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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 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 - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
Money

28 yrs old, Investing ?10k pm in MFs (total ?44k), FD maturing soon (?40k), RD ongoing (?8k monthly, approx ?75k, goal 2L) and PPF at ?1.16 lakh (matures in 9 years). Target monthly expense post-retirement: ?1Lakh. Considering Digital Gold SIP too. I need to retire by 50 age or before. What more I need to do, please guide.

Ans: Hi, it’s impressive that you are thinking ahead about retirement. You're 28 and aiming to retire by 50 or earlier. Your goal is to have Rs 1 lakh as your monthly post-retirement expense. Let’s work on a plan to help you achieve this.

Current Financial Situation
Let’s summarize your current investments:

Mutual Funds: Rs 10,000 per month, totaling Rs 44,000 invested.
Fixed Deposit: Rs 40,000 maturing soon.
Recurring Deposit: Rs 8,000 per month, with a goal of Rs 2 lakh.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 1.16 lakh, maturing in 9 years.
Building a Strong Financial Foundation
A solid financial foundation is crucial for achieving your retirement goals:

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a safety net during unexpected situations.
Insurance: Adequate health and life insurance are essential. This protects you and your family from unforeseen events.
Accelerating Your Debt Repayment
If you have any debt, prioritize repaying it:

High-Interest Debt: Focus on paying off high-interest debts first. This reduces your overall interest burden and improves your financial health.
Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a great way to grow your wealth:

Diversification: Invest in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds. This balances risk and returns.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Continue your SIPs and gradually increase the amount as your income grows.
Regular Review: Review your mutual fund portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to ensure it aligns with your goals.
Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits
Fixed and recurring deposits offer stability:

Reinvestment: Once your FD matures, reinvest the amount in a diversified portfolio. This could include mutual funds or other investment options.
Goal Achievement: Use the RD to achieve your short-term goal of Rs 2 lakh. After reaching this goal, redirect the funds towards long-term investments.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a reliable long-term investment:

Consistent Contributions: Continue contributing to your PPF account. It offers tax benefits and guaranteed returns.
Maturity Planning: Plan for the maturity of your PPF in 9 years. Consider reinvesting the maturity amount for continued growth.
Considering Digital Gold SIP
Digital gold can be part of your investment portfolio:

Small Allocation: Allocate a small portion of your investment to digital gold. It acts as a hedge against inflation.
Regular Investment: Invest systematically through a Digital Gold SIP to benefit from rupee cost averaging.
Diversifying Your Investments
Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns:

Equity Funds: Increase your exposure to equity mutual funds for higher returns. This helps in long-term wealth creation.
Debt Funds: Include debt funds for stability and regular income. This balances your portfolio.
Gold: Continue with a small allocation to digital gold for diversification.
Planning for Inflation
Inflation reduces purchasing power over time:

Growth Investments: Invest in assets that grow faster than inflation, like equity mutual funds and stocks.
Regular Adjustments: Review and adjust your investments regularly to stay ahead of inflation.
Estimating Retirement Corpus
Estimate the total corpus needed to generate Rs 1 lakh monthly post-retirement:

Current Expenses: Calculate your current monthly expenses.
Future Expenses: Consider inflation to estimate future expenses.
Corpus Calculation: Determine the total corpus needed to generate the desired monthly income.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
An SWP helps in managing post-retirement income:

Regular Income: SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly.
Tax Efficiency: It is more tax-efficient compared to withdrawing a lump sum.
Investing in Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can offer better returns:

Professional Management: Actively managed funds are managed by experienced fund managers.
Higher Returns: They have the potential to outperform the market and deliver higher returns compared to index funds.
Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem cost-effective but come with disadvantages:

Lack of Guidance: Investing directly means missing out on professional advice.
Complexity: Managing direct funds requires a deep understanding of the market and regular monitoring.
Benefits of Regular Funds through CFP
Investing through a CFP ensures expert guidance:

Customized Plan: A CFP provides a personalized investment plan based on your goals and risk tolerance.
Regular Reviews: They conduct regular reviews and adjustments to your portfolio, ensuring it remains aligned with your objectives.
Creating a Financial Roadmap
A clear roadmap helps you stay on track:

Short-Term Goals: Identify and achieve short-term financial goals like building an emergency fund and clearing debt.
Long-Term Goals: Focus on long-term goals like retirement planning and wealth creation.
Increasing Your Investment Amount
Gradually increase your investment amount as your income grows:

SIP Increase: Increase your SIP amount periodically to accelerate wealth creation.
Bonus or Increment: Invest any bonuses or salary increments for better returns.
Professional Guidance
Seek professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner:

Expert Advice: A CFP provides expert advice and personalized investment strategies.
Regular Monitoring: They monitor your investments regularly and suggest necessary adjustments.
Monitoring and Reviewing Investments
Regular monitoring and reviewing are crucial for success:

Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your investment portfolio.
Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on performance and changing financial goals.
Future-Proofing Your Investments
Future-proof your investments to ensure long-term financial security:

Diversified Portfolio: Maintain a diversified portfolio to manage risk.
Professional Guidance: Seek regular advice from a Certified Financial Planner.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your investment strategy to adapt to changing market conditions.
Final Insights
Retiring by 50 with a monthly expense of Rs 1 lakh is achievable with disciplined planning and smart investments. Continue your SIPs, reinvest maturing FDs, and contribute to your PPF. Diversify your investments with equity, debt, and digital gold. Seek professional guidance, regularly review your portfolio, and make necessary adjustments. Stay disciplined and focused on your goals. Best of luck on your financial journey!

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 18, 2023Hindi
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Hi, I am 40 year old with my wife and 3yr old son. I have already invested 780000 in various mfs and currently sip of 29000 pm. Also I am investing 20000 per year in ppf. I have invested 18 units in SGB as of now. I want to retire at age of 52 year. My current expense is 35000 pm. Please suggest me for my retirement goal.
Ans: Based on the information you've provided, you seem to be on a good track for retirement planning. Here's a breakdown to help you analyze your current situation and suggest some improvements for your retirement goals:

Current Scenario Analysis:

Investments:
Total Invested Amount: ?7,80,000 (lump sum)
Monthly SIP: ?29,000
PPF Investment: ?20,000 per year (approx. ?1667 per month)
SGB Investment: 18 units (total investment amount not available)
Retirement Age: 52 years (12 years from now)
Monthly Expenses: ?35,000
Points to Consider:

Investment Horizon: 12 years is a good timeframe for investments to grow for your retirement.
Diversification: While details of your mutual funds are not available, aim for a diversified portfolio across asset classes (equity, debt) to manage risk.
Inflation: Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money over time. Factor in inflation when calculating your retirement corpus.
Retirement Lifestyle: Consider the lifestyle you desire in retirement and estimate the monthly expenses you might have.
Suggestions for Improvement:

Calculate Required Corpus: Use online retirement calculators or consult a financial advisor to estimate the total corpus you'll need based on your desired retirement lifestyle and expected inflation.
Review your SIP: Analyze your existing SIPs and their performance. You can consider increasing the SIP amount gradually as your income grows to reach your target corpus.
Asset Allocation: Ensure your mutual fund portfolio has an appropriate asset allocation based on your risk tolerance and remaining investment horizon. You might need to adjust the mix of equity and debt funds closer to retirement for more stability.
NPS (National Pension System): Consider exploring NPS, which offers tax benefits and a structured approach to retirement savings. However, the investment has a lock-in period until retirement with some exceptions.
Health Insurance: Having adequate health insurance coverage is crucial, especially as medical expenses tend to rise with age. Ensure you and your family have a comprehensive health insurance plan.
Here are some resources that can help you with retirement planning:

Retirement Calculators: Many online financial institutions and investment platforms offer retirement calculators.
SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) - Investor Education on Retirement Planning: [invalid URL removed]
PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) - NPS Website: https://www.pfrda.org.in/
Remember:

This is a general overview, and consulting a qualified financial advisor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and financial goals.
Regularly review your investment portfolio and adjust your strategy as needed based on market conditions and your evolving needs.
By continuing with your current investments, exploring additional options, and carefully planning, you can increase your chances of achieving a comfortable and secure retirement.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
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I'm 27 years old and married with 1 daughter (age 1 month) and from last 2 year I'm doing sip on 4 equity MF with 14k ( 5 on small cap, 5 midcap, 3 large cap, 1 flexicap), and holding stocks worth 4 lac, now I'm planning to invest more 5k in large & midcap, midcap 3k and small cap 3k, and quarterly 30k on sovereign gold bonds. My investment time frame is 10 year and I want to retire at 40 age. Please suggest me if any changes required or not.
Ans: Current Investment Strategy
You are investing in equity mutual funds and stocks. Your monthly SIPs total Rs. 14,000. You plan to add Rs. 11,000 more in various mutual funds and Rs. 30,000 quarterly in sovereign gold bonds.

Assessing Your Investment Mix
Your portfolio is well-diversified across small cap, midcap, large cap, and flexicap funds. This diversification balances risk and potential returns.

Adding More Investments
Adding more to large & midcap, midcap, and small cap funds is good. It aligns with your long-term goals. Sovereign gold bonds add stability and diversification.

Retirement Planning
You plan to retire at 40, giving you a 13-year investment horizon. This requires a substantial corpus. Ensure your savings are aggressive yet balanced. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

Insurance and Emergency Fund
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protects your family. Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Final Insights
Your investment strategy is sound and diversified. Continue with disciplined investments. Regularly review and adjust based on market conditions and goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 28, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am a 31yr old individual.. I have just started a SIP for 25k, all are direct MFs.. what should I do to have a good retirement life by 40 yrs..
Ans: Your decision to start a SIP of Rs 25,000 is excellent. It reflects commitment towards building a financial future.

You are 31 years old, giving you 9 years to achieve early retirement.
Direct mutual funds seem attractive, but they may not always be the best choice.
To achieve retirement by 40, you need a strategic plan.
Concerns with Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios, but they lack professional guidance.

Investors may struggle to choose and monitor funds effectively.
Regular plans, through a Certified Financial Planner, offer expert advice.
A professional monitors fund performance and aligns them with your goals.
Switching to regular plans can ensure better alignment with your retirement plan.

Steps to Build a Retirement Corpus
Your retirement goal requires disciplined investing and strategic allocation.

Diversify Your Investments
Investing in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds is essential.

Allocate 60% to equity funds for long-term growth.
Choose 30% in hybrid funds for stability and moderate growth.
Allocate 10% in debt funds to manage short-term needs.
This allocation balances growth with risk management.

Increase SIPs Gradually
You can start with Rs 25,000 SIP, but aim to increase it yearly.

A 10–15% increase in SIP each year can significantly boost your corpus.
Use bonuses or increments to add to your investments.
Consider Tax-Effective Investments
Understanding the taxation rules is crucial for optimising returns.

Long-term equity gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Plan withdrawals carefully to minimise tax impact.
Create an Emergency Fund
Building a robust emergency fund is critical before focusing on retirement.

Save at least 6–12 months’ expenses in a liquid fund.
Use this fund only for emergencies to protect your SIPs.
Annual Portfolio Review
Your portfolio must be reviewed regularly.

Market conditions and fund performance can change over time.
Rebalancing ensures your allocation aligns with your risk tolerance.
Engage a Certified Financial Planner for effective portfolio management.
Importance of Goal-Specific Planning
Retirement planning must account for all future expenses.

Estimate post-retirement expenses, including medical and lifestyle costs.
Factor inflation into your corpus requirement.
Without clear goals, you may fall short of your desired lifestyle.

Avoid Over-Reliance on Equity
Equity is ideal for growth, but too much exposure increases risk.

Diversify with hybrid and debt funds for steady returns.
Equity funds should focus on large-cap or flexi-cap options for stability.
Momentum or small-cap funds are not recommended for critical goals like retirement.

Monitoring and Adjustments
A consistent approach is essential, but flexibility is also needed.

Reassess your goals and progress every year.
Increase contributions if market performance is favourable.
Final Insights
You have made a commendable start with your SIP investments. To retire by 40, you need strategic planning, professional guidance, and disciplined execution. Switch from direct funds to regular plans through an expert. Diversify your portfolio with equity, hybrid, and debt funds. Maintain an emergency fund and review your plan annually to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 51 years want to park 10 L recieved from LIC. I have Nippon liquid and Axis Short term funds. Where should I keep this,in these debt fund or some other for max return and least risk . Or some balanced advantage funds?
Ans: Since you're 51 years old and the Rs. 10L is from an LIC maturity, I’ll assess this from a 360-degree perspective with low risk and reasonable return focus.

Let us structure this under simple and clear headings:

Understand the Nature of the Rs. 10L
This is a one-time amount, not a regular income.

So, capital protection is important.

Also, some growth is expected, but not with high risk.

Evaluate Your Existing Funds
Nippon Liquid Fund is very low risk.

Good for short-term parking, like few months.

Returns are around 5.5% to 6% yearly.

You can use it if you need money anytime soon.

Axis Short Term Fund is slightly better return.

Slightly higher risk than liquid fund, but still low.

Returns can be around 6% to 7% yearly.

Suitable if you are okay to stay invested for 2-3 years.

Should You Switch to a Balanced Advantage Fund?
These funds invest in both equity and debt.

They adjust the mix based on market conditions.

They give better return than debt if held for 3-5 years.

But, they carry moderate market risk.

Return range can be 8% to 10% per annum.

Not guaranteed, but historically stable.

Suitable if your risk tolerance is moderate.

Also, you must stay invested for at least 3 years.

What You Can Do Now (Allocation Suggestion)
Here is a simple, low-risk and flexible suggestion:

Rs. 2L in Nippon Liquid Fund: For immediate needs.

Rs. 4L in Axis Short Term Fund: Safe with better return.

Rs. 4L in Balanced Advantage Fund (via MFD with CFP): For better growth.

Choose an actively managed regular plan.

Avoid direct plan. They lack support and monitoring.

Regular plans offer advisor support and rebalancing guidance.

Why Not Direct Plan?
Direct plans look cheaper.

But they don’t guide you during market falls.

Many investors panic and exit early.

This leads to poor returns.

With MFD + CFP support, you stay invested longer.

Long-term behaviour matters more than cost.

Why Not Index Funds?
Index funds blindly follow the market.

No protection during market fall.

No fund manager to adjust strategy.

Active large-cap or balanced funds adapt better.

At your age, protection is more important than chasing index.

Important Tax Point
Debt funds and balanced advantage funds are taxed as per income tax slab.

If you hold for 3+ years, tax is less due to indexation benefit in earlier rules.

But now, for debt funds, tax is same as your slab.

So, choose based on your tax slab also.

But do not let tax alone decide. Safety is first.

Final Insights
Your Rs. 10L should grow slowly and stay safe.

Split into 3 buckets: short-term, mid-term, and medium-risk.

Liquid fund for liquidity.

Short-term debt for capital stability.

Balanced advantage for gentle growth.

This mix gives you flexibility, return and low risk.

Please review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

He/she will help you shift the mix if your goal or market changes.

No need to chase high returns. Protect capital, grow steadily.

You already took a right step by asking before investing.

That clarity helps avoid mistakes.

With this structure, your money can stay safe and still grow.

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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