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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10843 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 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 17, 2024Hindi
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I am 32 years old and investing 60k per month in SIP. I have also invested some amount under different policies which will mature each month. Along with that I invest 50k in NPS, 114000 in LIC and 150000 in PPF each year. How much money would I need to retire by 45 assuming my monthly expense of 1 lakh adjusted to inflation?

Ans: Commendable Investment Strategy
You have a solid investment strategy with SIPs, NPS, LIC, and PPF. Your disciplined approach is admirable and sets a strong foundation for early retirement at 45.

Determining Your Retirement Corpus
To retire at 45 with a monthly expense of ?1 lakh adjusted for inflation, you need a substantial corpus. Calculating the exact amount involves considering inflation rates and life expectancy. Assuming an inflation rate of 6%, your monthly expenses would significantly increase over time.

Importance of SIPs
Investing ?60,000 per month in SIPs is a great start. SIPs provide disciplined, regular investments and benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding. Increasing your SIPs annually can further boost your retirement corpus.

Evaluating Insurance-Cum-Investment Policies
Your investments in various policies maturing monthly can be reviewed. Insurance-cum-investment policies often underperform compared to pure investments. Surrendering these policies and redirecting funds into mutual funds can yield better returns.

Maximizing NPS Contributions
Your annual NPS contribution of ?50,000 is beneficial. NPS offers tax benefits and a disciplined retirement savings approach. Consider increasing your NPS contributions if possible to further secure your retirement.

LIC Policies Review
You are investing ?1,14,000 in LIC annually. LIC policies, while offering insurance, often have lower returns. Consider the benefits of surrendering these policies and reinvesting in higher-yielding instruments like mutual funds.

PPF Contributions
Your annual PPF contribution of ?1,50,000 is a secure investment. PPF offers tax benefits and guaranteed returns. Continue maximizing your PPF contributions to build a secure retirement fund.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, guided by professional managers, can adapt to market conditions and aim for higher returns. They offer flexibility and professional expertise, making them a better choice over index funds.

Disadvantages of Index and Direct Funds
Index funds, while low-cost, lack flexibility and often underperform compared to actively managed funds. Direct funds require active monitoring and decision-making, which can be challenging without professional guidance. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures expert management and better decision-making.

Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is crucial. Market conditions change, and your investment strategy should adapt accordingly. A CFP can provide tailored advice, ensuring your investments stay aligned with your retirement goals.

Building an Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses is essential. This fund provides financial security and prevents you from withdrawing investments during emergencies.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
To estimate the required corpus for retirement at 45, consider factors like inflation, life expectancy, and desired lifestyle. A general rule is to have at least 25 times your annual expenses saved. Consulting with a CFP can provide a more accurate and personalized estimate.

Increasing SIP Contributions
As your income grows, consider increasing your SIP contributions. Even small incremental increases can significantly impact your retirement corpus due to the power of compounding.

Diversification and Risk Management
Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns. Spread your investments across various sectors and asset classes. Actively managed funds provide this diversification, ensuring a balanced and resilient portfolio.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
You are on a strong path towards early retirement. By surrendering low-performing insurance-cum-investment policies and reinvesting in mutual funds, you can enhance returns. Increasing SIP contributions, maximizing NPS and PPF, and regular portfolio reviews are crucial steps. Consulting with a CFP ensures professional guidance, helping you achieve financial independence by 45.

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  |10843 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2024Hindi
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Sir i am 40 years old, wanted to retire early by 45 or 47. 1-daughter age 7. Invested 27 lac in MF, 30 lac in sbi life privilege plan ulip linked, 45 lac in EPF, 32 lac in PPF, 3 plots total worth 45 lac. Let me know how much should i need to retire in another 5 years. My monthly expenses is around 60 to 75k
Ans: To determine how much you need to retire in another 5 years, we'll need to assess your current investments and estimate your future expenses. Here's a rough breakdown:

Current Investments:
Mutual Funds: 27 lac
SBI Life Privilege Plan ULIP: 30 lac
EPF: 45 lac
PPF: 32 lac
Plots: 45 lac
Future Expenses:
Monthly Expenses: 60,000 to 75,000 INR
Retirement Planning:
Estimate your annual expenses in retirement by multiplying your monthly expenses by 12. Let's assume it's 9 lakhs to 11.25 lakhs per year.
Multiply your annual expenses by the number of years you expect to live in retirement. Since you plan to retire at 45 or 47 and may live until 80 or beyond, let's assume you'll need retirement income for 35 to 40 years.
Factor in inflation to adjust for the increasing cost of living over time. A conservative estimate of inflation is 5% per year.
Given these assumptions, you can use a retirement calculator or consult with a financial advisor to determine the lump sum amount you'll need to retire comfortably. They can help you assess your current investments, estimate future expenses, account for inflation, and identify any gaps in your retirement plan. Adjustments may be needed based on your risk tolerance, investment returns, and other factors unique to your situation.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10843 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 19, 2024Hindi
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I am 39years old. I current have 5cr of savings split across equity mutual funds (2.5cr), liquid debt mutual funds (0.5cr), high yield bonds (0.5cr), direct stocks (0.9cr), ppf (9lakhs) and land (0.55cr). I also own a house with no loans, which is worth 1.3-1.4cr and gives a rent of 30k. I invest 4lakhs a month in SIPs, and 40-50lakhs pa as lumpsum from my bonus. My monthly expenses are approx 2lakhs and I want to retire by 45. I have a new born - so her education and marriage expenses would be the other major expenses for me down the road. What would be the quantum I require to retire by 45 and how can I bridge the gap if any?
Ans: Commendable Financial Discipline
Your disciplined approach to savings and investments is commendable. With diversified holdings and significant monthly SIP contributions, you are on a strong financial path.

Current Financial Status
You have a diverse portfolio with equity mutual funds, liquid debt mutual funds, high yield bonds, direct stocks, PPF, and land. Your house, which is free of loans, adds to your financial stability.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
To retire by 45, with monthly expenses of ?2 lakhs, you'll need a substantial retirement corpus. Considering inflation and longevity, aiming for a corpus that can sustain your lifestyle for at least 40 years is essential.

Inflation Adjustment
Assuming an average inflation rate of 6%, your current expenses will increase significantly over time. Planning for these inflated expenses is crucial to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.

Education and Marriage Expenses
Your new-born child's future education and marriage will be significant expenses. Setting aside a portion of your investments specifically for these goals can ensure financial readiness.

Assessing Investment Allocation
Your current allocation includes a good mix of equity, debt, and direct stocks. Equity mutual funds (?2.5cr) and direct stocks (?0.9cr) form a substantial part of your portfolio, providing growth potential. Liquid debt mutual funds and high yield bonds offer stability and income.

Increasing SIP Contributions
You are investing ?4 lakhs a month in SIPs, which is excellent. Consider increasing SIP contributions gradually to leverage the power of compounding, especially in high-performing actively managed funds.

Lumpsum Investments from Bonus
Investing ?40-50 lakhs annually as a lumpsum from your bonus boosts your portfolio. Ensure these investments are directed towards high-growth potential funds for maximum benefit.

Avoiding Direct Funds Pitfalls
Direct funds require active management and a high level of market knowledge. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials ensures professional management and better decision-making.

Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is essential. This ensures your investments align with your retirement goals and adjust to market conditions. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) will help optimize your strategy.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer the advantage of professional management. They can adapt to market changes, potentially providing better returns than index funds. This strategic approach can enhance your portfolio’s growth.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
A general rule is to have at least 25-30 times your annual expenses saved. For ?2 lakhs monthly expenses, this translates to a significant corpus. Factoring in inflation, this corpus should be reassessed regularly.

Bridging the Gap
If there is a gap between your current savings and the required retirement corpus, consider increasing your investment contributions. This can be done by reallocating funds or increasing monthly SIPs.

Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses is crucial. This ensures financial security and prevents the need to dip into retirement savings during emergencies.

Long-Term Strategy
Your long-term investment horizon aligns well with your goals. Staying invested in high-growth potential funds and increasing contributions will help bridge any gaps and ensure a comfortable retirement.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
Your disciplined investment strategy is commendable. To optimize your portfolio, consider increasing SIP contributions, regularly reviewing your portfolio, and consulting with a CFP. This balanced approach will help you achieve financial growth and secure your retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Reetika Sharma  |360 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 07, 2025Hindi
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Sir, I am 39 years PSU employee with monthly net salary of 1.10 lacs. I have a son of 9 years and daughter of 1 year. I am investing in MF through SIPs and lumpsump for last 7 years and my present MF portfolio is 50 lacs with XIRR of almost 18%. Presently I do SIP of 30000 per month. I also have housing loan and my EMI is 42000. I am provided accomodation and medical facilities from my employer. I also have accumulated 18 lacs in PF and Rs. 28 lacs in NPS. I have Term plan of 1.5 crs. I also have liquid funds of 10 lacs in FD for emergency purpose and approx 7 lacs in PPF. Since my child's major education expenses is still 7 to 8 years far for my son and 15 years for my daughter, I will continue my SIP of atleast for next 8 to 10 years without breaking my existing portfolio. Can I generate a corpus of more than 7 crs till my retirement with above funds and will it be sufficient to meet the inflation after 20 years.
Ans: Hi,

You have done and accumulated quite good at your age in different instruments with varied returns. Let us have a detailed look.

1. Emergency Fund - 10 lakhs in FD - good to go.
2. Term Plan - 1.5 crores - good to go.
3. Health Insurance - provided by employer. However, can take a separate personal insurance for yourself and family.
4. PF - 18 lakhs (continue)
5. NPS - 28 lakhs (continue)
6. PPF - 7 lakhs (can stop continuing, invest only bare minimum to keep account active. Close account upon maturity and reallocate these funds in mutual funds)
7. MF Portfolio - 50 lakhs with 30k monthly SIP
8. Home Loan EMI - 42000

Goals:
- Son's education - after 8 years
- Daughter's education - after 15 years
- Retirement - need 7 crores

You are very much on the right track. Your current financials look strong in terms of fulfiling your financial goals.

> Your current MF portfolio can be bifurcated into 2 parts
i. 40 lakhs for your retirement. This amount along with other amount from PF and NPS will finance your retirement forever (inflation adjusted). Additionally you wil lleave behind a great fortune for your kids.
ii. 10 lakhs for your kid's education. Continue your existing SIP of 30k per month and also contribute 7 lakhs from PPF account on its maturity towards this goal. For son, you will have 75 lakhs only from this investment and your daughter's education will have 1.5 crores when she requires.

This way your existing investments can take care of all your goals. Also, do increase your contibution in SIP yearly. It will help in generating a higher corpus for your family.

As your overall investments are more thann 10 lakhs in MFs, it is wise for you to connect with a professional who will assist you and make a dedicated investment plan as per your goals.
Hence, do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who will guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |360 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

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My current age is 41 Years old and private employe in I.T sector. I have five kids of 11,8,7,5 &2 years. My elder daughter is in 7th class now. I have monthly Net salary of 1 lakhs after taxes. I am saving 20/30 thousand monthly. My assets are as follows:- I have one house worth Rs.15 lakhs, Two commercial shops worth Rs, 50 L. Having no loan in the market. Insurance Rs. 50 L term plan for me. Yearly I pay 40k. Health insurance 11 lakh for my entire family from my organisation.Yearly I pay 20k. I maintain an emergency fund 1.5 lac liquid on hand. Would like to make a total fund og 5 Cr by 2035. I have a requirement during higher education for childerns/marriage/Business for my son's and retirement at my age of 51 yrs after 10 years. How to grow my income. I would like to focus on high-growth investment to achieve my goal. But I am planning to invest monthly from my salary. More ever I may get 4lack in next month. Now the thing is how to go about 4lack. Where to invest Am confused what to do. Kindly advise further for more wealth creation. Steady plan. Wealth builds slowly but surely. Can someone help design a withdrawal/Saving strategy to meet your income needs and achieve goal. I would like comfortable retirement with a steady income. Thanks....
Ans: Hi Syed,

Let us have a detailed look below:
- Your monthly income - 1 lakhs, expenses - around 75k , and money for saving - approx. 25k per month.
- Emergency fund - 1.5 lakhs . Would suggest you to make a FD of this fund as emergency fund.
- Term and Health insurance - covered. But sum assured is less for your family. It should be increased.
- One house - 15 lakhs; 2 commercial shops - 50 lakhs.

Requirements:
- Need 5 crores by 2035 i.e. in 10 years
- Need fund for higher education and marriage of 5 children
- Retirement corpus required after 10 years

To achieve all these goals, you need to invest starting right now in aggressive mutual funds with 25-30k left with you. And you can increase your investment with the increase in your income.
Realistically, retirement after 10 years is not possible, but you can try and upgrade your skills to earn more and invest more.

You are also getting 4 lakhs next month. Invest entire amount in aggressive mutual funds. Mutual funds will give you an annual return of 14-15% very easily. This is the best way to build wealth for the goals that you mentioned.
>> Make sure to stay away from LIC policies and ULIPs and other plans which lock your money.

As you are not much aware about mutual funds and investment, you should work with a professional who will draft a plan for you.

Hence, please consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10843 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 13, 2025

Money
Dear Sir I have invested in a 2 BHK apartment in Mumbai Malad East area near Dindoshi court. The builder is GSA Grandeur. The builder promised to handover the flat possession ready to stay in December 2004. Later due to some issues he informed that the Flat shall be ready by December 2005. Now still he is saying that Falt shall be ready by August 2006. In this regard sir please advise what action I should take against the builder. The Flat cost is 1.11 CR plus registration charges from which I have paid him 1 CR. Kindly guide whom to approach for further action. Regards
Ans: You have taken a major financial step by booking an apartment. I appreciate your initiative in seeking advice. As a Certified Financial Planner, here is a structured menu of action you can take — from validating your rights to escalating with the proper authorities. Make sure to review all your documents and decisions with a qualified property lawyer before proceeding further.

» Confirm the agreement details

Check your Agreement for Sale (or Contract) and note the promised possession date: you mention December 2004, then December 2005, and now August 2006.

Verify whether the builder (GSA Grandeur) / promoter has a registered project under MahaRERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority, Maharashtra).

See whether the project is listed on the MahaRERA website with a registration number.

Check if the builder has issued written communications about delay and extensions (emails/letters) and whether they have acknowledged the original date and the subsequent revised date.

Retain all payment receipts (you paid Rs 1 Cr out of total Rs 1.11 Cr + registration) and keep a record of when each payment was made and as per which schedule of installments.

» Understand your legal rights under the law

Under the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) and corresponding Maharashtra rules, if a promoter delays handing over possession beyond the agreed time, you have a right to compensation or withdrawal (refund) as per Section 18 of the Act.

You may ask the builder to pay interest on the amount you have paid so far for the period of delay. The model agreement under Maharashtra RERA states that if the promoter is unable to deliver within the time-schedule, the promoter should pay interest for every month of delay.

If the builder fails to deliver within a “reasonable” extended time (or fails entirely), you can choose to withdraw and seek refund of your money, along with compensation.

If the project is not registered with RERA (even though it should have been), then you may have additional grounds for legal action under consumer law or contract law.

Please note: recent judgments highlight that the builder’s delay gives you rights; but home-loan interest you paid may not be fully refundable via consumer forum as per recent rulings.

» Immediate practical steps you should take

Write & send a formal letter (by registered post) to the builder (GSA Grandeur) stating:

You booked the 2 BHK apartment in Malad East near Dindoshi Court.

The agreed (original) possession date was December 2004 (as per the agreement) and subsequent revised dates.

You have paid Rs 1 Cr out of total Rs 1.11 Cr + registration charges.

You demand the builder to clearly state the revised firm date of handing over possession, or alternatively offer you the option to withdraw and refund the money if they cannot meet a firm date.

You seek interest on the amounts paid for the period of delay, as per model agreement and RERA provisions.

Keep all your communication in writing and copy all relevant documents: payment receipts, agreement, letters from builder, any announcements, etc.

Check whether the builder has applied for or received Occupancy Certificate (OC) or Completion Certificate for the project/phase. Without OC the handover is legally incomplete.

» Approach the regulatory and legal forums

Check on the MahaRERA website whether the project is registered and find the project registration number.

If registered, you can file a complaint with MahaRERA (Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority) under the Act. As per FAQs, you may approach them for a refund, compensation and interest for delay.

If the project is not registered or the builder is non-compliant, you may also consider filing a suit in the consumer forum or appropriate civil court/contract tribunal for breach of contract.

Before filing, consult a lawyer specialising in real estate/consumer law so that all your evidence and claims are framed properly.

» Evaluate your options: continue vs withdraw

If the builder now gives you a firm handover date (with OC, all works completed) then you may choose to continue, given that you have already invested a large sum.

However, if the builder is still giving vague dates (August 2006 or beyond) and there are no signs of progress (OC pending, works incomplete), then you should seriously consider withdrawal and refund.

In that event, you must ask for: full refund of amount paid, interest for delay period (and compensation if justified), plus possible damages for alternative accommodation/rent you may have taken.

Monitor whether the builder is proceeding with construction, obtaining approvals, and has conveyed clear timelines.

» Assessing risk & safeguarding yourself

Since you made the payment long ago and the possession is delayed significantly, there is time-value and risk involved.

Make sure your title rights are secure: the agreement must clearly state your unit, floor, parking (if any), and your payments.

Avoid making any further significant payments unless you receive a possession letter and builder gives you the keys and OC/occupancy certificate.

Check for any lien, mortgage or charge on the builder’s property which may delay transfer further.

Note that property/real estate is subject to large delays and builder insolvency risk; hence your proactive action is wise.

» Document checklist for your case

Agreement for Sale (signed by you and builder) with possession date clause.

Payment receipts/Cheque copies of your payments (1 Cr paid) and records of registration charges.

Written communications from builder about revised dates (December 2005, August 2006).

Project registration certificate on MahaRERA (if available).

Status of Occupancy Certificate / Completion Certificate for the building.

Construction status photographs, society formation records, if any.

Correspondence showing builder’s acknowledgment of delay or your demand for possession/refund.

Any rent/alternative accommodation expense you incurred due to delay (if applicable).

» Timeline of action

Immediately send the registered letter to builder demanding firm date or refund.

Within 1-2 months if builder does not respond with firm date, file complaint with MahaRERA or initiate legal action.

Keep monitoring builder’s progress; if there is substantial delay (many years beyond promised date) your case will become stronger.

Maintain all documents and remain proactive; deadlines and records matter in these matters.

» Final Insights
You have a strong basis to assert your rights. The fact that possession was promised years ago and is still delayed means you are well within your rights to demand either speedy handover or refund/compensation. Initiate formal written demand, verify builder registration under MahaRERA, maintain all records, and seek regulatory/legal redress if builder remains non-responsive. With the right approach and evidence, you can compel the builder to perform or compensate you. Your prompt action now will protect your investment and avoid further loss.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
Holistic Investment Planners
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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