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38-Year-Old Woman With 2.5 Lakh Monthly Income: Is She Saving Enough for the Future?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1008 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
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I am 38 year old F,working in a PSU and with my husband(41 years) we have take home salary of 2.5 lacs per month. current assets: residential flat 65 lacs 1bhk flat 18 lacs liabilities: emi-51000 p.m home loan 30000(remaining tenure 10 years) 1bhk loan 10000(remaining tenure 10 years) car loan 11000(remaining tenure 3.5 years) total loan outstanding-33.5 lacs investments(TOTAL) MF(1 FLEXICAP,1 MID CAP,1 ELSS) 28000 P.M MF BALANCE TILL DATE 8 Lacs PF 38 LACS PF CONTRIBUTION P.M 32000 P.M NPS YEARLY 50000 NPS balance till date 250000 LIC CONTRIBUTION COMPLETED FOR 15 YEARS SUM ASSURED 5 LACS (TO BE MATURED ON 2035) POST OFFICE LIFE INSURANCE(STARTED ON APR 2014) 2750 P.M (TO BE MATURED ON 2041) PPF 2 Lacs gold ornaments 21 lacs (approx) term insurance of 1 cr taken by my husband mediclaim 20 lacs Monthly Fixed expenses are around 2lacs including education expenses for 2 boys(age 11 & 2 years), taking care of parents,medical bills. We cannot accumulate any emergency funds at all and there is no liquid cash in hand at the end of every month. Please guide whether we are saving enough for our future and kids.

Ans: Hello;

A quick glance on your asset build up indicates major flaws:

1. As usual emphasis on inefficient lic/endowment policies as investment.

2. If you want to invest in gold as an asset class then SGB, ETF, gold funds are better ways.

Buying gold jewellery is not a problem but then it should not be counted as an asset but just an ornamental/fashion value.

I am fully aware about the emotional attachment families have towards their jewellery so it becomes difficult to liquidate.

Also if investment in gold as an asset class is the objective then it is redundant to pay making charges and GST on the same. Not applicable to gold etfs/funds and SGBs.

You have to save more for higher education of your kids considering burgeoning inflation in the education sector which is not captured in WPI or CPI index.

EPF, Mutual funds and NPS should have your highest allocations to achieve your goals.

Sell the one bhk if possible and reinvest sale proceeds in balanced advantage or multi asset allocation funds for future of your kids.

Increase NPS allocation substantially for your retirement.

Best wishes;
X: @mars_invest
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  |7948 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Dear sir, I am 33 yrs old, in software industry with an in hand salary of 112k monthly and my wife is in a gov job with in hand salary of 85k monthly. I have a small car with EMI 11.5k rs, 6 EMIs remaining. A home loan with EMI of 35k, 210 EMIs remaining. We own a farmland worth about 20 lakh. We have some 15-16 lakh in MFs, EPF and NPS. We have two kids 5 and 1.5 yrs. Current school fee is 50k per year. We both have 1 cr term insurance each, premium (38k for me, 24k for her) payble yearly and for 8-9 more years. We save/invest 71k in MF SIP(25k large cap, 15k midcap, 10k smallcap, 10k flexi, 7k nifty next 50, 3-4k debt), 10k NPS, 13k EPF monthly. I am planning on adding 12k monthly more to investments (SGB/Debt/Index) once the car EMI is over. We have a family health insurance of 10 lakh from our employers. Are we managing our finances properly? Do we have too much liability? Are we saving/investing enough for a moderate education for kids and retirement by 60 and to maintain similar expenditure post retirement? Do we have enough insurance?
Ans: It's evident that you and your wife are diligently managing your finances and planning for the future, which is commendable. Let's review your financial situation and address your concerns.

You both have stable incomes, prudent savings, and investments across various avenues. However, it's crucial to ensure that your liabilities are manageable and aligned with your long-term financial goals.

With a car loan nearing completion and a home loan with an extended tenure, it's wise to consider reallocating the EMI amount towards additional investments once these liabilities are cleared. This proactive approach will enhance your investment corpus over time.

Your existing investments in MFs, EPF, and NPS provide a solid foundation for your financial future. By adding extra investments post-car loan repayment, you're further strengthening your financial portfolio.

Considering your children's education expenses and retirement planning, it's essential to continue increasing your investments gradually. Your current savings rate seems adequate, but adding the planned 12k monthly post-car loan can significantly boost your investment corpus.

Regarding insurance, having 1 crore term insurance each is a prudent move to safeguard your family's financial well-being in case of unforeseen events. However, considering inflation and increasing financial responsibilities, periodically reviewing your insurance coverage may be beneficial.

As for managing post-retirement expenses, projecting your retirement needs based on your current lifestyle and inflation is crucial. While your savings and investments are on the right track, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized insights and strategies to optimize your financial plan.

Overall, you're managing your finances prudently, balancing your liabilities with investments and adequately safeguarding your family's future. By staying disciplined in your savings and investments and periodically reassessing your financial plan, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7948 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello sir, I am 36 yrs serving in a PSU. I am having 1.6 lakh PM gross salary. I deposite 1.5 lakh in self PPF, 1.5 LAKH in wife PPF and 1.5 lakh in daughter(7 yrs old) SSY(for which i opened an FD, RD and SIP MF to get 4.5 lakh at 1st week of april to deposite). Also i and my wife having LIC policies of 12 lakh S.A. (jeevan labh) for which i deposite 10500/- pm altogether. I am covered with suffucient amount of compulsary term insurance by office. Also we are covered under compulsary mediclaim by office. In NPS 29k is being deposited monthly as on date(including employers 14%).I have 2 kids(7 yrs daughter and 3 yrs son). Is it sufficient for my future?????
Ans: At 36 years old and serving in a PSU, you have a solid financial foundation. Your monthly gross salary of Rs 1.6 lakh and various investments show your commitment to securing your future. Let's assess your current situation and see if it’s sufficient for your future needs.

Existing Investments
PPF Contributions:

Rs 1.5 lakh in your PPF.
Rs 1.5 lakh in your wife’s PPF.
These provide long-term tax-free returns.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

Rs 1.5 lakh annually for your daughter.
You have planned an FD, RD, and SIP to fund this.
LIC Policies:

Policies with a sum assured of Rs 12 lakh.
Monthly premium of Rs 10,500.
Term Insurance and Mediclaim:

Adequate term insurance from your employer.
Comprehensive health insurance cover for the family.
National Pension System (NPS):

Monthly contribution of Rs 29,000 (including employer’s contribution).
This will help build a substantial corpus for retirement.
Financial Goals and Assessment
Children’s Education:

Ensure you have planned for your children’s higher education.
Costs can be substantial, and early planning helps.
Retirement Planning:

Your NPS contributions are a good start.
Consider additional investments for a comfortable retirement.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.
Typically, this should cover 6-12 months of expenses.
Recommendations
Review and Adjust Insurance:

Evaluate your LIC policies. They might offer low returns.
Consider investing in mutual funds for higher returns.
Increase Equity Exposure:

SIP in mutual funds offers better long-term returns.
Avoid index funds; opt for actively managed funds for higher growth.
Education Fund for Kids:

Start a dedicated fund for your children’s education.
Equity mutual funds can help grow this corpus.
Regular Financial Review:

Periodically review your financial plan.
Adjust based on life changes and financial goals.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner:

A CFP can provide tailored advice.
They help optimize your investments and ensure you meet your financial goals.
Insight into Insurance Policies
Life Insurance:

Your LIC policies might not be the best investment.
Consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds for better returns.
Term Insurance:

Ensure your term insurance cover is adequate.
This protects your family in case of any unfortunate event.
Benefits of Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP):
A CFP can help balance your portfolio.
They provide insights into better investment options and tax-saving strategies.
Final Insights
Diversify Investments:

Diversify across different asset classes.
Balance between equity, debt, and insurance.
Focus on Long-term Goals:

Plan for your retirement and children’s education.
Regularly review and adjust your financial plan.
Seek Professional Advice:

A Certified Financial Planner can offer a 360-degree solution.
They ensure your investments are aligned with your long-term goals.
Summary
Your current investments are solid.
Review and adjust your insurance policies.
Increase equity exposure for better long-term returns.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7948 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 07, 2025Hindi
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I am a 65+ retired govt employee. My monthly pension is rs 100000 as of today.My wife gets rs 26500 monthly rent from a flat in Banglore.She has a 300000 lac senior citizen bank account from where she receive 60000 thousand in three month. We both have ppf account for 7 years where we contribute rs 150000 each anualy .We have invested rs 100000 lac in stock in good company.We also have a fixed deposit of 200000 lac in psu bank.We have no insurance cover of any type but our names are co-included in my daughter’s insurance cover.We also don’t invest in mutual fund.Our medical expenses are reimbursed by government though it takes some time. Our childrens are highly educated,well paid in multinational company in India and aboard.My both daughters are married.Only son working in USA is likely to be married soon.We save something like 04 lac annually. We don’t have more than 50000 in saving account for anytime.We don’t have any type of loans either. Pl advice if this is all ok or we should save more. Pl advise
Ans: Your financial position is strong. You have stable income sources and no liabilities.

However, there are areas where you can improve. Let’s assess your financial stability and suggest better allocation.

Current Financial Position
Income Sources
Pension: Rs. 1,00,000 per month.

Rental Income: Rs. 26,500 per month from your wife’s Bangalore flat.

Interest from Senior Citizen Bank Account: Rs. 60,000 every three months.

Total Annual Income: Rs. 18.86 lakh (excluding stock dividends).

Savings and Investments
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 1,50,000 each per year for 7 years.

Stocks: Rs. 1 crore invested in good companies.

Fixed Deposits: Rs. 2 crore in PSU banks.

Savings Account Balance: Less than Rs. 50,000 at any time.

Annual Savings: Rs. 4 lakh.

Insurance and Medical Cover
No personal health or life insurance.

Medical expenses reimbursed by the government, though with delays.

Included in daughter’s insurance policy.

Areas That Need Attention
Emergency Fund Planning
Your savings account balance is too low.

Keep Rs. 5-10 lakh in a liquid fund or sweep-in FD.

This will help in case of sudden expenses.

Health Insurance Protection
Depending on government reimbursement is risky.

Delayed reimbursements can cause financial stress.

Buy a personal senior citizen health insurance plan.

This ensures quick cashless hospitalisation if needed.

Investment Diversification
Too much money is in FDs and stocks.

FDs provide safety but do not beat inflation.

Stocks provide growth but can be volatile.

You don’t invest in mutual funds, which can provide balanced returns.

Allocate part of the FD amount to actively managed mutual funds.

This will improve long-term returns while keeping risk moderate.

PPF Strategy
PPF is a safe option, but liquidity is an issue.

Continue investing as it helps with tax savings.

However, don’t over-allocate beyond tax benefits.

Future Financial Planning
Retirement Corpus Allocation
You have built a strong retirement corpus.

Ensure withdrawals are planned for long-term sustainability.

Use a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from mutual funds.

This provides a steady monthly income while preserving capital.

Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning
Your children are financially stable.

Prepare a will to distribute wealth as per your wishes.

Consider a trust for smooth wealth transfer.

Keep nominee details updated for all assets.

Finally
Your financial foundation is strong.

Increase emergency savings for liquidity.

Get a senior citizen health insurance policy for faster claims.

Diversify investments beyond FDs and stocks.

Invest in mutual funds for balanced risk and inflation protection.

Plan estate distribution for hassle-free wealth transfer.

With these changes, your financial stability will improve further.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7948 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 12, 2025Hindi
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I am 44 now. How much SIP should I do every month to have a sum of 3 crore at the age of 60?
Ans: To build a corpus of Rs. 3 crore by age 60, you need a well-structured investment plan. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you achieve your goal.

Understanding Your Investment Horizon
You are 44 years old now.
You have 16 years to invest.
A longer investment horizon helps in wealth creation through compounding.
Key Factors That Influence Your Goal
1. Expected Return on Investment
Investing in actively managed mutual funds can help grow wealth over time.
Historical data suggests equity funds deliver 12-15% CAGR over the long term.
Choosing the right funds is important for achieving consistent returns.
2. Monthly SIP Requirement
The amount you need to invest depends on the expected return.
Higher returns require a higher equity allocation in the early years.
Gradually shifting to safer funds helps protect your corpus closer to retirement.
How Much Should You Invest?

To accumulate Rs. 3 crore, your monthly SIP should be:
If returns are around 12% CAGR → Invest Rs. 52,000 per month
If returns are around 14% CAGR → Invest Rs. 42,500 per month

Best Investment Approach for You
1. Choose Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Avoid index funds as they only mirror market returns.
Actively managed funds outperform markets over the long term.
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps in selecting the best-performing funds.
2. Diversification for Stability
Invest across large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds.
Large-cap funds provide stability, while mid-cap and flexi-cap funds give growth.
This mix balances risk and returns effectively.
3. Adjust Your SIP Over Time
Start with an amount you are comfortable with.
Increase SIP by 10% every year for better wealth accumulation.
A gradual increase helps fight inflation and boost returns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Fund Performance
Do not invest blindly without checking fund history.
Funds with a proven track record should be preferred.
A CFP can help in selecting funds with consistent returns.
2. Investing in Direct Mutual Funds Without Guidance
Direct funds seem attractive due to lower expense ratios.
However, they lack advisory support from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Regular funds ensure expert monitoring and better long-term returns.
3. Redeeming Investments Too Soon
Stay invested for the full 16-year period.
Early withdrawals disrupt compounding and reduce growth.
Invest only the money you won’t need in the short term.
Tax Considerations for Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds – LTCG (above Rs. 1.25 lakh) taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) – Taxed at 20%.
Debt mutual funds – Gains taxed as per income tax slab.
Plan redemptions strategically to minimize tax liability.
What to Do as You Approach Retirement?
At age 55, start shifting funds from equity to hybrid and debt funds.
This reduces volatility and protects the accumulated corpus.
Keep some part in equity even after retirement for continued growth.
Final Insights
You need to invest Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 45,000 per month to reach Rs. 3 crore.
Stick to actively managed equity funds with a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds.
Increase SIP annually and stay invested for 16 years.
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps in fund selection and risk management.
By following this plan, you can achieve financial security and a stress-free retirement.

Best Regards,

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

...Read more

Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |59 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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How accurate are routine gynecological check-ups in detecting cancer? Do you think women can opt for specialised screenings for certain types of cancers? Please advice.
Ans: A gynecological examination, while a part of routine cancer screening, is not highly accurate on its own for detecting most cancers, particularly in early stages; a pelvic exam is particularly poor at detecting ovarian cancer, and a Pap smear is primarily used for cervical cancer screening, meaning further tests like biopsies are usually needed for definitive diagnosis of most gynecological cancers.
Certain screening test are available to rule out cancers:
For women, the most common screening tests to rule out cancer include mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears (along with HPV tests) for cervical cancer, and regular pelvic exams.
Mammograms:
An X-ray of the breast that can detect cancerous lumps early when they are easier to treat.
Pap smear:
A test that examines cells collected from the cervix to identify abnormal cell changes that could develop into cervical cancer. Me
HPV test:
Detects the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a major risk factor for cervical cancer.
Co-Test: HPV WITH DNA
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer often presents early with vaginal bleeding after menopause. Routine transvaginal ultrasound can be done.
IF NEEDED endometrial biopsy done and sent for testing for grading the endometrial cancer.
Ovarian cancer
A CA-125 blood test can indicate high levels of a biomarker that may be a sign of ovarian cancer along with other tumor markers CEA, LDH, AFP, ca19.9 Roma index
If needed MRI can be done to detect the extent of spread.
Self-breast examination
Once a month post menses can help patient to detect sny lump in breast or axilla or any nipple changes.
These screening methods help in early diagnoses n treatment of cancers in early stage.

...Read more

Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |59 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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Dr Nandita

Dr Nandita Palshetkar  |59 Answers  |Ask -

Gynaecologist, IVF expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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Health
I am 45 years old with a 12 year old daughter. What are the early signs of gynecological cancers, such as cervical or ovarian cancer, that women may overlook? Can early detection help improve survival rates?
Ans: Early signs of ovarian, cervical and breast cancer
1). OVARIAN CANCER:
Bloating
Abdominal pain cramps and discomfort
Pelvic pain
Change in bowel habits
Increase frequency of urination or dysuria
Fatigue
Irregular bleeding
Weight loss
CERVICAL CANCER:
Abnormal continuos vaginal discharge
vaginal bleeding after sex.
vaginal bleeding after menopause.
vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal.
vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood.
pelvic pain or pain during sex.
BREAST CANCER
Lump in breast
Lump in axilla
Redness on lump if breast
Abnormal venous dilation on breast
Orange peel appearance of breast skin
Abnormal or bloody discharge of nipples
Pap smears, mammograms and colonoscopies all offer a way to detect cancer early —
The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test.
Regular gynecological exams, including Pap smears and HPV tests, are used to help screen for cervical cancer.
Mammograms
Self-breast examination helps in early detection of breast cancer.
Yes, early detection of ovarian, cervical, and breast cancers significantly improves survival rates, as cancers caught in their early stages are more treatable and have a much higher chance of successful treatment compared to when diagnosed at later stages; this is why regular screening for these cancers is strongly recommended.

...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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