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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 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 - May 05, 2024Hindi
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I am 39 year old married we are leaving with our 7year old daughter. I have 1Cr term insurance. I have 5L office + 5L personal health Insurance. Current Cumulative (me and wife) income 135000 per month. Liabilities Home Loan 24L remained paying 21500 per month EMI. Other Loans - 225000, 10000 per month EMI. My Current detailed investment. NPS 368000/-, 6643 per month EPF 827000/-, 16000 per month Total Mutual Funds 612000/-, 7750 per month Nippon India Small cap 112000/-, 500 per month Mirae asset Larg & Mid Cap 263000/-, 3500 per month, Kotak Flexi cap Fund 142000/- , 1000per month. Prag Parekh Flexi Cap 75450/-, 1750 per month. ICICI Corporate Bond Fund 19750/-, 1000 per month. My Wife investment. Total Mutual Funds 633000/- 13500 per month. Axis Small Cap 94580/-, 1300 per month. Mirae asset Larg & Mid Cap 127000/-, 2500 per month. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF 58390/-, 1600 per month. Axis Blue Chip 184000/-, 4500 per month. Parag Parekh Flexi cap 169000/-, 3600 per month. Sukanya Samrudhi Yojna 75000/-, 1000 per month Cumulatively we have overall Saving till now is 247500/- aprox, and current monthly investment is 44893/- Our currently Monthly expenses are around 50000/- Goals Car of 1500000/- in next 3 to 4 years. Daughters Education 1Cr after 11 years. Daughters Marriage 5000000/- After 17 years. Retirement at 58 years 2Cr life expectancy 75Years (me and wife) Please suggest if goals are reachable with current investment? Please suggest estimated goal amount will be sufficient that time? Please suggest if changes required in goal or monthly or mutual funds investment? Highly appreciated if other suggestions

Ans: You've laid out a comprehensive financial picture with clear goals and detailed investments. Let's analyze and provide insights to help you reach your objectives:

Goals Assessment:
Car Purchase: With your current monthly savings and investment capacity, you're on track to achieve this goal within the specified timeframe.
Daughter's Education: To accumulate 1 crore in 11 years, consider increasing your monthly investment in mutual funds and exploring additional avenues like education-specific investment products or child education plans.
Daughter's Marriage: To accumulate 50 lakhs in 17 years, you may need to enhance your investment contributions further. Review your asset allocation and consider higher-risk, potentially higher-return investments to accelerate growth.
Retirement: Accumulating 2 crores by age 58 seems achievable with your current investments, but it's essential to regularly review and adjust your portfolio to account for changing market conditions and evolving financial needs.
Monthly Investments and Mutual Funds:
Evaluate your current mutual fund portfolio's performance and alignment with your goals. Consider diversifying across different asset classes and fund categories to manage risk and optimize returns.
Increase your SIP amounts gradually, aiming to maximize contributions within your budget constraints. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain an optimal asset allocation.
Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
Emergency Fund and Insurance:
Ensure your emergency fund is sufficient to cover at least six months' worth of living expenses. Consider enhancing it further to mitigate unforeseen financial risks effectively.
Review your insurance coverage periodically to ensure it adequately protects your family's financial well-being. Consider supplementing your term insurance coverage if necessary.
Additional Suggestions:
Explore tax-efficient investment options such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) to optimize tax benefits while investing for your long-term goals.
Continuously educate yourself on personal finance and investment principles to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market dynamics effectively.
Regularly reassess your financial plan and goals, making adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving financial independence and security.
Overall, with disciplined saving, prudent investing, and periodic review and adjustments, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial goals. Stay focused on your objectives, remain disciplined in your financial habits, and seek professional guidance when needed to navigate your financial journey successfully.
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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 31, 2023Hindi
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Hi, My age is 28. Married. My daughter is 4 months old. My monthly salary is Rs. 1.22L PM. Monthly expense - Rs. 35,000 Current commitments are: Home Loan EMI - Rs. 36,011 (4 months completed. 30 years tenure) Term Insurance - 1cr (Annual premium - Rs. 36,000 for 10 years. 7 more premium pending) Current NPS Balance - Rs. 75,000. Investing Rs. 15,000 pm SSY - Rs. 12,500 pm. APY - Rs. 409 pm I'm planning to save for Emergency Corpus Fund, get a medical insurance floater policy. My short term goal is to save Rs. 20 lakhs within 4 years for registeration and interior work for house. My long term goals are for daughters UG education, wedding, retirement at 55 years. I took investment risk test and Im an aggressive investor and planning to invest more on equity. Also, I want to diversify the portfolio and invest across asset class.
Ans: It sounds like you've got a clear vision for your financial future, which is fantastic, especially at your age. With your goals in mind and being an aggressive investor, here's a potential strategy to consider:

Emergency Corpus Fund: Aim for at least 6-12 months' worth of expenses. Start with setting aside a portion of your savings each month until you reach this target.
Medical Insurance: A comprehensive floater policy covering your family is essential. Ensure the coverage amount is adequate to handle potential medical emergencies without denting your savings.
Short-term Goals - House: For the Rs. 20 lakhs target in 4 years, consider equity mutual funds with a mix of mid-cap and large-cap funds. You could also consider debt funds or fixed deposits for stability.
Long-term Goals:
Daughter's UG Education: Equity mutual funds can be a great option, given your aggressive risk profile. Start with diversified equity funds and gradually shift to balanced or hybrid funds as the goal approaches.
Daughter's Wedding: Again, equity mutual funds can be beneficial here. Also, considering gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds can be a good diversification strategy.
Retirement: NPS is a good start, given its tax benefits and long-term nature. You might want to increase your contributions over time. Additionally, diversify with equity mutual funds and other retirement-oriented funds.
Diversification Across Asset Classes:
Equity: You're already inclined towards equity, so continue investing in diversified equity funds, large-cap, mid-cap, and maybe even some small-cap funds.
Debt: Given your aggressive stance, limit this to around 20-30% of your portfolio. Short to medium-term debt funds or fixed deposits can be considered.
Gold: Gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds can be a good hedge against market volatility.
Real Estate: Since you're planning for a house, that's a good start. Real estate can be an excellent long-term investment, but ensure it doesn't over-concentrate your portfolio.
Regular Review: As your life progresses, your financial goals and risk appetite may evolve. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio ensures you stay on track.
Remember, while being aggressive can offer higher returns, it also comes with increased volatility. It's crucial to stay invested for the long term and avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Consulting with a financial advisor can help tailor this strategy further to your needs and provide ongoing guidance.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

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Hi, my age is 29. Married. My daughter is 8 months old. My monthly salary is Rs. 1.33L PM. Monthly expense - Rs. 35,000 Current commitments are: Home Loan EMI - Rs. 43,535 (8 months completed. 30 years tenure) Term Insurance - 1cr (Annual premium - Rs. 36,000 for 10 years. 7 more premium pending) Current NPS Balance - Rs. 75,000. Investing Rs. 15,000 pm SSY - Rs. 12,500 pm. APY - Rs. 409 pm I'm planning to save for Emergency Corpus Fund, get a medical insurance floater policy. My short term goal is to save Rs. 20 lakhs within 4 years for registeration and interior work for house. My long term goals are for daughters UG education, wedding, retirement at 55 years. I took investment risk test and Im an aggressive investor and planning to invest more on equity. Also, I want to diversify the portfolio and invest across asset class.
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to financial planning! With your solid income and clear goals, here's a suggested plan:

Emergency Corpus Fund: Aim for 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account for emergencies.
Medical Insurance Floater Policy: Ensure adequate coverage for your family's healthcare needs, including your daughter.
Short-Term Goal - House Expenses: Consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for potential growth while safeguarding against market volatility.
Long-Term Goals - Daughter's Education, Wedding, Retirement: Continue investing in equity through mutual funds or stocks for higher returns over the long term. Also, explore options like PPF, NPS, and diversified funds for diversification across asset classes.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your goals.
Remember, financial planning is dynamic. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances and aspirations. With discipline and strategic investing, you'll be well-positioned to achieve your financial dreams.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am retiring in dec 24 at age of 58. I hv my own 3bhk apartment in metro city where i live with my wife and daughter who is 29yrs of age working in a MNC unmarried. My investment are currently stocks 1.08 cr mf equity 2.3cr Mf debt .55cr ,UILP 65LACS all premium paid bank fd 20 lacs. Daughters earning 1.25lacs per mth she is independent but staying witj us. My needs after retirement in 1.25lacs per mths. I hv no debt.and one time expense of marriage of daughter of 30lacs in next 2 yrs i hv full medical insurance cover fo all members to tune of 25lacs
Ans: Congratulations on approaching a significant milestone—your retirement! You've planned well, and it shows in your diverse portfolio and thoughtful preparation. Let’s carefully assess your situation and outline a plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.

Your Current Financial Situation
As you prepare for retirement, it's crucial to take stock of your existing assets and understand how they can support your future needs. Here’s a detailed look at your investments and financial commitments:

Primary Residence:

You own a 3BHK apartment in a metro city, providing a secure place to live without rent worries.
Investment Portfolio:

Stocks: Rs. 1.08 crore.
Mutual Funds - Equity: Rs. 2.3 crore.
Mutual Funds - Debt: Rs. 55 lakh.
ULIP: Rs. 65 lakh, with all premiums paid.
Fixed Deposits: Rs. 20 lakh.
Family Situation:

You live with your wife and 29-year-old daughter, who works and earns Rs. 1.25 lakh monthly.
Your daughter is independent financially but stays with you.
Financial Requirements:

Monthly living expenses: Rs. 1.25 lakh.
Future one-time expense: Rs. 30 lakh for your daughter’s marriage in the next two years.
Insurance Coverage:

You have medical insurance coverage of Rs. 25 lakh for the entire family, which provides a safety net against health emergencies.
Planning for Retirement Income
Your primary focus will be on generating a stable income to cover your monthly expenses of Rs. 1.25 lakh. Given your diverse portfolio, you have multiple options to secure this income without tapping into your principal investments significantly. Here’s how you can manage it:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from Mutual Funds:

Your equity and debt mutual funds provide an excellent base for generating a steady income.
Consider setting up a SWP from these funds to receive a fixed monthly amount. This method allows your investments to continue growing while providing regular cash flow.
Equity mutual funds can be volatile, so withdrawing from a mix of equity and debt funds can balance growth and stability.
Dividends and Interest Income:

Your stocks and fixed deposits can generate dividends and interest income.
Ensure you reinvest or use these incomes wisely to complement your monthly cash flow.
Liquidating ULIP:

Your ULIP with Rs. 65 lakh can be an option for generating funds.
Since all premiums are paid, evaluate if it’s more beneficial to surrender it or keep it based on the current market value and any surrender charges.
Managing Future Expenses: Daughter's Marriage
You have a one-time expense of Rs. 30 lakh for your daughter’s marriage in the next two years. Planning for this without disrupting your retirement income is crucial:

Setting Aside Funds:

You could consider earmarking funds from your current liquid assets, such as your fixed deposits or a portion of your mutual funds.
This ensures that your regular income-generating investments remain unaffected.
Creating a Dedicated Savings Fund:

Establish a separate savings or investment account specifically for this expense.
Contribute monthly towards this fund from your surplus income or dividends to accumulate the needed amount.
Ensuring Adequate Medical Coverage
Your health insurance of Rs. 25 lakh for the family is a solid safety net. However, as healthcare costs rise, it’s wise to keep these considerations in mind:

Review and Upgrade Coverage:

Periodically review your health insurance to ensure it meets your family’s needs.
Consider top-up or super top-up plans for additional coverage.
Emergency Medical Fund:

Maintain a separate emergency fund to cover any immediate medical expenses or co-payments that insurance doesn’t cover.
Optimizing Your Investment Portfolio
Given your current portfolio's composition, it’s important to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. Here’s a strategic approach:

Diversify and Balance:

You have a significant portion in equity mutual funds (Rs. 2.3 crore). Ensure a good balance between equity and debt to manage risk and ensure steady returns.
Debt funds (Rs. 55 lakh) offer stability and lower risk, which is crucial as you enter retirement.
Review ULIP:

Assess the performance and benefits of your ULIP. If it’s not yielding good returns, consider switching to more profitable investment options.
Fixed Deposits for Stability:

Your Rs. 20 lakh in fixed deposits provides a secure, low-risk option. These are useful for short-term needs or as a buffer against market volatility.
Structuring a Steady Income Stream
To ensure your monthly expenses are met without depleting your savings too quickly, consider the following strategies:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

An SWP from your mutual funds can provide regular income while allowing your capital to continue growing.
Withdraw a calculated amount to meet your monthly needs, balancing withdrawals from both equity and debt funds.
Dividend Income:

Utilize dividend income from your equity investments and interest from your fixed deposits.
These can supplement your SWP, reducing the need to dip into your principal investments.
Maintain Cash Reserves:

Keep a portion of your funds in a savings account or liquid mutual funds for quick access.
This acts as a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Planning for Inflation and Future Needs
Retirement planning should account for inflation and potential increases in living expenses. Here’s how to stay prepared:

Increase Withdrawal Rates Gradually:

Adjust your SWP and other income sources periodically to keep pace with inflation.
Regular reviews and adjustments help maintain your purchasing power.
Reinvest Surpluses:

If you have surplus income, reinvest it to grow your capital.
This helps in generating more income in the future and combating inflation.
Review and Rebalance Portfolio:

Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals.
Rebalance your investments to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk level.
Estate Planning and Legacy
As you plan your financial future, consider how you want to manage your estate and leave a legacy:

Wills and Nominations:

Ensure your will is up to date and clearly states your wishes.
Review and update nominations on all your investments and insurance policies.
Trusts and Gifting:

Consider setting up trusts or making gifts if you wish to distribute your assets during your lifetime.
This can provide tax benefits and ensure your wealth is managed according to your wishes.
Financial Security for Family:

Discuss financial plans with your family to ensure they understand your investments and income sources.
This provides them with clarity and security in managing finances after you.
Final Insights
You’ve done an excellent job of preparing for your retirement with a diverse portfolio and thoughtful planning. As you transition into retirement, focus on generating a steady income, managing expenses, and maintaining financial security. Here’s a recap to guide you:

Generate Steady Income:

Use a combination of SWP, dividends, and interest to meet your monthly needs.
Balance withdrawals between equity and debt to manage risk.
Plan for One-Time Expenses:

Set aside funds for your daughter’s marriage to ensure this doesn’t impact your regular income.
Maintain Adequate Coverage:

Regularly review and upgrade your medical insurance.
Keep a separate emergency fund for unexpected health expenses.
Diversify and Rebalance:

Maintain a balanced portfolio to secure steady returns and manage risks.
Periodically rebalance to align with your goals and market conditions.
Plan for Inflation:

Adjust your withdrawal rates and reinvest surpluses to combat inflation.
Regular reviews and adjustments are key to maintaining financial health.
Estate Planning:

Ensure your will is up to date and nominations are clear.
Discuss plans with family to secure their financial understanding and future.
If you need further assistance or have more questions, feel free to reach out. Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous retirement!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
T S Khurana

T S Khurana   |197 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Nov 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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Can you please suggest on capital gains as per Indian taxation laws arising in the below two queries : 1) property purchased with joint ownership, me and my wife’s name in 2015 at a cost of 64,80,000, housing improvements done for the cost of 1000000 and brokerages of 200000 paid and sold the same property at 10000000 in Dec 2023? 2) 87% of the proceeds got from the deal i.e 8700000, have been reinvested to pay 25% amount in purchasing another joint ownership property in Dec 2023, 3) I have invested in another under construction property in Nov 2023 by taking housing loan, which is on me and my wife’s name worth 1.4 cr, here the primary applicant is me only while wife is just made a Co applicant in the builder buyer agreement and also on the housing loan . So what are the LTCG tax liabilities arising from the above 3 scenarios for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025. I intend to sale off the property acquired in (2) by Dec 2024 and use that proceeds to close the housing loan for the property acquired in (3), will this sale of property be inviting any tax liabilities if the complete proceeds received from the sale of the property in (2) would be utilised to close the housing loan taken in Nov 2023 for the property in (3) ? Since in FY 23-24, I would be claiming the LTCG from the sale proceeds of 1) invested in the purchase of property in 2), and I intend to sale off this property in Dec 2024, will the LTCG claim be forfeited on the property sale in (1), should I hold this property at least for further 1 year so that sale of this property in 2) will not invite STCG?
Ans: (A). Let's first talk about F/Y 2023-24 :
You jointly sold a Property during the year for Rs.76.80 lakhs (64.80+10.00+2.00), & sold the same for Rs.100.00 lakhs.
You have jointly also purchased Property No.3 (I suppose it is Residential only), for Rs.140.00 lakhs.
You should avail exemption u/s-54 & file your ITR accordingly. Please disclose all details about sale & purchase in your ITR.
02. Now coming to the F/Y 2024-25 :
You intend to Sell Property No.2, which was acquired in 2023-24. Any Gain on Sale of it would be Short Term capital Gains & taxed accordingly.
Alternatively, you may hold this sale of property no.2 (for 2 years from its purchase) & avoid STCG
You are free to utilize the sale proceeds in a way you like, including paying off your housing Loan.
Please note to avail exemption u/s 54 only from investment in property no.3 & not 2.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

...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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