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Can I Open an NPS Account at 45? A Housewife's Guide to NPS

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 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
shailly Question by shailly on Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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I am 45 yr. Old house wife. Wish to gain knowledge about NPS(National Pension Scheme) in detail. Can i open it by my own? If yes what is the procedure? Can a person have more then 2 Nps a/c.? A detailed insight needed.

Ans: The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a government-sponsored retirement savings scheme. It is designed to provide financial security during retirement. NPS offers a mix of equity, fixed income instruments, corporate bonds, and government securities. Here’s a detailed insight into NPS:

Eligibility and Account Opening
Who Can Open an NPS Account?

Any Indian citizen aged between 18 and 70 years can open an NPS account. This includes both salaried individuals and self-employed professionals.
Types of NPS Accounts

Tier I Account: This is the primary retirement account. It is mandatory and offers tax benefits.

Tier II Account: This is a voluntary savings account. It allows withdrawals at any time but does not offer tax benefits.

Procedure to Open an NPS Account
Online Method

Visit the official NPS website or a Point of Presence (PoP) online portal.

Complete the registration form with your personal details.

Upload required documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and a photograph.

Make an initial contribution of at least Rs. 500.

Offline Method

Visit the nearest PoP, typically a bank branch.

Fill out the NPS registration form.

Submit KYC documents (PAN, Aadhaar, etc.).

Make the initial contribution at the PoP counter.

Can a Person Have More Than One NPS Account?
Single NPS Account Policy

An individual can only have one NPS account. Multiple accounts are not allowed under the scheme.
Investment Options and Fund Management
Active Choice

You select the allocation among equities, corporate bonds, and government securities.
Auto Choice

The allocation is automatically managed based on your age.
Tax Benefits and Withdrawals
Tax Benefits

Contributions up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C.

An additional Rs. 50,000 deduction is available under Section 80CCD (1B).

Withdrawals

Up to 60% of the corpus can be withdrawn tax-free at retirement.

The remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity, providing regular pension.

How to Maximize Benefits from NPS
Regular Contributions

Make regular contributions to grow your retirement corpus.

Increase your contributions whenever possible to benefit from compounding.

Monitor Performance

Regularly review the performance of your NPS investments.

Switch between fund managers if required to optimize returns.

Additional Tips
Combine with Other Investments

Use NPS alongside other investment options like mutual funds and PPF for a balanced retirement portfolio.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner can help you optimize your investment strategy and maximize benefits.
Final Insights
NPS is a robust retirement savings option offering tax benefits and diversified investments. Opening an account is simple, and you can manage it online or offline. Remember, you can only have one NPS account. Regular contributions and monitoring are key to maximizing your retirement corpus. Consider combining NPS with other investments for a balanced approach. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance and ensure you make the most of your NPS investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jul 26, 2024 | Answered on Jul 27, 2024
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Thank you for the response. One more query i have. Do elss fund beneficial for house wife like me who do not pay tax(as I don't come in tax bracket). Means if I invest in elss. How can I claim tax saving suppose if i earned good amount of money in a financial year from elss. Do I need to do anything for this like to fill any form at redemption etc. I am talking about online process purchase/redemption of elss tax saving mutual funds. Pls. Suggest.
Ans: As a housewife not in the tax bracket, ELSS funds won't provide tax-saving benefits. However, they can still be a good investment for potential growth. Upon redemption, any capital gains will be subject to tax if they exceed Rs. 1.25 lakh per year. You would need to report this in your income tax return. No specific form is needed additionally for the process of purchase or redemption online. Regular redemption request is sufficient.

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  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
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My wife is of 31 years age and currently depositing around 25k monthly in nps as part of her central government job. She will retire at the age of 65 so, can we depend entirely on this nps investment for our retirement? How much return we can expect during our retirement ?
Ans: Your wife is 31 years old and contributes Rs. 25,000 monthly to her NPS. She will retire at 65. Let’s evaluate if NPS alone can support your retirement.

Understanding NPS
Benefits of NPS
Tax Benefits: NPS contributions provide tax deductions.
Market-Linked Returns: NPS invests in equity and debt.
Low Cost: NPS has low fund management charges.
Expected Returns
Equity Allocation: Equity in NPS can offer 10-12% returns.
Debt Allocation: Debt allocation may yield 6-8%.
Overall Returns: Expect 8-10% returns annually.
Projected NPS Corpus
Accumulation Phase
Regular Contributions: Rs. 25,000 monthly until retirement.
Compounded Growth: Funds grow due to compounding.
Estimation: Use conservative growth rate for projections.
Retirement Income
Annuity Purchase
Mandatory Annuity: 40% of NPS corpus goes into an annuity.
Regular Pension: Annuity provides a monthly pension.
Lump Sum Withdrawal
60% Withdrawal: The remaining 60% can be withdrawn.
Tax-Free: This withdrawal is tax-free.
Diversification Strategy
Beyond NPS
PPF: Continue contributions for safe returns.
EPF: Maintain EPF for steady growth.
Mutual Funds: Diversify with equity and debt funds.
Insurance: Ensure adequate health and life coverage.
Expected Retirement Needs
Income Requirements
Inflation Adjustment: Account for rising costs.
Healthcare: Allocate funds for medical expenses.
Lifestyle: Maintain a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement.
Calculating Retirement Corpus
Corpus Size
Monthly Needs: Rs. 50,000 per month post-retirement.
Inflation-Adjusted: Needs will increase with inflation.
Life Expectancy: Plan for 20-25 years post-retirement.
Income Sources
NPS Pension: Regular income from the annuity.
Lump Sum: Withdrawn amount can be invested.
Other Investments: Income from PPF, EPF, and mutual funds.
Final Insights
NPS Alone: NPS is good but not sufficient alone.
Diversify: Invest in PPF, EPF, and mutual funds.
Plan for Inflation: Ensure corpus adjusts for inflation.
Regular Review: Monitor and adjust investments.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Hello Sir, this is Dhiraj DM, I am 48 year's old married with no kids, we have any flat worth 1. 5 cr given on rent around 50 lakhs of equity 20 lacs mutual funds we want to retire in next 3 years,please guide. We live in a metro no liability, we r into Gifting business now want to retire in next 3 years
Ans: Your retirement is just three years away. You have built a strong foundation with real estate, equity, and mutual funds. Now, the goal is to structure your investments for steady income, security, and long-term sustainability.

1. Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Flat Worth Rs. 1.5 Crore: This generates rental income, but liquidity is limited.
Equity Portfolio of Rs. 50 Lakh: Market-linked investments with potential for high returns but volatile.
Mutual Funds of Rs. 20 Lakh: Offers diversification and moderate risk exposure.
No Liabilities: This is a strong advantage for financial freedom.
Gifting Business: If planning to exit, ensure business-related finances are sorted before retirement.
2. Estimating Post-Retirement Income Needs
Calculate expected monthly expenses, including medical, travel, lifestyle, and emergency costs.
Factor in inflation, as expenses will rise over time.
Consider long-term costs such as medical care and home maintenance.
3. Structuring Retirement Income
Rental Income as a Fixed Source
Your flat generates rental income, which helps with stability.
Consider reinvesting this income for further growth.
Portfolio Rebalancing for Stability
Equity exposure is beneficial but risky close to retirement.
Shift some funds to low-risk instruments for safety.
Keep some allocation to equity to combat inflation.
Maintaining Liquidity for Emergencies
Create an emergency fund of at least 2 years' expenses in liquid assets.
Avoid relying solely on investments that require selling in volatile markets.
4. Health and Insurance Planning
Ensure comprehensive health insurance for both of you, at least Rs. 15-20 lakh coverage.
If you hold any old insurance policies with low returns, consider restructuring them.
Create a separate healthcare fund for long-term medical expenses.
5. Tax Efficiency in Retirement
Structure withdrawals smartly to reduce tax burden on capital gains.
Use tax-free instruments where applicable.
Rental income is taxable, so deduct maintenance expenses to lower tax outgo.
6. Planning Investments for Retirement Income
Avoid complete reliance on fixed-income instruments, as they may not beat inflation.
A mix of mutual funds, debt instruments, and systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) will ensure steady cash flow.
Keep some investments growth-oriented to sustain wealth over decades.
7. Estate and Legacy Planning
Prepare a clear will to ensure smooth asset transfer.
If you plan to donate or support causes, structure funds accordingly.
Finally
Ensure liquidity and stability in your investments.
Reduce risk in equity but keep exposure for growth.
Maintain a dedicated healthcare fund and strong insurance coverage.
Structure investments to minimise taxes and ensure steady income.
Plan legacy and succession to avoid future complications.
Would you like a detailed plan on how to allocate your investments for steady retirement income?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Pushpa

Pushpa R  |49 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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My sister is recently diagnosed with second stage of breast cancer. She is always emotional and moody. Can I introduce her to yoga or meditation? Can yoga help her cope with the fear and uncertainty?
Ans: I'm very sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis. This is a challenging time, and emotional support is just as important as medical treatment. Yes, yoga and meditation can help her cope with fear, stress, and uncertainty by bringing mental peace, emotional strength, and relaxation.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Anxiety & Fear: Gentle yoga and deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps in relaxation and emotional balance.
Improves Sleep: Many cancer patients struggle with sleep. Yoga Nidra and slow breathing exercises can promote restful sleep.
Boosts Positivity: Meditation and mindfulness help shift focus from fear to inner peace.
Strengthens the Body: Light yoga can help reduce fatigue and improve overall well-being during treatment.
Recommended Practices for Your Sister:
Breathing (Pranayama): Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) calm the mind.
Gentle Yoga Poses: Child’s Pose, Butterfly Pose, and Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose promote relaxation.
Meditation & Yoga Nidra: Guided meditation can help ease emotional distress and bring hope.
Encourage her to consult a yoga coach for personalized support. With the right guidance, yoga can become a healing companion in her journey.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/

...Read more

Pushpa

Pushpa R  |49 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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Mam, can yoga help prevent cancer in women? Please advice
Ans: Yoga cannot guarantee the prevention of cancer, but it can play a supportive role in maintaining overall health, reducing risk factors, and improving well-being. Many studies suggest that regular yoga practice helps reduce stress, improve immunity, balance hormones, and promote detoxification—all of which may lower the risk of cancer in women.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation, which can contribute to disease. Practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques keeps the body in balance.
Boosts Immunity: Gentle yoga poses improve blood circulation and support the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body.
Balances Hormones: Hormonal imbalances may increase the risk of conditions like breast and ovarian cancer. Regular yoga helps maintain a healthy endocrine system.
Supports Detoxification: Twisting poses and deep breathing help the body eliminate waste and toxins.
Recommended Practices:
Pranayama (Breathwork): Anulom Vilom and Bhramari help calm the nervous system.
Yoga Poses: Cobra Pose, Twists, and Forward Bends improve digestion and circulation.
Meditation & Relaxation: Yoga Nidra and mindfulness reduce stress and promote healing.
For personalized guidance, consult a yoga coach who can create a practice suited to your health needs.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
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https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/

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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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