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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7634 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 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
king Question by king on Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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I have 20 L Housing loan Mothly Emi 24k My salary 25k Wife income 20k Dad income 30k I need to investment SIP I have one Daughter 4 age and son 1 age How many years i need to investment and how much and which company name Could you please help me regarding ????

Ans: To achieve your financial goals, including your children's education and marriage as well as retirement, you need to invest approximately 1.6L per month. This investment should be split between equity and debt funds for a balanced approach. Given your current surplus of 51k, you'll need to increase savings and possibly adjust expenses to meet this target.
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  |7634 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  |7634 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

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Hai sir, I am working in The Singareni Collieries Company Limited. My gross salary 60000 Net salary 45000 In that 25500/- rupees for regular chits with 1% interest. I had 2 kids and both are one month. How to start investment in sip and mutual fund and I have to income at age children 22y
Ans: You have a stable job with a net salary of Rs 45,000. You are already committed to chits, which takes up a significant portion of your income. With two children, who are just one month old, you’re thinking ahead. You want to plan for their future, especially for when they turn 22 years old.

Evaluating Your Current Commitments

Chit Fund Involvement: You’re investing Rs 25,500 in regular chits. While chits offer liquidity, they may not be the best for long-term wealth creation. The 1% interest is relatively low compared to other investment options.

Remaining Salary: After paying for chits, you have Rs 19,500 left. This amount needs to cover your living expenses and potential investments.

Starting SIPs and Mutual Funds

Starting Small: Begin with SIPs that fit your budget. Even starting with a small amount, say Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per month, can make a difference over time.

Choosing the Right Funds: For long-term goals like your children's education, consider equity-oriented funds. These have the potential to grow significantly over 22 years.

Avoid Index Funds: Index funds track the market but lack flexibility. Actively managed funds can adapt to market changes and may offer better returns.

Planning for Your Children's Future

Goal-Based Investing: You want income when your children turn 22. This aligns with their higher education. SIPs in equity mutual funds can help build a solid corpus over time.

Increase Investments Gradually: As your income grows or once you complete your chit obligations, increase your SIP contributions. This will boost your investment corpus.

Regular Fund Reviews: Work with a Certified Financial Planner to review your investments regularly. This ensures they are on track to meet your long-term goals.

Understanding the Drawbacks of Direct Funds

Limited Guidance: Direct funds may seem cheaper but require active management by you. This can be challenging without financial expertise.

Benefits of Regular Funds with CFP Guidance: Investing through regular funds managed by a Certified Financial Planner provides expert advice. It helps in selecting the right funds and managing risks.

Maximizing Your Savings

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund. It should cover at least 3 to 6 months of your expenses. This can protect your investments in case of unexpected financial needs.

Avoid High-Cost Debt: If possible, avoid high-interest loans or debt. Focus on investing your savings in growth-oriented options like mutual funds.

Final Insights

You’re on the right track by planning for your children’s future. Starting SIPs in equity mutual funds can help you build a substantial corpus over the next 22 years. Keep your goals in mind, and invest steadily. Gradually increasing your SIP contributions and working with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure your investments are aligned with your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7634 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 - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
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Hi Sir, I have lost my job, a family of four, kinds are of 9th and 6 th year. Monthly family expense is 1.5l. I have 5 cr in equity, 1 cr in pf, don't have insurance, please guide me to invest 5,cr to manage family expenses without doing any job for another 20 years.
Ans: You have a strong asset base of Rs. 5 crore in equity and Rs. 1 crore in PF. However, your current challenge is to generate a sustainable income to manage monthly expenses of Rs. 1.5 lakh for the next 20 years.

Additionally, you lack health and life insurance, which poses risks to your family’s financial security. Your children, aged 9 and 6 years, will also require funds for their education.

Let us develop a comprehensive, step-by-step plan to manage your current situation and secure your family’s financial future.

Step 1: Prioritising Emergency and Insurance Needs

Create an Emergency Fund

Set aside Rs. 25-30 lakh in liquid or ultra-short-term funds.

This fund should cover at least 18 months of household expenses.

Ensure Adequate Health Insurance

Purchase a comprehensive family floater health insurance policy.

Opt for coverage of at least Rs. 25 lakh with top-up plans.

Get a Term Life Insurance Policy

Buy term insurance for at least Rs. 2 crore.
This will protect your family’s financial needs in your absence.
Step 2: Diversifying and Rebalancing Investments

Review and Reduce Equity Exposure

Equity is volatile and may not suit your income needs.

Gradually reduce exposure to 50% and diversify into stable instruments.

Invest in Debt Funds for Stability

Allocate Rs. 2 crore to high-quality debt funds for predictable returns.

This can provide regular income while preserving capital.

Include Balanced Advantage Funds

Allocate Rs. 1 crore to balanced advantage funds.
These funds adjust equity and debt exposure based on market conditions.
Step 3: Generating Regular Income

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)

Invest in mutual funds offering SWP options for monthly income.

Start with Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly withdrawals and adjust for inflation.

Plan PF Utilisation

Do not withdraw PF entirely at once.
Use PF as a fallback during emergencies or later retirement years.
Step 4: Securing Children’s Education and Future

Create a Separate Education Fund

Allocate Rs. 1 crore to equity-oriented funds for your children’s education.

Start SIPs for the next 8-10 years to accumulate the required corpus.

Plan for Marriage Expenses

Invest Rs. 50 lakh in hybrid funds for long-term marriage planning.
These funds will provide moderate growth with lower risk.
Step 5: Tax Planning for Optimisation

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax impact on long-term and short-term gains.

For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Leverage PPF for Tax-Free Growth
Your Rs. 1 crore in PF is tax-free and should remain untouched.
Maximise contributions to PPF to reduce taxable income.
Step 6: Periodic Monitoring and Adjustments

Review Investment Performance Regularly
Track your portfolio annually and rebalance based on market conditions.

Ensure that your investments align with your income needs and goals.

Seek Guidance from a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner can help you manage your portfolio effectively.
Regular consultations ensure your financial plan stays on track.
Step 7: Estate and Legacy Planning

Draft a Will for Asset Distribution
Create a will to ensure your assets are distributed as per your wishes.

Include provisions for your children’s future needs.

Nominate Beneficiaries for Investments
Update nominations in all financial accounts and policies.
This ensures hassle-free access for your family in your absence.
Finally

You can manage your family’s expenses and secure their future with a strategic plan. By balancing your investments and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can achieve financial independence without a job for the next 20 years. Periodic reviews will further strengthen your financial position.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7634 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
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Hi sir i am 42 year old married having two daughters 13 and 7 yrs old respectively. I have 1.5 cr fd and a plot worth 10lakh.mutual fund portfolio valuing today is 35 lac.ppf around 22 lakh..own house with no liabilities .have a monthly expenses of around 1.5 lakh. What should i do to retire as soon as possible
Ans: You are in a strong financial position with no liabilities. Your financial assets include Rs. 1.5 crore in fixed deposits, Rs. 35 lakh in mutual funds, Rs. 22 lakh in PPF, and a plot worth Rs. 10 lakh. You also own your house and have a monthly expense of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

With two daughters aged 13 and 7, planning for their education and marriage is crucial. Alongside, you aspire to retire as early as possible. Let's evaluate your financial situation and outline a 360-degree retirement plan.

Assessing Your Retirement Needs

Assuming you retire now, you’ll need Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly for expenses. Accounting for inflation, this will increase over time.

Your retirement corpus must support you for 30+ years if we consider life expectancy of 75 years.

Expenses for your daughters’ education and marriage must also be factored into your retirement plan.

Planning for Retirement Corpus

Your existing assets, if utilized well, can help you retire early. But to sustain your expenses and secure your family’s future, strategic adjustments are required:

Reassess Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits provide safety but deliver lower post-tax returns.

Redeem a portion of your FDs and allocate it to instruments offering inflation-beating returns.

Retain a portion for short-term needs and emergencies.

Review Your Mutual Fund Portfolio

Your mutual funds will play a crucial role in building your retirement corpus.

Consolidate and diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for better risk-adjusted growth.

Ensure regular reviews of fund performance with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

Maximize PPF Benefits

Your PPF investment is tax-free and risk-free, making it ideal for long-term growth.
Continue investing the maximum Rs. 1.5 lakh annually to benefit from compounding.
Building a Steady Retirement Income

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

After retirement, consider SWPs from mutual funds for steady income.

This approach minimizes tax and ensures capital growth while meeting expenses.

Diversify for Stable Returns

Invest in balanced advantage or equity savings funds for moderate returns with reduced volatility.

Consider debt funds for predictable income, especially for short-term needs.

Emergency Fund Allocation

Maintain at least 12-18 months of expenses in liquid funds or savings instruments.
This ensures liquidity during unforeseen situations.
Planning for Daughters’ Education and Marriage

Dedicated Funds for Education

Create separate investments for both daughters’ higher education.

Invest in equity-oriented funds, as the time horizon for education is 5+ years.

Plan for Marriage Expenses

Allocate a portion of your corpus to diversified funds or hybrid funds.
These investments can grow moderately and be used in 10+ years for marriage expenses.
Health and Life Protection

Ensure Adequate Health Insurance

Health costs increase with age. Ensure comprehensive coverage for your family.

Upgrade your health policy if coverage is insufficient.

Secure Life Insurance

If you hold LIC or investment-linked insurance policies, consider surrendering them.

Invest the surrender value in mutual funds or term plans for higher returns.

Long-Term Care Planning
Plan for potential medical or caregiving expenses in old age.
Tax Optimization and Estate Planning

Tax-Efficient Investments
Structure investments to minimize tax outgo, such as through equity and hybrid funds.

Redeem assets like FDs carefully to avoid unnecessary tax.

Create a Will
Draft a will to ensure smooth transfer of assets to your family.
Regularly update it as per life events.
Monitoring and Adjustments

Regular Portfolio Review
Monitor your investments yearly.

Make adjustments based on performance, goals, and changing market conditions.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to align your investments with your goals.
Finally

You are well-positioned to achieve early retirement with proper financial planning. Redirect your resources wisely, and focus on generating inflation-beating returns. Secure your daughters’ future and your retirement with a disciplined approach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7634 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 25, 2025

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Hello sir, I am 32 working with US based Fintech _ PayPal, having package 6 lakh. Can you guide me to invest, build good amount of wealth down in 10 years. Currently I have company ESOP around 4 lakh. With grow I'm having two ELSS which SIP of 500 and RD with ICICI Bank 500 per month. Have monthly expenses of car 12700 monthly for 5 years, consumer durable 5000 for 1 years. Thank you for looking into this.
Ans: You have a good foundation and the right intent to build wealth. Let's first assess your current position and identify areas for improvement:

Income and Package: Your annual package of Rs. 6 lakh is stable, giving you a consistent cash flow.

ESOPs: Your company ESOPs worth Rs. 4 lakh are a valuable asset. However, relying solely on them for wealth creation is risky.

Existing Investments: You have two ELSS SIPs of Rs. 500 each and an RD of Rs. 500 monthly. These are good habits, but the amounts are too low to meet your 10-year wealth-building goal.

Monthly Expenses: Fixed liabilities include Rs. 12,700 for car EMI (5 years) and Rs. 5,000 for consumer durable EMI (1 year). These expenses reduce your ability to invest significantly but will improve after a year.

10-Year Wealth Creation Roadmap
To build a substantial corpus in 10 years, disciplined investments and efficient planning are required. Here’s a step-by-step strategy:

Increase Your Investment Capacity
Debt Repayment Strategy:

Focus on completing the Rs. 5,000 EMI for consumer durable quickly. After 1 year, redirect this amount to investments.
Manage your car EMI as planned but avoid taking any new loans.
Boost Savings:

Aim to save at least 20-25% of your monthly income for investments.
Control Expenses:

Track your monthly expenses and reduce unnecessary spending. Prioritise investments over discretionary expenses.
Focus on Strategic Investments
Increase Equity SIPs:

Enhance your ELSS SIPs gradually after consumer durable EMI ends. Increase monthly SIPs to Rs. 10,000 or more in actively managed funds.
Diversify Equity Investments:

Besides ELSS, include diversified equity mutual funds across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap categories.
Actively managed funds offer better returns over time compared to index funds.
Systematic Allocation:

Start a monthly SIP in equity mutual funds for wealth accumulation. Ensure the SIP amount increases annually with your income.
Emergency Fund Planning
Create an Emergency Corpus:

Build an emergency fund worth 6 months of expenses. Use liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts for this.
Utilise ESOPs for Backup:

Hold your ESOPs for medium-term needs but review their performance periodically. Liquidate when needed for emergency or investment purposes.
Tax-Efficient Planning
Optimise Tax Benefits:

Continue investing in ELSS for tax savings under Section 80C.
Diversify investments beyond ELSS once the Rs. 1.5 lakh limit is met.
Understand Capital Gains Taxation:

Equity funds attract LTCG tax of 12.5% above Rs. 1.25 lakh annually. Keep your withdrawals tax-efficient.
Debt Fund Allocation:

Use debt funds for stability in your portfolio but limit their allocation. Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Insurance Review and Optimisation
Life Insurance:

Purchase a term insurance plan for Rs. 1 crore to protect your family’s future. Avoid ULIPs or endowment plans for investment purposes.
Health Insurance:

Check if your employer provides adequate health coverage. If not, take a personal health insurance policy for Rs. 10-20 lakh.
Post-Debt Investment Plan
Increase Investments Post-EMI:

After the car loan ends, allocate the Rs. 12,700 EMI towards investments. This will significantly boost your wealth creation.
Focus on Long-Term Goals:

Direct these additional funds into equity funds and avoid short-term, low-return options like recurring deposits.
Financial Discipline
Automate Investments:

Automate your SIPs to ensure consistent investing without manual intervention.
Avoid Emotional Decisions:

Stay disciplined during market volatility. Avoid withdrawing investments unless absolutely necessary.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Annual Portfolio Review:

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner. Adjust asset allocation based on performance and market conditions.
Reassess Goals:

Revisit your 10-year goal periodically and adjust investments if required to stay on track.
Track Progress:

Use investment tracking apps to monitor your SIPs and portfolio growth.
Final Insights
Your current investments and savings need significant enhancement to meet your wealth-building goal. Redirect existing cash flows post-EMI completion to equity mutual funds. Focus on disciplined investing, proper asset allocation, and tax-efficient planning. Use professional guidance to build a portfolio aligned with your goals.

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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