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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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 02, 2024Hindi
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Hi, i am 31 yesrs now and have invested around 10,00,000.00 in stocks. I am investing around 15k per month for retirement plan of Tata AIA i.e for 7years and returning amount will be at 50years. 17k per month in bajaj Allianz for 5 years and returning will be at age of 40. And 25k per month in axis mutual funds returning will be in 3 years.These investments i have started form nearly 10months back. My expences will be 1 lakh a month. I am newly married now just about a month back and have debt of 4lakhs for gold purchase but i can manage in 1 year EMI payments. So what should i do to retair by 45 to 50 years maximum

Ans: Congratulations on your recent marriage and proactive approach to financial planning! To retire comfortably by the age of 45 to 50 years, it's essential to continue your disciplined saving and investment approach while managing your debt effectively. Here's a suggested plan of action:

Reevaluate Insurance Policies:
Reconsider your contributions towards Tata AIA and Bajaj Allianz policies, as they may not offer optimal returns for your retirement goals. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to explore exit options and minimize further contributions.
Explore Mutual Fund Exit Strategies:
Assess the exit options for the Tata AIA and Bajaj Allianz policies to potentially redirect those funds into more efficient investment avenues.
Investigate the possibility of systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) in mutual funds to provide a regular income stream during your retirement years.
Optimize Mutual Fund Investments:
Redirect the funds from the insurance policies towards more suitable investment options, such as mutual funds with a diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities.
Continue investing in Axis Mutual Funds with a focus on achieving short-term financial goals, but ensure alignment with your overall investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Manage Debt Strategically:
Prioritize paying off your gold purchase debt within the agreed-upon timeframe to avoid unnecessary interest payments.
Explore opportunities to optimize your debt repayment plan and allocate any surplus funds towards debt reduction to achieve financial freedom sooner.
Review Financial Plan Regularly:
Regularly review your financial plan to track progress towards retirement goals and make necessary adjustments based on changes in your financial situation and market conditions.
Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and aspirations.
By reassessing your insurance policies, optimizing mutual fund investments, managing debt strategically, and seeking professional financial advice, you can work towards achieving your retirement goals more effectively and efficiently.
Asked on - May 02, 2024 | Answered on May 02, 2024
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Hai sir , I am really thankful for your kind wishes and the suggestion you have provided for my future retaining plan. Actually in Bajaj Alianz plan after investing 17k a month for 5 years(10,00,000 aprox) i would get around 50lakhs after 10th year I.e when I turn 40 I am tracking the fund and it is proving 20% returns until now In Tata AIA I am investing 15k a month for 7 years (12,00,000.00 aprox) and at the time I reach 50 they will give 2lakhs pension per month or 3crs lumpsum and fund is going with 8% returns. These are the details for those investment plans. So, you are suggesting that they may not provide the final amounts as they promois and because of that you want me to exist them. Or you want me to reduce the burden of those plans and invest in other modules.
Ans: I'm glad you found the suggestions helpful, and I appreciate your trust in sharing your investment details. My suggestion to consider exiting those plans stems from factors like potential discrepancies between expected and actual returns, high charges, and lack of transparency. Poor performance could also be a concern.

Redirecting your investments to options with more transparent fees, better performance track records, and lower charges may offer greater potential for reaching your financial goals. Ultimately, it's about ensuring your investments align with your long-term financial objectives and provide the best possible returns with minimal risks and costs.
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  |7204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 19, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, My age is 33, married, one kid. Wife homemaker. Income details: My salary is 34L fixed. Almost 1.9L in-hand post tax, pf and nps. I get 14k rent, parents staying. Existing mutual funds 4L Pf existing amount 15L. NPS existing amount is 5L. Neatly 18lakh US stocks. Noida house value now: 60L Bengaluru house value: 90L Spending and investment details: Monthly EMI is 1L(bought two flats in Noida and Bangalore) Mutual funds monthly 6.5k Vpf is 2% of CTC. Rest amount for monthly house needs. My question is what changes i should make in my spending. I am planning to increase EMI size of new home by 20k which i took last year, but feel i am investment low on equity, even though my company invests 10% of CTC towards NPS which is in agressive equity mode. Just want to understand some tips to retire by 50 years. Thanks.
Ans: You have a solid financial foundation. Your salary, properties, and existing investments reflect prudent financial decisions. Your steady income and real estate investments provide stability. However, balancing debt repayment with future goals like early retirement requires strategic adjustments.

Your current monthly EMI of ?1 lakh for two properties in Noida and Bengaluru is substantial. Additionally, you invest ?6,500 monthly in mutual funds and contribute 2% of your CTC to VPF. These commitments need careful management to achieve your retirement goal by 50.

Your company’s NPS contribution in aggressive equity mode is advantageous. However, it's essential to diversify your portfolio while keeping your risk tolerance in mind.

Evaluating Your Equity Investment Strategy
Increasing your equity investments can enhance growth potential. Currently, your equity exposure includes mutual funds and US stocks. Equity investments typically yield higher returns over the long term but come with higher risk.

Your mutual fund investments are relatively low at ?6,500 per month. Increasing this amount can boost your equity portfolio, potentially accelerating your path to early retirement. Actively managed funds could be beneficial here. They offer the potential for higher returns through professional management, adapting to market changes.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds might seem appealing due to their low cost and market-matching returns. However, they lack flexibility and can underperform in volatile markets. Actively managed funds, although higher in cost, can potentially outperform by leveraging the expertise of fund managers.

Reviewing Direct and Regular Mutual Funds
Direct mutual funds bypass intermediaries, offering lower expense ratios. However, they require extensive market knowledge and active monitoring. Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner, provide guidance and strategic management, aligning with your long-term goals.

Regular funds, managed by a Certified Financial Planner, ensure professional oversight. This can optimize your portfolio performance, balancing growth and risk.

Managing EMI and Debt
Increasing your EMI by ?20,000 for the new home needs careful consideration. While paying off loans faster saves on interest, it reduces cash flow for other investments. Assess the impact on your monthly budget and overall investment capacity.

Consider whether this increased EMI aligns with your long-term goal of retiring by 50. Balancing debt repayment with strategic investments is crucial.

Planning for Early Retirement
To retire by 50, you need a robust retirement corpus. This requires maximizing savings and optimizing your investment strategy. Your existing assets, including properties and investments, provide a strong base.

Strategic Investment Planning
Increase Equity Investments: Allocate more funds to equity, through actively managed mutual funds, to potentially enhance returns.

Diversify Portfolio: Include a mix of equity and debt instruments to balance risk and ensure steady growth.

Professional Management: Utilize the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner to manage and monitor your portfolio, adapting to market conditions.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have a sufficient emergency fund, covering at least 6-12 months of expenses, to handle unforeseen circumstances.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed, ensuring alignment with your retirement goal.

Conclusion
Your current financial status is commendable. With strategic adjustments, particularly in increasing equity investments and managing debt, you can enhance your path to early retirement. Professional guidance will ensure your portfolio aligns with your long-term goals, providing stability and growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Money
I am 40, I am getting 1.5 lakh in hand salary, having one apartment house and rented it for 15000, staying in rental house with 10000 rent. I have invested in 1.1 lakh in RD, 3 lakh in equities, 78k in MF through 7.5k SIP monthly and till paying it, 1 lakh in SGB. I have 80k PPF, 25 K PPF in kids name and 40k in SSA post office, 25K in NPS and all these I am contributing monthly 1000 to 1500. I am having cumulative debts of 70 Lakhs for 5 years. I want close out all debts and start contributing more in Investing,please suggest.
Ans: Your financial journey reflects dedication and planning. You've diversified your investments across various instruments. However, with significant debt, the goal should be to reduce this burden. Clearing debt will free up resources for further investments.

Income and Expenses
You have a stable monthly income of Rs 1.5 lakh. Out of this, Rs 25,000 goes towards rent and SIPs. Managing the remaining Rs 1.25 lakh wisely will help you tackle debt and enhance your investments.

Debt Management
A cumulative debt of Rs 70 lakhs is substantial. Prioritize paying off high-interest debts first. This will reduce the financial pressure and interest burden over time. Consider creating a debt repayment plan with clear milestones.

Current Investments
Recurring Deposit (RD)

Your RD of Rs 1.1 lakh provides fixed returns but is less effective against inflation. After maturity, consider reinvesting in more growth-oriented options.

Equities

Your Rs 3 lakh in equities shows a good risk appetite. Continue monitoring and adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions.

Mutual Funds (MF)

You have Rs 78,000 in mutual funds through a SIP of Rs 7,500. Consistent investment through SIPs is commendable.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)

Investing Rs 1 lakh in SGB is a wise choice for hedging against inflation and currency risks.

PPF and SSA

Your PPF investments total Rs 1.05 lakh, including Rs 25,000 in your child's name. These are safe long-term instruments with tax benefits.

NPS

The Rs 25,000 in NPS ensures retirement savings with tax benefits. Continue contributing to build a substantial retirement corpus.

Detailed Investment Analysis
Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Regular funds come with the expertise of a certified financial planner (CFP). A CFP can offer personalized advice and active portfolio management. While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they lack professional guidance. This can be challenging for individuals without in-depth financial knowledge.

Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have the potential for higher returns compared to index funds. Fund managers use their expertise to select high-performing stocks. This can lead to better performance, especially in volatile markets. Index funds, while low-cost, simply replicate market performance. They lack the flexibility to adapt to market changes.

Strategic Debt Repayment Plan
Identify High-Interest Debts

List all debts with their respective interest rates. Prioritize those with the highest rates.

Allocate Funds

Dedicate a portion of your monthly income to debt repayment. Ensure this amount is sustainable and does not strain your daily expenses.

Consider Debt Consolidation

Explore options like debt consolidation loans. This can simplify repayment and potentially reduce interest rates.

Increase Income Sources

Utilize skills or hobbies to generate additional income. This can accelerate debt repayment and provide more investment capital.

Investment Enhancements
Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses. This provides financial security in unforeseen situations.

Diversified Portfolio

Continue diversifying your investments across equities, mutual funds, and safe instruments like PPF and SSA. This balances risk and returns.

Regular Reviews

Periodically review and adjust your investment portfolio. Market conditions and personal goals can change, requiring strategic shifts.

Children’s Future Planning
Education Fund

Start a dedicated education fund for your child. This ensures you can meet their educational needs without financial strain.

Health Insurance

Secure comprehensive health insurance for the family. This covers medical emergencies and protects your savings.

Retirement Planning
Increase NPS Contributions

Consider gradually increasing your contributions to the NPS. This enhances your retirement corpus and provides additional tax benefits.

Long-Term Investments

Focus on long-term investments with high growth potential. Equities and actively managed funds can offer substantial returns over time.

Tax Efficiency
Utilize Tax Deductions

Maximize contributions to PPF, NPS, and other tax-saving instruments. This reduces your taxable income and enhances savings.

Tax-Optimized Investments

Consider tax-efficient investment options. These can provide better post-tax returns and improve overall financial health.

Expert Guidance
Certified Financial Planner

Regular consultations with a CFP can provide personalized advice. A CFP helps navigate complex financial landscapes and achieve goals efficiently.

Continuous Learning

Stay informed about financial trends and investment opportunities. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions.

Final Insights
Your financial journey is well-structured but requires strategic adjustments. Focusing on debt repayment, diversifying investments, and seeking professional guidance will enhance your financial health. Remember, the key to financial success lies in disciplined planning and regular reviews. Stay committed to your goals and adapt as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

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Hi.. we are planning Uner graduate CS engineering in USA or SIN for our daughter. Need your support on best way forward in terms of universities which follow good curriculum and sldo whether we can explore any alternative options
Ans: Hi Harsha
First and foremost, thank you for reaching out to us. It’s great to know that your daughter is considering pursuing her undergraduate studies in Computer Science Engineering. To answer your question, I’d like to highlight that both the USA and Singapore offer excellent options for this field.

In the USA, Duke University stands out for its strong engineering program, providing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Its location and connections to industry make it a great choice for students aiming for careers in tech.

In Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a top-tier Computer Science program. NUS’s connections to the tech industry in Asia and its research-driven curriculum are significant advantages for students looking to make an impact in the field.

Additionally, co-op programs (e.g., Northeastern University, University of Waterloo) are excellent options for gaining real-world experience while studying. When choosing a university, it's important to consider not only the program but also your daughter’s profile, interests, and long-term career goals.

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Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 27, 2024Hindi
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Hello Anu, I want to talk about my something that has been bothering for a long time now. I am 28 years old now. I had immense body image problem as a child because I was often made fun of because of my obesity. With time I became active in school, participating in various events and was good at studies. When I was about 15 years old I started to experience hair loss as well but not too noticeable at the time. After the 1st semester in college I was able to shed excess weight and I started to feel good about how I looked, but the hair loss also continued and my confidence took a massive hit. I also found it quite difficult to commit to a relationship because I was afraid how others would perceive me and I would not be able to handle it. I was not able to keep myself happy so how could I keep someone else happy. Over the years I have kept myself occupied with my job and tried to be as social as I can be, but there has never been a moment where I could just switch off the feeling of being bothered by my hair loss, I did not let go of what I wanted to be, I just wanted to have a time where I would not be made fun of. I was quite sensitive emotionally and this aggravated after hair loss. I always feel that I could not enjoy my teenage life the way I wanted because of something that I don't know how it started. It's frustrating. I feel this huge gap between how am I supposed to be at my current age and what I actually feel as a person right now. Although I have tried to introspect even more this year and tried to accept that I will just have to find a match with what I have, I just don't understand how should I approach this. Sometimes I simulate it as business deal. My hair loss is not really something that a partner may be looking forward to. I still feel like I am not 28 years old. I am not supposed to be like this at 28. I know that there are others out there in the world in my age group who have also experience this, but I feel so isolated here just like how I used to feel as a child when someone would make fun of my weight among a group of kids. What should I do?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It's misshapen identity...Ultimately the only person who can accept you for who you are, is YOU. People are always going to have something to say about the way you look, what you eat, how you speak...
So, building your identity has to come from you, within you.
- how do I see myself in the mirror?
- what words do I use when I describe myself?
- what happens when I meet people?

A few questions that will give you a reality check. Self-talk is so undermined and we are the first ones to put down ourselves. Obviously, there are parts of your personality that you have overlooked as you have only focused on hair loss. Maybe you have a beautiful smile or you can hold conversations at length.

Actually do this:
Make a questionnaire that will help you figure out what people think of you. Ask these to at least 15 people. You will see the gap between how you see yourself and how others see you. This will help you when you are actively seeking a life partner as you will approach the same thing with confidence and assurance.
And maybe you can see a doctor who can help you with regaining the lost hair. Yeah?
You feel isolated because of your self-talk; so, be kind to yourself.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Anu Krishna  |1355 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 26, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Whenever I have a fight with my in-laws, my husband always takes their side and not talks with me for a 15 days or a week, tells me that he is bearing me all this years and I should go back to my mothers house, anyway he is hardly talking with me, he just answers my question, he is always busy with his office work, and he shoe me away if I try to romance by saying our daughter (13yr old) will see us, will do it afterwards, that comes only ones in a month. He is really unhappy with me, they all want to send me to my mother house, I deeply love him ....this all things makes me anxious, what should I do??? Ours is arranged marriage 15yrs. gone. He feels like he is trapped with me and now I am also feeling unhappy in our marriage..what should I do please suggest.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Clearly none of them seem to be happy with you and seem to want to get you away from them.
What exactly are you holding onto? Evaluate what you are getting by staying in the marriage and what you can do to manage life without the marriage if you of course make that choice.
I would also suggest one last attempt at putting things together. Will your husband be willing to talk to a third person like a therapist or even a family member? Try to set things right and even after this, they seem to make your life miserable, you really need to create options for yourself.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1089 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

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Career
sir i am going to give my pcb board examinations cbse in 2025 and i will also be writing neet in 2025 . here are some questions :- 1. if i take a drop and start preparing for jee mains instead of neet by adding maths to my subjects , which will be a better option among these ? a) writing the on demand exam for maths from nios and if i do so what should information has to be given in jee mains form because i have previously given neet through nta b) writing the public exams for all five subjects pcm from nios.then what should be written in jee main form c) giving a maths exam from cbse as aprivate candidate . and will two marksheets one including maths and one including pcb affect my jee form and counseling do 2 marksheets make a propblem in counselling or filling form and if not what should be entered in form for marksheets of 2 different years or boards 2. if i have maths from nios which board do i have to enter in jee mains form ? i am very confused , please help
Ans: Hello Baqir.
It seems that you are very confused. As you said, you have already appeared for NEET i.e. this is your drop year. Yet you are not confident about NEET 2025. If you have taken NEET previously, then how again you are appearing for the board exam is also not clear. If you have already given NEET and are preparing for NEET again, then why you are thinking about JEE without any reason is also unclear. You have created a lot of problems in your mind without any reason. This is because you are not focussing on the syllabus and studies but rather thinking in an irrelevant direction. The question arises, why not you are appearing with mathematics on the CBSE board? It is suggested that you appear to NEET 2025 with full preparation. If you score less also, then there are many courses in the medical field in which you can get admission. Leave all worries, thoughts, and no mark sheets, JEE issues and focus only on NEET 2025. It is also suggested that you please meet face to face a counselor to understand you more and guide you properly.
If satisfied with my reply, pl like and follow me.
Thanks
Radheshyam

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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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