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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6991 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Somnath Question by Somnath on May 14, 2024Hindi
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I am 44 but i have only 2 sip Parag parik flexi cap monthly 4k and Nippon large cap monthly 1.5k also yearly LIC premium 60k .in ppf i have 1 lakh. I want to make 2 cr in 8 yrs.Please guide on how would i can achive this goal.I am working as a senior manager now.

Ans: Achieving a Rs. 2 Crore Corpus in 8 Years
You’ve taken some prudent steps toward your financial goals. Let’s refine your strategy to help you achieve a corpus of Rs. 2 crore in the next 8 years.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
At 44, you have the following investments:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Rs. 4,000 monthly SIP
Nippon Large Cap: Rs. 1,500 monthly SIP
LIC Premium: Rs. 60,000 annually
PPF: Rs. 1 lakh
As a Senior Manager, you have a stable income to support your investment journey.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
1. Define Your Target:
You aim to achieve a corpus of Rs. 2 crore in 8 years. This requires a strategic and disciplined approach.

2. Evaluate Current Investments:
Assess the performance of your existing SIPs and ensure they align with your long-term goals. Both Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and Nippon Large Cap are good choices, but you need to invest more to meet your target.

Enhancing Monthly Investments
1. Increase SIP Contributions:
To reach Rs. 2 crore in 8 years, you need to increase your monthly SIPs significantly. Consider allocating Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 per month towards diversified mutual funds.

2. Diversify SIP Portfolio:
Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds to balance risk and returns. This diversified approach can help achieve higher growth.

Optimizing Existing Investments
1. Review LIC Policy:
Evaluate the returns from your LIC policy. Traditional insurance policies often offer lower returns. Consider shifting to mutual funds for better growth, while maintaining adequate term insurance for protection.

2. PPF Contribution:
While PPF is a safe investment, its returns are lower compared to equity mutual funds. Keep your PPF for stability but focus more on equity funds for growth.

Portfolio Diversification
1. Equity Mutual Funds:
Focus on high-performing equity mutual funds. Allocate a larger portion to aggressive growth funds like mid-cap and small-cap funds.

2. Debt Funds:
Include debt funds for stability and to reduce portfolio volatility. This ensures a balanced risk-return profile.

3. Hybrid Funds:
Hybrid funds offer a mix of equity and debt. They provide moderate risk and steady returns, suitable for medium-term goals.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
1. Periodic Review:
Regularly review your portfolio with your Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Make adjustments based on market conditions and your financial goals.

2. Rebalancing:
Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves shifting funds from over-performing assets to under-performing ones.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
1. Emergency Fund:
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your investments.

2. Adequate Insurance:
Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance. This protects your investments from being depleted by unexpected medical or life events.

Tax Efficiency
1. Tax-Saving Investments:
Invest in tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) to avail of Section 80C benefits. This helps in reducing your taxable income while growing your corpus.

2. Long-Term Capital Gains:
Equity mutual funds held for over a year enjoy tax benefits, with long-term capital gains taxed at 10% beyond Rs. 1 lakh per year.

Avoiding Common Investment Pitfalls
1. Chasing High Returns:
Avoid investing solely based on past high returns. Diversify to manage risk and ensure steady growth.

2. Ignoring Inflation:
Ensure your investments outpace inflation. Equity funds, despite short-term volatility, typically offer inflation-beating returns over the long term.

3. Lack of Clear Plan:
Stick to a structured investment plan. Regular reviews and adjustments help stay aligned with your goals.

Conclusion
By significantly increasing your SIPs and maintaining a diversified portfolio, you can achieve your Rs. 2 crore goal. Regular monitoring, rebalancing, and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure your investments stay on track.

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  |6991 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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Age 34.Am doing sip in. quant elss 9k, tata infra MF 4k, SBI technology fund 7k , quant psu fund 3k , Nasdaq 500 for 2.5k and stocks with 15% returns. I also have efo around 2 lacs. I want to make corpus of 2cr in 10 years. Currently holding around 20laks
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You have made an excellent start in building a diversified investment portfolio. Your current investments include mutual funds and stocks, and you have an emergency fund of ?2 lakhs. Your goal to accumulate ?2 crores in 10 years is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy.

Evaluating Your Investments
Mutual Funds
Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): Investing ?9,000 in ELSS funds is wise. These funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C and have the potential for high returns due to equity exposure.

Sector Funds: Your investments in infrastructure, technology, and PSU funds indicate a focus on specific sectors. While sector funds can offer high returns, they come with higher risks due to their limited diversification.

International Funds: Investing ?2,500 in the Nasdaq 500 fund adds geographical diversification. International funds can hedge against domestic market risks and offer exposure to global growth.

Stocks
Your stock investments are yielding a 15% return, which is commendable. Stocks can provide significant growth but require regular monitoring and expertise to manage risks effectively.

Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund of ?2 lakhs is prudent. This ensures financial security during unforeseen events without disrupting your investment strategy.

Recommendations for Portfolio Adjustments
Enhance Diversification
Balanced Allocation: Consider adding more diversified equity funds to balance the high-risk sector funds. Diversified funds reduce risk by spreading investments across various sectors.

Debt Funds: Incorporate some debt funds to provide stability to your portfolio. Debt funds are less volatile and can offer steady returns, balancing the high risk of equity investments.

Increase SIP Contributions
Annual Increase: Gradually increase your SIP contributions annually. This combats inflation and helps you reach your financial goal faster.

Top-Up SIPs: Utilize the top-up SIP option if available. This allows you to increase your SIP amounts periodically with ease.

Focus on High-Growth Assets
Actively Managed Funds: Continue focusing on actively managed funds rather than index funds. Actively managed funds can outperform the market through expert management.

Regular Fund Review: Regularly review the performance of your funds. Replace consistently underperforming funds with better-performing ones to optimize returns.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning: Ensure your investments are tax-efficient. ELSS funds are already part of your portfolio, but consider other tax-saving instruments as well.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: Plan withdrawals from your investments in a tax-efficient manner to maximize your net returns.

Achieving ?2 Crores in 10 Years
Targeted Growth Rate
Consistent Growth: Aim for a consistent annual growth rate of 12-15%. This is achievable with a well-diversified equity-focused portfolio.

Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor your portfolio to ensure it stays on track. Adjust allocations based on market conditions and personal goals.

Risk Management
Portfolio Rebalancing: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps in managing risk and optimizing returns.

Emergency and Contingency Planning: Maintain a robust emergency fund. Consider additional health and life insurance coverage as your family grows.

Long-Term Strategy
Financial Freedom
Calculate Future Expenses: Estimate your future monthly expenses considering inflation. This helps in determining the corpus needed for financial freedom.

Determine Retirement Corpus: Calculate the corpus required to generate a monthly income that covers your expenses. Use a conservative withdrawal rate to ensure the longevity of your corpus.

Continuous Learning
Stay Updated: Keep learning about market trends and investment strategies. This enhances your decision-making and helps in optimizing returns.

Professional Guidance: Regularly consult a certified financial planner. They provide expert advice on portfolio management, tax planning, and goal setting.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is strong and well-diversified. By continuing to review and adjust your investments, increasing SIP contributions, and focusing on tax efficiency, you are on the right path to achieve your goal of ?2 crores in 10 years. Keep focusing on high-growth assets and maintain a balanced portfolio to achieve financial freedom.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6991 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am a working woman, 36 years old and earning 95000 per month. Investing 30k in RD, 13 k in SIP, 6500 IN EPF every month, 1 lac in Sukanya samridhi every year. I want to achieve 4 cr corpus after 15 years. My monthly expenses are 25k. Please advice
Ans: Financial Health Check-Up
It's great to see your investments. They cover various options, showing financial awareness. Your monthly income is Rs 95,000, and you invest Rs 49,500 in different schemes. Your monthly expenses are Rs 25,000, which leaves you with a surplus of Rs 20,500 each month.

Savings and Investments Overview
Recurring Deposit (RD): Investing Rs 30,000 per month.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing Rs 13,000 per month.
Employees' Provident Fund (EPF): Contributing Rs 6,500 per month.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Contributing Rs 1,00,000 per year.
Assessment of Current Investments
Recurring Deposit
RDs are safe but offer low returns. They are good for short-term goals but not ideal for long-term wealth creation. Consider reducing RD investments and redirecting them to higher-return avenues.

Systematic Investment Plan
SIPs in mutual funds are excellent for long-term goals. They offer good returns and diversification. Ensure you have a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return.

Employees' Provident Fund
EPF is a safe and tax-efficient investment. It provides steady growth over the long term. Continue with this investment for a secure retirement.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
SSY is beneficial for your daughter's future needs. It offers good returns and tax benefits. Continue with this investment for her education and marriage expenses.

Recommendations for Achieving Rs 4 Crore Corpus
Increase SIP Contributions
Increase your SIP contributions. This will help you leverage the power of compounding. Divert some RD funds to SIPs in equity mutual funds for higher returns.

Focus on Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds tend to give higher returns over the long term. They are suitable for your 15-year goal. Opt for actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner for better performance.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk. Along with equity funds, consider debt funds for stability. A balanced portfolio will provide growth and safety.

Regular Review and Rebalance
Regularly review your investments. Rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions and your goals. This ensures optimal performance and alignment with your financial plan.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover 6-12 months of expenses. This fund provides a cushion during unexpected financial needs.

Detailed Action Plan
Reduce RD Investment: Lower your RD contributions. Redirect funds to equity SIPs.
Increase SIP: Increase your SIP amount gradually. Aim to invest at least Rs 25,000 per month in equity funds.
Diversify: Allocate some funds to debt mutual funds. This will balance your portfolio and reduce risk.
Review Regularly: Assess your portfolio every six months. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Maintain Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund of Rs 1.5-3 lakhs.
Final Insights
Your current investments are a good start. With some adjustments and disciplined investing, you can achieve your Rs 4 crore goal. Focus on increasing SIPs, diversifying your portfolio, and regular reviews. These steps will ensure you stay on track and meet your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1031 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Nov 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 08, 2024Hindi
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My son is in grade 10th, he wants to prepare for neet but he went for counselling twice where he had given some test which gave him results to prefer engineering now he is confused if i will not be able to do fare in neet thn what should i opt for since hes planning to go for integrated? Ease help
Ans: Hello.
To which tests your son appeared is not mentioned by you. I am assuming that he may be based to appear for either an IQ test or a DMIT Test. I would like to say that there is no need to 100% trust these tests. The results of these tests depend on the mindset of a student at that time. These tests are never 100% correct. Hence there is no need to worry about the results of these tests and what the counselor has told you.
Here are some key points on which you can work:
(1) Please ask his school teachers about his subject understanding.
(2) Please take an overall review of maths and science subjects from an understanding point of view only.
(3) Have an open talk with your son about his interest either in mathematics or biology.
(4) If possible, try to make an interaction with senior students who are preparing for JEE or NEET.
(5) Even though the coaching is now focussing either on PCM or PCB groups, it is advisable to take all 4 subjects PCMB in the 11th standard.
(6) Take a trial for at least 2 initial months in 11th standard for maths and biology subjects.
(7) Your son will automatically tell his interest in either engineering or medicine.
(8) Don't force your willingness on him to prepare for NEET.
(9) Based on the final decision, you may think of integrated courses.
(10) Your's sons interest matters more. If he is firm to go for NEET, then motivate him and keep the results of counselor tests aside.
Best of luck to your son for his bright future.

If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6991 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir/madam, My target is 2 crore corpus by 45 I just saved 5 lacs earning 1 lac per month.I do SIP in 4 SIP each of 5000 monthly. HDFC Flexi plan direct growth-5000, ICICI prudential bluechip fund direct-5000, Kotak flexi cap fund direct-5000, ICICI prudential transportation and logistics fund direct-5000 Please advice me to achieve my goal by 45 years currently I am 35y
Ans: To achieve a Rs 2 crore corpus by age 45, an SIP of Rs 60,000 per month with a 10% annual increase is indeed a strategic approach. Here’s how this plan can align with your target.

Calculating Your Path to Rs 2 Crore
Current SIP Investment: With a starting SIP of Rs 60,000 per month at a 12% CAGR, your investments have the potential to grow substantially over time.

Annual Step-Up: Increasing your SIP by 10% each year harnesses the power of compounding, helping you reach your goal faster. This incremental increase supports growth to match inflation and your rising income.

Expected Growth Rate: With a 12% CAGR, a disciplined 10-year investment horizon should help you accumulate approximately Rs 2 crore. This CAGR is reasonable for equity mutual funds based on historical performance.

Practical Benefits of This Strategy
Power of Compounding: The combination of a 10% step-up and 12% CAGR significantly accelerates growth, turning monthly contributions into substantial wealth over 10 years.

Simplicity in Execution: A single SIP contribution with a systematic increase each year streamlines your investment process, making it easier to manage.

Steps for Success
Commit to the Annual Step-Up: Consistently increasing SIP contributions is crucial. Even during years with market volatility, stick to the increase for long-term gains.

Portfolio Review with a Certified Financial Planner: Annual reviews ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals, especially as you approach the 10-year mark.

Final Insights
An SIP of Rs 60,000 with a 10% annual increase and 12% CAGR is a robust plan for reaching Rs 2 crore in 10 years. With disciplined investing and regular review, this strategy should help you reach your financial target by age 45.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6991 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 07, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 42 years hold with monthly salary of 3 lakh after tax deduction. My son is 9 years old, and I want him to become doctor. How much money i need to save or invest for him to become doctor, also how much money I need for my risk-free retirement, if i plan it by 55. Kindly Advise
Ans: At the age of 42, you are earning a stable monthly salary of Rs 3 lakh after tax deductions. You have a 9-year-old son, and your dream is for him to become a doctor. Additionally, you plan to retire by the age of 55. I appreciate your foresight in planning for both your son’s education and your retirement.

It’s essential to address both goals with a structured financial strategy to ensure a secure future for your family. Let's break down how you can achieve these two significant objectives.

Estimating the Cost of Medical Education for Your Son

The cost of becoming a doctor in India can vary greatly. Private medical colleges charge a premium, while government colleges are more affordable.

Currently, the cost of a full medical degree (MBBS) at a private college can range from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 1 crore, depending on the institution. For top-tier colleges, this could go even higher.

If your son gets into a government medical college, the costs will be much lower, possibly around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.

Considering inflation, the cost of education could double in the next 10 years when your son is ready for college. This means you might need to accumulate Rs 1.5 crore to be on the safer side.

It's prudent to start a focused investment plan now. This way, you'll be prepared whether he chooses a private or government medical institution.

Strategic Investment Plan for Your Son’s Education

You should invest in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds to accumulate this corpus. Equities provide high growth potential, while debt ensures stability.

Start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in actively managed equity mutual funds. This will help you build a sizeable corpus over the next 9 to 10 years.

Consider stepping up your SIP contributions annually. Increasing it by Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 every year can significantly boost your fund value.

Avoid index funds as they simply mimic the market and may not deliver high returns over the long term. Actively managed funds, with skilled fund managers, are better suited for higher returns.

You can also use Systematic Transfer Plans (STP) to gradually move from equity to debt funds as your son approaches his medical college admission. This will reduce market risk during the final years.

Building a Risk-Free Retirement Plan by Age 55

Your retirement target is just 13 years away. You will need a substantial corpus to ensure a comfortable, stress-free retirement.

Assuming you want to maintain your current lifestyle, you will likely need at least Rs 1.5 lakh per month post-retirement. Factoring in inflation, this amount could double in 13 years.

To retire with a monthly income of Rs 3 lakh, you may need a retirement corpus of around Rs 6 crore. This will ensure that your investments can generate the required cash flow without depleting the principal.

You should focus on maximizing your existing savings and investing in a balanced portfolio of equity and debt mutual funds. This combination will provide growth and stability.

Steps to Achieve a Secure Retirement Corpus

Increase your existing investments in equity mutual funds. Equities have the potential to deliver inflation-beating returns over the long term.

Invest in diversified equity funds and large-cap funds for stability and growth. These funds can perform well in different market cycles.

Avoid direct equity funds if you are not a seasoned investor. Investing through mutual fund distributors with CFP credentials ensures expert guidance and consistent monitoring.

As you get closer to your retirement, gradually move a portion of your portfolio to debt funds. This shift will protect your accumulated wealth from market volatility.

Debt funds are tax-efficient compared to fixed deposits. They offer indexation benefits, which can lower your tax liability on long-term capital gains.

The Importance of Tax Planning

Under the latest tax rules, equity mutual funds attract long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax at 12.5% if the gains exceed Rs 1.25 lakh annually. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt funds are taxed based on your income tax slab. It's wise to hold debt funds for over three years to avail indexation benefits and reduce your tax outgo.

Plan your withdrawals systematically to stay within the LTCG exemption limit. This will minimize your tax liabilities during retirement.

Setting Up an Emergency Fund and Adequate Insurance

Ensure that you have an emergency fund of at least 12 months' worth of expenses. Keep this amount in a liquid fund for easy access.

You should also have adequate term insurance to protect your family's financial future in your absence. The cover should be at least 10 times your annual income.

Additionally, review your health insurance policy to cover unforeseen medical expenses. As you approach retirement, healthcare costs are likely to increase.

Avoiding Real Estate and Other Risky Investments

Real estate investments require significant capital and lack liquidity. It may not be the best option if you are aiming for a flexible, liquid portfolio.

Focus instead on mutual funds, which offer higher returns, tax efficiency, and easy access to your money when needed.

Avoid mixing insurance with investments. Do not consider ULIPs, endowment plans, or any investment-cum-insurance policies. These often come with high charges and low returns.

Reviewing Your Financial Plan Regularly

It's important to review your investment portfolio annually. This ensures that your funds are performing optimally and aligned with your goals.

A certified financial planner (CFP) can help you adjust your portfolio based on changing market conditions, new tax laws, and your evolving needs.

Rebalance your investments periodically to lock in profits from high-performing funds and reinvest in underperforming areas with growth potential.

Additional Strategies to Accelerate Your Goals

Consider investing any annual bonuses or extra income into your SIPs or lump sum investments. This will further boost your retirement and education funds.

You can also explore side income opportunities or upskill in your current profession to increase your earnings. This additional income can help increase your savings rate.

Start exploring Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) for some diversification. These bonds offer tax-free returns on maturity and can serve as a hedge against inflation.

Finally

You have a clear vision for your son’s future and your retirement. Your steady income and disciplined approach are strong assets.

Focus on increasing your SIPs, diversifying your investments, and planning your taxes efficiently.

Stay consistent with your financial strategy. By following this structured approach, you can achieve both your goals well in time.

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

...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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