Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6508 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 30, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money

Hi sir, Now I am 24 and I need a fix monthly income of 3+ lakhs by the age of 50 yrs. How much did I need to invest on monthly basis?

Ans: Achieving a fixed monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs by the age of 50 is a commendable goal. Given your current age of 24, you have a 26-year investment horizon. This long-term horizon allows for strategic planning and disciplined investing to reach your target.

Understanding Your Financial Goal
To generate a fixed monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs, you need a substantial retirement corpus. The exact amount will depend on the assumed rate of return and inflation. Generally, a well-planned investment strategy can help achieve this target.

Importance of Starting Early
Starting your investments early is beneficial. Compounding plays a crucial role in wealth accumulation. The longer your money is invested, the more it grows, making it easier to achieve your financial goals.

Estimating the Required Corpus
A fixed monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs translates to Rs 36 lakhs annually. Assuming a conservative withdrawal rate of 4%, you would need a retirement corpus of approximately Rs 9 crores. This corpus can sustain withdrawals while preserving capital.

Monthly Investment Requirement
To reach a corpus of Rs 9 crores in 26 years, regular and disciplined investments are essential. Based on historical returns of diversified equity mutual funds, you can estimate the required monthly investment. Assuming an annual return of around 12%, you need to invest a significant amount monthly.

Choosing the Right Investment Avenues
Diversification is key to managing risk and achieving stable returns. Here are some recommended investment options:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds offer high returns over the long term. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equity and debt. They provide stability and moderate returns, making them suitable for long-term goals.

Debt Funds: While offering lower returns, debt funds provide stability. They should form a smaller portion of your portfolio to reduce overall risk.

The Benefits of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are an effective way to invest regularly. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and reduce the impact of market volatility. Investing a fixed amount monthly ensures disciplined savings and wealth accumulation.

The Role of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are preferable over index funds for long-term goals. Fund managers actively select securities to outperform the market. This active management can potentially provide higher returns, aiding in faster accumulation of the required corpus.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require self-management and in-depth market knowledge. Without professional guidance, it can be challenging to make informed investment decisions. Investing through regular funds with the assistance of a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers professional advice and personalized strategies.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio to track performance. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves shifting investments from overperforming to underperforming assets to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Professional Guidance
Engage with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. A CFP can help in selecting the right funds, managing risks, and ensuring that your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals.

Inflation and Its Impact
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Your investment strategy should aim for returns that outpace inflation. Equity investments generally offer inflation-beating returns, making them essential for long-term wealth creation.

The Importance of Financial Discipline
Consistency is crucial in achieving financial goals. Stay committed to your investment plan, even during market downturns. Financial discipline ensures steady progress towards your target corpus.

Building a Contingency Fund
Maintain a contingency fund to handle unexpected expenses. This ensures that your primary investments remain intact, and you don’t have to liquidate assets prematurely.

Tax Planning
Consider the tax implications of your investments. Opt for tax-efficient investment options to maximize returns. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are tax-advantaged, making them a suitable choice for long-term goals.

Conclusion
Achieving a fixed monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs by the age of 50 is attainable with disciplined investing and strategic planning. Start early, diversify your investments, and seek professional guidance. Regular review and rebalancing of your portfolio will ensure you stay on track and maximize your returns.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Nov 15, 2023

Listen
Money
Sir I am going to retire in next 3yrs. How much amount I need so that I can get monthly income of Rs70000. And where I should invest those money. Please advice
Ans: To calculate how much money you need to retire with a monthly income of Rs. 70,000, we need to know the following:

Your current age
Your desired retirement age
Your expected rate of return on your investments
Your desired lifestyle in retirement

Assuming that you are currently 51 years old, plan to retire at age 54, have a life expectancy of 20 years after retirement, and expect a 6% rate of return on your investments, you would need to have a retirement corpus of Rs. 75 lacs approx as of now which become approx. 1 Cr. after the 3 years at the time of your retirement to generate a monthly income of Rs. 70,000 for 20 years after retirement upto the age of 74 years.

As for where to invest your money, there are a number of options available, depending on your risk tolerance and investment goals. Some popular options include:

• Senior citizen savings scheme (SCSS): This is a government-sponsored savings scheme that offers a guaranteed interest rate of 8.2% per annum.
• Post office monthly income scheme (POMIS): This is another government-sponsored savings scheme that offers a monthly income to investors. The current interest rate is 7.40% per annum.
•Annuity plans: Annuity plans provide investors with a guaranteed income stream for a set period of time or for life.
• Debt mutual funds: Debt mutual funds invest in a variety of fixed-income securities, such as government bonds and corporate bonds. They offer relatively low risk and stable returns.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6508 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 30, 2023Hindi
Money
I need monthly income of 3 lakh post 65 yrs age and I am 50 now with allocation of 25 lakhs in mutual fund. In flexicap smallcap and midcap kindly suggest how much more I need to invest
Ans: Planning for a Monthly Income of Rs 3 Lakh Post-Retirement

Planning for retirement requires careful consideration and strategic financial planning. At 50, you have 15 years until you reach 65. To ensure a monthly income of Rs 3 lakh post-retirement, it's essential to assess your current investments and future needs.

Current Investment Assessment
You currently have Rs 25 lakh allocated in mutual funds, spread across flexicap, smallcap, and midcap funds. These funds have different risk levels and growth potentials. Understanding their roles and expected returns is crucial.

Understanding Flexicap Funds
Flexicap funds invest in companies of all market capitalizations. They offer flexibility to the fund manager to switch between large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This diversification can potentially provide balanced returns with moderate risk. For long-term goals, flexicap funds are beneficial.

Understanding Smallcap Funds
Smallcap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. These funds are more volatile but can offer higher returns. Investing in smallcap funds is suitable for aggressive investors who seek significant growth over a long period.

Understanding Midcap Funds
Midcap funds invest in medium-sized companies. These companies have growth potential but are less risky than smallcap companies. Midcap funds provide a balance between risk and return, making them suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite.

Calculating Future Needs
To achieve a monthly income of Rs 3 lakh post-retirement, we need to consider inflation and the expected rate of return on your investments. Assuming an average annual inflation rate and a conservative rate of return will help in estimating the future corpus required.

Evaluating Current Corpus and Gap
Your current corpus of Rs 25 lakh is a good start. However, we need to assess the gap between this amount and the required corpus. By estimating the future value of your current investments and the additional investments needed, we can determine how much more you need to invest.

Regular Investments and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
One effective way to build the required corpus is through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and compounding. For a 15-year horizon, SIPs in flexicap, smallcap, and midcap funds can help you achieve your retirement goals.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have fund managers making strategic investment decisions. They aim to outperform the market by selecting high-potential stocks. For long-term investors, actively managed funds can provide higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds passively track a market index and do not aim to outperform it. They lack the strategic decision-making of actively managed funds. For investors looking for higher returns and active management, index funds may not be the best choice.

Benefits of Regular Plans Over Direct Plans
Regular plans offer the guidance of a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They provide expert advice, continuous support, and portfolio management. Direct plans, while lower in cost, require investors to manage their investments independently, which can be challenging without in-depth knowledge.

Adjusting Your Portfolio
As you approach retirement, adjusting your portfolio to reduce risk is crucial. A Certified Financial Planner can help in rebalancing your portfolio. This ensures that your investments remain aligned with your retirement goals.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification spreads your investment across different asset classes, reducing risk. By investing in a mix of flexicap, smallcap, and midcap funds, you achieve a diversified portfolio. This helps in mitigating the impact of poor performance in any single asset class.

Estimating Additional Investments
To achieve the desired monthly income, we need to calculate the additional investments required. This involves considering the future value of your current investments and the expected returns. A Certified Financial Planner can assist in creating a detailed investment plan.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your investment portfolio is essential. It ensures that your investments stay on track to meet your financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help in making necessary adjustments and provide ongoing support.

Conclusion
Achieving a monthly income of Rs 3 lakh post-retirement requires strategic planning and disciplined investing. Your current investment of Rs 25 lakh in flexicap, smallcap, and midcap funds is a good start. However, you will need to invest more to bridge the gap.

Investing through SIPs in actively managed funds, benefiting from professional guidance, and maintaining a diversified portfolio will help you achieve your retirement goals. Regular review and rebalancing of your portfolio are crucial to staying on track.

Planning for retirement is a significant step towards financial security. With the right strategy and professional advice, you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6508 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 03, 2024

Listen
Money
I am 27 years old. I want around 10 lac rupees in 31 years as well as 3 to 4 cr as retirement plan when I will be 50 years.How much should I invest per month? My current income is 70k per month. Expense is 20k. I want to also enjoy my life not want to invest all my money. Can you please suggest
Ans: Great that you're planning for your future at 27! Let's look at your goals.
Your Financial Picture

Age: 27 years
Monthly income: Rs. 70,000
Monthly expenses: Rs. 20,000
Short-term goal: Rs. 10 lakhs in 31 years
Long-term goal: Rs. 3-4 crores by age 50

Appreciating Your Foresight

Planning for retirement at 27 is very smart
You're giving yourself time to grow your money
Balancing saving and enjoying life is important

Investment Strategy for Short-term Goal

Rs. 10 lakhs in 31 years is a modest goal
You can achieve this with small, regular investments
Consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds

Long-term Retirement Planning

Rs. 3-4 crores by 50 needs more aggressive saving
Start with 20-25% of your income for this goal
Increase this amount as your income grows

Power of Compounding

Starting early gives your money time to grow
Even small amounts can become large over time
Stay invested for the long term

Balanced Approach to Saving

Aim to save about 30-35% of your income initially
This leaves room for current expenses and enjoyment
Adjust this as your income and expenses change

Investment Options

Mutual funds can be good for long-term growth
Choose a mix of equity and debt funds
Review and rebalance your portfolio regularly

Increasing Your Investments

Try to increase your investment amount yearly
Even a small increase can make a big difference
Use salary hikes to boost your investments

Regular Review

Check your progress every 6 months
Adjust your plan if your goals or situation change
Stay committed to your long-term objectives

Enjoying Life While Saving

Set aside some money for fun and travel
This prevents feeling deprived and helps stick to your plan
Balance is key to long-term financial success

Finally
Start with investing about Rs. 20,000-25,000 per month. Increase this as your income grows. Regular review and adjustments will help you reach your goals while enjoying life.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Moneywize

Moneywize   |165 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 05, 2024Hindi
Money
I’m from Pune. I’m 48 with two children. Should I invest in ELSS funds to save tax, or should I focus on traditional instruments like PPF and fixed deposits?
Ans: Deciding between Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) and traditional investment instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Fixed Deposits (FDs) depends on various factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and tax-saving needs. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision:

1. Understanding the Investment Options

a. ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Schemes)

• Nature: Equity Mutual Funds with a tax-saving component.
• Lock-In Period: 3 years (shortest among tax-saving instruments under Section 80C).
• Returns: Potentially higher returns as they are invested in equities, but subject to market volatility.
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ?1.5 lakh per annum are eligible for deduction under Section 80C.
• Liquidity: Relatively higher liquidity post the lock-in period compared to other tax-saving instruments.

b. PPF (Public Provident Fund)

• Nature: Government-backed long-term savings scheme.
• Lock-In Period: 15 years.
• Returns: Moderate and tax-free returns, revised periodically by the government (typically around 7-8% p.a.).
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ?1.5 lakh per annum qualify for deduction under Section 80C. The interest earned and the maturity amount are tax-free.
• Safety: Very low risk as it's backed by the government.

c. Fixed Deposits (FDs)

• Nature: Fixed-term investment with banks or post offices.
• Lock-In Period: Varies; typically no lock-in for regular FDs, but tax-saving FDs have a 5-year lock-in.
• Returns: Fixed interest rates, generally lower than ELSS but higher than savings accounts. Current rates vary but are around 5-7% p.a. for tax-saving FDs.
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ?1.5 lakh in tax-saving FDs qualify for deduction under Section 80C.
• Safety: Low risk, especially with reputable banks.

2. Factors to Consider

a. Risk Appetite

• ELSS: Suitable if you are willing to take on market-related risks for potentially higher returns.
• PPF & FDs: Ideal for conservative investors seeking capital protection and guaranteed returns.

b. Investment Horizon

• ELSS: 3-year lock-in period, but generally better for medium to long-term goals.
• PPF: 15-year commitment, suitable for long-term goals like retirement or children's education.
• FDs: Flexible, but tax-saving FDs require a 5-year lock-in, suitable for medium-term goals.

c. Returns

• ELSS: Historically, ELSS funds have outperformed PPF and FDs over the long term, but with higher volatility.
• PPF: Offers stable and tax-free returns, which are beneficial in a low-interest-rate environment.
• FDs: Provide guaranteed returns, useful for capital preservation but may lag behind inflation and equity returns over time.

d. Tax Efficiency

• ELSS: Returns are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term (if held for less than 3 years) gains are taxed as per your income slab, while long-term gains (exceeding ?1 lakh) are taxed at 10%.
• PPF: Completely tax-free returns.
• FDs: Interest earned is taxable as per your income slab, which can reduce the effective returns.

3. Recommendations Based on Your Profile

Given that you are 48 years old with two children, your investment strategy should balance between growth and safety, considering your proximity to retirement and financial responsibilities.

a. Diversified Approach

A balanced portfolio that includes both ELSS and traditional instruments like PPF and FDs can help mitigate risks while aiming for reasonable growth.

• ELSS: Allocate a portion (e.g., 30-40%) to ELSS to benefit from potential equity growth, which can help in wealth accumulation for retirement or funding children's education.
• PPF: Continue contributing to PPF for long-term, stable, and tax-free returns. Given its 15-year tenure, it aligns well with retirement planning.
• FDs: Use FDs for short to medium-term goals or as a part of your emergency fund, ensuring liquidity and capital preservation.

b. Consider Your Tax Bracket

If you are in a higher tax bracket, maximizing tax-saving instruments under Section 80C can provide significant tax relief. ELSS, PPF, and tax-saving FDs all qualify, so diversifying among them can spread risk and optimize tax benefits.

c. Assess Liquidity Needs

Ensure you have sufficient liquidity for unforeseen expenses. While ELSS has a shorter lock-in compared to PPF, both still tie up funds for a few years. Maintain a separate emergency fund in a more liquid form, such as a savings account or liquid mutual funds.

d. Review Your Risk Tolerance

At 48, with retirement possibly 10-20 years away, a moderate risk appetite might be suitable. ELSS can offer growth potential, while PPF and FDs provide stability.

4. Additional Considerations

• Emergency Fund: Ensure you have 6-12 months' worth of expenses saved in a highly liquid form.
• Insurance: Adequate health and life insurance are crucial, especially with dependents.
• Debt Management: If you have any high-interest debt, prioritize paying it off before locking funds in fixed instruments.

5. Consult a Financial Advisor

While the above guidelines provide a general framework, it's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner or advisor. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.

Finally, both ELSS and traditional instruments like PPF and FDs have their unique advantages. A diversified investment strategy that leverages the strengths of each can help you achieve a balanced portfolio, ensuring both growth and security. Given your age and family responsibilities, striking the right balance between risk and safety is essential for long-term financial well-being.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |364 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Relationship
This is urgent. Pls help. My son 18 yrs has been in a relationship with his classmate. He is intelligent and very venerable as he is innocent.She has been abetting him and his behaviour on the family has changed. He shouts at us and kind of surrendered himself to her. Anything we say irritates him. He has started telling lies. He locks the room and is on the phone hours together. Even if he tells that he is sleepy, she doesn't allow him to sleep. He doesn't know that we are aware of it. We tried to indirectly talk but he doesn't care about anything as he blindly follows her instructions. He doesn't listen to anyone. We feel something is wrong. Should we talk to her parents or use some law? Making them sit and advice doesn't work.
Ans: The challenge here is that he’s likely in a highly emotional and intense phase of his life, where his attachment to this person may feel all-consuming. When someone feels like they're being judged or controlled, they tend to push back harder, and it seems that's what’s happening with your son. Approaching him with confrontation or involving legal measures may only cause him to withdraw even more.

What he needs right now, even if he doesn't realize it, is understanding and connection. If you can find a way to express your concern for his well-being, not just your disapproval of his relationship, it might open up a space for dialogue. He may feel trapped in this relationship in ways he can't yet see. Your role can be to help him feel safe enough to reflect on his own choices, rather than feel he has to defend them.

This is a delicate situation, and while it may seem urgent, sometimes a softer approach allows for a deeper breakthrough. Your patience, love, and ability to listen might be the key to guiding him through this

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x