Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
Sameer Question by Sameer on Feb 24, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

45 yrs planning to retire at 60 . Can invest for 15 yrs . Short term goal is after 5 yrs higher education for child and long term goal is after 10 yrs marriage of child . Kindly suggest funds for SIP or lumpsum and how much need to invest to achieve the goals set .

Ans: Planning for your child's education and marriage while also considering your retirement is a thoughtful approach. Given your time horizon of 15 years for retirement, 10 years for your child's marriage, and 5 years for higher education, a balanced investment strategy is crucial.

For the short-term goal of higher education in 5 years, it's advisable to focus on debt-oriented hybrid funds or balanced advantage funds. These funds aim to provide stability with a potential for moderate growth. For the medium-term goal of your child's marriage in 10 years, a mix of balanced funds or aggressive hybrid funds could be suitable, offering a blend of equity and debt to balance risk and return.

For your long-term retirement goal, equity-oriented mutual funds would be ideal, given the longer time horizon. These funds have historically provided higher returns over the long term, albeit with higher volatility.

As for the amount to invest, it largely depends on the expected expenses for each goal. Assuming an average inflation rate of 6% and a return expectation of 10%, you might need to invest approximately:

For higher education in 5 years: Calculate the future value of the required amount adjusted for inflation.
For marriage in 10 years: Similarly, compute the future value considering inflation.
For retirement in 15 years: Estimate your retirement corpus based on your expected expenses post-retirement and the current lifestyle.
Remember, these are rough estimates, and it's essential to review and adjust your investment periodically. It would be prudent to consult with a financial advisor to tailor an investment plan specific to your needs and risk appetite.
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi Sir,am 41yrs now and am planning to start 2 SIP for 5 yrs of 5k each with an aim to withdraw one after 10- 15 yrs and the other after 5yrs...Kindly advise me few Funds to invest in????
Ans: At 41 years of age, you are planning to invest Rs 10,000 per month in two SIPs for different time horizons. One SIP will be for 5 years, and the other for 10-15 years. This is a well-thought-out plan to balance short-term and long-term financial needs. The key is to select the right type of mutual funds that align with your investment horizon and risk profile.

Let’s explore what kind of funds would work best for each goal.

?

The 5-Year SIP Investment Strategy
For your 5-year SIP, safety and moderate growth are important. Since this is a relatively short-term horizon, you should avoid high-risk funds like small-cap or mid-cap funds. Instead, it is best to focus on funds that offer stable growth with controlled risk.

?

Why Avoid High-Risk Funds?
High-risk funds can be volatile in the short term. For a 5-year goal, the market may not recover in time to give you good returns if it falls.

Instead, focus on:

Balanced or Hybrid Funds: These funds offer a mix of equity and debt. They provide moderate returns and lower volatility. A Certified Financial Planner can help you pick a suitable one.

Short-Term Debt Funds: If you want capital safety, short-term debt funds offer better returns than FDs. They are more stable and less exposed to market fluctuations.

?

The 10-15 Year SIP Investment Strategy
For the 10-15 year SIP, you can afford to take on more risk. The long horizon allows you to withstand market volatility and benefit from equity growth. Equity mutual funds have historically performed well over long periods.

?

Why Equity Funds for the Long Term?
Over 10-15 years, equity funds have a good track record of beating inflation and providing strong returns. However, actively managed funds are often better than index funds in this regard.

Actively Managed Funds: These funds offer the potential to outperform the market. The fund manager actively selects stocks, which can result in better returns. Avoid index funds because they only track the market and may not generate enough growth.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across different market segments (large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap). This gives a diversified growth opportunity and reduces risk compared to sector-specific funds.

?

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Many investors are drawn to index funds for their low cost. However, index funds merely mimic the market. They do not have the potential to outperform, especially in a long-term scenario. Since inflation can erode your returns, actively managed funds are a better choice for long-term wealth creation.

?

Regular vs Direct Funds
You may also be considering investing in direct funds. While direct funds save on the expense ratio, they may not be the best choice unless you actively track the market.

?

Why Invest Through a Certified Financial Planner?
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures that your portfolio is regularly monitored. They provide timely advice and adjustments to maximize your returns. This can make a significant difference in your final corpus.

?

Importance of Reviewing Your SIP
No matter which funds you choose, it is important to review your investments regularly. Every year or so, check the performance of your SIPs. A Certified Financial Planner can help rebalance your portfolio if needed.

?

Tax Implications for Mutual Fund Investments
Understanding the tax rules is crucial to optimizing your returns. The taxation on equity and debt funds can affect your final returns.

Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds: Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab. This is why debt funds are often better for short-term goals rather than long-term investments.

?

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Before starting your SIP, ensure that you have an emergency fund and adequate insurance coverage. This will protect your investments from being disrupted by unexpected expenses.

Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months of your monthly expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.

Health and Life Insurance: Adequate health and life insurance coverage is necessary. This ensures that you and your family are financially secure in case of unforeseen events.

?

Final Insights
Your plan to start two SIPs is an excellent decision. It shows you are thinking ahead for both medium-term and long-term goals. For the 5-year SIP, opt for balanced or short-term debt funds. For the 10-15 year SIP, actively managed equity funds will help you achieve better returns.

It’s important to work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide ongoing support and monitoring of your portfolio. This ensures your investments are aligned with your goals and adjusted as needed.

By balancing risk and return, diversifying your portfolio, and understanding tax implications, you will be well-positioned to beat inflation and grow your wealth over time.

?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 56 yrs old with two sons, both married and settled. They are living on their own and managing their finances. I have around 2.5 Cr. invested in Direct Equity and 50L in Equity Mutual Funds. I have Another 50L savings in Bank and other secured investments. I am living in Delhi NCR in my owned parental house. I have two properties of current market worth of 2 Cr, giving a monthly rental of around 40K. I wish to retire and travel the world now with my wife. My approximate yearly expenditure on house hold and travel will be around 24 L per year. I want to know, if this corpus is enough for me to retire now and continue to live a comfortable life.
Ans: You have built a strong base. You have raised your sons well. They live independently. You and your wife now want a peaceful and enjoyable retired life. You have created wealth with discipline. You have no home loan. You live in your own house. This gives strength to your cash flow. Your savings across equity, mutual funds, and bank deposits show good clarity. I appreciate your careful preparation. You deserve a happy retired life with travel and comfort.

» Your Present Position
Your current financial position looks very steady. You hold direct equity of around Rs 2.5 Cr. You hold equity mutual funds worth Rs 50 lakh. You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits and other secured savings. Your two rental properties add more comfort. You earn around Rs 40,000 per month from rent. You also live in your owned house in Delhi NCR. So you have no rent expense.

Your total net worth crosses Rs 5.5 Cr easily. This gives you a strong base for your retired life. You plan to spend around Rs 24 lakh per year for all expenses, including travel. This is reasonable for your lifestyle. Your savings can support this if planned well. You have built more than the minimum needed for a comfortable retired life.

» Your Key Strengths
You already enjoy many strengths. These strengths hold your plan together.

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

You have strong liquidity with Rs 50 lakh in bank and secured savings.

These strengths reduce risk. They support a smooth retired life with less stress. They also help you handle inflation and medical costs better.

» Your Cash Flow Needs
Your yearly expense is around Rs 24 lakh. This includes travel, which is your main dream for retired life. A couple at your stage can keep this lifestyle if the cash flow is planned well. You need cash flow clarity for the next 30 years. Retirement at 56 can extend for three decades. So your wealth must support you for a long period.

Your rental income gives you around Rs 4.8 lakh per year. This covers almost 20% of your yearly spending. This reduces pressure on your investments. The rest can come from a planned withdrawal strategy from your financial assets.

You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits. This acts as liquidity buffer. You can use this buffer for short-term and medium-term needs. You also have equity exposure. This can support long-term growth.

» Risk Capacity and Risk Need
Your risk capacity is moderate to high. This is because:

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

Your risk need is also moderate. You need growth because inflation will rise. Travel costs will rise. Medical costs will increase. Your lifestyle will change with age. Your equity portion helps you beat inflation. But your equity exposure must be managed well. You should avoid sudden large withdrawals from equity at the wrong time.

Your stability allows you to keep some portion in equity even during retired life. But you should avoid excessive risk through direct equity. Direct equity carries concentration risk. A balanced mix of high-quality mutual funds is safer in retired life.

» Direct Equity Risk in Retired Life
You hold around Rs 2.5 Cr in direct equity. This brings some concerns. Direct equity needs frequent tracking. It needs research. It carries single-stock risk. One mistake may reduce your capital. In retired life, you need stability, clarity, and lower volatility.

Direct funds inside mutual funds also bring challenges. Direct funds lack personalised support. Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a Certified Financial Planner bring guidance and strategy. Regular funds also support better tracking and behaviour management in volatile markets. In retired life, proper handholding improves long-term stability.

Many people think direct funds save cost. But the value of advisory support through a CFP gives higher net gains over long periods. Direct plans also create more confusion in asset allocation for retirees.

» Mutual Funds as a Core Support
Actively managed mutual funds remain a strong pillar. They bring professional management and risk controls. They handle market cycles better than index funds. Index funds follow the market blindly. They do not help in volatile phases. They also offer no risk protection. They cannot manage quality of stocks.

Actively managed funds deliver better selection and risk handling. A retiree benefits from such active strategy. You should avoid index funds for a long retirement plan. You should prefer strong active funds under a disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD support.

» Why Regular Plans Work Better for Retirees
Direct plans give no guidance. Retired investors often face emotional decisions. Some panic during market fall. Some withdraw heavily during market rise. This harms wealth. Regular plan under a CFP-led MFD gives a relationship. It offers disciplined rebalancing. It improves long-term returns. It protects wealth from poor behaviour.

For retirees, the difference is huge. So shifting to regular plans for the mutual fund portion will help long-term stability.

» Your Withdrawal Strategy
A planned withdrawal strategy is key for your case. You should create three layers.

Short-Term Bucket
This comes from your bank deposits. This should hold at least 18 to 24 months of expenses. You already have Rs 50 lakh. This is enough to hold your short-term cash needs. You can use this for household costs and some travel. This avoids panic selling of equity during market downturn.

Medium-Term Bucket
This bucket can stay partly in low-volatility debt funds and partly in hybrid options. This should cover your next 5 to 7 years. This helps smoothen withdrawals. It gives regular cash flow. It reduces market shocks.

Long-Term Bucket
This can stay in high-quality equity mutual funds. This bucket helps beat inflation. This bucket helps fund your travel dreams in later years. This bucket also builds buffer for medical needs.

This three-bucket strategy protects your lifestyle. It also keeps discipline and clarity.

» Handling Property and Rental Income
Your properties give Rs 40,000 monthly rental. This helps your cash flow. You should maintain the property well. You should keep some funds aside for repairs. Do not depend fully on rental growth. Rental yields remain low. But your rental income reduces pressure on your investments. So keep the rental income as a steady support, not a primary source.

You should not plan more real estate purchase. Real estate brings low returns and poor liquidity. You already own enough. Holding more can hurt flexibility in retired life.

» Planning for Medical Costs
Medical costs rise faster than inflation. You and your wife need strong health coverage. You should maintain a reliable health insurance. You should also keep a medical fund from your bank deposits. You may keep around 3 to 4 lakh per year as a buffer for medical needs. Your bank savings support this.

Health coverage reduces stress on your long-term wealth. It also avoids large withdrawals from your growth assets.

» Travel Planning
Travel is your main dream now. You can plan your travel using your short-term and medium-term buckets. You can take funds annually from your liquidity bucket. You can avoid touching long-term equity assets for travel. This approach keeps your wealth stable.

You should plan travel for the next five years with a budget. You should adjust your travel based on markets and health. Do not use entire gains of equity for travel. Keep travel budget fixed. Add small adjustments only when needed.

» Inflation and Lifestyle Stability
Inflation will impact lifestyle. At Rs 24 lakh per year today, the cost may double in 12 to 14 years. Your equity exposure helps you beat this. But you need careful rebalancing. You also need disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD. This will help you manage inflation and maintain comfort.

Your lifestyle is stable because your children live independently. So your cash flow demand stays predictable. This makes your plan sustainable.

» Longevity Risk
Retirement at 56 means you may live till 85 or 90. Your plan should cover long years. Your total net worth of around Rs 5.5 Cr to Rs 6 Cr can support this. But you need a proper drawdown strategy. Avoid high withdrawals in early years. Keep your travel budget steady.

Do not depend on one asset class. A mix of debt and equity gives comfort. Keep your bank deposits as cushion.

» Succession and Estate Planning
Since you have two sons who are settled, you can plan a clear will. Clear distribution avoids conflict. You can also assign nominees across accounts. You can also review your legal papers. This gives peace to you and your family.

» Summary of Your Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and cash flow, you are ready to retire. You have enough wealth. You have enough liquidity. You have enough income support from rent. You also have good asset mix. With proper planning, your lifestyle is comfortable.

You can retire now. But maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy. Shift more reliance from direct equity into professionally managed mutual funds under regular plans. Keep your liquidity strong. Review once every year with a CFP.

Your wealth can support your travel dreams for many years. You can enjoy retired life with confidence.

» Finally
Your preparation is strong. Your intentions are clear. Your lifestyle needs are reasonable. Your assets support your dreams. With a balanced plan, steady review, and mindful spending, you can enjoy a comfortable retired life with your wife. You can travel the world without fear of running out of money. You deserve this peace and joy.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2577 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x