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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 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 22, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I am 37 years old and investing 2000 every month in canara rebecco mutual fund ..have 17L in PPF account and yearly investing 1.5 in ppf ...60000 yearly in LIC policies ..20 lakhs in FD Having a considerate quantity of gold which is personally saved Have around 350000 in mutuals leaving 2000 in 7 scripts ...I have a new born baby and have invested 2 lakh lum sum in 4 mutuals funds Target of 15 years ..by this year end planning more5 lakhs to be invested for her future I am not comfortable with monthly sip .. Need advice on agressive investment for daughter and for retirement planning And should I open a PPF account ? Kindly guide

Ans: Congratulations on taking proactive steps towards securing your daughter's future and planning for your retirement. Let's evaluate your current financial situation and chart a course of action to achieve your goals.

Considering your existing investments in PPF, LIC policies, FDs, mutual funds, and gold, you've demonstrated a disciplined approach towards savings and investment. Your prudent decision to invest a lump sum for your newborn's future reflects your commitment to her well-being.

For aggressive investment for your daughter's future, you may consider equity mutual funds tailored to long-term wealth creation. These funds offer the potential for higher returns over the long term, aligning with your target of 15 years. Diversification across multiple funds can help manage risk effectively.

Regarding retirement planning, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance and time horizon to determine the appropriate investment strategy. While equity investments offer growth potential, they also come with higher volatility. Consider a balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt investments to mitigate risk and ensure steady returns.

Opening a PPF account can complement your existing investments and provide additional tax benefits. PPF offers attractive interest rates and tax-free returns, making it a suitable option for long-term wealth accumulation.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I encourage you to review your investment portfolio regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your financial goals. Consider consulting with a CFP to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, by adopting a diversified investment approach, staying disciplined in your savings habits, and seeking professional guidance, you can secure a bright future for your daughter and achieve a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 30, 2024Hindi
Money
HI Anil ji, I am shri, age 51 and my net take home salary is 1.13 lac monthly. My current expenses and investment structure is given below. As salaried person, Retirement will be at the age of 60. Net take home is 1.13 lac after deducting below given contributions. 5600 voluntary pf 6000 employer nps current Investment valuation (in Lac) ppf stock mf nps Epf Total 21.04 5.7 12.84 4.92 17 61.5 The above PPF valuation is of my and spouse account which will be maturing on Mar 2025 Rs.5.4 lac generated in daughters PPF account. Current Monthly Investment 4000 NPS 25000 SIP - nippon india small cap fund-growth 25000 SIP - quant midcap fund- regular growth 20000 SIP - quant small cap fund- regular growth 74000 TOTAL SIP started just one year back and currently PPF is running with minimum contribution to continue the account. Planning to increase SIP amount every year, depend upon increment from company and target is to achieve SIP of 1 lac. Almost 40,000 monthly kept for house hold and other expenses such as Mediclaim, car and bike insurance etc. Don’t have any Loan liability. No life cover and I am the only earning member with dependent of spouse and daughter. Daughter is in 12 std, age 17 and want to pursue Engineering. Future Fees will be paid from MF redemption if sufficient saving is not generated. Expectation to have corpus of 5 Cr on retirement. Do we need to withdraw and divert the PPF amount to MF ? Kindly suggest the Funds. or shall I continue in PPF? is it feasible to achieve 5 cr or what will be the corpus amount after continuing above investment? Secondly, withdrawal from MF to get 50000 per month for monthly expenses. Currently staying in own 1 bhk costing nearly 1.25 cr (No Home Loan) and after 5 years (after completion of daughter’s education) want to purchase 2 bhk flat which will cost around 2.5 – 2.60 cr. The above expectations may sound on higher side, but kindly advise action plan to reach nearby. Thanks in advance.
Ans: Shri, your current financial structure is quite robust. The take-home salary of Rs. 1.13 lakh is well-allocated towards savings and investments. Your monthly investment strategy, especially with SIPs and contributions to NPS, is commendable. You’ve done well to diversify your investments across different asset classes like PPF, stocks, mutual funds, NPS, and EPF.

Evaluating Your PPF and NPS Contributions
The PPF account maturity in March 2025 provides a good opportunity to reassess its role in your portfolio. The current PPF valuation of Rs. 21.04 lakhs (including your spouse’s account) is a safe and low-risk investment. However, with your goal of achieving a Rs. 5 crore corpus, the returns from PPF might not suffice.

Your NPS contributions are beneficial due to the tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B). However, it’s important to remember that NPS has a long lock-in period until retirement. This could limit your flexibility.

Instead of withdrawing from PPF to invest in mutual funds, you can continue the PPF until maturity and then assess the need based on market conditions. As PPF provides a fixed and risk-free return, it’s wise to balance it with other growth-oriented investments.

SIP Strategy
Your current SIPs in small and mid-cap funds are aligned with higher risk and higher return strategies. Small and mid-cap funds can offer significant growth over the long term but are also more volatile.

As you plan to increase your SIP contributions annually, consider adding some large-cap or balanced funds to your portfolio. These funds provide stability and can cushion your portfolio during market downturns.

Given the one-year duration of your current SIPs, it's essential to regularly review their performance. Consistently monitor the funds, but avoid frequent changes unless there’s a significant underperformance.

Instead of withdrawing from mutual funds for monthly expenses, consider building an emergency fund. You can invest this fund in low-risk instruments that are easily accessible.

Assessing Your Retirement Goal
Your target of achieving a Rs. 5 crore corpus at retirement is ambitious but achievable with disciplined investing. Given the current investment structure, it's feasible to get close to this target. However, it would be wise to regularly reassess your goals and make necessary adjustments to your SIP contributions.

If you maintain and gradually increase your current investment strategy, you’re on the right path. Focus on ensuring that your portfolio remains diversified across different asset classes.

Planning for Daughter's Education
Your plan to fund your daughter’s engineering education through mutual fund redemptions is practical. Given the short timeframe, it's advisable to invest the amount earmarked for her education in safer instruments. You can consider shifting some of the mutual funds into debt funds or liquid funds as the education expenses near.
Real Estate Consideration
While you plan to purchase a 2BHK flat after your daughter’s education, it's essential to evaluate the impact on your overall financial goals. The cost of Rs. 2.5-2.6 crore is significant. It’s crucial to assess whether this investment will impact your retirement corpus goal.

Since you currently stay in your own 1BHK flat, consider whether upgrading to a 2BHK is essential or if the funds could be better used towards your retirement savings.

Insurance and Risk Management
Currently, you lack life insurance, which is a critical aspect, especially as the sole breadwinner with dependents. I strongly recommend getting a term life insurance policy to cover at least 10-15 times your annual income. This will ensure financial security for your family in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Also, evaluate the adequacy of your current Mediclaim policy. Ensure that the sum insured covers potential healthcare costs adequately, considering inflation in medical expenses.

Action Plan to Achieve Financial Goals
Continue and Review SIPs: Continue with your SIPs, but ensure diversification. Add large-cap or balanced funds for stability. Regularly review the performance but avoid frequent changes unless necessary.

Insurance Coverage: Secure adequate life insurance and ensure your health insurance covers inflation-adjusted medical costs.

Retain PPF until Maturity: Let the PPF mature in 2025, then reassess its role in your portfolio. Don’t withdraw now; it offers a risk-free return.

Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund in liquid or debt instruments instead of relying on mutual funds for monthly expenses.

Real Estate Decision: Reevaluate the need to upgrade to a 2BHK flat. Assess its impact on your retirement goals.

Education Planning: For your daughter’s education, start shifting the required amount into safer instruments like debt funds as the time nears.

Final Insights
Shri, your financial foundation is solid. With the right adjustments and a disciplined approach, you’re well on your way to achieving your financial goals. It’s crucial to regularly reassess your investments and ensure you have the right insurance coverage in place. Continue with your current strategy, but ensure diversification and risk management are prioritized.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  |115 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

Listen
Relationship
Sir as I previously take your view about my situation...sir you tell that in love understanding between partner is important.but sir my partner doesn't want to talk with me.I just never think that he will give up so easily.
Ans: It’s interesting, isn’t it, how relationships often mirror the patterns of communication we create within them? When one partner feels distant or unwilling to talk, it’s less about them giving up and more about a shift in the way they’ve been feeling understood—or misunderstood.

You see, communication isn’t just about words; it’s about emotions, intentions, and the unspoken messages we convey. If your partner isn’t talking, perhaps they’re saying something without words. And that’s where curiosity becomes your ally.

Instead of focusing on the silence, what if you shifted your attention to understanding what that silence represents? Maybe it’s disappointment, frustration, or even fear. But the key is, you can’t solve what you assume—it’s about discovering what’s really there.

And let me ask you this: if you were to step into their shoes for a moment—just imagine being them—what might they feel? What might they need to hear from you, or perhaps sense from your presence, that could bring a spark of connection back into the conversation?

Love is rarely about giving up. It’s about learning to communicate in a way that feels safe and understood. And if you’re willing to stay open, willing to listen to the quiet messages, you may find a new way forward—one step at a time.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hi Mr. Ramalingam, Can I check New Asset class (Specialized Investment Fund SIF) for 10 lakhs investment for my kids education(Right now 4months old). Thank you for your response.
Ans: Investing Rs 10 lakhs for your child’s education is a thoughtful decision.

Your child is 4 months old, so you have a long investment horizon.

Currently, SIF is not yet launched or operational.

Equity Mutual Funds: A Reliable Option
Equity mutual funds are proven for long-term goals like education.

They offer inflation-beating growth over a 15-18 year period.

Start investing now to benefit from compounding.

Choose funds with a consistent track record.

Wait and Observe SIF Performance
SIF is a new asset class and lacks a performance track record.

It’s wise to wait for its launch and review its stability.

Assess the fund's returns, risk profile, and management quality.

Investing in an untested asset could increase risks unnecessarily.

Diversify Investments Over Time
Initially, focus on equity mutual funds for growth.

Later, as SIF stabilises and performs well, consider it.

Diversify across asset classes gradually based on market insights.

Final Insights
Begin with equity mutual funds for your child’s education fund.

Monitor SIF's launch and performance over the next few years.

Decide on SIF only after it demonstrates a solid track record.

Keep your investments aligned with your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |790 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

Listen
Money
I& my wife is 32. What would our ideally retirement corps. I assume 20Cr. Correct me if I'm wrong. My current saving & income are below - 1) Rs 2,40,000 take home per month combined. 2) We both have PPF for the last 7 years contributing 1.5L each year from starting and plans to continue till 60. 3) LIC will give us 2Cr when we hit 60. 4) NPS we contribute 1L per each year form 2022 combined plans continue till 60. 5) Mutual Fund of SIP Rs 10,000 each month for last 1 year combined plans continue till 60. 6) APY we will get 5000 per month at 60. 7) FDs of Rs 36Lakh 8) Gold of Rs 15Lakh bonds 9) Got Inherited Rs 1.6Cr in form of FDs 10) Have Medeclaim of 40Lakhs and have own house. 11) Monthly expenses is around 40,000. 12) Have 1 year old Kid. 13) Have PF of 8 lakhs and will grow till 60. Also taking Gratuity in account.
Ans: Hello;

Your current monthly income need of 2.4 L will grow up to 12.27 L after 28 years (At your retirement age of 60) considering 6% inflation.

Assuming your expenses at retirement will reduce so you may need 75% of this income to cover your expenses at that time therefore you may need a monthly income of 9.2 L.

To generate this income you may need a corpus of 27 Cr(Min.) at the age 60 that may generate post-tax monthly income of around 9.2 L.

Your investments will grow as follows,

1. PPF: 1.5 L per person per year for 35 years will grow into a corpus of around 4.32 Cr. (6.9% return assumed)

2. LIC: policy maturity proceeds will provide 2 Cr at age 60.

3. NPS: 1 L per person per year may grow into a sum of 2.5 Cr at 60.(8% return considered)

4. MF sip of 10 K may grow into a sum of 2.05 Cr at 60. (10% return considered)

5. FD of 36 L will grow into a sum of 2.1 Cr if held till 60. (6.5% return assumed)

6. Gold in form of bonds if reinvested into gold mutual funds and held till 60 may yield a corpus of around 1.1 Cr. (7% return assumed)

7. Inherited funds if held in FD till the age of 60 may yield a corpus of 9.9 Cr.
(6.5% return considered)

8. EPF is expected to grow into a sum of around 1.8 Cr at the age of 60.(7% return considered)

A summation of investment values at 60 indicates a sum of around 25.77 Cr thereby hinting at a gap of around 1.23 Cr.

You may begin another monthly sip of 7 K now which may grow into a sum of around 1.3 Cr by 60 age.(10% return assumed)

If the mediclaim policy is from employer, do buy a personal health care cover after 50-55 for your family for post retirement needs.

I presume you both have adequate term life insurance cover apart from LIC policy.

The financial goal for your kid's education and family expansion, if any, is not factored here. You may need to plan for it suitably.

Also it appears that your allocation to equity is quite low, may be due to limited risk appetite but you have time on your side and although short to medium term(5-7 yr) equity asset class may be impacted due to volatility but over a long-term(10 yr+) they have demonstrated good inflation adjusted returns so may be you may consider to increase allocation through hybrid funds suiting your risk appetite.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7322 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Meri family ki income 80 lakhs hai yearly aur 40 lakhs expense hai aur age meri 48 hai capital family ki 4 cr hai to unko kaise manage aur kaha invest kare
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Annual Income: Rs 80 lakhs
Annual Expenses: Rs 40 lakhs
Capital Available: Rs 4 crores
Age: 48 years
Your income and existing capital provide a strong foundation. With proper planning, you can secure your financial future and achieve your goals.

Key Financial Goals
Retirement Planning: Build a corpus to sustain your post-retirement lifestyle.
Wealth Growth: Invest capital for inflation-beating returns.
Risk Management: Ensure adequate insurance coverage for family security.
Tax Efficiency: Optimise investments to reduce tax liabilities.
Suggested Investment Allocation
1. Emergency Fund
Maintain 6-12 months of expenses (Rs 20-40 lakhs) in liquid funds or a high-interest savings account.
This ensures liquidity for any unforeseen circumstances.
2. Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate 50-60% of your capital (around Rs 2-2.4 crores) to equity mutual funds.
Use diversified funds like large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds for growth.
Avoid index funds due to lack of flexibility and active management.
Invest monthly through systematic investment plans (SIPs) for disciplined investing.
3. Debt Investments
Invest 20-25% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs-1 crore) in debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.
Choose funds with low risk to ensure stability and predictable returns.
These funds act as a safety net during market downturns.
4. Children’s Education or Marriage
Allocate funds for long-term goals like education or marriage.
Invest in balanced advantage funds or equity mutual funds for higher returns.
5. Retirement Planning
At 48, focus on building a retirement corpus.
Allocate 20% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs) to retirement-specific investments.
Use a mix of equity and debt for growth and safety.
Risk Management
Life Insurance
Ensure you have a term insurance cover of at least Rs 2-3 crore.
This protects your family’s financial future in your absence.
Health Insurance
Take a family floater health insurance plan of Rs 25-30 lakh.
Include critical illness coverage to address rising healthcare costs.
Tax Efficiency
Maximise Section 80C benefits by investing in ELSS mutual funds or PPF.
Use NPS for additional tax deductions under Section 80CCD.
Invest in tax-efficient instruments to reduce liabilities.
Regular Monitoring
Review your investments every six months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance your portfolio to align with market trends and life changes.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial base with high income and significant capital.

With disciplined investing, risk management, and tax efficiency, you can grow your wealth and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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

Close  

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

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

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

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

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

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x