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41-Year-Old in Dubai: Can I Achieve My Investment Goals?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9569 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 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
ROHAN Question by ROHAN on Jun 17, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, I am 41 years old working in Dubai. My invesrment portfolio is as follows, 65 lakhs in MF, 5 lakhs in direct shares, 10 lakh in FD for emergencies. My monthly SIP is 1 lakh in a portfolio with goal of retirement in 14 years with corpus of 10 crores, current valuation is 60 lakh. And 50 thousand in a portfolio with goal of kids education in 12 years with corpus of 3 crores, current valuation is 5 lakh. I have a term plan with 1 million AED cover, no mediclaim other than company provided. No loans. Kindly advise if am well placed to achieve my goals or need to do changes to my portfolio and investments. After retirement in 14 years from now, and on reaching corpus of 10 Cr, can i withdraw 40 Lkahs annually for expenses, while my portfolio still growing by 8 to 10 percent? Thanking you in advance

Ans: Current Financial Overview
Age: 41 years old
Location: Dubai
Investment Portfolio:
Rs. 65 lakhs in mutual funds
Rs. 5 lakhs in direct shares
Rs. 10 lakhs in fixed deposits for emergencies
Monthly SIPs:
Rs. 1 lakh for retirement (goal: 10 crores in 14 years)
Rs. 50,000 for kids' education (goal: 3 crores in 12 years)
Insurance: Term plan with 1 million AED cover
Healthcare: No personal mediclaim other than company-provided
Liabilities: No loans
Analysis of Current Portfolio
Your portfolio is well-diversified across mutual funds, direct shares, and fixed deposits. You have a clear goal for retirement and your children's education, and you're investing consistently towards these goals.

Mutual Funds
65 lakhs in mutual funds: This is a solid foundation. Ensure these are diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap funds to balance risk and returns.
SIPs: Your current SIPs are substantial and should help you achieve your goals if market conditions remain favorable.
Direct Shares
5 lakhs in direct shares: This adds a higher risk but potentially higher return element to your portfolio. Ensure these investments are in blue-chip companies or well-researched growth stocks.
Fixed Deposits
10 lakhs in FDs for emergencies: This is prudent and ensures liquidity in case of emergencies.
Retirement Goal
Current Situation
Current Valuation: Rs. 60 lakhs
SIP for Retirement: Rs. 1 lakh monthly
Goal: Rs. 10 crores in 14 years
Assessment
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, your current investments and SIPs should help you reach your retirement goal. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your target.

Kids' Education Goal
Current Situation
Current Valuation: Rs. 5 lakhs
SIP for Education: Rs. 50,000 monthly
Goal: Rs. 3 crores in 12 years
Assessment
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, your current investments and SIPs should help you reach your education goal. Monitor the performance and adjust if necessary.

Additional Recommendations
Health Insurance
Personal Mediclaim: Consider taking a personal health insurance policy in addition to your company-provided cover. This ensures coverage if you change jobs or post-retirement.
Portfolio Diversification
Diversify Further: If not already done, include debt funds, international funds, and sector-specific funds to diversify and reduce risk.
Regular Reviews: Conduct annual reviews of your portfolio to ensure it's on track to meet your goals.
Withdrawal Strategy Post-Retirement
Withdraw Rs. 40 lakhs annually: Assuming an average annual portfolio growth of 8-10%, withdrawing Rs. 40 lakhs annually is feasible. However, consider a mix of systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) and lump sum withdrawals to manage tax and liquidity.
Final Insights
Continue Current SIPs: Your current SIP amounts and portfolio composition are well-aligned with your goals.
Diversify and Review: Ensure your portfolio is diversified and regularly reviewed.
Health Insurance: Obtain a personal mediclaim policy.
Retirement Withdrawals: Plan for systematic withdrawals to sustain your portfolio growth post-retirement.
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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

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Dear Sir. I am 43 years old. i am a salaried person and my investment plan is for 15 years(Retiring a the age of 58). From Jan 2022 I am doing MF SIP of Rs. 12,000 pm(Increasing at rate of 10% per year). My purpose of investment is for retirement. Presently my monthly SIP in MF is as follows: 1) Canara Robeco Blue Chip Fund(Regular Growth) -- Rs 3,000 p.m. with 10% increase every year. 2) Axis Midcap Fund(Regular growth) - Rs 3,000 p.m. - with 10% increase every year. 3) SBI Small cap Fund(Regular Growth - Rs. 3000 p.m.- Without increase. 4) White Oak Flexi Cap Fund - Rs 2800 p.m. - Without increase. Further i am investing 2 to 5 gram (Lumpsum) in Sovereign Gold Bonds(8 years lock-in) as and when bonds listed for IPO. I want to earn Rs 1,00,000 p.m. after retirement. Please review my portfolio and advise for any change/shift to be done before retirement.
Ans: Your investment strategy for retirement looks well-planned and diversified. Regularly reviewing your portfolio is prudent to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Consider increasing exposure to funds with a consistent track record of delivering returns over the long term. Rebalance periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Given your timeline, staying invested in equities is sensible for potential growth. However, keep an eye on market trends and adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Continue to capitalize on opportunities like Sovereign Gold Bonds, but ensure they complement your overall portfolio without overshadowing other investments.

As you approach retirement, gradually shift towards more conservative options to safeguard your capital while aiming to generate the desired monthly income.

Remember, consistency and discipline are key to achieving your retirement goals. Keep monitoring and adjusting your strategy as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9569 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 24, 2023Hindi
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Hi Sir, please review my portfolio. I entered into mutual fund investment just one year ago with following SIPs : 1. Parag parikh flexicap with Rs. 5000/ p.m., 2 PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund with Rs. 3000/- p.m. and 3. Axis Small Cap Fund with Rs. 3000/ p.m.. All are direct growth plan invested via online. My investment time period is going to be more than 10 years. 10% yearly increment will be done. Currently I am 42 years old and my target is to create retirement capital. My first query is if my portfolio is okay or do i need to change anything? Second part is that I have a sbilife ulip policy from last 10 years (5 years premium payment term completed) and currently it's fund value is 11 lakhs. I am thinking to withdraw this amount and invest in mutual fund for my two daughter's (one six years and another 2 years old) higher studies. So, is it advisable to do this shift? If so, how? Is it by investing lumpsum in some good large cap fund (which one?) or via initially investing in SWP and the withdrawal amount to be redirected to a SIP mechanism? Thank you in advance!
Ans: Your current mutual fund portfolio seems well-diversified for long-term wealth accumulation, considering your investment horizon and risk tolerance. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund offers exposure to a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks, PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund focuses on mid-cap stocks, and Axis Small Cap Fund targets high-growth potential small-cap companies. However, periodically reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing if necessary is advisable.

Regarding your SBILife ULIP policy, withdrawing the funds to invest in mutual funds for your daughters' higher education is a strategic move, given the longer investment horizon and potential for higher returns in equity mutual funds compared to ULIPs. You can consider either investing the lump sum amount in a diversified large-cap fund with a proven track record or using a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) to transfer the funds gradually into a SIP in mutual funds. Consult with a financial advisor to determine the most suitable approach based on your goals, risk appetite, and investment preferences.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9569 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 41 years old and Married. I have 2 kids one daughter 15 years and son 7 years old. I am drawing annually 24 Lakhs salary. Having 3 houses one self occupied and two give letout with annual 4.2 lakhs rental income. All houses worth together 3 Crores. Housing loans principle outstanding of 85 lakhs with interest rate of 8.6% with monthly EMI of 1.13 lakhs per month for next 9 years. As of today I have SIP worth 90 lakhs with an IRR of 20%, Bank FD 30 lakhs – 7%, PPF 47 lakhs and PF 26 lakhs. I have term insurance of 1 CR and my wife term insurance of 50 Lakhs. For these for next 5 years, I have to pay premium of 1 lakh per annum. Medical insurance from company 5 lakh per annum for my family of 4 members. I am continuing my SIP of 86K per month – flexi cap 24L, small cap 29K, large cap 19K, Mid cap 14K. Any shortage of funds, I am moving from FD to SIP gradually. (SIP started 7 years back - started with 15K and now SIP at 86K) My annual expenses comes to 15 Lakhs including everything. I would like to take retirement at 50 years. Please check my details and suggest for any modifications for better returns. Also, please let me know how I can meet with liquid assets of 20 crores (in addition to my current properties) Thanks!
Ans: You have a strong financial foundation.
Your salary and rental income total Rs. 28.2 lakhs per year.
Your housing loan EMI is Rs. 1.13 lakh per month, which is manageable.
Your investments are well-diversified across mutual funds, FDs, PPF, and PF.
Your SIP portfolio has delivered an excellent IRR of 20%.
You have term insurance for yourself and your wife.
Your annual expenses are Rs. 15 lakhs, which is reasonable.
You have medical insurance of Rs. 5 lakh from your employer.
You gradually move funds from FD to SIP, which is a good strategy.
Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 20 crores in liquid assets within the next 9 years.
Retirement Readiness Assessment
You have 9 years left until your target retirement age of 50.
Your current investments are significant, but reaching Rs. 20 crores requires strategic planning.
Your housing loan is a major commitment, but it will end in 9 years.
Your SIP contributions are already strong and should continue.
Your rental income is a bonus but not reliable for long-term financial security.
Modifications for Better Returns
Increase SIP Gradually
Your SIP of Rs. 86K per month is excellent.
As your salary increases, try to increase SIP by at least 10-15% annually.
Move more funds from FD to SIP, as FD returns are low.
Reallocate Fixed-Income Investments
Your PPF and PF are too conservative.
You can stop fresh PPF contributions and allocate that amount to equity.
Maintain some FD for emergency funds but move excess FD to high-return investments.
Prepay Housing Loan or Invest More?
Your housing loan has an 8.6% interest rate.
Your SIP IRR is 20%, which is higher than your loan rate.
Instead of prepaying, continue investing in equity for wealth creation.
Additional Insurance Coverage
Your company’s medical insurance of Rs. 5 lakh is insufficient.
Consider a separate family floater health insurance of Rs. 15-20 lakh.
Your term insurance coverage is reasonable. No changes are needed.
Achieving Rs. 20 Crores in Liquid Assets
Step 1: Projected Investment Growth
Your SIP portfolio of Rs. 90 lakhs at 20% IRR can grow significantly in 9 years.
If you continue SIPs aggressively, you can accumulate a substantial corpus.
Additional investments from FD and PPF reallocations will further boost growth.
Step 2: Boosting Investment Contributions
As you get salary hikes, increase your monthly SIPs.
Reduce unnecessary expenses to redirect more funds into investments.
Consider lump sum investments when you receive bonuses or windfalls.
Step 3: Maintaining Investment Discipline
Stick to actively managed mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Stay invested during market fluctuations and avoid emotional decision-making.
Continue tracking and rebalancing your portfolio annually.
Finally
Your financial plan is strong, but small modifications can make a huge difference.
Increasing SIPs, reallocating low-yield investments, and maintaining discipline are key.
You are on track to build Rs. 20 crores in liquid assets if you execute this plan well.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9569 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2025

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Hi, I need support on my retirement plan. I am based in Gulf and is planning to come back. I have an equity portfolio of 3 cr and debt portfolio 1.37 cr. My monthly expenses would turn out to be Rs 1.5 lakhs which i could get Rs 1.1 lakhs from my debt funds and balance from my equity portfolio. I want to buy a house after 10 years, currently the house would cost Rs 1.2 cr. I have to tap my equity portfolio for my two kids education of 40 lakhs each after 7 and 12 years. I have health insurance of 25 lakhs and term plan of Rs 1.5cr Let me know whether my current portfolio can support the above plans and my retirement
Ans: Your current portfolio is strong, but it needs adjustments for financial security. Below is a detailed breakdown of your plan.

Retirement Readiness Assessment
You plan to retire in five years and expect monthly expenses of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

You will withdraw Rs. 1.1 lakh from debt funds and the remaining Rs. 40,000 from equity.

Your debt portfolio of Rs. 1.37 crore will provide regular cash flow.

Your equity portfolio of Rs. 3 crore will ensure long-term wealth growth.

Key Observations
Inflation risk: Expenses will increase. A 7% inflation rate means Rs. 1.5 lakh today may become Rs. 2.1 lakh in 10 years.

Equity volatility risk: Market downturns can affect the Rs. 40,000 monthly withdrawal.

Portfolio rebalancing: Gradually shift some equity to safer instruments.

Emergency backup: Consider maintaining six months’ expenses in a liquid fund.

House Purchase Plan in 10 Years
The current cost of Rs. 1.2 crore will rise with inflation.

At 7% inflation, the future cost could be Rs. 2.4 crore in 10 years.

If you withdraw from equity, ensure it does not impact retirement needs.

Recommended Action
Create a separate investment for the house purchase.

Use a mix of debt and equity for stability.

Consider a balanced advantage fund for flexibility.

Children's Education Fund
Your two children will need Rs. 40 lakh each in 7 years and 12 years.

At 7% inflation, the amount could be Rs. 64 lakh per child.

You will need approximately Rs. 1.28 crore in total.

Suggested Investment Approach
Allocate funds separately in equity mutual funds for growth.

Prefer flexi-cap and large-cap funds for stability.

Consider a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) to move money to safer instruments as the goal nears.

Portfolio Adjustments for Stability
Your current asset allocation is:

Equity: Rs. 3 crore (68%)

Debt: Rs. 1.37 crore (32%)

Suggested Adjustments
Increase debt allocation to 40-45% as you approach retirement.

Ensure tax-efficient withdrawals from debt funds.

Reduce equity withdrawals during market downturns.

Health and Insurance Considerations
You have Rs. 25 lakh health insurance, which is good but may not be enough.

Medical inflation is 12-15% annually.

Increase coverage through super top-up health insurance.

Final Insights
Your financial plan is feasible with proper adjustments.

Retirement is achievable, but monitor inflation impact.

House purchase needs a dedicated investment plan.

Children’s education fund requires a structured approach.

Health insurance coverage should be increased.

Would you like a step-by-step plan for investments?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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