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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

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 - Jun 02, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 39 year old i am working with a in hand salary excluding PF (25000 pm)and NPS(10750 pm) 175000 per month my current investment in ULIP policy yearly premium 80K current corpus 18 lacs l,LIC policy 180k yearly premium current corpus 28 lacs,NPS current value 5.50 lacs ,PF balance 7.5 lacs, LIC single premium investment in 2016 4 lacs going to mature in 2032, KVP 60k redeem next year will 120K, SIP 4k in sundaram mid-cap, 6k in ICICI tax saver, Aditya Birla front line 3K Total fund value as of Now 4.4 lacs and I invested lump sum for my child 4.5lacs in 2023 and now it's value is 6.10 lacs my son is 3.5 year old Term insurance 1.5 crores premium 60K yearly Medical insurance of 10 lacs premium 16K and also have to pay for my senior citizen parents 90K for 30 lacs sum assured I had joined home loan with my brother of 40 lacs emi for 52K for 10 years tenor my house cost 2 crores so my 50% share is 1 crore and my father's and brother had business having value of 6 crores so my share is 50 % Gratuity from the company 6 lacs is current value will increase accordingly I want to join my father and brother business and they are experienced I need to contribute 20 lacs to expand so that I can get 75k per month for next one year after leaving a job and after that it can be increase accordingly My monthly expenses is around 100000 per month so net deficit of 25000 I can use my Gratuity amount for next 2 years and my wife is home maker My question can I move now to my family business or should I wait and how much. Reason for this though I am in private job it is stable now but due to age when you cross 55 years with no source of income and other thing you should have something for your own that you build If I and my brother work together we can expand but will take 2 years to get thing stable To pay 20 lacs I am going to redeem my ULIP and remaining invest into my father and brother business Please advise

Ans: Let’s assess your situation step-by-step. You’ve already built a good base. That’s admirable. You’ve taken action early in life. You’ve saved and invested in many options. You also think long-term. That’s very important.

You are 39 years old now. You are earning Rs. 1.75 lakhs per month in hand. You have stable income and a solid professional profile. But now you are considering shifting to your family business. You have a plan. You need Rs. 20 lakhs as capital. You expect Rs. 75,000 per month as income from the business in year one. You are ready to redeem your ULIP to part fund this.

Let us give you a 360-degree assessment of your plan. Let us break it down into clear parts.

Your Income and Expense Profile
Your take-home salary: Rs. 1,75,000 per month

Monthly household expenses: Rs. 1,00,000

Term insurance of Rs. 1.5 crores (Premium Rs. 60,000 yearly)

Health cover for family: Rs. 10 lakhs (Premium Rs. 16,000 yearly)

Health cover for senior citizen parents: Rs. 30 lakhs (Premium Rs. 90,000 yearly)

Home loan EMI shared: Rs. 52,000 monthly (Your share assumed to be Rs. 26,000)

Observation:

You are left with Rs. 49,000 monthly after meeting family expenses and home EMI.

However, annual insurance premiums eat up a portion of your annual savings.

So, net surplus available for investment or reserve is low.

Current income is decent, but your monthly burn rate is also high.

The moment your fixed income stops, a cash flow gap will start.

Existing Investments Review
Let’s break them down:

1. ULIP
Annual premium: Rs. 80,000

Corpus value: Rs. 18 lakhs

Plan: Surrender it to fund business

Assessment:

ULIPs give poor returns and carry high charges.

You’ve already paid for years. Now corpus is useful.

Surrendering now is the right move, considering your business need.

Use this amount wisely. Do not spend this on anything else.

2. LIC Policy
Annual premium: Rs. 1.80 lakhs

Current corpus: Rs. 28 lakhs

Assessment:

This is an investment cum insurance plan.

Returns may be very low, around 4%–5%.

You’re paying a big premium which locks liquidity.

You already have a pure term plan.

Consider surrendering it and use proceeds wisely.

After surrender, future premiums (Rs. 1.8 lakhs yearly) will also be saved.

That money can be better invested in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

3. NPS
Current value: Rs. 5.5 lakhs

Ongoing contribution: Rs. 10,750 per month

Assessment:

Good for long-term retirement saving.

It is illiquid till retirement.

Keep investing in NPS regularly.

Don’t depend on NPS for next 20 years.

4. Provident Fund (PF)
Current balance: Rs. 7.5 lakhs

Assessment:

Long-term saving with steady returns

It is stable and gives compounding benefit

Keep this untouched for now

Will be useful during retirement or emergencies

5. LIC Single Premium Plan
Invested Rs. 4 lakhs in 2016

Maturity in 2032

Assessment:

This also gives low returns

But since it matures in 2032, and was already paid in 2016, keep it

Don’t redeem now. Let it mature.

6. KVP (Kisan Vikas Patra)
Value: Rs. 60,000

Maturity next year: Rs. 1.20 lakhs

Assessment:

Very small amount, no need to disturb now

Use maturity amount next year to reinvest

Mutual Funds and SIPs Review
Sundaram Mid Cap SIP – Rs. 4,000

ICICI Tax Saver SIP – Rs. 6,000

Aditya Birla Frontline SIP – Rs. 3,000

Total value of MFs: Rs. 4.4 lakhs

Lump sum for child: Rs. 4.5 lakhs in 2023, now Rs. 6.1 lakhs

Assessment:

Your SIPs total Rs. 13,000 monthly

Continue these, if business cash flow allows

You are doing SIP in active funds. That is better than index funds

Index funds only mirror markets and don’t beat inflation

Active funds give more flexibility and scope to outperform

Child Investment:

You’ve grown Rs. 4.5 lakhs to Rs. 6.1 lakhs

Very good progress

Continue for next 15 years

Don’t redeem this

Insurance Assessment
You’ve taken key protection steps. That’s appreciable.

Term Plan: Rs. 1.5 crores – Good coverage

Health Cover for family: Rs. 10 lakhs – Adequate

Health Cover for parents: Rs. 30 lakhs – Thoughtful

Premium outflow is high, but needed

Suggestion:

Review if any medical policy can be ported to lower cost

Or choose family floater + super top-up plans

Continue term cover. Don’t stop

Gratuity and Future Use
Current Gratuity value: Rs. 6 lakhs

Will grow as you work more

You plan to use it for 2 years post job

Assessment:

This is smart planning

Use this reserve only if no other source remains

Don’t treat this as cash buffer casually

Business Opportunity Evaluation
You are planning to shift to family business.

You need to invest Rs. 20 lakhs

You expect Rs. 75,000 income per month for one year

Income may rise after that

Business value is Rs. 6 crores (family-owned)

You have 50% share

Assessment:

This is a big decision. Let's check all angles:

Positives:
You’ll build something of your own

Experienced father and brother are already running it

Your capital is being put to use in your own asset

You expect income from day one

Your business share is already 50%

Cautions:
Rs. 20 lakhs is a large portion of your current liquid assets

You are exiting stable job and salary

Income from business will be fixed only for first year

After that, it may fluctuate

No PF, gratuity, or fixed perks after job exit

Business returns can’t be guaranteed

Suggestion:

Don’t redeem child investment or SIPs

Fund Rs. 20 lakhs from ULIP (Rs. 18 lakhs)

Balance Rs. 2 lakhs from emergency fund or surrender of LIC

Keep 6 months’ monthly expense as emergency fund ready

Don’t touch PF, NPS or child education fund

Stop fresh LIC premiums and redirect that to mutual funds

Long-Term Retirement Planning
Let’s assess what you’ll have at age 55–60.

NPS: Will grow if continued

PF: Will grow steadily

Mutual Funds: SIPs and child investment will grow well

LIC policies: If surrendered and reinvested, will grow better

Business: Will provide income + asset value

Suggestion:

Build a clear retirement plan with Certified Financial Planner

Start SIP in diversified active mutual funds

Don’t go for direct mutual funds

Regular plans via MFD with CFP help are better

Direct plans don’t offer advice and tax handling

You need handholding and planning support

Your goal is income replacement post-retirement

Real Estate Exposure (Note: for own-use, not investment)
You already own a home worth Rs. 2 crores (shared)
EMI is going on. Don’t plan for more property.
Don’t invest in property for returns. It locks money and has poor liquidity.

Tax Planning Suggestions
Use ELSS mutual funds (already doing ICICI Tax Saver)

Use NPS contribution under 80CCD

Avoid TDS leakage on LIC plans by surrendering early

Redeem ULIP and invest in your business – no long-term tax issue

Keep SIPs under 1 lakh per year equity gains to avoid LTCG tax

For equity funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Finally
You are ready to move into the family business.
You have a clear plan. That is good.
But take this step with full preparation.

Fund Rs. 20 lakhs from ULIP and part LIC surrender

Keep emergency fund of 6 months aside

Don't disturb PF, NPS, or child's education fund

Continue SIPs if possible

Exit all poor-return insurance-linked products

Take help from Certified Financial Planner for mutual fund strategy

Build a goal-based plan with yearly review

You have age on your side.
You have family support in business.
You are thinking ahead. That’s rare.
With strong planning, you can transition smoothly.
Income will be uncertain at first, but ownership gives long-term peace.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Iam 38 year old govt employee in Jammu. Net Income is 140000/-month I have 2 children's Age 9 yrs and 5 yrs Already have a ???? A car ???? No Bank Loan Iam a NPS subscriber with 17000 contribution per month (my +govt.) Which keep increasing with DA and increment. As on date 17 lakhs is accumulated in NPS. My spouse is also govt employee with 14000 contributions per month ........................ As on date 14 lakhs is accumulated in NPs Both have LIC policy jeevan Labh. (Since2017) *38k premium per annum for 15 years maturity at 21yr /15lakh sum assured *32k premium per annum for 16 years of maturity at 25 yr./25 lakh sum assured We Both are APY subscriber 5000+5000 after 60 yrs. I have started SIP in 03 MF (5k, 2.5 k, 2.5 k) Total 10000.per month for long term.for children education Mirae Assest tax saver fund direct growth 5k Parag parikh .....2.5 k Quant flexi cap ....2.5 k I have a term insurance of 1 cr Health policy of 10 lac ( family floater) invest 150,000/- in stocks which I buy when gets opportunity 10000/month in stocks I am planning for a housing loan at the age of 40 ( both as an investment and tax rebate purpose) As I live in a small town so I don't have a high living cost as in cities. Kindly Guide me if anything I need to do.
Ans: I see you have a well-structured financial situation. Let’s go through your details and provide a comprehensive plan for your financial goals and needs. You are 38 years old, a government employee in Jammu, with a net income of Rs 1,40,000 per month. You have two children, aged 9 and 5, and no bank loans. You and your spouse contribute to the NPS and have LIC policies, SIPs in mutual funds, term insurance, and a health policy. You are also planning for a housing loan. Let’s break this down and see if there are any improvements or adjustments needed.

Current Financial Overview
Income and Expenses
Net Income: Rs 1,40,000 per month
Expenses: Not explicitly stated, but assume moderate living costs due to small-town lifestyle.
Investments and Savings
NPS Contributions: Rs 17,000 per month (self) + Rs 14,000 per month (spouse)
Accumulated NPS: Rs 17 lakhs (self) + Rs 14 lakhs (spouse)
LIC Jeevan Labh Policies: Rs 38,000 per annum and Rs 32,000 per annum
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Rs 5,000 each per month for both you and your spouse
SIPs in Mutual Funds: Rs 10,000 per month
Term Insurance: Rs 1 crore
Health Insurance: Rs 10 lakh family floater
Stock Investments: Rs 1,50,000 one-time + Rs 10,000 per month
Children’s Education Planning
You have started SIPs in three mutual funds aimed at long-term growth for your children’s education. This is a good strategy. Here are some tips:

Increase SIP Amount: As your income grows, consider increasing the SIP amount to ensure you are on track to meet the rising costs of education.
Review Fund Performance: Periodically review the performance of your funds. Ensure they align with your long-term goals.
Retirement Planning
You and your spouse are contributing to the NPS and APY, which will provide a solid retirement corpus.

NPS Contributions: Your contributions to NPS are substantial and will continue to grow with your DA and increments. Ensure you review your NPS portfolio and consider increasing the equity allocation for higher growth potential, if not already done.
APY: The APY contributions are a good addition to your retirement plan, providing a fixed pension post-60.
Insurance Coverage
Term Insurance: Your term insurance of Rs 1 crore is adequate for now. Ensure it covers your family’s future needs, considering inflation and rising costs.
Health Insurance: The Rs 10 lakh family floater health policy is good. Consider increasing the coverage as healthcare costs are rising rapidly.
LIC Policies
Your LIC Jeevan Labh policies are traditional plans with a mix of insurance and investment. While these provide guaranteed returns, the returns are relatively low compared to other investment options.

Continue with LIC: Since you have already paid premiums for several years, it might be wise to continue to avoid loss of benefits. However, assess if the returns meet your long-term goals.
Investment in Stocks
You have invested Rs 1,50,000 in stocks and are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

Diversify Portfolio: Ensure your stock portfolio is diversified across sectors to minimize risks.
Research and Monitor: Keep researching and monitoring your investments. Consider consulting a certified financial planner for stock investment advice if needed.
Housing Loan Planning
You plan to take a housing loan at age 40 for investment and tax rebate purposes.

Affordability: Ensure the EMI is affordable and doesn’t strain your finances.
Tax Benefits: A housing loan will provide tax benefits under Section 80C and 24(b). Calculate the benefits to see how it impacts your overall tax liability.
Property Selection: Choose a property in a location with good appreciation potential to maximize investment returns.
Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial for financial security.

Fund Size: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of your expenses. Given your income and responsibilities, a larger emergency fund is advisable.
Liquid Assets: Keep the emergency fund in liquid assets like a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial foundation with diversified investments and savings plans. Here are some additional steps you can take to optimize your financial health:

Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your financial plan. Adjust your investments and insurance coverage as needed based on changes in your financial situation and goals.
Financial Education: Keep educating yourself about new investment opportunities and financial strategies. Stay updated with market trends and regulatory changes.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting a certified financial planner for personalized advice and to ensure your financial plan is comprehensive and aligned with your goals.
With disciplined savings, strategic investments, and adequate insurance, you can achieve financial security and meet your long-term goals. Keep monitoring and adjusting your plan to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Good day Sir, I am 37 years old, I own a 2 bhk house in panvel and car which is debt free. Currently I do not have any ongoing loan. I am a seafarer , I sail for around 7 months on ships and 5 months on land, while on land I do not have any income. My salary package is 65 lakhs/year. My investments are as below. I wish to be invested in LIC for 15 years till the maturity date. LIC FAMILY PLAN - Investment started in Au2024 - with quaterly plan total of 57700/quater 1. LIC JEEVAN LABH 836 SELF 2. LIC JEEVAN LABH 836 WIFE 3.LIC JEEVAN TARUN -834 1ST CHILD 4. LIC JEEVAN TARUN - 834 2ND CHILD Above is for 15 years for self and wife and for children it is 20 years maturity date. Mutual funds - Planning to be invested only for 10 years. 1.HDFC LIFE SAMPOORN NIVESH-HEFC FLEXI CAP FUND , TAKEN FOR SLEF -INVESTING 2.0LAKHS/YEAR FOR 5 YEARS., INVESTMENT STARTED IN JAN 2024, WITH 5 YEARS LOCKIN PERIOD. 2. MAX LIFE NIFTY SMALLCAP QUALITY INDEX FUND. TAKEN FOR WIFE. INVESTED 2.0 LAKHS/ YEAR INVESTED IN JAN 2024 WITH 5 YEARS OF LOCKIN PERIOD. 3.SBI CONTRA FUND REGULAR GROWTH - LUMPSUM , INVESTED 50K IM DEC 2023. SIP's Planning to be invested for 10 to 15 years 1.Kotak small cap fund 2500/ month 2.axis bluecip fund 2500/ month 3.Edelwesis mid cap fund 2500/ month 4.Canara MF 2500/Month 5.ICICI Prudential INDIA opportunities fund 2500/ month 6.ICICI Prudential Blue chip fund 2000/month 7.Tata small cap fund 3000/ month 8 Tata ethical fund regular plan growth 5000/month.. 9.SBI large and midcap regular growth 800/ week 10.SBI small cap fund direct growth 10000/month 11.SBI Automative opportunities fund dire t plan growth 5000/ month. Sharemarket Parga parek 50k INR shares. Crypto- 1 lakhs investment. Request you to reveiw my investment, I am planning to have a corpus of 10 crore till i retire, which i will be planning till the age of 45 to 50 years. I have 2 son, current age are 7 years and 5 years. Also want to build a good corpus for there education. Also in next 2 years i will be planning to build emergency funds around 10 lakhs, and that i wish to park in liquid funds, so i will be able to get some minimum growth. I also have mediclaim of 40k per year for my family. Term plan for 2 cr. As per my retirment planning is the above investment enough to grow 10cr in next 13 years. Thanks and warm regards Ramiz
Ans: Hello Ramiz,

It's great to see your detailed investment strategy. You have made significant strides in planning for your future and your family. Your current investment portfolio is diverse and well-structured. Given your goal of accumulating a corpus of Rs 10 crore by the age of 50, let's review your investments to ensure they align with your objectives.

Current Investment Overview
Life Insurance Policies
You have invested in several LIC plans for yourself, your wife, and your children. While LIC policies provide financial security and maturity benefits, they often offer lower returns compared to other investment avenues.

Mutual Funds
Your mutual fund investments are a mix of equity and hybrid funds, with a focus on long-term growth. This is a good approach as equity mutual funds tend to provide higher returns over the long term.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Your SIPs are spread across various fund categories, including small cap, mid cap, and blue chip funds. This diversification helps mitigate risk while aiming for significant returns.

Stock Market and Cryptocurrencies
Investing in the stock market and cryptocurrencies adds another layer of diversification. However, these investments come with higher volatility and risk.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Planning to build an emergency fund of Rs 10 lakhs in liquid funds is wise. Your mediclaim policy and term plan ensure financial protection for your family.

Review and Recommendations
Life Insurance Policies
LIC policies are secure but may not offer the best returns for wealth creation. Considering the lock-in period and the lower returns, you might want to reassess these investments.

Consider Surrendering Policies: You could surrender some LIC policies and reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds or SIPs with higher growth potential. This can accelerate your corpus building.
Mutual Funds
Your mutual fund investments are generally well-chosen. However, let's focus on maximizing their potential.

Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, unlike index funds which mirror market performance. Your mutual funds should remain actively managed to benefit from professional expertise and potential higher returns.

Regular Plans Over Direct Funds: Regular plans offer access to professional advice through Certified Financial Planners (CFP), which can be beneficial for making informed decisions and navigating market complexities.

SIPs
Your SIP investments are well-diversified, which is excellent for balancing risk and return. Here are some additional thoughts:

Continue Diversification: Your SIPs in small cap, mid cap, and blue chip funds ensure a balanced risk profile. Continue this strategy to maintain growth and stability.

Review Performance Regularly: Keep an eye on the performance of your SIPs and make adjustments as needed. This ensures your investments stay aligned with market conditions and your goals.

Stock Market and Cryptocurrencies
While these are high-risk investments, they can yield high returns. Here's how to approach them:

Limit Exposure: Given their volatility, limit your exposure to stocks and cryptocurrencies to a small percentage of your overall portfolio. This will protect your capital while allowing for potential growth.

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of market trends and news related to your stock and crypto investments. This will help you make timely decisions and mitigate risks.

Emergency Fund
Building an emergency fund in liquid funds is a sound strategy. Liquid funds provide easy access to your money and offer some returns.

Regular Contributions: Make regular contributions to your emergency fund until you reach your Rs 10 lakhs goal. This disciplined approach ensures you are prepared for any financial contingencies.
Insurance
Your current insurance coverage seems adequate. The mediclaim policy and term plan provide necessary financial protection.

Review Coverage: Periodically review your insurance coverage to ensure it meets your family’s needs. Adjust the coverage if necessary to keep pace with inflation and changing life circumstances.
Planning for Children's Education
Building a corpus for your children's education is crucial. Here are some strategies:

Invest in Child-specific Plans: Consider child education plans that offer a mix of equity and debt. These plans are designed to provide significant returns over the long term and ensure funds are available when needed.

Regular Investments: Continue regular investments in SIPs and mutual funds. This will help grow the education corpus systematically.

Consider Education Loans: If required, education loans can supplement your savings and ensure your children receive the best education without financial strain.

Achieving the Rs 10 Crore Goal
To reach your goal of Rs 10 crore by the age of 50, focus on the following strategies:

Increase Investment Amounts
Boost SIP Contributions: Gradually increase your SIP contributions as your income grows. This can significantly enhance your corpus over time.
Optimize Portfolio Returns
High-growth Investments: Allocate a portion of your portfolio to high-growth investments like mid-cap and small-cap funds. These have the potential to offer higher returns.
Monitor and Rebalance
Regular Review: Conduct regular reviews of your investment portfolio. Rebalance it periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
Tax Planning
Utilize Tax-saving Instruments: Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) to reduce your tax liability and increase your effective returns.

Tax-efficient Withdrawals: Plan your withdrawals in a tax-efficient manner to maximize the amount available for your goals.

Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is robust and well-diversified. By making a few adjustments, you can optimize your portfolio to achieve your financial goals. Focus on high-growth investments, regularly review your portfolio, and ensure your insurance coverage is adequate. With disciplined investing and strategic planning, you are well on your way to achieving your Rs 10 crore target and securing your family’s future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 09, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 45 years old. Working in in a tech company. Want to retire in another 5 years. Below is my current financial details Bank saving account : 21 Lakhs - EPF - 68 Lakhs - LIC Jeevan Anand : 10 Lakhs maturing in 2030 - SBI term insurance : 50 Lakhs coverage till 60 years - Star Health insurance for me and family : 7 Lakhs coverage - Have corporate office health insurance of 10 lakhs, life insurance coverages - LIC Jeevan Utsav pension plan : 10 Lakhs yearly premium for 6 years, will get 50 thousand per month after 12 years, from 2036 onwards, also provides life insurance coverage - Have monthly NPS of 20 thousand, started 6 months back Have the below Assets: - Site worth of 1.2 crores as of today - Flat worth of 75 Lakhs as of today Have below investments - 3.1 Crore Indian market equity trading as of today - 4.5 Crores of company ESOP of foreign company - Given around 15 lakhs to relatives for financial help, which I need to receive back - Have no loans or any other liabilities. - Receive salary of 13.5 Lakhs per month : 3.5 is fixed salary and 10 Lakhs is ESOP equity from the company, I continue to receive this as long as I work for the company. If you look at the high level picture, it looks something like this - Liquidity : 22 Lakhs : 2% of overall portfolio - Investment is : 7.5 Crores : 70% of overall portfolio - Retirement plan investment : 88 Lakhs : 8% of overall portfolio - Assets worth : 1.8 Crores : 17% of overall portfolio - Monthly expenses is around 60 thousand per month. Please review my financial portfolio and suggest me if there are any changes needed so that I can put the in hand money to effective use to generate good amount of wealth as well as to receive the regular guaranteed amount return
Ans: You have done very well in building assets and income.
Your discipline and strong savings habit are impressive.
Your portfolio is large and well diversified across asset classes.
With 5 years left before planned retirement, you are in a strong position.

» current strengths

– You have no liabilities.
– Your monthly expenses are very low compared to your income.
– You have good exposure to equity through direct holdings and ESOP.
– You have property assets for stability.
– You have term insurance and health cover for protection.
– You have started NPS for retirement benefit.

» liquidity position

– You have Rs. 21 lakh in savings account.
– Liquidity is only 2% of portfolio, which is low.
– You may increase short-term liquid assets for emergencies.
– Keep 12 to 18 months of expenses in safe liquid instruments.
– This will prevent forced sale of volatile assets during market falls.

» investment allocation review

– Large allocation to direct equity and ESOP is good for growth.
– However, concentration risk is high due to ESOP size.
– Reduce dependence on single company stock over time.
– Gradually move part of ESOP gains to diversified actively managed funds.
– Actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner can give better risk management.
– Direct equity requires constant monitoring and carries company-specific risk.
– Keep direct equity allocation below 50% as you near retirement.

» insurance review

– Your term cover is Rs. 50 lakh, which is low for your profile.
– Consider increasing term cover to match your current asset value and goals.
– You have health cover of Rs. 7 lakh plus corporate cover.
– Corporate cover will stop after retirement, so personal cover must be higher.
– Take a higher individual family floater with at least Rs. 25–50 lakh.
– Continue accidental cover for disability risk.

» retirement corpus building

– Your current investment corpus is strong.
– In 5 years, equity growth plus ESOP value can create large corpus.
– Shift gradually from high-volatility assets to balanced growth assets before retirement.
– Maintain at least 40% in growth assets even post-retirement for inflation protection.
– The rest can be in stable debt instruments for income.

» property holdings

– You have a site worth Rs. 1.2 crore and flat worth Rs. 75 lakh.
– These give asset stability but low liquidity.
– Avoid adding more real estate as it ties up capital.
– Keep them as part of net worth but focus new investments in financial assets.

» LIC and traditional policies

– LIC Jeevan Anand and LIC Jeevan Utsav are low-yield policies.
– These give low returns compared to inflation.
– You can surrender Jeevan Anand and reinvest in actively managed mutual funds.
– This will improve long-term returns and liquidity.
– Continue LIC Jeevan Utsav if surrender charges are high now, but reassess later.

» portfolio diversification strategy

– Keep part of your corpus in high-quality actively managed equity funds.
– Avoid index funds, as they blindly follow market without risk control.
– Actively managed funds can outperform in volatile and falling markets.
– Index funds lack flexibility to avoid weak sectors or companies.
– Also avoid direct plans without guidance.
– Investing through an MFD with CFP qualification gives disciplined advice and ongoing review.
– This ensures you avoid emotional decisions and stick to the right plan.

» regular income planning for retirement

– At retirement, shift part of corpus to safe debt funds, bonds, and deposits.
– This will give stable income for monthly needs.
– Keep some allocation in growth assets to fight inflation.
– Withdraw income systematically, not by redeeming large chunks at once.
– This approach keeps the portfolio sustainable for 30+ years post-retirement.

» use of current surplus income

– You have very high monthly surplus.
– Deploy surplus into a mix of actively managed equity and debt funds.
– Avoid keeping large idle balance in savings account.
– Use surplus to build retirement corpus faster.
– Also invest part in international equity funds for currency diversification.

» ESOP handling

– Your ESOP is a big asset but concentrated in one company.
– Plan gradual sale over the next 5 years to reduce concentration risk.
– Redeploy proceeds into diversified mutual funds and debt instruments.
– Do not wait to sell all at retirement; spread the sale to reduce tax impact and volatility.

» tax efficiency planning

– Plan asset sales and redemptions considering capital gains tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains are taxed at your slab rate.
– Spread sales across years to reduce tax outgo.
– Use tax-saving opportunities like PPF, NPS, and 80C fully each year.

» risk management before retirement

– As retirement nears, portfolio shocks can hurt more.
– Start rebalancing from year 3 onwards.
– Move some equity gains to safer assets every year.
– Maintain equity allocation but with lower volatility options.
– Avoid large exposure to small-cap or single-stock bets near retirement.

» succession and estate planning

– Make a clear Will to avoid disputes later.
– Nominate in all investments, insurance, and bank accounts.
– Keep joint ownership for easy access to funds by spouse.
– Share asset and document details with spouse.

» liquidity for opportunities and emergencies

– Keep some cash or liquid fund for quick access.
– This can help you take advantage of market dips even after retirement.
– It also covers emergencies without disturbing long-term assets.

» finally

– Your financial position is very strong.
– You can reach your retirement target in 5 years with discipline.
– The focus now should be on reducing concentration risk, improving insurance, and increasing liquidity.
– Surrender low-yield policies and shift to better performing mutual funds.
– Move ESOP and direct equity gains gradually to diversified assets.
– Keep a good mix of growth and stability even after retirement.
– Review your plan every year with a Certified Financial Planner to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
My age is 40, Me, My wife and 2 male (11 year and 9 year old) children in my family. After deduction of personal loan EMI-11500 and NPS employee deduction amount - 6000/month , My salary is 56000/month. My Investments, Insurance and Liabilities are as follows: Term Insurance from 2018 for - 90 lakhs, period - 40 years, Premium - 14500/yearly Till now my savings in Mutual fund 2.75 Lakhs, Now doing SIP is 8000/month from April'2025. They are, 1. Parag parikh flexi cap fund - 4000, 2. Mirae asset equity saving fund - 1000, 3. Mirae asset ELSS tax saver fund- 500, 4. PGIM india midcap fund - 1500, 5. Invesco india multicap fund - 1000 PPF balance -2 Lakhs (8 years completed) and also now contribute 2000/month, *NPS balance -13 Lakhs, investing 15000/month (Employee & employer contribution) from june'2025 *2 numbers of LIC policy for me 3500/month They are 1. Policy Name-Jeevan Anand, Sum assured- 8 Lakhs, Premium amount- 14389/half yearly, Total year- 30years, already completed 10 years. 2. Policy Name- Jeevan labh, Sum assured- 2 Lakh, premium amount- 6000/half yearly, premium paying term- 16 years, policy term- 25 years, completed years- 6 month, (January 2025) For my wife 1 LIC policy - 2100/month That is, Policy name - Jeevan umang, Sum assured- 3 Lakhs, Premium paying term - 15 years, Policy term - life long, then for my wife APY Scheme - 500/month, one MF SIP for my wife -1000/month from this month july'2025 only in parag parikh flexi cap fund. My liability - *Personal loan-9 Lakh, int-9. 5%, total 10 year, 1.5 years completed, EMI-11500, *Jewel loan - 4 Lakhs, int-9%, Till date no EMI paid. *Third party loan- 2.5 Lakh, No int. Give roadmap, is this correct plan or need to change? Please give proper guidance
Ans: You are only 40 and already thinking about future stability for your wife and two young children. This shows responsibility and clarity. Let us assess your current structure and create a 360-degree roadmap step by step.

» Income and Cash Flow Position
– Salary after deductions is Rs 56,000 monthly.
– Personal loan EMI of Rs 11,500 reduces disposable income.
– NPS employee deduction Rs 6,000 also reduces immediate cash flow.
– Effective savings potential is about Rs 38,000 after all deductions and basic living expenses.
– Current SIP commitment is Rs 8,000 plus Rs 2,000 in PPF, Rs 3,500 LIC premium, Rs 2,100 LIC for wife, Rs 500 APY, Rs 1,000 SIP for wife.
– These add up to Rs 15,100 monthly towards investments and insurance.
– Debt repayment burden is heavy considering EMI, jewel loan, and personal loan.

» Current Investments Review
– Mutual fund SIP total is Rs 8,000, spread across 5 funds.
– This looks diversified but may be slightly over-diversified for your corpus size.
– Long-term wealth creation is possible if you stick consistently for 15+ years.
– PPF is good for risk-free growth and retirement safety.
– NPS balance of Rs 13 lakh with Rs 15,000 contribution is significant. This is a strong base.
– Wife’s SIP in flexi-cap fund is also a good start for parallel family corpus.

» Insurance and Protection Assessment
– Term insurance of Rs 90 lakh is present. Premium is reasonable.
– With family responsibilities, coverage should ideally be around Rs 1.5 to 2 crore.
– Mediclaim coverage is not mentioned. Please ensure family health insurance of at least Rs 10 lakh.
– APY for wife gives small pension but may not be meaningful compared to goals.
– LIC Jeevan Anand, Jeevan Labh, and Jeevan Umang are insurance-cum-investment policies.
– These policies give low returns and block liquidity.
– You are paying Rs 3,500 monthly for your own LIC, and Rs 2,100 monthly for wife’s LIC.
– These funds would have created more wealth in mutual funds instead.

» Debt and Loan Position
– Personal loan of Rs 9 lakh at 9.5% is expensive.
– EMI of Rs 11,500 for 10 years is long and interest cost is high.
– Jewel loan of Rs 4 lakh at 9% is still not being repaid. This is risky.
– Third-party loan of Rs 2.5 lakh without interest should be repaid systematically to avoid relationship stress.
– Overall, debt load is Rs 15.5 lakh, which is heavy compared to income.
– Interest outgo eats away funds that could otherwise grow wealth.

» Disadvantages of Current LIC Policies
– Jeevan Anand and Jeevan Labh will give very low returns, mostly 4% to 5%.
– Jeevan Umang is also low-yielding and locks money lifelong.
– You have already completed 10 years in Jeevan Anand. Exiting now may involve some loss, but continuing means bigger opportunity loss.
– Surrendering and reinvesting into mutual funds will create far more wealth for your children’s education and your retirement.
– Regular funds through Certified Financial Planner are better because you get proper guidance and reviews, unlike direct funds where mistakes can cost lakhs.

» Roadmap for Action
– First, focus on reducing liabilities. Prioritise repayment of jewel loan. This carries high emotional and financial risk.
– Next, channel extra savings towards personal loan prepayment. Reduce tenure and interest burden.
– Third-party loan repayment should also be planned gradually once high-interest loans are cleared.
– Review term insurance cover and increase it to Rs 1.5 crore.
– Take adequate family health insurance if not already done.
– Gradually surrender LIC policies one by one and move into mutual fund SIPs.
– Do not disturb PPF. Continue Rs 2,000 contribution.
– Continue NPS contributions, as employer share makes it attractive.
– Mutual fund SIPs should be consolidated to 3 or 4 actively managed funds instead of 6. Keep flexi-cap, multicap, and one midcap.
– Increase SIP once loans are closed and LIC savings are redirected.
– Build emergency fund of at least Rs 3 lakh in liquid fund or sweep-in FD.

» Child Education and Retirement
– Children are 11 and 9, so higher education goal is 7 to 9 years away.
– You must build a dedicated corpus for education. Mutual funds are best suited.
– Retirement is 20 years away. NPS, PPF, and equity mutual funds together will provide for this.
– Avoid putting more money into LIC or APY type products as they dilute growth.

» Why Not Index or Direct Funds
– Index funds only copy the market, and returns depend fully on market cycles. They lack downside protection.
– Active funds managed by professionals can outperform, especially in Indian markets.
– Direct funds may look cheaper but without CFP review you may stay in wrong schemes too long.
– Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner give guidance, risk management, and wealth discipline.

» Final Insights
Your base is strong with NPS and PPF. However, current LIC policies and high loans are slowing your journey. Clearing debt early, exiting low-return insurance, and channeling more into mutual funds will put you on the right track. A proper balance of debt repayment and systematic wealth creation will give you financial independence by retirement and ensure your children’s future. Discipline, consolidation, and guided investing will bring the clarity you seek.

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

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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