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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 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 - Apr 06, 2024Hindi
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I have 36L in mutual fund SIP with 38%xirr, 10L in equity, recently have taken loan of 40L with 9.5%int. to purchase property I need advice should I sell mutual funds/equity and repay loans or should I continue with SIP

Ans: Considering your financial situation, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Loan Repayment: Repaying the loan of 40 lakhs with a 9.5% interest rate is crucial to avoid accumulating excessive interest payments over time. By repaying the loan early, you can reduce the overall interest burden and free up cash flow for other financial goals.
Mutual Fund SIPs: Your mutual fund SIPs have provided a healthy return of 38% XIRR, indicating good growth potential. However, continuing with SIPs while carrying a high-interest loan may not be the most efficient use of your funds. It's important to assess whether the returns from your SIPs outweigh the interest cost of the loan.
Equity Investments: Equity investments can be volatile in the short term but tend to offer higher returns over the long term. If your equity investments are performing well and you have a longer investment horizon, you may consider holding onto them, especially if you believe they will outperform the loan interest rate.
Financial Goals: Evaluate your financial goals and priorities. If repaying the loan enables you to achieve other important goals such as financial security, peace of mind, or future investments, it may be worth considering.
Risk Tolerance: Consider your risk tolerance and comfort level with debt. Carrying a significant amount of debt can increase financial stress and limit your flexibility in the future. Assess whether you are comfortable managing both the loan and investment risks simultaneously.
Consult a Financial Planner: Given the complexity of your situation, it's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances, goals, and risk profile. A financial planner can help you evaluate the trade-offs and make an informed decision aligned with your long-term financial well-being.
Ultimately, the decision to sell mutual funds/equity to repay the loan or continue with SIPs depends on various factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and current market conditions. Take the time to carefully assess your options and seek professional guidance if needed to make the best decision for your financial future.
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  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I'm 35 year. And getting 28lpa. Currently I'm invest in 6 SIPs (31k) monthly, 5k in NPS, 26k is personal loan, 17k car emi and purchasing 15k stock in every month. Stock buying I started from jan2024. I have around 25lakh in my sip fund and 10lakh other fund. Now I'm planning to buy a home that cost around 90 lakh. So my question is, can take the 80% home loan and keep my SIP. Or withdraw my all sip fund and reduce home loan amount. Btw my personal loan will complete end of this year. Please suggest withdraw the sip fund is good option or taking the home loan is good option.
Ans: It sounds like you're making some big financial decisions, and it's great that you're considering your options carefully. Taking out a home loan while keeping your SIPs intact could be a strategic move. It allows you to maintain your investment momentum while also spreading out the cost of your home purchase over time.

However, withdrawing your SIP funds to reduce the home loan amount could also be a viable option. It would lower your debt burden and potentially save you on interest payments in the long run.

Before making a decision, consider factors like the interest rates on the home loan versus the potential returns on your SIP investments. Also, think about your long-term financial goals and how each option aligns with them.

Consulting with a financial advisor could provide valuable insight into the best course of action based on your specific circumstances and goals. With careful planning, you'll be on track to achieving your dream of homeownership while securing your financial future.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2024Hindi
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Hi myself 36 yrs old Started mf plan very late Luckily due to organisation switch got company stocks vested to me around 85 lacs and still around 60 lacs not yet vested . With that confidence I have taken home loan of 1.2cr for 25 yrs Emi amt 1 lac per month rate of interest 8.5 Not much invested earlier in mf started late around 1.5 yrs back Was able to accumulate 5 lacs total Invested in stocks around 2 lacs Now am trying to do sip every month of 42k I earn around 2.2lacs I have 2 more loans apart from home loan Personal loan of 26k emi 4 yrs pending Gold loan yearly emi payment of 6 lacs amount. Deduction of 1 lac + 26k+ 42k = 1.68 lacs goes to emis Yearly gold I have to pay around 60k without principal I consider 1.75 lacs to fixed amt goes as cuttings. I have remaining around 40k I think Home necessities cost around 15k monthly I still have around 20 to 25k remaining As I have started very late in mf I want to increase my sip for my kids education and future retirement plans I have something in mind which am bit afraid I want to sell stocks and invest in real estate and do the rotation of money for 10 years. But i have limited knowledge after doing some research . Should I go ahead with that ? Or Should I close my home loan using my stocks and reduce to 40 lacs home loan something Invest same amount in sips ? My stocks are in US market ..should I sell or not ? Company stocks are till now going well.. How high it would jump and how much it will take for that to happen I don't know Please suggest me to some investment ideas Q1. Should I close home loan Q2. Should I invest in real estate Q3. Should I invest stocks amt in mutual funds Any better ideas and suggestions please advise ..
Ans: Evaluating Your Financial Position
Your current financial situation reflects both opportunities and challenges. You have accumulated a significant amount of company stocks and started investing in mutual funds. Your home loan and other liabilities add to your monthly financial commitments. It's essential to strategically manage your investments to ensure long-term financial stability.

Assessing the Home Loan
Paying off your home loan can provide a sense of financial relief. However, consider the opportunity cost of using your stocks for this purpose. With an interest rate of 8.5%, the cost of maintaining the home loan is relatively high. Reducing your home loan can decrease your monthly EMI, providing more cash flow for investments and other expenses. However, before deciding, consider the potential growth of your stocks. If the stocks have significant growth potential, retaining them might be more beneficial in the long run.

Evaluating Real Estate as an Investment
Investing in real estate can be tempting, but it comes with several challenges. Real estate investments require substantial capital and involve high transaction costs. They also lack liquidity compared to stocks and mutual funds. The real estate market can be unpredictable, and managing properties requires time and effort. Given these factors, real estate might not be the best option for someone seeking to simplify and strengthen their financial portfolio.

Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer a diversified investment option that can align with your financial goals. Given your late start in mutual funds, it’s wise to increase your SIPs to build a substantial corpus over time. Actively managed funds can offer better returns due to professional management. These funds allow you to benefit from the expertise of fund managers, providing a balanced risk-return ratio.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index funds, while low-cost, do not always outperform actively managed funds. They mirror market performance, lacking the flexibility to adapt to market changes. On the other hand, direct mutual funds require active monitoring and decision-making. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable insights and professional management, helping you navigate complex market conditions effectively.

Strategic Use of Stocks
Your company stocks are a significant asset. Diversifying this investment can reduce risk and enhance returns. Selling a portion of your stocks and investing in mutual funds can provide a balanced approach. This strategy diversifies your portfolio and reduces the risk associated with holding a single type of asset.

Recommendations
Reduce Home Loan: Consider partially reducing your home loan with your stocks. This will lower your EMI and interest burden, providing more cash flow for investments.

Avoid Real Estate: Given the high costs and management efforts involved, real estate might not be the best option. Focus on more liquid and manageable investments.

Increase SIPs in Mutual Funds: Boost your SIPs to build a robust financial corpus for your children’s education and retirement. Actively managed funds through a CFP can optimize your returns.

Diversify Stock Investments: Gradually sell a portion of your company stocks and diversify into mutual funds. This reduces risk and provides a balanced growth potential.

Conclusion
Your proactive approach to managing your finances is commendable. Balancing debt reduction with strategic investments can provide financial stability and growth. A diversified portfolio, professional management, and a focus on long-term goals will help secure your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |634 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

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I am Sanjeev Kumar, aged 58, working with a reputed public limited company at a senior level. Our company mandates annual health check up from reputed hospitals in Delhi and I am covered under a floater medical insurance plan. I was diagnosed with Atrial fibrillation more than a couple of years ago and taking two tablets per day (one Beta blocker and one blood thinner) as a precaution as per doctor. Otherwise I am physically fit and active (I successfully run half marathon for last more than 10 years). I intend to have another medical indurance as I am approaching retirement age but insurance companies are reluctant to provide me the same. Please advise what type of medical insurance cover I should have (for self and my wife, 55 yrs) and from which companies! Is online plan okay?
Ans: Hello;

If you have a known illness of the heart unfortunately hardly any general insurance company will come forward to cover you despite other positives.

Because insurance works on probability and when they reckon that probability of claim, in future based on current information, may be high they refuse to underwrite such risks.

Since you are an employee of a public sector company, I suppose your employer may have some group mediclaim plan or coverage for the retirees as well.

Take that coverage even if you have to pay and undergo a waiting period.

Alternatively you may earmark some fixed sum 8-10 L as medical contingency fund for yourself.

For your spouse you should opt for a minimum 25 L healthcare cover from companies such as HDFC Ergo, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, SBI General etc which do not entirely depend on healthcare insurance as the only business segment.

Best wishes;

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |634 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 year old with 1.5 lac salary and 1 crore in FD. Have a 8 year old son. Currently I don't have any EMI but I wish to buy new house of 2 crore with appx loan of 1 cr and remaining 1 cr by selling current house. Also I invest 60k in mutual funds. What can I do if I wish to retire at 45 years and still be able to pay emi using swp and FD income.
Ans: Hello;

General Comments:
People nowadays get carried away by FIRE(Financial independence retire early) fads on social media and go by thumb rules provided on SM for retirement corpus calculation.

Please consult a certified financial planner or a retirement advisor who can guide you on these matters professionally.

Specific comments:
Do your math. If you retire at 45 you have 35 years in retirement considering life expectancy of 80. What corpus would you need to fund:

1. Your inflation indexed retirement income
2. Impact on retirement income due to home loan EMI.
3. Separate provision for higher education of son

If doing 3% SWP can meet your monthly income requirements post-tax it is okay but If you are increasing SWP rate beyond 3% you run the risk of eating into your corpus during periods of flat or negative returns by your fund.

Also pure equity funds for SWP in retirement are a strict NO.

Only hybrid mutual funds such as equity savings or conservative hybrid funds may be suitable with moderate risk.

If your regular expenses are 50 K today they will be 90 K in 10 years, 1.6 L in 20 years time considering modest 6% inflation.

Your 60 K monthly sip if continued for 5 years may yield you a corpus of 50 L assuming modest return of 12% from pure equity mutual funds which could be earmarked for higher education of your son.

Do you have any EPF/NPS corpus?

Please confirm.

Thanks;

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I had purchased kotak premier endowment plan in 2020. SI is 2.82 lakhs and annual premium is 32k. Premium payment term is 10 yrs and maturity term is 17 yrs. After having paid premium for 4 years, i am thinking to surrender the policy as it doesn't convince me anymore with its benefits. However, after paying Rs. 1.28 lakh premium over 4 years, surrender value is coming to Rs. 82k only. Should i continue with this policy or surrender and invest the amount anywhere else. Pls advise. Thanks
Ans: You purchased the Kotak Premier Endowment Plan in 2020. This plan combines insurance with savings. The sum assured is Rs. 2.82 lakhs, and the annual premium is Rs. 32,000.

You’ve already paid Rs. 1.28 lakhs over four years. The premium payment term is 10 years, and the maturity term is 17 years. The surrender value is currently Rs. 82,000, meaning a loss of Rs. 46,000.

Now, you are contemplating whether to continue with this plan or surrender and invest elsewhere.

Evaluating Endowment Plans
Endowment plans typically offer low returns compared to other investment options.
Most endowment plans have a return rate of 4-6%.
The main benefit is insurance coverage, which is often inadequate.
By continuing with this plan, your money may not grow significantly. It also locks your funds for a long period.

Advantages of Surrendering
By surrendering, you free up Rs. 82,000.
You stop further premium payments, avoiding additional allocation to a low-return product.
You can reallocate the funds to better-performing investment options.
Drawbacks of Surrendering
You lose Rs. 46,000 from the premiums paid so far.
Early surrender often results in reduced returns.
The plan’s long-term guaranteed returns will no longer apply.
Alternative Investments
If you surrender, the next step is reinvesting wisely.

Equity Mutual Funds: Offers long-term wealth creation. These funds outperform endowment plans in the long run.
Small-Cap Funds: For higher risk appetite, this can provide superior returns.
Debt Mutual Funds: Suitable for lower risk tolerance. Ideal for stable and predictable returns.
PPF (Public Provident Fund): A safe and tax-efficient option for long-term goals.
Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Active funds often outperform benchmarks.
Professional fund managers actively monitor market opportunities.
You benefit from diversification and risk management.
Avoid direct funds unless you’re a seasoned investor. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or mutual fund distributor ensures better guidance.

Why Insurance Should Be Separate
Insurance-cum-investment plans like endowment are not ideal.
Term insurance offers high coverage at low costs.
Use the money saved from premiums for pure investments.
Tax Implications
Surrendering may have tax implications. Check if your premiums qualified for Section 80C.
New gains from investments may attract taxation. For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
360-Degree Financial Assessment
Financial Goals: Align investments with your goals (e.g., retirement, children’s education).
Risk Appetite: Choose investments matching your comfort level with risk.
Emergency Fund: Maintain liquid funds to handle financial emergencies.
Debt Management: Clear high-interest liabilities before investing.
Portfolio Review: Balance investments between equity, debt, and fixed income.
Final Insights
The decision depends on your long-term goals. Surrendering is better if the plan does not align with your financial strategy. Reallocate wisely to maximize returns. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

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

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