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Janak

Janak Patel  |71 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jun 09, 2025

Janak Patel is a certified financial planner accredited by the Financial Planning Standards Board, India.
He is the CEO and founder of InfiniumWealth, a firm that specialises in designing goal-specific financial plans tailored to help clients achieve their life goals.
Janak holds an MBA degree in finance from the Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai, and has over 15 years of experience in the field of personal finance. ... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 06, 2025
Money

I am a 36 years male, working in IT industry. I draw about 1.6 lakhs per month salary after deduction. I have an existing home loan emi of 31000. (I am actually paying 5000 more every month). I have about 30 lakhs savings in FD's. I recently started an SIP of 10000 for kids education. I want to purchase a plot using my savings and apply for a home loan. The new home loan emi would be nearly 65000. If I purchase the plot, it would mean i will be left with no savings. Please advise if this is a correct move. I have 2 kids, and I will have to cover expenses for their education as well, besides other household expenses.

Ans: Hi,

Your biggest goal that I understand is your kids education which cannot be compromised.
You have started an SIP of 10000 and over the next 10 years this will accumulate into an amount of approx. 23 lakhs at 12% returns.
Please note all schools typically increase fees each year between 8%-12% (same may be even more). So depending on your choices, this amount may or may not be sufficient for their education. If you look at graduation and post graduation, the amount required are much higher.

So I would recommend that you increase your SIP towards this goal and provide the best education you can.

As for the plot you wish to buy-
As you already have a home loan EMI, it indicates you already have a house. So the new plot/house is an additional asset that you wish to build. But is it prudent to use all your savings ? My opinion is this will jeopardize your financial equation.
Buying the plot and taking home loan and staying with no saving - a huge risk. Any situation where you need money for an emergency or kids education you have no asset to liquidate. A plot is not an asset that will generate income, cannot be liquidated quickly and its value (increase) will depend on many factors not in your control.
You are bound by EMIs for the next 15-20 years and you will be so closer to retirement and other goals for family/kids that you will feel a lot of strain financially.

You need to not only secure your kids future but also think of accumulating wealth for other goals in the future and most importantly Retirement.
It is prudent to save now and accumulate for the future, let the eighth wonder - "compounding" work the miracle for you.
Lets see some numbers for the next 10 years.
30 lakhs in FD - at 7% this can become approx. 59 lakhs
65000 in SIP (instead of new EMI) at 12% can become approx. 1.5 crores.
Total corpus of over 2 crores.

The above amounts are only for 10years, and if kept for another 10 years can grow to over 7crores.

You can revisit the option to buy a plot in the future once a few goals are achieved and you have accumulated good corpus.
You can consult a CFP to guide you towards a plan to achieve all your goals and provide you with options and alternatives and help you make the right decisions.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.
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  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
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I am living on rent, and now I have searched and seen a residential property that is flat(constructed in 2007) at ground floor in a society, which is for sale and may be cost up from 18 L to 22 L final talk not done, within two months my matured savings would be 11 lakh also having a pf balance of 1.5 to 2 lakh and ornaments of about 10 Lakh I have two daughters age19 years and 14 years If I do not disturb the gold and pf balance I would be in need of home loan of about 10-12 lakh So, is it wise to take home loan Alongwith SIP of amounting 10 percent of emi only Or if I finish all the savings and asset I would required no loan and will opt to purchase a gold of 15000 every month My take home salary is 39500 Please suggest which one of both is better Or if you have any other suggestion please guide
Ans: Buying the Property: Assessing Your Options
You are considering purchasing a flat priced between Rs 18-22 lakh. You have Rs 11 lakh maturing soon and Rs 1.5-2 lakh in PF balance. You also have gold worth Rs 10 lakh. You are contemplating whether to take a home loan of Rs 10-12 lakh or use your savings and assets.

Evaluating the Home Loan Option
Pros of Taking a Home Loan:

Liquidity: You maintain liquidity by not using all your savings.
Tax Benefits: Home loans offer tax benefits under Sections 80C and 24(b).
SIP Continuation: You can continue your SIPs, growing your investments over time.
Cons of Taking a Home Loan:

EMI Burden: Monthly EMIs can strain your take-home salary of Rs 39,500.
Interest Cost: You pay interest on the loan, increasing the total cost of the property.
Financial Stress: Managing EMIs and other expenses might be challenging.
Evaluating Using Savings and Assets
Pros of Using Savings and Assets:

Debt-Free: No loan means no EMI burden.
Interest Savings: You save on interest costs.
Financial Freedom: No monthly EMI, allowing better cash flow management.
Cons of Using Savings and Assets:

Reduced Liquidity: Using all savings and assets reduces your emergency fund.
No SIPs: Stopping SIPs might impact long-term wealth creation.
No Tax Benefits: You miss out on home loan tax benefits.
Analyzing Monthly Cash Flow
Your take-home salary is Rs 39,500. Let's analyze the cash flow for both options:

With Home Loan:

EMI (Assumed): Rs 10,000 (approx)
SIP (10% of EMI): Rs 1,000
Total Outflow: Rs 11,000
Remaining cash for expenses and savings: Rs 28,500

Without Home Loan:

Gold Purchase: Rs 15,000 per month
No EMI: Rs 0
SIP Continuation: Assuming Rs 1,000 (for continuity)
Remaining cash for expenses and savings: Rs 23,500

Considering the Future
Children's Education: Your daughters are 19 and 14. Higher education costs might rise soon. Ensure you have funds for their education.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.
Retirement Planning: Continue to invest for your retirement.
Professional Insights and Recommendations
Balanced Approach: Consider a mix of both options. Use part of your savings and take a smaller home loan. This keeps some liquidity while reducing loan burden.
Prioritize SIPs: Ensure you continue your SIPs. SIPs are crucial for long-term wealth creation.
Gold Investment: Buying gold every month can diversify your portfolio. However, consider market fluctuations.
Emergency Fund: Always maintain an emergency fund. Avoid exhausting all savings on the property.
Tax Benefits: Utilize home loan tax benefits if you opt for a loan. It can reduce your taxable income.
Final Insights
Buying a property is a significant decision. Evaluate all aspects before proceeding. Consider both immediate and future financial needs. Balancing liquidity, tax benefits, and long-term investments is key. Make a decision that aligns with your financial goals and stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 24, 2025Hindi
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I am 36 years old with two kids 3.75 years old and 1.25 year old. I have outstanding home loan of 24 lakh. I have mutual fund holding of 9 lakh and 3 lakh in equity. I don't have other savings. My monthly salary is 1.8 lakh and home loan emi is 55k/month and other expenses are 50k/month. I intent to pay off my home loan entirely by April 2025. And then save and focus on purchasing other real estate property. Request you to advise if I should pay off current home loan and then invest in second ( given opportunity cost of rising real estates ) or should I keep current emi and take additional loan to purchase second property as 24 lakh rupees would not be enough for second property.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You are 36 years old with two young kids.

Your monthly salary is Rs. 1.8 lakh.

Home loan EMI is Rs. 55,000 per month.

Other monthly expenses are Rs. 50,000.

Your current assets include Rs. 9 lakh in mutual funds and Rs. 3 lakh in equity.

No other savings apart from these investments.

You plan to fully repay your Rs. 24 lakh home loan by April 2025.

You are considering investing in another real estate property.

You are evaluating whether to pay off your current home loan first or take an additional loan.

Evaluating Home Loan Repayment
Paying off your home loan will free up Rs. 55,000 per month.

This can increase your savings and investment capacity.

However, prepaying the loan reduces liquidity, which is important for financial security.

Home loan interest rates are lower than potential investment returns from mutual funds.

Instead of full prepayment, partial repayment with continued investment may be better.

Assessing your loan’s interest rate versus expected returns is essential.

Managing Your Cash Flow and Investments
After EMI and expenses, you have Rs. 75,000 surplus per month.

With no emergency savings, all surplus going into loan repayment is risky.

Maintaining liquidity through an emergency fund is crucial.

Investing part of the surplus in mutual funds can create better long-term returns.

A balanced approach between loan prepayment and investment can be more beneficial.

Risks of Purchasing a Second Property
Real estate is illiquid and requires significant investment.

Rental yields are generally low, offering about 2-3% annually.

Capital appreciation is uncertain and depends on market conditions.

Maintenance, taxes, and potential vacancies add to costs.

If property prices fall, you may face financial stress with a higher loan burden.

Opportunity Cost of Investing in Real Estate
Investing in equity mutual funds offers better long-term returns.

You can achieve financial freedom faster through diversified investments.

Real estate locks in a large amount of money with slow growth.

Liquidity is lower compared to mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.

Recommended Financial Strategy
1. Build an Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid funds.

This ensures financial security and avoids forced withdrawals from investments.

2. Balance Loan Repayment and Investments
Instead of full prepayment, allocate some surplus towards investments.

Partial prepayment can reduce interest burden without affecting liquidity.

Continue investing in mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.

3. Avoid Purchasing Another Property
With limited savings and liquidity, another property will increase financial risk.

A second home loan will add EMI burden and reduce investment potential.

Diversifying into equity and fixed-income investments is a better approach.

Real estate investment limits flexibility in case of financial emergencies.

4. Strengthen Your Investment Portfolio
Increase SIP contributions in mutual funds to build long-term wealth.

Focus on a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for diversification.

Invest in debt funds or fixed-income instruments for stability.

Ensure a proper asset allocation based on risk tolerance and goals.

5. Secure Your Family’s Future
Ensure you have adequate term life insurance to protect your family.

Health insurance for yourself, spouse, and kids is necessary.

Create a financial plan for your children’s education and future needs.

Finally
Paying off your home loan is beneficial but should not drain liquidity.

Investing in mutual funds offers better flexibility and growth.

A second property will increase financial stress and limit investment potential.

Maintaining a balanced approach ensures financial stability and long-term wealth creation.

Prioritize an emergency fund, investments, and financial security before taking new liabilities.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 11, 2025

Money
I have about 16-18lakhs accumulated in FDs, chit funds 3L, which i'm planning to use for house downpayment (incl gst, registration). Then i need about 65L-70L house loan, targeting emi of 61.5k-67k (20k rent + sip 30k planned for this) with tenure 16yrs @8.35% Apart from this i hold 11L in MFs, 7.3L stocks, also 2L in nps, not planning to withdraw PF balance. Along with emi ive RD setup for insurance & next year school fee (1st term), and planning to continue SIP worth 15k. Need to pay 20k rent for another 6months, advance return will be 45k. Im expecting take home salary of 1.75L (after few months). Since all FDs are liqudated, ive to start accumulating for emergency fund. Is it right plan to buy a house now? Downpayment is eating the FDs,, but i could sell MF or Eq for urgent needs.
Ans: You have given clear insights into your current financial standing. It helps plan the next steps well.

Buying a house is a big decision. It needs careful review of many factors. Let’s evaluate your plan across all aspects, one by one.

Down Payment: Heavy on Liquid Assets
You are planning to use Rs. 16-18L FDs and Rs. 3L chit funds.

These are your only highly liquid and safe assets now.

Using all for down payment leaves zero cushion.

This exposes your family to risks of financial shocks.

Assessment:

It’s risky to put entire FDs into property purchase.

Liquidating all FDs for one-time use is not a wise move.

Down payment should ideally come from surplus, not safety reserves.

Loan Amount and EMI Load
You plan Rs. 65L–70L home loan.

EMI expected: Rs. 61.5k to Rs. 67k for 16 years.

Target is to manage EMI using Rs. 20k rent + Rs. 30k SIP budget.

Review:

Rent received is temporary for 6 months only.

Once rent stops, EMI load will depend on income and SIP cuts.

Total EMI is 35%-38% of future take-home. That’s borderline high.

Risks:

You are using planned SIP amount to support EMI. This weakens long-term goals.

Overdependence on uncertain rent income is risky.

Future hikes in interest rate may stretch the EMI further.

Emergency Fund: Empty Now
Your FDs will be gone.

You mentioned emergency fund has to be started from scratch.

That’s a major concern.

Insights:

At least 4 to 6 months of expenses must be set aside first.

This is non-negotiable before taking any big financial step.

Emergency fund protects your house EMI from job loss or medical emergencies.

Suggestions:

Allocate Rs. 3L–4L to liquid mutual funds for emergencies.

Build over 6-8 months slowly, if full amount not possible now.

Don’t touch equity or mutual funds for emergency.

Your Existing Investments: Strong Foundation
You have:

Rs. 11L in mutual funds

Rs. 7.3L in stocks

Rs. 2L in NPS

Assessment:

This is a healthy long-term portfolio.

Mutual funds are ideal for long-term wealth building.

Stocks give good growth, but carry high risk.

Caution:

Don’t depend on stocks or MFs for emergency or house EMI.

Withdrawals from these should be for only long-term goal shortfalls.

Your Mutual Fund Choices: Need Review
You didn’t mention if these are direct or regular funds. Let me explain:

If They Are Direct Mutual Funds:
There are major concerns:

You may miss expert reviews and rebalancing.

Performance tracking is manual and inconsistent.

Poor fund choices can stay in your portfolio longer.

Emotional decisions (panic sell or hold) often go unchecked.

Better Option:

Shift to regular plans via Certified Financial Planner and Mutual Fund Distributor.

You get portfolio review, tax guidance, and rebalancing support.

This service cost is small but adds huge value.

Equity Mutual Funds vs. Index Funds
If you are using index funds, consider these drawbacks:

No flexibility in tough markets.

Index funds can’t exit underperforming stocks.

You carry both good and bad stocks equally.

Risk-adjusted returns may be lower.

Why Actively Managed Funds are Better:

Fund managers can respond to market changes.

Underperformers are removed actively.

You get better risk-adjusted returns.

Certified Financial Planners can help you pick the right ones.

ULIPs or LIC: If You Have These, Take Action
If your portfolio has any of the following:

ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans)

Endowment or money-back LIC plans

Investment-cum-insurance products

Then you must surrender them.

Why?

Low returns (4%-5%) compared to inflation.

Lock-ins and poor transparency.

No flexibility in withdrawals.

Reinvest Better:

Surrender and reinvest in mutual funds.

Use regular funds with Certified Financial Planner support.

Get better growth and flexibility.

Insurance and School Fees Planning
You have a good system with RD for future insurance and school fees. That’s appreciable.

Continue RD till that goal is met.

Don’t let EMI pressure break this RD cycle.

Tip:

Label your RDs with exact purpose (e.g. “School Fee RD”).

This builds discipline and prevents misuse.

SIP Plan: Reduce Temporarily, Resume Soon
You planned Rs. 30k SIP, but then revised to Rs. 15k.

This shows you are aware of cash flow needs.

That’s a mature decision.

Recommendation:

Continue with Rs. 15k for next 12 months.

Once rent stops and salary rises, increase SIP in steps.

Try to reach Rs. 30k within 18 months.

Don’t stop SIP unless absolutely forced.

Rent Advance & Timeline: Useful Leverage
Rs. 20k rent for 6 months = Rs. 1.2L outgo.

Rs. 45k advance return can be parked in emergency fund.

Suggestion:

When you get back the advance, don’t use it for EMI.

Park in liquid fund for emergencies or school fee buffer.

Cash Flow Planning for First 2 Years
You are in a critical transition period now.

For First 12 Months:

Keep spending tight.

Avoid new liabilities.

Save all bonuses and variable income.

For Year 2 and 3:

Prioritise building emergency fund fully.

Resume full SIPs.

Don’t add new loans or card EMIs.

Tax Planning: Keep This in Mind
If you plan to redeem mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25L taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds:

Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per your income slab.

Tip:

Avoid selling equity funds for urgent needs.

If you must, pick lowest gain funds to reduce tax hit.

Buying House Now: Yes or Wait?
Let’s now answer your core question.

You are financially aware. You are planning well. That’s impressive.

But current situation has few red flags:

No emergency fund.

Using entire FDs leaves zero cushion.

EMI depends partly on temporary rent and SIP cuts.

So, what should you do?

Ideal 360-Degree Action Plan:
Delay house buying by 6–9 months.

Build emergency fund (Rs. 3L–4L) first.

Let salary rise and SIPs settle.

Rework house budget slightly down.

Smaller loan = lower EMI.

Less pressure on SIP and RD.

Don’t use stocks or MFs for house needs.

Let them grow for long term.

Keep SIP going, even at lower pace.

Don’t stop completely.

Work with Certified Financial Planner.

Review MFs regularly.

Get guidance on fund switch, rebalancing, tax impact.

Finally
Buying a house is good, but timing matters.

Use savings wisely. Don’t over-stretch.

Emergency fund is more important than down payment.

Keep long-term investments untouched.

Give your plan another 6–9 months. Then go ahead strongly.

You are already making thoughtful decisions. Just one small wait can give you stronger base.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Money
I am 40 yrs old with a take home salary of Rs. 69000. I am planning to take a housing loan of Rs. 4000000 for an emi of Rs 35000/- for 20 yrs. My present savings are as follows: NPS: Rs 2100000 MF: Rs. 200000 PPF: 100000 SSA: 60000 One TATA ULIP policy of SA: Rs. 5000000 Please suggest, if it will be wise to take housing loan of Rs. 4000000/-
Ans: Income vs EMI Assessment
– Your take-home salary is Rs. 69,000 per month.
– Planned EMI is Rs. 35,000 per month.
– That is around 51% of your monthly income.

Observations:
– Ideally, EMIs should not exceed 35%–40% of income.
– Above 50% will reduce flexibility for other needs.
– It may become difficult to handle emergencies or future investments.

Suggestion:
– Try to reduce the EMI by increasing the tenure.
– Or make part-payment to reduce the loan amount.
– Even a Rs. 30,000 EMI will make your finances more stable.

Existing Assets and Liquidity
You have built savings across various instruments:

– NPS: Rs. 21 lakhs (locked till retirement)
– MF: Rs. 2 lakhs (liquid, usable)
– PPF: Rs. 1 lakh (locked)
– Sukanya Samriddhi (SSA): Rs. 60,000 (locked)
– Tata ULIP: Rs. 50 lakhs sum assured

Assessment:
– NPS, PPF and SSA are not easily accessible.
– ULIP has no liquidity in initial years.
– Only mutual funds are partially liquid.
– You don’t have a strong emergency fund.

Suggestion:
– Keep at least Rs. 2–3 lakhs as liquid emergency fund.
– Don’t invest all available funds in down payment.
– Avoid depending on locked savings during loan period.

On Housing Loan Decision
A housing loan has both benefits and responsibilities.

Positives:
– Allows home ownership without using all your savings.
– Offers tax benefits under Sec 80C and Sec 24.
– Fixed EMI creates a forced saving habit.

Risks in Your Case:
– EMI will take up most of your monthly surplus.
– Any unexpected expense can disturb your budget.
– Rising expenses due to family, inflation or health may create stress.
– Delay in income or job change can impact EMI commitment.

ULIP Policy – Needs Review
You mentioned holding a Tata ULIP with Rs. 50 lakhs sum assured.

– ULIPs combine investment and insurance.
– Returns are moderate and expenses are high.
– Early exit incurs charges.
– Long lock-in restricts liquidity.

Suggestion:
– Check how long the policy has run.
– If it is within 5 years, wait till lock-in ends.
– Post lock-in, consider surrendering it.
– Reinvest the value in mutual funds for better returns.
– Buy a separate term insurance for risk protection.

Risk Protection – Missing Term Insurance
You haven’t mentioned having a term insurance policy.

– Housing loan increases your responsibility.
– If something happens to you, your family may struggle.
– ULIP cover may not be sufficient in practical terms.

Suggested Action:
– Buy a term plan of Rs. 50–75 lakhs minimum.
– Premiums are affordable at your age.
– Continue it till loan tenure ends or retirement.
– This ensures loan liability is protected.

Emergency Reserve – Urgently Needed
As of now, your liquid reserves are low.

– Emergency fund should be 6 to 9 months of expenses.
– With EMI, your monthly outflow will rise.
– Any delay in salary or medical issue can cause stress.

Suggestion:
– Immediately build an emergency fund of Rs. 2–3 lakhs.
– Use FDs or liquid mutual funds.
– Don’t depend on credit cards or loans in emergencies.

Children's Education – Future Need Planning
SSA indicates you have a daughter.

– Education costs are rising rapidly.
– SSA alone may not be enough.
– Equity mutual funds with 10–15 year horizon are essential.
– Use SIPs to build a goal-specific corpus.

Don’t allow the home loan to consume all your surplus. Future goals must continue to get funded.

Retirement Planning – Strong Start but Needs Support
You have Rs. 21 lakhs in NPS. That’s a good beginning.

– But NPS alone may not be enough.
– You will need Rs. 3–4 crores for retirement at age 60.
– After paying home loan EMIs, ensure SIPs continue.
– Also, equity mutual funds offer flexibility and higher liquidity.

Housing Loan Alternatives – Considerable
You are planning for Rs. 40 lakhs loan with Rs. 35,000 EMI.

Alternatives to Think About:
– Can you arrange Rs. 5–10 lakhs more as down payment?
– This will reduce EMI and interest burden.
– A Rs. 30 lakh loan may keep EMI closer to Rs. 25,000.
– That fits better with your current salary.

Also, don’t rely on future increments to justify higher EMI now. Keep buffer from the start.

Overall Investment Behaviour – Scope for Streamlining
You are saving in multiple options. But there's duplication.

– NPS, PPF, and SSA all offer long lock-in.
– Too much long-term locking restricts flexibility.
– Mutual funds should be increased for liquidity and wealth creation.

Suggested Course:
– Gradually increase SIPs as income grows.
– Reduce dependence on locked options.
– Take help from a CFP-backed MFD for fund selection.

Avoid investing randomly or based on past performance.

Mutual Funds – Positive Start
You have Rs. 2 lakhs in mutual funds.

– Good initiative, but needs consistency.
– Continue SIPs even after loan begins.
– Choose 2–3 funds across flexi-cap, balanced and mid-cap.
– Avoid sector or index-based funds.

Regular funds with CFP-led MFD support will guide you better. Avoid direct route and DIY errors.

Tax Saving – Reasonably Covered
You are contributing to:

– NPS (under Sec 80CCD)
– PPF and SSA (under Sec 80C)
– Home loan interest (will be eligible under Sec 24)

Suggestions:
– Don’t invest just to save tax.
– Make tax planning part of goal-based investing.
– Don’t mix life insurance and tax savings.

Housing Loan and Goal Balance
Your goal should not only be buying a house.

– Ensure you can continue SIPs after EMI starts.
– Allocate funds for emergencies and health.
– Don’t ignore retirement and child’s future planning.

Loan is long-term. It should not become a financial trap.

Finally
– You have good savings habits.
– But the planned EMI is too high for your salary.
– Try to reduce EMI to 35–40% of income.
– Maintain emergency fund and term cover before loan.
– Review and exit the ULIP post lock-in.
– SIPs and liquid assets must continue along with loan.

A home is important, but not at the cost of financial peace.

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

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

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

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