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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 27, 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 - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 40 year old. I have a salary of 65000 rs. My wife takes care of the house, my parents and our 1.8 year old daughter. I live in a rented property. I am want to buy a property in gurgaon which is suitable for whole family. I have sold a property I pre-owned in gurgaon in 3300000. But now as property rates are on hike am not able to search for a suitable property. Help me search a property and plan my daughter's future as well.

Ans: Planning to buy a property in Gurgaon and securing your daughter’s future requires a comprehensive strategy. As a Certified Financial Planner, I will guide you through the process with empathy and understanding, providing genuine compliments and professional advice. Let's break down the steps in an easy-to-follow manner.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, let's look at your current financial status. Your salary is Rs. 65,000 per month, and your wife takes care of the household, your parents, and your young daughter. Living in a rented property in Gurgaon, you aim to buy a home suitable for your entire family.

Funds from Property Sale
You recently sold a property in Gurgaon for Rs. 33,00,000. This amount will significantly contribute to your new property purchase. Given the rising property rates, finding a suitable home within your budget can be challenging but manageable with proper planning.

Property Search in Gurgaon
Set a Budget
Your budget for purchasing a property should include the amount from your property sale and any additional funds you can allocate. Given the sale amount of Rs. 33,00,000, aim to add some savings to this amount if possible.

Determine Your Requirements
Assess your family's needs in terms of space and amenities. Consider the following:

Number of bedrooms
Proximity to schools and hospitals
Access to public transportation
Safety and neighborhood quality
Explore Financing Options
You might need to take a home loan to cover any shortfall. Check your eligibility based on your income and credit score. Banks typically offer home loans up to 80% of the property value. Ensure the EMI is manageable within your monthly budget.

Research Property Options
Look for properties in Gurgaon that fit your budget and requirements. Areas like Sector 56, 57, and Sohna Road offer good residential options. Consider contacting real estate agents or using property search websites to explore listings.

Planning Your Daughter’s Future
Secure Education and Marriage Funds
Your daughter is 1.8 years old, giving you time to plan for her education and marriage. Start by estimating the future costs for both these milestones.

Investment Options for Her Future
Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits
FDs and RDs are safe options for securing funds. They offer guaranteed returns and can be a good choice for short-term goals.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a long-term, tax-free investment option. It is excellent for accumulating a substantial amount over time due to its compounding nature.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can provide higher returns over the long term. Consider equity mutual funds for higher growth potential, keeping in mind the risk associated.

Building a Comprehensive Financial Plan
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering at least 6 months of expenses. This fund will provide financial security during unexpected situations.

Insurance Coverage
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage. Life insurance will secure your family’s future, while health insurance will cover medical expenses.

Evaluating Investment Strategies
Active vs. Passive Funds
Active funds are managed by professionals aiming to outperform the market. They can be beneficial due to their potential for higher returns compared to index funds, which merely replicate market indices.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offers several advantages:

Professional guidance
Personalized advice
Better fund selection based on your risk profile
Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds have lower fees, they lack the potential for higher returns that actively managed funds offer. They simply track the market and do not aim to outperform it.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Regular Review of Investments
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Adjust the allocation based on changing market conditions and personal circumstances.

Professional Advice
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner regularly can help you stay on track with your financial goals. They can provide personalized advice and make necessary adjustments to your plan.

Buying a Property: Key Considerations
Legal Verification
Ensure the property has clear legal titles. Verify documents such as the sale deed, land records, and approvals from local authorities.

Home Loan Process
Compare home loan offers from different banks. Consider factors like interest rates, loan tenure, and processing fees. Ensure the EMI fits comfortably within your budget.

Property Valuation
Get the property valued to ensure you are paying a fair price. This step helps in negotiating the purchase price and securing the right loan amount.

Final Insights
Buying a property in Gurgaon and planning your daughter's future requires meticulous planning and execution. By setting a realistic budget, exploring financing options, and selecting suitable investment avenues, you can achieve your goals. Regularly review your financial plan with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives. Remember, the right financial strategy will provide security and growth for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 21, 2024Hindi
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Is there any answer for my query asked on 07 Jan 2024. Male 42 Year, Wife 38 (housewife), Two Kids age 9 and 5.5 (both school going), living in Ghaziabad, Job in Gurugram. I had a loss of my own property when my brother cheated on me, then I had another loss of around 25L in a property. Because of this, I disturbed mentally and physically both. Currently living on rent in Ghaziabad and doing daily up & down to Gurgaon for job which takes around 4.5 hrs. Thought of shifting to Gurgaon, but because of cost factors (like daily expenses, rent, school fees etc) are very high in Gurgaon as compared to Ghaziabad. But not at the age of 42, health does not allow the 4.5 hrs of daily journey as well as my kids want my time also. Ultimately, point is that, if I will stay in GZB and purchase a property here, I will have to commute daily for 4.5 hrs OR if I'll go to Gurgaon, meeting the expenses are difficult. Kindly suggest.
Ans: It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with various factors to consider. Here are a few suggestions:

Consider prioritizing your health and well-being: A 4.5-hour daily commute can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially considering your age and family responsibilities.

Evaluate your financial situation carefully: Compare the costs of living in Ghaziabad versus Gurgaon, including rent, school fees, and daily expenses. Look for ways to optimize your budget and potentially increase your income through avenues like investments or additional sources of revenue.

Explore alternative living arrangements: Look for more affordable housing options closer to your workplace in Gurgaon or explore the possibility of telecommuting if your job allows it.

Seek professional guidance: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or counselor who can help you assess your options objectively and make informed decisions based on your priorities and financial situation.

Ultimately, prioritize your health, family well-being, and financial stability when making your decision. It may require some careful planning and adjustments, but finding the right balance is crucial for your overall happiness and success.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, Me and my wife both are 40 years old. Together, we both earn around Rs. 2.5 lacs per month. We have around Rs. 1cr in MF and 50 lacs in Stocks. We are investing monthly SIP of Rs. 1 lacs per month.All the SIPs are equity oriented.Paying Rent Rs. 45k and our monthly expense is around 90 k (including rent). We have 2 kids ( 7 years and 2 years), one is having medical (Cerebral Palsy) Issue. We plan to buy a house in Gurgaon. What should be our Ideal budget to buy a property? Understanding 1 kid will always be dependent on us . No other EMI as of now.
Ans: Here's some guidance on your ideal budget for a property in Gurgaon:

Financial Strength:

Combined Income: Rs. 2.5 lacs per month is a good starting point.
Savings: Rs. 1.5 cr (Rs. 1 cr in MF + Rs. 50 lacs in Stocks) is a significant sum.
Investments: Rs. 1 lac monthly SIP shows strong saving habits.
Challenges:

Dependent Child: Having a child with Cerebral Palsy will require long-term financial planning for their care.
Monthly Expenses: Your current expenses are Rs. 1.35 lacs (including rent).
Considering these factors:

Don't stretch too thin: While you have a good income and savings, prioritize your child's needs and future medical care.
Target a 15-20 year loan term: This keeps your monthly EMI manageable.
Recommended Budget:

Focus on affordability: Aim for a property with a total cost (including registration and other charges) between Rs. 50 lacs - Rs. 1 crore. This translates to a monthly EMI of around Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 60,000 (assuming a 15-20 year loan term).
Location: Consider areas in Gurgaon with good healthcare facilities and accessibility for your child's needs. Explore areas like Sectors 56, 70, 84 or Gurgaon outskirts like Sohna or New Palam Vihar which may offer better affordability.
Additional Tips:

Talk to a Financial Advisor: Discuss your situation with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to create a personalized financial plan considering your child's needs and future goals.
Research Property Options: Look for resale flats, builder floors, or upcoming projects in your budget range. Use online portals like MagicBricks or NoBroker to get an idea of prevailing prices.
Factor in Additional Costs: Remember, there are additional costs besides the property price – registration charges, stamp duty, maintenance fees, etc.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,


Chief Financial Planner,


www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2024

Money
Hi, i am currently 33 and my wife is 31. We have a daughter who's just 5 months old. We have savings of 37 Lakhs in PPF, 20 lakhs in PF, 6 lakhs in NPS and 3.5 lakhs in stocks. We three still live in a rented home in Gurugram whose rent is 53k . We have parental properties of 3 Cr and a few plots. Our combined income is 3.5 LPA per month. Pls suggest me if i should invest in a property in gurugram as the property prices have sky rocketed. If so what should be my budget? We need to also secure my kids future. Can you let us know how should we budget our expenses?
Ans: Investing wisely is essential for securing your family's financial future. You have significant savings and a steady income, and you want to ensure a prosperous future for your child. Given the high property prices in Gurugram, it's crucial to evaluate whether investing in real estate is the best option. We will also explore how to budget your expenses effectively.

Evaluating Real Estate Investment
Rising Property Prices
Property prices in Gurugram have indeed skyrocketed. Investing in real estate requires careful consideration of several factors, including the market trends, your financial stability, and future needs.

Market Trends
Gurugram's real estate market has seen significant growth. While this might suggest potential for appreciation, it also means high initial costs and potential volatility.

Financial Stability
You have substantial savings and a combined income of ?3.5 lakhs per month. This financial stability is beneficial, but investing a large sum in property might limit your liquidity.

Alternatives to Real Estate
Instead of locking a significant portion of your funds in property, consider diversified investments. This approach can offer growth potential with managed risk.

Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, can provide good returns. These funds allow for professional management and diversification across various sectors.

Equity Funds
Equity funds, particularly large and mid-cap funds, can offer substantial growth. These funds invest in established companies, providing a balance of risk and return.

Financial Impact of Buying Property
Initial Costs
Buying property involves a substantial initial investment. This includes down payment, registration fees, and other related expenses.

Ongoing Costs
Maintenance, property tax, and potential loan EMIs add to the financial burden. It's essential to consider if these costs align with your long-term financial goals.

Securing Your Child’s Future
Education Planning
Planning for your child's education is crucial. Education costs are rising, and starting early can help in accumulating the necessary funds.

Education Savings Plans
Consider investing in education savings plans that offer tax benefits and growth potential.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds can help accumulate wealth systematically over time. By investing a fixed amount regularly, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Health and Insurance
Ensuring adequate health and life insurance is vital. It protects your family against unforeseen expenses and provides financial security.

Health Insurance
A comprehensive health insurance plan covers medical expenses, ensuring you don’t have to dip into savings during health emergencies.

Life Insurance
Adequate life insurance ensures your family’s financial stability in case of any unfortunate event. Consider a term insurance plan for high coverage at a lower cost.

Effective Budgeting
Monthly Income and Expenses
With a combined monthly income of ?3.5 lakhs and a rent expense of ?53,000, it’s important to allocate your funds wisely.

Fixed Expenses
Fixed expenses include rent, utilities, and insurance premiums. Ensure these are covered first from your monthly income.

Variable Expenses
Variable expenses include groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Tracking these helps in identifying areas where you can save.

Savings and Investments
Allocating a portion of your income to savings and investments is crucial for financial growth and security.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund provides a safety net during unforeseen situations.

Investment Portfolio
Diversify your investment portfolio across various asset classes to balance risk and return. This includes equities, mutual funds, PPF, and NPS.

Debt Management
If you have any existing loans, prioritizing repayment is essential. Reducing debt improves your financial health and increases disposable income for investments.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Start planning for retirement early to ensure a comfortable and secure future.

NPS and PPF
Continue contributing to your NPS and PPF accounts. These offer tax benefits and long-term growth, essential for retirement corpus.

Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds can provide the necessary growth to build a substantial retirement corpus.

Estate Planning
Ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes through proper estate planning.

Will and Trust
Create a will to specify how your assets should be distributed. Consider setting up a trust for smooth and tax-efficient transfer of wealth.

Legal Consultation
Consult a legal expert to ensure all estate planning documents are in order and comply with legal requirements.

Conclusion
Investing in real estate in Gurugram requires careful consideration due to high property prices and potential financial constraints. Diversifying your investments across mutual funds, equities, and other financial instruments can provide better growth and liquidity. Planning for your child’s education, health insurance, and retirement are crucial steps towards securing your family’s future. Effective budgeting and debt management will further strengthen your financial position. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice to optimize your financial strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi I am 33 years old female i currently not having any savings but i want to start i hva 60lcs worth house no emis no loans.. salary 91k per month.. expenses most of 25k - 30K per month. Let me know how i can i plan where to invest i have 2years old daughter i am looking to first buy a property in next 5 years and to save for my child education. Thanks kindly help me tostart my journey
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Age: 33 years
Salary: Rs. 91,000 per month
Expenses: Rs. 25,000 - 30,000 per month
Assets: Rs. 60 lakh house (no EMIs or loans)
Goals: Buy a property in 5 years, save for child's education
Dependents: 2-year-old daughter
Creating an Emergency Fund
Importance of an Emergency Fund
Security: Protects against unforeseen expenses
Peace of Mind: Ensures financial stability
Recommendation
Target Amount: 6 months of expenses, around Rs. 1.5 lakh
Investment Option: Liquid funds for easy access and better returns than savings accounts
Starting Systematic Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Benefit: Rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing
Initial Amount: Start with Rs. 15,000 per month
Diversification
Equity Funds: High growth potential, long-term gains
Debt Funds: Stability, lower risk
Saving for Child's Education
Education Planning
Estimate Costs: Account for inflation in education expenses
Investment Options: Child-specific mutual funds and PPF
SIPs for Education
Dedicated SIP: Start a dedicated SIP of Rs. 10,000 per month for your child’s education
Equity Exposure: Focus on equity funds for long-term growth
Planning for Property Purchase
Property Investment
Timeline: Plan to buy property in the next 5 years
Down Payment: Save at least 20% of the property cost
Monthly Savings
Dedicated Savings: Save Rs. 20,000 per month for down payment
Investment Vehicle: Use recurring deposits or short-term debt funds for stability
Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Recommendation: Purchase a term insurance plan
Coverage: Sum assured should be at least 10 times your annual income
Health Insurance
Recommendation: Get a comprehensive health insurance policy
Coverage: Include family floater plan to cover your daughter as well
Retirement Planning
Long-Term Goal
Start Early: Begin investing for retirement now for compounding benefits
Investment Options: NPS and diversified equity funds
Monthly Contribution
Recommendation: Allocate Rs. 10,000 per month towards retirement
Additional Recommendations
Regular Reviews
Financial Check-Ups: Review your financial plan every 6 months
Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on changing circumstances
Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner: Consult a CFP for personalized advice
Regular Funds: Invest through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credential for better support and guidance
Final Insights
Build an emergency fund first.
Start SIPs for disciplined investing.
Save specifically for child’s education.
Plan for property purchase within 5 years.
Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Begin retirement planning early.
Regularly review and adjust your financial plan.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 21, 2025Hindi
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Money
I'm 32, with no savings other than my monthly SIP of 5000 which i have been doing since 2022 september. I have no financial backing, could you help me with a break up of how i can start investing and saving.
Ans: At 32, starting with Rs. 5,000 monthly SIP is a good first step. Building wealth requires a structured approach to saving and investing. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve financial stability and growth.

Assessing Your Current Situation
You have no financial backing, so an emergency fund is critical.

Your monthly SIP indicates discipline in investing.

Prioritising goals and systematic planning will strengthen your finances.

Step 1: Establish an Emergency Fund
Save at least 6 months' worth of monthly expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.

Allocate a fixed portion of your income every month for this purpose.

Emergency funds should be easily accessible but not used for routine expenses.

Step 2: Manage Expenses Effectively
Create a monthly budget to track income and expenses.

Identify unnecessary expenses and redirect the savings towards investments.

Follow the 50-30-20 rule:

50% for necessities (rent, food, bills).
30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, hobbies).
20% for savings and investments.
Step 3: Continue and Enhance SIP Contributions
Your Rs. 5,000 SIP in equity mutual funds is a good start.

Gradually increase the SIP amount as your income grows.

Choose funds based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Step 4: Diversify Your Investments
Equity Mutual Funds

Continue investing in actively managed funds for long-term growth.
Focus on funds with consistent performance over 5-10 years.
Debt Funds or Fixed Deposits

Allocate a portion to safer instruments for stability.
These options can balance risk in your portfolio.
PPF (Public Provident Fund)

Open a PPF account for tax-saving benefits and long-term compounding.
Invest a fixed amount annually to build a secure retirement corpus.
Gold for Wealth Protection

Allocate a small percentage (5-10%) to gold (SGB or gold mutual funds).
Gold acts as a hedge against inflation.
Step 5: Focus on Insurance and Risk Coverage
Purchase a term insurance policy with adequate coverage (10-15 times your annual income).

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance to cover medical emergencies.

Avoid investment-cum-insurance policies as they deliver low returns.

Step 6: Plan for Long-Term Goals
Define specific financial goals like buying a house, retirement, or children's education.

Assign timelines and cost estimates to each goal.

Invest in equity for long-term goals (10+ years) and debt for short-term goals (1-3 years).

Step 7: Tax-Saving Investments
Use Section 80C instruments like ELSS, PPF, or NPS to save taxes.

ELSS funds provide equity exposure with tax benefits under Section 80C.

Avoid locking excessive funds in low-return tax-saving options.

Step 8: Automate Savings and Investments
Set up auto-debit for SIPs and savings to maintain consistency.

Automating investments reduces the temptation to spend unnecessarily.

Step 9: Regular Monitoring and Review
Review your portfolio every 6 months to track performance.

Rebalance your portfolio to maintain the right asset allocation.

Avoid frequent fund switching, as it may impact long-term returns.

Final Insights
Starting with limited resources can feel challenging but is achievable with discipline. Build an emergency fund, manage expenses wisely, and grow your investments systematically. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your portfolio and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 19, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I am a divorced working woman , with a daughter 8 yrs. I have been pursued for remarriage with a guy who is 10 yrs older to me and have 2 kids. 11 and 14 yrs respectively living in a small town. Initially it was agreed the elder child who is a boy would be living in hostel , but now since we are approaching near to the marriage, it seems the elder male child is going to stay at home and not hostel. This is making me really uncomfortable as I won't get much privacy also the male child is aggressive.Already handling one kid was difficult before. Also moving to small town was difficult transition from a metropolitan that I stay in. Moving there could mean losing job opportunities in future. I am really worried if I let this match go, I end up alone again. I am not able to make a decision, it's difficult to raise others children. It's just not naturally inbuilt in us.Although I try really hard to mould my thinking and be more generous, but somehow it suffocates me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Let me ask you one thing, if you knew a plane was going to crash, would you still get on it because you are worried you will reach your destination late? No, right? Similarly, if you know this marriage could be really tough on you, with the added responsibilities of a teenager and another soon-to-be teenager, do you still want to go ahead with it, just because you might have to stay alone for a while longer?

I can't really make a decision for you, but I can urge you to rethink this alliance. It's great that you are trying to compromise but do not compromise so much that nothing that you want is given any importance. You cannot ask a father to send his child to a hostel so that you can have some privacy; similarly, no one can force you to raise him as well. The best decision would be to either reconsider the relationship or have an open conversation and come to a middle ground that works for all.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
How do I 32M get over my insecurity with 30F? (Seeking Advice) Met this girl via matrimony exactly 2 months back. We connect well. Our families have met recently and it went well. Somehow we found a lot of connections between our families. That's just a bonus. Her family likes me a lot and they wanted to do Roka when they met us last week. I had told her, that no matter our bond, we should talk a lot and give it 3 months before going for roka. We live in different metro cities and have met twice now. About her: She is 30, well behaved & spoken(most important thing for me), smart, good looking, and is extremely polite. She is an army brat, has had a lot of freedom from family. Due to her father's job, they kept getting posted to different cities so she doesn't really understand family part of things. She's in a IT job. About me: I'm 32, okayish guy, in IT. To take things ahead I need to know my partner's past. I have no judgements at all but need to know stuff. Getting to know things over time bothers me a lot. I've tried to work on it, and have always made sure I don't bother the other person too much. After a month of talking, she told me that she had a casual boyfriend for an year. All her friends were dating in Bangalore and she decided to try it out. Found a guy through bumble and started dating him. So, according to her there were no feelings, just a person for her to go to places with, have drinks, and party. She likes drinking a lot and I have never taken a sip. She said that it was just a phase and she was immature. This happened between 2018(Nov) to 2020(march). So, it's been like 5 years. Never dated anyone after that. Since covid(2020) she's been living with her parents due to wfh. I have been completely ok with that but new things surfaced and they are messing with my head. While snooping around her facebook I figured out who that person was and this guy is super close to a person in my distant family. In fact they both were flatmates until their respective marriages. This distant cousin of mine knows me and knows her really well. These 3 used to hangout a lot and he has seen her come to their flat regularly. Infact, she had a good bond with my cousin as well. There are things that bother me and I really can't shake things and feel super awful in my gut. She mentioned that she and her ex had a common love for drinking and regularly visited pubs, got drunk, and partied. This means that they would be staying at each other's place as well. This is something super old but bothers me a lot. Specifically the fact that she would be drunk partying with someone for an year and sleeping with him, with no feelings. Secondly, I found some posts where she has liked a post about this guy on fb/insta from mid-2021. I have already confronted her twice to share everything and we shall never discuss this again but this bothers me a lot. Secondly, now that I know the timelines I can figure out what photos have been taken by her ex. There's even a photo of her sitting on a messy bed, where she's cutting her bday cake. They celebrated it together. I found my cousins page and some other pages from which I knew it's the guy's room/flat. I know everyone has a past. She has come clean to me but somehow my brain is so split. Sometimes her nature and behaviour with me make me not care about anything. And then I know the bed, flat, and her actions with some guy. Then there is this angle where the ex's flatmate is my distant cousin and knows about her well.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that it is important for you to need to know her past and you mentioned that you merely want to know, and would not judge. But judging is exactly what you are doing. A lot of people have exes, a lot of people have occasional drinks- we can't judge people based on their past. She has opened up to you and all you are doing is snooping around. To be honest, it seems like you are really more concerned about her ex and past than about how amazing a person she is. I have only one piece of advice, if you think you can't get past her past, let her go. No one deserves to be judged by their past.

And think of it this way- you asked, and she told you. She was not obliged to, but still understanding your 'need' to know 'everything,' she confided in you. And this is how you are paying her back. Moreover, so what if she had an ex, or dated casually? How does that affect you right now? Ask yourself the same question and I think you will know the answer to your own dilemma.

Having said it all, marriage is a big decision. If you think her past can hamper your future, please rethink this relationship. It is best for both of you.

Best Wishes

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7596 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

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I am 49 and plan to retire in 2 years time.. I currently have a MF corpus of about 1.8 Cr, a PF of about 1 Cr and properties worth 2 Cr. I have been investing in MF's since 2014 through SIP's and currently have 70K monthly SIP. Please advise if I would be comfortable in 2 years, my estimated monthly expense post retirement would be approx 2 Lakhs per month
Ans: Your current corpus of Rs. 1.8 crore in mutual funds and Rs. 1 crore in PF is significant. The additional Rs. 2 crore in properties adds to your wealth but doesn’t provide immediate liquidity. Let us evaluate if your corpus will sustain your post-retirement expense of Rs. 2 lakh per month.

Estimating Post-Retirement Corpus Requirement
You plan to retire in 2 years, at age 51.

Assuming a life expectancy of 85 years, the corpus needs to last for 34 years.

An expense of Rs. 2 lakh per month means Rs. 24 lakh annually.

Adjust this amount for inflation to calculate future needs.

Current Investment Contributions
Your Rs. 70,000 monthly SIP builds your corpus over the next 2 years.

SIPs offer rupee cost averaging, reducing market volatility impact.

Assess the fund performance regularly to maximise growth.

Diversification of Investments
Your corpus is spread across mutual funds, PF, and properties.

PF provides a stable, fixed return but lacks flexibility.

Properties offer wealth accumulation but are less liquid for immediate needs.

Mutual funds remain a primary source of liquidity and growth post-retirement.

Evaluating Monthly Withdrawals Post-Retirement
Withdrawals should balance your monthly expenses and ensure corpus longevity.

Avoid withdrawing large amounts in the early years of retirement.

Consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for withdrawal strategies.

Role of Inflation and Healthcare Costs
Factor in inflation’s effect on expenses over 30+ years.

A 6% inflation rate doubles your monthly expense in 12 years.

Allocate for increasing healthcare costs with age.

Importance of Emergency and Medical Coverage
Keep at least 6 months' expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance for unexpected medical costs.

Tax Efficiency in Withdrawals
Equity mutual funds' LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt fund returns are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability on gains.

Active Funds vs. Direct Funds
Actively managed funds optimise returns by responding to market changes.

Direct funds lack professional support, affecting long-term efficiency.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to select regular funds.

Disadvantages of Relying on Real Estate
Properties are illiquid and may take time to convert to cash.

Rental income may not cover Rs. 2 lakh monthly expenses reliably.

Maintenance and property taxes further reduce returns.

Recommendations for Portfolio Restructuring
Increase Allocation to Growth Assets

Continue SIPs in equity mutual funds for growth potential.

Review funds for consistent performance and portfolio alignment.

Add Balanced and Debt Funds for Stability

Include balanced advantage and debt funds for steady income.

Debt funds reduce overall portfolio risk.

Plan a Withdrawal Strategy

Use the SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for predictable income.

Withdraw from equity funds after 3 years for tax efficiency.

Avoid Over-reliance on PF and Real Estate

PF offers safety but limited returns.

Use properties strategically for potential downsizing or sale.

Final Insights
You are on track to retire comfortably, provided you optimise your investments. Plan your withdrawals carefully, factoring in inflation and tax efficiency. Work with a Certified Financial Planner to refine your portfolio and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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