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Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  |36 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 25, 2024

Nitin Narkhede, founder of the Prosperity Lifestyle Hub, is a certified financial advisor with eight years of experience in helping clients design and implement comprehensive financial life plans.
As a mentor, Nitin has trained over 1,000 individuals, many of whom have seen remarkable financial transformations.
Nitin holds various certifications including the Association Of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and accreditations from several insurance and mutual fund aggregators.
He is a mechanical engineer from the J T Mahajan College, Jalgaon, with 34 years of experience of working with MNCs like Skoda Auto India, Volkswagen India and ThyssenKrupp Electrical Steel India.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 19, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 45 yrs old and have below investments 1. 2 2bhk flats amounting to 3 Cr 2. 1.5 Cr in mutual funds 3. 2.2 Cr in fixed instruments like PF, PPF, SGB, FDs 4. 0.35 Cr in overseas stocks. I am expecting to retire at age of 55 with average (post tax) expected salary of INR 35 lac per annum. How can I spread my income to make the interest earned optimum Expecting

Ans: To retire comfortably at 55 with a diverse Rs. 7.05 Cr portfolio, focus on a balanced approach. Keep equity mutual funds for growth but gradually shift to safer options as retirement nears. Enhance rental income from your flats and maximize returns from fixed deposits, PF, and PPF. For steady post-retirement income, use a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from mutual funds, optimizing taxes on withdrawals and overseas stocks. Ensure your plan considers inflation and supports long-term financial stability for a secure retirement.
Nitin Narkhede
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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  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 29, 2024

Money
I am 37 years old with annual earning of 63 lacs before taxes. I have invested 25 lacs in stock market so far and have 12 lacs in PPF. I am investing 2 lacs per month in SIP and have 2 housing loans in Mumbai with total accumulated outstanding balance of 90 lacs. I have 62 lacs of liquid money currently parked in overdraft home loan accounts having yearly home loan interest of 9.8%. I am paying approx 60 k pm interest in total for my two housing loans. I have balance of 50 lacs in provident fund with monthly increase of 56 k. Also, I am earning 17k pm from rental income. I have term plan of 2.8 cr and wife have term plan of 1 cr with life time cover. I have few medical plans with full family + parents coverage. I have 6 year old daughter and planning for her sibling this year. I am a proud sanatani living minimalist and healthy lifestyle and don't really have much spending other than basic needs. At my retirement, I would still prefer to have earnings of 5 lacs per month using various sources. I want to retire at 55 with close to 60 cr so that my children can live happily after me! Also, I am planning for a world tour in my 40 and can spend upto 5 lacs per year for next 10 years. I have been very aggressive and risk taking investor so far. I have been able to get returns at the rate of 45% cagr by picking the right security at right time. However, given my age is now 37, I want advice on how can I effectively distribute my investment to reduce the risk and still being able to get 25%+ annual return on my capital. It will be great if I can measure advice and not a monologue of details available on internet. I respect skilled people who talk to the point and who are successful in their own life. Email me at krunal --dot-- iq --at-- gmail.com if you think you can be a good financial advisor for my use case.
Ans: You're in a solid financial position with a healthy income and diverse investments. Your annual earnings of Rs 63 lacs, substantial stock market investments, PPF, SIP contributions, housing loans, and provident fund show a well-rounded portfolio. It's impressive to see your planning and discipline. Your goals for retirement and your children’s future reflect your dedication to financial security.

You're currently 37 years old and aiming to retire at 55 with close to Rs 60 cr. This goal is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Let's analyze your current investments and suggest adjustments to help you achieve this goal.

Investment Portfolio Assessment

You've been aggressive in your investments, achieving remarkable returns. However, as you approach 40, balancing risk and return becomes crucial. Here’s an evaluation of your current investments:

Stock Market Investments: Rs 25 lacs.
PPF: Rs 12 lacs.
SIP Contributions: Rs 2 lacs per month.
Housing Loans: Rs 90 lacs outstanding balance.
Overdraft Home Loan Accounts: Rs 62 lacs at 9.8% interest.
Provident Fund: Rs 50 lacs, growing by Rs 56k monthly.
Rental Income: Rs 17k per month.
Liquid Money: Rs 62 lacs in overdraft accounts.
Term Plans and Medical Coverage: Comprehensive coverage for the family.
Your diversified portfolio is a strong foundation. The key now is to optimize for both growth and stability. Here are some detailed strategies:

Risk and Return Considerations

Your current 45% CAGR is exceptional but challenging to sustain. Aiming for 25% returns is still ambitious. Here’s a breakdown of realistic expectations and strategies to balance risk and return:

Equity Mutual Funds: While direct stock investments can yield high returns, consider equity mutual funds managed by skilled fund managers. They can provide diversified exposure and professional management. Expect around 12-15% returns, which balances risk better than individual stock picking.

Investing in equity mutual funds allows you to leverage the expertise of fund managers. They actively manage the portfolio, selecting stocks that have the potential for growth. This diversification reduces the risk associated with individual stock investments.

Actively Managed Funds vs Index Funds: Actively managed funds can outperform index funds due to skilled fund managers identifying opportunities and managing risks. Index funds, though lower cost, mirror the market and may not deliver the high returns you seek. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner can offer better support and tailored advice.

Actively managed funds involve a more hands-on approach, where fund managers actively select stocks and adjust the portfolio to maximize returns. This active management can lead to higher returns compared to index funds, which simply track the market index. Additionally, investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures you receive personalized advice tailored to your financial goals.

Debt Instruments: Include high-quality debt funds to stabilize your portfolio. They provide lower but stable returns, balancing the high risk of equity investments. Aim for around 7-9% returns here.

Debt instruments, such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and high-quality debt funds, offer stability to your portfolio. They are less volatile than equities and provide a steady income stream. This stability is essential, especially as you approach retirement and seek to preserve your capital.

PPF and Provident Fund: Continue your investments in these for tax-free, risk-free returns. They offer steady growth and can act as a safety net.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Provident Fund (PF) are excellent options for risk-free returns. They offer tax benefits under Section 80C and provide a guaranteed return. These funds should be a part of your retirement planning to ensure a stable income post-retirement.

SIP Strategy: Your Rs 2 lacs monthly SIP is a robust strategy. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and reward.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help in disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging. By investing a fixed amount regularly, you buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. This strategy reduces the impact of market volatility on your investments. Diversifying your SIPs across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds ensures you capture growth across different segments of the market.

Housing Loans and Overdraft Accounts

Your Rs 62 lacs parked in overdraft home loan accounts helps reduce interest outgo. Here are some considerations:

Prepayment of Loans: With Rs 90 lacs in outstanding loans, prepaying can reduce your interest burden. This is especially beneficial at your current 9.8% interest rate. Prepayment can be a strategic move to save on interest costs and reduce the overall loan tenure.

Prepaying your housing loans can significantly reduce the total interest paid over the loan tenure. With interest rates at 9.8%, prepayment can lead to substantial savings. However, ensure that prepayment does not attract any penalties and that you still maintain enough liquidity for emergencies.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you maintain a sufficient emergency fund. Your liquid money in overdraft accounts is useful, but some should be kept in a more accessible form, like a high-interest savings account. This ensures you have liquidity without affecting your investment strategy.

An emergency fund is crucial for financial security. It should cover at least 6-12 months of your living expenses. Keeping a portion of your liquid money in an easily accessible form ensures that you can handle any unforeseen expenses without disrupting your investment plans.

Rental Income and Future Investments

Your Rs 17k monthly rental income is a steady stream. Consider these points:

Real Estate Exposure: Avoid increasing your real estate exposure further. It’s illiquid and can tie up significant capital. Instead, focus on investments that offer better liquidity and growth potential.

Real estate investments are not easily liquidated and can require substantial capital for maintenance and taxes. Diversifying into more liquid investments such as mutual funds or stocks ensures you have access to your funds when needed and can capitalize on growth opportunities.

Reinvestment: Reinvest rental income into diversified mutual funds. This enhances growth potential and liquidity. By reinvesting your rental income, you can leverage the power of compounding, further boosting your portfolio’s growth.

Reinvesting your rental income into diversified mutual funds not only helps in capital appreciation but also provides better liquidity. This strategy ensures your money works for you, generating returns over time through compounding.

Insurance and Coverage

Your term plans and medical coverage are crucial for family security. Here’s how to optimize:

Term Plan: Your Rs 2.8 cr and your wife’s Rs 1 cr coverage is substantial. Ensure it’s reviewed periodically to match inflation and financial needs. As your financial responsibilities grow, it’s essential to adjust your coverage accordingly.

Regularly reviewing your term insurance coverage ensures that it aligns with your current financial situation and future responsibilities. As your income and financial obligations increase, adjusting your coverage provides adequate protection for your family in case of unforeseen events.

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for your family and parents is essential. Review policies to ensure they cover rising medical costs and offer cashless hospitalization. Given the rising healthcare costs, having adequate medical insurance is vital to avoid financial strain.

With healthcare costs on the rise, having comprehensive medical insurance is crucial. Ensure your policy covers critical illnesses, hospitalization, and offers cashless services. This reduces the financial burden in case of medical emergencies and ensures quality healthcare for your family.

Retirement Planning

Aiming for Rs 60 cr by 55 for a Rs 5 lacs monthly income is ambitious but achievable with disciplined investing. Here’s a strategy:

Diversified Portfolio: Maintain a mix of equity, debt, and alternative investments. As you approach retirement, shift towards safer investments. This approach ensures that you continue to grow your wealth while minimizing risk.

Diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes helps in managing risk and optimizing returns. As you near retirement, gradually shift towards safer investments like debt funds and government securities to preserve your capital.

Regular Reviews: Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to stay on track. Adjust based on market conditions and life changes. Regular reviews help in staying aligned with your goals and making necessary adjustments.

Financial markets are dynamic, and regular reviews ensure your investment strategy remains relevant. A Certified Financial Planner can provide insights and adjustments based on market trends and your changing financial goals.

World Tour and Lifestyle

Planning a Rs 5 lacs annual expenditure for a world tour is wonderful. Here’s how to manage it:

Travel Fund: Create a dedicated travel fund. Invest in liquid funds for easy access and moderate returns. This ensures that you can enjoy your travels without impacting your long-term investment goals.

A dedicated travel fund ensures that your travel plans do not interfere with your long-term financial goals. Liquid funds offer moderate returns and easy access, making them ideal for short-term goals like travel.

Minimalist Lifestyle: Your minimalist lifestyle helps save significantly. Continue this approach, focusing spending on experiences and essentials. This frugal approach will help in saving more and investing wisely.

A minimalist lifestyle reduces unnecessary expenses and allows you to save more. By focusing on essential needs and experiences, you can enhance your savings and invest in growth-oriented assets.

Final Insights

Your financial planning is commendable. Balancing risk and return is key as you approach 40. Here’s a summary:

Diversify across equity mutual funds, debt funds, and safe instruments like PPF. This diversified approach ensures a balanced risk-reward ratio.

Continue your SIP strategy and reinvest rental income wisely. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Prepay housing loans to reduce interest burden. This saves on interest costs and reduces financial stress.

Maintain adequate insurance and emergency funds. Adequate coverage and an emergency fund provide financial security.

Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner. Regular reviews help in staying on track and achieving your financial goals.

Your disciplined approach and clear goals are your strengths. Stay focused, make informed decisions, and your financial future will be secure and prosperous.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Money
Hi Mam, Good day I am 46 years old earning about 3 Lakh per month. I am Planning to retire by 54 years. My current assets/ savings are as follows: Properties and plots - 6.5 crores PF, PPF and NPS - 25 Lakhs FD - 50 Lakhs Emergency fund - 8 Lakhs Stocks and Mutual Fund - 25 Lakhs Gold - 90 Lakhs LIC and Tax saver funds - 25 Lakhs Other Investments - 5 Lakhs Apart from this I have a Term insurance of Rs. 1 crore and medical insurance of Rs. 15 Lakh. I have my own house so need to pay any rent. Currently I am getting an additional income of 65000 with my asset/ saving through rent and interest. I want to increase my additional income to Rs. 1 Lakh/month. What is the best way to increase my additional income of Rs. 35000 in next 8 years to have a peaceful retirement. Thanks for your advice in advance. Regards, Krishna Prasad
Ans: Dear Krishna Prasad,

Good day! Thank you for sharing the details of your financial landscape. Your disciplined approach towards saving and investing is commendable and sets a strong foundation for a secure retirement. Let's delve into the specifics of how you can enhance your additional income by Rs. 35,000 per month over the next eight years to achieve your goal of a peaceful retirement by age 54.

Reviewing Your Asset Allocation
Properties and Plots: Rs. 6.5 Crores

Real estate constitutes a significant portion of your portfolio. While this is a stable and appreciating asset, it isn't highly liquid. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on other investments for increasing your monthly income.

Provident Fund, Public Provident Fund, and National Pension System: Rs. 25 Lakhs

These are excellent for long-term growth and tax benefits. However, their contribution to your monthly income is minimal.

Fixed Deposits: Rs. 50 Lakhs

Fixed deposits provide safety but typically offer lower returns compared to other investment avenues. We'll explore better alternatives while keeping a portion for safety.

Emergency Fund: Rs. 8 Lakhs

Maintaining an emergency fund is wise. This should remain untouched for unforeseen expenses.

Stocks and Mutual Funds: Rs. 25 Lakhs

This portion of your portfolio can generate higher returns and income through dividends and capital gains.

Gold: Rs. 90 Lakhs

Gold is a good hedge against inflation but doesn’t generate monthly income. We should consider how to optimize its role in your portfolio.

LIC and Tax Saver Funds: Rs. 25 Lakhs

These offer moderate returns and tax benefits. Reviewing these investments for potential improvement in returns could be beneficial.

Other Investments: Rs. 5 Lakhs

We can analyze these for better alignment with your income goals.

Term Insurance: Rs. 1 Crore and Medical Insurance: Rs. 15 Lakhs

These policies provide necessary protection and should be retained.

Enhancing Monthly Income
To achieve an additional Rs. 35,000 per month, let's consider various strategies. Each has its own risk and return profile, which we'll assess in detail.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Systematic Withdrawal Plans from mutual funds allow you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly. This strategy helps in generating a steady income stream while your principal continues to grow.

Advantages:

Potential for higher returns than fixed deposits.
Flexibility in withdrawal amounts.
Considerations:

Market volatility can affect the fund value.
Requires careful selection of funds with stable performance.
Dividend-Paying Stocks
Investing in high-dividend-paying stocks can provide a regular income stream. These companies distribute a portion of their earnings to shareholders regularly.

Advantages:

Potential for capital appreciation along with dividend income.
Dividends can provide tax-efficient income.
Considerations:

Stock prices can be volatile.
Requires thorough research and selection of reliable companies.
High-Yield Debt Funds
Debt funds with a focus on high-yield bonds can offer better returns than traditional fixed deposits.

Advantages:

Better returns compared to fixed deposits.
Diversification of risk.
Considerations:

Credit risk associated with bonds.
Interest rate risk can affect fund value.
Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically manage the asset allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions. This can provide growth and income with moderate risk.

Advantages:

Automatic adjustment between equity and debt.
Potential for stable returns with lower risk.
Considerations:

Performance depends on the fund manager's strategy.
May have higher management fees.
Gold Monetization Scheme
If you have idle gold, consider the Gold Monetization Scheme. It offers interest on your gold holdings while keeping the asset intact.

Advantages:

Earn interest on otherwise idle gold.
Retain gold's value.
Considerations:

Limited liquidity compared to selling gold.
Interest rates may be lower than other investments.
Regularly Review and Rebalance Your Portfolio
It's crucial to periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and market conditions.

Steps:

Review asset performance semi-annually or annually.
Rebalance to maintain desired asset allocation.
Adjust investments based on changing goals or market outlook.
Tax Efficiency
Maximizing tax efficiency can enhance your net income.

Strategies:

Utilize tax-free bonds for tax-efficient interest income.
Opt for tax-efficient mutual fund investments.
Leverage tax deductions and exemptions available under the Income Tax Act.
Exploring SIP in Mutual Funds
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, building a substantial corpus over time.

Advantages:

Disciplined investment approach.
Rupee cost averaging mitigates market volatility.
Considerations:

Requires long-term commitment for best results.
Market risk associated with equity mutual funds.
Leveraging Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your unique situation. They can help in optimizing your portfolio, ensuring your investments align with your income and retirement goals.

Benefits:

Expert analysis and recommendations.
Regular monitoring and adjustment of your financial plan.
Comprehensive approach to financial planning.
Diversification
Diversification across asset classes reduces risk and enhances potential returns.

Approach:

Balance investments between equity, debt, and alternative assets.
Avoid over-concentration in any single asset class.
Regularly review and adjust diversification strategy.
Final Insights
Krishna, your financial discipline has set a strong foundation for your retirement. By optimizing your existing portfolio and exploring new investment avenues, you can achieve your goal of increasing your additional income to Rs. 1 lakh per month. Focus on diversifying your investments, leveraging professional guidance, and maintaining a regular review schedule. This strategic approach will help you achieve a comfortable and peaceful retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I'm 48 ..I'm thinking about my retirement now. My son is 13 while we both (wife and self) are employed with a cashflow of 7.5lacs per month including rental (3lacs) income). My current Investment spread is Real Estate (various- 23Crs.)/ PPF 1.10crs./ NPS 10lacs/ MF 10lacs with 70k per month monthly outflow and liabilities of 2crs. My likely expenses are Higher Education/Marriage and Retirement Corpus. How should I spread my investments to cover my Salary loss, post-retirement?
Ans: At 48, you are thinking about retirement, which is an excellent step toward securing your future. You have a combined monthly cash flow of Rs 7.5 lakh, which includes Rs 3 lakh from rental income. Your investment portfolio includes Rs 23 crore in real estate, Rs 1.10 crore in PPF, Rs 10 lakh in NPS, and Rs 10 lakh in mutual funds, with an SIP of Rs 70,000 per month. Additionally, you have liabilities of Rs 2 crore.

Given your current financial standing, let's break down how to optimise your investments for post-retirement expenses, covering your son's higher education, his marriage, and ensuring a comfortable retirement corpus.

Assessing Future Needs
You will likely have significant financial requirements for higher education and marriage, alongside securing a post-retirement lifestyle. Let’s break these down into specific objectives:

Higher Education: Your son is 13, and you will likely need funds for his higher education in the next 4-5 years. Assuming that you will need funds for both domestic and international education, you should plan for a sizeable education fund.

Marriage: You will also want to earmark funds for your son's marriage, possibly 10-15 years from now.

Retirement Corpus: Post-retirement, your current income of Rs 7.5 lakh will no longer be available, except for the Rs 3 lakh in rental income. You will need a retirement corpus that ensures you can maintain your lifestyle comfortably.

Understanding Current Investments
1. Real Estate (Rs 23 crore)
You have substantial assets in real estate, which is excellent for wealth preservation. However, real estate can be illiquid, and income from it may fluctuate based on market conditions.

Real estate should not be the only major asset class for retirement, as it lacks liquidity and is affected by local markets. Diversifying beyond real estate will help balance your portfolio.

2. PPF (Rs 1.10 crore)
Your PPF investment provides safety and tax-free returns. However, PPF has a limited ability to grow aggressively and keep pace with inflation in the long term.

You should continue contributing to PPF, as it offers guaranteed returns with tax benefits, but it may not be enough on its own to meet all your goals.

3. NPS (Rs 10 lakh)
NPS is a good tool for retirement savings as it provides a mix of equity and debt. Given your age and the time left until retirement, you can maximise the equity exposure within your NPS to boost growth.

However, NPS has liquidity constraints, so you cannot rely entirely on it for immediate cash needs.

4. Mutual Funds (Rs 10 lakh and SIP of Rs 70,000 per month)
Your mutual funds provide an avenue for growth. A monthly SIP of Rs 70,000 is a good strategy for long-term wealth creation.

Ensure your mutual fund portfolio is diversified across equity and debt, with a focus on equity for growth. As you approach retirement, gradually increase debt exposure for stability.

Addressing Liabilities (Rs 2 crore)
Liabilities of Rs 2 crore need to be addressed systematically to ensure they do not impact your retirement plan. If these are loans or mortgages, you can either work on reducing them or look for ways to generate consistent income from your real estate investments to cover these liabilities. It’s important not to let liabilities grow as you approach retirement, as they can reduce your financial flexibility.

Creating a Strategy for Retirement, Education, and Marriage
1. Retirement Corpus Planning
Since you will continue to receive Rs 3 lakh in rental income, you will only need to replace the remaining Rs 4.5 lakh per month of lost salary post-retirement. Considering inflation, this amount will increase significantly over time.

You may need to build a retirement corpus of Rs 10-12 crore to comfortably replace your current salary and cover inflation-adjusted expenses post-retirement.

Ensure your investment portfolio has a mix of equity, debt, and real estate to manage risks and returns. For retirement, start creating a well-diversified mutual fund portfolio that includes both growth-oriented funds (equity) and safety nets (debt funds).

2. Higher Education Planning
In 4-5 years, you will need funds for your son's higher education. This will likely be a substantial expense, especially if you plan for international education.

Create a separate education fund. This fund can be composed of a mix of equity mutual funds (for growth) and debt funds (for stability). Given the short time horizon, a mix of 60% equity and 40% debt would provide good growth while limiting volatility. You could start with a lump-sum investment now or increase your SIP contributions toward this goal.

3. Marriage Fund
Planning for your son’s marriage 10-15 years down the line will require a separate investment strategy. You can create a long-term marriage fund focused on high-growth equity funds since you have a long time horizon.

Continue investing in equity mutual funds, aiming for a corpus of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, depending on your expectations for marriage expenses. Consider step-up SIPs, which will allow you to gradually increase your investment amount over time to keep pace with inflation.

Optimising Your Existing Portfolio
1. Real Estate
Real estate is a large portion of your portfolio, but as you approach retirement, consider reducing your dependency on it. You don’t need to sell immediately, but you can start converting some of your real estate investments into more liquid assets, like mutual funds or bonds, over the next few years. This will give you flexibility in retirement.
2. PPF and NPS
Continue investing in PPF, as it offers guaranteed and tax-free returns. However, it will form a conservative part of your portfolio, so focus on diversifying into other asset classes like mutual funds for growth.

Increase your contributions to NPS if possible, as it’s a tax-efficient way to save for retirement. Maximise the equity portion of your NPS to ensure better returns.

3. Mutual Funds
Your current SIP of Rs 70,000 is a good start, but given your income, you could increase it to Rs 1 lakh or more. This will help accelerate your retirement corpus accumulation. A well-diversified portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds will ensure balanced growth.

You can also start a separate SIP for your son’s education fund. Focus on a mix of equity and debt to balance growth with safety, especially since you’ll need the funds in 4-5 years.

Managing Liabilities
It’s important to focus on paying down your Rs 2 crore liabilities as you approach retirement. If these are loans or mortgages, plan to clear them over the next few years to reduce the financial burden.

Use a portion of your rental income to service these liabilities without affecting your lifestyle or savings.

Final Insights
Retirement Corpus: Aim for Rs 10-12 crore to comfortably replace your income and cover inflation.

Higher Education: Plan for a corpus of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore for your son’s education.

Marriage Fund: Start building a long-term marriage fund, aiming for Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

SIP Strategy: Increase your SIP to Rs 1 lakh per month or more to meet your goals faster.

Debt Management: Focus on clearing your Rs 2 crore liabilities over the next few years.

By following this approach, you can ensure a comfortable retirement, cover your son's education and marriage expenses, and secure your financial future.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |183 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 19, 2024Hindi
Career
Hello sir I am mbbs graduated from russia in 2020,n passed with my fmge exam in india in 2021, I want to ask if i want to practice medicine or work as doctor in uk ? Is it necessary for me to pass plab exam exam? Or if i get sponsorship from any uk i will be able to work there and simultaneously i will give plab exam?? Please guide me i m so confused?
Ans: Hi, I understand that you pursued a medicine course in Russia (a non-European country) and, since you are from India, you have completed the FMGE. Now you want to practice or work in the UK as a doctor?

Based on your question, you are eligible to practice in India after completing your internship (which you haven't mentioned, but I assume you have completed it). The FMGE is essentially a licensure exam for Indian students who have completed their medical studies abroad, so you are eligible to practice in India only.

If you want to practice medicine in the UK, you need to complete the PLAB test, as you are from outside the UK/Switzerland/European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland).

You also inquired about sponsorship. Here is the information related to sponsorship for practicing medicine in the UK.
(Extracted from general medical council, uk org. )Applying for registration using sponsorship
If you apply through sponsorship, you will have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK. Each sponsor has their own scheme which we have pre-approved. If you can satisfy the requirements of their scheme, they will issue you with a Sponsorship Registration Certificate (SRC) which you will need for your application with us. Please ensure this is a Sponsorship Registration Certificate for GMC registration, as we can’t accept UK visa sponsorship certificates for your application for registration.
Please note that a core part of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for an offer of sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. If you cannot meet these minimum criteria, it is unlikely that you'll be able to supply sufficient evidence to support your application for sponsorship.
Doctors applying through sponsorship are required to demonstrate their English language skills by achieving our current minimum scores in the academic version of the IELTS test or the OET (medicine version).
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• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust – Specialty Training in Anaesthetics
• Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust – Anaesthesia and Critical Care
• Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – International Fellows at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust - Sponsored International Fellowship Scheme in Psychiatry
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Emergency Medicine
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Haematology
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – International Anaesthesia Trainees
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Intensive Care Medicine
• Imperial College, London - Clinical Research
• King’s College Hospital NHS Trusts – International Critical Care Fellowship
• King’s College Hospital NHS Trusts – Paediatric Critical Care Fellowship
• Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust - Psychiatry specialty Fellowship Scheme
• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Overseas Registrar Development and Recruitment (ORDER)
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – International Fellowship Programme
• Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust – International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – CESR Fellowship in Psychiatry or Sponsored Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Lysholm Dept of Neuroradiology – National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – International Fellowship Programme
• Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Ministry of Defence – International Military Clinical Fellowships
• Modality Partnership - Modality Primary Care International Fellowship Scheme
• NAViGO Health and Social Care CIC – International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• NHS England, East of England - East of England International Office GMC Sponsorship
• NHS Fife – CESR Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• NHS Grampian – Psychiatry CESR Fellowship Programme
• NHS Grampian – Multi-specialty SAS Fellowship
• NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) – All Wales International Medical Recruitment Programme
• Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) - Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) Sponsorship Programme
• Northampton General Hospital – Clinical Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia
• Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust - International Clinical Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Anaesthesia, or Peri-operative Medicine
• Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – International Clinical Fellowship Scheme
• Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – International Clinical Fellowship Scheme (Psychiatry)
• Northern Care Alliance – NCA International Medical Fellowship Scheme
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Oxford Eye Hospital
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Oxford Intensive Care Medicine (OxICM) Sponsorship Scheme
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Oxford University Hospitals Sponsorship Scheme
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – The Oxford International Neonatal and Paediatric Fellowship Programme
• Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust - Sponsored International Fellowship Scheme in Psychiatry
• Royal College of Anaesthetists – Global Fellowship Scheme (Anaesthesia or ICM)
• Royal College of Anaesthetists – MTI Scheme
• Royal College of Emergency Medicine
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – MTI Scheme
• Royal College of Ophthalmologists
• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health – International Paediatric Sponsorship Scheme
• Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health – MTI Scheme
• Royal College of Pathologists
• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Royal College of Physicians of London
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
• Royal College of Psychiatrists – MTI Scheme
• Royal College of Radiologists – Clinical Radiology
• Royal College of Radiologists – Clinical Oncology
• Royal College of Radiologists – RCR Specialty Training Sponsorship Scheme
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust
• Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Senior Clinical Fellowship Programme in Anaesthesia and Critical Care
• Royal Wolverhampton Trust – Clinical Fellowship Programme
• Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust - Rotational Clinical Fellows in Paediatrics, Trauma and Orthopaedic International Fellows, and Subspeciality Fellows in Paediatrics
• Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – Somerset Overseas Doctors Sponsorship Scheme
• Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – Psychiatry Overseas Doctors Sponsorship Scheme
• South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust - GMC Multispecialty Sponsorship Scheme
• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – International Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Southmead Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust – International Obstetrics and Gynaecology Training Programme
• St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust – St Bartholomew’s Critical Care Fellowship
• St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – International Anaesthetics Fellowship Programme
• St George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Dr Nirav Shah) – International Intensive Care Medicine Trainees
• St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – International Emergency Medicine Trainees
• Surrey and Borders Partnership (SABP) NHS Foundation Trust – International Psychiatric and Community Paediatrics Sponsorship Scheme
• Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust – International Psychiatric CESR or SAS Fellowship
• University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Critical Care – Clinical Fellowship Critical Care and Perioperative Medicine
• University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - International Training Fellowship Programme
• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - UHB LED Fellowship Programme
• University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust – Bristol Children's Hospital International Fellowship Scheme
• University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust - Department of General Internal Medicine at Weston General Hospital
• University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
• University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust - Postgraduate Clinical Fellowship Programme
• University of Buckingham – Master of Medicine
• University of Buckingham – Master of Surgery
• University of Chester and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust – International Training Fellows Psychiatry
• University of Hertfordshire – Professional Doctorate in General Internal Medicine (Clinical MD) Programme
KINDLY NOTE: If your sponsor is not on this list then you cannot apply using sponsorship.
If you have any further questions, please visit the GMC website for more information.

WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 21, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I follow your articles regularly and your detailed assessment is really awesome.I am 47yrs Male with wife, 20&18 years kids, elder one is in B.Tech and younger one is 12th. My wife is a home maker. Coming to financials. I have 4 houses including the one residing worth 10cr(total) and getting rental income of 70k per month, invested in stocks and MFs worth 60L, have foreign stocks of worth 1.7cr, accumulated pf around 1.3cr. I have farm lands worth 5cr. Have 1.2cr loan and salary of ~4L (net). current sips in equity 70k/month, have 5Cr term plan, health insurance for family 50L. How do I plan my retirement at 52-53years assuming 80 years life expectancy. Don't want to depend on kids and need regular income ~3-4L per month.
Ans: Asset Evaluation
Real Estate:
You own four houses worth Rs 10 crore, generating Rs 70,000 monthly rental income. This is a solid base for passive income. However, real estate can have fluctuating maintenance costs, tenant issues, and varying rental yields over time.

Stocks and Mutual Funds:
Your Rs 60 lakh investment in stocks and mutual funds is a commendable step. Active mutual funds offer professional fund management and can outperform index funds over time.

Foreign Stocks:
Your Rs 1.7 crore portfolio in foreign stocks adds geographical diversification. Monitor currency exchange fluctuations and global market trends.

Provident Fund (PF):
With Rs 1.3 crore in PF, this is a reliable retirement corpus. The fund provides fixed returns and tax benefits, adding stability.

Farm Lands:
Farm lands worth Rs 5 crore are an illiquid but valuable asset. They might not generate consistent income unless leased or developed.

Loans:
A loan liability of Rs 1.2 crore needs prioritised repayment. Focus on loans with higher interest rates first.

Insurance Coverage:
A Rs 5 crore term plan is robust. Your Rs 50 lakh health insurance is sufficient for unexpected medical emergencies.

Retirement Goals
You need Rs 3–4 lakh monthly for 27–28 years post-retirement.
The portfolio must generate steady, inflation-adjusted returns.
Action Plan for Retirement
Debt Management
Prepay High-Interest Loans:
Use a portion of your surplus income to prepay loans. This reduces interest outflow and increases your cash flow.

Avoid New Loans:
Focus on reducing existing liabilities instead of taking on new ones.

Portfolio Restructuring
Real Estate:
Retain essential properties. Sell underperforming or non-essential properties to reduce concentration in real estate. Invest proceeds in mutual funds or debt instruments for diversification.

Mutual Funds (MFs):
Increase SIPs in actively managed funds. They outperform direct funds due to guidance from Certified Financial Planners and MFDs. Regular funds offer better tracking and professional assistance.

Stocks:
Monitor direct equity investments closely. Consider reallocating underperforming stocks to mutual funds for better management.

Debt Instruments:
Invest in high-quality debt funds or fixed-income securities for stability. These instruments balance equity volatility and ensure steady returns.

SIP Strategy
Increase SIPs from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh/month.
Allocate 70% to equity funds for long-term growth.
Invest 30% in debt funds for stability and liquidity.
Emergency Fund
Maintain a 12-month expense reserve in liquid funds or fixed deposits.
This covers unexpected expenses without disturbing investments.
Income During Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Use SWPs in mutual funds to generate regular income.
Withdraw 6–8% annually from your mutual fund portfolio for a steady income stream.
Rental Income Optimisation
Review property rents regularly.
Invest part of rental income in equity or debt mutual funds for compounding.
Dividend Stocks
Retain high-dividend-yield stocks for regular income.
Reinvest surplus dividends for long-term growth.
Tax Efficiency
Equity Funds Taxation:
Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds Taxation:
Both short- and long-term gains are taxed per your income slab.

Real Estate Capital Gains:
Use exemptions under Sections 54 or 54F to save tax on property sales.

Inflation Protection
Allocate 60–70% of your portfolio to equity investments.

Equity provides inflation-adjusted returns over time.

Debt funds and fixed instruments safeguard against equity market volatility.

Estate Planning
Draft a will to allocate assets transparently among family members.
Use nomination and joint ownership to avoid legal complications.
Consider a family trust for farm lands to avoid disputes.
Periodic Review
Review your financial plan every six months.
Adjust investments based on market conditions, goals, and needs.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner regularly for updates.
Finally
A well-diversified portfolio ensures financial independence post-retirement. Focus on debt repayment, portfolio balance, and tax-efficient withdrawals. Your assets can comfortably generate Rs 3–4 lakh monthly income, adjusted for inflation.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |444 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Listen
Relationship
I am the eldest sibling in our families and aged 51. Normally, whenever anyone in the family has a problem - financial, mental, psychological, issue with people or anything else, they come up to discuss with me and share. Well, many would say I am lucky as people look up to me when they are in any kind of a problem. But that is not the case. Sadly no one is around with whom I can discuss or even think to share my issues, my problems. I do not have any friends. Sadly, yes, that is a fact and at my age, I dont expect that here we have a culture where we can get to making friends, at least the kind of friends with whom you can confide, share your feelings, problems. I tried and failed. Maybe because I am introvert or maybe I am too cautious. To make it more complicated, I dont work in the regular kind of job. I am a lone person who works as a freelance from home. This limits my outreach when it comes to interacting with real people. I have clients, business contacts, but I cannot get personal with them. It will never be a good choice. My wife is busy with her job + we do not have any relation beyond the daily matters related to household and it has been more than 10 years now that we live this way. Tried to sort out things with her but she just does not have time and interest (after all who wants to add on to tensions, stress). My daughter is after all my daughter - I cannot share these with her, and definitely at 10 she is too young to be one to discuss such stuff. I am not sure how far this issue can be fixed but I am hopeful to find some path here.
Ans: Dear Kevin,
Starting small can be helpful. Consider connecting with people through shared interests or hobbies, either online or in person, where the pressure to immediately open up is minimal. Online communities, local meetups, or volunteer activities can create low-stakes opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. The goal isn’t to instantly find someone to confide in but to slowly build a sense of belonging and companionship.

Your relationship with your wife appears to be another significant source of emotional distance. While her lack of interest in deep conversations may seem like a barrier, it’s worth exploring other ways to reconnect—perhaps by spending time together in shared activities or revisiting moments that once brought you closer. Sometimes, relationships stuck in routines benefit from new experiences or even professional counseling to navigate the underlying dynamics.

Regarding your daughter, while it’s clear she cannot shoulder your emotional burdens, she can still be a source of joy and connection. Investing time in activities with her can provide a sense of fulfillment and grounding that counters loneliness.

Above all, remember that reaching out for professional support, such as therapy, is not a sign of weakness but an act of self-care. A therapist can provide a safe space to express your feelings and help you develop strategies to foster deeper connections and manage emotional isolation.

You deserve to feel supported and connected, and even if the journey to finding that seems long, every step you take toward opening up or seeking out others is a move toward a more fulfilling and less lonely existence.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Listen
Money
Top4 sips with 15k amount suggest me
Ans: Here’s an updated strategy for your Rs. 15,000 SIP allocation, replacing the sectoral/thematic fund with a small-cap fund for better long-term growth potential.

Suggested SIP Allocation (Rs. 15,000)
Large-Cap Fund

Allocation: Rs. 4,000/month
Objective: Stability and steady growth by investing in India’s top 100 companies.
Why Choose: Provides consistent returns and low volatility in your portfolio.
Flexi-Cap Fund

Allocation: Rs. 4,000/month
Objective: Diversified exposure across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Why Choose: Offers balanced risk and returns with flexibility during market cycles.
Mid-Cap Fund

Allocation: Rs. 3,500/month
Objective: Tap into the growth potential of medium-sized companies.
Why Choose: Higher returns with manageable risk compared to small caps.
Small-Cap Fund

Allocation: Rs. 3,500/month
Objective: Focus on fast-growing small-cap companies.
Why Choose: High-growth potential over the long term, though with higher volatility.
Why Include Small-Cap Funds?
Long-Term Growth: Small-cap companies have immense potential to grow significantly over time.
Diversification: Adds exposure to an underrepresented segment, complementing large and mid-caps.
High Returns: Potential for higher returns compared to other categories, albeit with higher risk.
Key Considerations
Investment Horizon: Stay invested for at least 7-10 years to mitigate short-term volatility.
Active Fund Management: Avoid direct or index funds to leverage professional expertise.
Regular Monitoring: Review fund performance periodically with a Certified Financial Planner.
Tax Implications
Equity Funds:
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh/year taxed at 12.5%.
STCG (held less than 1 year) taxed at 20%.
Final Insights
This updated allocation ensures a mix of stability, moderate risk, and high growth. With consistent SIPs and periodic reviews, you can achieve robust wealth creation over the long term. A Certified Financial Planner can assist in optimising your investment strategy.

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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