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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 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 - Jul 01, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 32 years old. In hand Salary is 130,000. Below is break up of expenses - 1.Home Loan EMI = 44,000. 2. Monthly Assistance to Parent = 7,000 3. Other Household Expenses = 20,000 4. Health and Term Insurance = 3500 Investments = Equity = 6.5 lakh (Mine) + 2Lakh ( Wife) Mutual Fund = 8.5 Lakh (Mine) + 1 lakh (Wife) Emergency Fund = 2 lakh invested in FD. Below are Mutual funds which we own Monthly Investment in Mutual Fund 15,500 approx (mine) + 11,000 (Wife) Mine Mutual fund SIP = 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap = Rs.2200 2. DSP Midcap = Rs. 3300 3. SBI small Cap = Rs. 1,000 4. Motilal Oswal Focused Fund = Rs. 2,000 5. Mirae Asset ELSS Saver Fund = Rs. 2,500 6. Axis Blue Chip = ?4500. Wife Sip = 5 Sip each of 2000 month = 10,000 1. QUANT small Cap 2. Quant Flexi Cap 3. SBI Magnum Midcap 4. ICICI PRUDENTIAL BSE SENSEX INDEX FUND 5.HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Wife Invest monthly 1,000 in gold bees and 2,500 in Post office RD. My target - 1. Payoff my home loan of 54,000,00 in next 7 years 2. Retirement corpus at 60 = 4 Cr 3. Child 1 = Marriage and Education - 1.5 Cr 4. Child 2 = Marriages & education = 1.5 Cr 5. Buy Car of around 10 lakh in next 2 years. Need you suggestions how should I achieve my target. I have surplus of 20,000 every month should I invest in Equity of increase contribution to Mutual Fund.

Ans: Firstly, commendations on your meticulous planning and clear financial targets. You've made substantial investments and have a structured approach to your finances. Let’s dive deeper into how you can achieve your ambitious goals.

Current Financial Position
Your monthly income is Rs. 130,000, and you have a surplus of Rs. 20,000 after accounting for all expenses. You have diversified investments across equities, mutual funds, and an emergency fund, showcasing a balanced approach. Here's a detailed breakdown of your expenses and investments:

Home Loan EMI: Rs. 44,000
Monthly Assistance to Parents: Rs. 7,000
Household Expenses: Rs. 20,000
Health and Term Insurance: Rs. 3,500
Total Monthly Expenditure: Rs. 74,500
Surplus: Rs. 20,000
Investments
Your investment portfolio is diversified, with significant investments in equity, mutual funds, and fixed deposits. Here’s a summary:

Equity Investments: Rs. 6.5 lakh (yours) + Rs. 2 lakh (wife)
Mutual Funds: Rs. 8.5 lakh (yours) + Rs. 1 lakh (wife)
Emergency Fund: Rs. 2 lakh in FD
Goals
You have set clear financial goals:

Pay Off Home Loan: Rs. 54 lakhs in 7 years
Retirement Corpus: Rs. 4 crores by age 60
Child 1 Education and Marriage: Rs. 1.5 crores
Child 2 Education and Marriage: Rs. 1.5 crores
Buy a Car: Rs. 10 lakhs in 2 years
Debt Management
Your primary debt is the home loan of Rs. 54 lakhs. Paying off this loan in 7 years requires disciplined repayment.

Current EMI: Rs. 44,000
Target: Pay off Rs. 54 lakhs in 7 years
To achieve this, consider making additional principal payments using your surplus and any bonuses or windfalls. This will reduce the principal faster and save on interest.

Investment Strategy
To achieve your financial goals, let’s review and adjust your investment strategy.

Mutual Funds
You and your wife have invested in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This is a good strategy for long-term growth.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, DSP Midcap, SBI Small Cap, Motilal Oswal Focused Fund, Mirae Asset ELSS Saver Fund, Axis Blue Chip: Continue with these SIPs. They offer a good balance of growth and stability.

Wife’s SIPs in QUANT Small Cap, Quant Flexi Cap, SBI Magnum Midcap, ICICI Prudential BSE Sensex Index Fund, HDFC Retirement Savings Fund: These funds provide a diversified exposure.

Given your surplus, you can increase your SIP contributions. For instance, an additional Rs. 5,000 per month can be split into your existing funds to maximize growth.

Equity
Equity investments offer higher returns but come with higher risk. Your current equity investments (Rs. 6.5 lakh) should be monitored and managed actively.

Emergency Fund
An emergency fund of Rs. 2 lakh in FD is a good start. Ensure this fund is accessible and covers at least 6 months of expenses.

Child Education and Marriage
You aim to save Rs. 1.5 crores each for your children's education and marriage.

Current Investments: Diversify into child-specific mutual funds or balanced funds.
Monthly Contribution: Increase SIPs in balanced or child-focused funds.
Retirement Planning
Your target is Rs. 4 crores by age 60. Given your current age (32), you have 28 years to achieve this goal.

Increase SIP Contributions: Utilize your surplus to increase your SIP contributions.

Equity Exposure: Maintain a balanced portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and mutual funds.

Car Purchase
You plan to buy a car worth Rs. 10 lakhs in the next 2 years. To achieve this:

Short-term Investments: Utilize short-term debt funds or recurring deposits to save for this purchase.
Investment Allocation
Let’s allocate your Rs. 20,000 surplus effectively:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 10,000 additional SIP in existing funds.
Equity: Rs. 5,000 for direct equity investments.
Short-term Savings: Rs. 5,000 in short-term debt funds or RDs for car purchase.
Insurance Coverage
Ensure your insurance coverage is adequate:

Health Insurance: Rs. 10 lakhs cover for unforeseen medical expenses.
Term Insurance: Ensure it covers at least 10 times your annual income.
Evaluating Index Funds
You’ve invested in an index fund (ICICI Prudential BSE Sensex Index Fund). While index funds offer low-cost exposure, they might not provide the superior returns of actively managed funds. Actively managed funds can outperform the market with expert fund management, especially in volatile markets. Consider shifting to actively managed funds for better returns.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
You might consider investing in direct funds for lower expense ratios. However, regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer professional advice and better management of your portfolio. The expertise of a CFP ensures your investments are aligned with your goals and risk profile.

Final Insights
Achieving your financial goals requires disciplined savings and strategic investments. Utilize your surplus effectively, diversify your portfolio, and maintain a balance between risk and return. Regularly review and adjust your investments to stay on track.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 33 years old with an in-hand salary of 57,000 per month and planning to get to 65k-75k per month by this year end, recently started investing in Mutual funds. I have a fund of 2.5 lakh in the bank for emergency and marriage related expenses in the near future as well. My current investments for a 25 year horizon are- 1)- DSP NIFTY 50 equal weight index fund growth ETF 1000rs per month 2)-DSP Natural resources and new energy fund- 500rs per month (can stop if it's not the right investment right now) 3)-ICICI INFRASTRUCTURE growth fund- 1000 per month ( can stop if the investment is too risky long term) 4)-Nippon India nifty small cap 250 index fund- 500rs per month 5)-PF Deduction from Salary 1800 per month. 6)- PPF- 1000rs Per month I am planning to invest a total of 15,000 per month in the next 6 7 months including the above investment systematically in different mutual funds for various mixtures and then increase my investment along with my salary increment. I want to have 5 crore of total earning in today's Value in next 20- 25 years and also have a Regular retirement income of 25,000 after 25 years in today's money value. I dont have kids right now and am planning to get married and have kids in the next 1-3 years depending on the finances. I have "need" expenses (parents) of 10,000 per month and 10,000 (personal expenses) per month. I don't spend much on leisure as I am introvert and I usually spend time with friends hanging out, Can you Please suggest a way to achieve this Target or if I need to increase my investment?
Ans: It's wonderful to see your proactive approach towards financial planning, especially with your long-term goals in mind. Let's break down your current situation and chart out a plan to achieve your targets:

Income & Expenses:
Your current in-hand salary of 57,000 per month is a solid foundation. It's excellent that you're aiming to increase it to 65k-75k per month by the year-end. This upward trajectory in income will provide you with more flexibility in managing your expenses and investments. Your monthly expenses of 20,000 (10,000 for parents and 10,000 personal) are well-understood, leaving you room to allocate the rest towards savings and investments.

Emergency Fund:
Maintaining an emergency fund equivalent to 6-9 months' worth of expenses is a wise move. Your emergency corpus of 2.5 lakhs covers this criterion, ensuring you're prepared for any unexpected financial emergencies without disrupting your long-term investments.

Investment Portfolio:
Your current investment portfolio consists of a mix of mutual funds and traditional savings instruments. While the DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund and Nippon India Nifty Small Cap 250 Index Fund offer exposure to broad market indices, the DSP Natural Resources and New Energy Fund and ICICI Infrastructure Growth Fund provide thematic exposure to specific sectors. Additionally, your contributions to PF and PPF demonstrate a commitment to long-term savings.

Future Goals:
Your goals are ambitious yet realistic. Accumulating 5 crores over 20-25 years for retirement and securing a regular retirement income of 25,000 in today's money value after 25 years require diligent planning and disciplined investing. Given your plans for marriage and starting a family in the next 1-3 years, it's crucial to factor in these additional expenses and adjust your financial strategy accordingly.

Recommendations:
Review Existing Investments:
Regularly assess the performance of each fund in your portfolio. Consider discontinuing those that consistently underperform or no longer align with your investment objectives. Focus on funds with strong track records and robust fundamentals.

Increase Savings Rate:
As your income grows, aim to increase your monthly investments proportionately. A higher savings rate will accelerate your journey towards achieving your financial goals. Review your budget periodically to identify areas where you can cut back on expenses and redirect those funds towards savings and investments.

Asset Allocation:
Diversification is key to managing risk effectively. Consider diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes, including equities, debt, and alternative investments like real estate or gold. Maintain a balanced allocation that suits your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Retirement Planning:
Calculate the corpus required to generate a regular retirement income of 25,000 in today's value after 25 years. Use a retirement calculator to determine the monthly contribution needed to reach this target. Consider investing in retirement-focused mutual funds or pension plans to build a robust retirement portfolio.

Marriage & Family Planning:
Factor in the expenses related to marriage and starting a family when setting your financial goals. Start building a separate corpus for these milestones by allocating a portion of your savings towards dedicated savings accounts or investment vehicles tailored to short-to-medium-term goals.

Conclusion:
By implementing these recommendations and staying committed to your financial plan, you can work towards achieving financial independence and securing a comfortable retirement. Remember to review your plan regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goals.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 30, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 51 yr old , Staying in NCR (Rental); Old Parental House in Lucknow (Vacant, To be sold later, Approx exptd - 60 L); * 18.90 L PA salary (In hand) ; Expenses 10.0L PA (Inclusive of House expenses, Electricity , House rent , Term Insurance Premium, Medical + super Top up Premium, Car Loan for next 30 month etc), 2 Term plan - 1.75 Cr (Cummulative SI) ; *Future Major Expenses : Daughter (1 no, 20 yrs) - Higher Education & Marriage, Son (1 No, 13 yrs) - Higher Education & Marriage; New house to purchase (In Lucknow in next 5-6 years after selling the exisiting Parental house , Budget: 75L - 85L); Investments : PPF (25th Term Running): 28 L ; Sukhanya (Daughter's ) : 4.0L; Shares : 10.0 L. I also earn approx 1-2 Lacs from Interest + Dividends which is again reinvested in SIP. Monthly investment is 72K in Mutual Fund SIP. SIP in Progress (Mostly its around 45-50 K PM) : DSP Elss D/G - 8000/- ; Nippon Mid Cap D/G - 5000/-; Nippon Multi Cap D/G - 8000/-; Parag Flexi Cap D/G - 5000/- ; Quant Elss D/G - 8000/- ; Mirae Elss D/G - 6000/- ; ICICI Pru Val Disc D/G - 7000/-; HDFC Def D/G - 5000/-; HDFC Flexi Cap D/G - 5000/-; HDFC Mfging D/g - 5000/-; HDFC Mid Cap opportunity D/G - 5000/- ; HDFC Top 100 D/G - 5000/- ; SIP Completed lying dormant (Units available) : Axis Bluechip D/G - 4287 units; Axis ELss D/G - 8049 units; Axis Elss D/IDCW - 4342 units; Sundaram Mid Cap D/G - 1123 units; UTI Nifty 50 index D/G - 3021 units ; ABSL Frontline Equity D/G - 4763 units ; DSP Top 100 D/G - 2203 units ; HDFC Hybrid - 5862 units; HDFC Top 100 D/IDCW - 3640 units ; HSBC ELSS R/IDCW - 1840 units ; HSBC ELSS D/IDCW - 259 units ; ICICI Pru Bluechip D/G - 4267 units ; ICICI Pru Multi Asset D/G - 1775 units ; Mirae Large & Mid Cap D/G - 3395 units ; Mirae ELSS D/IDCW - 8861 units; Nippon Large Cap D/G - 9915 units; Nippn Elss D/IDCW - 12705 units ; Quantum Long Term Equity D/G - 9702 units; I have been Investing from 1998 onwards in SIP ; Till now total invested in SIP : 65L ;; current value is 1.86 Cr). My Wish List : To make approx 10CR after 9 years (Retirement); So please Suggest / Guide me , how to move forward with current investments. Thanks in Advance Life is Crazy
Ans: You are currently 51 years old and have built a solid foundation in your financial portfolio. Your income is Rs 18.9 lakhs annually, with Rs 10 lakhs in expenses. You have well-established investments in mutual funds, PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and shares.

You also have important future financial responsibilities, such as your children’s higher education and marriage, and purchasing a new home in Lucknow. The total value of your mutual fund SIPs stands at Rs 1.86 crores, with a goal of reaching Rs 10 crore over the next nine years when you retire.

Investment in Mutual Funds and Diversification
Your current SIP investments are well diversified, spreading across various market caps such as mid-cap, large-cap, and flexi-cap funds. You have a mix of growth and dividend plans, which provides both long-term wealth accumulation and income.

Your choice of SIPs shows a balanced approach to wealth generation. Mid-cap and flexi-cap funds offer growth potential, while large-cap funds ensure stability.

PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana provide safe, fixed returns. However, these are low-growth options compared to mutual funds. You should continue to maintain these for safety, but focus more on your mutual fund investments for wealth generation.

Share portfolio worth Rs 10 lakh adds to your overall asset mix. However, stock markets are volatile, and holding a concentrated share portfolio could lead to additional risks.

Future Major Expenses
You have outlined significant future expenses, including higher education and marriage for your daughter and son, as well as purchasing a new house in Lucknow. These expenses will require substantial financial planning, so it is good that you are thinking ahead.

For your daughter’s higher education and marriage, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and part of your mutual fund corpus should be sufficient. You can also plan for an education loan for higher studies to manage cash flow.

Your son’s higher education and marriage will occur a little later, giving you more time to accumulate wealth through SIPs and other investments.

Analyzing Your Current Financial Strategy
Your goal is to achieve Rs 10 crore in nine years. Given that your mutual fund portfolio has grown from Rs 65 lakh to Rs 1.86 crore, it is evident that you are on the right track. However, achieving Rs 10 crore will require consistent and disciplined investing, as well as possible adjustments to your current strategy.

Mutual Fund Allocation and Growth Strategy
SIPs: Continue your SIPs with a systematic increase every year to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. You are currently investing Rs 72,000 per month, which is commendable, but you may need to increase this amount by 10-15% annually to achieve your goal of Rs 10 crore.

Equity Funds: Focus on actively managed equity funds to generate inflation-beating returns. While large-cap funds are safer, mid-cap and flexi-cap funds offer higher growth potential. Given your long-term horizon, you can afford to take moderate risks with mid-cap and flexi-cap funds.

Review Performance: Keep reviewing your SIP performance annually. If any fund underperforms over a long period, consider switching to better-performing funds.

Liquidity and Emergency Funds
Emergency Fund: It is essential to maintain liquidity in case of emergencies. Ensure that you have at least 6-12 months’ worth of living expenses in liquid assets such as a savings account or short-term debt mutual funds.

Parental House Sale: You plan to sell your parental house in Lucknow for around Rs 60 lakh. This will help you fund your new house in Lucknow (estimated at Rs 75-85 lakh). It is wise to sell your parental property closer to when you plan to buy the new house, as holding real estate can tie up liquidity.

Tax Efficiency
With the new capital gains taxation rules, it’s crucial to manage your withdrawals from mutual funds strategically.

Equity Mutual Fund Taxation: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%. Therefore, ensure that you plan any redemptions wisely to minimize tax liability.

Debt Mutual Fund Taxation: Gains from debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. Given your salary, you fall into a higher tax bracket, so it’s better to focus more on equity-oriented funds for wealth creation and tax efficiency.

Additional Considerations for Reaching Rs 10 Crore
Increase SIP Investments: You are already investing Rs 72,000 per month. To reach your Rs 10 crore target, consider increasing this by 10-15% annually. This will significantly boost your corpus over the next nine years.

Maintain Asset Allocation: You already have a diverse portfolio. Ensure that you maintain an optimal asset allocation between equity and debt based on your risk profile. As you approach retirement, you can slowly shift a portion of your portfolio to safer debt instruments.

Selling Dormant Units: You have several dormant units in mutual funds that are no longer actively contributing to your portfolio’s growth. Consider consolidating these into your active SIPs for better growth and easier tracking.

Final Insights
You are on a good path toward achieving your Rs 10 crore goal. Your current portfolio is diversified and growth-focused, which is essential for long-term wealth creation. However, there are a few key points to focus on:

Increase your SIP contributions annually to maximize compounding benefits.

Monitor your portfolio’s performance regularly to ensure you are on track.

Maintain liquidity for emergencies and future needs like your children’s education and house purchase.

Plan your tax liabilities while redeeming funds to ensure that you retain most of your gains.

By following this disciplined approach, you should be able to achieve your retirement goal comfortably.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |233 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 05, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 45-year-old and planning to create a fund for retirment till 2032. My take home salary is 2.5L after paying Taxes. I am having 16.5L in PF and contributing 18k per month in it. I am also having 3.6L in NPS and contributing 50k per year. 1k per month on Atal pension scheme 2010. I am having a family health insurance of 10L personnel and 6L from office. Term insurance 1.25Cr personnel and 3Cr office. I am also having 2 home loans of 65L and 6.5 Lakh. current value of houses is 1.5Cr and 55L. apart from this I am having a car loan of 5L and study loan of child of 6.24L. I am getting a rent of 14k from one of the houses. I am investing in mutual funds as details mentioned below (current value is 21.4L):- 1. HDFC Dividend Yield Fund Reg (G) - SIP of 2.5k started on 1.2.2022 and current value is -142.5k(CAGR17.42%) 2. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund (G) -SIP of 2.5k started on 10.11.2017 and added 2.5k SIP on 10.2.2022 current value is -529.9k(CAGR14.96%) 3. Aditya Birla SL Large & Mid Cap Fund Reg (G)- SIP of 2.0k started on 15.12.2017 and current value is -298.4k (CAGR14.6%) 4. ICICI Pru Equity & Debt Fund (G)- SIP of 5.0k started on 11.12.2017 and added 2.5k SIP on 10.2.2022 current value is -1113.2k (CAGR21.85%) 5. HDFC Multi Asset Fund (G)- SIP of 5.0k started on 28.8.2024 and current value is -62.6k(CAGR9.32%) I have discussed rebalancing of funds with my advisor, and he suggested to stop the fund mentioned in point 3 (Aditya birla) and 5 ( HDFC multi asset) and rest are continued. He has created SWP of 10k from Aditya Birla and started new SIPs now as mentioned below: 1. Bandhan Small cap fund regular plan- Growth- SIP of 5K 2. DSP multiasset allocation fund regular growth- SIP 5k 3. SBI flexicap fund growth- SIP 2k 4. Mirae Asset multicap fund regular plan growth- SIP 5k Just want to check have I got the appropriate return on my portfolio? Was the expense ratio Ok for my fund? and the rebalancing is correct ? Plz guide. Am I doing my overall assets/ investment management correctly or you suggest any changes. Plz guide
Ans: Dear Sir,

Thanks for sharing detailed inputs. You’re doing many things right already ???? but there are some important points to tighten.

???? Retirement Outlook

With just 7 years left (till 2032), your focus should be on maximising corpus build-up.

Today’s expenses (~?40k) will inflate to ~?70k/month by 2032 (assuming 6% inflation). For 20–25 years of retirement, you’ll need ~?4–5 Cr.

???? Observations

Investments are well structured – Your CAGR of 14–21% shows good fund choices and rebalancing is broadly correct.

Loans are eating into cashflow – Multiple small loans (car ?5L, edu ?6.24L, small home loan ?6.5L) can be closed faster.

Expenses not fully mapped – Retirement planning starts with exact expense tracking; do this first.

Insurance cover is decent – Term insurance is strong, family floater is good.

? Action Plan

Close Small Loans First

Knock off car loan, education loan, and small home loan.

Redirect these EMIs fully into SIPs for retirement.

Continue MF SIPs & Rebalancing

The switch your advisor did is fine. Returns are healthy, stick with equity-heavy allocation for next 5 years.

From 2028, start moving some gains systematically into safer debt funds.

Health Insurance Top-up

Your current ?10L personal + ?6L office is good, but medical inflation is high.

Take a Top-up health cover of ?25–50L (very cost-effective) to avoid dipping into retirement corpus for future medical needs.

NPS & PF

Continue PF + NPS contributions. They’ll add stability to your retirement kitty.

???? Summary

Returns & fund choices ?

Need to close small loans and channel EMIs into SIPs ?

Take a top-up health insurance cover to safeguard corpus ?

Expenses tracking must be priority to validate adequacy ?

You’re well placed, just sharpen the cashflow redirection and insurance shield.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
www.alenova.in

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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