds and debt funds.
This allows more flexibility and better returns.
Priority 11: Estate Planning is Essential
At 76, estate planning is important.
Prepare a Will to distribute your wealth smoothly.
This avoids future disputes and protects your legacy.
Nominate family members in all your financial investments.
Update nominations where missing or outdated.
Priority 12: Have a Financial Plan for Health Expenses
Health expenses can be unpredictable in older age.
Keep funds aside for medical emergencies.
Maintain a separate health emergency fund in a bank account.
Ensure your health insurance is adequate and active.
If you have not reviewed it recently, please do so now.
Priority 13: Creating a Low-Risk, Diversified Portfolio
Keep a mix of liquid funds, conservative hybrid funds, and debt mutual funds.
Liquid funds will handle immediate needs.
Conservative hybrid funds balance stability and moderate growth.
Debt funds can give better returns than FDs for medium-term needs.
Use an experienced CFP to design this portfolio mix.
Priority 14: Keep Regular Reviews Every Year
Even after retirement, periodic portfolio reviews are important.
Your future liabilities, health, and income needs may change.
A Certified Financial Planner can track this and make adjustments.
Don’t leave the portfolio unmanaged.
Ongoing management prevents unnecessary risks.
Priority 15: Protect Yourself From Emotional Investing
At your age, news about market ups and downs may cause worry.
Having a CFP on your side avoids emotional decision-making.
A CFP will advise you to stay calm during market turbulence.
This reduces chances of panic selling at the wrong time.
Priority 16: Plan for Required Minimum Withdrawals
Your investments must support your lifestyle.
Plan for systematic withdrawals to cover monthly and annual expenses.
Avoid random withdrawals, which deplete wealth faster.
A well-planned Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) helps maintain cash flow.
It also avoids sudden large capital gains in one year.
Priority 17: Future Proofing Against Inflation
Even at 76, inflation erodes your wealth.
Therefore, part of your portfolio should be in growth-oriented mutual funds.
Conservative hybrid and balanced advantage funds are suitable options.
They give growth with less volatility than pure equity.
Priority 18: Aligning Your Portfolio with Risk Capacity
At 76, your risk capacity is naturally lower.
Hence, your portfolio should be aligned with that risk capacity.
A safer portfolio avoids big losses during market falls.
Still, moderate growth is needed to fight inflation and preserve wealth.
Priority 19: Don’t Keep Idle Cash
Keeping large idle cash is not wise.
It loses value due to inflation.
Park idle cash in liquid mutual funds or short-term debt funds.
These give better returns with safety and liquidity.
Priority 20: Create a Systematic Giving Plan (If Desired)
If you wish to donate to causes, plan systematically.
Allocate a fixed amount yearly for charity.
This avoids sudden depletion of wealth.
Balance your giving with your family’s future needs.
Priority 21: Involve Family in Financial Matters
Discuss your financial matters with your family.
Let them know about your plans, investments, and future wishes.
This ensures they can manage things smoothly if needed.
Keep them informed about your Certified Financial Planner’s contact.
Priority 22: Don’t Depend on Any One Investment
Avoid over-relying on any single asset class.
A balanced approach between debt, hybrid funds, and some equity is better.
Diversification spreads the risk and improves long-term stability.
Priority 23: Review PPF Extension Periodically
PPF extension is for five years at a time.
Review whether to extend again after five years.
If you don’t need the money, keep extending.
It continues giving safe, tax-free returns.
Finally
Your financial foundation is strong, with no loans and multiple assets.
But asset allocation must now focus on capital protection and liquidity.
Address your Rs 90 lakh liability with low-risk funds.
Gradually reduce equity exposure as it carries market risks.
Use actively managed mutual funds, not index funds or direct funds.
Regular funds through a CFP give better guidance and risk management.
Estate planning, tax efficiency, and regular reviews are now vital.
Partner with a Certified Financial Planner for a 360-degree solution.
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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Asked by Anonymous - Nov 18, 2025Hindi
Sir I passed class 12th from Maharashtra board (PCMB + English) I scored 48 in chemistry 52 in physics and 46 in biology I have a marksheet from Nios board which consists only one subject biology in which I scored 58 marks , My question is am I eligible for admission in mbbs ( govt college ) if I score good in Neet 2026 ??? Can I combine state board (PCB)marksheet + Nios ( biology marksheet) to fullfill 50% PCB aggregate score ?? I am from general Ews category please resolve my query
Ans: I recommend appearing for all 5 subjects through NIOS
Asked on - Dec 08, 2025 | Answered on Dec 08, 2025
Am I ineligible for mbbs?? Will they reject me?
Ans: Might be as you gave PCMB already from MS board. There is not concrete answer in counselling brochure.