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40 years old, 3.5 LPM salary, aiming for retirement by 50: Can I make it work?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7336 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 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 - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 years old . My in hand salary is 3.5 LPM. I have equity portfolio of 19L ( invested 12L) and MF portfolio of 78 L ( 38L US MF Lumpsum since 2021 rest in Indian MF). I have MF SIP of 1.5LPM, RD 25K PM, NPS(2L) 7000/Month, PPF ( 5.5 L) 5000/month. My monthly expenses are 80000/mo and EMI 1L / month for next 20 years. Have 1 property. Have a 7 yr old kid. Need to plan for retirement and education of kid . Can I plan retirement by 50 years.

Ans: At 40, with an impressive monthly income and investment discipline, you’re in a strong position for financial goals like early retirement and your child’s education. Let’s explore a structured approach to ensure financial security, income stability, and wealth growth.

Assessing Current Financial Standing
1. Income and Expenses
Your monthly income is Rs 3.5 lakh, which is substantial.

Monthly expenses stand at Rs 80,000, and EMI payments are Rs 1 lakh. This totals Rs 1.8 lakh in committed monthly outflows.

2. Investment Portfolio
Equity Portfolio: Rs 19 lakh (invested Rs 12 lakh).

Mutual Fund Portfolio: Rs 78 lakh (including Rs 38 lakh in US funds).

SIP Contributions: Rs 1.5 lakh per month in mutual funds, which reflects your solid commitment to wealth creation.

PPF: Rs 5.5 lakh balance with Rs 5,000 monthly contributions.

Recurring Deposit: Rs 25,000 per month.

NPS: Rs 2 lakh balance with Rs 7,000 monthly contributions.

Evaluating Debt Position and EMI
Your EMI commitment of Rs 1 lakh for the next 20 years significantly impacts cash flow, which is crucial for your retirement planning.

Aim to make occasional pre-payments if possible to reduce tenure.

If there’s an opportunity, consider renegotiating your loan for a better interest rate.

Goal-Based Financial Planning
1. Child’s Education
A 7-year-old child’s higher education costs can be high in 10-12 years due to inflation.

Consider a dedicated portfolio for your child’s education using equity and debt mutual funds. With 10-12 years of horizon, equities could be beneficial.

Ensure regular SIPs and review annually to align with the goal.

Avoid using PPF for this purpose, as it’s better suited for retirement due to its lock-in nature.

2. Retirement at 50
With a current lifestyle, expenses post-retirement may increase, especially for healthcare and lifestyle.

Early retirement at 50 may require a significant corpus due to the long post-retirement period.

Factor in inflation, aiming to have at least Rs 3 crore in today’s terms, growing with inflation.

Your MF SIPs and equity portfolio are commendable but may need to be further scaled up for a secure retirement corpus.

Enhancing Your Portfolio for Retirement and Education Goals
1. Mutual Funds - Focus on Active Management
Actively managed mutual funds allow expert fund managers to adjust strategies based on market conditions.

Avoid index funds as they lack flexibility, limiting returns in changing market conditions.

Regular funds through Certified Financial Planners (CFP) can provide insights and consistent updates, which are beneficial over direct investments for reliable growth.

2. RD and PPF Contributions
Consider gradually shifting recurring deposits (RD) to more growth-oriented investments. RD rates are relatively low compared to inflation.

PPF is a safe retirement component but lacks growth to match inflation effectively.

Aim to increase equity exposure gradually, especially as you near retirement, to maintain inflation-beating returns.

3. NPS - A Reliable Retirement Component
NPS offers tax-saving benefits and additional growth due to partial equity exposure.

Continue NPS contributions to further grow your retirement fund, but remember it has limited liquidity.

As retirement nears, you may consider moving a portion into low-risk or balanced funds to secure returns.

Tax Planning and Exit Strategy
1. Capital Gains on Equity Investments
Under the new tax laws, long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Strategic fund withdrawals could reduce the tax burden.

Rebalance your portfolio periodically to avoid tax inefficiencies and realise gains efficiently.

2. Insurance (ULIP)
ULIP policies are often suboptimal for investments, given their high charges and lower returns.

Consider surrendering the ULIP and reinvesting in mutual funds with a systematic approach to boost returns.

Preparing for Medical and Life Insurance Needs
Secure adequate health insurance for yourself and your family. Early retirement could mean higher healthcare costs.

Life insurance is crucial to protect family goals, especially for your child’s education.

Avoid investment-based insurance; term insurance offers better protection at a low cost.

Reviewing Your EMI Strategy
With a 20-year EMI commitment, debt repayment is a priority, especially with the goal of retiring early.

If cash flow permits, consider making partial pre-payments on the loan periodically.

This strategy can reduce loan tenure, lower interest outflow, and increase disposable income in retirement.

Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses is essential.

Keep this in a combination of liquid funds and savings accounts for easy access.

This fund ensures you won’t need to dip into retirement savings for unexpected expenses.

Finally
Early retirement requires careful planning, balancing investment growth, debt repayment, and goal-specific strategies. Staying disciplined with SIPs, reviewing investments, and making adjustments will support your goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help monitor these plans and suggest optimal rebalancing over time to stay on track.

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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I am 40 year old below is my portfolio, current monthly expenses is 80k. Monthly income 4.5 lacs including pf after taxes , investing 60k mf , 60k stocks , 1 lac in pf , PPF, ssy and lic. 1.5 lacs emi in site loan which has just started, which will be there for another 6 years. Me and my wife work in IT , having 5 year old daughter. Can we retire by 50 ? Own apartment loan paid off MF mix of small , mid , large and international - 70 lacs Direct coffe can stocks - 30 lacs PPF , PF , SSY , LIC - 1 CR
Ans: Retiring by 50 is an ambitious goal, but with careful planning and disciplined execution, it can be achievable. Here are some steps you can take:

Evaluate Your Financial Position: Review your current assets, liabilities, and investment portfolio. Ensure that you have a clear understanding of your financial situation.
Calculate Retirement Corpus: Estimate your desired retirement corpus based on your expected post-retirement expenses, inflation, and life expectancy. Consider consulting a financial planner for a detailed analysis.
Optimize Investments: Continue investing in a mix of mutual funds, stocks, and other instruments to grow your wealth. Since you have a diversified portfolio, ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.
Accelerate Savings: Increase your monthly investments if possible to accelerate wealth accumulation. Consider reallocating resources from lower-yield assets to those offering higher returns, keeping risk in mind.
Debt Management: Focus on paying off your site loan within the next six years. Reducing debt will free up more resources for savings and investments.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an adequate emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses. Aim for 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid and accessible account.
Plan for Contingencies: Consider factors like healthcare expenses, education costs for your daughter, and any other unforeseen events. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage to mitigate risks.
Retirement Lifestyle: Define your desired retirement lifestyle and associated expenses. This will help you determine the size of your retirement corpus more accurately.
Regular Review: Periodically review your financial plan to track progress and make necessary adjustments. Stay informed about changes in tax laws, investment opportunities, and market trends.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.
Remember, achieving early retirement requires discipline, sacrifice, and careful financial management. While it may seem challenging, with dedication and the right approach, you can work towards realizing your goal of retiring by 50.

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2024Hindi
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I am 41 years of age, i am invested about 40 Lakhs in stocks and about 60 Lakhs of total corpas in mutual funds which includes Rs.15,000 for HDFC balanced fund, Rs. 15,000 towards HDFC Top 100 and Rs.30,000 toward mirae asset large cap fund and Rs. 20,000 towards axis small cap fund and Rs 20,000 towards UTI index fund. Apart from this i have a FD of Rs.1Cr, sovereign gold bond of 5 lakhs and Rs. 30 Lakhs towaeds corporate bonds. I would like to retire by 45 with with monthly income of Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Please evaluate and tell me will i be able to achieve this
Ans: Embarking on the journey towards early retirement at 45 with a monthly income target of ?1.5 lakhs necessitates a thorough evaluation of your current financial portfolio and its alignment with your retirement aspirations.

Reviewing Your Current Investment Allocation
Your investment portfolio exhibits a diverse mix of assets, including stocks, mutual funds, fixed deposits (FDs), sovereign gold bonds, and corporate bonds. This diversified approach reflects a prudent strategy towards wealth accumulation and risk management.

Assessing the Suitability of Investment Choices
Your allocation towards stocks and mutual funds, totaling ?1 crore, signifies a substantial exposure to equity markets, which offer the potential for higher returns over the long term. However, it's essential to ensure that this allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Analyzing the Retirement Income Requirement
With a targeted monthly income of ?1.5 lakhs post-retirement, we must evaluate whether your current portfolio can generate sufficient passive income to meet this goal. This assessment involves projecting the potential income streams from your existing investments and identifying any gaps that need to be addressed.

Evaluating Retirement Readiness
Given your age of 41 and the desired retirement age of 45, it's crucial to ascertain whether your current savings and investment trajectory can facilitate an early retirement while sustaining your desired lifestyle. This evaluation entails stress-testing your retirement plan against various scenarios, including market volatility and inflationary pressures.

Crafting a Retirement Strategy
To bridge any potential income shortfall and bolster your retirement corpus, we may need to explore additional avenues for wealth accumulation. This could involve increasing your contributions to equity-oriented investments, optimizing tax-efficient strategies, and diversifying into alternative income-generating assets.

Providing Personalized Retirement Solutions
As a Certified Financial Planner, I specialize in tailoring bespoke retirement solutions that cater to your unique financial circumstances and aspirations. By leveraging a combination of investment vehicles, tax planning strategies, and retirement income streams, we can devise a robust plan to achieve your early retirement objective with confidence.

Conclusion: Striving Towards Financial Freedom
In conclusion, achieving early retirement at 45 with a monthly income of ?1.5 lakhs requires a strategic blend of prudent investing, diligent planning, and proactive portfolio management. Through a collaborative approach and personalized guidance, we can navigate the path to financial freedom, ensuring a secure and fulfilling retirement lifestyle for you.

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Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Hello Sir. I am 42 years old.my monthly earning rs.95000.I am investing 40,000 per month from July,24 in mutual funds and 5L in lumsump MF in ICICI prudential energy opportunities fund.rs.24000 in RD in bank.Currently corpus is 25L in ppf, 25L in PF,20L in FD ,45L in LIc.i have one son age 8 yrs.i have own car, bike. I have parental house.If I have to retire at the age of 60 and require monthly 5 lakhs, is it possible, and if yes, what should be my strategy?
Ans: Current Financial Situation
You have a stable monthly income of Rs. 95,000.

You invest Rs. 40,000 per month in mutual funds since July 2024.

You have invested Rs. 5 lakhs in a lump sum mutual fund.

You save Rs. 24,000 monthly in a recurring deposit.

Your corpus includes:

Rs. 25 lakhs in PPF
Rs. 25 lakhs in PF
Rs. 20 lakhs in FD
Rs. 45 lakhs in LIC
You have an 8-year-old son.

You own a car, a bike, and have a parental house.

Goal: Retirement at 60
You wish to retire at 60 and need Rs. 5 lakhs monthly post-retirement.

Analysis of Current Investments
Your current investments are diversified:

Mutual funds for growth
PPF and PF for safety
FD for liquidity
LIC for insurance and savings
This is a balanced approach. However, to meet your goal, adjustments are needed.

Mutual Funds
Continue with mutual funds for growth. They provide higher returns over time. Consider diversifying into large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. This reduces risk and ensures steady growth.

Recurring Deposit
Recurring deposits offer fixed returns. However, they are less effective for long-term growth. You might consider redirecting some RD funds into equity mutual funds. This can potentially provide better returns.

PPF and PF
These are excellent for long-term safety. They provide tax benefits and guaranteed returns. Continue these for stability and safety in your portfolio.

Fixed Deposits
FDs provide liquidity but offer lower returns. Consider reallocating some funds into more growth-oriented investments. This can help in building a larger retirement corpus.

LIC Policies
LIC policies often offer lower returns compared to mutual funds. Consider reviewing your policies. If they are investment-cum-insurance, think about surrendering and investing in mutual funds. Use a term insurance plan for pure risk cover.

Lump Sum Investment
Your lump sum investment in a sector-specific fund is high risk. Consider diversifying into diversified equity funds. This reduces risk and ensures better long-term growth.

Strategy for Achieving Retirement Goal
Increase SIP Contributions
Increase your monthly SIP contributions. Aim for at least 50% of your monthly income. This ensures a larger corpus over time.

Diversify Investments
Diversify across various mutual funds. Include large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. This spreads risk and maximizes returns.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Review your portfolio every six months. Rebalance to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps in staying aligned with your goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund of at least 6 months of expenses. Park this in liquid funds for easy access. This ensures financial stability during emergencies.

Retirement Planning
Start planning for retirement expenses. Consider inflation and rising costs. Use retirement calculators to estimate the required corpus. Adjust your investments accordingly.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide tailored strategies. A CFP ensures your investments are aligned with your retirement goals.

Final Insights
Your current investments are on the right track.

Increase your SIP contributions for better growth.

Diversify your mutual fund investments.

Review and rebalance your portfolio regularly.

Seek professional guidance for a tailored approach.

With disciplined investing, achieving your retirement goal is possible.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I am 35years old.i have 5year old son.my salary and my wife it's 120000, Total medical insurance is 20lack. Pf 9000 per month mutual fund 11000 per month and I have a flat of 65lack.i want to retire at 50.
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Income: Combined salary of Rs 1,20,000 per month.

Medical Insurance: Coverage of Rs 20 lakhs for your family.

Provident Fund: Rs 9,000 per month.

Mutual Fund Investment: Rs 11,000 per month.

Property: Own a flat valued at Rs 65 lakhs.

Son's Age: 5 years old.

Retirement Planning
Goal: Retire at age 50. This gives you 15 years to build a retirement corpus.

Corpus Needed: You need a substantial corpus to sustain post-retirement. This includes living expenses, medical needs, and inflation.

Investments Assessment
Provident Fund: Stable and secure. Continue contributing.

Mutual Funds: Good choice for long-term wealth creation. Ensure you have a diversified portfolio.

Property: Avoid considering it as a liquid asset for retirement. Focus on financial instruments instead.

Increasing Investments
Enhance SIPs: Increase SIP contributions gradually. Aim for a higher monthly investment.

Equity Exposure: Ensure a good mix of equity mutual funds. Equity offers higher returns over the long term.

Debt Funds: Balance your portfolio with some debt funds for stability.

Insurance Review
Medical Insurance: Rs 20 lakhs is decent coverage. Review it periodically to ensure it meets future needs.

Life Insurance: Ensure adequate life cover. Consider term plans for sufficient coverage.

Education Fund for Son
Higher Education: Start a dedicated fund for your son's higher education. Education costs will rise significantly.

Investment Options: Use a mix of child plans and mutual funds to build this corpus.

Reducing Debt
Home Loan: If you have a home loan on your flat, plan to repay it before retirement.

Debt-Free Retirement: Aim to enter retirement without any liabilities.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for a detailed plan. They can help you balance risk and return.

Regular Reviews: Periodically review your financial plan. Make adjustments based on life changes and market conditions.

Final Insights
Consistent Savings: Regular and disciplined savings are key to achieving your goals.

Balanced Portfolio: Maintain a balanced portfolio to manage risks.

Focus on Long-Term: Keep a long-term perspective for investments. Avoid short-term market fluctuations.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund. It should cover at least 6 months of expenses.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Dr, I’m 35 years old from Jamnagar, and my husband and I have been trying for a baby for the past year, but nothing seems to be working. I recently visited a fertility clinic in neighborhood , and after a few tests, they mentioned that I might have blocked fallopian tubes. The gynaec also talked about possible treatments like surgery or IVF, but I’m really confused and worried. Should I go for a laparoscopy to check the severity, or are there any other alternatives that could help me? I’m really anxious and just want to understand my options better before making any decisions.
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Considering your age 35 years, trying to conceive since, one year and few test done, one of which suggest possibility of tubal blockage, there are various modalities of treatment.
Firstly, you can do laparoscopy to note the severity if blockage and do tubal cannulation.
Tubal cannulation is often the first line of treatment for patients with blocked fallopian tubes because it's a non-invasive procedure that's widely available.
Tubal cannulation is a procedure that can unblock fallopian tubes and is highly successful for proximal tubal blockages, with a success rate of over 80%. However, it may not be successful for all patients and is not recommended for distal tubal occlusions.
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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 17, 2024Hindi
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Hello Doctor, I’m in my late 20s, and lately, I’ve been feeling like something’s off with my body. My periods either show up way too early, sometimes not at all for months. And, I’ve been putting on weight even though I haven’t changed my diet or exercise routine. My skin has also turned into a battlefield with acne all over, which I never used to have before. My cousin, who’s around my age, just found out she has PCOS, and her mom (my aunt) went through something similar when she was younger. Now, I’m scared because I’ve been hearing all these horror stories about how it can affect fertility, and I’m not even married yet. What if it’s a family thing and I end up facing the same problems? My mom says, ‘Don’t worry, it’ll be fine,’ but I can’t stop thinking about it. Should I see a gynecologist, or is there another kind of doctor I should be visiting? What tests should I do to get to the bottom of this before it gets worse? Honestly, I’m feeling overwhelmed and just want to know what’s going on before it’s too late.
Ans: Hello, noted your concerns
You are in late 20’s with irregular periods, acne, weight gain,
You are undergoing hormonal imbalance
We need to do certain blood test like
CBC, tsh prolactin fasting insulin level
Hba1c, testosterone level
DHEA, LH FSH ESTRADIOL LEVEL
Amd AMH level to check for fertility level
Usg pelvis to rule out
Pcos
The mainstay treatment. For pcos is lifestyle changes
1) Daily exercise, walks. Zumba, running
2) Good nutritious food with proteins, vitamins, minerals, low carbs and fats
3) good adequate sleep 7 to 8 hours
4) stress management: yoga meditation, breathing exercise
5) supplements to controls effects of pcos
6) low dose OC PILLS TO regularize the cycles

...Read more

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