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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 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 - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I am a 31 year old married man.I am in a huge debt trap of multiple loans plus credit card mounting around 9 lakhs. I work in MNC company earning 70k per month. Please advise or suggest if I can come out of this.

Ans: I understand your concern about being in a debt trap, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and work towards financial stability:

Assess Your Debt: Start by listing out all your debts, including the outstanding amounts, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments. This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation.
Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that outlines your monthly income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back on spending to free up more money to put towards debt repayment.
Prioritize Debt Repayment: Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, such as credit card debt. Consider using the debt avalanche or debt snowball method to systematically tackle your debts.
Negotiate with Creditors: Reach out to your creditors to discuss repayment options. They may be willing to negotiate lower interest rates, waive fees, or offer a repayment plan that fits your budget.
Explore Debt Consolidation: Consolidating your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate can make it easier to manage and potentially reduce your overall interest costs. However, be cautious and carefully evaluate the terms and fees associated with any consolidation offer.
Increase Your Income: Look for opportunities to increase your income, such as taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or seeking a higher-paying position within your company.
Seek Professional Help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a financial counselor or debt relief agency. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.
Avoid Taking on New Debt: While you're working to pay off your existing debt, avoid taking on any new debt if possible. Stick to your budget and focus on living within your means.
It may take time and discipline, but with a solid plan and commitment to debt repayment, you can overcome your debt challenges and regain control of your finances. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
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  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 09, 2023Hindi
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Dear expert I am caught in a debt trap with loans and credit card outstandings. All my investments which were significant at point of time have now been nullified except FDs worth 5 lacs. Also i have a house of my own I need your help in how to get out of a debt trap..I stay with my parents, who are retired bank employees and pensioners who have significant income. My wife and I have a total monthly income of around 1 lac
Ans: I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but I'm glad you're seeking guidance to get out of the debt trap. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you manage and reduce your debts:

Assess Your Debts: List down all your debts, including loans and credit card outstandings, along with their interest rates and monthly EMIs.

Create a Budget: Prepare a monthly budget to track your income and expenses. Allocate a portion of your income towards debt repayment.

Prioritize Debts: Prioritize debts with higher interest rates or those with smaller outstanding amounts for quick elimination (Debt Snowball Method) or focus on debts with larger outstanding amounts (Debt Avalanche Method).

Negotiate with Creditors: Contact your creditors to negotiate lower interest rates or request a repayment plan that suits your financial situation.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Identify and cut down on unnecessary expenses to free up more money for debt repayment.

Increase Income: Explore ways to increase your income, such as taking up a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items.

Emergency Fund: While focusing on debt repayment, start building an emergency fund to avoid taking on more debt in case of unexpected expenses.

Seek Financial Counseling: Consider seeking help from a financial counselor or debt management agency to guide you through the process and negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

Avoid Taking on More Debt: Stop using credit cards and avoid taking on more loans until you have paid off your existing debts.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your budget and debt repayment plan to make necessary adjustments based on your progress and changing financial situation.

Regarding Your Investments and FDs:

FDs: Keep the FDs as an emergency fund or use them to pay off high-interest debts if needed.
Regarding Your House and Parents' Income:

House: If possible, consider downsizing or renting out a portion of your house to generate additional income.
Parents' Income: Discuss your situation with your parents and explore the possibility of them assisting you financially, either by lending you money or helping with debt repayment.
Remember: It's essential to stay committed, disciplined, and patient throughout this process. With determination and a well-thought-out plan, you can overcome your debt and achieve financial freedom.

..Read more

Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  |458 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Aug 09, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 09, 2023Hindi
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I have multiple loan with outstanding of 32 lakhs. My salary is 1.3L pm and paying emi of 82k.Not able to figure it out how to get out this debt trap
Ans: My inputs sent for a magazine article yesterday may help you. Please go through it:-

Strategy to get out of debt trap

1. Debt Consolidation: This is streamlining your debts for clarity. Debt without consolidation is like juggling a bunch of puzzle pieces while presuming that you’re in control. Merge your scattered debts into one manageable loan, reducing confusion and the risk of missing payments. This smart move can lead to lower interest rates and simplified monthly payments, giving you a clearer path out of the debt maze.

2. Debt Avalanche Strategy: This strategy treats your debts as mountains and tells you to start climbing the steepest ones first, that is, tackling the highest peaks first and the lower peaks will then automatically become a cake-walk. So, with this strategy, you focus on the high-interest loans while making minimum payments on others. As you conquer one peak after another, your momentum builds, and soon you'll find yourself on the summit of debt-free living.

3. Credit Card Balance Transfer: IN this strategy, you swap the high-interest credit card debts for friendlier ones. Through a balance transfer, you move your existing credit card debt to a new card with lower interest, that is, shifting to a smoother terrain. This gives you breathing room to pay off the principal without being weighed down by sky-high interest.

4. Practical Tips to Conquer Debt:
1. Budget with Purpose: Lay out a clear budget that allocates extra funds to debt repayment while covering essentials.
2. Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Trim down on luxuries, and redirect the saved money towards settling your debts faster.
3. Build an Emergency Fund: Having a financial safety net prevents you from resorting to more debt during unexpected setbacks.
4. Negotiate with Lenders: Reach out to your lenders for potential interest rate reductions or extended payment plans.
5. Financial Windfalls: Put unexpected bonuses, tax refunds, or gifts towards debt reduction to accelerate your progress.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day – the same applies to debt repayment. By combining strategic methods and prudent financial habits, you can pave the way to a debt-free horizon.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 18, 2024

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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I was 47 years old and now i want to invest in MF and sip i want to invest 10 lakh lumpsum and 20000 sip , please guide
Ans: It's fantastic that you're considering mutual fund investments for your financial future. Let's craft a strategy to invest your lump sum amount of ?10 lakhs and set up a SIP of ?20,000 per month.

Investing the Lump Sum Amount
Diversification
Diversifying your lump sum investment is crucial to manage risk and maximize returns. Consider allocating the amount across different types of mutual funds based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Asset Allocation
Allocate a portion of your lump sum to equity funds for long-term growth potential. Additionally, allocate a portion to debt funds for stability and capital preservation.

Fund Selection
Choose funds with a proven track record of consistent performance and aligned with your risk profile. Opt for a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap equity funds, along with quality debt funds.

Setting Up SIPs
Monthly Contribution
A SIP of ?20,000 per month is a significant commitment and can help you achieve your financial goals over time. Ensure that the SIP amount is comfortably affordable and does not strain your monthly budget.

Fund Selection
Select SIPs in mutual funds that complement your lump sum investments. Maintain a diversified portfolio with exposure to various sectors and market caps to spread risk.

Consistent Investing
Commit to regular and disciplined investing through SIPs, regardless of market conditions. Stay invested for the long term to benefit from the power of compounding and rupee-cost averaging.

Monitoring and Review
Regular Assessment
Monitor the performance of your mutual fund investments periodically. Review your portfolio at least once a year and make adjustments if required based on changes in market dynamics or personal financial goals.

Rebalancing
Consider rebalancing your portfolio if the asset allocation deviates significantly from your target allocation. Realign your investments to maintain the desired risk-return profile.

Conclusion
By investing ?10 lakhs lump sum and setting up a SIP of ?20,000 per month in mutual funds, you're taking proactive steps towards building wealth for your future. Stay committed to your investment plan, and consult with a financial advisor if needed to ensure your investments are in line with your financial goals.

If you need further assistance or have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you navigate your investment journey and achieve financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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Dear sir, My elder bro invest in reliance equity opportunities fund dividend plan in Feb 2007. We have only hard copy of account statement. And agent was karvy stock broking Please suggest how to redeem all unit. Brother also invest in fidelity equity fund dividend option And Standard charted mutual fund G201 sccef growth Please advise how redeem all We also mail to karvy but no response from their end.pls suggest on this
Ans: I understand you're looking to redeem units across three mutual funds: Reliance Equity Opportunities Fund, Fidelity Equity Fund, and Standard Chartered Mutual Fund G201 SCC EF Growth. Here's how you can proceed:

1. Locate Account Statements:

Physical Statements: Check if there are account statements for all three funds. These statements should have folio numbers or account IDs crucial for redemption.
2. Contact Fund Houses Directly:

Nippon India Mutual Fund (Reliance): Since Reliance Equity Opportunities Fund is now managed by Nippon India Mutual Fund, visit their website (https://mf.nipponindiaim.com/) and look for the redemption section. You can initiate a redemption request online or download the redemption form.

Fidelity Mutual Fund: Search for Fidelity Mutual Fund's website and navigate to their redemption section. Similar to Nippon India, you should be able to redeem online or download a redemption form.

Standard Chartered Mutual Fund: Standard Chartered Mutual Fund merged with IDFC Mutual Fund in 2020. Visit the IDFC Mutual Fund website (https://www.idfclimited.com/our_businesses/idfc_mutual_fund.htm) and look for the redemption options for G201 SCC EF Growth scheme.

3. Contact Karvy as a Last Resort:

If you're unable to locate account statements or have trouble redeeming online, try contacting Karvy again. You can find their contact information on their website (https://cs.karvyonline.com/my-karvyonline1/portfolio/). However, since Karvy transferred its broking business to HDFC Securities in 2020, their responsiveness might be limited.
Additional Tips:

Investor KYC (Know Your Customer): Ensure your brother's KYC details are up-to-date with the fund houses. This might be required for processing the redemption.
Exit Load: Check if there are any exit loads applicable for redeeming the units. These are charges levied by the fund house for exiting the scheme before a specific time period.
Tax Implications: Dividends from mutual funds are taxable. Consider consulting a tax advisor for any tax implications arising from the redemption.
If you encounter any further difficulties, feel free to ask!

If you need personalized advice or assistance in structuring your investment portfolio, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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I 35 year old and come under the category of 'professional' for income tax computation. I have been investing in mutual funds and have a corpus of 6 lakhs. Should I also invest in ppf, nps, FDs?
Ans: Considering your age and tax category as a 'professional', let's assess whether diversifying your investment portfolio with PPF, NPS, or FDs would be beneficial alongside your existing mutual fund investments.

Evaluating Investment Options
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to traditional options like PPF, NPS, or FDs. They provide exposure to a diversified portfolio of stocks or bonds, suited to your risk profile and investment horizon.

PPF (Public Provident Fund)
PPF offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and provides a guaranteed rate of return. It's a long-term investment option with a lock-in period of 15 years, offering safety and stability to your investment portfolio.

NPS (National Pension System)
NPS is a retirement-focused investment scheme with both equity and debt options. It offers tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B) over and above the limit of Section 80C. NPS can be beneficial for building a retirement corpus, especially if you seek tax savings and long-term wealth accumulation.

FDs (Fixed Deposits)
FDs offer fixed returns over a specified period, providing stability to your portfolio. However, the returns may be relatively lower compared to mutual funds, PPF, or NPS. FDs can be suitable for short-term goals or as part of your emergency fund due to their liquidity.

Considerations for Your Portfolio
Risk Tolerance
Assess your risk tolerance and investment objectives before making any decisions. Mutual funds involve market risk but offer the potential for higher returns, whereas PPF, NPS, and FDs provide stability but may offer lower returns.

Tax Planning
As a 'professional', tax planning is crucial. Evaluate the tax benefits offered by PPF and NPS, along with the tax implications of your mutual fund investments. Choose investment avenues that optimize your tax liability while aligning with your financial goals.

Diversification
Diversifying your investment portfolio across different asset classes can mitigate risk and enhance returns. Consider a balanced approach by allocating funds to mutual funds for growth, PPF or NPS for tax-efficient long-term wealth accumulation, and FDs for stability and liquidity.

Conclusion
While mutual funds offer growth potential, diversifying your portfolio with PPF, NPS, or FDs can provide stability, tax benefits, and additional avenues for wealth accumulation. Evaluate your financial goals, risk tolerance, and tax planning requirements to make informed investment decisions.

If you need personalized advice or assistance in structuring your investment portfolio, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Dear Sir , I am S.K Sinha age 62 yrs having SIP as below Axis Blue chip fund - 1000/= Axis ELLS fund - 2000/= L & T mid cap fund - 1000/= ICICI prudential Value Discovery fund - 3000/= ICICI prudential Equity & Depth fund - 3000/= Mirae Asset Large cap fund - 2500/= Quant Active fund - 2000/= Parag Parikh Flexi Fund - 3000/= SBI cantra fund - 3000/= My wife age 56 yrs having below SIP Canara Robeco Emerging equity - 3000/= Mirac Asset Bl ue Chip Fund - 3000/= Nippon India Small cap fund - 1500/= SBI Technoloy Opportunities fund- 3000/= L & T Value India fund- 2000/= All the above SIP investments are from 2019 omward. Goal is for 1 cr in next 8 yrs. Request to pl evalulate and guid me further if there os any chsge is required in SIP
Ans: Dear Mr. Sinha,

Thank you for sharing your investment details. Let's evaluate your SIP portfolio and chart a path forward to help you achieve your goal of ?1 crore in the next 8 years.

Assessing Your SIP Portfolio
Diversification
Your portfolio demonstrates a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds across various sectors. This diversification helps spread risk and capture growth opportunities in different segments of the market.

Goal Alignment
Your goal of accumulating ?1 crore in 8 years is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy and disciplined investing.

Reviewing Fund Performance
We need to assess the performance of each fund to ensure they are aligned with your investment objectives and market conditions.

Potential Adjustments
Rebalancing
Reviewing your portfolio periodically is essential to maintain the desired asset allocation. We may need to rebalance your investments to ensure they align with your risk profile and financial goals.

Fund Selection
Some funds may underperform or may not be suitable for your current investment horizon. We may consider replacing them with better-performing alternatives.

Risk Assessment
Given your age and investment horizon, we need to assess the risk level of your portfolio and ensure it is appropriate for your stage in life and financial goals.

Recommendations
Consolidation
Consolidating your SIPs into fewer funds can simplify portfolio management and reduce administrative hassles. Focus on quality funds with consistent performance records.

Regular Review
Continue to review your portfolio at regular intervals to monitor fund performance and make necessary adjustments based on changing market conditions.

Tax Planning
Consider tax implications while making changes to your portfolio. Tax-efficient investment strategies can help maximize your returns over the long term.

Conclusion
Your SIP portfolio reflects a proactive approach towards wealth creation. By making strategic adjustments and staying disciplined, you can work towards achieving your financial goal of ?1 crore in the next 8 years.

If you need further assistance or personalized advice, feel free to reach out. I'm here to guide you through your financial journey and help you make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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I have invested Rs.1 lakh in my wife's name who is a housewife in Mirae Asset Healthcare mutual fund in November 2018.Its present value is 3.3 lakhs.If it is redeemed what is the tax to be paid.Thanks in advance.
Ans: Tax Implications of Redeeming Mutual Fund Investment
Congratulations on the growth of your investment! Let's delve into the tax implications of redeeming your investment in Mirae Asset Healthcare mutual fund.

Understanding Capital Gains
When you redeem your mutual fund units, any profit you earn is considered capital gains and is subject to taxation. Capital gains are classified as either short-term or long-term based on the holding period.

Short-term Capital Gains
If you redeem your mutual fund units within three years of purchase, the resulting gains are considered short-term capital gains. These gains are added to your taxable income and taxed according to your applicable income tax slab rate.

Long-term Capital Gains
If you hold your mutual fund units for more than three years before redeeming, the gains are classified as long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gains on equity-oriented mutual funds are taxed at a flat rate of 10% without indexation benefits, provided the gains exceed ?1 lakh in a financial year.

Tax Calculation
In your case, since the investment was made in November 2018 and the present value is ?3.3 lakhs, the investment has been held for more than three years. Therefore, the gains would be classified as long-term capital gains.

The tax would be calculated as 10% of the gains exceeding ?1 lakh. Let's say your total gain is ?2.3 lakhs (?3.3 lakhs - ?1 lakh), then the taxable amount would be ?1.3 lakhs (?2.3 lakhs - ?1 lakh). So, the tax payable would be ?13,000 (10% of ?1.3 lakhs).

Mitigating Tax Liability
There are certain strategies to mitigate your tax liability:

Tax-saving Investments: Consider investing in tax-saving instruments like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) or Public Provident Fund (PPF) to avail of deductions under Section 80C.

Tax Loss Harvesting: If you have other investments with capital losses, consider selling them to offset the capital gains from your mutual fund investment.

Conclusion
Redeeming your mutual fund investment entails tax implications based on the holding period and gains accrued. Understanding these implications can help you plan your finances effectively.

If you need further assistance in tax planning or investment strategies, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you navigate through your financial journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Hi, I'm 32now, i want to have money generated 30 lakh for the next 16 years, what SIPs are better for moderate risk
Ans: Generating ?30 Lakhs in 16 Years: A Moderate Risk Approach
You are 32 now and aiming to generate ?30 lakhs over the next 16 years. It is a commendable goal and certainly achievable with a disciplined approach.

Understanding your financial goals and risk appetite is crucial. For a moderate risk profile, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds offer a balanced approach.

Importance of SIPs
SIPs provide the benefit of rupee cost averaging. This means you invest a fixed amount regularly, buying more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. This smoothens the impact of market volatility over time.

Another advantage is the power of compounding. By investing regularly, your money has the potential to grow exponentially as returns themselves generate returns.

Asset Allocation for Moderate Risk
Diversifying your investments across different types of mutual funds can help manage risk. A combination of equity and debt funds is typically recommended for moderate risk profiles.

Equity Funds
Equity funds invest primarily in stocks. They have the potential for higher returns but come with higher risk. Within equity funds, consider a mix of large-cap and multi-cap funds. Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies, providing stability. Multi-cap funds invest across various market capitalisations, offering balanced growth.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed income instruments like bonds. They provide stability and lower risk compared to equity funds. Consider including short-term and medium-term debt funds in your portfolio. These funds can offer steady returns and act as a cushion during market downturns.

Choosing Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have a fund manager who makes investment decisions based on market research. These funds aim to outperform the market and offer potentially higher returns.

Unlike index funds, which simply track a market index, actively managed funds seek to beat the index. This active management can provide better returns, especially in a volatile market.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can be advantageous. MFDs offer regular funds which include a small commission. This commission incentivises them to provide continuous support and advice.

Regular funds also come with the benefit of personalised guidance. A CFP can help you adjust your investments based on changing market conditions and personal financial goals.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regular monitoring of your investments is essential. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, affecting your investment strategy.

Rebalancing your portfolio periodically ensures that it remains aligned with your risk profile and financial goals. This involves adjusting the proportions of equity and debt funds to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual funds offer tax-efficient returns. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are taxed at 10% if the gains exceed ?1 lakh in a financial year. Debt funds, held for over three years, qualify for indexation benefits, reducing the tax burden on gains.

Conclusion
Investing in SIPs with a mix of equity and debt funds is a prudent approach for generating ?30 lakhs in 16 years. This strategy balances growth potential with stability, suited for a moderate risk profile.

Actively managed funds, chosen with the help of a Certified Financial Planner, can provide better returns and personalised advice. Regular monitoring and rebalancing of your portfolio will help you stay on track to meet your financial goal.

Congratulations on taking this important step towards your financial future. Your discipline and commitment to investing will surely pay off.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2519 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Recently saw a policy from Max which is giving 7.33 IRR is it a good deal planning to invest 3 lacs p.a
Ans: Investing in an insurance-cum-investment scheme, like the one offered by Max with a 7.33% Internal Rate of Return (IRR), can be appealing due to the dual benefits of insurance coverage and investment returns. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons compared to other investment options, such as mutual funds (MFs).

Evaluating the Max Policy
Guaranteed Returns: The 7.33% IRR is relatively attractive for a guaranteed return, especially in a low-interest-rate environment. It provides a predictable return over time, which can be beneficial for risk-averse investors.

Insurance Coverage: This type of policy provides life insurance coverage along with investment benefits. This can be useful if you need life insurance and prefer to combine it with an investment component.

Cost Structure: Insurance-cum-investment schemes typically have higher fees compared to MFs. These can include premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, and mortality charges. These fees can significantly reduce the net returns.

Flexibility and Liquidity: These plans often come with lock-in periods (usually 5 years for ULIPs) and less flexibility compared to MFs. Accessing funds before the lock-in period can incur penalties or surrender charges.

Comparing with Mutual Funds (MFs)
Potentially Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially equity-oriented ones, have the potential to offer higher returns compared to guaranteed returns from insurance-cum-investment schemes. Over the long term, equity markets have historically outperformed fixed-return investments.

Lower Costs: MFs generally have lower expense ratios compared to the multiple fees associated with insurance plans. This can lead to better net returns for the investor.

Flexibility and Control: MFs offer greater flexibility with no lock-in periods (except for specific schemes like ELSS with a 3-year lock-in). Investors can switch between different funds, rebalance their portfolio, and withdraw funds more easily.

Focus on Investment Goals: If your primary goal is wealth accumulation, MFs allow you to tailor your investments to your risk appetite and financial goals. They provide a wide range of options from high-risk equity funds to low-risk debt funds.

Recommendations
Insurance Needs: If you need life insurance, consider buying a separate term insurance policy. Term insurance is more cost-effective and provides higher coverage compared to the insurance component of ULIPs or endowment plans.

Investment Goals: For growing your wealth, mutual funds might be a better choice due to their higher return potential, lower costs, and greater flexibility.

Combined Approach: If you prefer the convenience of a combined product and are satisfied with the 7.33% IRR, the Max policy could be suitable. However, ensure that you are comfortable with the lock-in period and the associated fees.

Conclusion
The Max policy with a 7.33% IRR offers a decent return for an insurance-cum-investment scheme, but it may not be the best option if your primary goal is investment growth. Evaluate your insurance needs separately and consider mutual funds for higher returns and better flexibility. Always align your investments with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

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

...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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