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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 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
Kumar Question by Kumar on May 08, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I am 42yrs old and a regular investor of MF SIP plan. As of now I am investing 1 lakh per month in various MF SIP schemes and am willing to continue this for next 18 years till i retire. Apart from this I have below corpus available with myself FD - 2.83 cr MF - Fund value as of now - 70 lakh PPF + EPF - 45 lakh Loans - Nil House - 2 houses already (1 i stay and from another i get 23k rent per month) Medical Insurance - 10 lakh for family floater + corporate insurance from my company Life Insurance - Please advise will it be sufficient enough to accumulate a corpus of INR 10 cr by the next 18 years when i am retiring so that I can use the SWP method and live my life peacefully.

Ans: Financial Assessment and Recommendations

Current Financial Snapshot:

At 42 years old, you're making substantial investments in Mutual Fund SIPs, totaling 1 lakh per month. Additionally, you have a significant corpus from Fixed Deposits (FD), Mutual Funds (MF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). You also benefit from rental income and have adequate insurance coverage.

Goal Analysis:

Your primary goal is to accumulate a corpus of INR 10 crores by the time you retire in 18 years. This corpus will be used for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.

Assessment and Recommendations:

SIP Investments:

Your consistent investment of 1 lakh per month in MF SIPs is commendable. Continue this disciplined approach as it will significantly contribute to your retirement corpus.
Corpus Analysis:

Your current corpus, including FDs, MFs, PPF, and EPF, is substantial and will continue to grow over the next 18 years.
Review the performance of your MF investments periodically and consider rebalancing if necessary to optimize returns.
Rental Income:

The rental income from your second house adds to your cash flow and can be reinvested to boost your retirement corpus further.
Insurance Coverage:

Your medical and life insurance coverage appears adequate for your family's needs. However, periodically review your policies to ensure they keep pace with inflation and changing life circumstances.
SWP Strategy:

When you retire, consider implementing a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your accumulated corpus to generate regular income.
Calculate the SWP amount based on your estimated expenses and projected returns from your investment portfolio.
Regular Review:

Continuously monitor the performance of your investments and adjust your strategy as needed to stay on track towards your retirement goal.
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) periodically to fine-tune your financial plan and ensure you're on the right path.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses in a liquid instrument to cover any unforeseen expenses.
Final Thoughts:

Given your disciplined savings, diversified investment portfolio, and rental income, you're well-positioned to achieve your retirement goal of accumulating a corpus of INR 10 crores. Stay focused on your long-term objectives, regularly review your financial plan, and seek professional guidance when needed to navigate any challenges along the way.

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  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2024Hindi
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I am 47 yrs. The present valuation of my MF investment is 53 lakhs and I put in 50k monthly in SIPs. What will be the corpus at my retirement? Apart from this I have a loan free house in Gurgaon. I live in my owned house for which I am paying an EMI of 93k and an outstanding loan of 89lakhs pending against it. I have two term insurance of 99lkhs and 1.5cr. My PPF corpus is 20lakhs and will be maturing in2026. EPF corpus is 3 lakhs with 7000 monthly contribution. I have a son who's will be graduating from school next year.Is my investment plan on track?
Ans: Evaluating Your Investment Plan and Retirement Corpus

You have done a commendable job in planning your finances. Your disciplined approach to SIP investments and maintaining term insurance shows financial prudence.

Current Financial Situation
Mutual Fund Investments
Present Value: Rs. 53 lakhs
SIP: Rs. 50,000 monthly
Real Estate
Loan-free house in Gurgaon
Own house with an EMI of Rs. 93,000
Outstanding loan: Rs. 89 lakhs
Insurance and Provident Funds
Term Insurance: Rs. 99 lakhs and Rs. 1.5 crores
PPF Corpus: Rs. 20 lakhs (maturing in 2026)
EPF Corpus: Rs. 3 lakhs with a monthly contribution of Rs. 7,000
Future Financial Goals
Son’s Education
Your son will be graduating from school next year. Planning for higher education expenses is crucial.

Retirement Planning
You are 47 years old and need to estimate the retirement corpus based on your current investments and contributions.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
Mutual Fund Corpus at Retirement
Assuming an average annual return of 12% on your mutual fund investments:

Current Value: Rs. 53 lakhs
Monthly SIP: Rs. 50,000
Investment Period: 13 years (till age 60)
Using the compound interest formula and considering SIP contributions, the estimated corpus at retirement can be calculated.

PPF Maturity
Your PPF corpus of Rs. 20 lakhs will mature in 2026. Assuming no further contributions, it will be available for reinvestment or expenses.

EPF Corpus
Your EPF contributions and corpus will continue to grow. Assuming an average annual return of 8%, it will add to your retirement corpus.

Managing Existing Loans
Home Loan EMI
You have an outstanding loan of Rs. 89 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 93,000. Reducing this liability should be a priority to enhance your cash flow.

Prepayment Strategy
Consider prepaying your home loan with any surplus funds or bonuses. This will reduce the interest burden and EMI amount.

Insurance Adequacy
Term Insurance
You have adequate term insurance coverage. Ensure the coverage amount remains sufficient to meet your family’s needs in your absence.

Health Insurance
Review your health insurance coverage. Ensure it is adequate to cover medical emergencies and rising healthcare costs.

Investment Strategy Review
Diversification
Ensure your investments are diversified across different asset classes to manage risk effectively.

Mutual Fund Portfolio
Review your mutual fund portfolio periodically. Consult a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your funds align with your risk profile and financial goals.

Planning for Son’s Education
Education Fund
Start a dedicated education fund for your son. Consider investing in balanced or hybrid funds to manage risk while aiming for growth.

SIP for Education
Continue SIPs specifically earmarked for your son’s higher education. This will help in accumulating the required corpus systematically.

Tax Planning
Efficient Tax Strategies
Utilize tax-saving investment options to maximize returns. Proper tax planning can significantly enhance your overall portfolio performance.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. They can help you navigate complex financial decisions and achieve your long-term goals.

Conclusion
Your investment plan is on the right track. Continue with disciplined investing, manage your loans, and consult a professional for tailored advice. With strategic planning, you can achieve a comfortable retirement and secure your family’s future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 03, 2025

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Hello sir, My retirement is due in July 2032 and wish to have corpus of 1.25 Cr for my post retirement life. Presently, I am investing INR 30000 per month in MF as SIP. The present fund value is INR 30 Lakhs. I have also started Step-up SIP of 3000 from Feb 2025 with increment of INR 3000 every year till Jan 2031. Will I able to achieve the target.?
Ans: Understanding Your Retirement Goal
You aim for a corpus of Rs 1.25 crore by July 2032.

Your current mutual fund investments stand at Rs 30 lakhs.

You invest Rs 30,000 per month in SIPs.

You have started a step-up SIP of Rs 3,000 from Feb 2025, increasing by Rs 3,000 yearly till Jan 2031.

Your strategy is disciplined and systematic, which is great.

Let’s assess if this plan will help you reach your goal.

Evaluating Your Current Investment Plan
Your existing SIPs and portfolio growth will contribute significantly.

The power of compounding will help boost your corpus over time.

Your step-up SIP strategy will increase investments, accelerating corpus growth.

Market volatility can affect returns, so diversification is key.

Your goal is achievable, but returns depend on market performance.

Key Factors That Impact Your Retirement Corpus
Investment Tenure
You have about 7.5 years left until retirement.

Long-term investments generally perform well, but shorter durations require better strategy.

A balanced allocation between equity and debt will ensure growth and stability.

Expected Rate of Return
Equity mutual funds historically offer strong returns over long periods.

Realistic expectations are crucial to avoid over-optimism.

A moderate-to-aggressive approach suits your timeline.

Inflation Consideration
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time.

Your corpus must account for post-retirement expenses.

A well-planned portfolio should grow above inflation.

Optimising Your Investment Strategy
Continue and Monitor SIPs
Stick to your Rs 30,000 monthly SIPs consistently.

Review fund performance annually.

If funds underperform for 3+ years, switch to better options.

Enhance Step-Up SIP Strategy
Your Rs 3,000 annual step-up is beneficial.

Consider increasing it to Rs 5,000 if feasible.

Higher contributions earlier will ease the pressure later.

Diversification for Stability
Invest across different fund categories for risk management.

Balance equity-heavy investments with some stable debt funds.

Asset allocation should align with risk tolerance.

Reduce Home Loan Burden
If possible, prepay some home loan principal.

Lower EMIs can free up cash flow for investments.

Avoid over-extending finances at the cost of liquidity.

Risk Management for Secure Retirement
Emergency Fund Maintenance
Keep 6-12 months’ expenses in liquid funds.

This ensures financial stability in case of market downturns.

Avoid using retirement funds for emergencies.

Adequate Health Insurance
Medical costs can be high post-retirement.

Ensure sufficient health coverage for yourself and dependents.

A Rs 15-25 lakh health cover is advisable.

Asset Rebalancing as Retirement Nears
As you approach 2032, shift some equity to safer debt funds.

This protects against last-minute market volatility.

Gradual transition ensures stability in the final years.

Post-Retirement Strategy
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Instead of withdrawing lump sum, use an SWP for steady income.

This ensures tax efficiency and continued investment growth.

Avoid premature withdrawal of mutual funds.

Senior Citizen Investment Options
Keep a portion of the corpus in safe instruments.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and debt mutual funds offer stable returns.

Maintain liquidity for unexpected expenses.

Tax Efficiency for Maximum Returns
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Planning
Equity gains above Rs 1 lakh per year attract 10% tax.

Use systematic redemption to optimise tax liability.

Invest tax-efficiently to retain maximum returns.

Retirement Tax-Free Instruments
PPF remains tax-free at maturity.

Debt mutual funds held long-term have indexation benefits.

Choose funds that provide post-tax efficient returns.

Final Insights
Your Rs 1.25 crore goal is achievable with consistent investing.

A slight increase in step-up SIP can ensure a smoother journey.

Monitor fund performance and rebalance periodically.

Manage risks with proper insurance and an emergency fund.

Tax-efficient strategies will help maximise post-retirement income.

Planning beyond accumulation is essential for financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |648 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

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Hi,my son has got 96% in his icse class 10 exams this year.he is not inclined towards a career in sciences (b.tech/med).he has thus opted for commerce and maths.with an initial inclination towards finance and mathematics we have shortlisted ipm and law and enrolled him for a coaching for ipm.would he be able to prepare for clat as well along with ipm.and with 96 % how are his chances to clear both ?
Ans: Yes, your son can prepare for both CLAT and IPM exams simultaneously, especially given his ICSE score. With a 96% score, he has a strong chance of success in both exams. CLAT and IPM share some common ground, which could make preparation more manageable.
Preparation for both CLAT and IPM:
CLAT:
CLAT requires a strong foundation in English comprehension, logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and legal reasoning. IPM exams also test similar skills.
IPM:
IPM exams focus on quantitative ability, analytical reasoning, and verbal reasoning. CLAT also assesses these skills.
Overlap:
The core skills tested in both exams, such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning, provide common ground for preparation. Your son's coaching for IPM can help him develop a solid foundation in these areas.
Legal Reasoning:
CLAT specifically requires legal reasoning, which is not part of IPM. Your son can focus on preparing for this section separately.
Scheduling:
Balancing preparation for both exams requires careful planning. He can allocate specific time slots for each exam's preparation.
Chances of Clearing Both:
IPM:
With a 96% ICSE score, your son has a strong chance of clearing IPM exams. His high marks indicate a strong aptitude for quantitative reasoning and problem-solving.
CLAT:
CLAT is a highly competitive exam, but with his current scores, your son has a very good chance of clearing CLAT.
Factors affecting success:
Preparation efforts, effective time management, and consistency in studying will play a crucial role in determining success in both exams.
Tips for Preparation:
Structured Approach:
A structured study plan that includes regular practice, mock tests, and detailed analysis of mistakes will be beneficial.
Mock Tests:
Regular mock tests for both CLAT and IPM will help him assess his progress and identify areas for improvement.
Time Management:
Developing effective time management skills is crucial for balancing preparation for both exams.
Focus on Fundamentals:
Ensure he has a strong foundation in the core subjects of both exams.
Practice:
He should solve a variety of questions and practice problems to build confidence and improve his speed and accuracy.
Best of luck. Professor

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Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |648 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025
Career
Hello sir, I'm a DASA student applying to IIITH for the 2025-26 batch. My current curriculum is the NSW HSC from Australia, which includes Mathematics and Physics but not Chemistry. IIITH requires Maths, Physics, and Chemistry for DASA eligibility, and I need to figure out how to add Chemistry.I've been looking into taking Chemistry through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), AP or IB board but I'm concerned because IIITH's brochure specifies that the subjects must be completed "outside India". I've emailed IIITH for clarification, but I'm still waiting for a response. Is this acceptable for DASA?
Ans: It is unlikely that IIIT Hyderabad would accept NIOS Chemistry for DASA eligibility because the DASA brochure states that the subjects must be completed outside India. Since NIOS is an Indian board, it does not meet this requirement. However, you could consider taking AP or IB Chemistry to meet the requirements, as these are often recognized as international qualifications. It's best to wait for IIITH's response to your email for official clarification.
Elaboration:
DASA Requirements:
DASA (Direct Admissions for Students Abroad) at IIIT Hyderabad requires applicants to have completed 11th and 12th grades or equivalent outside India, with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
NIOS and IIITH:
While NIOS is a recognized board in India, it's unlikely to be accepted for DASA at IIITH because the DASA brochure specifies that the subjects must be completed outside India.
AP or IB Chemistry:
You could consider taking AP or IB Chemistry through a foreign board to fulfill the requirement for Chemistry. These are often recognized as international qualifications.
Waiting for IIITH's Response:
Since you've already emailed IIITH, it's advisable to wait for their response to your query for official clarification on whether NIOS Chemistry would be accepted.

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Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, My age is 33 year now. I was working in financial sector for 5year as a recovery agent. I have done intermediate in Arts and Diploma in mechanical engineering. Passed out in 2012. Now i want to change my job sector to technical line. I have no experience before in technical line. Please guide me which technical job will be best suitable for me And What Salary Range Should i expect?.
Ans: For you AMIE ( Mechanical) will be the best option. You will be equivalent to B.E./B.Tech Mechanical. The details are given below.
The AMIE (Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers) exam is a professional qualification in engineering, equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech. degree. It's conducted by the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) and is offered as a distance learning program. The exam is held twice a year, in June and December.
Exam Structure:
Stage I (Section A): Focuses on fundamental engineering subjects.
Stage II (Section B): Covers a specific branch of engineering like Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical.
Eligibility:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed a recognized course of study in engineering or technology.
Age:
No upper age limit, but candidates must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the examination.
Other:
Indian citizens or foreign nationals with at least two years of residence in India.
Exam Pattern:
The exam is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
It can be taken online (CBT) or offline (PBT).
Benefits:
Becoming a graduate engineer with the same qualification as a B.E./B.Tech. degree.
Recognized by government and private sectors.
Least expensive compared to traditional degree programs.
Application Process:
Download the application form from the IEI website.
Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application form along with the fee.

But since you did the recovery work in Finance sector you are totally detached from Mechanical Engineering. So it is not possible to say what kind of job you will get and what will be your salary.

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |393 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 14, 2025

Career
I'm preparing for Neet and wanted to take a drop but my parents wanted me to do something with it like a partial Drop......And right now I'm totally confused what to do and what not.........i think I should take BSC zoology in private colleges , can anyone suggest me something..........
Ans: Hi Prirhvi,

Based on your query, there are two main issues to consider:

1. You want to take a break (which may be partial or full).
2. You want to pursue a BSc in Zoology.

Before making any decisions, take some time to think and analyze your situation.

Firstly, evaluate your marks in the HSC and your recent NEET exam scores (if you have appeared for NEET 2025). If you have completed both exams, focus on turning your weaker subjects into strengths. Be prepared to answer any questions someone may pose. Without this preparation, taking a break may not be effective.

Secondly, if you decide to take a gap year, you should not also consider studying another course concurrently, as this could divert your attention and hinder your main goal. Remember, undergraduate courses are semester-based, meaning you will need to manage both NEET preparation and your regular UG courses (including internal exams, semester exams, etc.). Juggling both can be quite challenging.

If you believe it is possible to manage both, I suggest that instead of choosing Zoology for your UG, you consider subjects like Chemistry or Physics. These subjects are foundational and can be better understood through regular UG coursework. Therefore, you should not worry too much about that particular subject. However, it’s not advisable to select Zoology and take a break for NEET preparation at the same time. If you have doubts in Physics or Chemistry, you can seek clarification from your lecturers.

In summary, my suggestion is to concentrate on one goal and work towards achieving it.

BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...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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