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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 09, 2025

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 - Jul 01, 2025Hindi
Money

Sir , I am 43 years Old , montly inhand Salary is 2.4L. Investemnt in SIP started from early age and consistant from early age. SIP is approx 80K per month now..Total corpus in SIP is approx 1.5 Cr.. Stocks corpus is approx 50L. EPF and PPF is approx 30L each..Post office investement evey month is approx 50K in KVP started from 2021..What amount will be enough for retairement at the age of 50...how much I need considering age of next 30 years after retirement.

Ans: You are 43 years old with a monthly in-hand salary of Rs. 2.4 lakhs. You invest about Rs. 80,000 per month via SIP. Your total SIP corpus is approximately Rs. 1.5 crore. You also hold about Rs. 50 lakhs in direct equity, EPF and PPF each around Rs. 30 lakhs, and monthly investment of Rs. 50,000 in KVP since 2021. You aim to retire at age 50 and want to know how much amount will be enough for the next 30 years of retirement. Let's analyse and build a 360-degree retirement plan with clear milestones and actionables.

Clarify Retirement Scenario
You plan to retire in 7 years at age 50

You expect to live 30 more years post-retirement

Corpus must fund lifestyle, healthcare, emergency, legacy

Also protect against inflation and market fluctuations

We will calculate a safe withdrawal amount and a target corpus accordingly.

Estimate Monthly Post-Retirement Needs
First, estimate your monthly expenses today:

You invest Rs. 80k monthly and earn Rs. 240k

Your current lifestyle expense could be around Rs. 1.3–1.5 lakhs after accounting for savings

Post-retirement, lifestyle may alter (no active savings, less commuting, etc.)

Assume you will need Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month from retirement

This becomes your approximate withdrawal requirement.

Add Healthcare and Inflation
Retirement also demands extra health and insurance costs

Inflation will increase expenses over time (approx 6–7% yearly)

We must plan corpus to sustain increasing outflows over 30 years

A declining withdrawal, adjusted annually for inflation, is typical

Therefore, corpus should be sufficient to meet growing needs, not just flat Rs. 1.5 lakhs.

Target Corpus Estimation Approach
We aim for a conservative withdrawal mechanism:

Safe withdrawal rate of 4%–5% from corpus

That ensures sustainability with corpus longevity

For Rs. 1.5 lakhs monthly or Rs. 18 lakhs annually, at 4%, corpus required ~Rs. 4.5 crore

At 5%, corpus needed ~Rs. 3.6 crore

For safety, a corpus of around Rs. 4 crores is prudent

This is your likely target for retirement.

Review Current Corpus and Gap
Current holdings:

SIP corpus: Rs. 1.5 crore

Direct equities: Rs. 0.5 crore

EPF + PPF: Rs. 0.6 crore

KVP investment: Rs. ~1.2 crore (est. accumulated so far)

Total approximate current: Rs. 3.8–3.9 crore

You are already close to Rs. 4 crore mark. With another 7 years of savings, growth, and contributions, you should comfortably exceed Rs. 5 crore.

Annual Savings and Growth Projection
Your monthly SIP and KVP contributions (Rs. 1.3 lakh combined) plus investment growth will build corpus further:

Continue existing SIP and KVP investments

EPF and PPF continue growing passively

Direct equity grows with market performance

By age 50, you may reach Rs. 5–6 crore depending on returns

Thus, your target is feasible under consistent discipline.

Recommended Portfolio Strategy Pre-Retirement
To achieve this target:

Continue SIPs aggressively in actively managed diversified equity and hybrid funds

Maintain EPF, PPF, and KVP for stable, tax-efficient growth

Equity portion (direct + MF) should remain approx 60–70% until retirement

Hybrid/debt portion 30–40% for stability

Avoid index funds and direct plans; use regular plans with CFP guidance for rebalancing, risk management, and tax optimisation

This mix supports growth while preserving capital for retirement.

Shift Portfolio at Retirement Transition
Around age 50, gradually shift asset allocation:

Move about 20–30% of equity corpus into hybrid or debt funds annually from age 48

Ensure 50% equity, 30% hybrid, 20% debt buffer at retirement

This protects your corpus from equity downside and supports systematic withdrawals

This structured glide-down ensures safe and smooth transition.

Income Through Systematic Withdrawal
Post-retirement, use monthly SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan):

Say corpus Rs. 5 crore

To generate Rs. 1.5 lakh per month, withdraw Rs. 18 lakh per annum (3.6%)

Keep corpus invested in 50% equity, 50% hybrid

Adjust withdrawal annually based on inflation, up to 5% for longevity

This mechanism gives reliable income and keeps corpus intact.

Use of KVP and Tax Strategy
KVP provides fixed return and maturity, useful for short-term stability

However, KVP matures in 124 months; you may have reinvestment or transitions near retirement

Plan redemption or reinvestment within debt/mixed funds near age 50

Tax on KVP interest is taxable as per your slab; plan withdrawal and investment timing to minimise tax burden

Discuss reinvestment strategy with a CFP to align with retirement goals.

Insurance & Health Post-Retirement
Once retired:

Maintain independent health cover (individual/family floater) for self and spouse

Consider critical illness cover and hospitalisation top-up

Term insurance may not be needed post-retirement unless other liabilities exist

Ensure adequate liquidity for unplanned health events

Health and wellness provision is key to a secure retirement.

Estate Planning and Legacy
At retirement, think about wealth protection for loved ones:

Draft a will, nominate beneficiaries in PF, PPF, insurance, bank, and equity holdings

Consider setting up trusts or nominees for children

Plan legacy distribution for simplicity and compliance

This protects wealth integrity and family interests.

Behavioural and Annual Portfolio Maintenance
Review portfolio yearly to rebalance equity/hybrid/debt mix

Adjust systematic withdrawal based on inflation and returns

CFP-led guidance ensures adaptive planning based on market cycles

Regular review helps maintain allocation, risk appetite, and goal alignment

Professional oversight avoids emotional mistakes near retirement.

Summary and Timeline Roadmap
Age 43–50 (Next 7 Years):

Continue SIP + KVP contributions and EPF/PPF growth

Keep corpus in equity/hybrid mix

Gradually shift to more hybrid/debt from age 48

Annual review with CFP

At Age 50:

Corpus likely in range of Rs 5–6 crore

Asset mix approx 50% equity, 50% hybrid/debt

Implement monthly SWP of Rs. 1.5 lakh (~4% withdrawal)

Age 50–80:

Withdraw systematically

Rebalance portfolio yearly

Protect corpus longevity and lifestyle

Health insurance coverage renewed

This ensures a peaceful, sustained post-retirement life.

Final Insights
You are well ahead in retirement planning. With Rs. 3.8 crore+ in assets and disciplined saving, you are on track for a secure retirement. The path is clear: continue investments, shift allocation prudently, and plan for systematic withdrawal post-50. Stay connected with a CFP for regular checks and rebalancing. Your plan offers both financial freedom and emotional peace when you retire early.

You are likely to exceed your target and live your post-retirement years with comfort and confidence.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

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current salary 50k age 29. My MF allocation per month is Sbi small cap- 8k Hsbc mid cap- 2k Axis bluechip- 1k Quant active fund - 80k lumpsum Quant tax fund- 2k Kotak india EQ contra fund- 1k My view is 5 ,15 and 30 years. How much estimate further SIP I must need to get 10 lakh income monthly at age 60. Also current nps deduction is 9k which increases as per income and years of job.please suggest
Ans: Understanding Your Current Investment Strategy

Your commitment to investing at a young age is commendable. Your diversified mutual fund portfolio and consistent contributions show a strategic approach towards financial growth.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio

Your current investments include a mix of small-cap, mid-cap, blue-chip, and contra funds. This diversification helps spread risk and potentially enhance returns. Your lump sum investment and SIPs reflect a balanced strategy.

Assessing Your Financial Goals

You aim to secure a Rs 10 lakh monthly income by age 60. This ambitious goal requires meticulous planning and consistent investment. Let's break down how you can achieve this.

Estimating Required Monthly SIPs

To achieve Rs 10 lakh monthly at 60, your portfolio needs to grow significantly. This requires an aggressive yet prudent investment strategy, including increasing your SIPs. The exact SIP amount depends on expected returns, inflation, and market conditions.

Increasing Your Monthly SIPs

Your current SIPs total Rs 14,000 per month. To reach your goal, you likely need to increase this amount. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your SIPs ensures alignment with your financial objectives.

Optimizing Fund Selection

While your current funds are well-chosen, consider funds with a history of consistent performance and lower expense ratios. Actively managed funds can offer higher returns, especially with professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds provide professional oversight, potentially outperforming index funds. They adapt to market changes and optimise returns, a crucial factor in achieving long-term financial goals.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds mimic the market, which might limit potential returns. They lack active management, making them less flexible in volatile markets. Actively managed funds offer tailored strategies to enhance growth.

Importance of Professional Guidance

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert advice and personalised strategies. They help you navigate market complexities and make informed decisions for your portfolio.

Considering National Pension System (NPS)

Your current NPS contribution of Rs 9,000 is beneficial for long-term retirement planning. The NPS provides tax benefits and a stable retirement corpus, supplementing your mutual fund investments.

Periodic Review and Rebalancing

Regularly review your portfolio's performance. Rebalancing ensures your investments remain aligned with your financial goals and market conditions. This proactive approach optimises returns and manages risk.

Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan

Beyond SIPs and lump sum investments, consider other financial aspects like emergency funds, insurance, and tax planning. A holistic financial plan ensures a secure and well-rounded approach to wealth creation.

Monitoring Market Trends

Stay informed about market trends and economic factors. This knowledge helps you make timely adjustments to your investments, maximising returns and mitigating risks.

Seeking Professional Advice

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures you receive tailored advice, aligning your investments with your retirement goals. Their expertise helps you optimise your portfolio for long-term growth.

Conclusion

Your dedication to investing is impressive. By strategically increasing your SIPs, optimising fund selection, and seeking professional guidance, you can achieve your goal of Rs 10 lakh monthly income by age 60.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I am 59 yr old working for a pvt organisation and have no retirement benefits. I stated SIP in MF about 3 yrs and have a fund value of 35 lakh. An FD for 5 lakh, term policy for 80 lakh, joint health insurance policy for 10 lakks for me my wife and my wife.I own a flat to live in. I don't have any loans. Presently my take home salary is 1.5 lakh and monthly expenditure is 50 k .I can work as long as I want and presently fit to work Now to get a monthly 50 k per month, through. SWP. How much fund is required and how much SIP for what time should I do it.
Ans: It's commendable that you have taken proactive steps towards securing your financial future. Given your current situation, let's outline a plan to achieve a sustainable monthly income of 50,000 rupees through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

Assessing Current Financial Status
You have a well-balanced portfolio:

Mutual Funds (MF): 35 lakh rupees
Fixed Deposit (FD): 5 lakh rupees
Term Policy: 80 lakh rupees
Joint Health Insurance: 10 lakh rupees
No Loans
Take Home Salary: 1.5 lakh rupees
Monthly Expenditure: 50,000 rupees
Understanding SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan)
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. To generate 50,000 rupees per month, you need to consider the longevity of your investments and expected returns.

Required Fund for SWP
To calculate the corpus needed, we assume a conservative annual return of 8% from your investments and a withdrawal period of 30 years.

So, the rough estimate works out to Rs 75 Lacs.

Building the Corpus
You currently have:

Mutual Funds: 35 lakh rupees
Fixed Deposit: 5 lakh rupees
Total current savings: 40 lakh rupees

You need to bridge the gap between 40 lakh rupees and 75 lakh rupees, which is 35 lakh rupees.

Increasing SIP Contributions
Given you are 59 years old, aiming to accumulate this amount before retirement requires increasing your SIP contributions significantly. Let's assume you plan to retire in 5 years.

Calculating SIP Requirement
To bridge the gap of 35 lakh rupees in 5 years, assuming an average annual return of 12% from your mutual fund SIPs.

Making It Feasible
Since 43,000 rupees might be a high SIP amount, consider the following adjustments:

Increase SIP gradually: Start with a feasible amount and increase it annually.
Consider lump-sum investments: Any bonuses or extra income can be added to your mutual funds to boost the corpus.
Conclusion
To achieve a 50,000 rupee monthly SWP, you need to accumulate approximately 75 lakh rupees. Start with a higher SIP contribution around 43,000 rupees, adjusting based on feasibility, and consider lump-sum investments. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Naveenn Kummar  |233 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 17, 2025
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I am 42 year old, with two kids 12 and 3. I have 4 lakhs in stock and mutual fund. I am trying to keep sip investment 25000 every month. 13 lakhs in PF. My house loan is 5600000 and EMI is 49000 for 30 years. I want to retire at age of 60. I want 2 crores at the time of retirement after the th amount required for kids education. I am expecting 20 lakhs for kids education. How much I need to invest per month.
Ans: Dear sir,

???? Your Current Snapshot

Age: 42 (Retirement target: 60 → 18 years left)

Kids: Age 12 & 3 (education goal upcoming in ~6 years & ~15 years)

Current Assets:

PF: ?13 lakhs

Stocks + MF: ?4 lakhs

SIP: ?25,000/month ongoing

Liability: Home loan ?56 lakhs, EMI ?49,000 (30 years – but practically, should be cleared before retirement).

Goals:

Kids’ education: ?20 lakhs (in today’s value)

Retirement corpus: ?2 crores at 60

???? Kids’ Education Goal

Let’s assume 8% inflation in education costs.

For 12-year-old: need in ~6 years
?20 lakhs × (1.08^6) ≈ ?31.7 lakhs

For 3-year-old: need in ~15 years
?20 lakhs × (1.08^15) ≈ ?63.4 lakhs

Total future requirement: ~?95 lakhs

???? Education needs itself are close to ?1 crore.

???? Retirement Goal

You want ?2 crores at age 60.
Let’s assume your MF equity SIP earns 11% annualized return.

Future value of existing PF (?13 lakhs @ 7% for 18 years) ≈ ?44 lakhs
Future value of current ?4 lakhs (equity @ 11%) ≈ ?22 lakhs

So without any extra investment, you already have ~?66 lakhs growing.

To reach ?2 crores, you need another ?1.34 crores in 18 years.

At 11% returns, SIP needed ≈ ?32,000/month

???? Putting Together

For Education:
To accumulate ~?95 lakhs in 6–15 years, you need separate investments:

6 years horizon (child 1) → equity + debt hybrid, SIP ≈ ?35,000/month

15 years horizon (child 2) → equity oriented, SIP ≈ ?15,000/month

For Retirement:
SIP required ≈ ?32,000/month (equity funds).

? Total SIP required = ?82,000/month

Currently you’re investing ?25,000/month. You’ll need to step up gradually (every year increase SIP by 10–12%).

???? Key Suggestions

Separate Buckets

Education funds → don’t mix with retirement SIPs.

Use debt/equity mix depending on time horizon.

Step-up SIP

If you start at ?25k now and increase by 10% yearly, by 18 years you’ll still reach close to goals.

But be disciplined to increase annually.

Loan Strategy

Try to reduce tenure of home loan. Clearing it before retirement is critical.

Any bonuses/surplus should partly go towards prepayment.

Insurance Check

Take adequate term life cover (at least ?1–1.5 crore).

???? To sum up:

Education: ~?50k/month (combined for both kids)

Retirement: ~?30–32k/month

Adjust with step-up SIPs if not possible immediately.

It is strongly recommended to consult a QPFP/Financial Planner to work on detailed cash flow budgeting, expense control, and long-term goal planning tailored to your family’s needs.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

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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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