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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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I am 34 years and plan to accumulate 2 crs in next 15 years. Now Please advice me which funds to invest and How much amount to invest ?

Ans: Certainly, planning for a corpus of 2 crores in 15 years is an ambitious yet achievable goal. At 34, you have a good time horizon to pursue growth-oriented investments while balancing risk.

To start, consider allocating your investments across a mix of equity and debt instruments. Equity mutual funds typically offer higher growth potential over the long term, albeit with greater volatility. Debt instruments provide stability and capital preservation.

Given your time horizon, you can afford to take some risk in your portfolio. Equity mutual funds, especially diversified equity funds or large-cap funds, can be a suitable choice for wealth accumulation over the long term. These funds invest in stocks of companies with a track record of stable performance, potentially offering steady growth.

For the debt component of your portfolio, consider options like debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments such as bonds or fixed deposits. These provide stability and can act as a cushion during market downturns.

As for the amount to invest, it depends on factors like your current savings, monthly surplus, and risk tolerance. A Certified Financial Planner can help you assess your financial situation holistically and determine a suitable investment strategy tailored to your goals.

Avoiding direct investment without professional guidance is prudent, as it can expose you to unnecessary risks and complexities. Regular funds, invested through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credential, offer the benefit of expert advice and ongoing portfolio management.

Consistency in investing and staying invested for the long term is crucial. Review your portfolio periodically and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goal.

By adopting a disciplined and diversified approach to investing, you can work towards accumulating the desired corpus of 2 crores over the next 15 years.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

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My age is 47 year. i need 2 Cr at the age of 60. Please let me know, good mutual fund as well as investment amount (monthly)?
Ans: Building a Corpus of Rs. 2 Crores by Age 60
As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand your goal of accumulating Rs. 2 crores by the age of 60. Achieving this target requires a strategic approach to investment planning, considering your current age, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Assessment of Investment Horizon and Risk Profile

At 47 years old, you have approximately 13 years until you reach your target age of 60. This timeline allows for a moderate to aggressive investment strategy, considering the long-term horizon and potential for higher returns.

Selection of Mutual Funds

Given your investment horizon and the goal of accumulating Rs. 2 crores, it's crucial to select mutual funds that offer a balance of growth potential and risk management. Here are some considerations:

Equity Funds: Equity funds have historically delivered higher returns over the long term compared to debt funds. Considering your goal and time horizon, allocating a significant portion of your investment towards equity funds is advisable.

Diversification: Opt for a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap equity funds to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risks associated with specific market segments.

Consistency of Performance: Evaluate mutual funds with a track record of consistent performance over different market cycles. Look for funds managed by experienced fund managers with a disciplined investment approach.

Determining Investment Amount

To accumulate Rs. 2 crores by age 60, you need to determine the monthly investment amount based on factors such as expected rate of return and investment duration. Here's a general approach:

Expected Rate of Return: While past performance is not indicative of future results, historical data suggests that equity mutual funds have delivered an average annual return of around 12% to 15% over the long term. Considering your goal and risk profile, aiming for an average annual return of 12% is reasonable.

Investment Duration: With a 13-year investment horizon, you have the advantage of compounding returns over a relatively long period. Regular monthly investments can harness the power of compounding and help you achieve your target corpus.

Monthly Investment Amount: Using financial calculators or consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help determine the monthly investment amount required to reach Rs. 2 crores by age 60, considering the expected rate of return and investment duration.

Monitoring and Review

It's essential to monitor your investments regularly and review your portfolio's performance to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Periodic rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation and manage risk effectively.

Conclusion

By investing strategically in mutual funds with a focus on equity funds and adopting a disciplined approach to regular monthly investments, you can work towards accumulating Rs. 2 crores by age 60. Remember to review your investment strategy periodically and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 28, 2024Hindi
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I am 32 year old, want to make 1 CR in next 8 year. How much money want to invest and which fund need to select with amount.
Ans: To accumulate Rs 1 crore in 8 years, you'll need to invest regularly and choose appropriate investment options based on your risk tolerance and return expectations. Here's a general approach:

Calculate Required Investment Amount: Use a financial calculator or online investment calculator to determine how much you need to invest monthly or annually to reach your goal. Factors such as expected rate of return and compounding frequency will influence this calculation.

Select Suitable Investment Vehicles: Consider investing in a mix of equity mutual funds, debt instruments, and other asset classes to achieve your target. Equity investments typically offer higher returns over the long term but come with higher risk, while debt investments provide stability but lower returns.

Diversify Your Portfolio: Spread your investments across different asset classes and investment vehicles to reduce risk and maximize returns. This could include equity mutual funds (large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap), debt funds, Public Provident Fund (PPF), and other tax-saving instruments.

Regularly Monitor and Review: Stay updated on the performance of your investments and make adjustments as needed. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk profile.

Consider Consulting a Financial Advisor: A certified financial advisor can help you create a personalized investment plan based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Remember that achieving a target of Rs 1 crore in 8 years will require disciplined saving, prudent investing, and patience. By following a systematic approach and staying committed to your financial plan, you can work towards reaching your goal.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 plan to get 1cr in next 10 year how much invest? Please suggest which mutual funds are good
Ans: To accumulate 1 crore in the next 10 years, you'll need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return. Here's a general outline to help you get started:

Calculate Required Monthly Investment: Determine the monthly investment required to reach your goal of 1 crore in 10 years based on your expected rate of return. You can use online SIP calculators or consult with a financial advisor to perform this calculation.
Choose Suitable Mutual Funds: Look for mutual funds that have a track record of consistent performance, align with your risk tolerance, and have the potential to deliver competitive returns over the long term. Consider a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risk.
Review Fund Performance: Evaluate the historical performance of mutual funds you're considering investing in. Look for funds with a proven track record of outperforming their benchmarks and peers over various market cycles.
Consider Expense Ratios: Pay attention to the expense ratios of mutual funds, as lower expense ratios can lead to higher net returns over time. Choose funds with reasonable expense ratios that don't erode your investment returns significantly.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a certified financial planner or investment advisor who can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you create a customized investment plan tailored to your needs and objectives.
Remember to regularly review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can work towards building a substantial corpus of 1 crore over the next 10 years.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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am 40 plan to get 1cr in next 10 year how much invest? Please suggest which mutual funds are good
Ans: To accumulate 1 crore in 10 years, you need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return. Here's a general approach:

Determine the expected rate of return: Based on historical data, a reasonable expectation for annual returns from equity mutual funds could be around 12-15%.
Use a financial calculator or online SIP calculator to find the monthly investment required to reach 1 crore in 10 years at your expected rate of return.
Once you have the required monthly investment amount, consider allocating it across a diversified portfolio of mutual funds. Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance, experienced fund managers, and aligned investment philosophy.
Since you have a 10-year investment horizon, you can afford to take some risk for potentially higher returns. Consider a mix of equity-oriented funds such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to diversify across market segments and manage risk effectively.
Regularly review your investments and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial goals, market conditions, and risk tolerance.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.
By investing systematically in mutual funds and staying disciplined with your investment strategy, you can work towards achieving your goal of accumulating 1 crore in 10 years.

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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