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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9737 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

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
Visu Question by Visu on Jan 16, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 31 years old and have reached a point of saturation in my professional life. I am considering taking early retirement or, at the very least, a sabbatical for the next five years. Currently, I have a corpus of ?1 crore invested in mutual funds. Additionally, I expect to receive an inheritance from my father in the next five years, which includes ?35 lakhs in property value and ?1 crore in savings. I am single, never married, and follow a minimalist lifestyle with no bad habits and no commitment. I have life insurance term plan for 1.5 Cr and traditional insurance for ?.10 lacs and medical insurance of ?.50 lacs. I currently reside in a metro city but am open to relocating to a rural area if needed. If necessary, I am willing to explore a new career path after six years, even if it means working for a lesser salary. Given my circumstances, I would appreciate your suggestions on whether retiring this year is a wise decision. Your insights will greatly help me finalize my plans. Thank you!

Ans: Taking early retirement or a sabbatical is a significant decision. It requires a thorough assessment of your financial readiness, lifestyle, and future aspirations. Let us evaluate your situation from multiple angles to provide comprehensive insights.

1. Analysing Your Current Financial Position
You have a corpus of Rs. 1 crore in mutual funds.

Expect an inheritance worth Rs. 1.35 crore within the next five years.

Life insurance cover of Rs. 1.5 crore is adequate for your dependents, if any in the future.

Medical insurance of Rs. 50 lakh provides sufficient coverage for health-related emergencies.

2. Assessing Your Monthly Expense Needs
A minimalist lifestyle helps reduce expenses significantly.

Calculate your monthly expenses, including necessities and discretionary spending.

Consider inflation. It will impact your purchasing power over the next five years.

If planning to relocate to a rural area, adjust for lower costs of living.

3. Financial Implications of a Five-Year Sabbatical
Your mutual fund corpus must support expenses for at least five years.

Redeeming mutual funds may incur taxes. Plan withdrawals carefully to reduce tax impact.

Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected situations.

Avoid depleting your corpus entirely. Secure funds for post-sabbatical years.

4. Evaluating Retirement Suitability at 31
Early retirement is feasible only if your corpus grows consistently.

Inheritance is not guaranteed within a specific timeline. Avoid relying solely on it.

Consider the long-term impact of pausing income generation at this stage.

Re-entering the workforce after six years may reduce earning potential.

5. Investing During the Sabbatical
Retain a portion of your corpus in mutual funds for wealth growth.

Use debt mutual funds or balanced funds for stable returns and lower risk.

Actively managed funds are preferable. Fund managers can optimise returns better than index funds.

Regular plans with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer better guidance than direct funds.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments for Sustainability
Minimalist living can support long-term financial sustainability.

Relocating to a rural area reduces housing and food costs.

Avoid unnecessary spending during the sabbatical period.

7. Tax Implications of Your Investments
Long-term capital gains on equity mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains on equity funds are taxed at 20%.

Debt funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals carefully to minimise tax liability.

8. Role of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can help create a withdrawal strategy aligned with your goals.

Regular funds managed with a CFP provide better oversight compared to direct funds.

Professional advice ensures your corpus grows steadily during your sabbatical.

9. Evaluating the Inheritance
Inheritance provides a financial cushion. However, its timeline is uncertain.

Property inheritance requires careful planning to avoid legal or maintenance issues.

Savings from the inheritance can be reinvested for long-term growth.

10. Insurance Coverage Review
Review your traditional insurance policy of Rs. 10 lakh.

Surrendering low-return insurance plans can free funds for reinvestment in mutual funds.

Ensure your term plan continues for at least the next two decades.

11. Future Career Prospects
A sabbatical may enhance personal growth, leading to new career paths.

Be prepared for a lower salary if re-entering the workforce after six years.

Consider reskilling during the sabbatical to stay relevant in the job market.

12. Contingency Planning
Ensure you have funds to address unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Avoid depleting your mutual fund corpus entirely.

Maintain health insurance and other necessary covers throughout the sabbatical.

13. Importance of Long-Term Financial Planning
Early retirement requires detailed planning for the next 40–50 years.

Inflation and medical expenses will increase over time.

Create a diversified portfolio that balances growth and stability.

14. Emotional and Lifestyle Factors
Early retirement offers freedom but can also bring challenges.

Plan activities to stay mentally and physically active during this period.

Build a social support network to avoid loneliness or isolation.

15. Key Recommendations
Consider starting with a sabbatical instead of complete retirement.

Monitor your expenses closely to ensure sustainability.

Reassess your financial position annually.

Work with a CFP to optimise your portfolio and plan future withdrawals.

Final Insights
Taking a sabbatical or early retirement at 31 is a bold step. Your current corpus and minimalist lifestyle provide a strong foundation. However, careful planning is essential to sustain this decision long-term. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to guide your investments and ensure financial security for the future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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Hi, I need advice on retirement - I am 43, Single, no kids, will never have any. I own a 2BKH in pune and there is no loan for it. My parents are on Maharashtra state pension of 45K per month. My total corpus is 4+ crore. Majority of the corpus is invested in Equity mutual funds. I have kept 20 Lakhs in Debt mutual funds for emergency. Some portion is in Liquid MF from which money gets STPed to equity mutual funds every month. Our total monthly expense, including that for my parents and their medical bills is 60K. My own monthly expense is not calculable - but roughly it can be 60K minus their pension which is = 25K. I have bought Health insurance for myself and a separate Accidental disability insurance for myself. I have also bought senior citizen health insurance cover of 15lakh for my parents. My current salary is 2+ lakhs per month(of which 1.5 lakhs go in equity MF SIP) I don't know how long I will live and if I should retire now?
Ans: Retirement doesn't look the same for everyone, and we all have different definitions of what's "enough" money you need to finally put to work in your rear-view mirror. But if you've accomplished the actions listed below, you're probably nearing the home stretch before your well-earned rest and relaxation

You have enough money to have the retirement you want. Figuring out how much money you need to have saved before you can quit working is a job in and of itself. Some say that you should save at least 10 times your annual salary by the time you're 67. Others point to the 4% rule, which states that you should be able to comfortably live off of about 4% of your investments in each year of retirement, thus allowing you to cover expenses for about 30 years.

You have a fund for unforeseen expenses. One of the biggest mistakes a retiree can make is not having an emergency fund. In retirement, a lot of your investments and sources of income are less liquid than cash, since you can't just go to your bank and withdraw cash from your account instantly when your money is invested in the market.

You have a diverse portfolio to protect your wealth. It's not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to creating sources of income for retirement. You mitigate risk by spreading your savings and investments across multiple streams of future income.

You have a plan to afford healthcare

Healthcare costs rise exponentially in retirement. Many people receive health insurance through their employers, but this benefit typically ends once the individual no longer works there.

"Retirement is not a destination, it's a journey. And like any journey, it's important to be prepared. That means being mentally as well as financially prepared."

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9737 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear sir, I am 52 yrs old working in private organization . Due to work pressure and stress , I wish retire now. Having following saving/ investment. LIC - 25L, MF and equity- 20 lacs, real estate- 1 Cr. No EMI. Monthly expenses - 30K. Is it rt decision to retire now? Thank in advance...
Ans: Shiva, I understand that you're considering retiring early due to work pressure and stress. It’s important to ensure your financial stability before making such a big decision. Let's take a closer look at your financial situation and how you can optimize it to make your retirement plan more feasible and comfortable.

Current Financial Overview
Your current assets include:

LIC Policies: Rs. 25 lakhs
Mutual Funds and Equity: Rs. 20 lakhs
Real Estate: Rs. 1 crore
You have no EMIs, and your monthly expenses are Rs. 30,000. This gives you a strong foundation, but there’s room for optimization.

Monthly Expenses and Future Projections
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 30,000, which amounts to Rs. 3.6 lakhs annually. Considering an average inflation rate of 6%, your expenses will increase over time. It’s important to plan for this gradual increase to ensure your savings last throughout your retirement.

Assessing Your Investments
LIC Policies
Surrendering LIC Policies

LIC policies provide security, but they may not offer the best returns compared to other investment options like mutual funds.

Consider surrendering your LIC policies and reinvesting the proceeds in mutual funds. This can provide better growth and more flexibility.

Mutual Funds and Equity
1. Benefits of Mutual Funds

Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and the potential for higher returns. Here’s why mutual funds can be a better option:

Diversification: Spread your investments across different sectors and companies, reducing risk.
Professional Management: Fund managers make informed decisions on where to invest your money.
Compounding: Over time, your investments can grow significantly due to the power of compounding.
2. Types of Mutual Funds to Consider

Invest in a mix of mutual funds to balance risk and returns:

Equity Mutual Funds: These invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. Suitable for long-term growth.
Debt Mutual Funds: These invest in bonds and are less volatile. They provide stability and regular income.
Balanced or Hybrid Funds: These invest in both equities and debt, providing a balance between growth and stability.
3. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This instills discipline and benefits from rupee cost averaging, reducing the impact of market volatility.

4. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

An SWP provides regular income by withdrawing a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments. This can be a reliable source of income in retirement.

Implementing a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
1. How SWP Works

In an SWP, you invest a lump sum in a mutual fund and withdraw a fixed amount periodically. This provides you with regular income while your remaining investment continues to grow.

2. Setting Up an SWP

Choose the Right Fund: Opt for a balanced or debt mutual fund to ensure stability.
Determine the Withdrawal Amount: Calculate your monthly expenses and set your withdrawal amount accordingly. Ensure it’s sustainable over the long term.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your SWP to ensure it meets your income needs and adjust if necessary.
Managing Real Estate
1. Rental Income

If your real estate can generate rental income, this can be a steady source of funds. Ensure the rental income covers a substantial part of your monthly expenses.

2. Liquidity Considerations

Real estate is not very liquid. If you need cash quickly, selling property might take time. Hence, it’s crucial to have other liquid investments.

Healthcare and Insurance
1. Adequate Health Insurance

Ensure you have sufficient health insurance coverage. Medical emergencies can deplete your savings quickly. Consider enhancing your existing policy if necessary.

2. Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This should be easily accessible and cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses.

Inflation Protection
1. Growth-Oriented Investments

Keep a portion of your portfolio in growth-oriented investments like equity mutual funds. This helps in beating inflation and maintaining your purchasing power.

2. Regular Review

Regularly review and adjust your investments to ensure they are aligned with your financial goals and inflation rate.

Retirement Withdrawal Strategy
1. 4% Rule

A commonly recommended strategy is the 4% rule. Withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio annually, adjusted for inflation. This strategy helps balance income needs and preserve capital.

2. Diversify Withdrawals

Diversify your withdrawal sources. Combine income from SWPs, rental income, and other investments to ensure stability and sustainability.

Detailed Mutual Fund Strategy
1. Equity Mutual Funds

Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for growth. Large-cap funds offer stability, while mid-cap and small-cap funds provide higher growth potential.

2. Debt Mutual Funds

Invest in short-term and long-term debt funds for stability. These funds provide regular income with lower volatility.

3. Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds, which invest in both equity and debt, offer a balanced approach. They provide growth and income stability.

Benefits of Regular Mutual Funds
1. Professional Management

Regular funds are managed by professionals. They make informed investment decisions, helping you achieve better returns.

2. Convenience

Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offers convenience. They handle paperwork and provide regular updates.

3. Diversification

Mutual funds offer diversification, spreading investments across different assets, reducing risk.

Avoiding Direct Funds
1. Lack of Guidance

Direct funds require you to choose and manage your investments. This can be challenging without proper knowledge and experience.

2. Time-Consuming

Managing direct funds requires regular monitoring and adjustments. This can be time-consuming and stressful.

Final Insights
Shiva, your decision to retire is significant, and with careful planning, it’s achievable. Here’s a summary to guide you:

Surrender LIC Policies: Reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds for better growth.
Diversify Mutual Fund Investments: Balance between equity, debt, and hybrid funds.
Set Up an SWP: Ensure a regular income stream while keeping your investments growing.
Generate Rental Income: If possible, use rental income to support your expenses.
Maintain Health Insurance and Emergency Fund: Ensure you are covered for unforeseen expenses.
Regular Review and Adjustments: Periodically review your investments and make necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can retire comfortably and confidently, knowing that your financial future is secure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9737 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 23, 2024Hindi
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I am a 50 year old divorced IT consultant with a monthly take home of 2.7 lakhs per month. I have a rental income of 30k per month from an apartment which is completely paid for worth around 1 crore [but jointly owned with my ex]. I have around 1.3 crore in Mutual Funds, 25 Lakhs in debt funds and 30 lakhs in direct stock after division of assets with my ex wife. I also have properties worth around 1.6 crores to my name. My daughter is currently in 8th standard and the cost of her education till 12th is also covered through a trust fund. I have a PPF of some 17L right now. I have one of those LIC schemes where I have a guaranteed return of 60L by age 58 if I pay an additional 8 Lakhs across next 8 years. My PF should be around 18 lakhs but it has some name related complications and whether I will get it from the government is subject to speculation, if I get it I will consider it a windfall. My current outstanding is a vehicle loan EMI of Rs. 21k per month, 12K per month for Insurance (with savings). I am checking to see whether I am in a position to retire now. I have some health issues related to my knee on which I have been advised Physiotherapy but the work pressure is keeping me away from regular exercise and keeping me overweight. I am wondering whether I have enough saved up to retire to a village in Tamil nadu, where my monthly living expenses should be under 15K initially (I had done a trial retirement last year). I am wondering these days whether I should retire early before my initial target corpus is achieved. My initial target corpus was 2.7 crore in MF+ Debt for retirement in addition to the rental but I am now wondering whether I am ready to proceed to retirement now. Mostly I want to leave a good inheritance to my daughter and I am not sure whether I have enough for the same. I should also mention my ex is also has a similar networth in MF+FD+Property except that she is earning much less
Ans: At 50, considering early retirement is a significant decision. It is essential to carefully assess your financial stability and future requirements. Below is a detailed analysis and recommendations based on your situation.

1. Understanding Your Current Financial Position
You have Rs. 1.3 crore in mutual funds and Rs. 25 lakhs in debt funds.

Your direct stock portfolio is worth Rs. 30 lakhs.

Your PPF balance stands at Rs. 17 lakhs.

You expect Rs. 60 lakhs from a guaranteed LIC scheme at age 58.

Your rental income is Rs. 30,000 per month from an apartment.

Your vehicle loan EMI is Rs. 21,000 per month.

Insurance premium is Rs. 12,000 monthly.

Your expenses during a trial retirement were Rs. 15,000 monthly.

Your net property worth (excluding the shared apartment) is Rs. 1.6 crore.

2. Key Considerations for Early Retirement
Monthly Income Sufficiency
The rental income of Rs. 30,000 exceeds your estimated living expenses of Rs. 15,000.

However, future inflation will increase your expenses significantly.

Health and Lifestyle
Knee-related health issues may lead to higher medical costs later.

Regular physiotherapy and weight management should be prioritised.

Corpus and Growth
Your current financial corpus may not grow sufficiently without active investments.

Aim for a balanced portfolio with equity and debt for long-term growth.

Daughter’s Inheritance
Your focus on leaving a good inheritance is valid.

Ensure your investments align with this goal.

3. Evaluating the Feasibility of Early Retirement
Corpus Target vs. Current Assets
Your target corpus of Rs. 2.7 crore in MF and debt funds is slightly unmet.

Current assets in MF, debt, and stocks total Rs. 1.85 crore.

You are 70% towards the target, which is promising.

Guaranteed Returns from LIC
The LIC policy will provide Rs. 60 lakhs by age 58.

You must pay Rs. 8 lakhs over the next 8 years to receive this.

Contingent PF Corpus
Consider your PF corpus of Rs. 18 lakhs a bonus if recovered.

Exclude it for current retirement planning due to uncertainty.

4. Recommendations for Financial Stability
Review Your Investments
Reassess your mutual fund portfolio for consistent performers.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner to optimise returns.

Address Low-Yield Assets
LIC offers guaranteed returns but limits growth potential.

Evaluate reinvesting in equity funds if surrendering is beneficial.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Reduce dependency on direct stocks to minimise risks.

Balance your portfolio with flexi-cap and balanced mutual funds.

Maintain Emergency Corpus
Keep at least 12 months’ expenses (Rs. 2.4 lakh) in a liquid fund.
5. Planning for Medical Costs
Purchase comprehensive health insurance to manage rising medical costs.

Create a separate corpus for potential surgeries or prolonged treatments.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments for Health
Focus on regular physiotherapy to avoid worsening your condition.

Reduce work pressure immediately if health deteriorates further.

7. Tax Efficiency in Retirement
LTCG on mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Minimise taxes by strategically withdrawing gains.

Invest surplus in tax-efficient funds for post-retirement income.

8. Strategies for Leaving an Inheritance
Invest in growth-oriented mutual funds for wealth creation.

Avoid unnecessary withdrawals from your corpus.

Nominate your daughter across all investments for easy transfer.

9. Steps to Transition to Retirement
Retire in phases by gradually reducing work commitments.

Start living within Rs. 15,000 monthly expenses immediately.

Continue earning part-time consultancy income if possible.

10. Final Insights
Early retirement is achievable with disciplined financial planning. Focus on aligning your corpus with your goals. Ensure health, inheritance, and lifestyle are balanced. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you to achieve sustainable financial independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2025Hindi
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Sir what are the undergraduate course which can be pursue from Indian Statistical Institute.
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Recommendation: For a career focused on theoretical foundations and versatile statistical roles, pursue B.Stat at Kolkata to leverage ISI’s pioneering heritage and high placement consistency; choose B.Math at Bengaluru for deep mathematical training and comparable placements; opt for BSDS if you seek an early edge in data-science careers through JEE/CUET-based entry and industry-oriented data labs. All the BEST!

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Hello Sir,Sir SMVDU Jammu,GNDU Amritsar ,or GNDEC Ludhiana,for architecture.Kindly recommend.
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recommendation
Prioritise SMVDU Jammu for its NIRF-ranked, design-focused curriculum and intimate cohort environment; next, choose GNDU Amritsar for its NAAC A++ status, expansive zoned campus and strong live-project integrations; lastly, opt for GNDEC Ludhiana for its established autonomy, TEQIP-backed infrastructure and robust urban-design studio training when campus connectivity and funding-driven quality upgrades are paramount. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Srm KTR cse vs Upes cse?
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UPES Dehradun’s CSE programme is preferable for slightly higher placement consistency, average remuneration and early internship integration, while SRM KTR’s broader ABET-accredited curriculum, global recognition and extensive lab infrastructure offer a versatile computing foundation; choose based on whether specialization depth and placement metrics or international accreditation and curriculum breadth align more with your career priorities. I also suggest that if you are located in Northern India, you should prefer the UPES-CSE program. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Sunil Lala  |209 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
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Hi, Me and My wife earn earn 2 lacs per month after taxes (Both Salaried). Im 34 and she is 31. We have a 1 Year old son. Current investments are as follows. MF: 2 Lacs (Sip 25k per month. PPFAS: 10K, ICICI Prud Large Cap Direct: 3k, Motilal Oswal midcap: 2k, LIC MF Gold ETF: 5K, Nippon inida Small cap: 5k) FD: 4 Lacs EPF: 7 Lacs PPF: 1.5 LPA (Started in april this year 12500 per month) Expenses ( 50 k per month) Liabilities. Home loan: 40 months remaining 35k EMI. We wish to achieve following goals. 1. 60Lacs in next 16 years for childs education. 2. 60Lacs in next 10 years for new home. 3. 2Cr in next 20 years for retirement. Please suggest suitable plan and investment change if any to achieve above goals.
Ans: Hello, to achieve 1.2Cr in the next 10 years, you need to have SIPs worth 50k today which will yield a CAGR of 15% to achieve the target. Another 20k SIP to achieve the 2Cr retirement target, which totals to 70k SIPs starting today. Your financials look very stable with the income you'll have, but the investment decisions w.r.t the mutual funds, the PPF and EPF are wrong since they will not yield optimum returns in the long run. As far as tax planning and safety is concerned, there are other better avenues to put your money which will be more effecient than your current decisions. Also, as far as your mutual funds are concerned, these look very "safe" and selection looks a lot based on past returns.
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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8839 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Janak

Janak Patel  |60 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir/Madam, I'm 35 yrs old married man, no children, Working as Qa analyst from past 13yrs. I'm earning 1-Lack per month. I have no emis and no good savings. But rent is 25k per month I may go for house loan maybe 20-Lakhs to support my parents house But I'm worried about my future due to working in IT as QA and uncertainty about job security Can you please suggest me how can I save money and pension plan Any suggestions will be really helpful
Ans: Hi,

Based on the information provided, its difficult to provide specific responses. Even then, let me try to guide you with some pointers.

Savings -
As I understand your income and expenses do not leave any saving at this time. With 1 lakh income and 25K rent, you have 75k for other expenses. So first start by looking at these, create a budget for various expenses and see if there is any potential to make adjustments and arrive at saving a few thousands. Even a saving of 2k every month has a potential to build 10 lakhs in 15 years. So no amount is too small. Start small and keep looking for ways to save more with time.
Rent is also something to think about. Is there anyways to reduce it, a smaller house or another area or something that can work for you. When you consider new place keep in mind the over all expense you will incur not just rent, e.g. travel expenses. Overall there should be a benefit in terms of real savings in hand every month.

Loan -
Going for a loan to support your parents house will put additional burden on your budget. Do they live in the same city, if so is there an option to live with them. This can help service EMI with the rent saved.

Empower your spouse -
Another option to consider is your spouse's potential to contribute to the household income. You can encourage her towards something that she can start either a job or something on her own, may be tuitions or any other interests, anything that can generate a little more income to support/increase your savings.

Career -
As for your own future in IT, I can understand it may look challenging. Look for additional skills you can develop on the job. Many organizations have career growth options with trainings and new areas of focus where they would prefer an existing employee they can train and utilize. So look within your organization and even outside. Developing new skills can be 1 way to stay relevant in IT. Keep yourself updated with new tools and techniques to get an edge over others.
Also consider any other areas of interest/expertise you have or can develop for an alternate career. I have been in the IT industry too for a long time. Somewhere in the middle of my IT career I developed interest towards finance and specifically personal finance area and pursued it with passion and eventually I started it as a profession/business.
So look for your areas of interest.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

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