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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 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 30, 2024Hindi
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I am 38 years I am planning to retire at 45 years with 2 Cr on corpus.let me know how much SIp I need to do as I am aggressive investor.

Ans: It's commendable that you're planning for an early retirement at 45 and aiming for a significant corpus of 2 Crores. As an aggressive investor, you're willing to take on higher risk for potentially higher returns.

To achieve your goal, you'll need to calculate the SIP amount based on factors like expected rate of return and investment horizon. Since you're aiming for an early retirement, you'll likely need to invest a substantial amount each month to reach your target.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I advise caution when aiming for aggressive investment goals. While higher risk can lead to higher returns, it also increases the possibility of volatility and potential losses.

Instead of providing a specific SIP amount here, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a CFP who can conduct a detailed analysis of your financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment goals.

During the consultation, your CFP will help determine the most appropriate investment strategy to maximize growth potential while managing risk effectively. They'll consider factors like asset allocation, diversification, and investment time horizon to tailor a plan that aligns with your objectives.

Remember, achieving financial goals requires discipline, patience, and a well-thought-out strategy. By working closely with a CFP, you can create a roadmap to reach your retirement target and secure your financial future.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir My age is 29. How much amount i have to invest in SIP for 5 Cr Corpus in 20 years.
Ans: your goal of building a Rs 5 crore corpus over 20 years through SIP investments is a significant and achievable target. Let's carefully explore the best way to approach this, considering your age and the power of long-term investments.

At 29, you have a considerable time horizon. This gives you a great advantage in compounding growth over time. A well-structured plan with disciplined SIP contributions can help you reach your financial goal comfortably.

Below is a comprehensive and 360-degree approach to achieving this target while keeping everything simple and straightforward.

The Power of Compounding Over 20 Years
The first key factor in building a large corpus is to understand the power of compounding. Over time, the returns on your investments will multiply, especially when invested in mutual funds. The longer you stay invested, the greater your returns, as they are compounded annually.

Even small contributions made consistently through SIP can grow into substantial amounts.

Three critical factors that affect how much you need to invest monthly are:

The rate of return you expect from your investments.
The time horizon, which in your case is 20 years.
The corpus target, which is Rs 5 crore.
Choosing the Right Type of Mutual Fund
For long-term goals like this, equity mutual funds are typically recommended. However, choosing actively managed funds instead of index or direct funds will be essential for maximizing your returns. Let’s briefly discuss why actively managed funds are better for long-term wealth creation.

Why Actively Managed Funds?
Actively managed funds offer the benefit of professional fund management. A seasoned fund manager makes investment decisions based on market research and economic conditions, aiming to outperform the market and provide better returns than passively managed funds like index funds.

Index funds only aim to replicate the performance of a benchmark index, which may limit returns.

Direct funds may reduce costs, but many investors prefer regular plans due to the professional advice they get through mutual fund distributors (MFDs), especially those with CFP credentials.

Rate of Return Expectations
For this calculation, let’s assume an expected return from equity mutual funds of around 12%. This is a realistic expectation for equity investments over the long term. Historically, equity markets have provided such returns over two decades or longer.

Keep in mind that actual returns can fluctuate year by year due to market volatility. However, sticking to the plan despite market ups and downs will allow you to benefit from long-term growth.

Monthly SIP Contribution
To accumulate Rs 5 crore over 20 years, a disciplined SIP approach is key. Since we expect a return of 12% over this period, the monthly SIP amount you will need to invest is crucial. Based on this, the SIP contribution required to reach Rs 5 crore could be estimated. I won’t go into specific calculations here, but you can adjust your contribution if the market returns are higher or lower.

Review and Adjustments Over Time
While your SIP contributions will be consistent, it is wise to review your investment every few years. The market, your personal financial situation, and your goals may evolve. If, at any point, you feel that the returns are not aligning with your expectations, consider rebalancing your portfolio. Actively managed funds allow flexibility and adjustments based on market conditions, which direct or index funds do not provide.

You may also want to increase your SIP amount over time as your income increases or as your expenses reduce. For example, every two to three years, consider increasing the SIP amount by 10% to 15%. This will help you reach your Rs 5 crore target faster and counter inflation.

Taxation on Mutual Funds
As you grow your investments, keep in mind the taxation rules on mutual fund investments.

Equity mutual funds: When you sell units after holding them for more than a year, gains over Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed as long-term capital gains (LTCG) at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG): If units are sold within a year, the gains are taxed at 20%.

While tax should not be the primary focus, understanding it will help you plan better when it’s time to redeem or rebalance your investments.

Build an Emergency Fund First
Before you dive fully into SIPs, it is crucial to ensure that you have an emergency fund in place. The emergency fund should cover at least six to twelve months' worth of expenses. This will help you avoid withdrawing from your mutual fund investments in case of emergencies, allowing your corpus to grow uninterrupted.

Your emergency fund should ideally be kept in liquid or debt funds for easy access. These funds are relatively low-risk and provide moderate returns.

Protecting Your Investments
While focusing on building wealth, it’s equally important to protect it. Make sure you have adequate health and life insurance.

Life insurance: A term insurance plan is the best option for providing financial security to your dependents in case of any unfortunate event.

Health insurance: Ensure you have sufficient health coverage, separate from any corporate insurance plan. Medical emergencies can deplete your savings if not adequately insured.

Benefits of Regularly Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through a mutual fund distributor (MFD) who is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers a lot of benefits. They can provide you with expert guidance, portfolio reviews, and help you stick to your long-term goals. An MFD with CFP credentials brings a holistic approach to financial planning and will help you navigate different market cycles and keep your financial plan on track.

Regular plan investments are ideal for getting professional advice.

Direct plan investments may seem cost-effective, but they do not offer the same level of service and guidance, which is critical for long-term success.

Avoid Real Estate Investments
While real estate might seem like an attractive option to many, it is better to avoid it for long-term wealth creation. Real estate investments come with high entry and exit costs, liquidity challenges, and legal complexities. Mutual funds provide better flexibility, liquidity, and returns over the long term, especially when your goal is Rs 5 crore in 20 years.

Inflation-Proof Your Future
The goal of Rs 5 crore should not just be viewed as a number but as a future financial requirement that can beat inflation. Over the next 20 years, inflation will erode the purchasing power of money. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your investments grow at a rate that outpaces inflation, which is typically achieved through equity mutual funds.

Equity funds have consistently outperformed inflation over the long term. By maintaining a disciplined SIP approach and avoiding early withdrawals, your corpus can remain inflation-proof.

Final Insights
To summarize the plan:

Start your SIP in actively managed mutual funds with a goal to accumulate Rs 5 crore.

Invest through regular funds, preferably via an MFD with CFP credentials, for professional guidance.

Expect a return of around 12% from equity mutual funds over 20 years.

Review your SIP amount every few years and consider increasing it as your income grows.

Build an emergency fund first, covering six to twelve months of expenses.

Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage to protect your wealth.

Refrain from investing in direct funds or real estate, as they may not offer the same benefits as actively managed mutual funds.

Stay disciplined with your investments and avoid emotional decisions driven by short-term market fluctuations.

By following this structured approach, you can stay on track to achieve your Rs 5 crore target in 20 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 16, 2024Hindi
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I am 35years I am planning to retire at 58 years with 2 Cr on corpus.let me know how much SIP I need to invest
Ans: At 35 years of age, aiming for a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus by 58 is an achievable goal with disciplined investing. Let’s break down the steps to assess your SIP requirements.

Evaluating Your Time Horizon and Goal
You have 23 years to accumulate Rs 2 crore. This long-term horizon allows you to take advantage of equity mutual funds' potential growth. With time on your side, the power of compounding will work in your favour.

However, as you approach retirement, you should consider gradually shifting part of your investments to safer avenues to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Factors to Consider for SIP Calculation
Before deciding on the SIP amount, keep these factors in mind:

Inflation Impact: Inflation will erode the purchasing power of your corpus. To address this, targeting a slightly higher corpus (beyond Rs 2 crore) is prudent.

Expected Returns: Equity mutual funds have historically provided returns of 10-12% per annum. For conservative planning, assume a return of around 10% annually.

Tax Considerations: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds are taxable at 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh per year. Keeping this in mind helps in better planning.

How Much SIP to Invest?
The SIP amount you need depends on the rate of return you assume and how aggressively you want to invest. Here's an estimated SIP amount range based on different return assumptions:

Assuming 10% returns: You would need to invest around Rs 25,000-30,000 per month.

Assuming 12% returns: You could achieve the same corpus with an SIP of around Rs 20,000-25,000 per month.

These are rough estimates, and the actual amount will vary depending on market conditions, your portfolio performance, and adjustments over time.

Why Equity Mutual Funds Are Suitable
For a 23-year time horizon, equity mutual funds offer growth potential that other asset classes might not match. Here’s why:

Growth Potential: Equity funds can outpace inflation and provide significant wealth creation over the long term.

Diversification: Investing in a variety of equity funds helps balance risk and reward, especially in a volatile market.

Flexibility: You can adjust your SIPs based on your financial situation, increasing or decreasing contributions as necessary.

Avoid Index Funds and Direct Plans
While index funds are popular for their low cost, actively managed equity funds could provide better returns in the long run due to their ability to outperform benchmarks. Direct plans may seem attractive because of lower expense ratios, but working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and investing in regular plans through a mutual fund distributor can offer better guidance and active monitoring of your portfolio.

Adjusting Your SIP Over Time
As you get closer to retirement, you should review and adjust your SIPs to ensure you stay on track:

Increase SIP Amount: Gradually increasing your SIP contributions over time helps counter inflation and any market fluctuations.

Portfolio Rebalancing: Closer to retirement, you might want to move some funds into debt mutual funds to reduce risk.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Post-retirement, an SWP can provide regular income while keeping your investments growing.

Final Insights
To reach a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus by age 58, starting with an SIP of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 is a practical and achievable goal. Equities are likely your best bet for long-term growth, but plan for tax implications and the impact of inflation on your retirement lifestyle.

Regularly review your investments with your CFP to stay on track. You can always increase your SIP as your income grows, ensuring your corpus meets your future financial needs.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 19, 2024

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Sir my age is 48,how much amount I have to invest in sip for 2 cr corpus in 8 year
Ans: SIP Required for Rs 2 Crore Corpus in 8 Years
At the age of 48, aiming to accumulate a corpus of Rs 2 crore in 8 years is a clear and achievable goal with disciplined SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) investments. Let's explore two methods to reach this target based on different investment strategies.

Option 1: Fixed SIP of Rs 1.25 Lakhs Per Month
SIP Amount: Rs 1.25 lakhs per month

Investment Tenure: 8 years

Expected CAGR: 12%

If you invest Rs 1.25 lakhs monthly in an equity mutual fund with a 12% annual growth rate, you will reach your goal of Rs 2 crore in 8 years.

This approach involves no changes to the monthly SIP amount throughout the investment period.

Option 2: SIP of Rs 92,000 with a 10% Step-Up
SIP Amount: Rs 92,000 per month

Investment Tenure: 8 years

Step-Up Rate: 10% annually

Expected CAGR: 12%

If you start with Rs 92,000 per month and increase your SIP by 10% each year, you can also achieve Rs 2 crore in 8 years with a 12% CAGR.

This method allows you to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it, making it easier to manage in the initial years.

Which Option to Choose?
Fixed SIP: A fixed SIP of Rs 1.25 lakh per month is straightforward and works well if you have a steady cash flow.

Step-Up SIP: The Rs 92,000 SIP with a 10% annual increase is more flexible. It’s ideal if your income is expected to rise over time, allowing you to invest more progressively.

Factors to Consider
Risk Appetite: Since you're investing in equity funds with an expected 12% CAGR, keep in mind that these returns are based on historical market performance. Markets may be volatile in the short term but generally smooth out over the long run.

Discipline: Consistency is crucial. Whether you opt for a fixed SIP or a step-up, the key is to stick to the plan throughout the 8 years.

Emergency Fund: Ensure that your liquidity needs are taken care of with a separate emergency fund so you don't disrupt your SIPs.

Final Insights
Both methods can help you achieve your Rs 2 crore goal. The fixed SIP of Rs 1.25 lakhs gives you a straightforward, no-increase approach. The step-up SIP of Rs 92,000 per month allows more flexibility and is ideal if you expect a gradual rise in income.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Money
I am 38 years old and self-employed, earning an average of 1.8 to 2 lakhs per month. I have a home loan of 44 lakhs (EMI is 46,000, tenure 15 years). There is no other liabilities. My investments include 11 lakhs in mutual funds, 3 lakhs in fixed deposits, and 1.5 lakh in gold. Should I focus on prepaying the home loan given my irregular income, or keep my investments intact and continue with EMIs?
Ans: You are doing quite well, especially with your investments and controlled liabilities. Your financial discipline is truly appreciable.

You are 38, self-employed, with Rs.1.8 to 2 lakhs monthly income.
Your current home loan is Rs.44 lakhs with EMI of Rs.46,000 for 15 years.
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds, Rs.3 lakhs in FDs, and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.
Your income is irregular, but you have no other liabilities.

Let us now do a 360-degree evaluation of whether to prepay the loan or stay invested.

 

Step-by-Step Financial Assessment
1. Evaluate the Stability of Your Income First
You earn between Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

Loan EMI is Rs.46,000 — about 25% of your average income.

 

If income drops in any month, EMI pressure will increase.

 

So we must first ensure EMI is always affordable, without stress.

 

Hence, liquidity is more important for you right now than aggressive loan prepayment.

 

2. Evaluate Your Emergency Reserve
You have Rs.3 lakhs in FD and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

Your EMI is Rs.46,000, and personal expenses will also be there.

 

Ideal emergency fund for you = 6 to 9 months of expenses + EMI.

 

That is around Rs.6 to Rs.8 lakhs minimum.

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

3. Assess the Role of Mutual Funds
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds. That’s a solid step.

Now let’s assess whether to redeem this and prepay loan.

 

Should You Redeem Mutual Funds to Prepay?
Mutual funds, over long term, give better post-tax return than loan savings.

 

Loan interest is 8% to 9%, whereas mutual funds can give 11–13% in long term.

 

Especially if funds are equity-oriented and held for 5+ years.

 

You will also get capital gains tax exemption on Rs.1.25 lakhs LTCG annually.

 

If you redeem funds, you lose growth potential and compounding.

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

So, do not redeem the entire Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds.

 

4. Disadvantage of Early Loan Prepayment in Your Case
Prepaying early will reduce interest over time, yes.

 

But you may run into cash flow stress in slow months.

 

Once money is used to prepay, it cannot be taken back easily.

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

Also, income tax benefit under Section 24(b) gets reduced if loan balance drops.

 

So it’s better to maintain balance between repayment and investment.

 

5. Best Strategy for You – A Balanced Approach
Let’s now craft the best plan for you.

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

Increase emergency fund to at least Rs.6–Rs.7 lakhs.

 

For that, set aside extra Rs.2.5–Rs.3 lakhs from savings over time.

 

This makes your EMI safe even in low-income months.

 

Continue Your Mutual Fund SIPs Without Stopping
SIPs give long-term growth and beat loan interest in most cases.

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

Start Small and Periodic Prepayments
Don’t do bulk prepayment now. Do systematic small prepayments.

 

For example, Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 extra every 3–4 months.

 

When income is higher, use that surplus to prepay in parts.

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

Track Your Loan Amortisation Every 6 Months
Use netbanking or get a fresh loan statement every 6 months.

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Avoid One-Time Full Prepayment
That would kill your long-term investment compounding.

 

Also removes your income tax benefit under Section 24(b).

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

Final Insights
Do not do bulk home loan prepayment from mutual funds now.

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

Grow your emergency fund to Rs.6–7 lakhs minimum.

 

Use surplus months to make small part-payments towards home loan.

 

This protects your peace and builds wealth at the same time.

 

Reassess in 2–3 years. You may be able to prepay more later.

 

You are already in a good financial position. Your thoughtful approach is praiseworthy.

 

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
i wish to purchase new car i10, should i purchase the same through own money or should i take a vehicle loan from bank and the money own by my to be kept as FDR or liquid mutual fund
Ans: It’s a good sign that you’re thinking before buying a car. You’re not rushing into it. That shows maturity and smart thinking.

We will now evaluate own money vs vehicle loan — from every angle.

 

Understanding the Nature of a Car Purchase
A car is not an investment.

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

It depreciates every year. Its value goes down, not up.

 

So the cheaper the total cost, the better for your wealth.

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

No need to deal with bank, forms, hypothecation etc.

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

Option 2: Take Vehicle Loan & Keep Own Money in FDR or Liquid Mutual Fund
Let’s evaluate this with care.

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

You must pay insurance, EMI, fuel, and service together.

 

FDR and Liquid Mutual Funds give lower returns than loan cost.

 

So you will likely lose more in interest than you gain.

 

Let's Compare: Interest Rate vs Investment Return
Vehicle loan interest is usually 9% to 11% per year.

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

Liquid mutual funds give 6% to 7.5% on average.

 

So you pay more to the bank than you earn from investment.

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

This means taking a car loan and investing your own money leads to net loss.

 

Best Option for You: Smart Compromise Approach
Let me share a wise solution.

 

Don’t use full own money. Don’t take full loan either.

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

Take a small car loan for the remaining 20–30% only.

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

You reduce interest cost and also keep Rs.50,000–Rs.1 lakh aside.

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

Only Take a Car Loan If:
Your job income is stable.

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

Avoid This Mistake:
Never buy a more expensive car because loan makes it “feel affordable.”

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

Whether you buy with loan or cash, pick a simple car within limits.

 

i10 is a wise, middle-ground choice. Good thought.

 

Tax Angle (If Business Use)
If you are using the car for business, vehicle loan interest may be tax-deductible.

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

Final Insights
A car is a need, not an investment.

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

Taking a full car loan and investing the money gives net negative return.

 

Best option is a split approach — pay major part from own funds.

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

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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