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34-Year-Old Couple Wants To Build a 5 Crore Corpus by 45 - Can They Do It?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 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
Entice Question by Entice on Jun 22, 2024Hindi
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I am 34 years old married and have one daughter aged 2 years..i have invested 30lac mutal fund and 10lakh ppf investment..i have no debts and loans...my wife and I earn around 25 lac per year as freelancer private tutors....please suggest me ways to create 5crore corpus at age of 45years...i always invest 70% of my income in mutual funds per year

Ans: You aim to create a Rs. 5 crore corpus by age 45.

You have 11 years to achieve this goal.

Your combined annual income is Rs. 25 lakhs.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
You have Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds.

You have Rs. 10 lakhs in PPF.

You invest 70% of your income in mutual funds annually.

Importance of Consistent Investments
Consistent investment is crucial.

You invest Rs. 17.5 lakhs annually in mutual funds.

This discipline will help you reach your goal.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim for higher returns.

They are managed by experts.

These funds can enhance your growth potential.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk.

Maintain a mix of equity and debt funds.

This ensures a balance of growth and stability.

Maximising Your PPF Investments
Continue investing in PPF for stable returns.

PPF offers tax benefits and risk-free returns.

It complements your mutual fund investments.

Importance of Regular Funds
Invest through a Certified Financial Planner.

Regular funds provide professional guidance.

This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Reviewing Your Insurance Policies
If you hold LIC, ULIP, or investment-cum-insurance policies:

Consider surrendering them for better returns.

Reinvest in mutual funds to maximise growth.

Estimating Required Annual Returns
To achieve Rs. 5 crores in 11 years:

Calculate the required annual return rate.

A Certified Financial Planner can assist with precise calculations.

Creating an Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund.

It should cover at least 6 months of expenses.

This safeguards your financial plan.

Monitoring Your Investments
Regularly review your investment portfolio.

Adjust based on performance and goals.

Stay informed about market trends.

Seeking Professional Help
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They offer tailored advice.

Their expertise ensures your plan stays on track.

Final Insights
Creating a Rs. 5 crore corpus by 45 is achievable.

Consistently invest in mutual funds.

Focus on actively managed funds for higher returns.

Diversify your portfolio for balanced growth.

Maintain and maximise your PPF investments.

Regularly review and adjust your investments.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

With disciplined investing and strategic planning, you can achieve your goal.

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 Kalirajan  |8459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 03, 2024Hindi
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HI I M 40 NOW. I WANT A CORPUS OF MINIMUM 1 CR WITHIN 5 YEARS. PLZ UPDATE WHICH MUTUAL FUND SHALL I TAKE AND HOW MUCH FUND TO INVEST MONTHLY.
Ans: It's great to hear about your financial goals. Let's explore how we can achieve a corpus of 1 crore within 5 years:

Considering your time frame and target corpus, we'll need to adopt an aggressive investment strategy.

Mutual funds offer a range of options suited to different risk profiles and investment horizons.

To maximize growth potential, we can focus on equity mutual funds with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns.

A systematic investment plan (SIP) would be ideal for you, allowing you to invest a fixed amount monthly.

By investing regularly in mutual funds, you can benefit from the power of compounding and market appreciation over time.

It's crucial to select funds that align with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting thorough research or seeking professional advice to identify suitable mutual funds.

Additionally, consider diversifying your investments across multiple funds to spread risk and optimize returns.

Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and adjusting your investment strategy as needed is essential to stay on track towards your goal.

Remember, investing involves risks, and it's essential to remain disciplined and patient, especially during market fluctuations.

With determination and strategic planning, achieving your target corpus of 1 crore within 5 years is definitely attainable.

Stay focused on your goal, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance along the way.

You're taking a proactive step towards securing your financial future, and I'm here to support you in your journey.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8459 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi Myself Ramesh, I earn around 1.6 Lac monthly aged 43. Don't have own house and have 2 children 15 and 7. I have 20k SIP in MF, 25 K in 3 various ULIP Plan. Pls suggest how do I create corpus of 5 Crore by age of 60. Consider income increase around 6% for 10 years.
Ans: Hi Ramesh, your goal to create a corpus of Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60 is ambitious yet achievable with proper planning. At 43 years old, earning Rs. 1.6 lakhs per month, you already have a good foundation. Your monthly investments include Rs. 20,000 in SIPs and Rs. 25,000 in ULIP plans. You also expect your income to increase by around 6% annually for the next 10 years, which is a positive factor.

Setting Financial Goals
Short-Term Goals
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund that covers at least 6-12 months of expenses. This should be kept in a highly liquid form like a savings account or short-term fixed deposit.

Insurance Coverage: Adequate life and health insurance are crucial to protect your family from unforeseen events. Ensure you have a term insurance plan and a comprehensive health insurance policy.

Long-Term Goals
Children’s Education: Planning for your children's education expenses is critical. Your elder child will need funds for higher education soon, and the younger one in the next 10 years.

Retirement Corpus: The primary goal is to build a retirement corpus of Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60.

Evaluating Current Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
You are investing Rs. 20,000 per month in mutual funds through SIPs. This is a good strategy for long-term wealth creation. SIPs benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
You have Rs. 25,000 per month in various ULIPs. While ULIPs offer both insurance and investment, they often come with higher charges and lower returns compared to mutual funds. It might be beneficial to surrender these ULIPs and redirect the funds to more efficient investment vehicles like mutual funds.

Creating an Optimized Investment Plan
Redirecting ULIP Investments
Consider surrendering your ULIPs and investing the proceeds in mutual funds. Mutual funds typically offer better returns and flexibility compared to ULIPs. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you transition smoothly.

Increasing SIP Contributions
With an expected income increase of 6% annually, you can gradually increase your SIP contributions. Start by increasing your SIP amount each year to align with your income growth. This disciplined approach will help in achieving your long-term goals.

Diversification of Investments
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds should form the core of your investment portfolio. They offer high growth potential over the long term. Given your time horizon of 17 years, a significant portion of your investments can be in equity funds.

Debt Mutual Funds
Including debt mutual funds in your portfolio can provide stability and reduce overall risk. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities and are less volatile compared to equity funds.

Gold Investments
A small allocation to gold can act as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. You can consider gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for this purpose.

International Mutual Funds
Diversifying your investments internationally can provide exposure to global markets and reduce country-specific risks. International mutual funds can be a good addition to your portfolio.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
Implementing a SIP strategy for different types of mutual funds can help in building a diversified portfolio. Allocate a higher percentage to equity funds and the rest to debt and gold funds. Regularly review and adjust your SIP contributions to align with your financial goals.

Planning for Children’s Education
Estimating Education Costs
Estimate the future costs of your children’s education, considering inflation. Education expenses can be significant, and planning early will ensure you have sufficient funds when needed.

Education Savings Plan
Create a dedicated education savings plan. You can use a combination of equity and debt mutual funds to build this corpus. Start a separate SIP specifically for your children's education.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Power of Compounding
Starting early and investing regularly allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. Your investments will grow exponentially over time, helping you achieve your retirement goal.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing involves adjusting your asset allocation to maintain the desired balance, optimizing returns, and managing risk.

Active Management
Actively managed funds, overseen by a CFP, can potentially deliver higher returns compared to passive index funds. They offer flexibility to respond to market changes and capitalize on opportunities.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments such as Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) to reduce your taxable income while investing for long-term goals.

Capital Gains Management
Understanding the tax implications of capital gains is essential. Long-term capital gains from equity investments are taxed differently from short-term gains. Plan your investments and withdrawals to minimize tax liability.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Professional Guidance
A CFP can provide personalized advice, helping you create a comprehensive financial plan. They offer expertise in investment management, tax planning, and retirement strategies, ensuring your financial goals are met.

Regular Monitoring
A CFP regularly monitors your investments, making adjustments based on market conditions and life changes. This proactive approach helps in optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Building a Disciplined Investment Approach
Setting Clear Goals
Define clear financial goals with timelines. This provides direction and helps in selecting appropriate investment vehicles to achieve these goals.

Consistent Savings and Investing
Consistently save and invest a significant portion of your income. This discipline is crucial for building wealth over time. Automate your investments to ensure regular contributions.

Financial Education
Continuously educate yourself about personal finance and investments. Staying informed empowers you to make better financial decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

Final Insights
Ramesh, your goal to accumulate Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60 is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined and strategic approach. Start by setting a strong foundation with an emergency fund and adequate insurance coverage.

Consider surrendering your ULIPs and redirecting the funds to mutual funds. Increase your SIP contributions gradually to align with your income growth. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, gold, and international markets.

Implement a SIP strategy for different types of mutual funds and regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Effective tax planning and capital gains management can further enhance your returns. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to create and monitor a comprehensive financial plan.

Your commitment to your financial goals and willingness to adapt your strategy will help you achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
Money
I m 48 with a debt of 70 lacs home loan And zero investment how can I make a corpus of 5 crore as i have no knowledge of share or mutual funds. Retirement is out of question as I have small business and want my child to go for higher studies as currently he is in final year for vfx and designing
Ans: You have a clear vision for your future, focusing on your child's higher education and building a significant corpus. At 48, with a home loan of Rs 70 lakhs, and no current investments, creating a corpus of Rs 5 crore can seem daunting. But with the right strategy, you can achieve your goals. Let’s break it down step by step.


It’s commendable that you’re thinking ahead and planning for your child's future. Running a small business shows your dedication and hard work. Let’s create a solid financial plan to support your dreams.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Home Loan
A home loan of Rs 70 lakhs is a substantial debt. Prioritizing its repayment will free up resources for investments.

Business Income
Understanding your business's income stability is crucial. If your income varies, having a safety net is essential.

Zero Investments
Starting from scratch means you have a clean slate to build a diversified portfolio. We’ll leverage this to your advantage.

Creating a Corpus of Rs 5 Crore
Goal Setting
To accumulate Rs 5 crore, we need a well-defined investment plan. Let's break this into achievable milestones.

Investment Horizon
You have around 12-15 years before you might consider retirement. This period allows for a balanced approach towards growth and stability.

Diversified Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a powerful tool for wealth creation. They offer professional management and diversification.

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity funds invest in stocks, providing high growth potential. They are ideal for long-term goals but come with higher risk.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less volatile and provide stability to your portfolio.

Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, balancing risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk tolerance.

Power of Compounding
Investing regularly and staying invested allows your money to grow exponentially through compounding. Starting now can make a significant difference.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This method is disciplined and mitigates market volatility.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate a market index, lacking active management. They may not outperform the market and provide limited flexibility.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers aiming to outperform the market. They can adapt to market conditions and provide better returns.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct Funds

Direct funds bypass intermediaries, saving on commission costs. However, they require self-management, which can be challenging without expertise.

Regular Funds through CFP

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers expert guidance. They help select the right funds, manage paperwork, and provide personalized advice.

Debt Repayment Strategy
Prioritizing Home Loan Repayment
Reducing your home loan burden is essential. Consider increasing your EMI or making lump-sum payments when possible.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This cushion helps manage unforeseen events without disrupting your investment plan.

Child’s Higher Education Planning
Education Savings Plan
Start a dedicated investment plan for your child’s higher education. Estimate the required corpus and allocate investments accordingly.

Scholarship and Education Loans
Explore scholarship opportunities and education loans. They can reduce the financial burden and allow more flexibility in your investment strategy.

Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Ensure adequate life insurance coverage to protect your family. Consider term insurance for substantial coverage at a lower premium.

Health Insurance
Maintain comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses. This prevents dipping into your savings for healthcare needs.

Regular Portfolio Review
Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Rebalance to maintain the desired asset allocation and adjust for changing goals.

Staying Informed
Stay informed about market trends and economic conditions. This knowledge helps in making informed investment decisions.

Risk Management
Diversification
Diversify your investments across asset classes and sectors. This reduces risk and enhances potential returns.

Risk Assessment
Regularly assess your risk tolerance. As you near your goal, shift towards safer investments to protect your corpus.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning
Optimize your investments for tax efficiency. Utilize tax-saving instruments and consult a CFP for personalized tax strategies.

Tax-Free Bonds
Consider tax-free bonds for stable, tax-efficient income. They offer guaranteed returns and are safe.

Creating a Retirement Plan
Retirement Corpus
While retirement is not a priority now, plan for a secure future. Estimate your retirement corpus and allocate investments to achieve it.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Post-retirement, use SWPs to generate regular income. This strategy allows you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically from your investments.

Final Insights
Creating a corpus of Rs 5 crore from zero investments is ambitious but achievable. Start with a disciplined investment plan, leveraging mutual funds for growth. Prioritize debt repayment, maintain an emergency fund, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. With dedication and the right strategy, you can secure your financial future and support your child’s higher education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Ashwini Dasgupta  |107 Answers  |Ask -

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I have a Home Loan of Rs. 75 lakh outstanding and being a banker I get the Home Loan at concessional rate of 6% on simple interest basis. I have certain disposable income every month. Is it advisable to prepay the loans on monthly basis or utilize the disposable income towards other investment options?
Ans: You have a Rs. 75 lakh home loan.
You pay only 6% simple interest as a banker.
You also have disposable income each month.
Let’s now assess your situation from all angles.

Understanding the Advantage of Low Interest

Your loan is at just 6% simple interest.

This is a rare and low-cost loan benefit.

The interest amount does not compound yearly.

So your interest cost stays predictable and steady.

You already save more compared to normal borrowers.

Regular loans are at 9% to 11% with compound interest.

Let Your Money Work Harder Through Investing

Good mutual fund investments give 11% to 13% average return long term.

This return is higher than your 6% loan cost.

So your surplus funds can grow faster if invested.

This strategy builds your wealth efficiently over time.

Compounding in mutual funds works in your favour.

Reviewing Tax Savings from Loan Interest

Your loan interest gives you tax benefit under Section 24.

You can claim up to Rs. 2 lakh deduction yearly.

This lowers your income tax burden.

Prepaying the loan reduces future tax savings.

Investments like ELSS and PPF also save taxes separately.

Liquidity Is Key for Financial Confidence

Prepaying a loan reduces your cash flexibility.

But investments offer you liquidity when needed.

Financial emergencies need access to cash fast.

Mutual funds can be redeemed when required.

Don’t put all your surplus in loan prepayment.

Peace of Mind vs. Smart Wealth Building

Some people feel peace when loans are closed early.

It reduces psychological burden and improves sleep.

But low-interest loans are better kept and managed.

You can earn more on surplus money through investing.

Debt is not always bad when it’s manageable.

Balanced Strategy Is the Best Choice

Don’t choose only one route—balance is better.

Split your monthly surplus into two parts.

Use one part to invest in long-term growth plans.

Use the other part for partial prepayments once in a while.

This approach reduces debt and builds wealth together.

What You Should Do Now

Make sure you keep emergency savings of at least 6 months’ expenses.

Review your insurance and make sure your family is protected.

If you have LIC, ULIP or insurance-based investments, assess if they are worth holding.

If they underperform, consider surrendering and reinvesting into mutual funds.

Choose actively managed mutual funds via a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct mutual funds if you are not monitoring regularly.

Regular mutual funds via a qualified CFP give you guidance and support.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t rush to become loan-free if loan is cheap.

Don’t ignore inflation and real return comparisons.

Don’t ignore wealth-building just to avoid loan.

Don’t stop investing for the sake of loan closure.

Don’t go for low-return instruments only for safety.

Other Pointers to Remember

Make sure your investments match your goals.

Consider children’s education and retirement goals.

Equity mutual funds are good for goals beyond 7 years.

Hybrid mutual funds suit medium-term goals like 3 to 5 years.

For short-term use, opt for liquid or ultra short-term funds.

Track your goals and adjust asset allocation regularly.

Taxation of Mutual Fund Gains

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your tax slab.

These taxes are payable only when you sell the units.

So your money grows without yearly tax deductions.

Avoid Index Funds and Direct Plans

Index funds don’t give alpha or outperformance.

They follow the market but don’t beat it.

In tough markets, they fall without support.

Active funds are managed by experienced fund managers.

Direct plans lack professional support and review.

With regular plans through a CFP, you get full handholding.

Finally

Your concessional loan is a blessing. Keep using it.

Use your disposable income to create long-term wealth.

A good plan includes both investment and prepayment.

Invest for your future. Don’t just avoid loans.

Stay liquid, stay insured, and invest smartly with professional help.

Review this plan every 6 to 12 months with a Certified Financial Planner.

Build a clear plan for family goals and retirement readiness.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2025
Money
Hi Sir, I am 47 year old with 3 kids aged 11 yr dayghter and twin sons aged 6 years. I have around. I want to retire in 3 years due to health issues. After retirement me and wife will work part time and around monthly 1 lakh combined. I have monthly expenses if around 2 lakhs now. Please advise what corpus i should have to able to retire in 3 years
Ans: You are 47 years old. You have a daughter aged 11 and twin sons aged 6. You plan to retire in 3 years due to health issues. After retirement, you and your wife will earn around Rs. 1 lakh per month from part-time work. Your current family monthly expense is around Rs. 2 lakhs.

Your situation is serious and needs careful planning. I appreciate that you are thinking well in advance. Let us look at your situation in full detail now.

Assessing Your Retirement Timeline
You want to retire at 50. That’s 3 years from now.

That gives limited time to build a full retirement corpus.

After that, you and your wife plan to earn Rs. 1 lakh per month together.

Your expenses are Rs. 2 lakh per month now. This will rise with inflation.

So, you need to fill the gap of at least Rs. 1 lakh per month post-retirement.

That gap will also grow each year due to inflation.

You also have three children. Their education and future needs must be planned.

With three young kids, your financial responsibility will last for the next 15 to 20 years.

Understanding the Expense Gap
Your expenses are Rs. 2 lakh monthly now. This is Rs. 24 lakh annually.

After retirement, part-time income will cover Rs. 1 lakh monthly.

You need Rs. 1 lakh more every month from your savings.

That’s Rs. 12 lakh per year. But this amount will grow with inflation.

In 10 years, this could easily be around Rs. 20 lakh a year or more.

In 20 years, it can be around Rs. 35 lakh or more annually.

So, your retirement corpus must be big enough to cover this rising gap.

It should also last at least 30 years, as both you and your wife may live till 80 or more.

What Should Be Your Retirement Corpus
To cover Rs. 1 lakh monthly shortfall, you need a strong investment base.

That base should grow and generate income for 30 years.

You also need to plan for children’s schooling, college, and marriage.

So, your total retirement corpus should be built with multiple goals in mind.

You may need at least Rs. 6 crore to Rs. 7 crore total corpus by age 50.

This will help you cover your lifestyle gap and also children’s future needs.

The final amount will depend on inflation, market returns, and disciplined investing.

Breaking Down Your Future Expenses
1. Lifestyle Needs

You need Rs. 2 lakh monthly today. This will rise.

After retirement, inflation will push this to Rs. 3.5 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh in 15 years.

That means higher withdrawals every year.

2. Children’s Education

Your daughter will go to college in 6 years.

Your twin sons will go to college in 11 to 12 years.

Education inflation is very high, around 8% to 10% yearly.

Private college and higher studies can cost Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore in future.

3. Health and Medical Needs

Health issues are already a concern. Medical costs rise fast.

A single hospitalisation in the future can cost Rs. 15 lakh or more.

You must keep a separate medical emergency fund.

4. Travel, Leisure, and Emergencies

Retirement is not just about needs. It should also include wants.

You may want to travel or support family in emergencies.

Keep a buffer for these lifestyle goals.

Creating a 3-Bucket Investment Strategy
Bucket 1: Emergency and Medical Fund

Keep 12 to 18 months of expenses in this bucket.

That means Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh in liquid funds.

This bucket should not be touched for regular income.

Use it for medical, health, and sudden family needs.

Bucket 2: Income and Safety Bucket

This gives regular income after retirement.

Invest here in low-risk and balanced funds.

This bucket must cover 8 to 10 years of shortfall.

It must be reviewed every year and rebalanced.

Withdraw monthly through SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

Bucket 3: Growth Bucket

This is for long-term income.

It must stay invested for the next 10 to 15 years.

Use only actively managed equity mutual funds.

Don’t invest in index funds. They follow the market and offer no safety in a fall.

Actively managed funds are better for retirement. They reduce risk and give better return with guidance.

This bucket will support your income in the later years of retirement.

Additional Planning Tips for a Complete Strategy
1. Insurance Review

Check your health insurance. Buy a super top-up if possible.

If you have any traditional policies like LIC endowments or ULIPs, evaluate surrendering them.

Reinvest that money in mutual funds via Certified Financial Planner.

2. Avoid Index and Direct Funds

Index funds are unmanaged. They don’t protect you in a downturn.

Direct funds have no advisor support. You may exit at the wrong time.

Invest through regular mutual funds with Certified Financial Planner.

You get discipline, emotional support, and regular reviews.

3. Tax Planning

After retirement, plan all withdrawals smartly.

Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals in phases to manage tax.

Use SWP instead of lump sum withdrawal.

4. Estate Planning

Write a clear Will. Register it if possible.

Add nominations to all financial accounts and investments.

Discuss with your wife about all assets and accounts.

Educate your children slowly about financial basics.

5. Spending Discipline

After retirement, control lifestyle inflation.

Avoid overspending in early years.

Keep budgets for kids' education, personal care, and travel.

Review expenses every quarter.

Talk to your wife and plan joint financial goals.

How to Reach Rs. 6–7 Crore in 3 Years
This is a very short time.

You must save aggressively now.

Cut all unwanted expenses.

Increase monthly investments to the maximum.

Invest only in actively managed equity mutual funds through regular route.

Don’t keep too much in savings or FDs.

Avoid real estate as it is illiquid and low-return.

Rebalance investments every year with the help of Certified Financial Planner.

Finally
You have only 3 years to build your corpus.

You also have a big responsibility of three children.

You will work part time after retirement, which gives some cash flow.

But you must plan very carefully and very thoroughly.

Create three investment buckets to manage needs properly.

Use only actively managed mutual funds, not index or direct funds.

Avoid risky shortcuts and always review plans every year.

With health concerns and young kids, long-term planning is critical.

Your retirement is not the end of income. It is the beginning of financial wisdom.

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

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1236 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on May 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2025
Money
Sir , i am 29 year old male currently earning 1.4 lakh per month in hand salary and 60 thousands per month (side income which is temporary for few more years may be 2 years). I have 31.5 lakhs home loan with 9.5 % floating interest for 18 years. Personal loan of 1.4 lakh with 11% interest 7 months remaining. Gold loan of 2 lakh with due date in 10 months. Every month i am paying emis of 31000 home loan 21000 personal loan (7 more months) 23000 chit fund(6 more months) I have 4.5 lakh mutual/stocks investments. Gold worth 1 lakh and no Fixed deposits. I have Chit fund ( with friends ) which expires in 6 months with 5 lakhs amount. I have an Term policy of 1 crore for which i pay premium of 35k annually for 5 more years. I had planned a wedding in one year with 10 lakh expenditure. I have zero emergency fund like fd or any other savings Please guide me best option for better investment ,emergency fund and to have a comfortable corpus till i retire by the year 2040. Till now i have no savings in whatever form it is Iam unmarried
Ans: Hello;

You need to put aside amount worth 6-8 months regular expense coverage and keep it aside in a liquid fund or a savings account.

Do invest in NPS for your retirement planning. It is the best tool available from cost, returns, tax point of view.

Only thing to be borne in mind is NPS allows very restricted withdrawals over its entire span, subject to T&C, because it's a product meant for retirement.

Except home loan all your loans are getting settled in less than a year so it's okay but never ever use loan as source of funds for personal needs.

Also avoid investing in chit funds because they have a high risk and hence promise of higher returns.

Also start systematic investments in mutual funds through monthly sip's as per your goals and risk appetite.

The MF/stock holding and chit fund money return(5 L) will take care of your marital expenses.

Happy Investing;

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