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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 22, 2024Hindi
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I am 34years old and has a income of 80000 permonth. Emi -35k House Expenses-30k . No savings till now. I am married and expecting a baby this year.please suggest me sip or fd ?

Ans: Financial Planning for Your Growing Family

Congratulations on the exciting news of expecting a baby! This is indeed a significant milestone in your life journey. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of making wise financial decisions, especially during such transformative times. Let's assess your current situation and explore suitable options for you.

Assessment of Current Situation

It's great that you've reached out for financial guidance, especially with a new addition to your family on the horizon. Let's start by evaluating your current financial scenario.

You're 34 years old, with a monthly income of ?80,000. After deducting your EMIs (?35,000) and house expenses (?30,000), it seems you don't have any savings yet. This indicates that there's room for improvement in managing your finances effectively, particularly with a baby on the way.

Understanding Your Options

Considering your circumstances, you're contemplating between Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and Fixed Deposits (FDs). Let's delve into both options to determine the most suitable approach for you.

SIPs:

SIPs are a popular investment avenue for wealth creation over the long term. They offer the benefit of rupee cost averaging and the potential for higher returns compared to traditional savings instruments like FDs. However, it's crucial to note that SIPs are subject to market risks.

Fixed Deposits:

FDs, on the other hand, provide a fixed rate of interest over a predetermined period, offering stability and security. While FDs are less volatile compared to equity investments like SIPs, they typically offer lower returns, which may not outpace inflation in the long run.

Recommendation:

Given your age and the upcoming financial responsibilities associated with parenthood, I would recommend prioritizing long-term wealth accumulation over short-term gains. Therefore, SIPs could be a more suitable option for you.

Benefits of SIPs:

Potential for Higher Returns: SIPs have historically delivered superior returns compared to traditional saving instruments like FDs, helping you build wealth over time.
Diversification: SIPs allow you to invest in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds, spreading your risk across various asset classes.
Flexibility: You can start SIPs with a small amount and increase your investment gradually, making it accessible for individuals with varying financial capacities.
Disadvantages of FDs:

Limited Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, which may not keep pace with inflation, leading to a reduction in purchasing power over time.
Lack of Flexibility: Once you invest in an FD, your funds are locked in for a specific tenure, limiting liquidity and flexibility.
Action Plan:

Start SIPs in mutual funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals. A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risk and maximize returns over the long term.
Aim to allocate a portion of your monthly income towards SIPs, considering your expenses and upcoming financial obligations.
Continuously monitor and review your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving financial goals and risk tolerance.
Conclusion:

In conclusion, considering your age, income, and impending parenthood, SIPs offer a more viable option for long-term wealth creation compared to FDs. However, it's essential to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment strategy that suits your unique circumstances and aspirations.

Congratulations once again on the impending arrival of your little one! Wishing you a prosperous financial journey ahead.

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  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir am 33 year old.. current taking salary of 75k net per month..and having car loan of 14 k and SIP of 8.5 k .need to save for child future,please suggest
Ans: Here are some suggestions on how you can save for your child's future with a monthly income of ?75,000, a car loan of ?14,000, and an existing SIP of ?8,500:

Analyze your current spending:

Track your expenses for a month to understand where your money goes. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back and free up additional savings for your child.
Revisit your car loan:

If possible, consider refinancing your car loan to a lower interest rate. This can free up some money each month that you can then redirect towards your child's savings.
Optimize your SIP:

Review your existing SIP and ensure it aligns with your child's future goals and your risk tolerance. You may want to consider increasing the SIP amount if there's room in your budget after accounting for other expenses.
Prioritize Child Savings:

Once you have a better understanding of your spending and have potentially reduced your car loan outgo or optimized your SIP, allocate a specific amount towards your child's savings.
Investment options for your child's future:
1. Increase Existing SIP:

Consider increasing your existing SIP in the well-diversified equity mutual fund by ?3,500 per month. This brings your total SIP contribution to ?12,000 per month. This focuses on long-term growth for your child's future.
2. Diversification with Debt Fund:

Start a new SIP in a low-risk debt fund with ?3,000 per month. This provides stability and helps manage short-term financial needs your child might have. You can choose a short-term or medium-term debt fund based on your preference for when your child might need the money.
Benefits of this approach:

Flexibility: This approach allows you to manage growth and stability within your child's savings plan. The equity SIP focuses on long-term growth, while the debt SIP provides a buffer for immediate needs.
Control: You have more control over the asset allocation. You can adjust the SIP amounts in each fund as your child grows and their financial goals become clearer.
Cost-effective: Avoiding ULIPs eliminates high fees associated with those products. Regular mutual funds generally have lower expense ratios.
Additional Tips:

Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your investment strategy and rebalance the portfolio (equity vs. debt) if needed, to maintain your desired asset allocation.
Start Early, Invest Regularly: Even small increases in SIP contributions can make a significant difference over time due to compounding.
Consider PPF or Sukanya Samriddhi (if applicable): If you're in India, explore options like Public Provident Fund (PPF) or Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (for girl child) for additional tax benefits and safe, guaranteed returns.
Remember:

Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice considering your risk tolerance and your child's age and goals.
They can recommend specific mutual funds based on your investment goals and risk profile.
By following these steps and consulting a professional, you can build a strong foundation for your child's financial future.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2024Hindi
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Hi i am investing 48000 in sip monthly starting last 3 months ..sukanya samridi for kid monthly 12500 ..do not have any corpus... Plan to step sip by another 40 k in couple of months..aged 43 years...have term 1 c and otak smart life plan for kid for which I pay 1lac per year for 12 years payment term ...3 years completed.... Pf 22 lac and doing pf plus vpf close to 25000 per month...plan to sell an apt and can get 50 lac in couple of months... Have another apartment for later staying after retirement... Need to generate 4 crore for daughter education marriage and retirement in 8 years time... Please advice
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards securing your daughter's future and planning for your retirement. Let's break down your financial situation and outline a strategy to achieve your goals.

Currently, you're investing ?48,000 monthly in SIPs and ?12,500 in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for your kid's future. Additionally, you have term insurance and a life plan for your child, along with a significant PF balance and regular contributions.

Considering your age and financial goals, it's commendable that you're taking steps to enhance your savings and investments. The upcoming sale of an apartment, along with your existing assets, provides a solid foundation to work with.

To generate a corpus of ?4 crore for your daughter's education, marriage, and your retirement in 8 years, we need to focus on optimizing your investments and maximizing returns.

With the additional funds from the apartment sale, consider increasing your SIP investments gradually to accelerate wealth accumulation. Diversify your portfolio across equity, debt, and other asset classes to mitigate risk and enhance returns.

Since you have a relatively short time frame of 8 years, it's essential to maintain a balanced approach to investing, prioritizing growth while safeguarding capital. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can help ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

Furthermore, continue contributing to your PF and explore other tax-efficient investment avenues to optimize your savings. Ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect your family's financial well-being in case of unforeseen events.

By staying disciplined in your savings and investments and making informed decisions, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations for your daughter's future and your retirement.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir , I am working in State Government in West Bengal My gross salary is 130000, out of which I pay 14000 as income tax per month 35000 investment in GPF per month 30000 invested in 4 SIP monthly Namely 1. Parag Parikh Flexi cap 10500 2. HDFC Midcap opportunity 4500 3.HDFC Index fund sensex plan 9000 4. SBI Magnum Midcap 4500 5. ICICI small cap 1500 I have 26 lakhs in GPF, 8.5 lakhs in Mutual fund, 85000 invested in direct stock, 10 lakhs in sweep in fd as emergency fund I have my wife & old parents We are expecting child in next month I have 50 lakh lic tech term plan My state government provide health insurance for all of my family members Sir, what's your suggestion based on my investment, kindly guide me. Thanks in anticipation
Ans: You have a stable financial foundation with a gross salary of Rs 1,30,000 per month. You are making substantial investments across different financial instruments. Let's analyze your current financial situation and provide guidance for future investments, especially considering the upcoming addition to your family.

Existing Investments and Assets
General Provident Fund (GPF):

Monthly contribution: Rs 35,000
Current corpus: Rs 26 lakh
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Rs 10,500 per month
HDFC Midcap Opportunities: Rs 4,500 per month
HDFC Index Fund Sensex Plan: Rs 9,000 per month
SBI Magnum Midcap: Rs 4,500 per month
ICICI Small Cap: Rs 1,500 per month
Total in Mutual Funds: Rs 8.5 lakh
Direct Stocks:

Investment: Rs 85,000
Emergency Fund:

Sweep-in FD: Rs 10 lakh
Insurance:

LIC Tech Term Plan: Rs 50 lakh
Financial Goals and Assessment
Upcoming Child:

Plan for additional expenses related to the child's upbringing and education.
Ensure financial stability and adequate savings for future needs.
Retirement Planning:

Continue building a retirement corpus to ensure a comfortable life post-retirement.
Aim for a diversified portfolio to balance risk and returns.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain and possibly increase the emergency fund as your family grows.
Recommendations
Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds:

Your current SIPs are well-diversified. Continue these investments.
Consider adding more to the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and HDFC Midcap Opportunities for higher growth potential.
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds. Focus on these for better returns.
Direct Stocks:

Review and possibly increase your direct stock investments.
Diversify across different sectors to minimize risk.
General Provident Fund (GPF):

Continue your contributions as it provides a safe and stable return.
Consider increasing contributions if possible, as it offers tax benefits.
Additional Investments
Child’s Education Fund:

Start a dedicated fund for your child's education.
Equity mutual funds can help grow this corpus over time.
National Pension System (NPS):

NPS offers tax benefits and long-term growth.
Consider additional contributions to build a retirement corpus.
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

PPF provides tax-free returns. Consider opening a PPF account if not already done.
Insurance and Contingency
Health Insurance:

Your state government’s health insurance covers your family.
Ensure the coverage is adequate, considering the new addition to the family.
Life Insurance:

Your LIC Tech Term Plan provides a Rs 50 lakh cover.
Ensure this cover is sufficient to protect your family in case of any unfortunate event.
Financial Planning
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.
With the new child, consider increasing this fund.
Regular Financial Review:

Periodically review your financial plan and adjust based on market conditions and personal circumstances.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

A CFP can provide tailored advice and optimize your investment portfolio for maximum benefits.
Insight into Investment Choices
Equity Exposure:

Equity investments typically offer higher returns over the long term.
Actively managed funds, especially those selected through a CFP, often outperform index funds.
Diversification:

Diversify your investments across different asset classes: equity, debt, and fixed income.
This balance helps in managing risk and ensuring stable growth.
Final Insights
Focus on Long-term Goals:

Align your investments with your long-term goals, such as retirement and child’s education.
Ensure you’re on track to achieve a substantial corpus for future needs.
Regular Financial Review:

Regularly review and adjust your investment strategy.
Stay informed about market trends and economic changes.
Seek Professional Advice:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
A CFP can offer a 360-degree solution, optimizing your portfolio for your financial goals.
Summary
Maintain and grow your current investments.
Diversify across asset classes and sectors.
Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Plan for child’s education and other future needs.
Regularly consult with a Certified Financial Planner.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
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My child will be appearing for NEET UG 2025 for the fourth time. Each time his performance has been abysmal, which, I know, is going to be repeated this year too. We have already asked him to move ahead but he is adamant on appearing in NEET which is beyond his calibre. He doesn't have any idea what to do next, has never thought of a Plan B,C or D. Kindly guide as to how plan a career ahead for him. Is there any sort of psychoanalysis to know what is the right study option for him and where to get it done. I can't afford crores of rupees in pvt. medical colleges/abroad .I can take professional assisstance . Kindly give me contact number/ email ID. Thanks.
Ans: Hi Sir,

Don't worry. First, it's important to counsel him.

The health sector is a promising field, which is why I believe your son is so determined to appear for the NEET exam, even though this will be his fourth attempt. It’s natural for him to feel a bit worried. I think he needs to reflect on why he hasn't been able to succeed so far. It's crucial for him to analyze where the problems lie. For example, if he's struggling with chemistry, he should focus more on that subject, as well as the others he finds challenging.

He has a lot of homework to do, including taking mock tests and learning effective strategies rather than just simple ideas.

I have one question: Has he enrolled in any study or coaching center for NEET preparation? If so, it would be beneficial to discuss ways to improve his performance.
If he has prepared himself, kindly approach the best coaching center near your area. For more information about us, you can contact the admin.

Poocho. Life Change Karo!

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

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