Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Sir, i am 36 years old. Every month my take home salary is 70000. Already i am investment is 3500/- in sbi small cap on every month from last one year and i am in vesting 25000 in quant flexi cap, i had 1 crore term insurance and i want to retire at 45 years and how much corpus i will made?

Ans: Planning for Early Retirement: Building Your Corpus
Congratulations on your proactive approach towards financial planning and your aspiration for early retirement! Let's strategize to help you achieve your goal of retiring by the age of 45 with a sufficient corpus.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Income and Investments
Your monthly take-home salary of ?70,000 provides a solid foundation for savings and investment.
Currently, you are investing ?35,000 per month in SBI Small Cap Fund and ?25,000 per month in Quant Flexi Cap Fund.
Insurance Coverage
You have wisely secured a term insurance policy with a coverage of ?1 crore, ensuring financial protection for your family in case of any unforeseen events.
Estimating Retirement Corpus
Retirement Age and Expected Corpus
With the goal of retiring at 45 years, you have approximately 9 years left to accumulate a sufficient corpus for retirement.
Estimate your desired retirement corpus based on your expected expenses and lifestyle needs post-retirement.
Monthly Savings Requirement
Determine the monthly savings required to achieve your retirement goal within the specified timeframe.
Consider factors such as inflation, investment returns, and risk tolerance when projecting your savings target.
Investment Strategy for Early Retirement
Asset Allocation
Review your current investment portfolio and asset allocation to ensure alignment with your retirement objectives.
Consider diversifying across different asset classes to spread risk and optimize returns.
Risk Management
Evaluate the risk-return profile of your investment portfolio and make adjustments based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Ensure a balanced approach to risk management, considering both growth-oriented and stable investment options.
Retirement Planning Considerations
Lifestyle Expectations
Assess your post-retirement lifestyle expectations and determine the level of income required to maintain your desired standard of living.
Account for factors such as healthcare expenses, travel, and leisure activities when estimating your retirement budget.
Long-Term Financial Security
Plan for long-term financial security by incorporating provisions for healthcare expenses, inflation, and unexpected contingencies into your retirement plan.
Consider setting aside a contingency fund to cover emergencies and unforeseen expenses during retirement.
Conclusion: A Path to Financial Freedom
By adopting a disciplined savings and investment approach, you can work towards achieving your goal of early retirement with confidence and financial security.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a customized retirement plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. A CFP can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning and ensure a smooth transition into your golden 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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

Listen
Money
Hello Sir , I am 32 years of age with no liabilities . I have my own home and office . I have invested 20 lacs in NSC , 19 lacs in share market , 20lacs in PPF , 25 in FDR , 1 lacs in MFI have a monthly expenditure of 1 lacs approx . I can save around 1 lacs per month . I want to retire by 50 . How much corpus should I make ?
Ans: At 32, you have a solid foundation with no liabilities, a home, and an office. With Rs. 20 lakhs in NSC, Rs. 19 lakhs in the share market, Rs. 20 lakhs in PPF, Rs. 25 lakhs in FDR, and Rs. 1 lakh in MFI, you’re on the right track. Your monthly expenditure is Rs. 1 lakh, and you can save Rs. 1 lakh monthly. Now, let's create a plan to help you retire by 50 with a comfortable corpus.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Current Investments:

NSC: Rs. 20 lakhs
Share Market: Rs. 19 lakhs
PPF: Rs. 20 lakhs
FDR: Rs. 25 lakhs
MFI: Rs. 1 lakh
Monthly Savings:

Expenditure: Rs. 1 lakh
Savings: Rs. 1 lakh
Setting Retirement Goals
To retire by 50, you need a significant corpus to sustain your lifestyle. Here's how to determine your target corpus:

1. Estimate Retirement Expenses:

Your current monthly expenditure is Rs. 1 lakh. Considering inflation, expenses will rise over time. Let's assume an inflation rate of 6% per annum.

2. Duration of Retirement:

If you retire at 50 and live till 80, you need funds for 30 years.

3. Calculate Retirement Corpus:

We need to account for inflation-adjusted expenses and potential investment returns. A rough estimate suggests you might need around Rs. 10-12 crores.

Building Your Retirement Corpus
1. Maximize Existing Investments:

NSC: National Savings Certificate (NSC) offers fixed returns and is a safe investment. However, it lacks the potential for high growth.

Share Market: Your Rs. 19 lakhs in the share market can grow significantly if well-managed. Diversify your portfolio to balance risk and return.

PPF: Public Provident Fund (PPF) is excellent for tax-free, safe returns. Continue investing here for stable growth.

FDR: Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR) provide security but lower returns. Consider shifting some funds to higher-yield investments.

MFI: Microfinance Institution (MFI) investments can be risky. Monitor closely and consider reallocating if needed.

2. Start SIPs in Mutual Funds:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds are ideal for long-term wealth creation. Here’s why:

Disciplined Investing: SIPs ensure regular investments.
Rupee Cost Averaging: Invests across market cycles, reducing risk.
Compounding: Reinvested returns generate more returns.
Diversification: Spreads risk across various sectors.
Choosing the Right Mutual Funds:

Equity Funds: High returns, suitable for long-term goals. Invest 60-70% in diversified equity funds.
Debt Funds: Lower risk, stable returns. Invest 20-30% for stability.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Invest 10-20% for balanced growth.
3. Regularly Review and Rebalance:

Monitor your investments to ensure they align with your goals. Review annually and rebalance if necessary to maintain your desired risk level.

Tax Planning
1. ELSS Funds: Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) offers tax benefits under Section 80C. Continue or start investing for dual benefits of tax saving and equity growth.

2. PPF: Continue your PPF investments for tax-free, stable returns.

3. Other Instruments: Explore NPS and other tax-saving instruments to optimize your tax liability.

Insurance Planning
1. Life Insurance: Ensure adequate life insurance to cover liabilities and provide for dependents.

2. Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is crucial to cover medical expenses and safeguard savings.

Education and Contingency Planning
1. Education Fund: If you plan to have children, start an education fund early. Consider child-specific mutual funds or a mix of equity and debt funds.

2. Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. Keep it in liquid funds or savings accounts for easy access.

Final Insights
Achieving a secure retirement requires disciplined planning and smart investing. Here’s a summary of your action plan:

Action Plan Summary:
1. Evaluate Current Investments: Review NSC, share market, PPF, FDR, and MFI investments.

2. Start SIPs: Invest Rs. 1 lakh monthly in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

3. Maximize Tax Benefits: Utilize ELSS, PPF, and other tax-saving instruments.

4. Ensure Insurance Coverage: Adequate life and health insurance.

5. Build Education and Emergency Funds: Separate funds for children’s education and emergencies.

6. Regular Review: Annually review and rebalance your portfolio.

By following this comprehensive plan, you can build a robust retirement corpus and ensure a secure financial future.

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 24, 2024

Listen
Money
Hello Sir , I am 40 years of age with liabilities of 2 cr. . I have my own home and shop . I have invested 80lacs in PPF , 10 lacs in MFI have a monthly expenditure of 2.5 lacs approx . I can save around 2 lacs per month . I want to retire by 50 . How much corpus should I make ?
Ans: Determining the Required Retirement Corpus

1. Assess Current Financial Situation:

Liabilities: You have liabilities of Rs. 2 crores.
Current Investments: Rs. 80 lakhs in PPF, Rs. 10 lakhs in MFI.
Monthly Expenditure: Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
Monthly Savings: Rs. 2 lakhs.
2. Estimate Retirement Corpus:

Future Monthly Expenses:

You need to estimate future monthly expenses considering inflation. Given the current expenditure of Rs. 2.5 lakhs, this amount will likely increase over time.
Income Replacement:

To retire comfortably, you should aim to replace your current monthly expenses with investment income.
Investment Growth:

Factor in the expected growth of your investments. Consider a mix of equity, debt, and other assets for a balanced portfolio.
3. Consider Inflation Impact:

Inflation Adjustment:
Inflation will erode the purchasing power of your savings. Regularly review and adjust your savings and investments to counter inflation.
4. Investment Strategy:

Diversify Investments:

Continue investing in diversified mutual funds. Actively managed funds can offer better returns compared to index funds.
Increase Savings:

With Rs. 2 lakhs in monthly savings, continue to invest wisely. Increase your savings as your financial situation improves.
Regular Review:

Regularly review your investment portfolio. Make adjustments based on performance and changing financial needs.
5. Estimate Retirement Corpus:

Retirement Savings Goal:

Based on your monthly expenditure and inflation, estimate the required retirement corpus. A general rule is to have 15-20 times your annual expenses as the retirement corpus.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses. This should be separate from your retirement corpus.
6. Seek Professional Advice:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner:
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for a personalized retirement plan. They can provide detailed calculations and tailored advice.
Final Insights

To retire by 50 with your current lifestyle, aim for a substantial retirement corpus. With Rs. 2 lakhs in monthly savings and investments, focus on building a diversified portfolio. Regularly review and adjust your investments to meet your future needs. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your retirement plan is robust and achievable.

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 Aug 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi sir, I have net salary of 2.5L per month and am 48 year old with 2 children aged 16 and 14. I have a EPF corpus of 60 lakhs , NPS 20 lakhs, 10L in stocks,MF portfolio of 15L,invest 50k monthly in MF SIPs. I own a house(loan free), have other outstanding loans of 8 lakhs. I have family floater medical insurance with 30L coverage and life cover for 1.5Cr. I wish to retire by age of 50 - pls advise how much corpus do I need at hand to retire.consider my monthly expense as 60-70k
Ans: Current Financial Situation

Your current financial position is strong. You have a good salary and a solid investment portfolio. Owning a loan-free house adds security. Your EPF, NPS, and SIP investments are well-planned. The life and health insurance coverage is also comprehensive. However, retiring at 50 requires careful planning, especially considering your children’s future needs.

Assessing Your Retirement Needs

To determine your required retirement corpus, several factors must be considered:

Monthly Expenses Post-Retirement: Currently, your expenses are Rs. 60k-70k monthly. This will likely increase with inflation. At an estimated 6% inflation rate, your monthly expenses might double in 12 years.

Retirement Age: You plan to retire in two years at 50. This is an early retirement, so your corpus needs to last longer, possibly 35-40 years.

Children’s Education: Your children are 16 and 14. Higher education costs can be significant in the next few years. Allocating funds for their education is crucial.

Lifestyle Post-Retirement: Consider how your lifestyle might change. Will you travel more? Will healthcare needs increase? These factors affect your corpus requirement.

Estimating the Retirement Corpus

Based on your current expenses and future needs, your retirement corpus should be substantial. Here’s a simplified approach to calculating it:

Inflation-Adjusted Expenses: Your current expenses of Rs. 60k-70k monthly could rise to around Rs. 1.2 lakh monthly by the time you retire. Over a 35-40 year retirement period, this requires a significant corpus.

Healthcare Costs: As you age, healthcare costs will likely increase. While your insurance covers a significant amount, out-of-pocket expenses can still be high.

Children’s Future: Your children’s higher education and potential marriage costs must be factored in. This could be an additional Rs. 50-60 lakhs or more.

Lifestyle and Emergencies: Maintaining your current lifestyle and being prepared for emergencies is essential. This could add another Rs. 50 lakhs to your corpus requirement.

Considering these factors, a retirement corpus of approximately Rs. 10-12 crores might be necessary. This should be enough to cover your monthly expenses, healthcare, and any unforeseen costs. This estimate ensures a comfortable and secure retirement, even if you live longer than expected.

Optimizing Your Investments

To reach this corpus in two years, maximizing your investments is critical:

Increase SIP Contributions: Currently, you invest Rs. 50k monthly in SIPs. Increasing this amount, if possible, will help grow your corpus faster.

Focus on Growth-Oriented Funds: With a two-year horizon, investing in funds with higher growth potential can be beneficial. While these are riskier, they offer better returns.

Review Your Portfolio: Regularly review your mutual fund portfolio. Ensure it’s aligned with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.

Debt Reduction: Paying off the remaining Rs. 8 lakh loan should be a priority. Reducing debt will lower your financial burden in retirement.

NPS and EPF Utilization: Your EPF and NPS together amount to Rs. 80 lakhs. These are crucial components of your retirement corpus. However, they may not be enough alone, so continue to build on them.

Healthcare and Insurance Planning

Adequate Coverage: Your current health coverage of Rs. 30 lakhs is good. But, it might not be enough in later years due to rising medical costs. Consider enhancing your coverage or adding a super top-up plan.

Life Insurance: Your Rs. 1.5 crore life cover is substantial. Ensure it’s sufficient to cover your family’s needs if something happens to you before or after retirement.

Retirement Lifestyle and Goals

Post-Retirement Activities: Think about how you want to spend your retirement. If you plan to pursue hobbies or travel, these will need additional funds.

Part-Time Work: If full retirement seems challenging, consider part-time work or consulting. This can supplement your income and keep you engaged.

Final Insights

Retiring at 50 is ambitious, but achievable with careful planning. You should aim for a retirement corpus of Rs. 10-12 crores to cover all your future needs. Maximizing your investments, reducing debt, and planning for healthcare are key steps. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will help ensure your financial plan stays on track.

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 Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Sir, Im 54 yrs, present monthly take home pay in hand of Rs.2.5Lacs after all I.Tax etc. deductions. Car EMI till Dec 2026 to be paid will be Rs.5000 per month. Have Health Insurance cover for 25 lacs, Term Insurance for Rs.2Crores but no Life Insurance cover. Monthly SIP is Rs.1Lac. Had made a lump-sum investment of Rs.55Lacs in Mutual Fund which is now valued around Rs.75Lacs. I'm not able to save anything beyond this due to family responsibilities and have to start repaying my son's education loan of Rs.20Lacs which would commence after 2.5 years (as he is studying now). Can you please let me know how much of corpus I might have at the time of my retirement if I continue to work till the age of 58years? Regards
Ans: Based on the information you’ve shared, let us assess your situation and provide insights into your potential retirement corpus.

Current Financial Position
Take-home salary: Rs. 2.5 Lacs per month
Car EMI: Rs. 5,000 per month (ending Dec 2026)
Health insurance: Rs. 25 Lacs
Term insurance: Rs. 2 Crores
Monthly SIP: Rs. 1 Lac
Lump-sum investment in mutual funds: Rs. 75 Lacs (current value)
Education loan repayment: Rs. 20 Lacs starting after 2.5 years
Retirement age: 58 years (4 years from now)
Assumptions for Projection
Your SIP of Rs. 1 Lac per month continues until retirement.
Your lump-sum mutual fund investment grows at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Monthly SIP investments grow at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Education loan repayment starts in 2.5 years. Let’s consider this doesn’t disrupt your SIPs.
Estimated Retirement Corpus
1. Growth of Existing Lump-Sum Investment
Current value: Rs. 75 Lacs
Growth for 4 years at 10%: Approximately Rs. 1.1 Crores
2. Future Value of Monthly SIPs
SIP: Rs. 1 Lac per month
Duration: 48 months (4 years)
Growth at 10%: Approximately Rs. 63 Lacs
Total Corpus at Retirement
Lump-sum mutual fund value: Rs. 1.1 Crores
SIP investments: Rs. 63 Lacs
Total corpus: Rs. 1.73 Crores
Recommendations
Education Loan Repayment: The repayment may require adjustments in your budget. Consider partial withdrawals or rebalancing investments if necessary to avoid disrupting your SIPs.
Increasing Savings: Once your car loan ends in 2026, channel the Rs. 5,000 EMI into SIPs to further enhance your corpus.
Financial Review: Regularly review your investments and retirement goals with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure alignment with market conditions.
Final Insights
If your investments grow at an average rate of 10%, you may have a retirement corpus of approximately Rs. 1.73 Crores by age 58. Focus on maintaining your SIP contributions and ensuring liquidity to manage upcoming education loan repayments effectively.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Inderpaul

Inderpaul Singh  |5 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership Coach - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
Listen
Career
I’m 30, working as an assistant manager in a retail chain in Mumbai. Recently, I’ve been given more responsibilities but I feel unsure about leading a larger team. I want to give my best and prove myself worthy of a promotion. What should I focus on to prepare for managerial role?
Ans: Hello
I assume you would already have some supervisory experience since you have been working in a managerial position. But yes the dynamics of handling a larger work force may be bit different. Each person will have a different leadership style suited to his/her personality & work needs. Since I am unaware of your exact job, deliverables, span of control, hierarchy etc. I am giving a general template to be an effective team lead:- 1) Know your team well - the importance of this one element cannot be over-emphasized enough, while simple it may look, most people fail to get this piece right & hence struggle. Knowing doesn't just mean names but in depth understanding of each team members' background, family, education, strengths/weaknesses so on so forth. This is the building block for effective leadership. 2) List out clear & unique deliverables for each member - A person cannot act clearly if the goals are ambiguous in the first place. Put ample effort to clearly enunciate the job roles. 3) Avoid micro management - This one element keeps most people from becoming an effective leader. As you go up in span, you need to be liberal in giving up the manual controls & instead put robust systems to take care such as reviews, reports etc. 4) Regular & quality feedback sessions - Feedback sessions should be regular, objective & should focus on real improvement inputs rather nit picking mistakes/making personal comments. 5) Reward/Recognition - Instant reward/acknowledgement of good work/performance (something as simple as weekly recognition in a group meet goes a long way in building performance culture). 6) Managing Poor Performance - Equally important is to effectively manage poor performers by having a structured performance improvement plans (PIPs) & exit process for laggards . Transparency & objectivity are the keys here.

As true for most skills, team management skills also evolve with time & a person continues to get better at it with experience with regular and honest retrospection/introspection of situations/actions/outcomes.

All the Best !

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1482 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Listen
Money
I am Lisha a kg teacher. I have debt of 40 lakhs. I have net income 25000. How can I manage to recover from debt? Please reply
Ans: Understanding the Debt Situation

You have a total debt of Rs. 40 lakhs.

Your net income is Rs. 25,000 per month.

Managing this situation requires planning, discipline, and action.

The key focus should be reducing high-interest loans first.

Increasing income is also necessary to speed up debt repayment.

Prioritising Debt Repayment

List all loans with their interest rates and EMI amounts.

Identify which loans have the highest interest rates.

Prioritise paying off the costliest loan first.

If you have multiple high-interest loans, consider debt consolidation.

Avoid taking new loans or using credit cards for daily expenses.

Reducing Monthly Interest Burden

Rs. 40 lakh debt with Rs. 25,000 income is a serious imbalance.

Your monthly interest burden alone can be unmanageable.

Speak with lenders and request lower interest rates.

Negotiate for an extended loan tenure to reduce EMI.

Avoid late payments to prevent penalties and additional charges.

Earning More Income

With Rs. 25,000 monthly income, repaying Rs. 40 lakh is tough.

Look for additional income sources, even part-time jobs.

Explore online tutoring, weekend coaching, or freelance work.

If possible, upskill to apply for a higher-paying job.

Can you take extra classes at school for additional earnings?

Find small home-based businesses like craft-making or baking.

Use any skills you have to create an extra income stream.

Cutting Down Expenses

Reduce unnecessary expenses wherever possible.

Limit non-essential spending like dining out, entertainment, and subscriptions.

Look for cheaper alternatives for daily expenses.

Create a strict monthly budget and track every expense.

Save on electricity, fuel, and shopping wherever possible.

Avoid personal luxuries until your financial situation improves.

Seeking Family Support

If possible, take help from family members.

Can they provide an interest-free loan for partial debt payment?

Even a small contribution can reduce your debt burden.

Family members may also help with daily expenses for some time.

Transparent communication with them is important.

Avoiding Traps of Loan Apps & Credit Cards

Avoid borrowing from mobile loan apps due to high interest.

Credit cards should not be used for cash withdrawals.

Paying only the minimum due on a credit card leads to more debt.

If you have credit card debt, clear it first due to high interest.

Stick to formal financial institutions for loans.

Exploring Debt Restructuring Options

If you have a bank loan, check if restructuring is possible.

Some banks allow restructuring in financial hardship cases.

This can reduce EMI or provide a temporary relief period.

Approach your lenders with a genuine repayment plan.

Avoid defaulting, as it can hurt your credit score.

Avoiding High-Risk Investments

Do not fall for quick-money schemes or gambling.

Avoid investments that promise unrealistically high returns.

Avoid stock market trading without proper knowledge.

Focus on steady income generation instead of risky bets.

Checking for Any Insurance Policies

If you have LIC, ULIP, or investment-linked insurance, review them.

If surrendering makes sense, reinvest the amount wisely.

Do not stop health insurance, as medical emergencies can worsen finances.

Creating a Step-by-Step Debt Repayment Plan

Pay the minimum due on all loans to avoid penalties.

Focus on repaying the highest-interest loan first.

Negotiate lower interest rates with lenders.

Increase income through side jobs.

Reduce unnecessary expenses to save money.

Explore options like debt consolidation if suitable.

Seek family support where possible.

Avoid new loans unless absolutely necessary.

Finally

Your financial situation is tough but not impossible to fix.

With discipline and effort, debt repayment is possible.

Every small step in saving and earning will help.

Avoid financial mistakes and stay committed to the plan.

With time, your financial situation will improve.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7831 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Money
At the age of 35 I had 15 lakhs saving, but due a surgery at home I had to almost empty it, on top of it even I had gone through and surgery plus even my father too ( all three generations nero issue) from +15 I went to 25lakhs of debt From various apps and financial sector. I was able to settle few loans and credits but still my outstanding is approx 20 lakhs. My monthly income is 25000 and my only intrest per month is 12500 How do I get of it asap, as living a normal life seems magic.
Ans: Your financial situation is challenging, but not impossible to fix. With a structured approach, discipline, and patience, you can come out of this debt and regain financial stability. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get back on track.

Understanding the Current Financial Situation
You had Rs. 15 lakhs in savings, but due to medical emergencies, your finances took a hit.

Now, you are left with Rs. 20 lakhs of debt, with an income of Rs. 25,000 per month.

Your monthly interest alone is Rs. 12,500, which is eating up 50% of your earnings.

The key priority should be reducing interest burden and increasing cash flow.

Steps to Reduce Your Debt Faster
1. Stop Borrowing More Money
Do not take new loans to pay old loans.

Avoid borrowing from friends or family unless it is interest-free and comes with no pressure.

Stay away from personal loans, credit card loans, and payday loans, as they have high interest rates.

2. Prioritise High-Interest Loans First
List down all your loans and interest rates.

Pay off loans with the highest interest rate first.

If possible, negotiate with lenders for lower interest rates.

3. Consolidate Loans for Lower Interest Rate
Check if a bank can give you a low-interest personal loan to clear high-cost debts.

If you have a good credit history, you may get a balance transfer facility on credit cards or personal loans.

Consider a secured loan against any assets, but only if the interest rate is much lower.

4. Increase Your Monthly EMI Payment
Paying only the minimum EMI will keep you stuck in debt for years.

Try increasing your EMI by even Rs. 2,000-3,000 per month to reduce the loan tenure.

Any extra income, bonus, or gift money should go towards clearing debt first.

Boosting Income to Tackle Debt
5. Explore Part-Time Work or Freelancing
A second source of income can help you clear your debt faster.

Consider freelancing, online tutoring, content writing, data entry, or delivery jobs.

If possible, take up overtime or extra shifts at work.

6. Use Your Skills to Earn More
Identify any skills that can help you earn extra money.

If you have a talent for repair work, photography, teaching, or writing, offer your services.

Even small extra earnings of Rs. 5,000-10,000 per month can speed up debt repayment.

7. Rent Out Assets for Passive Income
If you have an extra room, vehicle, or any asset, consider renting it.

This can bring in some cash flow without extra effort.

Cutting Expenses to Free Up More Cash
8. Reduce Non-Essential Spending
Track every rupee spent and eliminate unnecessary expenses.

Stop eating out, buying expensive clothes, or making impulsive purchases.

Switch to cheaper alternatives for groceries, transport, and entertainment.

9. Pause Investments Until Debt is Cleared
Right now, clearing debt should be the priority over investing.

Stop SIPs or investments temporarily and resume them once debts are under control.

Avoid risky investments like stocks or crypto, as losses can worsen your situation.

10. Negotiate Bills and Cut Fixed Costs
Talk to your landlord, service providers, and utility companies for possible discounts.

If possible, shift to a smaller house or a cheaper location to save on rent.

Reduce electricity, water, and mobile bills by using them wisely.

Managing Financial Stress and Mental Health
11. Accept the Situation Without Guilt
Medical emergencies are unpredictable, and you did what was needed for your family.

Do not feel guilty or blame yourself. Instead, focus on the solution.

12. Involve Your Family in Financial Planning
If you have a spouse, siblings, or parents who can help, discuss the situation with them.

They may not be able to give money, but they can support in other ways.

13. Stay Positive and Focused
Financial stress is tough, but worrying too much will not solve the problem.

Stay focused on taking action every month to improve your situation.

Celebrate small wins like closing one loan or saving an extra Rs. 1,000.

Long-Term Financial Stability
14. Build an Emergency Fund Once Debt is Cleared
After clearing debt, start saving at least Rs. 2,000 per month as an emergency fund.

This will help in handling future emergencies without taking loans.

15. Invest Smartly for Future Growth
Once financially stable, invest wisely in well-managed mutual funds for long-term wealth.

Avoid financial products with hidden charges like ULIPs or endowment plans.

16. Get Proper Health Insurance
Medical expenses caused the current debt. Invest in health insurance to prevent this in the future.

Look for affordable policies covering major illnesses.

Finally
The journey out of debt is difficult but achievable with the right approach.

Focus on reducing high-interest loans, earning more, and cutting unnecessary expenses.

Take small steps each month, and within a few years, you will be debt-free and financially stable.

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x