Hi I am 43years, I want 35 lakhs after 5years for daughters marriage, and 7years i need 20lakhs for children education, and after 12years i need 1cr plus 1lakh per month as pension.. So how to start investment and in which funds

Ans: It is never too late to start investing and take better care of your money!

1) For fulfilling your daughter's education goal after 12 years, you require to invest 65,000 monthly approx. (SIP) to accumulate a corpus of Rs. 2 Crore after about 12 years.
2) To accumulate retirement corpus of Rs. 10 crore at the age of 54 you need to invest 1,02,000 approx. monthly for next 20 year.
(we have assumed the growth rate at 12% for long term investment horizon)

Moreover, you wish to invest 2 lakhs per month. The balance amount can go for you other long-term goals (as mentioned by you) and wealth accumulation.

For a long-term investment horizon, consider equity mutual funds, which historically have shown potential for higher returns over the long term. Diversified equity funds or equity index funds could be suitable for a balanced approach. Popular choices include large-cap, mid-cap, flexi cap funds or small cap funds.

Ans: It's great that you're planning ahead for your daughter's marriage and your old age pension. Let's dive into your options:

With an income of 20,000 per month, saving 3 lakhs might take some time, but it's definitely achievable with proper planning and discipline.

Given your goals, it's essential to strike a balance between safety, growth, and liquidity in your investments. Here's what you can consider:

Fixed Deposits (FDs): FDs offer safety and guaranteed returns. You can consider investing a portion of your savings in FDs to ensure capital preservation for your daughter's marriage.
Debt Mutual Funds: Debt mutual funds provide relatively higher returns than FDs while maintaining liquidity. They're suitable for medium-term goals like your daughter's marriage. Opt for funds with a track record of stable returns and low volatility.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a popular long-term investment option offering tax benefits and steady returns. It can serve as a retirement corpus for you, providing financial security in your old age.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS is designed for individuals above 60 years and offers regular income post-retirement. You can consider investing a portion of your savings in SCSS to build a pension corpus for your old age.
Gold ETFs: Investing in Gold ETFs can provide diversification to your portfolio and act as a hedge against inflation. You can allocate a small portion of your savings to Gold ETFs for long-term wealth preservation.
As you're nearing retirement age, it's crucial to prioritize building a robust retirement corpus alongside saving for your daughter's marriage. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals and risk profile.

Remember, consistency and discipline are key to achieving your financial aspirations. Keep saving regularly, and you'll steadily progress towards your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Let's delve into your investment strategy to achieve your goal of Rs. 50 lakhs in four years. Your dedication to securing your daughter's future is commendable, and I'll guide you with a comprehensive plan. Here’s how you can approach this significant financial goal.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
It's crucial to understand the specific amount and timeline for your goal. You need Rs. 50 lakhs in four years for your daughter’s marriage. With Rs. 10,000 to invest monthly, we'll need a strategic plan to bridge any gaps.

Investing in Mutual Funds
Benefits of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer diversification and professional management. They can help achieve high returns if selected wisely. Opt for actively managed funds rather than index funds. Active funds, managed by experienced fund managers, can potentially outperform the market.

Selecting the Right Mutual Funds
Choose funds with a good track record over different market cycles. Look for funds with consistent performance and reputable fund managers. Investing in a mix of equity and debt funds can balance risk and reward.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount monthly, which is ideal for your Rs. 10,000 monthly investment. This approach benefits from rupee cost averaging and compounding. Even in volatile markets, SIPs can smoothen out returns over time.

Exploring Debt Instruments
Benefits of Debt Instruments
Debt instruments like debt mutual funds, corporate bonds, or fixed deposits offer stability and lower risk. They ensure capital preservation, which is crucial given your four-year timeline.

Choosing the Right Debt Instruments
Select instruments with a high credit rating to ensure safety. Debt mutual funds with a short to medium duration are preferable. They provide better returns than traditional savings accounts without taking on excessive risk.

Balancing Equity and Debt
Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is vital for achieving your goal. Considering your time frame and risk tolerance, a balanced approach is recommended. A 60:40 ratio between equity and debt could be effective.

Adjusting Over Time
As you approach your goal, gradually shift more towards debt instruments. This transition reduces the risk of market volatility impacting your corpus closer to the target date.

Benefits of Active Management
Professional Fund Management
Actively managed funds bring the expertise of fund managers. These professionals make informed decisions based on market analysis. This can result in higher returns compared to passive funds.

Regular Fund Investments
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials ensures you receive expert guidance. They help in selecting the right funds, rebalancing the portfolio, and maximizing returns.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Steer Clear of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem cost-effective due to lower fees. However, they lack the expert guidance that comes with regular funds. Investing through an MFD with a CFP ensures better fund selection and management.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds merely replicate market indices. They lack the potential for outperforming the market. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to beat the market, offering better growth prospects.

Importance of Regular Monitoring
Regular Portfolio Reviews
Monitoring your investments regularly is essential. It helps in making necessary adjustments based on market conditions. Regular reviews ensure your investments stay on track towards your goal.

Rebalancing the Portfolio
Rebalancing involves realigning the weightage of your portfolio components. This ensures your asset allocation remains in line with your risk tolerance and financial goals. It's crucial as market movements can skew your allocation over time.

Considering Tax Implications
Tax Efficiency
Tax efficiency is an important factor. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity funds are taxed at 10% beyond Rs. 1 lakh. Debt funds held for more than three years qualify for LTCG benefits with indexation, making them tax-efficient.

Tax-Saving Instruments
Investing in tax-saving instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) can provide dual benefits. They offer potential for high returns along with tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Emergency Fund
Importance of an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial to handle unexpected expenses. It ensures you don’t have to dip into your investments prematurely. Ideally, maintain six months’ worth of expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.

Creating an Emergency Fund
Start building an emergency fund alongside your investments. Allocate a portion of your Rs. 10,000 monthly investment towards this fund until it reaches the desired level.

Insurance Coverage
Importance of Insurance
Adequate insurance coverage is essential to protect against unforeseen events. It ensures your financial plan remains intact even in adverse situations.

Health and Life Insurance
Ensure you have sufficient health insurance to cover medical emergencies. A term life insurance policy can provide financial security to your family in case of any eventuality.

Engaging a Certified Financial Planner
Benefits of a CFP
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) brings expertise and personalized advice. They help in crafting a financial plan tailored to your goals and risk profile. Engaging a CFP ensures disciplined and strategic investing.

Regular Consultations
Schedule regular consultations with your CFP. They can help in reviewing your portfolio, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring your investments align with your goals.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 50 lakhs in four years requires a strategic and disciplined approach. By investing Rs. 10,000 monthly in a mix of equity and debt funds, you can balance growth and stability. Actively managed funds offer potential for higher returns, while debt instruments ensure capital preservation. Engaging a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert guidance and regular portfolio reviews. With careful planning and regular monitoring, you can achieve your financial goal and secure your daughter’s future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You have Rs 40 lakh to invest. Your main goals are securing your children’s future and ensuring financial stability for yourself and your spouse during old age. This is a significant amount, and it’s crucial to allocate it wisely to achieve these goals.

Allocating Funds for Children’s Future
Education Fund: Invest a portion in child education-specific mutual funds. These funds are actively managed and can help in building a substantial corpus over time. Regularly review the fund’s performance with a Certified Financial Planner.

Long-Term Growth: Consider investing in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Equity funds, managed by professional fund managers, can potentially offer higher returns over time.

Securing Your Retirement
Retirement Corpus: Allocate a portion to retirement-focused mutual funds. These funds, actively managed, can help in growing your corpus while mitigating risk.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Once you retire, you can opt for SWP from your accumulated corpus. SWP provides a regular income, which can be beneficial in managing expenses during retirement.

Balancing Safety and Growth
Debt Funds: For a balanced approach, invest in debt funds. These funds offer stable returns with lower risk, making them ideal for preserving capital.

Diversification: Ensure your investments are diversified across different asset classes. This reduces risk and increases the chances of achieving your financial goals.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Periodic Review: Regularly review your investments with a Certified Financial Planner. Adjust the portfolio as needed based on market conditions and your changing financial needs.

Emergency Fund: Keep a portion of your funds liquid in case of emergencies. This ensures you are not forced to withdraw from your long-term investments.

Final Insights
Avoid ULIPs and Insurance-Based Investments: These often combine insurance with investment, leading to higher costs and lower returns. Instead, focus on pure investment products and separate term insurance for adequate coverage.

Active Management: Actively managed funds often outperform passive index funds, especially in the Indian market. Ensure your investments are in funds managed by experienced professionals.

Investing with a clear strategy can help you secure your children’s future and ensure a comfortable retirement for yourself and your spouse. Regular reviews and adjustments are essential for staying on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in