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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 23, 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
Kali Question by Kali on Sep 23, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi i have 15k approx monthly in lic in various plans. Present i am 43.from 2032 on wards some LIC will get mature. Having plot approx value of 30lacs, gold-35lacs, a 2BHK flat having loan of 17 lacs now, monthly emi-23k, startee 2 months back sip-8k. FD-10lacs. Wan t to retire at 53 .present salary-1lac plus. I want corpous-3cr

Ans: You are doing well in planning your retirement. You have already built assets in gold, FD, property, and LIC. Starting SIP is also a positive step. Wanting Rs 3 crores by 53 is ambitious but possible with discipline. Let us review from all sides and build a clear strategy.

» Present Position Assessment

– Salary is Rs 1 lakh plus per month.
– LIC premium is Rs 15,000 monthly across many policies.
– Plot value is around Rs 30 lakhs.
– Gold holding is about Rs 35 lakhs.
– FD balance is Rs 10 lakhs.
– 2BHK flat has Rs 17 lakh loan with EMI Rs 23,000.
– SIP has started two months back with Rs 8,000.
– Retirement goal is Rs 3 crores corpus by age 53.

» Strengths in Your Journey

– You have diversified across assets.
– Gold and FD provide security.
– You are disciplined with LIC premium.
– SIP has already started for long term wealth.
– Property creates future stability.
– You are thinking about retirement early.

» Weakness and Areas to Improve

– LIC policies give very low returns.
– 15,000 per month in LIC locks growth potential.
– FD also provides low return after tax.
– SIP amount is very small compared to your income.
– Flat loan EMI consumes cash flow.
– Retirement horizon is only 10 years, which is short.

» LIC and Insurance Policies

– LIC traditional plans are not suitable for wealth creation.
– They give 4% to 6% return mostly.
– This will not beat inflation.
– You need higher equity exposure.
– Suggest surrender or paid-up of LIC policies.
– Shift maturity proceeds into mutual funds.
– Keep only a pure term insurance policy.
– This protects family at low cost.

» Loan Management

– Flat loan is recent with EMI of Rs 23,000.
– Do not rush to prepay now.
– Focus on building investments first.
– Loan will get reduced over years.
– As salary increases, EMI will feel lighter.
– Continue SIP along with EMI for balance.

» SIP and Mutual Funds

– You must increase SIP sharply.
– Current Rs 8,000 is very low for target of Rs 3 crores.
– With Rs 1 lakh salary, you can do Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 SIP.
– SIP should be spread across equity categories.
– Large cap for stability.
– Flexi cap for balance.
– Mid and small cap for growth.
– Balanced advantage for smoother journey.
– Use staggered lumpsum for FD and LIC maturity proceeds.

» Allocation of Assets

– Gold and plot are non-productive assets.
– They should not be sold unless needed.
– FD of Rs 10 lakh can partly move to mutual funds.
– Keep Rs 3 lakh as emergency reserve.
– Balance Rs 7 lakh can move to equity funds via staggered plan.
– This increases equity exposure and growth potential.
– As LIC policies mature from 2032, shift all to mutual funds.
– Avoid putting more into gold or property.

» Why Not Index Funds

– Index funds only copy index.
– They cannot beat the market.
– They fall equally during crashes.
– There is no active management to protect downside.
– Actively managed funds have higher scope of outperformance.
– Skilled fund managers shift sectors and manage risk.
– Over long term, active funds create extra wealth.

» Why Not Direct Plans

– Direct plans look cheaper.
– But they do not give guidance.
– Investors often choose wrong category.
– Panic selling happens without support.
– Regular plans through CFP give discipline.
– CFP helps rebalance and switch at right time.
– That value is more than small cost difference.

» Tax Rules for Mutual Funds

– For equity funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– For debt or hybrid with debt tilt, taxed as per slab.
– Long term horizon reduces tax impact.
– Plan redemptions carefully to reduce tax burden.

» Steps for Retirement Goal

– Increase SIP to Rs 35,000 monthly immediately.
– Use mix of equity funds for SIP.
– Shift Rs 7 lakh FD to staggered equity lumpsum.
– Surrender LIC and shift proceeds to funds.
– Build emergency fund separately.
– Continue EMI without prepayment now.
– Review portfolio every year with CFP.
– Gradually raise SIP by 10% yearly.
– At maturity of LIC in 2032, reinvest to funds.
– By age 53, portfolio can aim towards Rs 3 crores.

» Risk and Behaviour

– Market volatility will come.
– Continue SIP without stopping.
– Do not panic when markets fall.
– Rebalancing keeps risk under control.
– Gold and property will act as backup security.

» 360 Degree Financial Health

– Maintain adequate health insurance.
– Keep term insurance equal to 10 times income.
– Build contingency fund in liquid form.
– Avoid unnecessary loans or luxury purchases.
– Keep investing discipline alive till retirement.
– Manage taxes with help of CFP.
– Balance wealth creation with protection.

» Finally

You have solid base with gold, FD, LIC, and property. But for a Rs 3 crores target by 53, equity exposure must grow. LIC and FD will not support this target. SIP expansion, lumpsum reallocation, and consistent review will bridge the gap. Discipline, patience, and professional guidance will make your retirement goal realistic.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2024

Money
I Am 35 yrs old, working in a product based semi conductor company. 1 daughter 7 yrs old. Current salary is 2.5L after deduction take home is around 1.9L. I Home and housing plot worth 1cr( EMIs completed). Having only one liability car loan(28k per month for next 5yrs). I have MF 7.5L, Indian shares 6L, US Shares 10L, SSY 5L, NPS 2L, PF 12L. 3.5cr personal term policy, 1cr term policy from company.Ancient properties ~1Cr. Investing 60k per month for all above instruments.My future requirements are 6Cr for retirement carpus, 2cr for my kid higher studies and marriage. In next 15 yrs I want make this corpus and retire at the age of 50. Please suggest.
Ans: It's great to see you taking charge of your financial future. At 35, working in a semiconductor company with a healthy salary of Rs 2.5L, you're in a strong position. Your take-home salary is Rs 1.9L, which gives you good leverage for savings and investments.

You have a home and a housing plot worth Rs 1 crore, with no EMIs pending. That’s an excellent milestone. Your only liability is a car loan of Rs 28k per month for the next five years.

Your existing investments are quite diverse:

Mutual Funds (MF): Rs 7.5L
Indian Shares: Rs 6L
US Shares: Rs 10L
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Rs 5L
National Pension System (NPS): Rs 2L
Provident Fund (PF): Rs 12L
Additionally, you have significant term insurance coverage: Rs 3.5 crore personal term policy and Rs 1 crore term policy from your company. Your ancient properties are worth around Rs 1 crore. You are currently investing Rs 60k per month across various instruments.

You aim to accumulate a corpus of Rs 6 crore for retirement, and Rs 2 crore for your daughter's higher education and marriage, within the next 15 years.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals

Your financial goals are ambitious but achievable with a structured approach. Let's break down your goals:

Retirement Corpus of Rs 6 crore in 15 years: This requires disciplined saving and strategic investing.

Rs 2 crore for Daughter's Higher Education and Marriage: Planning for these expenses in 15 years means you need to ensure growth in your investments while managing risks.

Current Investment Portfolio Analysis

Your current portfolio is well-diversified across various asset classes. Here’s a quick analysis:

Mutual Funds (Rs 7.5L): Offers potential for high returns. Consider a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for balanced growth.

Indian Shares (Rs 6L) and US Shares (Rs 10L): Good diversification. Continue monitoring and adjusting based on market performance.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Rs 5L): Great for your daughter’s future. It provides tax benefits and decent returns.

National Pension System (Rs 2L): Long-term retirement savings with tax benefits.

Provident Fund (Rs 12L): A safe and tax-efficient investment.

Term Insurance: Adequate coverage. Your Rs 3.5 crore personal term policy and Rs 1 crore from your company ensure financial security for your family.

Strategic Recommendations

1. Consolidate and Optimize Investments

It’s essential to streamline your investments to maximize returns and minimize risks.

Mutual Funds: Evaluate the performance of your current funds. Consider moving to actively managed funds for potentially higher returns. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio with the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Indian and US Shares: Diversify across sectors and industries. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. Monitor global and domestic economic trends.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Continue contributing to SSY for its tax benefits and secure returns.

National Pension System (NPS): Increase your contributions if possible. NPS offers good long-term benefits and tax savings.

Provident Fund (PF): Continue your contributions. PF is a low-risk, tax-efficient investment.

2. Increase Monthly Investment Allocation

Currently, you are investing Rs 60k per month. To meet your ambitious goals, consider increasing this amount progressively.

Prioritize High-Growth Investments: Allocate more towards mutual funds and equity shares. This can potentially offer higher returns over the long term.

Utilize Windfalls and Bonuses: Any additional income or bonuses should be invested to boost your corpus.

3. Education and Marriage Fund for Daughter

To ensure Rs 2 crore for your daughter’s education and marriage, focus on long-term growth instruments:

Child Education Plans: Invest in plans specifically designed for education goals. These often offer benefits aligned with educational milestones.

Equity Mutual Funds: Consider equity funds for higher returns. A combination of large-cap and mid-cap funds could provide balanced growth.

Regular Reviews: Monitor the performance of these investments regularly and adjust as needed with your CFP.

4. Retirement Planning

To achieve a Rs 6 crore retirement corpus, focus on a mix of high-growth and stable investments:

Diversified Mutual Funds: Increase your allocation to a diverse set of mutual funds. Actively managed funds often outperform index funds in dynamic markets.

Equity Shares: Continue investing in both Indian and US markets. Keep a balanced portfolio to mitigate risks.

NPS and PF: These are your safety nets. Continue and, if possible, increase contributions to these low-risk instruments.

5. Risk Management

Insurance: Your current term insurance is adequate. Ensure that the policies are reviewed regularly to keep up with inflation and lifestyle changes.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.

6. Debt Management

Your car loan is the only liability, with a Rs 28k EMI for the next five years.

Early Repayment: If possible, consider early repayment to free up more funds for investments.
Future Financial Strategy

1. Comprehensive Financial Plan

Work with a CFP to create a detailed financial plan. This should include:

Cash Flow Analysis: Understanding your income and expenses to identify saving potential.

Investment Strategy: Tailored to your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Tax Planning: Efficient tax planning to maximize your savings and returns.

2. Regular Financial Reviews

Schedule regular reviews with your CFP. This helps in:

Portfolio Rebalancing: Adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions and life changes.

Goal Tracking: Ensuring you are on track to meet your financial goals.

3. Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Stay informed about financial markets and investment opportunities. Adapt your strategies as required.

Final Insights

Your financial journey is well on track. You have a solid foundation with diverse investments, adequate insurance, and clear financial goals. With a focused strategy, disciplined saving, and strategic investments, achieving your retirement and educational corpus goals is within reach. Regular reviews and professional guidance will ensure that you stay on course.

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 Sep 02, 2024

Money
Hi sir , I'm 38 year software engineer ,married but no child My salary is 1.80 lac per month . Doing SIP 75K per month NPS 50 k yearly PPF 24 k yearly Having 2 plot costing about 40 lac and 2 flats . 5 lac invested in psu stocks 5 lac in gold bond And parental land property of near about 40 lac . Home loan pending of 40 lac ( which I will close in 4 years ) . Want to retire at age of 58 years with min 10 cr In account .pls guide
Ans: You are in a solid financial position with a stable monthly income of Rs 1.80 lakhs. You’re committed to disciplined saving and investing, demonstrated by your SIP contributions of Rs 75,000 per month, yearly NPS contributions of Rs 50,000, and a PPF contribution of Rs 24,000 annually. Additionally, you hold Rs 5 lakhs in PSU stocks and Rs 5 lakhs in gold bonds. Your real estate assets include two plots valued at Rs 40 lakhs and two flats, along with a parental property worth about Rs 40 lakhs. You also have a home loan of Rs 40 lakhs, which you plan to close within the next four years. Your goal is to retire at 58 with Rs 10 crores in savings.

This is an ambitious yet achievable goal. Let’s analyze your current situation and outline a strategy to help you reach your retirement target.

Evaluating Your Asset Allocation
Your portfolio is diversified across various asset classes, including equity, debt, and real estate. However, it’s important to assess the efficiency of your asset allocation in relation to your retirement goal.

Equity Investments: Your SIP contributions show a strong focus on equity, which is crucial for long-term wealth accumulation. Equity investments tend to provide higher returns over the long term, making them essential for reaching your Rs 10 crore target.

Debt Investments: Your investments in PPF, NPS, and gold bonds add stability to your portfolio. These are low-risk, low-return investments that protect your capital. However, their contribution to wealth creation might be limited.

Real Estate Investments: You have substantial investments in real estate, including two plots and two flats, along with parental property. While real estate can provide value appreciation, it is illiquid and may not align with your retirement needs. Holding a large portion of your wealth in real estate could impact your financial flexibility during retirement.

Diversification and Growth Potential
The key to achieving your retirement goal is ensuring your portfolio is well-diversified and growth-oriented.

Increase Equity Exposure: Given your goal of accumulating Rs 10 crores, it’s advisable to enhance your equity exposure. Equity is the most effective asset class for generating long-term returns. Actively managed equity funds, rather than index funds, can potentially offer better returns due to professional management.

Limit Real Estate Exposure: While you have significant real estate holdings, they are illiquid and may not generate the desired cash flow during retirement. Consider reducing your real estate exposure and reallocating these funds to more liquid and growth-oriented investments.

Maximize Tax-Efficient Investments: Continue with your NPS and PPF contributions, as they provide tax benefits and stability. However, focus on maximizing equity investments for higher returns.

Managing Your Home Loan
Your plan to close your Rs 40 lakh home loan within four years is commendable. Eliminating debt will free up cash flow, which can be redirected towards your retirement savings.

Prioritize Loan Repayment: While paying off your loan, ensure that your investment contributions are not compromised. A balanced approach is necessary to maintain growth in your retirement corpus while reducing debt.

Post-Loan Investment Strategy: Once your loan is cleared, consider increasing your SIP contributions or investing in other growth-oriented assets. This will help accelerate the accumulation of your retirement corpus.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide you with tailored advice and strategies to reach your retirement goal.

Customized Financial Plan: A CFP can create a comprehensive financial plan that aligns with your retirement goal. This includes asset allocation, risk management, and tax planning.

Regular Portfolio Reviews: Your portfolio should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains on track with your financial objectives. A CFP can adjust your investment strategy based on changes in the market or your personal circumstances.

Retirement Planning: A CFP will help you determine the right mix of investments that balance growth with income generation, crucial for a comfortable retirement.

Tax Efficiency and Retirement Planning
Ensuring tax efficiency in your investments is essential for maximizing your retirement savings.

Equity Investments: Focus on long-term equity investments, as they are taxed at a lower rate compared to short-term gains. Actively managed funds can offer better after-tax returns compared to index funds.

Debt Investments: While debt investments provide stability, ensure they are also tax-efficient.

NPS Contributions: Your NPS contributions provide tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B), making them a valuable component of your retirement plan.

Preparing for Retirement
To reach your goal of Rs 10 crores by age 58, it’s important to follow a structured investment strategy.

Increase SIP Contributions: Post home loan repayment, consider increasing your SIP contributions to further accelerate your wealth accumulation.

Consider a Balanced Portfolio: A balanced portfolio that includes equity, debt, and other investment options will help you achieve your financial goals. Ensure your portfolio is reviewed and adjusted regularly.

Plan for Retirement Income: As you approach retirement, consider shifting some of your growth-oriented investments to income-generating assets. This will ensure a steady cash flow during retirement.

Final Insights
Your financial position is strong, and with disciplined investing, your goal of Rs 10 crores by age 58 is within reach. Here’s a summary of the key steps:

Review Real Estate Holdings: Consider reducing real estate exposure to enhance liquidity and invest in growth-oriented assets.

Enhance Equity Exposure: Continue with your SIPs, focusing on actively managed funds for higher returns.

Close Home Loan Strategically: Pay off your loan as planned, but ensure it does not hinder your retirement savings.

Work with a CFP: Engage a Certified Financial Planner to create a tailored financial plan and regularly review your portfolio.

Focus on Tax Efficiency: Optimize your investments for tax efficiency to maximize your retirement corpus.

By following these steps, you can confidently work towards your retirement goal, ensuring financial security and peace of mind.

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 Sep 08, 2025

Money
Hi,i am 34 ,having monthly salary 1.5l ,having home loan 20lack ,having stock 15.5l -investing 20k/month, mf:3.2l- investing 20k/month,epf :7lack-invrsting 11k/month,nps:4l -investing 11k/month, ppf :3.2 l,fd:1 l, Having 1 lic paying 16k/year for 20 year........... Expecting 50k/month after retirement
Ans: – You are just 34 years old. This is a strong advantage.
– You already invest in multiple instruments. That is a great start.
– You are earning Rs 1.5 lakh monthly. This gives you good saving power.
– You are paying for a home loan. Still, you continue to invest. That is very positive.
– You have equity, mutual funds, EPF, NPS, PPF, and FD. This shows good diversification.
– You already think about retirement income. This is very rare at your age.

» Understanding Your Goal
– You want Rs 50,000 monthly after retirement.
– You did not mention your target retirement age. I will assume around 58 or 60 years.
– You want this income to sustain you and protect from inflation.
– You also need to keep tax impact in mind.
– The corpus needed depends on future inflation and life expectancy.
– Considering normal inflation, Rs 50,000 today may need to be Rs 1.5 lakh or more after 25 years.
– So your investments must aim for that adjusted figure, not just today’s Rs 50,000.

» Analysis of Current Investments
– Stocks: You have Rs 15.5 lakh in stocks, adding Rs 20,000 monthly. This is good equity exposure.
– Mutual Funds: You have Rs 3.2 lakh in mutual funds, adding Rs 20,000 monthly. This is also good.
– EPF: Rs 7 lakh with Rs 11,000 monthly contribution. Provides safe, stable growth.
– NPS: Rs 4 lakh with Rs 11,000 monthly. Helps in retirement, but has withdrawal rules.
– PPF: Rs 3.2 lakh. A safe, tax-free instrument. Good for long term safety.
– FD: Rs 1 lakh. Useful for emergencies, but low return.
– LIC: Paying Rs 16,000 yearly for 20 years. This is low-return. It mixes insurance and investment.

» Issues Noticed
– Too many products without a central strategy.
– LIC will give poor returns. You are locking money at low yield.
– Direct stock investing without proper guidance may cause risk.
– Mutual fund allocation size is small compared to stock exposure.
– NPS has withdrawal limits. You cannot freely use the entire corpus at retirement.
– EPF and PPF are safe but not enough for wealth growth alone.
– Home loan interest needs to be reviewed. Prepayment may improve cash flow in later years.

» Suggestions on Existing Policies
– LIC policy is not ideal for wealth creation.
– Consider surrendering the LIC after calculating surrender value and tax effect.
– Reinvest the amount into mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner and trusted MFD.
– Insurance must be pure term insurance, not savings plan. Ensure at least Rs 1 crore term cover now.

» Recommended Strategy for Wealth Building
– Maintain proper mix of equity and debt.
– Increase mutual fund allocation more than individual stocks.
– Actively managed funds generally perform better than index funds in Indian markets.
– Index funds do not offer dynamic management. They follow the market blindly.
– Actively managed funds can adjust to market conditions and sectors.
– Do not use direct funds. Direct funds may look cheaper but lack personal guidance.
– Regular funds through MFD with CFP help align funds with goals and protect emotions in market cycles.
– Continue EPF and PPF for safety portion of retirement plan.
– NPS is fine for tax benefits but keep in mind 60% withdrawal and 40% annuity rules.
– Increase SIP gradually every year. Even 5–10% step-up each year will make a big difference.

» Managing Home Loan
– Your loan is Rs 20 lakh. You can consider part prepayment if surplus is available.
– Lower EMI burden means more investment power later.
– But do not fully divert all surplus to loan repayment. Maintain balance.

» Tax Planning Awareness
– Equity mutual funds LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains taxed as per your income slab.
– Plan redemptions considering these taxes.
– PPF, EPF, and maturity of LIC are usually tax-free.
– NPS withdrawal partly taxable.

» Building Target Corpus
– For Rs 50,000 in today’s value, you will need more in future.
– At 6% inflation for 25 years, your Rs 50,000 may become Rs 2 lakh requirement.
– So aim to build a large retirement corpus.
– This will require higher equity allocation in the first 15–20 years.
– As you near retirement, gradually reduce equity risk and move to debt.

» Steps to Execute
– Review all holdings with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Decide correct asset allocation based on risk appetite and target years.
– Increase SIP in mutual funds. Focus on diversified equity funds.
– Reduce direct stock allocation unless you track them actively with research.
– Switch low return products like LIC into high growth mutual funds after proper surrender analysis.
– Maintain emergency fund separately. Use liquid mutual funds instead of FD for better return.
– Keep tax efficiency in mind while redeeming or switching funds.
– Regularly review portfolio at least once a year with your CFP.

» Protection for Family
– Get a pure term plan if not already. Target at least 15–20 times annual income.
– Health insurance for self and family is very important.
– Avoid mixing insurance and investment again.

» Psychological Discipline
– Do not panic in market volatility.
– Stick to long term strategy.
– Avoid chasing short term returns.
– Follow planned asset allocation, not market noise.

» Finally
– You are at the perfect age to plan big.
– Your savings rate is already good.
– With structured planning, Rs 50,000 monthly retirement income is easily possible.
– The key is to increase investment, remove low return products, and review yearly.
– A Certified Financial Planner can guide, monitor, and adjust your portfolio as life changes.
– This will protect your family, create wealth, and provide peace in retirement.
– Stay consistent and patient. Compounding will do the magic over time.

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

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
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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