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Can I retire comfortably at 58 with my current savings and income?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7820 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 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 - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 38 yrs old earning 45000 a month. I have 1 lakh in saving account. Around 2.15 lac in two sukanya samman accounts of my two daughters. I have two lic plans in which I pay Rs 20000 as premium in an year. I took these plans in 2017. Want to live a simple and stable life after retirement at the age of 58 yrs. How should I plan for it?

Ans: Current Financial Snapshot

Age: 38 years
Monthly Income: Rs 45,000
Savings: Rs 1 lakh
Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts: Rs 2.15 lakh for two daughters
LIC Premium: Rs 20,000 annually (since 2017)
Financial Goals

Retirement at 58: 20 years to retirement.
Education and Marriage of Daughters: Financial planning for daughters’ future.
Step-by-Step Plan

1. Emergency Fund

Maintain at least 6 months of expenses in a savings account or liquid fund.
Target: Rs 2.7 lakh (6 x Rs 45,000)
You have Rs 1 lakh; add Rs 1.7 lakh over time.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts

Continue contributing to these accounts.
Offers good interest rates and tax benefits.
Ensure you maximize the yearly limit to benefit from tax savings under Section 80C.
3. LIC Policies

Evaluate the returns of your current LIC policies.
Consider if the returns are meeting your financial goals.
If they are underperforming, you may want to surrender and reinvest in better-performing options like mutual funds.
4. Monthly Savings Allocation

Emergency Fund: Start by saving Rs 5,000 per month until you reach the target.
SIP in Mutual Funds: Invest Rs 10,000 monthly in diversified equity mutual funds. Choose funds with a good track record and managed by reputed fund houses.
PPF: Contribute Rs 5,000 monthly to Public Provident Fund (PPF) for tax benefits and stable returns.
Retirement Fund: Consider investing Rs 5,000 monthly in National Pension System (NPS) for additional tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B).
5. Education and Marriage Fund

Continue with Sukanya Samriddhi for daughters’ education and marriage.
Invest in mutual funds for long-term growth.
6. Health and Life Insurance

Ensure adequate health insurance coverage for the family.
Increase term insurance coverage if necessary.
7. Review and Adjust

Review your investments annually.
Adjust SIP amounts as your income increases.
Example Monthly Allocation:

Emergency Fund: Rs 5,000
SIP in Mutual Funds: Rs 10,000
PPF: Rs 5,000
NPS: Rs 5,000
LIC Premium: Rs 1,667 (monthly equivalent of Rs 20,000 annually)
Why Choose Mutual Funds

Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle investments.
Diversification: Spread across various sectors, reducing risk.
Flexibility: Easily adjust SIP amounts based on financial goals.
Higher Returns: Potential for better returns compared to traditional savings.
Final Insights

Building a stable financial future requires disciplined saving and smart investing. Focus on creating an emergency fund, maximizing tax-saving investments, and choosing high-growth mutual funds. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan to stay on track.

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  |7820 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
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Good evening sir. i am 66year old senior citizen retired last year.wife is 60 years n home.maker.My.investments r as follows..Shares.1.4.cr.Muttual funds.50.lakhs.Sip 75k per month for another 3 years.Real estate plot 1cr.ppf 45 lakhs valid till.2026.Gold around 80 lakhs Daughters married n settled.Son.engineering graduate recently n searching for job.How do i plan for retirement assuming lie span.upto.85.I.have.a family health insurance of 7 lakhs. Looking forward for your valuable guidance.No.liabilities n.own house.
Ans: Your investment portfolio looks quite healthy. You have a variety of assets:

Rs 1.4 crore in shares
Rs 50 lakh in mutual funds
SIP of Rs 75,000 per month for another 3 years
Rs 1 crore real estate plot
Rs 45 lakh in PPF
Rs 80 lakh in gold
You also have a health insurance cover of Rs 7 lakh and no liabilities. With your wife being a homemaker, and your children settled, the focus should be on planning for sustainable retirement income.

Let’s analyse the situation and guide you on how to ensure your funds last throughout your retirement. Your goal is to maintain financial security till the age of 85, which means planning for the next 19 years.

Evaluating Your Current Assets
Shares (Rs 1.4 crore)
This is a substantial part of your portfolio. Shares can provide high returns but are volatile. Since you are retired, you need stability more than high-risk exposure. I suggest reviewing your shareholding and considering shifting a portion of this into less risky assets.

You may continue holding some of these shares for capital appreciation.
Shift part of the portfolio into less volatile instruments for regular income.
Mutual Funds (Rs 50 lakh) and SIPs
You have Rs 50 lakh in mutual funds and an ongoing SIP of Rs 75,000 per month for another three years. This systematic investment is a good approach, as it helps build wealth.

You could switch some of these mutual funds from growth-oriented funds to regular income-oriented funds.
This will ensure a steady stream of income while still enjoying some growth.
Note: Actively managed funds could be a better option for you at this stage of life. They are guided by professional fund managers who adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. Index funds, on the other hand, follow the market passively and can be volatile.

PPF (Rs 45 lakh, Valid Till 2026)
The PPF is a safe investment, giving tax-free returns. With Rs 45 lakh, it serves as a stable part of your portfolio.

You should continue holding it until maturity in 2026.
Upon maturity, reinvesting the proceeds into senior citizen schemes or low-risk instruments can ensure steady income.
Gold (Rs 80 lakh)
Your gold holding is quite significant. While gold can act as a hedge against inflation, it does not generate regular income.

I suggest retaining some portion of the gold.
Consider liquidating part of the gold and shifting the proceeds into low-risk, income-generating investments.
Real Estate Plot (Rs 1 crore)
You have a real estate plot valued at Rs 1 crore. However, real estate is an illiquid asset and may not provide regular income unless rented or sold.

You can explore selling this property if it doesn’t generate regular cash flow.
Reinvest the proceeds into safer, more liquid instruments that provide monthly income.
Retirement Corpus and Monthly Income
At this stage, it's crucial to build a consistent monthly income stream to meet your expenses.

Look at investing a portion of your shares, mutual funds, or real estate sale proceeds into debt instruments.
Debt mutual funds, bonds, or government-backed schemes can provide a steady flow of income without high risk.
You need to evaluate your monthly expenses and match them with the income from investments. Based on your assets, there are several options that offer predictable returns:

Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS): Offers regular income, government-backed, and safe.
Debt Funds: These are relatively safe mutual funds focusing on fixed-income securities.
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs): These are hybrid mutual funds designed to give regular income, ideal for retirees.
These options can ensure that you have a regular monthly income to meet your lifestyle needs without depending on volatile assets like shares.

Emergency Fund Planning
You should keep aside 1-2 years’ worth of expenses in a very liquid form. This ensures you are prepared for any unexpected emergencies without liquidating long-term assets.

Liquid funds or bank fixed deposits can be a suitable place to park these emergency funds.
It will give you quick access to money, should the need arise.
Health Insurance Review
You currently have health insurance of Rs 7 lakh. At your age, healthcare expenses can rise, so reviewing your health cover is essential.

I recommend increasing your coverage to at least Rs 15-20 lakh.
You can do this by either upgrading your existing policy or taking a top-up plan.
Healthcare expenses are unpredictable and can put a strain on your savings. A larger health cover can protect your retirement corpus from being eroded.

Plan for Your Wife
Since your wife is a homemaker, it is important to ensure that she has financial security. If anything were to happen to you, she must have access to regular income and health coverage.

You can consider setting up joint investment accounts with your wife.
Ensure that your will and nominations are up to date.
Also, review her health insurance separately. Since she is 60 years old, it’s important that she has adequate cover in case of emergencies.

Structuring Your Retirement Income
Given the wide range of assets you have, structuring them properly is key to meeting your retirement goals. Here's how you can proceed:

Short-term needs (1-3 years): Keep money in highly liquid assets like bank FDs or liquid funds for emergencies.

Medium-term needs (3-10 years): Invest in debt mutual funds, bonds, or SCSS for regular income.

Long-term needs (10-15 years): Keep a portion of your shares and mutual funds invested for growth, but gradually move some into safer instruments.

Inflation Protection
You must also account for inflation in your retirement planning. Inflation will erode the value of your savings over time.

Consider keeping a portion of your funds invested in growth-oriented assets like mutual funds.
Gold also acts as a hedge against inflation, so maintaining some of your gold holdings will help.
Estate Planning
Since you own significant assets, it’s important to ensure a smooth transfer to your heirs.

Create a will if you haven’t already.
Review your nominations in all investment accounts and insurance policies to avoid legal complications.
You should ensure that your son, daughter, and wife are clear about your financial plans. This will help them manage assets if you are no longer able to.

Finally
You are in a strong financial position, but retirement requires careful planning. Diversifying your assets into more stable, income-generating options will give you the peace of mind that your money will last for the rest of your life.

Consider reducing exposure to volatile assets like shares.
Ensure regular monthly income through safer investments like debt mutual funds and senior citizen schemes.
Increase your health insurance cover to protect against rising healthcare costs.
By structuring your investments properly and making adjustments where necessary, you can ensure that you enjoy a comfortable retirement without worrying about outliving your savings.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7820 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 62years old living with spouse son and daughter are settled in city with spouse and children, I am having property with 4cr agri land and sight living in own house, I am having business in rental shop own capital of 80 L annual income 15to 20L . I want to stop business, to take retirement. Getting lic of 30L by 2027, no any income from properties how can I plan further life,
Ans: You have no liabilities.

You own property worth Rs 4 Cr.

You have a profitable business.

You will receive Rs 30 L from LIC by 2027.

Your children are financially independent.

These factors give you financial security.

Impact of Stopping the Business
Your annual income of Rs 15-20 L will stop.

You will need alternative income sources.

Your lifestyle should remain comfortable post-retirement.

Your savings must last for decades.

Utilising Your LIC Payout
You will receive Rs 30 L in 2027.

Avoid reinvesting in low-yield options.

A well-balanced portfolio is needed.

Consider investing in mutual funds for long-term growth.

Generating Post-Retirement Income
Your property is not generating income.

Explore options like leasing agricultural land.

Rental income can provide stable cash flow.

Investments should provide regular income and capital growth.

Investment Strategy for Stability
Fixed deposits can provide liquidity but offer lower returns.

Mutual funds can generate inflation-beating returns.

A mix of growth and income-focused funds is ideal.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for proper asset allocation.

Healthcare and Emergency Planning
Medical expenses increase with age.

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance.

Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

Final Insights
Your financial position is strong.

You need a new income strategy post-retirement.

Investing wisely will ensure long-term financial security.

Property should generate passive income where possible.

Keep reviewing and adjusting your financial plan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7820 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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I am 27 years old with 2 cr corpus to invest planning to retire at the age of 35 can realistically consider??
Ans: You have built an impressive corpus of Rs 2 crore at 27. This is a great achievement.

Planning to retire at 35 is ambitious, but not impossible. It requires careful investment, expense control, and passive income generation.

Let’s evaluate if your corpus is enough for lifelong financial security.

Key Strengths in Your Plan
Strong starting corpus of Rs 2 crore at a young age.

A long investment horizon for wealth compounding.

No mention of liabilities, which keeps finances flexible.

Time to take calculated risks, as you have many earning years ahead.

Challenges to Consider
Retiring at 35 means funding expenses for 50+ years.

Inflation will significantly reduce purchasing power over time.

Medical costs will increase as you age, requiring a long-term plan.

You need passive income sources, as early retirement stops active earnings.

Investment growth must outpace withdrawals, or funds will deplete early.

Critical Factors for Early Retirement
1. Expected Monthly Expenses After Retirement
Your current expenses will rise due to inflation.

Lifestyle, travel, and healthcare costs will add to financial pressure.

Unexpected emergencies require backup funds.

You need a sustainable withdrawal plan to avoid exhausting your corpus.

2. Investment Growth vs. Inflation
A major risk is slow portfolio growth against rising expenses.

Bank FDs and conservative instruments won’t sustain early retirement.

Actively managed mutual funds provide better long-term returns.

Avoid index funds, as they lack flexibility in volatile markets.

Your portfolio should have growth and stability in the right proportion.

3. Sustainable Withdrawal Strategy
You need income-generating investments to replace active earnings.

Systematic withdrawals from mutual funds can support expenses.

A portion of funds should stay in equity for long-term growth.

Debt funds and fixed-income instruments can provide stability.

Avoid high-risk investments, as capital preservation is crucial.

Is Rs 2 Crore Enough to Retire at 35?
If your monthly expense is Rs 1 lakh, it will grow with inflation.

Your corpus should sustain withdrawals for at least 50 years.

A mix of growth and income investments will improve longevity.

A structured asset allocation plan is necessary for risk management.

Working with a Certified Financial Planner will help optimise your strategy.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Increase Your Investments Till 35
Keep investing aggressively till retirement.

SIP contributions should increase yearly, based on income growth.

Avoid direct funds, as regular funds with CFP guidance perform better.

Diversify between equity and debt funds for stability.

2. Build Passive Income Sources
Dividend-paying funds can provide stable returns.

Rental income is unreliable due to maintenance costs and tenant risks.

A withdrawal strategy from mutual funds ensures liquidity.

A mix of growth and income funds will sustain long-term cash flow.

3. Plan for Medical and Emergency Expenses
Health insurance is important, but personal medical reserves are also needed.

Unexpected health issues can disrupt finances if not planned.

A dedicated medical fund ensures long-term security.

Finally
Rs 2 crore is a great start, but more investment is needed before retiring at 35.

You must grow your corpus aggressively over the next 8 years.

Avoid index funds and direct plans, as active management provides better results.

Create a structured withdrawal plan to avoid running out of money early.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to build a sustainable early retirement plan.

With the right asset allocation and investment discipline, early retirement is possible.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7820 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

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I am 37 years old with 75 lakhs in equity, 6 lakhs in bonds and 3 lakhs in emergency fund. I don't own a home . Living in rental house. Monthly salary is 1.5 lakhs with savings of 60k per month. Have three kids of 7 year and twins 1 years . How can I plan my financial situation.
Ans: Your financial situation is stable, and your savings rate is good. You have a strong base in equity and a small portion in bonds. Since you have three young children, long-term planning is critical. Below is a structured financial plan for you.

1. Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
Equity investments: Rs 75L

Bonds: Rs 6L

Emergency fund: Rs 3L

Monthly salary: Rs 1.5L

Monthly savings: Rs 60K

Living in a rental house

Three children: 7-year-old and 1-year-old twins

You have a good salary and savings rate. Your equity exposure is high, but bonds and emergency funds are low. You need to focus on asset allocation, risk management, and future expenses.

2. Setting Up a Strong Emergency Fund
Emergency funds should cover at least 12 months of expenses.

You currently have Rs 3L, which may not be enough.

Increase it to at least Rs 12L.

Keep it in a mix of liquid funds and bank FDs.

This will protect you from sudden financial shocks.

3. Asset Allocation for Stability
Your current portfolio is heavily tilted towards equity.

You need to balance risk by adding more bonds and fixed-income instruments.

Maintain at least 20-25% of your portfolio in debt.

Increase investments in bonds, debt funds, and other safe instruments.

This will provide stability during market downturns.

4. Future Education Expenses
Your children’s education will be a major expense.

Start a dedicated investment plan for their higher education.

Use a mix of equity mutual funds and debt funds.

Increase allocation as your income grows.

Avoid investment-linked insurance policies.

Planning now will reduce financial stress later.

5. Retirement Planning
You need a strong retirement corpus.

Continue investing in equity mutual funds for long-term growth.

Increase your SIPs every year.

Add some allocation to debt to reduce risk as you age.

Do not rely on real estate for retirement income.

Early planning will give you financial freedom.

6. Life and Health Insurance
With three children, life insurance is critical.

Get a term insurance plan with a high sum assured.

Avoid ULIPs and endowment policies.

Health insurance should cover all family members.

Get a super top-up policy for extra coverage.

Proper insurance will secure your family’s future.

7. Investing Your Monthly Savings
Rs 60K savings per month is good, but it should be structured well.

Allocate funds to equity, debt, and emergency reserves.

Increase equity investments through SIPs in actively managed funds.

Avoid index funds due to their rigid structure.

Invest in actively managed funds through a CFP-certified MFD.

A structured investment plan will maximize returns.

8. Planning for Children’s Marriage
Children’s weddings can be a large expense.

Start a dedicated investment for this goal.

Invest in balanced funds to reduce risk.

Increase allocation as the event gets closer.

Early planning will help you manage this cost easily.

9. Managing Rent vs. Buying a Home
You are currently living in a rental house.

Avoid emotional decisions when buying a home.

Consider renting if it is more cost-effective.

Focus on liquidity and flexibility.

This approach will help you maintain financial stability.

10. Tax Planning
Use tax-saving instruments efficiently.

Maximize deductions under Section 80C and 80D.

Invest in ELSS funds for tax benefits.

Avoid tax-inefficient investments like traditional insurance plans.

Proper tax planning will increase your net savings.

11. Periodic Review of Your Portfolio
Financial planning is not a one-time activity.

Review your portfolio every year.

Adjust asset allocation based on market conditions.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for better insights.

Regular review will ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Your financial journey is strong, but improvements are needed. You must balance risk and plan for future expenses. Continue disciplined investing and review your plan regularly.

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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