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Should I Invest My Savings for Marriage and Future at 26 with No Savings?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7953 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 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
Swarna Question by Swarna on Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir I need your help I am 26yr old female, i might get married in another 1 year, i have 0 rs of savings. I have to start savings, i can save upto 20k+10k per month. 20k i wish to save for 1 year for my marriage 10k i wish to save for future Please help me to start investing

Ans: Congratulations on taking the first step towards financial planning! Let's create a simple and effective plan for your short-term and long-term goals.

Short-Term Savings for Marriage (Rs. 20,000 per month)
Your priority is to save for your upcoming marriage in a year. Given the short time frame, safety and liquidity are essential.

Recurring Deposits (RDs):

Open an RD account in a bank.
It offers fixed returns and is safe.
This will help you accumulate your savings steadily.
Deposit Rs. 20,000 monthly for a year.
At the end of the year, you'll have a lump sum amount with some interest.
High-Yield Savings Account:

Choose a bank offering high-interest rates on savings accounts.
Deposit Rs. 20,000 monthly.
This provides easy access and liquidity for your wedding expenses.
Long-Term Savings for Future (Rs. 10,000 per month)
For your long-term savings, let's focus on building wealth over time. Diversification is key here.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Mutual Funds:
Large Cap Mutual Funds (40%):
Invest in well-established companies.
Offers stability with moderate returns.
Mid Cap Mutual Funds (30%):
Invest in medium-sized companies.
Offers higher growth potential.
Small Cap Mutual Funds (20%):
Invest in smaller companies.
Offers high growth potential but with higher risk.
Debt Funds (10%):
Provides stability and reduces overall risk.
Invest in government and corporate bonds.
Investment Strategy
Monthly Allocation:

Large Cap Funds: Rs. 4,000
Mid Cap Funds: Rs. 3,000
Small Cap Funds: Rs. 2,000
Debt Funds: Rs. 1,000
Choosing Funds:

Select funds with a strong performance history.
Diversify within each category for better risk management.
Consider investing through a Certified Financial Planner for professional advice and management.
Additional Tips
Emergency Fund:

Start building an emergency fund.
Save at least 3-6 months' worth of expenses.
This provides a financial cushion for unexpected events.
Health Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
It protects you from high medical costs and ensures financial stability.
Regular Review:

Review your investments every six months.
Adjust your portfolio based on performance and changes in your financial situation.
Final Insights
Starting early with a disciplined savings and investment plan is crucial. By following this strategy, you can achieve your short-term goal of saving for your marriage and also build a strong financial foundation for your future. Consistency, regular review, and professional guidance will help you stay on track and reach your financial goals.

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.
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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  |458 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi I'm a 35 year old unmarried girl working in IT field. I live with my parents. I draw a salary of 8.68lpa. I have a personal loan of 10lakhs at present. Considering soon I'll be married, What will be the best plan to invest for my future financial state, how should I start investing. I've been planning for mutual fund and SIP. But right now undergoing a financial crunch due to a matrimony fraud I've lost all my savings ??. If not for this i would have invested lumpsum amount into MF. But seeing the situation i can only think of taking baby steps of investing say 1000-3000 per month in an SIP and gradually increase the amount. Please advise me what best to do.. thanks
Ans: Considering your financial situation and goals, first of all analyze your budget and identify areas where you can cut back on expenses to free up more money for debt repayment and future investments. You should prioritize paying off your loan first. High-interest personal loans can significantly hinder your investment goals.

Along with that build an emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of living expenses through short-term debt funds. This will provide a safety net for unexpected events.

Once your emergency fund is established, and you are debt free then start a monthly SIP in a good diversified mutual fund. Begin with a comfortable and affordable amount like ?1000-3000 and gradually increase it as your income grows.

Consider moderate risk funds. Consult a financial advisor for personalized fund recommendations based on your risk profile and goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7953 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir my age is 29 how to start in investment my one income 900 rupees I don't have any savings please help me how to savings stat and investment plans
Ans: It's great that you want to start investing and saving. With an income of ?900 per month, it can be challenging, but every small step counts. Let’s explore how you can begin saving and investing.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, understand your income and expenses. Track your monthly spending to identify areas where you can cut back. Even small savings can add up over time.

Setting Realistic Goals
Start with small, achievable goals. Aim to save a portion of your income each month. This helps build a habit of saving.

Creating a Budget
Track Income and Expenses

List all your monthly income and expenses.
Identify non-essential expenses you can reduce or eliminate.
Allocate Savings

Aim to save at least 10% of your income. With ?900, this means saving ?90 each month.
Emergency Fund

Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Start small, aim for ?500 initially.
Saving Methods
Savings Account

Open a basic savings account. It’s safe and earns a small interest.
Recurring Deposit (RD)

Consider starting a recurring deposit with your bank. You can deposit a small fixed amount each month. It’s a disciplined way to save.
Basic Investment Options
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Start a SIP with as little as ?500 per month. Mutual funds have options for low initial investments. SIPs help in disciplined investing and can offer good returns over time.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a safe and long-term investment option. You can start with small amounts and increase contributions as your income grows.
Government Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Open a Jan Dhan account. It offers no minimum balance requirement and other benefits like insurance.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

A pension scheme for workers in the unorganised sector. You can contribute small amounts to secure your retirement.
Increasing Your Income
Skill Development

Invest in learning new skills to increase your earning potential. Look for free or low-cost courses online.
Part-Time Work

Consider part-time jobs or freelancing to supplement your income. This additional income can boost your savings and investment capacity.
Discipline and Patience
Consistency

Regular saving and investing, no matter how small, will yield results over time. Be consistent with your contributions.
Avoid Debt

Avoid unnecessary loans or credit. If you must borrow, ensure you can manage the repayments.
Reviewing and Adjusting
Regular Review

Review your budget and savings plan regularly. Adjust your savings and investment as your income grows.
Seek Advice

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice as your financial situation evolves.

Starting with a small income can be tough, but your determination to save and invest is commendable. Every rupee saved is a step towards financial security. Stay committed, and over time, you’ll see the benefits of your disciplined approach.

Conclusion
Beginning your investment journey at 29 with a limited income is challenging but possible. Start by creating a budget, saving consistently, and exploring safe investment options. Increase your income through skill development and part-time work. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Your commitment to saving and investing will pave the way for a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7953 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 27yr old male earning 65k have 3lakh saving Not invested untill now I want to start Probably next year i will marry I want marriage fund Want to buy home as well as not getting any help from father I will take health and term insurance 5k per month in mutual fund Can you please suggest my plan ahead I am totally confused
Ans: You are 27 years old, earning Rs 65,000 per month, with savings of Rs 3 lakh. You haven't started investing yet, but you are thinking about it. You plan to get married next year and want to create a marriage fund. Additionally, you want to buy a home and will need to manage it on your own. You are also considering taking health and term insurance and want to invest Rs 5,000 per month in mutual funds. This is a great time to start planning for your financial future.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Marriage Fund: You want to save for your upcoming marriage. It's essential to estimate the total cost and plan accordingly.

Home Purchase: Buying a home is a significant goal. It requires disciplined saving and careful planning.

Insurance Needs: You are planning to take health and term insurance, which is a wise decision to secure your and your family's future.

Investment Planning: You want to start investing Rs 5,000 per month in mutual funds, which is a good start for long-term wealth creation.

Prioritizing Your Goals
1. Building a Marriage Fund
Estimating the Cost: Start by estimating the total cost of your wedding. Consider all expenses like venue, food, clothing, and other related costs.

Allocating Savings: With your current savings of Rs 3 lakh, decide how much you want to allocate towards your marriage fund. This will help you understand how much more you need to save.

Saving Strategy: If the estimated cost exceeds your current savings, start saving a specific amount monthly. This can be from your income or a portion of your Rs 5,000 intended for mutual fund investment.

Short-Term Investment Options: Since your marriage is planned for next year, consider short-term investment options like a recurring deposit or a liquid fund. These options offer better returns than a savings account and keep your money accessible.

2. Planning for Home Purchase
Set a Timeline: Determine when you want to buy your home. This will help in deciding how much you need to save monthly.

Down Payment Planning: The first step is saving for the down payment, usually around 20% of the home’s value. The earlier you start, the better.

Investment Strategy: For long-term goals like buying a home, consider a mix of debt and equity mutual funds. Since you’re young, you can afford to take some risks for potentially higher returns.

Regular Savings: Continue saving consistently every month towards this goal. Increase your savings whenever possible, especially after you are more stable financially post-marriage.

3. Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance: Health insurance is crucial to cover any medical emergencies. Choose a plan that suits your needs and offers adequate coverage. You mentioned planning to spend on insurance, which is a smart move.

Term Insurance: Term insurance is essential to protect your family in case of an untimely demise. A policy that covers 10-15 times your annual income is generally recommended. Start with a plan that fits your budget, and you can increase the coverage as your income grows.

4. Starting Your Investment Journey
Start with Rs 5,000 Monthly: You have decided to invest Rs 5,000 monthly in mutual funds. This is a great start and will help you build wealth over time.

Choosing the Right Funds: Focus on actively managed mutual funds rather than index funds. Actively managed funds, guided by experts, aim to outperform the market and adapt to changes, offering potentially better returns. While index funds simply mirror the market and might not provide the growth needed for your goals.

Regular Funds Over Direct Funds: While direct funds have lower costs, they require a lot of market knowledge and time to manage effectively. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in regular funds provides you with professional advice and ongoing management, which is worth the slightly higher expense ratio. This way, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing that your investments are being handled by professionals.

Diversification: Start with a balanced portfolio that includes large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds. This ensures that you benefit from both stability and growth potential. Your CFP can help you choose the right funds based on your risk appetite and financial goals.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Use SIPs to invest consistently. This method helps in averaging the cost of investments over time, reducing risk.

Increase Investments Gradually: As your income grows, gradually increase your monthly investment. This will significantly impact your wealth accumulation over the long term.

5. Managing Your Confusion
Seek Professional Help: It’s normal to feel confused when starting your financial journey. Engaging with a CFP will help you make informed decisions. A CFP can create a customized financial plan for you, ensuring all your goals are met in a structured and efficient manner.

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about basic financial concepts. This will help you feel more confident and involved in your financial planning process.

Building a Secure Financial Future
1. Focus on Long-Term Wealth Creation
Discipline in Savings: Consistency is key to building wealth. Regularly saving and investing will yield significant results over time. Avoid dipping into your investments for non-essential expenses.

Emergency Fund: While not mentioned, consider building an emergency fund. This fund should cover 6-12 months of living expenses and should be kept in a liquid and safe investment. It provides a financial cushion during unexpected situations.

Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your financial plan. Life circumstances and goals may change, and your financial plan should evolve accordingly. Regular meetings with your CFP will ensure your plan remains aligned with your goals.

2. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Be cautious about taking on debt, especially consumer debt like personal loans or credit card debt. Focus on saving for your goals rather than borrowing.

Don’t Overcommit: It’s easy to get excited about financial goals, but don’t overcommit your finances. Ensure you still have enough for day-to-day living and an emergency fund.

Stick to the Plan: Financial planning is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, stick to your plan, and resist the temptation to make impulsive financial decisions.

Final Insights
You are at an exciting point in your life, with significant goals on the horizon. By starting early and planning strategically, you can achieve your marriage, home, and long-term financial goals. With Rs 3 lakh in savings, disciplined investments, and the right insurance coverage, you’re setting a strong foundation for the future.

Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner to create and maintain a plan that aligns with your aspirations. This plan will guide you through your financial journey, ensuring you reach your goals with confidence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7953 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

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Hello Sir my age 40 till now i am not having any savings my monthly salary 15000/- can you help me out for investing
Ans: Financial Assessment

Your monthly salary is Rs. 15,000.
You have no savings at age 40.
Starting to save now is very important.

Budgeting

Make a list of all your monthly expenses.
Find areas where you can cut back.
Try to save at least 10% of your income.

Emergency Fund

Start building an emergency fund first.
Aim for 3-6 months of expenses.
Keep this money in a savings account.

Insurance

Get a term life insurance policy.
Health insurance is also very important.
These protect your family from financial troubles.

Small Savings

Start with small, regular savings.
Even Rs. 500-1000 per month can make a difference.
Increase the amount as your income grows.

Investment Options

Mutual funds can be good for long-term growth.
Start with balanced or conservative funds.
Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Retirement Planning

It's not too late to start planning for retirement.
Even small amounts invested regularly can grow over time.
Consider PPF or NPS for tax benefits.

Skill Enhancement

Look for ways to increase your income.
Learn new skills that can help you earn more.
This can help you save and invest more.

Debt Management

Avoid taking high-interest loans.
If you have debts, make a plan to pay them off.
Clearing debts is as important as saving.

Regular Review

Check your budget and savings every month.
Adjust your plan as your situation changes.
Stay committed to your financial goals.

Finally

It's great that you want to start saving.
Be patient and consistent with your efforts.
Small steps now can lead to big results later.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7953 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 13, 2025Hindi
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Why do Debt Funds offer lower returns as compared to Equity Mutual Funds?
Ans: Debt funds and equity mutual funds serve different purposes in an investor's portfolio. Debt funds offer stability and lower risk, while equity mutual funds focus on high growth with higher risk.

Below are the key reasons why debt funds provide lower returns than equity funds.

1. Nature of Underlying Investments
Debt funds invest in bonds, government securities, corporate debt, and fixed-income instruments.

These instruments provide fixed interest, leading to predictable but lower returns.

Equity mutual funds invest in company stocks, which have the potential for higher capital appreciation over time.

2. Risk-Return Tradeoff
Lower risk means lower return potential in debt funds.

Debt investments focus on preserving capital rather than aggressive growth.

Equities are volatile, but over the long term, they tend to generate higher returns.

3. Interest Rate Sensitivity
Debt fund returns depend on interest rate movements in the economy.

Rising interest rates reduce bond prices, lowering returns in debt funds.

Equity funds are less impacted by interest rate changes and benefit from economic growth.

4. Inflation-Adjusted Returns
Debt funds often fail to beat inflation in the long run.

Equity investments provide inflation-adjusted growth due to rising corporate earnings.

Holding equities for longer durations results in compounding benefits.

5. Growth Potential
Equities represent ownership in businesses that expand over time.

Business growth translates to higher share prices and higher returns.

Debt instruments provide fixed interest, which limits potential upside.

6. Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds enjoy lower long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax rates compared to debt funds.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per the investor’s income tax slab, reducing post-tax returns.

This tax treatment makes equities more attractive for long-term wealth creation.

7. Market Performance
During economic growth, companies generate higher profits, leading to higher equity returns.

Debt fund returns depend on interest rate cycles, making them less rewarding in growth periods.

Equities have historically outperformed debt over longer durations.

Finally
Debt funds provide safety and stability but offer lower returns.

Equity mutual funds outperform over time due to business expansion and compounding.

A well-balanced portfolio should include both debt and equity, based on financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |75 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Feb 13, 2025

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Sir I am a Engineer by profession snd working in Qatar. Same time i had Cost accountant Degree and passed out way back at 2009. After that no touch with Cost Accounts. Now i am 48 yrs and after few yrs i want to move back to India. But that time if want open a cost accounting firm, what would be the best move i can do to open the consulting firm?
Ans: Hello Mr. Heman,
Reestablishing your career in cost accounting and setting up a consulting firm in India requires careful planning. Start by updating your knowledge through ICAI’s continuing education programs, industry seminars, and professional courses to stay current with evolving regulations and industry practices. Reactivating your ICAI membership and obtaining a Certificate of Practice (CoP) is essential to offer consulting services legally. While still in Qatar, gaining practical exposure by offering freelance or part-time cost auditing or GST advisory services to Indian firms will help establish credibility.

Next, choose a suitable business structure - Sole Proprietorship, LLP, or Private Limited Company - based on your growth plans and compliance preferences. Register your firm with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and obtain the necessary licenses. Conduct thorough market research to identify your target clients, understand industry needs, and define your service offerings, such as cost audits, financial consulting, and management advisory. A well-structured business plan with clear financial projections will help ensure long-term sustainability.

Investing in technology and infrastructure is crucial. Setting up a professional office, adopting modern accounting software, and leveraging cloud-based financial solutions will enhance efficiency. Building a strong professional network is equally important - reconnect with former colleagues, join industry associations, attend networking events, and establish a digital presence through a website and social media to attract clients.

Lastly, focus on compliance and quality assurance. Adhering to ICAI regulations, tax laws, and ethical standards is critical for maintaining credibility and trust. By systematically following these steps, you can successfully transition back into cost accounting and establish a reputable consulting firm in India, ensuring a stable and rewarding career.

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1013 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 13, 2025

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Can I change my plan from star FOH to Star Assure. In plan migration form What I write in PED column. my policy number was taken on 19 February 2021, in the first week of March 2021 suddenly my blood pressure increased, due to which the doctor asked me to undergo angiography. After that the doctor asked to do angioplasty immediately and thus on 18 March 2021 I got angioplasty done. Now I am completely healthy, since my illness occurred within 31 days of taking the policy, company agent told me that there is no provision to cover any health related problem within 31 days. Company agent told me that there is no provision to declare any illness midway. Now I am completely healthy. Company not include my above mentioned health condition in my policy. And compny given me reply "Dear Mr. Jain, We acknowledge the receipt of your mail. With reference to our previous telcon, this is to inform that any disease or ailment/illness if found after inception of policy. It is not required to disclose under policy. But if you still wish to disclose the disease then kindly find the attached PED inclusion form, fill and submit us for further evaluation. Note : To note the disease in the policy PED form is mandatory. We request you to provide the Medical reports/ Discharge summary /any relevant /First consultation paper / medical document of the said procedure/diagnosis, which shall be kept for our reference. " What can I do.
Ans: Hello;

Regarding plan migration feasibility you may check with your insurer/insurance agent.

If you want to inform the insurer about your later acquired illness you may furnish the details to them as per their requirement and check their feedback on the same.

Their feedback will decide your next course of action.

Best wishes;

...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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