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Investing Advice for 32-Year-Old with Existing Investments

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7837 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 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 17, 2024Hindi
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Sir i am 32 year old my salary is 33000. Kindly provide the advice of which mutual funds and shares need to invest. Already i am investing monthly 500 in PPF and NPS, 500 in mutual fund, 500 in RD. From last two years

Ans: It's great to see that you're already investing in PPF, NPS, mutual funds, and RD. Let’s review your financial situation and provide some tailored advice.

Current Financial Overview
Age: 32 years old.

Salary: Rs. 33,000 per month.

Current Investments:

PPF: Rs. 500 per month.
NPS: Rs. 500 per month.
Mutual Fund: Rs. 500 per month.
Recurring Deposit (RD): Rs. 500 per month.
Investment Duration: 2 years.

Good Aspects:

Investment Habit: Investing regularly shows discipline.

Diversification: You're diversifying across different instruments.

Financial Planning Insights
Assessing Current Investments
PPF and NPS: Good for long-term retirement planning.

Mutual Fund and RD: Offers a mix of market-linked and guaranteed returns.

Recommendations for Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Diversified Funds: Consider large-cap and multi-cap funds. They offer stability and growth potential.

Mid and Small-cap Funds: Allocate a smaller portion. These funds have higher growth potential but also higher risk.

Debt Mutual Funds
Short-term Debt Funds: Useful for short-term goals. They offer better returns than traditional savings accounts.

Balanced Funds: A mix of equity and debt. Provides moderate growth with lower risk.

Recommendations for Stocks
Large-cap Stocks
Stability: Large-cap stocks are less volatile and provide stable returns.

Research: Invest in companies with strong fundamentals and consistent performance.

Mid-cap and Small-cap Stocks
Growth Potential: These stocks can offer higher returns. However, they come with higher risk.

Diversification: Spread investments across sectors to mitigate risk.

Suggested Investment Strategy
Monthly Investment Plan
PPF: Continue with Rs. 500 per month.

NPS: Continue with Rs. 500 per month.

Mutual Fund: Increase to Rs. 2,000 per month. Split across diversified equity and debt funds.

RD: Continue with Rs. 500 per month.

Financial Goals
Short-term Goals (1-3 years)
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Skill Enhancement: Invest in courses or certifications to enhance your earning potential.

Mid-term Goals (3-5 years)
Buying a Vehicle: If you plan to buy a vehicle, start a dedicated savings plan.

Travel Fund: If you wish to travel, save separately for your trips.

Long-term Goals (5+ years)
Home Purchase: Start saving for a down payment if you plan to buy a home.

Retirement Fund: Continue contributing to PPF and NPS for a secure retirement.

Risk Management
Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance. It protects against unexpected events.

Diversification: Maintain a balanced portfolio across different asset classes.

Tax Planning
Tax-saving Investments: Utilize options like ELSS, PPF, and NPS to reduce taxable income.

Efficient Filing: File your taxes accurately and seek professional help if needed.

Final Insights
Regular Review: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to align with your goals.

Continuous Learning: Stay informed about personal finance and market trends.

Professional Guidance: Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice and strategies.

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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1 am 50 year old with income of 40000 pm. I want to invest in mutual funds.kindly suggest
Ans: At 50 years old, it’s essential to align your investments with your goals. Consider what you want to achieve with your investments.

Is it retirement planning, creating a safety net, or another goal? Knowing this will guide your investment strategy.

Current Financial Situation

With a monthly income of Rs. 40,000, it’s important to budget wisely. Ensure your monthly expenses, savings, and investments are well balanced.

Allocate a portion of your income to mutual funds after covering essential expenses and an emergency fund.

Choosing the Right Mutual Funds

Mutual funds offer various options, each with different risk levels and returns. It’s crucial to choose funds that match your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Here are some general categories to consider:

Equity Funds: These are suitable for long-term goals. They have higher returns but come with higher risk.

Debt Funds: These are less risky and provide stable returns. Suitable for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Funds: These offer a mix of equity and debt. They balance risk and return.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are handled by professional managers. These managers make strategic decisions to outperform the market.

This can lead to higher returns compared to index funds. They adapt to market changes and identify opportunities.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require constant monitoring. They need you to actively manage and rebalance your portfolio.

This can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for everyone. Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), offer professional management and advice.

Investment Strategy

Diversify: Spread your investments across different types of funds. This reduces risk and enhances returns.

Regular Investment: Consider a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). This allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio. Ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance if necessary.

Steps to Start Investing

Consult a CFP: A Certified Financial Planner can help you create a tailored investment plan. They provide professional advice and manage your portfolio.

Set Up an SIP: Choose the amount you can invest monthly. An SIP ensures disciplined investing.

Monitor Your Investments: Keep track of your investments. Regularly review their performance and make adjustments.

Creating a Balanced Portfolio

Your portfolio should reflect your goals and risk tolerance. At 50, you might prefer a conservative approach.

Consider a mix of equity and debt funds. This ensures growth while protecting your capital.

Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6 months of expenses. It protects you from financial setbacks.

Insurance Coverage

Review your insurance coverage. Adequate health and life insurance are crucial. They protect you and your family from unforeseen events.

Final Insights

Investing in mutual funds can be a great way to grow your wealth. Choose funds that match your goals and risk tolerance.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for professional advice. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

This ensures your investments remain aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

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My sister is recently diagnosed with second stage of breast cancer. She is always emotional and moody. Can I introduce her to yoga or meditation? Can yoga help her cope with the fear and uncertainty?
Ans: I'm very sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis. This is a challenging time, and emotional support is just as important as medical treatment. Yes, yoga and meditation can help her cope with fear, stress, and uncertainty by bringing mental peace, emotional strength, and relaxation.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Anxiety & Fear: Gentle yoga and deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps in relaxation and emotional balance.
Improves Sleep: Many cancer patients struggle with sleep. Yoga Nidra and slow breathing exercises can promote restful sleep.
Boosts Positivity: Meditation and mindfulness help shift focus from fear to inner peace.
Strengthens the Body: Light yoga can help reduce fatigue and improve overall well-being during treatment.
Recommended Practices for Your Sister:
Breathing (Pranayama): Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) calm the mind.
Gentle Yoga Poses: Child’s Pose, Butterfly Pose, and Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose promote relaxation.
Meditation & Yoga Nidra: Guided meditation can help ease emotional distress and bring hope.
Encourage her to consult a yoga coach for personalized support. With the right guidance, yoga can become a healing companion in her journey.

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Mam, can yoga help prevent cancer in women? Please advice
Ans: Yoga cannot guarantee the prevention of cancer, but it can play a supportive role in maintaining overall health, reducing risk factors, and improving well-being. Many studies suggest that regular yoga practice helps reduce stress, improve immunity, balance hormones, and promote detoxification—all of which may lower the risk of cancer in women.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation, which can contribute to disease. Practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques keeps the body in balance.
Boosts Immunity: Gentle yoga poses improve blood circulation and support the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body.
Balances Hormones: Hormonal imbalances may increase the risk of conditions like breast and ovarian cancer. Regular yoga helps maintain a healthy endocrine system.
Supports Detoxification: Twisting poses and deep breathing help the body eliminate waste and toxins.
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Pranayama (Breathwork): Anulom Vilom and Bhramari help calm the nervous system.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7837 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Get me some clearity on HDFC BALANCED ADVANTAGE FUND as from last few days my portfolio is going in negative
Ans: Understanding Balanced Advantage Funds

Balanced Advantage Funds invest in both equity and debt. They adjust their investments based on market conditions. This flexibility helps manage risk and aim for steady returns.

Recent Performance Insights

It's natural to feel concerned when your portfolio shows negative returns. Remember, short-term declines are common in investments. Balanced Advantage Funds aim to reduce risk by adjusting their investments. This strategy helps manage market ups and downs.

Factors Influencing Performance

Several elements can affect your fund's performance:

Market Volatility: Changes in the market can impact returns.

Asset Allocation: The mix of equity and debt plays a role.

Interest Rate Changes: Fluctuations can influence debt investments.

Economic Indicators: Factors like inflation and GDP growth are important.

Evaluating Fund Performance

To assess your fund's performance:

Compare with Benchmarks: See how it measures up against standard indices.

Review Historical Returns: Look at past performance over different periods.

Consider Risk-Adjusted Returns: Evaluate returns in relation to the risk taken.

Staying the Course

It's commendable to stay focused on your long-term goals. Short-term market changes shouldn't deter your investment strategy. Maintaining discipline is key to achieving financial objectives.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner

For personalized advice, consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide guidance tailored to your financial situation.

Final Thoughts

Market fluctuations are a part of investing. Balanced Advantage Funds are designed to manage these ups and downs. Staying informed and patient can help you reach your financial goals.

Best Regards,

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Chief Financial Planner,

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7837 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Hello, my mother is 62 year old pensioner. She has invested funds in government securities and postal schemes. Despite submitting 15H form and filing ITR (as a senior citizen person), her tax is getting deducted. Can you kindly explain why this is happening?
Ans: There are a few possible reasons why TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is being deducted from your mother's investments, despite submitting Form 15H and filing ITR.

1. Incorrect or Late Submission of Form 15H
Form 15H must be submitted at the start of the financial year to all institutions where she has investments.
If submitted after TDS is deducted, it won’t apply retrospectively to recover the deducted tax.
Ensure the form is submitted separately to each bank, post office, or financial institution.
2. Exceeding the Basic Exemption Limit
For senior citizens (60+ years), income up to Rs. 3 lakhs is tax-free.
If her total taxable income (pension + interest from investments) exceeds Rs. 3 lakhs, TDS will still apply.
Even if TDS is deducted, she can claim a refund while filing her ITR if her total tax liability is zero.
3. Form 15H Validity Rules
Form 15H is only valid if total taxable income is below the exemption limit.
If her total income is more than Rs. 3 lakhs, banks and post offices will ignore Form 15H and deduct TDS.
4. Different TDS Thresholds for Investments
Banks deduct TDS on FD interest if it exceeds Rs. 50,000 per year for senior citizens.
Post Office schemes (like SCSS) deduct TDS if interest crosses Rs. 50,000 per year.
Government securities may also have TDS rules based on the issuing authority.
5. PAN Not Updated with the Bank/Post Office
If PAN is not linked to the investment accounts, higher TDS at 20% is deducted.
Ensure all investments have PAN updated to avoid excess TDS.
6. Errors in Tax Deduction System
Sometimes, banks deduct TDS even if Form 15H is submitted correctly.
In such cases, she can file an ITR and claim a refund from the Income Tax Department.
What to Do Now?
Check total taxable income to confirm if she qualifies for Form 15H.
Verify all Form 15H submissions with banks and post offices.
Ensure PAN is updated in all financial institutions.
If TDS is wrongly deducted, file an ITR and claim a refund.
Would you like help with checking if she is eligible for a refund?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7837 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7837 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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My son is a Singapore citizen. He has a flat in his name in Co-op. Hous. Soc. in Navi Mumbai purchased in 2005. He wants to sell it. Will you please suggest ways to repatriate the proceeds with least tax implications?
Ans: Selling property in India as a non-resident involves several steps. It's important to follow these steps to ensure compliance with Indian laws and to minimize tax liabilities. Here's a detailed guide to assist your son:

1. Understanding Capital Gains Tax

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Since the property was purchased in 2005 and is being sold now, it qualifies as a long-term asset. LTCG is taxed at 20% for non-resident Indians (NRIs).

Indexation Benefit: This benefit adjusts the purchase price for inflation, reducing taxable gains.

2. Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Obligations

TDS Rate: The buyer must deduct TDS at 20% on LTCG for NRIs. Ensure the buyer complies with this requirement.

3. Repatriation of Sale Proceeds

NRO Account: Deposit the sale proceeds into a Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account.

Repatriation Limit: NRIs can repatriate up to USD 1 million per financial year from their NRO account, provided all taxes are paid.

4. Documentation for Repatriation

Tax Clearance: Obtain a certificate from a Chartered Accountant in Form 15CB.

Bank Procedures: Submit Form 15CA to the bank. These forms confirm that taxes have been paid.

5. Tax Exemptions to Reduce Liability

Section 54: Invest LTCG in another residential property in India within specified timelines to claim exemption.

Section 54EC: Invest in specified bonds within six months of sale to avail exemption. The maximum investment limit is Rs 50 lakhs.

6. Currency Exchange Considerations

Exchange Rate: The prevailing exchange rate at the time of repatriation will apply.

Bank Charges: Be aware of potential charges during the transfer process.

7. Professional Consultation

Certified Financial Planner: Consult a Certified Financial Planner to navigate the complexities of taxation and repatriation.

By following these steps, your son can efficiently manage the sale and repatriation process, ensuring compliance and minimizing tax liabilities.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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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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