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Janak

Janak Patel  |71 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on May 22, 2025

Janak Patel is a certified financial planner accredited by the Financial Planning Standards Board, India.
He is the CEO and founder of InfiniumWealth, a firm that specialises in designing goal-specific financial plans tailored to help clients achieve their life goals.
Janak holds an MBA degree in finance from the Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai, and has over 15 years of experience in the field of personal finance. ... more
Tina Question by Tina on May 19, 2025
Money

I am 26 years old female, currently earning 95k per month. Can save 40-45k and invest that amount. I have 3L in mutual funds and 1L in stocks. Can't remember EPF balance. I have 1cr Term plan and health insurance is covered by company for my mother and I. So how should I proceed with the momey I want to invest? Please suggest.

Ans: Hi Tina,

I am glad to see you have already started your investment journey and you are asking the right questions.

Good so far -
You are saving almost 50% of your income for investment and that is a very good start.
You have a Term Plan of 1Cr.
You have Health insurance from employer to cover your mother and your self.
You have investments in Equity - stocks 1L and Mutual funds - 3L.

Next steps -
1. Create an emergency fund - this is typically 6 months of expenses (no investments). So save approx. 3L towards this and hold them in a no/low risk investment like FD. FDs can be accessed as and when required and funds are available almost instantly thru online mode. Each month keep aside 25k towards this and so in a year you will be set. Create an FD each month and keep on auto renewal and enable swipe-in feature. This will make breaking/withdrawal easy. Use these FD only for emergency situations.
2. Buy a health insurance super top-up policy for a large amount e.g. 50 lakhs for mother and self. The premiums will be very less and it will provide good cover. Keep deductible equal to the health insurance cover from employer e.g. cover from company is 5 lacs, then buy super top-up with deductible of 5lacs for a cover of 50lacs.
3. Assuming you do the above, you will have approx. 20k per month for investments in the 1st year and 45K from 2nd year onwards. List your goals for future and approx. amounts you will require for them with the timeframe e.g. Goal 1 in 5 years requires X amount. Once you have them listed or you decide simply to create wealth without goals that's also fine to start with. I would suggest you invest the amounts into a well diversified Mutual Fund portfolio. You already have investment in stocks and if you feel comfortable in that then you allocate some amount towards it, it depends on your comfort level and experience so far with stocks.
Mutual Fund portfolio (indicating some schemes to consider)
For creating wealth in the long term (over 7 years), you can consider allocations as below
Large Cap - 20% (alternative is Flexi cap fund or Nifty Index funds) (ICICI Bluechip, UTI Nifty 50)
Flexi cap - 20% (Parag Parikh, HDFC)
Multicap - 40% (Nippon, Mahindra Manulife)
Hybrid fund - 20% (Balance advantage funds) (HDFC)

If your goals are within 3 years, put money in FDs, 3-5 years consider Hybrid funds and beyond 5 years consider equity mutual funds.
As you have MF investment, try to align your portfolio accordingly. A good MF portfolio can be between 4-7 funds. Too many funds will not provide anything much except increase the overhead of managing them, so try to keep you portfolio simple.
Wealth creation in not so much about timing the market and picking funds (assuming you do a reasonable job with it), its more about patience and time "in" the market. So staying invested and reviewing your investment every year to see that they are on track with your expectations is more important.

You can connect with a Certified Financial Planner / Financial Advisors that are fee based to get the right advice and guidance.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.
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 Apr 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 25, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 42 years old women. Earning 1 LPM in hand. I Have 15 years old son. I never invested in mutual funds. Requesting your advice to start investing in mutual funds, like how much in which mutual funds. so I can achieve below goals 5 cr before retirement( in next 16 years) 1 cr for my son higher education by another 7 years. 1 Cr for my son marriage in another 10 years Current investments are: 1. PPF - 1.5 LPA from last 5 years ( planning to reduce considering the interest rate ) 2. VPF - 22k per month from last 2 year 3. PF- 12k per month ( and additional 12k from Employer) ( I have total around 20 L in PF now ) 4. NPS - 10k per month from last 1 year Kindly please help me with your answers considering no other income stream.
Ans: It's commendable that you're looking to start investing in mutual funds to achieve your financial goals. With a clear vision and a steady income, you're well-positioned to embark on this investment journey.

Given your goals and current investments, here's a suggested approach:

Retirement Corpus (5 Cr in 16 years): Given the time horizon, you can consider investing in a combination of equity mutual funds for higher returns potential and debt mutual funds for stability. An SIP in diversified equity funds and balanced funds could be a good starting point.
Son's Higher Education (1 Cr in 7 years): To achieve this goal, you might consider investing in a mix of equity and debt funds, leaning more towards equity for higher growth potential.
Son's Marriage (1 Cr in 10 years): Similar to the education goal, a blend of equity and debt funds can be considered. You might also explore targeted funds designed for specific financial goals.
Given your current investments in PPF, VPF, PF, and NPS, you have a stable foundation. However, considering the reducing interest rates and your goals' timelines, diversifying into mutual funds could potentially offer higher returns.

A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your needs, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you select suitable mutual fund categories, recommend investment amounts, and guide you on portfolio diversification.

Remember, investing is a long-term commitment, and it's essential to stay invested and review your portfolio periodically. Best wishes on your investment journey towards achieving your financial goals!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 26, 2025Hindi
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Money
Hello sir!I am a 26 year old female doctor who just started investing.I need to plan for my retirement,children education, Health insurance and build a diversified portfolio.Currently, I am earning 45k per month.How can I plan and invest; where can I allocate my funds? Can you please guide me
Ans: You have taken the right step by planning early. Smart financial decisions today will ensure a secure future.

You need a structured approach. Let’s break it down step by step.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Retirement Planning
You aim for long-term financial freedom.

The earlier you start, the less you need to save later.

Inflation will impact future expenses.

You need investments that grow and provide steady income post-retirement.

Children's Education Fund
Education costs rise every year.

Planning early reduces future financial stress.

A separate fund ensures money is available when needed.

Long-term investments help beat inflation.

Health Insurance Planning
Medical expenses can be unpredictable.

Health insurance protects your savings.

Choose a policy with adequate coverage.

A separate emergency fund ensures extra medical security.

Building a Diversified Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk.

A mix of equity, debt, and other assets ensures balanced growth.

Active fund management helps in adjusting to market changes.

A well-planned portfolio secures both short-term and long-term goals.

Allocating Your Monthly Income
Essential Expenses (50%)
Rent, groceries, and utility bills are unavoidable.

Keep fixed expenses within budget.

Avoid unnecessary spending.

Stick to a disciplined financial plan.

Investments and Savings (30%)
Invest in growth-oriented funds for wealth creation.

Avoid index funds as they limit returns.

Actively managed funds offer better long-term performance.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provide professional guidance.

Emergency Fund (10%)
Unexpected expenses can arise anytime.

Maintain at least six months' worth of expenses.

Keep funds easily accessible but separate from daily savings.

This protects you from financial stress during crises.

Lifestyle and Miscellaneous (10%)
Entertainment and leisure spending should be controlled.

Avoid unnecessary debt for lifestyle upgrades.

Prioritise financial security over impulse purchases.

A disciplined approach ensures long-term benefits.

Investment Strategy for Long-Term Growth
Why Actively Managed Funds Are Better
Actively managed funds provide higher returns than passive index funds.

Professional fund managers adjust portfolios based on market trends.

Passive funds do not react to market conditions.

Active management ensures better growth over time.

Avoid Direct Funds for Better Financial Decisions
Direct funds require constant monitoring.

Without expert advice, costly mistakes can happen.

Investing through a CFP ensures informed decision-making.

Professional guidance helps optimise fund selection and portfolio balance.

Debt Investments for Stability
Debt instruments provide steady returns.

They help balance the risk of equity investments.

A mix of equity and debt ensures financial stability.

Avoid over-dependence on fixed returns.

Tax Planning for Maximum Benefits
Efficient tax planning reduces liabilities.

Investments should align with tax-saving benefits.

Avoid focusing only on tax-saving products.

Long-term wealth creation should be the priority.

Importance of Insurance Planning
Health Insurance for Medical Security
A strong health plan prevents financial burden during medical emergencies.

Choose a policy with sufficient coverage.

Ensure it includes hospitalisation, critical illness, and maternity benefits.

Having insurance saves you from using investment funds for medical costs.

Term Insurance for Family Protection
A term plan ensures financial security for your family.

It provides coverage at a low cost.

Do not mix insurance with investment.

LIC, ULIP, and investment-linked policies should be avoided.

Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes
Investing Without a Clear Plan
Unplanned investments lead to financial stress.

A structured approach ensures consistent growth.

Avoid investing based on trends or peer pressure.

Focus on long-term wealth creation.

Holding LIC, ULIP, or Investment-Linked Insurance Policies
These offer low returns compared to mutual funds.

Insurance should not be mixed with investment.

If you hold such policies, consider surrendering them.

Reinvest in better options for wealth creation.

Underestimating Inflation’s Impact
Inflation reduces the value of money over time.

Future expenses will be much higher than today.

Your investments should outpace inflation.

Ignoring this can lead to financial shortfalls.

Delaying Investment Decisions
Time is a valuable asset in wealth creation.

The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compounding.

Delayed investments require higher savings later.

Even small investments today can grow into large sums.

Final Insights
You have a great opportunity to build long-term wealth.

A disciplined financial approach ensures financial freedom.

Health and term insurance provide essential protection.

Avoid financial mistakes that can impact your goals.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional guidance.

With the right strategy, you can achieve financial security and peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Guru's, I seek your guidance on my financial planning. I'm 35 years old, and my in-hand income is Rs 1 lakh per month. After all the payments I am left with 15-20k by month end. My current financial situation: * Family: I have one child who is 3 years old, and we're expecting our second baby soon. * Provident Fund (PF & VPF): Rs 45 lakhs (VPF 20%). * Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 1.5 lakhs on yearly basis adding 60k (For child's college education). * Physical Gold: Rs 2 lakhs. * Insurance: * Term Insurance: Rs 1 crore. * Health Insurance: Covered by my company for the entire family. * Emergency Fund: Rs 4-5 lakhs in Fixed Deposits. * Real Estate: Three plots worth a total of Rs 25 lakhs. I'm planning to start investing Rs 10,000 per month in Mutual Funds and would greatly appreciate your suggestions on suitable funds or a strategy, especially considering my growing family and long-term goals. Given my current assets and future responsibilities, I'm looking for advice on: * Optimizing my current investments and savings. * Best mutual fund categories or specific funds to consider for my Rs 10,000 monthly investment. * Any other areas of financial planning I should focus on or adjust. Thank you for your time and valuable insights.
Ans: You are managing your finances well at 35 years.

But some key areas need better optimisation.

Let’s assess your finances from a 360-degree view.

Understanding Your Present Financial Strength
You earn Rs 1 lakh monthly in hand.

Your savings after expenses are around Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly.

PF and VPF corpus of Rs 45 lakh is strong.

PPF is being built steadily for your child’s education.

Emergency fund of Rs 4–5 lakh in FD is sufficient.

You hold Rs 2 lakh in physical gold. But it is not earning anything.

You own three plots worth Rs 25 lakh. Real estate is illiquid and non-earning.

Your family is growing, so financial needs will rise soon.

Problems with Your Current Asset Allocation
Too much is locked in real estate and PF.

Real estate has poor liquidity and no regular income.

PF is safe but grows slowly. It cannot beat long-term inflation.

PPF is also low-growth but useful for education.

Gold is idle unless converted into digital gold funds.

There is very little equity exposure, which limits long-term growth.

This can affect your retirement and children’s future goals.

Need for Diversified Wealth Creation
You must add equity mutual funds to your portfolio.

Equity brings better long-term growth and goal funding.

Actively managed mutual funds are the right choice.

Avoid index funds. Index funds copy markets but cannot beat them.

Index funds fall during market crashes with no protection.

Actively managed funds adjust portfolio as per market trends.

You must invest through regular plans, not direct funds.

Direct funds give no guidance or review.

Regular plans give you the help of an MFD and Certified Financial Planner.

Suggested Monthly Investment Plan
Start with Rs 10,000 monthly SIP in actively managed equity mutual funds.

Split this across flexi cap, mid cap, and small cap funds.

Start flexi cap first as it adjusts across market caps.

Increase your SIP by 10% every year.

Once your second child arrives, your expenses will rise.

But continue your SIPs without break.

Try to increase SIPs to Rs 20,000–25,000 when possible.

Review SIP allocation every year with your Certified Financial Planner.

Recommended Portfolio Diversification
Equity mutual funds: 50%–60% for growth.

Debt mutual funds: 15%–20% for safety.

Gold mutual funds: 5%–10% for diversification.

Emergency fund: 10% in liquid funds.

Physical gold and real estate are non-earning, so avoid adding more.

Child’s Future Planning
PPF is good for your child’s higher education.

But it alone may not be enough.

Start a separate SIP for each child’s education goal.

Rs 3,000–5,000 monthly for each child is ideal.

Invest this in equity mutual funds with 15–20 years horizon.

Increase this SIP every year by 10%.

Do not use real estate for child’s education. It is not liquid.

Emergency and Protection Planning
Emergency fund of Rs 4–5 lakh is good.

Keep 6–9 months of expenses in liquid funds.

Health insurance from your employer is fine now.

But take a personal health policy of Rs 10 lakh later.

This will protect your family if you leave your job.

Term insurance cover of Rs 1 crore is a good start.

Increase it to Rs 1.5 crore once your second child is born.

Real Estate Reassessment
You already own three plots.

These are not helping your wealth grow.

Do not buy more property for investment.

Property resale takes time and has low rental yields.

Instead, focus on liquid and growing assets like mutual funds.

When needed, sell one plot and reinvest in mutual funds.

Gold Holding Restructuring
Your Rs 2 lakh gold holding is fine.

No need to add more physical gold.

If you want, buy gold mutual funds instead of physical gold.

These are safer and easier to sell.

Optimising Provident Fund Savings
VPF contribution of 20% is conservative.

Reduce VPF to 12%–15% and use the extra savings for equity SIP.

VPF is safe but cannot beat equity returns over 20 years.

This shift improves your long-term corpus growth.

Regular Portfolio Review is Important
Review your SIPs and goals every 6 months.

Do not stop SIPs during market falls.

Rebalance between equity and debt regularly.

Use the help of a Certified Financial Planner for ongoing reviews.

Regular plan investors get this continuous support.

Direct plan investors do not get any guidance.

Important Areas to Focus in Future
Plan your retirement corpus now, not later.

You will need Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore for retirement.

Also plan for your second child’s education and marriage.

Your life insurance must protect your family’s future lifestyle.

Health insurance must cover you during job gaps or retirement.

Estimated Tax on Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Plan your withdrawals to minimise tax.

Keep debt fund gains in mind as per your income slab.

Certified Financial Planners help optimise these tax impacts.

Action Plan for the Next 12 Months
Start Rs 10,000 SIP in actively managed equity mutual funds.

Split between flexi cap, mid cap, and small cap categories.

Review your VPF and shift some savings to SIP.

Start a separate SIP for each child’s education.

Build your personal health insurance of Rs 10 lakh.

Increase your term insurance to Rs 1.5 crore post your second child.

Review real estate holdings and plan to sell one in 5–7 years.

Key Mistakes You Should Avoid
Do not invest in real estate again.

Do not stop SIPs due to expenses rising temporarily.

Do not mix insurance and investments.

Do not rely only on PPF and PF for wealth creation.

Do not keep large savings idle in FDs.

Avoid direct mutual funds as they offer no personal guidance.

How Certified Financial Planners Can Help You
They help you track your goals regularly.

They adjust your asset allocation in different market conditions.

They give you tax planning insights every year.

They help avoid emotional mistakes during market corrections.

They keep your investments disciplined and goal-focused.

Finally
You have a good base with PF, PPF, and emergency funds.

But your equity allocation is too low for your long-term goals.

Start Rs 10,000 SIP in actively managed equity mutual funds today.

Increase it yearly as income grows.

Do not add more real estate or physical gold.

Shift focus from saving to smart investing.

Review insurance and add a family floater health plan.

Plan your retirement and children’s future right from now.

Take help from a Certified Financial Planner for regular reviews.

Stay consistent and your long-term goals will be secured.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, I am 51 year old male and have dependent wife, daughter 18yrs and son 8yrs. At present I am not working and haven't done much financial plannings. I have taken 10L health insurance for family, 30L life Insurance and have assets - 3bhk house where I stay, 2bhk on rent - 30k and 60L FD. I am not sure how to start investing as I do not have any experience with MF or stock market. Kindly advice.
Ans: You are in a stage of life where careful planning is very important. At 51, with a non-earning status, and with two dependents, your focus should be on securing income, protecting capital, and planning smartly for your family’s long-term needs.

You already have some positive things in place. Let’s evaluate your position step-by-step and guide you in building a 360-degree financial roadmap.

Your Current Financial Position – An Overview

You are 51 years old and not working currently.

You have a wife, a daughter (18), and a son (8) who are financially dependent.

You have Rs. 10 lakh health insurance for your family. That’s a good beginning.

You have Rs. 30 lakh life insurance. Needs further review.

You stay in a 3BHK house and own a 2BHK property which earns Rs. 30,000 monthly rent.

You have Rs. 60 lakh in fixed deposits.

You are new to mutual funds and stock investments.

This clarity helps to assess your financial strength and gaps.

Assessing Risk and Needs at This Stage

At this stage, you have some income (from rent), stable assets, and capital. But you do not have a regular working income. Your dependents are young, and future expenses (especially education) are high. Let’s look at your current risks:

Lack of steady income from work

Long-term education needs of your children

Inflation eating into fixed deposits

No investment in mutual funds or other growth options

Life insurance may be insufficient

Let us now see how to plan each part thoughtfully.

1. Emergency Fund – Your Immediate Support System

Always maintain an emergency fund.

For your situation, keep at least Rs. 6–8 lakh in savings account or liquid mutual funds.

This is for medical, repair, or urgent family expenses.

Use a sweep-in FD or short-term debt fund.

Do not mix this with long-term investments.

This fund gives safety when income is not regular.

2. Health Insurance – Good Start, Slight Improvements Needed

You already have Rs. 10 lakh family floater. That’s a good base.

But include a super top-up plan of Rs. 15–20 lakh.

This will add extra protection at low premium.

Ensure it covers your wife and both children till at least age 60.

Focus on plans with lifetime renewability.

Hospitalisation costs are rising fast. This cover helps preserve your savings.

3. Life Insurance – Protection Gap Must Be Covered

Rs. 30 lakh life cover is low for your situation.

Aim for at least Rs. 1 crore pure term insurance.

No investment-linked policies. Only term insurance.

This should cover:

Education of both children

Living expenses of wife

Any future liabilities

Term plan premiums are affordable if taken early.

Keep your insurance and investment separate always.

4. Fixed Deposits – Low Growth, Taxable Returns

You have Rs. 60 lakh in FDs. That’s helpful now.

But FD returns are low and taxable fully.

This will not beat inflation in the long run.

Break your FD into three buckets:

Short-term needs (1–2 years) – Keep in FD

Medium-term needs (3–5 years) – Shift to debt mutual funds

Long-term growth (7+ years) – Invest in equity mutual funds

Only idle capital should stay in FD. Rest should be working for you.

5. Rental Income – Protect and Optimise

You earn Rs. 30,000 monthly from 2BHK rent.

That is Rs. 3.6 lakh annually.

It is a good source, but keep it insured and maintained well.

Set aside part of this income for maintenance or emergency repairs.

Treat this rent as part of your monthly income stream.

6. Mutual Fund Investing – Start Simple, Go Systematic

You are new to mutual funds. That is perfectly fine. Start small, but stay regular.

Begin with regular plans through a CFP-guided Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD).

They guide you with personalised planning, tax management, and emotional discipline.

Avoid direct plans. They give no guidance and no human support.

Direct plans are for experts who monitor daily. They lack behavioural coaching.

Regular plans may have commission, but they give you full service.

Your lack of time and knowledge can hurt in direct plans.

Now for fund type selection:

For long-term (7+ years): Use actively managed equity mutual funds.

Avoid index funds. They invest in all stocks, even poor ones.

Index funds do not manage risk. No active decision-making is there.

Actively managed funds are guided by experts. They select only good quality stocks.

Good fund managers help you beat market average returns.

For medium-term (3–5 years): Use balanced or hybrid mutual funds.

For short-term (1–2 years): Use short-term debt mutual funds.

Always invest based on time horizon and goal.

7. Monthly Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) – Build a Habit

From your FD and rental income, start monthly SIPs.

Begin with Rs. 20,000 per month.

Increase gradually as you get comfortable.

SIP creates financial discipline and long-term wealth.

Small steps done regularly give big results.

8. Retirement Planning – Your Own Future Must Be Secure

You are 51. You may live another 30–35 years.

Don’t ignore your own retirement.

Start allocating a portion of FD into retirement-focused funds.

These funds help in growing capital and giving monthly income later.

Plan to create Rs. 3–4 crore retirement corpus in 10–12 years.

Use mutual fund SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) after 60.

This gives regular monthly income from mutual fund investments.

Never depend only on children. Your financial independence matters.

9. Education Planning for Children – Must Be Prioritised

Daughter is 18. Higher education is very near.

Son is 8. You have time for his goals.

Shift a part of your FD (say Rs. 20 lakh) into goal-based mutual funds.

For daughter’s education, use balanced mutual funds. Use STP to withdraw in 3 years.

For son’s education, use equity mutual funds. You have 10 years.

Allocate goal-wise. Do not mix funds.

Education is expensive. Smart early planning is needed.

10. Will Writing and Estate Planning – Protecting Your Family

You have two properties and fixed assets.

Prepare a registered Will. It prevents legal confusion later.

Mention how you wish to divide property and assets.

Also, mention nominee details in all mutual funds and bank accounts.

Nominee is not owner. Will decides final ownership.

A Will brings peace and clarity for your family.

11. Tax Planning – Keep It Simple and Smart

FD interest is taxed as per your slab. It can reduce actual return.

Equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt mutual funds: Taxed as per your slab.

Use tax-efficient funds. Keep records of investments and redemptions.

12. Do Not Mix Insurance with Investment

If you hold LIC policies or ULIPs or investment-cum-insurance policies:

Review the surrender value.

Most of them give poor return.

Exit these slowly and reinvest in mutual funds.

Keep insurance separate, as pure term cover only.

Insurance is for protection. Investment is for wealth.

13. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Avoid investing big amount at once in equity. Use STP to spread risk.

Do not chase past performance of mutual funds.

Don’t rely on tips, TV advice, or friends for investing.

Stay away from real estate investment now. It locks capital and is illiquid.

Avoid annuity products. They give low return and no flexibility.

Simple, long-term, disciplined mutual fund investing works best.

14. Engage a Certified Financial Planner

A CFP professional gives you goal-based, holistic planning.

They help in:

Asset allocation

Tax planning

Portfolio review

Risk analysis

Behavioural coaching

They bring experience, logic, and emotional balance.

Their guidance helps you avoid big mistakes.

Finally – Your Action Plan Starts Now

You have a good base with assets and no major liabilities. But planning is delayed. Act now.

Protect what you have (Health + Life + Emergency Fund)

Shift from FD to goal-based investing slowly

Begin mutual fund SIPs through regular plans

Plan for retirement and children’s education

Write your Will and ensure nominations

Track your expenses and invest monthly

You don’t need to be an expert. But you must be disciplined.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 29, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 32 year old and my in hand salary is around 1.5 lacs per month with wife (32 yrs) and 1 year old son. I don't have EMI as of now because i live in joint family but I have responsibilty to take care of house hold expesne in which I spend around 65k-70k per months including my existing SIP (10k per month), term plan of 1.5 cr (1800 per month) and remaning amout I keep in saving account. Till now, i have saving of around 32 lacs. my company deduct 16k from my CTC for PF and current pf balance is around 6 lacs. Recently I have opened saving account in IDFC bank so that i can transfer my savings in this account to earn interest upto 7%. My current investment as below since last 3 months. 1. Parag parekh flexi cap fund - 5k 2. HDFC flexi cap fund - 5k I was investing 5K per month in ELSS fund as well since last 6 years (current value is 4.8 lacs) but i have stopped it 3 months ago due to new tax regime and tax deduction in this current finacial year. I am planning to start manage my money in better way and also planning to start investing another 20-30k per month but i am thinking to invest 5k in small cap and other 5k in mid cap mutual fund but very confused for investment. I am also planning to buy house in future may be after 4-5 years. Please suggest me best investment options and also suggest me to manage my money (which i keep in saving account) in better way.
Ans: You are already doing well. At 32 years, you earn steady income. You save responsibly. You have built Rs.32 lakh savings and Rs.6 lakh PF. You also run SIPs, term cover, and manage expenses well. This shows good discipline and maturity. With careful planning, you can grow wealth faster and also secure family future.

» Household Cash Flow and Surplus
– Your income is Rs.1.5 lakh monthly.
– Household spending is Rs.65k to Rs.70k.
– You contribute Rs.10k SIP and Rs.1800 for term plan.
– That leaves you with good surplus every month.
– Right now, most surplus sits idle in savings account.
– You plan to invest Rs.20k to Rs.30k more.
– This is a healthy stage for structured planning.

» Existing Portfolio Assessment
– You already invest in two flexi cap funds.
– Both are diversified equity funds.
– This brings balance across market caps.
– You also invested earlier in ELSS.
– ELSS is stopped due to new regime.
– Current ELSS value is Rs.4.8 lakh.
– This can remain invested for long term.
– Your PF is growing every month.
– Your savings account now earns 7% with IDFC.
– While better than normal banks, still not inflation-beating.

» Role of Emergency Fund
– Keep at least 6 to 9 months of expense liquid.
– That means around Rs.5 lakh to Rs.6 lakh.
– This must stay in bank savings or liquid mutual fund.
– Do not put emergency fund into risky assets.
– It must be accessible at any time.

» Insurance Coverage Review
– You already hold Rs.1.5 crore term insurance.
– For your income, slightly higher cover is better.
– Cover should be 15 to 20 times of annual income.
– Your current cover is less than ideal.
– Increase cover to at least Rs.2.5 crore gradually.
– Do not mix insurance with investment products.
– Take pure term cover only.
– Ensure health insurance for family.
– Personal health policy is important even if employer covers.

» Short Term Goals: House Purchase in 4-5 Years
– You plan to buy house in 4 to 5 years.
– This is medium-term goal.
– Money for this goal cannot go fully into equity.
– Equities are volatile in short horizon.
– For house fund, use debt and hybrid mutual funds.
– Keep majority in debt, with small equity for growth.
– This protects capital while giving moderate returns.
– Allocate savings monthly towards this house goal.
– Label the investment separately for discipline.

» Long Term Goals: Child Education and Retirement
– Your son is 1 year old now.
– Education goal will come after 15 to 17 years.
– This is a long horizon goal.
– Retirement is even further, 25+ years away.
– For long term, equity mutual funds work best.
– Flexi cap, large & midcap, and dedicated mid cap funds fit well.
– Small cap exposure can be considered in small proportion.
– Do not over-allocate to small cap. Limit to 10% of equity portfolio.
– For retirement, build a systematic SIP program.
– This creates large compounding effect.

» Surplus Allocation Strategy
– You want to start Rs.20k to Rs.30k more every month.
– Split this into multiple goals.
– Around Rs.10k to house goal (in debt/hybrid).
– Around Rs.15k to Rs.20k into equity for education and retirement.
– Within equity, spread across flexi cap, mid cap, and small cap.
– Flexi cap offers balanced diversification.
– Mid cap adds growth potential with moderate risk.
– Small cap adds aggression but only in small dose.
– This mix gives stability and growth.

» Idle Savings Deployment
– You now keep large amount in savings account.
– While IDFC gives 7%, it is still taxable.
– You can channel a part into short duration debt mutual funds.
– These funds are low risk and better tax adjusted.
– Keep only emergency fund in savings account.
– Rest surplus should be invested as per goals.
– This ensures money works harder for you.

» View on Index Funds vs Active Funds
– You did not invest in index funds.
– But many consider them cheap option.
– Index funds only mirror index, no active decision.
– They do not protect in falling markets.
– Returns are fully dependent on market direction.
– Actively managed funds use professional fund manager.
– They can shift between sectors and market caps.
– They can control risk better than passive funds.
– For Indian investors, active funds provide more value.
– Continue with actively managed funds only.

» Direct Funds vs Regular Funds
– Some investors prefer direct funds for low expense.
– But direct funds miss professional guidance.
– Without expert, wrong choices can harm returns.
– With regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner,
you get ongoing monitoring, rebalancing, and discipline.
– This service cost is small compared to avoided mistakes.
– Since goals are long and important, guidance is valuable.

» Taxation Awareness on Mutual Funds
– New rules apply on capital gains.
– For equity funds, gains held over 1 year are long-term.
– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– For debt funds, all gains are taxed at slab rate.
– Always plan redemptions with tax efficiency in mind.
– SIPs held long term give best tax efficiency.
– Avoid frequent selling to reduce tax impact.

» Behavioural Discipline in Investing
– Markets will fluctuate with time.
– Do not react emotionally to ups and downs.
– Stick to SIPs during both uptrend and downtrend.
– Continuity builds real wealth over decades.
– Avoid chasing latest hot fund or sector.
– Avoid stopping SIPs in panic times.
– Review portfolio yearly with Certified Financial Planner.
– This keeps plan aligned to goals.

» Role of PF in Retirement
– Your PF contribution of Rs.16k monthly is good.
– PF gives safe and stable compounding.
– This forms debt portion of retirement plan.
– Do not withdraw PF unless emergency.
– Over long term, PF plus equity portfolio will secure retirement.

» Child Education Corpus Planning
– Education inflation is very high in India.
– Fees double every 6 to 8 years.
– To meet this, strong equity allocation is essential.
– SIPs in diversified equity funds will help.
– Add more SIPs as income grows.
– Keep goal-specific investments labelled for child.
– This avoids mixing with other expenses.

» House Purchase Strategy in Detail
– Buying house after 4-5 years requires clarity.
– Check approximate budget for house.
– Estimate down payment needed.
– Target saving that amount over 5 years.
– Invest monthly into debt/hybrid funds.
– Avoid putting house fund fully in equities.
– Else market crash can delay goal.
– If house goal changes, funds can be reallocated.

» Retirement Planning Direction
– Retirement is distant but needs early start.
– Invest monthly into equity funds with long horizon.
– PF plus SIPs will create large corpus.
– As you age, shift part to debt gradually.
– This protects capital closer to retirement.
– Keep retirement funds separate from other goals.

» Money Management Practices
– Track all expenses monthly.
– Increase SIP amount every year by 10%.
– Automate investments to avoid delays.
– Keep insurance premiums always paid on time.
– Keep nominees updated in all accounts.
– Avoid frequent switching of funds.
– Keep at least once-a-year review of portfolio.
– Avoid lump sum in equities at one time.
– Always link investments to goals.

» Finally
You have already built a strong base at 32. With clear surplus and no EMI, you can now shape wealth faster. Keep emergency funds liquid. Increase term cover for full safety. Build house fund in safer assets. Run disciplined SIPs in equity for education and retirement. Avoid idle cash in savings account beyond emergency. Stick to active funds through Certified Financial Planner. Over years, this disciplined mix will create both safety and prosperity for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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