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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 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 02, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, I am 36, in hand salary is 2.4 lakhs per month(including rental) I have 2 properties 1st current market value 2.2cr outstanding loan 40 lakhs 2nd. 60 lakh outstanding loan of 28 lakhs(taking tax benefit on this). Apart from this I personally have 0 savings in cash. My wife is housewife. At current market value we will have roughly 60 lakhs of gold. Recently bought a car on loan with emi of 35k. My monthly emi outflow is 1.1 lakh with roughly 1 lakh as additional monthly expense. Whatever I am able to save currently I am using it to pay of my Housing loan no.1. Need your suggestion on financial planning & decision that I should take in future

Ans: Given your financial situation, it's important to prioritize debt management, savings, and investment planning to achieve your long-term financial goals. Here are some tailored suggestions:

Debt Management:
Continue prioritizing the repayment of your housing loans. Focus on clearing high-interest debt first, such as the outstanding loan on Property 1.
Explore options to accelerate debt repayment, such as allocating any surplus income towards loan prepayments.
Review the terms of your car loan and consider refinancing if possible to reduce the monthly EMI burden.

Emergency Fund:
Establish an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of your household expenses. This fund will provide a financial buffer in case of unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies.
Set aside a portion of your monthly income towards building this fund gradually, even while repaying loans.

Savings and Investments:
Once you have built an emergency fund, allocate a portion of your income towards systematic savings and investments.
Consider investing in tax-efficient instruments like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) to optimize tax benefits while generating potential long-term returns.

Diversify your investment portfolio across asset classes such as equity, debt, and gold to mitigate risk and enhance overall returns.

Insurance Coverage:
Review your existing insurance coverage, including life, health, and property insurance, to ensure adequate protection for your family and assets.
Consider purchasing term insurance policies to provide financial security to your dependents in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

Financial Planning:
Engage the services of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Work with your financial planner to set clear objectives, such as retirement planning, children's education, and wealth accumulation, and devise a strategy to achieve them systematically.

Budgeting and Expense Management:
Track your monthly expenses diligently to identify areas where you can optimize spending and redirect savings towards debt repayment and investments.
Create a realistic budget that accounts for all essential expenses, loan repayments, savings, and discretionary spending.

Future Financial Goals:
Define your long-term financial goals, such as retirement planning, children's education, and wealth creation, and allocate resources accordingly.
Regularly review your financial plan with your spouse and adjust strategies as needed based on changing circumstances and priorities.

By adopting a disciplined approach to debt management, savings, and investment planning, you can gradually improve your financial health and work towards achieving your long-term financial objectives. Consulting with a qualified financial advisor or planner can provide valuable guidance and support in navigating complex financial decisions and optimizing your overall financial well-being.
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  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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Hi! I am a 23 year old female. I earn 1.12 lakhs/month before taxes as salary. I am only earning individual at my home. We have a house loan of 38 lakhs of 18 years that almost started 5 years ago. We used to pay 29k EMI on a loan of 28 lakhs initially but after my father's business faced huge losses, we took additional 10 lakhs loan and after defaulting on EMIs and taking a 9 month break in between, we finally pay 45k EMI on 38 lakhs loan. I have different SIPs of 9k amount that after 3-5 years would mature. For example, in one SIP I pay 5k/month. So after 5 years I would get (300000 + 60000 bonus) on it. I have to pay monthly expense of 10k/month and I pay back a few more lenders amounting to 15k/month. After all the expenses I save almost 25-30k/month. I have around 2.5 lakhs in savings. I want to save a minimum of 10-15 lakhs in 2-3 years for my marriage and family. Can you suggest how should I start my financial planning/what investments can I do to have good returns (I'm a medium risk-taker) in next 2-3 years so I can start building my family's future and have a plan for paying off the loans?
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

Before diving into financial planning, let's assess your current financial situation. You're 23, earning a substantial monthly salary of 1.12 lakhs before taxes. However, it seems you're facing some financial challenges, primarily due to your family's housing loan and previous business losses. Your EMI for the housing loan has increased to 45k/month after additional borrowing and a break in payments.

You've also mentioned various SIPs, monthly expenses of 10k, and repayment of other lenders amounting to 15k/month. Despite these commitments, you manage to save around 25-30k/month, which is commendable.

Setting Financial Goals

Your primary financial goal is to save 10-15 lakhs in the next 2-3 years for your marriage and family. Additionally, addressing the housing loan and building a secure financial future for your family are crucial objectives.

Creating a Financial Plan

Emergency Fund:
Start by building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least 6-12 months' worth of living expenses, considering your family's financial situation. Keep this fund in a liquid and accessible account.

Repaying High-Interest Debt:
Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as personal loans or credit card debt, to reduce financial burden and interest expenses. Since you're saving a significant portion of your income, allocate a portion towards accelerating debt repayment.

Optimizing Investments:
Given your medium risk tolerance, consider a balanced investment approach. Diversify your portfolio across various asset classes, including equity, debt, and possibly real estate.

Equity Investments: Since you have a relatively short investment horizon of 2-3 years, consider equity mutual funds with a blend of large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. These can potentially offer higher returns while managing risk.

Debt Investments: Given the stability they offer, consider investing in debt mutual funds or fixed-income securities. These can provide steady returns and help balance the overall risk in your investment portfolio.

Real Estate: While you haven't mentioned real estate as an investment option, it's worth considering for long-term wealth accumulation. However, ensure thorough research and due diligence before investing in property.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
Continue with your existing SIPs, as they provide a disciplined approach to investing. However, reassess the funds you're investing in to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Aim for a diversified portfolio of SIPs to mitigate risk.

Budgeting and Expense Management:
Review your monthly expenses and look for areas where you can potentially reduce costs. Redirect the saved amount towards your savings and investment goals. Additionally, consider discussing financial responsibilities and budgeting with your family to collectively manage expenses.

Seeking Professional Guidance:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a financial plan that aligns with your goals and risk profile. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to optimize your financial journey.

Conclusion

In summary, building a solid financial plan requires a systematic approach, goal setting, and disciplined execution. By focusing on building an emergency fund, repaying high-interest debt, optimizing investments, and managing expenses, you can work towards achieving your short-term and long-term financial goals. Remember, consistency and patience are key virtues in the journey towards financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 07, 2025

Money
Hello Sir, I'm 46 years old, my current take home salary is 1.30 L , wife take home is 1L, no debts currently apart from credit card monthly bills ( home loan closed some 7 years before), in Assests - 69 L in PF (no more contribution as in current job i hv opted out) Around 30 L in FD's, 11 L in PPF, 8 L in MF ( ongoing SIP of 4.5K since 2018), one ongoinginsurance of LIC jeevan saral of annual premium 24 K since 2011, one ICICI suraksha plus policy of annual premium 30 K since 2017, One small LIC policy of 2 L will be matured in Feb"26, Cash of around 7.5 L, Stocks of 1L ( dead stock) , Wife current savingd around 56 L in FD, s, i hv two questions 1) i want to purchase a house of around 100 L, how much loan should i take out of this 100 L, secondly please suggest me better financial planning for the remaining amount i hv after purchading of this house
Ans: Your Current Financial Snapshot
Your age: 46 years

Your monthly income: Rs 1.30 L

Wife's monthly income: Rs 1.00 L

Combined monthly income: Rs 2.30 L

No liabilities: except monthly credit card dues

Assets:

Provident Fund: Rs 69 L (inactive now)

Fixed Deposits: Rs 30 L

PPF: Rs 11 L

Mutual Funds: Rs 8 L (SIP of Rs 4.5K since 2018)

Cash in hand: Rs 7.5 L

Stocks: Rs 1 L (illiquid)

Wife’s FDs: Rs 56 L

Insurance:

LIC Jeevan Saral – Rs 24K premium since 2011

ICICI Suraksha Plus – Rs 30K premium since 2017

LIC Policy maturing in Feb 2026 – Sum assured Rs 2 L

Goal 1: Buying a Rs 1 Cr House
Ideal Loan Amount
Do not fund the full cost from own savings.
Avoid large EMI burden as retirement is near.
Limit EMI to 30-35% of combined income.

You can consider a loan of around Rs 40–50 L.
Use Rs 50–60 L from your savings to make the down payment.
Maintain at least Rs 15–20 L as emergency/reserve post purchase.

Why not fund entirely from own savings?

Drains liquidity

FD interest drops due to lower balance

You lose flexibility for other goals like retirement

Home loan gives tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 24

If you fund more from savings,
keep Rs 20 L untouched as future cushion.
Don’t use wife’s entire FD corpus.

Ideal Allocation Plan After House Purchase
Assuming Rs 50 L used from your side for house.
Remaining from your combined assets: around Rs 135–140 L

Here’s how to deploy the remaining amount wisely.

Emergency Reserve & Liquidity
Keep about Rs 10–15 L in liquid form

Rs 5 L in savings + sweep-in FD

Rs 5 L in Arbitrage or Liquid Mutual Funds

Rs 5 L in wife’s FD for short-term use

This ensures comfort during medical or job-related needs.

Review Existing Insurance Policies
LIC Jeevan Saral & ICICI Suraksha Plus
These are investment-cum-insurance products.
Very low returns (often below FD rate).
Surrender them if surrender value is acceptable.
Reinvest that amount into mutual funds.
Your age and earning power support equity now.

LIC policy maturing in 2026
Hold till maturity. Use maturity for investment.

Insurance Coverage: Key Gaps
You didn’t mention term insurance.
Buy pure term insurance of Rs 1–1.5 Cr till age 60.
Choose low-cost, online term plan.

Health cover for self and family must be minimum Rs 10 L each.
Top-up plans are also good and affordable.

Mutual Funds – Scaling Up Smartly
Current MF corpus is just Rs 8 L
SIP is only Rs 4.5K since 2018 – very low

You can now scale this up to Rs 40–50K monthly

Start with:

40% in flexi cap and large-mid cap funds

30% in mid and small cap funds (gradually increasing)

20% in hybrid aggressive funds

10% in sectoral or thematic (with caution)

Invest through Regular Plan via MFD + CFP
You’ll get handholding, rebalancing and emotional discipline

Avoid Direct plans as:

No personal guidance

No periodic review

No help in STP/SWP or goal tracking

CFP support ensures goal-linked investments

Asset Allocation Post House Purchase
Distribute Rs 135–140 L (your and wife’s balance corpus) as below:

Rs 15 L – Emergency & short-term needs

Rs 50 L – Mutual Funds (goal-based SIP + STP from FD)

Rs 30 L – Keep in FDs (senior citizen safety & laddering)

Rs 10 L – PPF (keep topping up for long-term debt safety)

Rs 10 L – Equity hybrid fund (for stable returns)

Rs 10–15 L – STP from FD into equity over next 12–18 months

This mix gives you:

Liquidity

Long-term growth

Moderate safety

Tax-efficiency

Retirement Planning Insights
You have about 12–13 years till age 60
Estimate monthly expenses post retirement: say Rs 70K today
Inflation-adjusted future value: around Rs 1.4 L per month

To generate that, corpus of Rs 2.5–3 Cr is required
You already have Rs 69 L in PF and Rs 11 L in PPF
Balance Rs 1.5 Cr can come from:

SIP investments

ICICI/Life policy surrender reinvestment

Wife’s FD maturity proceeds

Equity growth till retirement

You need at least Rs 50K SIP per month for next 12 years
Invest through actively managed equity MFs with CFP review

Avoid index funds due to:

No downside protection

No fund manager judgment

Just mirror performance – no alpha

Can't switch strategies when market falls

Actively managed funds:

Beat benchmark returns in long term

Professional fund management

Good for volatility handling

Wife’s FD Corpus – Growth Strategy
Wife holds Rs 56 L in FD – too conservative
Can split it for better returns:

Rs 10 L – Keep in FD for short-term needs

Rs 20 L – Use STP into Balanced Advantage or Hybrid funds

Rs 10 L – SIP in equity funds

Rs 5 L – Invest in PPF (if not maxed already)

Rs 5 L – Keep in liquid fund

Rs 6 L – Senior Citizen Saving Scheme or Monthly Income Plan (after age 60)

Tax Efficiency Points
Redeem equity MFs after 1 year for LTCG benefits

New LTCG rule: Tax at 12.5% above Rs 1.25 L gain

STCG from equity taxed at 20%

FD interest fully taxable – reinvest smartly

PPF and EPF are tax-free

Use goal-wise investment buckets to reduce tax burden
Avoid sudden bulk redemptions

Credit Card Usage & Discipline
Always repay full dues every month

Don’t convert to EMI

Avoid multiple cards

Track rewards but avoid overuse

Use auto-debit to avoid late fee

Final Insights
You are well placed financially

Avoid over-allocation to FDs and insurance

Use MFs for long-term goals like retirement

Use STP to shift from FD to equity safely

Keep emergency buffer always

Involve wife in financial decisions

Review insurance adequacy and invest in pure protection

Take help from CFP for long-term plan

This approach will bring peace and clarity
You’ll build a corpus that supports all future goals

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello, Am 29 years old not married single child, having currently a monthly income of ~1.35 lakhs(excluding some rental incomes ~30 to 40k), I did buy my new car of 12 lakh at 26 and have paid it off previous month, I have an investment per month of around 50k rupees in NPS, PPF, Lic, Pension scheme small amount in Mutual funds and small recurring and have couple of FDs (excluding probable inheritance money of 1.5cr and have some emergency fund of ~4lakh kept untouched for like 3 months backup) ...so as am done with my car loan, I live in my family house wich does evaluates more than 1cr never planning to sell this, I have booked a flat for myself as investment and for a middle class dream of around 62 lakhs with a down payment of 12 lakh, (50lakh loan 20years ~40k emi) is it a good decision now considering the rate of interest have slashed down got a good 7.45% loan sanctioned, and please suggest if yes, as to shall i keep the rate of interest fixed or floating...as i see 7.45% fixed gives me a good set of eyes to the near future to plan my fixed Emi's for the house mortgage. Was planning to buy another car for 25 lakh, please tell me I am dumb or if yes when should I go for it/how long after. N.B- a marriage in the near future is imminent that also costs hefty :( Thanks in advance
Ans: You are doing many things right. Let’s look at your financial life from a 360-degree view. This will help you make clear and confident decisions.

Income & Existing Financial Commitments

You are earning around Rs. 1.35 lakh per month.

Rental income of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 is an additional support.

Your income profile is stable and strong for your age.

You’ve paid off a Rs. 12 lakh car loan at 29. That’s disciplined.

Appreciation:

Having no car loan now improves cash flow.

Investing Rs. 50,000 per month is a very good practice.

Emergency fund of Rs. 4 lakh is well thought through.

Booking a house at 62 lakh is a balanced step at this point.

Living in family home avoids rent and supports long-term financial growth.

Current Investment Style and Gaps

You are investing in NPS, PPF, Pension, LIC, and mutual funds.

There is also some money going to recurring deposits and FDs.

This shows a diversified approach, but we need a deeper look.

Some concerns:

LIC and pension policies could be low return products.

If they are investment + insurance type policies, surrendering and reinvesting is better.

Regular mutual fund SIPs with proper asset allocation can offer better returns.

Avoid direct mutual funds if investing without guidance.

A Certified Financial Planner + Mutual Fund Distributor gives better monitoring and rebalancing.

Direct funds don’t offer hand-holding, which is critical.

Investment needs purpose, discipline and expert review. Not just execution.

Your Flat Purchase – Is it a Good Move?

You have booked a 62 lakh flat with 12 lakh down payment.

Loan of Rs. 50 lakh for 20 years at Rs. 40,000 EMI/month.

This decision is timely and well-structured.

Why it looks fine:

Loan rate at 7.45% is attractive in the current rate cycle.

You are not disturbing emergency funds or other key investments.

You stay with family, so you are not burdened with two houses.

The property is not for selling. It is more emotional + aspirational.

A flat adds stability and ownership satisfaction, not necessarily investment return.

Fixed vs Floating Interest Rate – Which to Pick?

Fixed Rate – Advantages:

Predictable EMI helps you plan monthly cash flow better.

Helps especially if your job has fixed income.

Emotional comfort for many borrowers.

Fixed Rate – Disadvantages:

If rates go down in future, you cannot benefit.

Fixed loans have lock-in and foreclosure charges.

Floating Rate – Advantages:

Long term average rates tend to drop or stay moderate.

Any rate cut by RBI passes benefit to you.

Floating Rate – Disadvantages:

Uncertainty in EMI when RBI hikes repo rate.

Budgeting for monthly expenses can become hard.

Your Situation Analysis:

You are still unmarried. Future commitments can rise anytime.

You are already investing Rs. 50,000 per month.

You have room in your budget to absorb slight EMI increases.

Loan is long-term (20 years), interest rate cycles will vary over this.

Recommendation:

Go with floating rate loan.

Keep monthly budget flexible to absorb EMI changes.

Avoid fixed rate loans for now. Only choose it if rates touch 9% or higher.

Buying Another Car – Is it Smart Now?

You plan to buy a Rs. 25 lakh car soon. Let’s assess.

Your Financial Position Today:

Just finished one car loan.

Just booked a flat with 20-year EMI.

Still unmarried. Marriage expenses are near.

Good investments and emergency fund are in place.

Monthly income is Rs. 1.35 lakh with Rs. 40k rental buffer.

Car will likely need Rs. 4 to 5 lakh down + Rs. 30-40k EMI.

Issues with buying now:

It can pressurise your cash flow too soon.

Post marriage, cash outflows will rise sharply.

Maintenance, fuel, insurance cost adds up yearly.

Existing car still has usable life probably.

Recommendation:

Don’t go for Rs. 25 lakh car now.

Delay it by at least 2–3 years.

Re-evaluate after marriage and 2 years of home loan EMI.

For now, channel money to mutual funds to build marriage + future reserves.

Marriage Expenses – How to Prepare

Marriage will be a big emotional and financial event.

Costs can go beyond Rs. 10–15 lakh easily.

You need to prepare 6–12 months in advance.

Steps to prepare:

Start a dedicated monthly investment for wedding fund.

Use short-term debt or hybrid mutual funds.

Avoid FDs for this purpose. Returns won’t beat inflation.

Don't break emergency fund for this.

Keep the marriage budget realistic and communicate with family.

Inherited Money – What to Do With It?

You mentioned expected inheritance of Rs. 1.5 crore.

Don’t count it in your plan unless it is certain.

Even if it comes, don’t use all for spending.

Allocate 80% to long-term investments.

20% can be used for lifestyle and upgrades.

Emergency Fund – Is It Enough?

You have Rs. 4 lakh as emergency fund.

It is set for around 3 months.

As your financial responsibilities grow, this must increase.

Target:

Emergency fund should cover 6 months’ expenses.

Don’t include EMI, luxury or investment in this.

Keep it in liquid or ultra short debt funds.

Tax Planning – Are You Doing It Right?

NPS, PPF, LIC and pension help save tax.

But be careful with overlapping benefits.

Check if your Sec 80C is overshooting.

Tips:

Track total 80C deductions. Max is Rs. 1.5 lakh.

NPS gives extra Rs. 50,000 under Sec 80CCD(1B).

PPF is safe but lock-in is high.

LIC premiums above Rs. 1.5 lakh/year have low utility if returns are low.

Avoid mixing insurance with investments.

Insurance – Do You Have Proper Cover?

No info shared on life or health insurance.

These are must before increasing EMI or car plans.

Action:

Take term insurance of Rs. 1 crore minimum.

Buy health cover of Rs. 5 lakh for yourself.

Later convert to family floater post marriage.

Don't rely on employer cover alone.

Investment Gaps & Suggestions

Areas of Improvement:

Too much in traditional low return products.

Real estate is dominating portfolio. Avoid adding more.

Need higher exposure to good quality mutual funds.

Corrective Actions:

Stop LIC or ULIP if returns are

..Read more

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1735 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 11, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Dear madam I have this suitaution in my life. Plz do guide me with this. So i have 2 married sisters and a brother with who i dont get along well. We used to be close back then. Later on my father passed away and then i got busy searching work. After getting work i got carried away with my newly found friendship with a boy i started spending much on him rather then my family. But still then i never neglected my family every kind of help i tried to give them. In the meanwhile i used to take care of my bedridden grandmother who used to stay in another state. Then my second sister started feeding everyone's mind against me saying i dont help them with money and i spend most on my grandmother and cousin. Though my sister were earning well still they waited me to spend on them which i stopped by then as they were earning. And there used to be a real good fight with my sisters and me regarding money issue and als my marriage thing and i gave them bitter words and also curses which i regret to this day thinking how could i do hated thing to my family .In next few years my sister got married but my second sister never invited me for her marriage and did all her wedding plans in my absence and i als never attended her wedding. I attended my 3rd sister wedding. After that my second sister plotted a plan against me by taking everyone on her side and kept me out of all the family functions. I just ignored them and decided to never to get bothered by any of this. Now the problem my 3rd sister is pregnant and they have planned a babyshower and like they are just telling me to attend it. To be honest they just told me a day before the function. How to handle this. Should i attend? And how to deal with such kind of people they seem to take advantage of my helpless. Please guide me on how to become a strong girl while taking desicion.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Learn the skill of staying away from all this drama. If you felt secure with who you are, you wouldn't think much whether you got invited or not. Do remember, people will be on your side sometimes and not on your side at other times. This goes for friends are family; so learn to be comfortable with that...
What you did for your grandmother is a choice that you made; why expect anything in return?
Life lived with least expectations is certainly a happier life...counting what people did or didn't do will take away your peace!
Real strength is not in fighting it out but knowing when to walk away from constant drama.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1735 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 18, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 17, 2025

Money
Dear Sir, What is the best % of SWP one can think of from Portfolio value. I am retired now and have say 1 Cr as MF and Share portfolio. I want to go for 40000 SWP per month thereby making 4.8% as SWP. If this is good to have this for 15 yrs
Ans: Your question shows great care for your financial future. Many retirees ignore this step. You have already taken a wise move. You want steady income. You want safety. You want long life for your money. These are very important points. I truly appreciate your clarity.

» Understanding your present plan
Your idea is simple. You have Rs 1 crore. You want Rs 40000 each month. This means Rs 4.8 lakh each year. That is 4.8 percent of your money. This is not very high. This is not very low. It sits in the middle range. Many retirees try for 7 or 8 percent. That can put pressure on the portfolio. Your 4.8 percent is more reasonable. It supports discipline. It keeps stress low.

Your idea is for 15 years. That is a good time frame. It gives space for your funds to grow. It gives time for market cycles. It also gives time for inflation adjustments.

» Why withdrawal rate matters
Your SWP rate decides how long your money will last. A high rate can drain funds soon. A very low rate may not support your monthly needs. Your 4.8 percent sits well. It balances life needs and portfolio health.

When you draw money from a mixed portfolio, the growth side helps refill your withdrawn money. The stability side helps reduce fall during bad years. This mix helps the SWP stay steady.

» Why a proper structure is important
A SWP is not only a monthly withdrawal. It is a full system. The system needs planning. It needs regular reviews. It needs a clear asset split. It needs a cushion for weak market years.

If you set this structure well now, your SWP can stay safe. Your money can stretch for many years. You can keep peace of mind.

» The importance of a balanced mix
Your portfolio may hold equity funds, hybrid funds, and debt funds. A clear mix reduces risk. It gives smooth cash flow. Equity gives growth. Debt gives steady flow. Hybrid gives balance.

Because you want monthly income for 15 years, you need a balance that supports steady SWP. A pure equity plan can shake too much. A pure debt plan may not grow at a good pace. A balanced mix is ideal.

» Equity funds need careful use
Some investors put large money in equity for SWP. This can work in strong markets. This can fail in weak markets. Your SWP must survive both market moods. That is why pure equity for SWP is not safe.

Also, you should prefer actively managed funds over index funds for long SWP. Index funds follow the index blindly. They do not manage risk actively. They cannot adjust to market cycles. Actively managed funds have a professional fund manager. A skilled manager helps in limiting risk in low years. This helps protect principal in SWP years. This support is not present in index funds.

» Debt funds form the stabiliser
Debt funds bring peace to the portfolio. They help during bad market years. They help the SWP stay steady. Because debt funds follow market rates, they work as the anchor. For SWP, this anchor is very helpful.

If you use direct debt funds, you must remember that direct funds need more tracking. They need active reviews by you. Many retired investors find this hard. Regular plans taken through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP skill provide guidance. Regular plans also give handholding. This handholding helps avoid wrong exits.

» How to view your Rs 40000 monthly need
You may need some money for basic needs. You may need some money for health care. You may need some money for family support. You may need some money for personal comfort. Rs 40000 per month seems a balanced number.

It does not put too much pressure on the money. It is not a very heavy load. It fits well with a Rs 1 crore fund.

» Inflation needs attention
Inflation will rise. Costs will rise. Your need will rise. Your SWP should rise slowly over time. You cannot fix your SWP for 15 years at one number. That may reduce your buying power.

A small rise every two or three years will help you beat inflation. This rise must be slow. It must match your portfolio growth.

» Risk of sharp market falls
Sharp falls can disturb SWP. A sudden big drop in equity value can pull down your portfolio. This may cause you to withdraw when market is low. That is not good. To fix this, you need enough stability in your mix.

A proper allocation in debt funds and hybrid funds can reduce this issue. You will get smoother cash flow. You will not have to worry about market news every day.

» Role of emergency money
Please keep an emergency amount. Keep this aside. Do not include it in your SWP plan. You may need money for urgent health needs. You may need money for home needs. Emergency funds help you avoid sudden selling.

A good emergency fund gives peace. It protects your SWP from sudden shocks.

» Tax rules for withdrawals
Every SWP withdrawal may include some gains. Tax will apply based on the type of fund and the gain period. This tax can have impact on net flow. You must plan for this in your withdrawal design.

Equity fund rules:

Gains under one year are short-term. These are taxed at 20 percent.

Gains above one year are long-term. Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5 percent.

Debt fund rules:

Both short-term and long-term gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

This tax part should not scare you. A proper plan can reduce the tax burden. A planned SWP can help you manage gains carefully.

» Why a Certified Financial Planner helps
You may handle small things by yourself. But retirement planning is delicate. One wrong move can disturb the whole plan. A Certified Financial Planner gives a clear road map. He helps you set the best mix. He reviews the plan every year. He adjusts the plan for market and life events.

This guidance is very useful in SWP because SWP needs discipline.

» Why not consider real estate
Some retirees think of using real estate for income. But real estate needs heavy work. It needs tenant work. It needs repair work. It needs legal care. It gives lumpy income. It gives no steady flow. So it is not fit for SWP planning.

Your present goal is steady income. Real estate will not give this.

» Why not consider annuities
Annuities give fixed income. But they lock your money. They give low returns. They do not beat inflation well. They reduce flexibility. For these reasons, they are not ideal for your long-term income.

Your idea of SWP with balanced mix is better.

» Keeping your portfolio healthy for 15 years
To keep your portfolio safe for 15 years, you must follow some habits:

Review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust asset mix if needed.

Increase SWP amount slowly.

Reduce SWP for one or two years if markets fall very deep.

Protect your money from emotional moves.

Keep a two-year buffer in a low-risk fund.

Keep your growth part running for long.

These habits help your money last for the full 15-year horizon.

» Regular review helps you adapt
Markets will change. Your health may change. Your needs may change. A yearly review will help align your plan. It will help spot issues early. It will help guide the next year’s SWP.

Without reviews, even good plans can fail.

» Why a two-year cushion helps
A cushion fund is a simple idea. Keep two years of SWP in a low-risk debt fund. This money helps you draw income even in bad market years. You will not need to sell equity in weak phases. This protects your overall money. This makes your SWP more stable.

This cushion fund is an extra shield. It supports your 15-year income plan.

» Role of diversification
Your SWP works best when your portfolio is spread well. A spread can include:

Actively managed equity funds.

Hybrid funds.

Debt funds.

This spread reduces risk. It gives smoothness. It supports long-term income.

Avoid using too many funds. Keep it simple. A small number of quality funds is better.

» How your 4.8 percent looks in practice
A 4.8 percent withdrawal rate is comfortable for a 15-year horizon. If you follow discipline, your money will not face heavy pressure. If your portfolio grows at a steady pace, your principal will not erode fast. Even if growth shifts between years, the mixed structure will protect you.

Your plan is workable. It is sensible. It is future-friendly.

» Mistakes to avoid
Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

Do not chase high-return funds.

Do not raise SWP sharply in one year.

Do not keep too much money in equity.

Do not stop reviews.

Do not shift funds often without reason.

Do not look at direct plans if you prefer guidance.

These mistakes can disturb your portfolio health. Your SWP may suffer.

» Why not use direct funds if you need support
Direct plans give lower cost. But they give no guidance. Retired investors often need guidance. They need reviews. They need discipline. A regular plan through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP skill gives support. It prevents panic reactions. This support is valuable in low market years.

» Healthy mindset for SWP
Try to see your SWP as a long journey. It needs calm mind. It needs steady steps. It needs slow corrections. It needs patience. If you stay steady, your SWP will stay healthy. You will enjoy peace.

» Practical steps you can start now
You may start with these steps:

Set clear needs for each year.

Fix a proper asset split.

Create a cushion fund for two years.

Start SWP from a low-risk fund or hybrid fund.

Keep equity for growth.

Add small hikes in SWP every few years.

This system supports long-term income.

» How your plan supports a joyful retired life
Your plan helps you live with comfort. It gives predictable cash flow. It gives you freedom from worry. It gives you clarity. You can focus on health, family, and peace. You do not need to watch markets each day.

Your retirement life becomes balanced.

» Final Insights
Your idea of taking Rs 40000 per month from a Rs 1 crore portfolio at 4.8 percent is workable. It fits well for a 15-year horizon. It supports your income. It protects your money if you set a balanced mix. You must follow steady reviews. You must keep a small cushion. You must avoid risky moves.

With these practices, your SWP plan can stay healthy for many years. Your future can stay peaceful and steady. You have already taken the right first step. Your clarity gives your plan strong power.

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

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2567 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Nov 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 17, 2025Hindi
Career
Is it worthwhile being an mbbs only doctor in India or is pg necessary as somebody who cannot toil 24-36 hours (as is the case with hospital duties) and is not well adequate for working under somebody and then do you still have to study after mbbs to level up or will you be contented with just mbbs. Pls don't answer objectively i really need to see the real picture
Ans: Hi Dr.
Recently, I've seen many different comments on social media suggesting that finding a job after completing an MBBS is very difficult, with some graduates even working as delivery boys.

I believe MBBS is one of the few courses that allows for immediate entrepreneurship after graduation, while other fields often require additional support to start a business. Many medical shop owners are willing to provide a small space for consultations, which is not typically an option for graduates in other disciplines.

If you are financially constrained, it may be wise to stop after completing your MBBS degree for the time being. However, pursuing a postgraduate degree (PG) significantly increases your opportunities, including potential roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Without a PG, your options may be limited. It's akin to the difference between a normal grocery store and a supermarket: completing a PG can lead to positions in corporate medical hospitals.

Initially, you might consider working at a smaller practice or in the government sector before pursuing higher education. While having an MBBS degree allows you to offer consultations, having a PG provides you with more credibility and knowledge. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t worry about others—proceed based on your own abilities and circumstances.
BEST WISHES.

...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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