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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 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
Aravinda Question by Aravinda on Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi, I am 38 years old married and have one kid 8 year of age. And my salary is 58,000 per month and My wife salary is 25000 per month. I invested in LIC premium amount of Rs.41,968 Per Annum. Monthly Car Loan is Rs.9,200/-. I don't have any other investments. Kindly suggest me how to invest and where to invest the money.

Ans: It's great to see that you’re planning for your future. At 38, you have a good amount of time to build a solid financial foundation for your family. Let’s explore various investment options to maximize your savings and secure your financial future.

Evaluating Your Current Financial Situation
You and your wife have a combined monthly income of Rs 83,000. Here are your key financial commitments:

LIC premium of Rs 41,968 per annum
Monthly car loan EMI of Rs 9,200
You don't have other investments, so let's build a comprehensive plan for you.

Prioritizing Debt Management
Your car loan EMI is Rs 9,200 per month. Paying off this loan should be a priority.

Focus on Reducing Debt: Allocate extra funds towards prepaying the car loan to become debt-free faster. This will free up monthly cash flow for investments.
Evaluating LIC Policy
Your annual LIC premium is Rs 41,968. LIC policies often combine insurance with investment, which might not be the most efficient way to grow your money.

Consider Surrendering LIC: Evaluate surrendering your LIC policy and investing the money in mutual funds for better returns. Ensure you have adequate term insurance coverage.
Building an Emergency Fund
Before diving into investments, build an emergency fund. This fund should cover 6-12 months of living expenses.

Secure Safety Net: Set aside 3-6 months of expenses in a savings account or liquid fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or job loss.
Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an excellent way to build wealth over time. Here’s how you can start:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds, promoting disciplined savings and leveraging the power of compounding.

Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs help mitigate market volatility by averaging the purchase cost over time.

Long-Term Growth: Equity mutual funds, through SIPs, can provide significant long-term returns. Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for diversification.

Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers aiming to outperform market benchmarks.

Professional Management: Fund managers use their expertise to make informed investment choices.

Flexibility and Higher Returns: Actively managed funds can adjust to market conditions, potentially offering better returns compared to passive index funds.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a government-backed retirement savings scheme offering a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Tax Benefits: Contributions to NPS offer tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD.

Long-Term Growth: Higher equity allocation within NPS can offer substantial growth over time.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a popular long-term savings scheme with tax benefits and guaranteed returns.

Tax-Free Returns: Interest earned and maturity amount are tax-free.

Secure Investment: PPF offers a fixed interest rate and is backed by the government, making it a safe investment.

Child Education Planning
Your 8-year-old child's education is a major future expense. Planning early will ensure you can provide quality education without financial strain.

Child-Specific Mutual Funds
Consider child-specific mutual funds designed to meet educational expenses.

Goal-Based Investing: Align investments with the timeline for your child's educational milestones.

SIPs for Education: Invest in equity mutual funds through SIPs for long-term growth aimed at higher education.

Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your family. Medical expenses can be significant, and insurance provides financial protection.

Comprehensive Coverage: Review your current health insurance policy and enhance it if necessary to cover all family members adequately.
Term Insurance
Term insurance is crucial for financial protection in case of an untimely demise.

Adequate Coverage: Ensure you have sufficient term insurance coverage to cover liabilities and provide for your family's future needs.
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can help you maximize your savings and reduce tax liability.

Tax-Saving Investments
Invest in instruments that offer tax benefits under Section 80C, such as PPF, NPS, and ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme).

Diversified Tax Savings: Allocate investments across various tax-saving instruments to optimize returns and tax benefits.
Diversifying Investments
Diversifying your investments helps manage risk and optimize returns.

Balanced Portfolio
Create a balanced portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Risk Management: Diversification spreads risk across different asset classes.

Optimized Returns: A balanced portfolio can provide steady returns with moderate risk.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your investment portfolio ensures it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Periodic Review: Assess your portfolio performance every 6-12 months.

Adjust Investments: Rebalance your portfolio by adjusting the allocation based on market conditions and financial goals.

Education and Self-Improvement
Continuously educate yourself about personal finance and investments to make informed decisions.

Financial Literacy: Stay updated with financial news, read books, and attend seminars to enhance your financial knowledge.
Final Insights
Planning your investments effectively can secure your financial future and help achieve your goals. Here’s a comprehensive approach:

Debt Management: Focus on reducing your car loan to free up funds for investments.

LIC Evaluation: Consider surrendering your LIC policy and reinvesting in mutual funds for better returns.

Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of living expenses.

Mutual Funds: Invest in mutual funds through SIPs for long-term growth. Consider actively managed funds for professional management.

NPS and PPF: Utilize NPS and PPF for long-term growth and tax benefits.

Child Education Planning: Invest in child-specific mutual funds for your child’s education.

Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate health and term insurance coverage for financial protection.

Tax Planning: Invest in tax-saving instruments to maximize savings and reduce tax liability.

Diversification: Create a balanced portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Regular Review: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Continuous Learning: Enhance your financial literacy to make informed investment decisions.

By following this comprehensive plan, you can secure your financial future and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jun 20, 2024 | Answered on Jun 20, 2024
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Thank you Sir.
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

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Hi sir. My age is 66 years, my question to you is where to invest Lic maturity amount of 50 lac which i will be getting in a month's time. I and my wife has the following investments PPF 1CR. Still continuing FD 60L Senior citizen scheme 60L JEEWAN Akshay 50L Pist off.monthly scheme 18L Mutual fund 5L We are staying in our own house and has no financial liability as both my daughters are well settled and married. I have rental income of 30 thosand PM Will it be feasible for me to invest in mutual funds at this stage or go for FD'S etc. Regards
Ans: Congratulations on your upcoming maturity amount from LIC. You have done an excellent job in building a diverse investment portfolio. With your current financial stability and no liabilities, you have the freedom to make informed investment decisions.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
At the age of 66, your primary financial goals might include capital preservation, regular income, and a bit of growth to combat inflation. It is essential to balance these goals while considering your risk tolerance.

Assessing Existing Investments
You have significant investments in safe instruments:

PPF: Rs 1 crore

FD: Rs 60 lakh

Senior Citizen Scheme: Rs 60 lakh

Jeevan Akshay: Rs 50 lakh

Post Office Monthly Scheme: Rs 18 lakh

Mutual Funds: Rs 5 lakh

You also have a rental income of Rs 30,000 per month. This stable income and diversified investments already provide a solid financial foundation.

Considering Mutual Funds for Growth
Investing in mutual funds can provide higher returns compared to traditional instruments like FDs. However, given your age, the focus should be on low to moderate-risk mutual funds. These funds can help in achieving better inflation-adjusted returns without taking excessive risks.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, overseen by professional fund managers, aim to outperform the market. These funds can offer better returns, especially during market fluctuations. With the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you can select funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals.

Drawbacks of Index Funds
Index funds, which passively track a market index, do not offer flexibility during market downturns. They lack the potential to outperform the market since they mirror the index performance. Actively managed funds provide an opportunity for better returns through strategic investment decisions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might appear cost-effective due to lower fees, but they do not offer professional advice. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential provides expert guidance. This ensures that your investments are managed according to your financial needs and risk tolerance.

Considering Fixed Deposits for Stability
Fixed deposits (FDs) offer capital safety and guaranteed returns. They are suitable for risk-averse investors looking for steady income. Given your substantial existing FD investments, adding more could provide further financial security.

Exploring Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is an excellent option for senior citizens seeking regular income. It offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits. Given your current investment in SCSS, you are already benefiting from its stability and returns.

Evaluating Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) is another secure option providing regular income. It ensures capital protection with a fixed monthly return. Your existing investment in POMIS complements your need for regular income.

Balancing Growth and Stability
Given your diversified portfolio, you might consider investing part of the LIC maturity amount in mutual funds for growth. Simultaneously, allocating a portion to FDs or SCSS can maintain stability and provide regular income. This balanced approach can help you achieve your financial goals effectively.

Conclusion
Your financial strategy should align with your goals, risk tolerance, and need for regular income. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide tailored advice. They can help you make informed decisions and optimise your investment portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

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Hy I am 33 years old and have two year old baby girl.I am working and have annual income of 7.5 lakhs.I only have one lic yearly payment 45000.i have 8 lakhs liability.Kinldy advise me to start investment plans and savings.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You have a steady income of Rs 7.5 lakhs per year. You also have a two-year-old daughter and an existing LIC policy. Let's work towards a comprehensive investment and savings plan.

Prioritising Debt Repayment
High Priority: Clear your Rs 8 lakh liability first. Reducing debt lowers financial stress.

Systematic Approach: Allocate a portion of your monthly income towards this repayment.

Building an Emergency Fund
Essential Safety Net: Aim to save at least six months' worth of expenses. This fund ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.

Liquid Funds: Park this money in a liquid fund. They offer quick access and reasonable returns.

Health and Life Insurance
Adequate Cover: Ensure you have sufficient health insurance. This prevents erosion of savings due to medical emergencies.

Term Insurance: Consider a term plan. It offers high coverage at a low cost, ensuring financial security for your family.

Starting Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Regular Investment: Begin with SIPs in mutual funds. They ensure disciplined investing and benefit from rupee cost averaging.

Diversified Portfolio: Choose a mix of equity and debt funds. This balances growth potential and risk.

Equity Funds for Long-term Growth
Higher Returns: Equity funds have the potential for higher returns over the long term. They are suitable for your long-term goals, like your daughter's education and marriage.

Active Management: Actively managed funds often outperform passive ones. They adapt to market conditions for better returns.

Debt Funds for Stability
Low Risk: Debt funds provide stability and lower risk. They are suitable for medium-term goals and balancing your portfolio.

Regular Income: These funds can also offer a regular income stream, useful post-retirement.

Avoiding Index and Direct Funds
Index Funds: These funds only mimic the market and often yield lower returns. They lack active management to navigate market fluctuations.

Direct Funds: Managing direct funds requires significant time and expertise. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures better guidance and management.

Education and Marriage Fund for Your Daughter
Separate Fund: Create a separate investment for your daughter's future needs. Start early to benefit from compounding.

Long-term Growth: Invest in equity mutual funds. They offer better growth for long-term goals.

Tax-saving Investments
ELSS Funds: Equity Linked Savings Schemes offer tax benefits under Section 80C. They also provide the potential for higher returns.

PPF and NPS: Consider Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Pension System (NPS) for tax-saving and long-term growth.

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Investments
Regular Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio. Ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Professional Guidance: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide tailored strategies and adjustments.

Final Insights
Clearing debt, building an emergency fund, and investing in SIPs are crucial. Diversify between equity and debt funds for balanced growth and stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 13, 2025

Money
Hi, my in hand salary is 1 lac , have no plans yet. Planning of buying a house and car in next 5 years. Pls suggest how to invest money and where.
Ans: Your monthly in-hand salary of Rs. 1 lakh gives good opportunity.
You have no liabilities yet. No existing EMIs. That’s a strong base.
You plan to buy a car and a house in the next 5 years.
Let’s look at your goals and create a step-by-step financial plan.

? Monthly Cash Flow Management

– Begin by tracking your monthly expenses carefully.
– Try to save at least 40% of your income.
– That means saving Rs. 40,000 every month.
– Keep expenses below Rs. 60,000 monthly if possible.
– Savings is the first step to investment.

Don’t let your salary slip away in small expenses. Budgeting is a habit.

? Emergency Fund Setup

– Emergency fund gives peace of mind in tough times.
– Save 4 to 6 months of expenses first.
– If your expenses are Rs. 60,000, keep Rs. 3.6L as emergency fund.
– Use a mix of savings bank, FD, and liquid mutual funds.
– Don’t use equity for emergency money.

This amount should be always accessible, but not mixed with regular savings.

? Car Purchase Planning (5-Year Goal)

– Buying a car is a short to medium-term goal.
– Don’t invest this money in equity or shares.
– Equity has risk of short-term losses.
– Use recurring deposit or short-term debt mutual funds.
– Save separately for car down payment.

Suppose you need Rs. 6L for the car.
You need to save Rs. 10,000 per month approximately.
Stick to the plan. Don’t delay saving.

? House Purchase Planning (5-Year Goal)

– House purchase is a high-value goal.
– It also needs big down payment.
– You may need Rs. 15L to Rs. 20L as down payment.
– This is achievable in 5 years with consistent savings.
– Don’t put this in low-return instruments.

Use balanced mutual funds and flexi-cap funds.
They are managed by professionals and grow well.
Choose regular plans through an MFD with CFP support.

Direct mutual funds may seem low-cost.
But they have no expert to guide you.
A small mistake in fund or timing can cost you years.

Regular plan via Certified Financial Planner and MFD ensures proper tracking.
You get goal-based review. Not random investing.

? Monthly Investment Allocation

– Out of Rs. 1L salary, save Rs. 40,000 minimum.
– Split this Rs. 40,000 into three parts:

Rs. 10,000 for car goal (debt fund or RD)

Rs. 20,000 for house down payment (mutual funds)

Rs. 10,000 for long-term wealth creation (mutual funds)

This mix covers your present and future well.
Don’t skip SIP. Don’t redeem unless needed.

? Mutual Fund Investing Strategy

– Equity mutual funds are for long-term growth.
– Use large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds in mix.
– Don’t invest in index funds.
– Index funds have no downside protection.
– They follow market blindly. No manager decisions.
– Actively managed funds perform better in tough markets.

Start with SIPs. Stay consistent.
Increase SIP amount every year with salary hike.

Use regular mutual funds through MFD for service and advice.
Avoid DIY investing unless you track markets full time.

? Investment Discipline and SIP Benefits

– SIP builds investing habit.
– You invest monthly, same date, same amount.
– No need to time market.
– Avoid lump sum investing unless goal is near.
– SIP benefits from rupee cost averaging.

Over time, SIP can grow into big corpus.
Don’t stop SIP if markets go down.
That is when you buy more units.
This builds wealth faster.

? Insurance Planning (Term + Health)

– Insurance is protection, not investment.
– First get a pure term life insurance.
– If you are unmarried now, still take Rs. 1Cr cover.
– Premium is low if taken early.

– Also take health insurance for yourself.
– Start with a cover of Rs. 5L.
– Add top-up later when you have dependents.
– Don’t depend only on office health cover.
– Job change or job loss can remove it.

Buy personal cover which continues always.

? Avoiding Insurance-Linked Investments

– Don’t invest in ULIP or LIC money-back plans.
– These mix insurance with returns.
– Returns are low and lock-in is long.
– Term insurance is better. It’s simple and pure.
– For investment, choose mutual funds separately.

If you already have such plans, check surrender value.
Then move that money to mutual funds.

? Long-Term Wealth Creation

– Start early with equity mutual funds.
– Time in market is more important than timing.
– Set up SIPs for 10+ years.
– Use this for retirement or passive income.

Compound growth works best over long term.
Every delay reduces future gains.

Track your SIPs once a year.
Take help from Certified Financial Planner regularly.

? Tax-Saving Investments

– Use Section 80C limit of Rs. 1.5L every year.
– Choose ELSS mutual funds to save tax and grow wealth.
– ELSS has 3-year lock-in. Shortest among all 80C options.
– Avoid PPF or traditional LIC unless for specific use.

Also claim 80D for health insurance premiums.
Keep tax planning and wealth building connected.

? Asset Allocation Strategy

– Don’t keep all money in one place.
– Mix debt, equity, and cash for right balance.
– Short term goals in debt.
– Long term goals in equity.
– Emergency fund in cash and liquid assets.

Review allocation every year.
Rebalance when market or income changes.

A wrong allocation can ruin best investment choices.
A CFP helps in adjusting this correctly.

? Avoid These Mistakes

– Don’t invest without clear goals.
– Don’t mix investment and insurance.
– Don’t follow random stock tips or apps.
– Don’t stop SIPs due to market fall.
– Don’t delay emergency fund.
– Don’t invest in real estate unless for personal stay.

Real estate lacks liquidity. Also needs huge cash.
Returns are uncertain and often overestimated.

? Start with These Steps Now

– Track all expenses this month.
– Fix Rs. 40,000 for monthly saving.
– Open a SIP in equity mutual fund via MFD.
– Start RD or debt mutual fund for car goal.
– Take term insurance and health cover.
– Keep Rs. 50,000 in savings bank as emergency start.
– Set calendar reminder to review monthly.

Financial discipline beats big income.
Start small but stay regular.

? Finally

– You are at the perfect stage to build strong wealth.
– No loans, no EMIs, and good salary.
– Your 5-year goals are realistic.
– Right investment choices will help you reach them.
– Don’t wait too long to begin.
– Use mutual funds wisely. Avoid index and direct options.
– Direct funds lack guidance. Regular plans with MFD + CFP is safer.
– Use SIPs, avoid lump sum for now.
– Don’t depend on fixed deposits or saving account.
– Don’t forget health and term insurance.

A 360-degree plan gives both safety and growth.
Follow this path with consistency and patience.
You will build wealth faster than you expect.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir good morning, I have 3 kids, age 25,20,20 respectively, first kid comoleted graduation, other 2 doing graduation. Shortly i am getting 15 lakhs from LiC india, how to invest this, kindly guide me
Ans: You're doing well by planning ahead. Raising three children through graduation is not easy. You’ve done it with commitment. Getting Rs.15 lakh now gives you a great chance. This amount, if used well, can create real value. Let’s now look at a 360-degree guidance.

? Clarify the Purpose of the Rs.15 Lakh
– Decide the purpose clearly before investing.
– Is it for children’s higher education?
– Or for their marriage, your retirement, or family wealth creation?
– A confused purpose leads to wrong investment.
– Each goal has different time frame and risk need.
– Without purpose, investment will be random and weak.

? Avoid Reinvesting in Any LIC or Traditional Plan
– LIC maturity money should not go back to similar policies.
– Traditional LIC plans give very low return.
– They mix insurance with investment.
– This kills both goals.
– Return is barely 4–5% after tax.
– Don’t get tempted by loyalty bonus or guaranteed income.
– Instead, invest in pure growth-focused options.

? Check If You Hold Any More LIC, ULIP, or Endowment
– If you hold more LIC or ULIP plans, review them.
– These give poor returns and low flexibility.
– ULIPs have high charges and low clarity.
– Surrender them if they are old and underperforming.
– Shift to mutual funds slowly.
– Mutual funds give better compounding and tax benefit.

? Create a Clear Split of Goals
– If the Rs.15 lakh is meant for children’s higher studies, invest in short-term funds.
– If it is for marriage in 5–7 years, use hybrid mutual funds.
– If it is for retirement or future growth, use equity mutual funds.
– Divide the corpus based on each child’s timeline.
– Don’t mix education, marriage and retirement money.
– Separate money gives clear tracking and better discipline.

? Use Mutual Funds Based on Goal Horizon
– Short-term goal (1–3 years): Use ultra-short or short-duration debt funds.
– Medium-term goal (3–5 years): Use hybrid or conservative allocation funds.
– Long-term goal (5+ years): Use actively managed equity funds.
– Active funds beat index funds in flexibility and stock selection.
– Index funds cannot remove weak stocks.
– Active funds take action based on economy and markets.
– You get better long-term results with guidance.

? Invest Only Through Regular Plans with CFP-MFD Support
– Avoid direct mutual fund plans.
– Direct plans give no advisor or support.
– You may choose wrong fund or asset allocation.
– Regular plans via MFD backed by Certified Financial Planner give personal guidance.
– They help you change funds based on goals.
– They help in tax planning and annual review.
– Cost of regular plan is worth the expert support.

? Don’t Invest in Real Estate Now
– Real estate is not suitable for this Rs.15 lakh.
– It is illiquid and bulky.
– Property needs more funds for registration and repair.
– No regular income from it.
– Renting is not guaranteed.
– Future resale is also uncertain.
– Mutual funds are more flexible and liquid.

? Create Emergency Backup if Not Done Already
– Do you have emergency fund already?
– If not, keep at least Rs.2–3 lakh from this amount.
– Use liquid mutual funds or short-term FD.
– Never invest 100% of funds into long-term instruments.
– Life can bring medical, job, or education urgency.
– Stay prepared always.

? Assign Each Investment to a Child or Goal
– Child 1 (25 years): If working, gift a portion to start their investment journey.
– This will build good financial habits.
– Child 2 and 3 (20 years): If graduation is ongoing, plan for PG or skill courses.
– Allocate portion for each of them.
– Set 2–3 year goal-based investment.
– If not needed immediately, keep in hybrid or balanced funds.

? Don’t Use This Money for Lifestyle Expense
– Avoid using this money for travel or buying gadgets.
– Once spent, it won’t return.
– Keep it fully goal-linked.
– Use it only for family building or future safety.
– Wealth grows only when invested with discipline.

? Teach Your Kids to Monitor These Investments
– Involve your children in tracking these funds.
– Let them learn goal-based investing.
– Share portfolio details with them.
– It builds ownership and financial knowledge.
– You are not just giving money, you are teaching values.

? Tax Planning for Returns
– Mutual fund returns are taxed based on duration.
– For equity funds, short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– For debt funds, both STCG and LTCG are taxed as per your slab.
– Choose funds and redemption timeline accordingly.
– Plan redemptions over 2–3 years to spread taxes.

? Don’t Go for Annuities or Insurance-Based Income Plans
– These plans tie up your funds for long time.
– They give poor return with limited flexibility.
– No inflation protection in many cases.
– Also, you lose access to money early.
– You don’t need fixed income now.
– You need growth, liquidity, and flexibility.

? Review Portfolio Every Year
– Assign dates to check funds once a year.
– See if fund is giving good return.
– Check if fund matches your goal timeline.
– If not, shift fund.
– Don’t hold underperforming funds out of fear.
– With CFP help, you can re-allocate easily.

? Use STP for Large Investment
– Don’t put entire Rs.15 lakh in one day.
– Start with liquid fund.
– Use STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) to shift to equity/hybrid fund.
– This will reduce market timing risk.
– STP gives smooth entry into market.
– It balances volatility in mutual funds.

? Involve a Certified Financial Planner
– Your financial needs are multi-goal now.
– You have children’s future, your own retirement, and family security.
– A CFP-backed Mutual Fund Distributor will plan asset mix.
– They track fund quality and do tax guidance too.
– You will not feel lost or alone with market changes.
– You’ll also avoid emotion-based wrong moves.

? Make Kids Independent Financially
– Instead of only funding children’s studies, teach them to earn early.
– Let them explore part-time work or internships.
– Share investment plan with them.
– Guide them to start their SIPs once they start earning.
– Your money should be seed, not full tree.

? Set Up SIP from This Money
– Use Rs.5–7 lakh to create long-term SIP.
– SIP gives monthly discipline and cost averaging.
– You can start Rs.10,000–15,000 SIP from this amount.
– This will build big corpus in 7–10 years.
– SIPs work best for education and marriage corpus.

? Finally
– Your life stage now is multi-directional.
– Kids growing, responsibilities shifting.
– Rs.15 lakh can become Rs.25–30 lakh if used right.
– First, define the purpose for each rupee.
– Then, assign timeline and product accordingly.
– Use mutual funds, not LIC or real estate.
– Avoid index or direct plans.
– Stick to regular mutual funds with professional help.
– Don't chase short-term returns.
– Use a mix of SIP and STP for smart entry.
– Create individual folios for each goal.
– Get your children to track these plans.
– This one move can build your family’s financial strength for the next 10 years.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Sir, I am 45 yrs old and following are my investments. I have my own house. No EMI's. wife is working in school since last 3 yrs. daughter 12 yrs old. I have kotak policy where i give 3k/month which is set to get matured in 2029, NPS-2k/month, Sukanya samridhi- 2k/month, LIC policy for daughter- 36711/yr, wife has a LIC policy which she started 2 yrs back- 120000/yr and wife also has 2 mutual funds where she invests 2.5k/month each- HDFC top 100 Large cap and Nippon Large Cap. any suggestions on my investments or where i can invest may be 2k/month. Please advice
Ans: You have managed to keep life simple and stable. At 45, with no EMI and a working spouse, you are in a comfortable position. Your daughter’s future is also on your mind, which is wonderful. Now, let us study your current portfolio and see how to make it better.

» Present snapshot
– Kotak policy: Rs 3,000 per month till 2029.
– NPS: Rs 2,000 per month.
– Sukanya Samriddhi: Rs 2,000 per month.
– LIC policy for daughter: Rs 36,711 per year.
– Wife LIC policy: Rs 1,20,000 per year.
– Wife SIPs: Rs 2,500 each in two large cap funds.
– House owned, no EMI.
– Family: wife working, daughter age 12.

» Strengths in your planning
– Own house gives stability and no rent stress.
– Sukanya Samriddhi ensures secured education or marriage fund for daughter.
– NPS adds one more source of retirement income.
– SIP in equity funds has already started, which is good discipline.
– Wife contributes to family wealth actively.
– You have thought of protection through insurance policies.

» Weaknesses seen
– High allocation towards insurance policies.
– These give low return compared to mutual funds.
– Kotak policy is investment plus insurance, returns are modest.
– LIC policy for daughter is not efficient. Insurance should not be bought for children.
– Wife’s LIC policy is heavy premium and early stage.
– Equity mutual fund allocation is very small.
– SIP of Rs 2,000 in NPS will not be enough for retirement.
– Excess money locked in low return products reduces long-term wealth.

» Issue with investment cum insurance policies
– These mix protection and savings.
– Insurance cover is very low compared to need.
– Returns are also less than mutual funds.
– For long-term wealth, equity mutual funds are better.
– Insurance should be separate, only for protection.
– If surrendered, reinvestment into mutual funds will grow faster.

» Importance of term insurance
– At present, no pure term insurance is mentioned.
– Term cover gives large protection at low cost.
– This protects wife and daughter if something happens to you.
– Policies like LIC or Kotak are not giving enough risk cover.
– Buying sufficient term insurance is very important now.

» Mutual fund strategy
– Currently, only wife is investing in large cap funds.
– Large cap alone will not give best returns for 15 years.
– You can add flexi cap, multi cap, and balanced advantage funds.
– Exposure to small and mid cap can be small but helpful.
– Actively managed funds are better than index funds.
– Index funds cannot adjust when market cycles change.
– Active managers rebalance and protect downside.

» Direct fund risk
– If you and wife are investing in direct funds, review is on you.
– Many investors forget rebalancing and stay in wrong funds.
– Regular funds via MFD with CFP review are safer.
– Expert hand ensures portfolio health and right switches.
– Small extra cost is worth the long-term guidance.

» Retirement outlook
– At 45, you may have 15 years till retirement.
– Current allocation is not enough for retirement wealth.
– NPS of Rs 2,000 is too small.
– LIC and Kotak policies will not give enough growth.
– You need higher equity mutual fund allocation.
– At least Rs 10,000–15,000 monthly in equity funds is needed.
– This can be slowly built from extra savings.

» Child education and marriage
– Daughter is 12, higher education is 6 years away.
– Marriage is 15+ years away.
– Sukanya Samriddhi will give guaranteed sum but returns are limited.
– Add equity mutual funds for better growth for education goal.
– SIP linked to child’s education fund can create required corpus.
– Do not depend only on Sukanya and LIC.

» Health protection
– No mention of health insurance.
– Health expenses can eat savings.
– Family health cover should be taken for all.
– At least Rs 10–15 lakh coverage needed.
– This saves you from using EPF or mutual funds in medical emergency.

» Where to put extra Rs 2,000 per month
– Avoid putting into another LIC or endowment policy.
– Put into diversified equity mutual fund.
– Choose active fund category like flexi cap or multi asset.
– This small amount will grow meaningfully in 15 years.
– Increasing SIPs as income grows is also key.

» Tax angle
– Equity mutual funds are tax friendly.
– LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt products like FD or insurance returns are fully taxed at slab rate.
– By using equity mutual funds, you pay lower tax and build wealth.

» Action plan for you
– Buy term insurance cover.
– Buy adequate health insurance for family.
– Continue Sukanya contribution till maturity.
– Continue NPS, but also increase equity mutual funds.
– Slowly reduce exposure to Kotak policy and LIC policies.
– Invest surrendered money into diversified equity funds.
– Wife should continue SIPs but diversify beyond large cap.
– Increase family SIPs step by step every year.
– Keep emergency fund in liquid mutual fund, not in bank account.

» Finally
– You have no EMI burden and own house, which is a big strength.
– You have created many small savings buckets.
– But too much money is locked in low-return policies.
– You need more equity mutual fund exposure for long-term growth.
– Secure family with term insurance and health cover.
– Use SIPs for child education and retirement goals.
– Shift from insurance-based investments to proper mutual funds.
– This will give balance of safety and growth for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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