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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
Deepak Question by Deepak on Apr 17, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 34 year old, My In hand Salary is 43000 from this 26000 go to my household expenses, 8300 (also EPF of rs 5k other than this investment) go to my investment 3000 go to my telephone bills & other extra recharges & 4000 is only rest for my wants. 1. My question is if I want to retire at 45 is this right amount for investment or I need to increase this investment. 2. How I can save for emergency fund

Ans: At 34, planning for retirement by 45 is ambitious and requires focused financial discipline. With a savings of 8300 towards investments and an EPF contribution, you're on the right track, but increasing your investment amount could accelerate your retirement corpus growth. Aim to allocate a larger portion of your surplus towards investments. For an emergency fund, consider setting aside a portion of your monthly surplus until you have 3-6 months' worth of expenses saved, ensuring you're prepared for unforeseen financial challenges.
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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am a female 46 yeras old , my monthly income including my husband is 1,25,000/-. Me & my husband has EPF of 11,00,000/- Shares of 35,00,000/- Mutual Funds of 27,00,000/- , Own house, Bajaj Polices worth 55,00,000/- that will be around 90,00,000/- on maturity after 5 years and other life insurances of 5,00,000/- Gold 700 gms present value being 45,00,000/- and diamond jewelry worth 12,00,000/- . How much should i need to invest more to retire with good money in hand
Ans: You are 46 years old. Your combined monthly income with your husband is Rs. 1,25,000. You have the following assets:

EPF: Rs. 11,00,000
Shares: Rs. 35,00,000
Mutual Funds: Rs. 27,00,000
Own House
Bajaj Policies worth Rs. 55,00,000 (maturing to Rs. 90,00,000 in 5 years)
Other Life Insurances: Rs. 5,00,000
Gold: 700 grams, valued at Rs. 45,00,000
Diamond Jewelry: Rs. 12,00,000
Assessing Your Financial Goals
To create an effective investment plan, we need to identify your financial goals. These may include:

Retirement planning
Children's education and future needs
Healthcare and insurance needs
Current Financial Assets
Let's summarise your current financial assets:

EPF: Rs. 11,00,000
Shares: Rs. 35,00,000
Mutual Funds: Rs. 27,00,000
Bajaj Policies (current value): Rs. 55,00,000
Life Insurances: Rs. 5,00,000
Gold: Rs. 45,00,000
Diamond Jewelry: Rs. 12,00,000
Monthly Savings and Investments
After accounting for your monthly expenses, let's assume you can save a significant portion of your income.

Investment Strategy
1. Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This should be in a liquid fund or savings account.

2. Surrender Investment-cum-Insurance Policies:

Surrender your Bajaj policies and other investment-cum-insurance policies. Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds. This can potentially offer higher returns.

3. EPF and Mutual Funds:

Continue contributions to EPF and mutual funds. These offer good returns over the long term.

4. Shares:

Diversify your stock portfolio. Consider investing in companies with strong growth potential.

5. Gold and Jewelry:

Gold and diamond jewelry are good long-term assets. Consider them as part of your wealth.

Monthly Investment Allocation
Retirement Planning:

Invest Rs. 50,000 per month in mutual funds.
Choose a mix of equity and debt funds.
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds.
Children's Education and Future:

Allocate Rs. 25,000 per month for their future.
Invest in child-specific mutual funds or education plans.
Healthcare and Insurance Needs:

Ensure adequate health insurance coverage.
Review and adjust your insurance policies.
Risk Management
1. Diversification:

Spread investments across different assets. This reduces risk and ensures stability.

2. Insurance:

Ensure comprehensive insurance coverage. Health and term insurance are essential.

Tax Planning
1. Tax-efficient Investments:

Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS. These offer tax benefits and potential growth.

2. Tax-saving Strategies:

Utilise strategies to reduce tax liability. Plan investments to maximise tax benefits.

Monitoring and Review
1. Regular Monitoring:

Monitor your investments regularly. Track performance and make necessary adjustments.

2. Annual Review:

Review your financial plan annually. Assess progress and adjust investments based on performance.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
Assuming a balanced portfolio, you can expect an annual return of 10-12%. To determine the exact corpus needed for retirement, consider your desired lifestyle and expenses. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) will provide a detailed analysis and accurate estimate.

Final Insights
Achieving a comfortable retirement requires disciplined planning. Surrender investment-cum-insurance policies and reinvest in mutual funds. Invest systematically, diversify your portfolio, and utilise tax-saving strategies. With careful planning and professional guidance, you can build a secure financial future and achieve your retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

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HI, I am 34 year old working and my salary is 95000 Rs. and I have an personal loan which need to be paid for coming 5 Years which EMI is 11000 PM, apart from this I am having an Post office insurance of 5000PM , 3 SIPs quant small cap 5000PM, Nippon Large cap 3000PM, Motilal oswal Mid cap 5000 per month and one Max Niftly alpha50 10000 PM, I would like to get retire in age of 55 and would like to have around 3 crore at the time of retirement is above investment are sufficient.
Ans: Your goal to retire at 55 with a corpus of Rs 3 crore is achievable with a structured financial plan. Let's dive into the details and assess your current situation.

Current Financial Situation
You're 34 years old, earning Rs 95,000 per month. You have a personal loan with an EMI of Rs 11,000 for the next 5 years. Additionally, you have a Post Office Insurance policy with a premium of Rs 5,000 per month. Your investments include four SIPs:

A small-cap fund with Rs 5,000 per month.
A large-cap fund with Rs 3,000 per month.
A mid-cap fund with Rs 5,000 per month.
A focused equity fund with Rs 10,000 per month.
Genuine Compliments and Understanding
First, let me commend you for starting your investments early. It shows foresight and a disciplined approach towards your financial goals. Managing EMIs, insurance premiums, and SIPs simultaneously can be challenging, but you're on the right track. Let's enhance your strategy to ensure you meet your retirement goal of Rs 3 crore by 55.

Evaluating Your Investments
Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds have the potential for high returns, but they come with significant volatility. Given your investment horizon, they can be a good choice for capital appreciation. However, it's crucial to regularly review the fund's performance.

Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds offer stability and moderate returns. They invest in well-established companies, providing a balance to your portfolio. This is a solid choice for steady growth.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds strike a balance between the high growth potential of small caps and the stability of large caps. They are a good addition for diversification and growth.

Focused Equity Funds
Focused equity funds invest in a limited number of stocks. While they can deliver high returns, they also carry higher risk due to the concentrated portfolio. Regular performance review is essential.

The Importance of Regular Reviews
It's important to regularly review your investment portfolio. Financial markets are dynamic, and fund performance can change over time. Regular reviews help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

The Power of Compounding
One of the key advantages of mutual funds is the power of compounding. By investing regularly and staying invested over the long term, your investments can grow exponentially. Compounding allows your returns to generate more returns, significantly increasing your wealth over time.

Risk and Diversification
Investing in mutual funds comes with risks, such as market risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. However, diversification helps mitigate these risks. By investing in different types of funds, you spread the risk across various asset classes and sectors.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
While index funds mimic the market index and provide average market returns, actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. Fund managers use their expertise to select stocks with high growth potential. Although they come with higher management fees, the potential for higher returns can outweigh the costs.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, while low-cost, do not offer the potential for superior returns like actively managed funds. They simply track the market index and cannot outperform it. In volatile markets, this can be a disadvantage as they lack the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

The Case Against Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios compared to regular funds. However, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides valuable guidance. CFPs can help you select the right funds, monitor your investments, and make adjustments as needed. The expertise and personalized advice they offer can significantly enhance your investment strategy.

Your Retirement Goal: Rs 3 Crore
To achieve a corpus of Rs 3 crore by 55, it's crucial to maintain and possibly increase your current investments. Here's a detailed plan to help you stay on track:

Increase SIP Contributions: As your salary increases, consider increasing your SIP contributions. This will accelerate the growth of your corpus.

Diversify Your Portfolio: Continue diversifying your investments across different types of funds to spread risk and enhance returns.

Regular Performance Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your investment portfolio. Rebalance your portfolio if necessary to align with your financial goals.

Maintain an Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This prevents you from dipping into your investments during emergencies.

Plan for Debt Repayment: Focus on repaying your personal loan within the next 5 years. Once repaid, redirect the EMI amount towards your investments.

Empathy and Encouragement
It's commendable that you are managing multiple financial commitments while planning for retirement. Financial planning requires discipline and patience, and you're doing a great job. Stay committed to your plan, and with regular reviews and adjustments, you'll achieve your retirement goal.

Final Insights
Retiring at 55 with a corpus of Rs 3 crore is achievable with your current investment strategy. By maintaining and increasing your SIP contributions, diversifying your portfolio, and conducting regular performance reviews, you can stay on track. Remember to leverage the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and guidance.

Conclusion
Stay committed to your investment strategy, and keep your financial goals in mind. With discipline and regular reviews, you'll achieve your retirement goal and enjoy a financially secure future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

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Hello Sir I am Naveen and i am 31 years old, I am planning to retire at the age of 50 with 5 Cr and monthly income 1 L My Investment is PPF 400000 ULIP 250000 FD 100000 EPF 300000 NPS 200000(every year 50000 ) Stock 800000 MF 700000 Child plan Own house, taken Health insurance 20 L and Term insurance 1 Cr . Please advise me how much i need to increase my investment for my better retirement
Ans: Assessment of Current Financial Situation

You have diversified your investments across various financial instruments. Your goal to retire at 50 with Rs. 5 crore and a monthly income of Rs. 1 lakh is achievable with proper planning.

Current Investments

PPF: Rs. 4,00,000
ULIP: Rs. 2,50,000
FD: Rs. 1,00,000
EPF: Rs. 3,00,000
NPS: Rs. 2,00,000 (Rs. 50,000 yearly)
Stock: Rs. 8,00,000
Mutual Funds: Rs. 7,00,000
Child Plan: Amount not specified
Own House
Health Insurance: Rs. 20 lakh
Term Insurance: Rs. 1 crore
Financial Goals Analysis

Your goal requires disciplined saving and strategic investments. Let’s evaluate each aspect:

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a safe investment. It offers tax benefits and guaranteed returns. However, its limit restricts the amount you can invest yearly.

Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)

ULIP combines insurance and investment. It may not be the best for high returns. Consider reviewing its performance and charges.

Fixed Deposit (FD)

FDs provide security but lower returns. Inflation can erode their value. Consider keeping only a portion in FDs.

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF)

EPF is a stable option for long-term savings. It provides decent returns and tax benefits. Continue contributing.

National Pension System (NPS)

NPS is beneficial for retirement. It offers market-linked returns and tax benefits. Your current contribution of Rs. 50,000 yearly is good.

Stock Market

Stocks can yield high returns but come with risks. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Diversify to mitigate risks.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are good for wealth creation. Choose funds based on your risk appetite. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for advice on fund selection.

Child Plan

Ensure the plan meets your child’s future education needs. Evaluate its performance and adjust if necessary.

Health and Term Insurance

You have sufficient coverage. Ensure to review and increase if needed with inflation.

Additional Investment Recommendations

To achieve your retirement goal, you need to increase investments. Here’s how:

Increase Mutual Fund Investments

Mutual funds offer potential for high returns. Increase SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to choose the best funds.

Review and Adjust ULIP

Evaluate the charges and performance of ULIPs. If returns are low, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for advice.

Maximize NPS Contributions

Increase your NPS contributions. It will enhance your retirement corpus and provide tax benefits.

Invest in Stocks Wisely

Continue investing in stocks. Diversify across sectors and regularly review. Stay updated with market trends.

Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund. Ensure it’s 6-12 months of your expenses. Park it in liquid funds for easy access.

Retirement Corpus Calculation

Without specific calculations, aim to increase your investments by 10-15% annually. This will help you reach your Rs. 5 crore goal.

Final Insights

Your current investment strategy is strong. However, regular review and adjustments are crucial. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. Stay disciplined and focused on your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 40 years old and have 18 lakh in ppf. 3.5 lakh in pf and fd of 21 lakh with mf portfolio as 4.2 lakh 80 thousand in share market and 4 lakh as emergency fund with monthly income as 65k . I want to retire at 45 and still want same monthly income so what should be my investment plan for it.
Ans: Your disciplined savings and investment strategy are commendable. Let's structure a plan to achieve your goal of retiring at 45 while maintaining your current monthly income.

Current Financial Snapshot
Investments and Savings:

Rs 18 lakh in PPF
Rs 3.5 lakh in PF
Rs 21 lakh in FD
Rs 4.2 lakh in mutual funds
Rs 80 thousand in share market
Rs 4 lakh as an emergency fund
Monthly Income:

Rs 65,000
Retirement Planning Goals
Goal:

Retire at 45 with a monthly income of Rs 65,000
Analysis and Insights
Current Situation:

Your existing investments are good but need strategic alignment.
A focused approach is essential for achieving your retirement goal.
Investment Plan
Increase Equity Exposure:

Equity investments offer higher returns over the long term.
Allocate a portion of your FD and emergency fund to equity mutual funds.
Gradually increase your mutual fund portfolio.
Balanced Funds:

Invest in balanced or hybrid funds for stability.
These funds provide a mix of equity and debt.
Debt Funds:

Include debt funds for safe and steady returns.
This ensures a balance between growth and safety.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):

Increase your SIP contributions regularly.
A disciplined approach ensures consistent growth.
Diversify Investments:

Spread your investments across different asset classes.
This reduces risk and maximizes returns.
Recommended Asset Allocation
Equity:

Increase equity mutual fund investments.
Aim for 60-70% of your portfolio in equity.
Debt:

Maintain 20-30% in debt funds and fixed deposits.
This ensures stability and regular income.
Gold:

Consider investing in gold funds or ETFs.
Gold acts as a hedge against inflation.
Retirement Corpus Calculation
Estimated Corpus Required:

You need a corpus that generates Rs 65,000 monthly.
Assuming a 5% withdrawal rate, you need around Rs 1.56 crore.
Steps to Achieve Retirement Goal
1. Increase Investments:

Enhance your SIPs and lump-sum investments in mutual funds.
Aim to save and invest aggressively for the next 5 years.
2. Reduce Expenses:

Minimize unnecessary expenses.
Save more towards your retirement goal.
3. Regular Review:

Review your investments quarterly.
Adjust based on performance and market conditions.
4. Professional Guidance:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner.
Personalized advice ensures optimal investment strategies.
Final Insights
Disciplined Investing: Stay committed to your investment plan.
Diversified Portfolio: Spread investments across equity, debt, and gold.
Regular Monitoring: Adjust and rebalance your portfolio as needed.
Focus on Growth: Prioritize equity investments for higher returns.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |3918 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 24, 2024

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Sir i am currently in class 11 th and i just want to prepare for jee mains and advanced 2026 exam so give me some roadmap to achieve and also guide me for computer science
Ans: Shreya, I trust that you have already enrolled in a coaching center, whether it be online or in person, and have finished your eleventh syllabus. (1) If you have not yet created your own short-notes for the 11th syllabus that has been completed, prepare it and continue to revise them every three days until 2026, even after you have commenced studying the 12th syllabus in December 2024. (2) Review the questions that you have incorrectly answered or skipped in mock tests conducted by your Coaching Center and/or practiced independently. (3) In order to increase your rank/percentile by targeting computer science at a reputable college/institute, prioritize mathematics (although all three subjects are equally important). (4) You should be thorough with NCERT books, particularly those pertaining to chemistry, in conjunction with the materials provided by your coaching institute. (5) Have 1-2 reference books for each subject. Not exceeding two. (6) Review the questions that were incorrectly answered or skipped in your mock and practice exams and retake the test. It is advisable to maintain a distinct note-book for these types of questions, which should include answers and elucidating notes, in order to review them repeatedly for all three subjects. (7) Download the SYLLABUS of JEE Main 2025 (available on Google by searching for "JEE Main Information Bulletin") and print it out, as there will be no significant changes to the syllabus in 2026. Maintain it on your study table and continue to update the 11th syllabus chapters and concepts that you have covered to date by marking them with a checkmark. This will boost your confidence if you continue to update the same till November 2025. (8) A slight difference in Syllabus might be visible when you acquire the 2026 JEE Main / JEE Advanced Syllabus. The same can be resolved within 15 days to one month in 2025-26. (9) Increase your productivity by studying for 45 minutes to 1 hour, taking a 10-minute break, and then continuing for 45 minutes. (10) Take a 2-3 minute break every 45 minutes while practicing questions, whether offline or online. This break should consist of closing your eyes and taking long breaths to enhance your concentration and mental capacity. (11) Additionally, it is recommended that you acquire the 20-40 PREVIOUS years question paper book of JEE (Main & Advanced) from Amazon. Arihant's, Disha's, or MTG's publications are recommended. Once you have finished reading a chapter, practice and complete it to determine the extent to which you have comprehended the concepts and to identify areas that require improvement. (12) By October 2025, ensure that you have reviewed significantly more than 90% of the previous years questions. Your confidence will be further bolstered by this. (13) After the mock test is completed at your coaching center, clarify all incorrectly answered or ignored questions and continue to revise and practice them, as these types of questions will significantly disrupt your performance in the actual JEE. (14) If you are a regular school student, inquire with your class teacher about the minimum attendance requirement as outlined in the Board's regulations (State, CBSE, ICSE, etc.). Utilize the remaining 15% by taking time off and preparing for your JEE, if only 85% attendance is required. (15) THE MOST IMPORTANT Value Added Suggestion: Rather than solely relying on JEE, please participate in 5-7 entrance exams/counseling process with a JEE score for getting admission into any one of the private engineering colleges to have a variety of options to select the most suitable one. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future.

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T S Khurana

T S Khurana   |197 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Nov 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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Can you please suggest on capital gains as per Indian taxation laws arising in the below two queries : 1) property purchased with joint ownership, me and my wife’s name in 2015 at a cost of 64,80,000, housing improvements done for the cost of 1000000 and brokerages of 200000 paid and sold the same property at 10000000 in Dec 2023? 2) 87% of the proceeds got from the deal i.e 8700000, have been reinvested to pay 25% amount in purchasing another joint ownership property in Dec 2023, 3) I have invested in another under construction property in Nov 2023 by taking housing loan, which is on me and my wife’s name worth 1.4 cr, here the primary applicant is me only while wife is just made a Co applicant in the builder buyer agreement and also on the housing loan . So what are the LTCG tax liabilities arising from the above 3 scenarios for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025. I intend to sale off the property acquired in (2) by Dec 2024 and use that proceeds to close the housing loan for the property acquired in (3), will this sale of property be inviting any tax liabilities if the complete proceeds received from the sale of the property in (2) would be utilised to close the housing loan taken in Nov 2023 for the property in (3) ? Since in FY 23-24, I would be claiming the LTCG from the sale proceeds of 1) invested in the purchase of property in 2), and I intend to sale off this property in Dec 2024, will the LTCG claim be forfeited on the property sale in (1), should I hold this property at least for further 1 year so that sale of this property in 2) will not invite STCG?
Ans: (A). Let's first talk about F/Y 2023-24 :
You jointly sold a Property during the year for Rs.76.80 lakhs (64.80+10.00+2.00), & sold the same for Rs.100.00 lakhs.
You have jointly also purchased Property No.3 (I suppose it is Residential only), for Rs.140.00 lakhs.
You should avail exemption u/s-54 & file your ITR accordingly. Please disclose all details about sale & purchase in your ITR.
02. Now coming to the F/Y 2024-25 :
You intend to Sell Property No.2, which was acquired in 2023-24. Any Gain on Sale of it would be Short Term capital Gains & taxed accordingly.
Alternatively, you may hold this sale of property no.2 (for 2 years from its purchase) & avoid STCG
You are free to utilize the sale proceeds in a way you like, including paying off your housing Loan.
Please note to avail exemption u/s 54 only from investment in property no.3 & not 2.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

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