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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 24, 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 - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 32 year old single female.I have around 11 lakhs invested in ppf, mutual funds. I want to do my masters in business administration and it may cost around 30-40 lakhs if I study abroad.I have to apply for education loan for future studies.How can I be able to manage it and should I keep my mother's house as a collateral while applying for the loan the worth of the house is around 50 lakhs.Also will I get ROI from studying abroad so I can pay the EMIs without any hassle or I should do my master's in india as it will be more affordable than studying abroad.

Ans: You are a 32-year-old single woman with Rs. 11 lakh invested in PPF and mutual funds. Your goal is to pursue a master's in business administration, which may cost Rs. 30-40 lakh if you study abroad. You plan to apply for an education loan and are considering using your mother's house, worth Rs. 50 lakh, as collateral. Additionally, you are weighing the ROI of studying abroad versus studying in India. Let's break down your situation and explore the best options for you.

Evaluating the Cost of Education

The cost of pursuing a master's degree abroad can be high. Let's consider two scenarios: studying abroad and studying in India.

Studying Abroad

Studying abroad offers exposure to international standards, networking opportunities, and possibly better job prospects. However, it comes with higher tuition fees and living expenses. The total cost might range between Rs. 30-40 lakh.

Studying in India

Pursuing a master's degree in India is more affordable. The cost could be significantly lower, between Rs. 10-20 lakh. Indian institutions also provide quality education and good job opportunities.

Financial Planning for Education

With Rs. 11 lakh already invested, you have a good start. However, you need to arrange the remaining funds for your education. Here are some steps to consider:

Education Loan

Education loans can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. Loans are generally repaid after you complete your course and start earning. Let’s discuss some important aspects:

Loan Amount: The loan should cover the full cost of education.

Collateral: You can use your mother's house as collateral. However, this decision should be made carefully.

Interest Rate: Compare interest rates from different banks to get the best deal.

Repayment Terms: Understand the repayment schedule, including EMIs and tenure.

Moratorium Period: Most education loans have a moratorium period during which you don’t need to pay EMIs. This period typically covers your study duration plus a few months post-completion.

Collateral Considerations

Using your mother's house as collateral is a serious decision. Here are some points to consider:

Risk: If you default on the loan, you risk losing the house. Make sure you are confident in your ability to repay.

Interest Rates: Loans with collateral generally have lower interest rates.

Alternative Options: Explore unsecured loans, scholarships, and grants as alternatives.

Return on Investment (ROI) of Studying Abroad

The ROI of studying abroad depends on several factors, including the reputation of the institution, the country, and the job market. Consider these points:

Earning Potential: Graduates from reputed international institutions often have higher earning potential. Research average salaries for graduates from your target schools.

Job Market: Assess the job market in the country where you plan to study. Are there good job opportunities for graduates?

Networking: Studying abroad can provide a strong professional network, which can help in career growth.

Personal Growth: Exposure to different cultures and learning environments can enhance your personal and professional skills.

ROI of Studying in India

Studying in India is more affordable, reducing the financial burden. Here are some points to consider:

Cost: Lower tuition fees and living expenses mean less debt.

Job Market: Indian institutions have strong placement records, with good starting salaries for graduates.

Local Opportunities: Staying in India allows you to build a network within the local industry, which can be beneficial for your career.

Managing Education Loan Repayments

Repaying an education loan requires careful financial planning. Here’s how you can manage it:

Post-Study Income

Estimate your expected salary after completing your degree. This will help you determine if you can comfortably manage EMI payments.

Budgeting

Create a budget to manage your monthly expenses, including EMIs. Prioritize loan repayment to avoid defaulting.

Savings

Continue to save and invest even after starting your job. This builds a financial cushion for emergencies and future goals.

Income Growth

Consider ways to increase your income, such as freelance work, part-time jobs, or further certifications. Higher income will make it easier to manage loan repayments.

Tax Benefits

Education loans offer tax benefits under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act. The interest paid on the loan can be deducted from your taxable income, reducing your tax liability.

Exploring Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants can significantly reduce the cost of education. Research available options and apply early. Here are some types of scholarships to consider:

Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic performance.

Need-Based Scholarships: Given to students with financial need.

Institutional Scholarships: Offered by universities and colleges.

Government Scholarships: Provided by government bodies for higher education.

Alternatives to Collateral-Based Loans

If you’re hesitant to use your mother's house as collateral, explore unsecured loans. These loans don’t require collateral but might have higher interest rates. Compare options from different banks and financial institutions.

Investing Wisely for Education

Continue to invest your savings wisely. Here are some investment strategies to consider:

Diversification

Diversify your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. This includes equities, mutual funds, and fixed-income instruments.

Regular Contributions

Keep contributing to your investments regularly. This builds a substantial corpus over time.

Professional Advice

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to optimize your investment strategy and align it with your education goals.

Risk Management

Understand the risks associated with your investments. Choose a mix of high-risk and low-risk investments based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Importance of Financial Planning

Financial planning is crucial for managing your education expenses and achieving long-term financial goals. Here are the steps to create a robust financial plan:

Goal Setting

Clearly define your financial goals, including your education, career, and personal objectives.

Budgeting

Create a budget to manage your income and expenses. Include a plan for loan repayments and savings.

Investment Strategy

Develop an investment strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Diversify your investments to balance risk and return.

Regular Review

Regularly review and adjust your financial plan to stay on track with your goals. Monitor your investments and make necessary changes.

Professional Guidance

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for expert advice. They can help you create a comprehensive financial plan and guide you through complex financial decisions.

Final Insights

You have a strong foundation with Rs. 11 lakh invested and a clear goal for further education. Whether you choose to study abroad or in India, careful financial planning is essential. Consider the ROI of both options and make an informed decision. Applying for an education loan is a viable option, but be cautious with using your mother’s house as collateral. Explore scholarships, grants, and unsecured loans as alternatives. With proper planning and professional guidance, you can achieve your education goals and manage loan repayments effectively. Best of luck with your future studies and career!

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  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir, I have invested in multiple funds @20k per month, I have some 5-6 l in FDs and a home loan of 40k per month....I am a single mother my son is now 17 and planning to send him for his ug studies preferably with 100 percentage scholarship to Germany....I want to know how effectively I can manage well as I earn @85k
Ans: It's heartening to see your dedication to securing a bright future for your son and managing your finances effectively. As a single mother with substantial responsibilities, your proactive approach to financial planning is commendable. Let’s delve into a detailed financial strategy that will help you manage your income, investments, and expenses effectively.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You have a monthly income of Rs 85,000, an ongoing investment of Rs 20,000 in multiple funds, and a monthly home loan repayment of Rs 40,000. Additionally, you have Rs 5-6 lakhs in fixed deposits (FDs). Your son, now 17, aims for an undergraduate education in Germany with a full scholarship.

Budgeting and Expense Management
The first step is to create a detailed budget. This will help you manage your expenses and allocate resources effectively.

Track Your Expenses: List down all your monthly expenses including groceries, utilities, transportation, and any other miscellaneous costs.

Categorise Your Expenses: Divide your expenses into needs and wants. Needs are essential expenses like food, housing, and utilities, while wants are discretionary spending like dining out and entertainment.

Evaluate and Adjust: Assess each category to identify areas where you can cut back. Prioritise essential expenses and find ways to reduce discretionary spending.

Managing Your Home Loan
A home loan repayment of Rs 40,000 per month is a significant portion of your income. Here’s how you can manage it more effectively:

Prepayment Strategy: If possible, make partial prepayments towards your home loan. This will reduce your principal amount and interest burden. Use any bonuses, increments, or the surplus from your FDs for prepayments.

Interest Rate Review: Regularly review your home loan interest rate. If you find a better offer from another bank, consider refinancing your loan to get a lower interest rate.

Investment Analysis and Optimisation
Investing Rs 20,000 per month is a good strategy, but it's important to ensure these investments align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Diversified Portfolio: Ensure your investments are diversified across different asset classes. This reduces risk and provides balanced growth.

Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed mutual funds can outperform index funds due to professional management. The fund manager's expertise can help navigate market fluctuations.

Review Performance: Regularly review the performance of your investments. Ensure they are meeting your expectations and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Planning for Your Son's Education
Sending your son to Germany for his undergraduate studies with a full scholarship is a wonderful goal. However, it’s crucial to plan for other potential expenses.

Scholarship and Funding: Research all available scholarships and funding options. Encourage your son to apply to multiple scholarships to increase his chances of securing one.

Living Expenses: Even with a full scholarship, there will be living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and books. Estimate these costs and start saving specifically for this purpose.

Education Loan: Consider taking an education loan if needed. Many banks offer loans with favourable terms for studies abroad. This can cover any shortfall and ease the financial burden.

Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is essential for financial security. It acts as a safety net in case of unforeseen expenses.

Set a Goal: Aim to save at least six months' worth of living expenses. This would be around Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 3,00,000 considering your current expenses.

Utilise FDs: You already have Rs 5-6 lakhs in fixed deposits. Allocate a portion of this amount as your emergency fund. Keep this in a liquid FD or a savings account for easy access.

Securing Adequate Health Insurance
Health insurance is crucial to protect against medical emergencies. Ensure you and your son are adequately covered.

Comprehensive Coverage: Choose a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers major illnesses, hospitalisation, and critical care. Compare different plans for the best coverage and premium.

Family Floater Plan: A family floater plan can be cost-effective. It provides coverage for both you and your son under a single policy.

Top-up Plans: Consider top-up health insurance plans for additional coverage at a lower cost. These plans act as an extension to your base policy.

Planning for Long-term Goals
Long-term financial planning is essential to ensure a secure future for you and your son.

Retirement Planning: Start planning for your retirement early. Invest in long-term growth assets like mutual funds to build a retirement corpus. Aim to save at least 15-20% of your income towards retirement.

Life Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage. A term insurance policy can provide financial security to your son in case of any unforeseen events. Calculate the coverage amount based on your financial responsibilities and goals.

Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls
It’s important to be aware of and avoid common financial mistakes.

High-interest Debt: Avoid taking on high-interest debt like credit card debt or personal loans. If you have such debts, prioritise paying them off as soon as possible.

Over-spending: Stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses. Impulse purchases can derail your financial plans.

Insufficient Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. Under-insurance can lead to significant financial strain in case of emergencies.

Seeking Professional Guidance
While self-education and disciplined saving are crucial, consulting a certified financial planner can provide personalised advice.

Tailored Financial Plan: A certified financial planner can help create a customised financial plan based on your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.

Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews with your financial planner to assess your progress and make necessary adjustments. This ensures you stay on track to meet your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your proactive approach to financial planning is truly commendable. Balancing investments, loan repayments, and planning for your son’s education requires careful management and strategic planning. By creating a detailed budget, managing your home loan effectively, optimising your investments, and securing adequate insurance coverage, you can achieve financial stability and security. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan to ensure it aligns with your evolving goals and circumstances. With determination and discipline, you can provide a secure future for yourself and your son.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

Listen
Money
I am 57 years businessman,having mutual fund of 90 lakhs,share of 20 lakhs,lic of 20lakhs,investing 1.1 lakh per month in MFund.loan free 2 flats one in gurugram.a plot of 1.5 cr valuation.income is approx 2.5 lakh per month.i need 48 lakh for study of mba of my son and daughter next years.suggest me either i take study loan or redeem my own mutual fund
Ans: Current Financial Overview
Age: 57 years

Occupation: Businessman

Monthly Income: Rs 2.5 lakhs

Assets:

Mutual Funds: Rs 90 lakhs
Shares: Rs 20 lakhs
LIC: Rs 20 lakhs
Real Estate: 2 flats and a plot worth Rs 1.5 crore
Monthly Investments: Rs 1.1 lakhs in mutual funds

Liabilities: Nil

Immediate Financial Requirement: Rs 48 lakhs for MBA studies of children

Financial Goals
Objective: Fund MBA education for children
Options for Funding Education
Option 1: Redeeming Mutual Funds
Advantages:

The funds would be available immediately
No additional interest cost
No new debt to repay Disadvantages:

Cuts your investment corpus
Tax on redemption may apply
Option 2: Avail an Education Loan
Pros:

Preserves your investment corpus
Tax benefits are available under Section 80E
Your children's credit history gets established
Cons:

Interest cost for the entire tenure of the loan
Monthly repayment commitment post education period
Analysis on a Rational Basis
mutual fund redemption Analysis
Impact on Investment:

Withdrawal of Rs 48 lakhs from Rs 90 lakhs will leave Rs 42 lakhs.
It will impact future returns and compounding benefit.
Taxation:

LTCG tax may be levied.
Check for tax liability before redemption
How to Evaluate an Education Loan
Terms of the Loan

The terms of education loans are very liberal.
Repayment starts only after completing the course.
Rates of Interest

The rates of interest levied are lower in case of education loans.
Remember to compare rates with other banks.
Tax Benefits

The interest paid on an education loan is allowed as deduction under Section 80E.
This will help in reducing your overall tax liability.
Recommended Approach
Hybrid Redemption
Partial redemption
Redeem part of mutual funds, say Rs 24 laks.
This covers half of the cost of education without depleting your entire investment.
Partial Education Loan:

Take an education loan for the remaining Rs 24 lakhs.
This will balance the burden between your investments and future income.
Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Fund Investments
No Expert Management:

Direct funds lack professional guidance.
Regular funds offer expert management and better returns.
Complexity:

Managing direct investments requires time and knowledge.
A Certified Financial Planner can handle regular funds efficiently.
Merits of Investing Through a CFP
Professional Advice:

Personalised Investment plans.
Professional Management for optimum returns.
Regular Monitoring:

Portfolio would be reviewed continuously.
The portfolio would always remain aligned with the financial goals.
Tax Efficiency:

Advice on tax-saving investments.
It would help in maximizing returns and also minimize tax liabilities.
Final Insights
Balanced Approach: Use a mix of partial redemption and education loan.

Professional Guidance: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for Professional Advise.

Preserve Investments: Never allow your investment corpus to get depleted completely.

Tax Benefits: Use Sec 80 E to get exemption from tax on interest paid on the education loan.

Therefore, you can finance your children's education while you maintain a balanced portfolio for long-term financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |183 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 19, 2024Hindi
Career
Hello sir I am mbbs graduated from russia in 2020,n passed with my fmge exam in india in 2021, I want to ask if i want to practice medicine or work as doctor in uk ? Is it necessary for me to pass plab exam exam? Or if i get sponsorship from any uk i will be able to work there and simultaneously i will give plab exam?? Please guide me i m so confused?
Ans: Hi, I understand that you pursued a medicine course in Russia (a non-European country) and, since you are from India, you have completed the FMGE. Now you want to practice or work in the UK as a doctor?

Based on your question, you are eligible to practice in India after completing your internship (which you haven't mentioned, but I assume you have completed it). The FMGE is essentially a licensure exam for Indian students who have completed their medical studies abroad, so you are eligible to practice in India only.

If you want to practice medicine in the UK, you need to complete the PLAB test, as you are from outside the UK/Switzerland/European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland).

You also inquired about sponsorship. Here is the information related to sponsorship for practicing medicine in the UK.
(Extracted from general medical council, uk org. )Applying for registration using sponsorship
If you apply through sponsorship, you will have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK. Each sponsor has their own scheme which we have pre-approved. If you can satisfy the requirements of their scheme, they will issue you with a Sponsorship Registration Certificate (SRC) which you will need for your application with us. Please ensure this is a Sponsorship Registration Certificate for GMC registration, as we can’t accept UK visa sponsorship certificates for your application for registration.
Please note that a core part of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for an offer of sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. If you cannot meet these minimum criteria, it is unlikely that you'll be able to supply sufficient evidence to support your application for sponsorship.
Doctors applying through sponsorship are required to demonstrate their English language skills by achieving our current minimum scores in the academic version of the IELTS test or the OET (medicine version).
• Alder Hey International Fellowship Scheme (Anaesthetics)
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board - BCUHB IMG Sponsorship Scheme
• BAPIO Training Academy Ltd – BTA International Fellowship Scheme
• BAPIO Training Academy Ltd – International Training Programme for Postgraduate Doctors
• BAPIO Training Academy Ltd - BTA International Fellowship Scheme – Internal Medicine with interest in Oncology with MSc in Oncology
• Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust - BHRUT Sponsorship Scheme for Overseas Doctors in Clinical Radiology
• Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry (Birmingham)
• Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital – Birmingham Women’s and Children’s International Medical Graduate sponsorship scheme
• Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Cambridge IVF, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust – IVF Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme
• Cambridge University Hospital – Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme in Intensive Care Medicine/Anaesthesia
• Canterbury Christ Church University
• Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Psychiatry Fellowship Programme
• Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
• East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust - Clinical Fellowship in Urology or Ophthalmology
• East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust - Specialist Clinical Fellowship in Pain Management
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• East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust – ICENI Centre Fellowships Programme
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• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – International Clinical Fellowship Programme (ICFP)
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• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust – Oncology Specialty Training
• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust – Specialty Training in Anaesthetics
• Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust – Anaesthesia and Critical Care
• Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – International Fellows at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust - Sponsored International Fellowship Scheme in Psychiatry
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Emergency Medicine
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Haematology
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – International Anaesthesia Trainees
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Intensive Care Medicine
• Imperial College, London - Clinical Research
• King’s College Hospital NHS Trusts – International Critical Care Fellowship
• King’s College Hospital NHS Trusts – Paediatric Critical Care Fellowship
• Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust - Psychiatry specialty Fellowship Scheme
• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Overseas Registrar Development and Recruitment (ORDER)
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – International Fellowship Programme
• Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust – International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – CESR Fellowship in Psychiatry or Sponsored Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Lysholm Dept of Neuroradiology – National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – International Fellowship Programme
• Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Ministry of Defence – International Military Clinical Fellowships
• Modality Partnership - Modality Primary Care International Fellowship Scheme
• NAViGO Health and Social Care CIC – International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• NHS England, East of England - East of England International Office GMC Sponsorship
• NHS Fife – CESR Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• NHS Grampian – Psychiatry CESR Fellowship Programme
• NHS Grampian – Multi-specialty SAS Fellowship
• NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) – All Wales International Medical Recruitment Programme
• Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) - Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) Sponsorship Programme
• Northampton General Hospital – Clinical Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia
• Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust - International Clinical Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Anaesthesia, or Peri-operative Medicine
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• University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - International Training Fellowship Programme
• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - UHB LED Fellowship Programme
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• University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
• University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust - Postgraduate Clinical Fellowship Programme
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• University of Buckingham – Master of Surgery
• University of Chester and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust – International Training Fellows Psychiatry
• University of Hertfordshire – Professional Doctorate in General Internal Medicine (Clinical MD) Programme
KINDLY NOTE: If your sponsor is not on this list then you cannot apply using sponsorship.
If you have any further questions, please visit the GMC website for more information.

WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 21, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I follow your articles regularly and your detailed assessment is really awesome.I am 47yrs Male with wife, 20&18 years kids, elder one is in B.Tech and younger one is 12th. My wife is a home maker. Coming to financials. I have 4 houses including the one residing worth 10cr(total) and getting rental income of 70k per month, invested in stocks and MFs worth 60L, have foreign stocks of worth 1.7cr, accumulated pf around 1.3cr. I have farm lands worth 5cr. Have 1.2cr loan and salary of ~4L (net). current sips in equity 70k/month, have 5Cr term plan, health insurance for family 50L. How do I plan my retirement at 52-53years assuming 80 years life expectancy. Don't want to depend on kids and need regular income ~3-4L per month.
Ans: Asset Evaluation
Real Estate:
You own four houses worth Rs 10 crore, generating Rs 70,000 monthly rental income. This is a solid base for passive income. However, real estate can have fluctuating maintenance costs, tenant issues, and varying rental yields over time.

Stocks and Mutual Funds:
Your Rs 60 lakh investment in stocks and mutual funds is a commendable step. Active mutual funds offer professional fund management and can outperform index funds over time.

Foreign Stocks:
Your Rs 1.7 crore portfolio in foreign stocks adds geographical diversification. Monitor currency exchange fluctuations and global market trends.

Provident Fund (PF):
With Rs 1.3 crore in PF, this is a reliable retirement corpus. The fund provides fixed returns and tax benefits, adding stability.

Farm Lands:
Farm lands worth Rs 5 crore are an illiquid but valuable asset. They might not generate consistent income unless leased or developed.

Loans:
A loan liability of Rs 1.2 crore needs prioritised repayment. Focus on loans with higher interest rates first.

Insurance Coverage:
A Rs 5 crore term plan is robust. Your Rs 50 lakh health insurance is sufficient for unexpected medical emergencies.

Retirement Goals
You need Rs 3–4 lakh monthly for 27–28 years post-retirement.
The portfolio must generate steady, inflation-adjusted returns.
Action Plan for Retirement
Debt Management
Prepay High-Interest Loans:
Use a portion of your surplus income to prepay loans. This reduces interest outflow and increases your cash flow.

Avoid New Loans:
Focus on reducing existing liabilities instead of taking on new ones.

Portfolio Restructuring
Real Estate:
Retain essential properties. Sell underperforming or non-essential properties to reduce concentration in real estate. Invest proceeds in mutual funds or debt instruments for diversification.

Mutual Funds (MFs):
Increase SIPs in actively managed funds. They outperform direct funds due to guidance from Certified Financial Planners and MFDs. Regular funds offer better tracking and professional assistance.

Stocks:
Monitor direct equity investments closely. Consider reallocating underperforming stocks to mutual funds for better management.

Debt Instruments:
Invest in high-quality debt funds or fixed-income securities for stability. These instruments balance equity volatility and ensure steady returns.

SIP Strategy
Increase SIPs from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh/month.
Allocate 70% to equity funds for long-term growth.
Invest 30% in debt funds for stability and liquidity.
Emergency Fund
Maintain a 12-month expense reserve in liquid funds or fixed deposits.
This covers unexpected expenses without disturbing investments.
Income During Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Use SWPs in mutual funds to generate regular income.
Withdraw 6–8% annually from your mutual fund portfolio for a steady income stream.
Rental Income Optimisation
Review property rents regularly.
Invest part of rental income in equity or debt mutual funds for compounding.
Dividend Stocks
Retain high-dividend-yield stocks for regular income.
Reinvest surplus dividends for long-term growth.
Tax Efficiency
Equity Funds Taxation:
Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds Taxation:
Both short- and long-term gains are taxed per your income slab.

Real Estate Capital Gains:
Use exemptions under Sections 54 or 54F to save tax on property sales.

Inflation Protection
Allocate 60–70% of your portfolio to equity investments.

Equity provides inflation-adjusted returns over time.

Debt funds and fixed instruments safeguard against equity market volatility.

Estate Planning
Draft a will to allocate assets transparently among family members.
Use nomination and joint ownership to avoid legal complications.
Consider a family trust for farm lands to avoid disputes.
Periodic Review
Review your financial plan every six months.
Adjust investments based on market conditions, goals, and needs.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner regularly for updates.
Finally
A well-diversified portfolio ensures financial independence post-retirement. Focus on debt repayment, portfolio balance, and tax-efficient withdrawals. Your assets can comfortably generate Rs 3–4 lakh monthly income, adjusted for inflation.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |444 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

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Relationship
I am the eldest sibling in our families and aged 51. Normally, whenever anyone in the family has a problem - financial, mental, psychological, issue with people or anything else, they come up to discuss with me and share. Well, many would say I am lucky as people look up to me when they are in any kind of a problem. But that is not the case. Sadly no one is around with whom I can discuss or even think to share my issues, my problems. I do not have any friends. Sadly, yes, that is a fact and at my age, I dont expect that here we have a culture where we can get to making friends, at least the kind of friends with whom you can confide, share your feelings, problems. I tried and failed. Maybe because I am introvert or maybe I am too cautious. To make it more complicated, I dont work in the regular kind of job. I am a lone person who works as a freelance from home. This limits my outreach when it comes to interacting with real people. I have clients, business contacts, but I cannot get personal with them. It will never be a good choice. My wife is busy with her job + we do not have any relation beyond the daily matters related to household and it has been more than 10 years now that we live this way. Tried to sort out things with her but she just does not have time and interest (after all who wants to add on to tensions, stress). My daughter is after all my daughter - I cannot share these with her, and definitely at 10 she is too young to be one to discuss such stuff. I am not sure how far this issue can be fixed but I am hopeful to find some path here.
Ans: Dear Kevin,
Starting small can be helpful. Consider connecting with people through shared interests or hobbies, either online or in person, where the pressure to immediately open up is minimal. Online communities, local meetups, or volunteer activities can create low-stakes opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. The goal isn’t to instantly find someone to confide in but to slowly build a sense of belonging and companionship.

Your relationship with your wife appears to be another significant source of emotional distance. While her lack of interest in deep conversations may seem like a barrier, it’s worth exploring other ways to reconnect—perhaps by spending time together in shared activities or revisiting moments that once brought you closer. Sometimes, relationships stuck in routines benefit from new experiences or even professional counseling to navigate the underlying dynamics.

Regarding your daughter, while it’s clear she cannot shoulder your emotional burdens, she can still be a source of joy and connection. Investing time in activities with her can provide a sense of fulfillment and grounding that counters loneliness.

Above all, remember that reaching out for professional support, such as therapy, is not a sign of weakness but an act of self-care. A therapist can provide a safe space to express your feelings and help you develop strategies to foster deeper connections and manage emotional isolation.

You deserve to feel supported and connected, and even if the journey to finding that seems long, every step you take toward opening up or seeking out others is a move toward a more fulfilling and less lonely existence.

...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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