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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 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 25, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 41 years old. I am single. I have no dependents. In my family only father is there who lives off his monthly government pension which is around 80k per month. I am currently working on my startup. I don't have a regular monthly income as of now. I have inherited property which is around worth 20 crores. I have 3 houses. I dont have any loans or any other financial commitments. I might do marriage and may have kids also in near future. I have invested in a pension plan of a nationalised bank in which I invest 8 lacs per year for 5 years. and Then I get a lifelong income of approx 3 lacs per year for the rest of my life. The property I have and will inherit will be mostly agricultural land and commercial land. How and where do i invest so that I get at least 4 lacs per month regular income from my property investments. The money which I will receive from my agri/comm land sale will be at least 60 percent in cash. So, my question is about the regular monthly income and also where do I invest my money.

Ans: I can provide a detailed plan for you. Let's discuss how you can achieve a regular monthly income of at least Rs 4 lakhs from your investments. I'll break down the plan into key components and provide professional advice while keeping the language simple and clear.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation

First, let's appreciate your financial situation. You have no loans or dependents, and you own valuable property worth Rs 20 crores. You also have three houses and expect to inherit more agricultural and commercial land. It's impressive that you have a pension plan that will provide lifelong income.

Since you aim for a stable monthly income, diversifying your investments will be key. Let's explore different investment options to help you achieve your goal.

Investment in Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are an excellent way to generate regular income. They offer diversification, professional management, and liquidity. There are different types of mutual funds to consider:

1. Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds are less risky and provide steady returns. These funds invest in government securities, corporate bonds, and other fixed-income instruments. They can offer regular income through monthly, quarterly, or annual dividends.

Advantages of Debt Mutual Funds

Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Regular income through dividends.
Professional management.
Diversification across various debt instruments.
2. Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. Though they are riskier, they can provide significant growth over the long term. You can choose funds focusing on large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap stocks based on your risk tolerance.

Advantages of Equity Mutual Funds

High potential returns.
Diversification across various companies.
Professional management.
Long-term growth through compounding.
3. Balanced or Hybrid Mutual Funds

Balanced or hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They offer a balance of risk and return. These funds can provide regular income through dividends while offering growth potential.

Advantages of Balanced or Hybrid Mutual Funds

Balanced risk and return.
Regular income through dividends.
Diversification across equity and debt.
Professional management.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This can provide you with a steady income. You can set up an SWP in debt or balanced funds to ensure regular monthly income.

Advantages of SWP

Regular income.
Flexibility in withdrawal amount and frequency.
Tax efficiency compared to lump-sum withdrawals.
Professional management of remaining investments.
Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Fixed deposits are safe and provide guaranteed returns. Though they offer lower returns than mutual funds, they are a reliable source of regular income. You can invest a portion of your funds in FDs to ensure stability.

Advantages of Fixed Deposits

Guaranteed returns.
Low risk.
Regular interest income.
Flexibility in tenure.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)

The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme is a government-backed savings scheme. It provides a fixed monthly income with low risk. You can invest in POMIS to ensure a part of your income is stable and secure.

Advantages of POMIS

Guaranteed monthly income.
Low risk.
Government-backed security.
Fixed tenure with assured returns.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

If you or your father are eligible, the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is an excellent option. It offers regular income and tax benefits. This scheme is government-backed and provides higher interest rates.

Advantages of SCSS

Regular income.
Higher interest rates.
Tax benefits.
Government-backed security.
National Pension System (NPS)

The National Pension System is a long-term investment option. It offers tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus. While it focuses on retirement, it can be a part of your diversified portfolio.

Advantages of NPS

Long-term retirement planning.
Tax benefits.
Diversified investments.
Professional management.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

While you have substantial real estate holdings, investing in REITs can provide diversification. REITs allow you to invest in commercial properties and earn rental income without directly managing the properties.

Advantages of REITs

Regular income through dividends.
Diversification in real estate.
Professional management.
Liquidity compared to direct real estate investment.
Diversified Investment Portfolio

To achieve a regular monthly income of Rs 4 lakhs, a diversified investment portfolio is essential. Here's a suggested allocation:

1. Mutual Funds: Allocate a significant portion to debt, equity, and balanced funds. Use SWP for regular income.

2. Fixed Deposits: Invest a portion in FDs for guaranteed returns and stability.

3. POMIS and SCSS: Invest in these schemes for low-risk, government-backed income.

4. NPS: Consider NPS for long-term retirement planning and tax benefits.

5. REITs: Invest in REITs for real estate diversification and rental income.

Creating a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest regularly in mutual funds. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing. You can set up SIPs in equity and balanced funds to build a corpus over time.

Advantages of SIP

Disciplined investing.
Rupee cost averaging.
Flexibility in investment amount and frequency.
Professional management.
Power of Compounding

Investing early and regularly takes advantage of the power of compounding. Your investments grow exponentially over time, providing significant returns. Compounding is especially beneficial in equity mutual funds and SIPs.

Advantages of Compounding

Exponential growth over time.
Higher returns with longer investment duration.
Benefits of reinvesting earnings.
Risk Management and Diversification

Diversification helps manage risk and ensures stability in your portfolio. By investing in various asset classes, you reduce the impact of market volatility. Balancing high-risk and low-risk investments is key to achieving steady income.

Advantages of Diversification

Risk management.
Stability in returns.
Exposure to various asset classes.
Professional management.
Working with a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help create a tailored investment plan. They offer professional advice, portfolio management, and periodic reviews. Working with a CFP ensures your investments align with your goals.

Advantages of Working with a CFP

Professional advice and management.
Tailored investment plan.
Periodic portfolio reviews.
Alignment with financial goals.
Final Insights

To achieve a regular monthly income of Rs 4 lakhs, diversify your investments. Focus on mutual funds, FDs, government schemes, and REITs. Use SWPs and SIPs for steady income and growth. Work with a Certified Financial Planner for professional guidance. Diversification and risk management are key to stable and regular income.

Investing in mutual funds provides growth and stability. They offer diversification and professional management. Balanced and debt funds provide steady income. SIPs and SWPs ensure disciplined and regular investments.

Fixed deposits and government schemes provide guaranteed income. They add stability to your portfolio. REITs offer real estate diversification without direct management. NPS helps in long-term retirement planning.

Diversification and risk management ensure stable returns. The power of compounding boosts long-term growth. Working with a CFP provides professional advice and alignment with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I have sale my land of Rs 80 lakhs. I don't know how to invest my money but I want regular monthly income from my investment. Please guide me sir
Ans: Maximizing Returns from Your Land Sale Proceeds

Congratulations on the successful sale of your land! With the proceeds of Rs 80 lakhs, you have an excellent opportunity to generate regular monthly income through strategic investments. Let's explore suitable options to help you achieve your goal.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) or Recurring Deposits (RDs):
Consider allocating a portion of your proceeds to fixed deposits or recurring deposits with banks or financial institutions. While FDs offer a fixed interest rate for a specific term, RDs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly for a predetermined period. Both options provide stability and predictable returns, ensuring a steady monthly income.

Dividend-Paying Stocks:
Investing in dividend-paying stocks of established companies can provide a regular stream of income through dividend payments. Focus on companies with a consistent track record of dividend payouts and stable financial performance. Dividend income from stocks can supplement your monthly cash flow while potentially offering capital appreciation over time.

Monthly Income Plans (MIPs) or Debt Mutual Funds:
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs) offered by mutual funds allocate a portion of investments to debt securities while providing regular income through dividends or interest distributions. Similarly, debt mutual funds invest in a mix of fixed income securities, offering stable returns and liquidity. Opting for MIPs or debt funds can generate monthly income while maintaining capital preservation.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs):
Investing in mutual funds and setting up Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly, providing a steady income stream. By choosing the appropriate fund category based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon, you can customize SWPs to meet your monthly income needs while potentially benefiting from capital appreciation.

Annuity Plans:
Consider purchasing annuity plans offered by insurance companies, which provide a guaranteed income for life in exchange for a lump sum investment. Annuities offer security and peace of mind by ensuring a regular stream of income throughout retirement. Evaluate different annuity options to select one that aligns with your financial objectives and risk appetite.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs):
REITs and InvITs allow investors to participate in income-generating real estate and infrastructure projects. By investing in these trusts, you can diversify your portfolio and receive regular dividends, providing an additional source of monthly income.

Professional Advice:
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you develop a comprehensive investment strategy tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and income requirements. A CFP can assess your financial situation, recommend suitable investment options, and provide ongoing guidance to ensure your financial well-being.

In Conclusion:

By diversifying your investments across various income-generating avenues, you can create a balanced portfolio that generates regular monthly income while preserving capital. Evaluate each option carefully, consider your financial objectives, and seek professional advice to make informed investment decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 14, 2024Hindi
Money
My salary 2.4 lac per month. I am 42 my wife and two son comprising of my family. One son is in 5th standard and other yet to start education. I have 2 house emis of 1.6 lacs of which one generates rent of 40k per month. Have around 50 lacs in investment comprising of 20lac in ppf and rest in stocks and sips and mfs. Only have company health insurance and no term insurance. Schooling cost is 1.2 lacs per annum. Rest expenses includes holiday every 6 months and daily needs. Please help me sort out investment to ensure I can generate enough to retire in next 10 years?
Ans: You have a solid foundation, and it’s commendable that you are managing two home loans while balancing various investments. Your monthly salary of Rs 2.4 lakhs and an EMI burden of Rs 1.6 lakhs shows you are carrying significant financial responsibility. However, generating Rs 40,000 from rent is helping reduce the impact of your EMIs.

Key highlights:

Monthly salary: Rs 2.4 lakhs
Two house EMIs: Rs 1.6 lakhs
Rent: Rs 40,000 per month
Investment portfolio: Rs 50 lakhs (Rs 20 lakhs in PPF, rest in stocks, SIPs, and MFs)
Annual schooling cost: Rs 1.2 lakhs
Other expenses: Holiday every 6 months, daily needs
No term insurance
Company health insurance only
While you have done well to invest Rs 50 lakhs, the lack of term insurance and the heavy EMI burden may be areas for improvement. Your goal of retiring in 10 years is achievable, but some adjustments will be necessary to optimize your portfolio and secure a comfortable future.

Investment Strategy Review
Let’s break down your current investments to better align them with your retirement goal in the next 10 years.

PPF (Public Provident Fund) - Rs 20 Lakhs
The PPF is a safe, long-term investment with tax benefits, but its returns are relatively modest. Over the next 10 years, this will continue to grow at a steady pace.

Action Plan:

Keep contributing to your PPF but avoid putting additional large sums.
PPF should be treated as part of your safe, low-risk portfolio.
Stocks, SIPs, and Mutual Funds (Rest of Rs 30 Lakhs)
Your exposure to equities through stocks and mutual funds will help you generate growth, but it needs diversification and regular review. SIPs in actively managed funds are ideal for long-term goals like retirement.

Action Plan:

Actively managed mutual funds: Ensure that the mutual funds you are invested in are diversified across sectors and are actively managed.
Avoid direct funds: Regular funds provide better tracking and advice from an MFD with CFP credentials, which is crucial for your long-term planning.
Review your stock portfolio: Individual stocks carry more risk than mutual funds. It is wise to regularly assess performance and sell off underperforming stocks.
Balance with debt funds: Include some debt funds for stability, especially as you approach your retirement goal.
Rental Income from Property
Your rental income of Rs 40,000 per month is a significant contributor to offset your EMIs. While real estate is not recommended as a new investment option, your existing property generating income can support your cash flow needs.

Action Plan:

Rent reassessment: Ensure you are getting market rent or consider raising it over time to adjust for inflation.
No additional real estate investments: Avoid tying more capital into real estate. Focus on growing your financial portfolio instead.
Critical Areas for Improvement
1. Lack of Term Insurance
It’s essential to secure your family’s future in case of any unexpected event. Currently, you do not have term insurance, which is a vital part of any financial plan.

Action Plan:

Immediate term insurance: Buy a term plan covering at least 10-12 times your annual income. This will ensure your family is financially secure if something happens to you.
2. Health Insurance Coverage
You rely on company-provided health insurance. This is risky, as you may lose coverage if you switch jobs or retire early. Having separate family health insurance will ensure consistent protection.

Action Plan:

Buy individual health insurance: Get family floater health insurance with adequate coverage for your entire family, ensuring lifelong renewability.
Supplemental critical illness cover: Consider adding critical illness coverage to protect against major health expenses.
3. EMI Management
You have significant EMIs totaling Rs 1.6 lakhs per month. While one property generates rental income, the overall EMI burden is high. Managing this will be crucial for freeing up cash flow for further investments.

Action Plan:

Prepay EMIs: Any surplus income should go toward prepaying your loans, starting with the one without rental income. Reducing this burden will ease your cash flow.
No additional loans: Avoid taking on any further debt to ensure your financial plan stays on track.
Retirement Planning
You aim to retire in 10 years, at age 52. With your current lifestyle and goals, your investments will need to provide enough to cover your post-retirement expenses. Here’s a strategy to ensure a comfortable retirement:

1. Estimate Future Expenses
Your current schooling costs are Rs 1.2 lakhs per year, and other living expenses include vacations and daily needs. Over the next 10 years, expenses will increase due to inflation, and you must account for these future costs when planning your retirement.

Action Plan:

Create a detailed budget: Track all your current expenses and project them for the next 10 years, considering inflation. This will give you a clearer picture of your financial needs after retirement.
2. Build a Retirement Corpus
With 10 years to go, you will need to create a solid retirement corpus. The Rs 50 lakhs you currently have, along with further investments, will need to grow substantially. Here’s how to optimize this growth:

Action Plan:

Increase SIP contributions: Start contributing more to your SIPs as soon as your EMI burden reduces. A higher SIP contribution in actively managed mutual funds will provide better growth potential over the next decade.
Diversify investments: Include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds to ensure a balanced risk-return profile. Actively managed funds, especially those recommended by a certified financial planner, will perform better than index funds or ETFs.
Regular portfolio review: Work with a certified financial planner to review your portfolio annually. Ensure your funds are performing as expected and make necessary adjustments.
3. Plan for Post-Retirement Income
After retirement, you will need a reliable source of income to meet your monthly expenses. Your investments must be structured to provide regular income, adjusted for inflation.

Action Plan:

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Set up SWPs in mutual funds to provide a regular, inflation-adjusted income post-retirement.
Emergency Fund: Set aside a portion of your corpus in a liquid fund for emergencies. This will ensure you don’t have to liquidate long-term investments prematurely.
Final Insights
To achieve your goal of retiring in 10 years, you will need to fine-tune your investment strategy and reduce your EMI burden. Your current investments, while substantial, require diversification and a focus on growth-oriented funds.

Additionally, securing term insurance and individual health insurance is critical for protecting your family’s future. By prepaying your loans and increasing SIP contributions over time, you will be better positioned to build a retirement corpus capable of supporting your post-retirement lifestyle.

Finally, always remember that regular reviews with a certified financial planner are key to staying on track and adjusting for any changes in your financial situation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 19, 2025Hindi
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Money
I'm 44, i want to retire now. Having two own houses 1cr and 2 cr value which gives 80K per month rent and have one to stay. Having agricultural land giving 1 lakh per month income. No loans . One son studying engineering and have 20 L separately for his studies. Having LIC endomenr policy wirh 50 L return and four years term to to paid ,1L per year. Having 70 L cash. Having three fixed asset plots which im not getting any income as of now and may value 15L, 40L and 2 Cr. Having health insurance of 25 L.Now i want to invest 50 L for wealth creation for my son. Please suggest me how to invest. im thinking to dispose one of my fixed asset like house and invest . Please suggest how can i grow my wealth. I have ppf 40L amount , gold 200 grams as coins and 5kg silver as bars which i can consider for investment. My monthly expenses would be 50K. What way i can invest my remaining income
Ans: You have built a strong financial base. Your rental income, agricultural income, and existing assets give you financial security. Now, let's focus on wealth creation and investment strategies for your son and yourself.

Investment of Rs 50 Lakh for Your Son
Invest Rs 30 lakh in actively managed equity mutual funds. Choose funds based on long-term growth potential.

Allocate Rs 10 lakh in a mix of mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher returns.

Put Rs 5 lakh in debt funds for stability and liquidity.

Keep Rs 5 lakh in a liquid fund for emergencies related to his education.

What to Do with LIC Endowment Policy?
Endowment policies give low returns. They are not good for wealth creation.

Surrender the policy and reinvest the maturity amount in mutual funds.

Use part of this money for equity mutual funds and part for debt funds.

Should You Sell a Fixed Asset for Investment?
Selling the Rs 2 crore plot can give a large capital for investment.

Real estate lacks liquidity and does not generate income.

Invest the sale proceeds into a combination of equity mutual funds and debt funds.

Keep a portion in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) if you want real estate exposure.

Investing the Remaining Income
Your total passive income is Rs 1.8 lakh per month.

Expenses are Rs 50,000 per month.

You have a surplus of Rs 1.3 lakh per month.

Invest Rs 80,000 per month in SIP of actively managed mutual funds.

Keep Rs 50,000 in a debt fund or bank account for liquidity.

Managing PPF, Gold, and Silver
Your PPF balance of Rs 40 lakh is safe and tax-free. Let it grow.

Gold and silver are good for wealth preservation, but not wealth creation.

Convert part of your gold (Rs 10 lakh worth) into Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) for interest income.

Final Insights
Invest your wealth in actively managed mutual funds through an MFD with CFP credentials.

Sell one of your fixed assets to increase liquidity and investment returns.

Reinvest LIC policy maturity into high-growth investments.

SIP investments will help in consistent wealth growth.

Keep a mix of equity, debt, and gold bonds for a balanced portfolio.

Review your investments every year to align with financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Archana Deshpande  |103 Answers  |Ask -

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Hi Mam, Hope you are doing well. I am very worried about my son who is now 12.5 years old and studying in 7th standard in a very reputed school. Since childhood, he has no interest in studies, unless we doesn't seat in front of him, he doesn't study. Every teacher from his kindergarten days upto now has the same complaint that he is doesn't pay attention in class and the result is he doesn't get good marks in the exam. When we scold him for studies, he does it for that particular time only and then get back to his non-interest mode again and start to run from studies. He will play video games, goes to play around with his friends, he will find some or the other reason for not doing studies or homework. The irony is that he is not interested in any sports or any other kind of activities. In every summer holidays, we make him to join some sports or music classes, but there also he doesn't show interest and do things just for the sake of showing. From last year, we have started sending him to tuitions also, but no change in attitude. This year we have found a teacher of his reputed school who is retired and taking tuitions, we are sending him to her and she is charging a big amount for tuitions. please guide how can we change his attitude and make him more serious in any activity he does as he doesn't have interest in anything (we have observed doing everything we can).
Ans: Hello Sunil!!

I am doing great, thank you for asking, God bless you!

I can totally understand when you say you are worried.

Your son is 12.5, he will soon be a teenager. There will be different challenges, I want you to read up on parenting a teenager and be ready to handle him well.

The problem as I see it is that everyone of you, his teachers included have made studies like a burden for him.... and subjected the young child to a lot of anxiety, he just wants to run away form it....
"Every teacher from his kindergarten days upto now has the same complaint that he is doesn't pay attention in class".... this statement of yours... it is the teacher's duty to ensure the child listens to him/her, how can she start labeling a child like this. From a young age your son has been conditioned to believe that he is not not good in studies, he doesn't focus and he doesn't sit in one place. All my sympathies are with your son...every child comes with immense potential and it's our duty as parents and teachers to nurture the child.

The following is what I propose so that we bring him back to loving to learn ( not score marks, that should never be the barometer)-
1. Love your child the way he is now
2. Give him lot of positive strokes
3. Have one on one sessions for any activity you plan for him... let him choose the activity, empower him
4. choose a teacher, who can get along with him and help him develop a positive attitude towards studies and life in general
5. look for a school where they nurture him... not just a reputed one...less number of students and a teacher who is invested in her/ his students,

If you can connect with me, I can help him. Have had many a students in this kind situation.
This is my website..
https://transformme.co.in/

Loads of best wishes to the whole family..

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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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