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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6956 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 17, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 48 years old. Planning to retire early. Here is my financial status PF 60 Lakhs, MF 50 Lakhs, FD 15 lakhs, LIC 10 Lakhs maturity at 2025, NPS 7 Lakhs, Rental Income 20k per month, My Net take is 2.7 per month planning quit in July 2024, I have land worth 1.25 cr, House Chennai worth 45 lakhs, Home town 75 lakhs, Bangalore 1.4 cr. Pls advice me a plan.

Ans: Evaluating Your Current Financial Status
Your financial status reflects diligent planning and investment. With provident fund, mutual funds, fixed deposits, LIC, NPS, and rental income, you have diversified assets. Planning to retire early at 48 is a commendable decision.

Surrendering LIC Policy
Your LIC policy, maturing in 2025, is an insurance-cum-investment scheme. Surrendering this policy and redirecting the funds into mutual funds can yield better returns. Mutual funds have lower costs and professional management, providing potential for higher growth.

Enhancing Mutual Fund Investments
You have ?50 lakhs in mutual funds. Increasing this amount by reinvesting the LIC maturity value can significantly boost your retirement corpus. Actively managed funds, with professional oversight, adapt to market changes, offering better returns compared to index funds.

Maximizing Rental Income
Your rental income of ?20,000 per month is a steady cash flow. Consider reviewing rental agreements periodically to ensure they reflect market rates. This can help maximize your rental income, providing a reliable source of funds during retirement.

Utilizing Provident Fund and Fixed Deposits
Your provident fund and fixed deposits total ?75 lakhs. These provide financial stability and security. However, the returns from fixed deposits are lower compared to other investment options. Gradually reallocating a portion of these funds into mutual funds can enhance returns.

Leveraging National Pension System (NPS)
Your NPS corpus is ?7 lakhs. NPS offers tax benefits and steady returns, contributing to your retirement income. Continue contributing to NPS until retirement to maximize benefits.

Property Valuation and Liquidation
You own properties in various locations: Chennai, your hometown, and Bangalore, with substantial worth. Consider the purpose and future value of these properties. Liquidating non-essential properties and investing the proceeds in diversified portfolios can enhance liquidity and returns.

Strategic Investment in Mutual Funds
Increasing your mutual fund investments with proceeds from surrendered LIC policy and potential property sales can provide better returns. Actively managed funds, with professional management, can adapt to market changes, offering higher growth potential.

Building a Retirement Corpus
To ensure a comfortable retirement, focus on building a diversified investment portfolio. A mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds can provide growth and stability. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to align with changing market conditions and personal goals.

Importance of an Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses is crucial. This fund provides financial security and prevents the need to withdraw investments during emergencies.

Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your investment portfolio ensures it aligns with your retirement goals. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide professional insights and help optimize your investment strategy.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid making emotional investment decisions or chasing high returns without understanding the risks. Stay focused on long-term goals and maintain a disciplined approach to investing. Regular consultation with a CFP can help you stay on track.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
You are on a strong financial footing to achieve early retirement. Surrendering your LIC policy and reinvesting in mutual funds can enhance returns. Increasing mutual fund investments, leveraging rental income, and maintaining an emergency fund are crucial steps. Regular portfolio reviews with professional guidance ensure your investments remain aligned with your retirement goals. Your proactive approach and disciplined strategy will help you achieve financial independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 21, 2024 | Answered on May 21, 2024
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Thank you Sir! LiC amount do I need to do it as SIP or Lumpsum?
Ans: It's advisable to reinvest the surrendered LIC amount through SIPs. SIPs offer the benefits of rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing, reducing the risk associated with market volatility and allowing for gradual wealth accumulation over time.
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  |6956 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 28, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 50, my investments are around 1 cr across MF, stocks, bonds, market linked policies. I have one house as invesrment evaluated at 1 cr and giving me rent of 35k per month. In addition I have 100k USD retirement fund and around 10K USD in company stocks. Liabilities are house loan, 70k per month till year 2028. Two kids, one getting into college next year and other in another 8 years. My monthly expenses are around 2 lakhs apart from house loan. I have term insurance of 2 cr, medical insurance of 1 cr yearly. What should be plan to retire early, say around 55 years
Ans: Retiring Early: A Roadmap for Financial Independence at 55

Congratulations on your substantial progress towards financial security. At 50, you have a robust investment portfolio, a rental property, and a solid retirement fund. Planning to retire at 55 requires a strategic approach to ensure financial independence and stability. Let's explore the key aspects of your financial plan.

1. Evaluating Your Current Financial Position
You have investments worth Rs 1 crore across various financial instruments. Additionally, your house, valued at Rs 1 crore, generates Rs 35,000 in monthly rental income.

Your retirement fund stands at $100,000, and you have $10,000 in company stocks. These assets provide a strong foundation for your retirement planning.

Your liabilities include a house loan with a monthly payment of Rs 70,000 until 2028. Managing this debt is crucial to your early retirement plan.

2. Assessing Monthly Expenses and Liabilities
Your monthly expenses are around Rs 2 lakhs, excluding the house loan. This includes living expenses, children's education, and other necessities. Understanding and managing these expenses is vital for your retirement strategy.

The house loan, with Rs 70,000 monthly payments, will continue until 2028. This is a significant financial commitment that needs careful handling.

3. Education Funding for Children
One child will enter college next year, and the other in eight years. Education costs will impact your financial planning. Ensuring adequate funds for their education without compromising your retirement goals is essential.

4. Insurance Coverage
You have a term insurance policy worth Rs 2 crores and medical insurance of Rs 1 crore annually. These provide financial protection for your family in case of unforeseen events.

5. Investment Strategy for Growth and Stability
To retire at 55, you need a well-balanced investment strategy that ensures growth and stability. Here are key considerations:

a. Diversification and Risk Management
Diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes is essential. This reduces risk and enhances returns. Ensure your investments in mutual funds, stocks, and bonds are well-balanced.

b. Active Management vs. Index Funds
Active management involves professional oversight, aiming to outperform the market. This can be beneficial compared to index funds, which simply track market indices. Actively managed funds may provide better returns, especially in volatile markets.

c. Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can offer several advantages. CFPs provide personalized advice, helping you choose the best funds for your goals. Regular funds, managed by professionals, can be more beneficial than direct funds due to expert guidance.

6. Rental Income and Real Estate
Your rental property provides a steady income of Rs 35,000 per month. This can supplement your retirement income. However, real estate can be illiquid, so relying solely on it is not advisable.

7. Debt Management
Paying off your house loan before retirement is crucial. This will reduce your financial burden and free up cash flow for other needs. Consider allocating a portion of your investments to accelerate loan repayment.

8. Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund is essential. This should cover at least six months of your expenses. It provides a safety net for unforeseen expenses without dipping into your retirement corpus.

9. Retirement Corpus Calculation
Estimate the corpus needed to sustain your lifestyle post-retirement. Consider factors like inflation, healthcare costs, and life expectancy. A Certified Financial Planner can help you calculate this accurately.

10. Withdrawal Strategy
Develop a withdrawal strategy for your retirement funds. This ensures you have a steady income stream throughout retirement. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) in mutual funds can be a good option.

11. Estate Planning
Plan for the distribution of your assets. This ensures your family is financially secure after your demise. A well-structured will and estate plan is necessary.

12. Monitoring and Reviewing
Regularly review your financial plan. Adjust your strategy based on changes in your financial situation and market conditions. A Certified Financial Planner can provide ongoing advice and adjustments.

Conclusion
Retiring at 55 is achievable with careful planning and disciplined execution. Your substantial assets, combined with a strategic approach, can ensure a comfortable and secure retirement. Keep diversifying your investments, manage your debts wisely, and seek professional advice to navigate your financial journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6956 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 24, 2024

Money
My age is 53, I am planning to retire by March 2025, I have 2cr invested in Mutual filings, 2cr FD, 45 lakhs in post office. 25 lakhs in Jeevan Shanti, getting 12250 per month. 50 lakhs in saving Having own house, I need 2.5 lakhs per month. Please advise my retirement plans
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You have done a commendable job accumulating a variety of investments as you approach retirement. Your current assets include:

Rs 2 crore invested in mutual funds
Rs 2 crore in fixed deposits
Rs 45 lakhs in post office schemes
Rs 25 lakhs in Jeevan Shanti, providing Rs 12,250 per month
Rs 50 lakhs in savings
You own your house, so no rent or loan obligations
Your monthly requirement is Rs 2.5 lakhs, and you plan to retire by March 2025. Let’s assess how to structure these investments to generate the income you need, while ensuring financial security throughout your retirement.

Financial Goals: Retirement Income of Rs 2.5 Lakhs Per Month
To meet your monthly requirement of Rs 2.5 lakhs, we need to carefully plan your investment portfolio for steady cash flow and long-term sustainability. Given your age and investment horizon, a balanced approach with a mix of growth and income-generating assets will be key.

Your current financial assets can generate a comfortable income stream with the right strategy. Let’s go over each asset class and plan the optimal way to structure them.

Evaluating Your Investments
1. Mutual Funds (Rs 2 Crore)
You have Rs 2 crore invested in mutual funds. Mutual funds can be a strong source of income in retirement, but the type of funds matters. Actively managed mutual funds with a focus on generating regular income or hybrid funds can provide both growth and income.

Regular Withdrawal Plan: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) can be set up to generate regular income from your mutual fund investments. SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount every month, providing liquidity while keeping your capital invested and growing.

Review Fund Types: Ensure that your mutual fund investments are diversified into funds that offer a balance between equity for growth and debt for stability. Large-cap and hybrid funds can offer this balance, helping you manage risk while still achieving returns that beat inflation.

Avoid relying solely on index funds or direct funds. Actively managed funds will give better returns in a volatile market because of professional oversight.

2. Fixed Deposits (Rs 2 Crore)
Your Rs 2 crore in fixed deposits provides stability, but the returns may not be enough to keep pace with inflation. Over time, the real value of this money could diminish.

Partial Reallocation for Higher Returns: Consider shifting a portion of your fixed deposit into balanced or conservative mutual funds. This will help increase returns while still maintaining safety. For example, you can allocate part of this into a debt-oriented mutual fund for consistent, inflation-beating returns.

Fixed Deposit Laddering: If you prefer keeping some portion in FDs, you can create a "ladder" by investing in FDs of different maturities. This strategy will help you manage liquidity needs while maximising returns.

3. Post Office Investments (Rs 45 Lakhs)
Your Rs 45 lakhs in post office schemes is another safe investment, and it’s advisable to retain these for their risk-free nature.

Retain for Stability: Post office schemes like Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS) and Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) are excellent for retirees. They provide a steady monthly income and are relatively safe. Continue holding these for the fixed monthly income.
4. Jeevan Shanti Policy (Rs 12,250 Per Month)
The Jeevan Shanti policy provides you with Rs 12,250 per month. This is a good start, but it covers only a small portion of your monthly needs.

Income Supplement: The monthly income from Jeevan Shanti can be used to cover smaller recurring expenses. However, you will still need additional income from your other investments to meet your Rs 2.5 lakh monthly requirement.
5. Savings (Rs 50 Lakhs)
You have Rs 50 lakhs in savings. While it’s good to have liquidity, savings accounts offer low returns and are not ideal for long-term goals.

Emergency Fund: Keep a portion of this Rs 50 lakhs (around 6 to 12 months of expenses) as an emergency fund in a savings account or liquid fund. This will cover any sudden or unforeseen expenses.

Reinvest Excess Savings: Any excess over the emergency fund can be reallocated to growth-oriented investments like balanced mutual funds or senior citizen savings schemes. This will provide better returns while maintaining access to the funds when needed.

Structuring Your Retirement Income
You need to generate Rs 2.5 lakh monthly, and here’s how your portfolio can be structured:

Jeevan Shanti Income: Rs 12,250 per month

Post Office Schemes: You can generate additional fixed monthly income from the Rs 45 lakhs invested here. SCSS or MIS can provide you with regular payouts.

This should cover a portion of your Rs 2.5 lakh requirement, but the remaining will need to come from your mutual funds and FD portfolio.

Strategy for Monthly Cash Flow
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Set up an SWP from your mutual fund investments. With Rs 2 crore in mutual funds, you can withdraw a fixed amount every month while still keeping the principal invested. This can easily generate a significant portion of your monthly income.

FD Laddering: Use your FDs to cover the balance of your income needs. By creating an FD ladder, you can ensure that a portion of your FDs matures every year, providing both liquidity and consistent income.

Inflation Protection and Growth
While generating current income is important, your investments need to grow to keep pace with inflation. Here’s how you can protect your portfolio from inflation:

Equity Exposure in Mutual Funds: Ensure a portion of your mutual funds is in equity-based funds, as they offer long-term growth potential. A balanced or hybrid mutual fund can provide equity exposure with lower risk.

Rebalancing Portfolio: Review your portfolio periodically to maintain the right balance between equity and debt. As you move further into retirement, you can slowly reduce the equity portion, but it should never be zero to protect against inflation.

Managing Risk and Liquidity
Retirement planning is not only about income generation but also risk management. You need to balance safety and liquidity with growth. Here’s how you can manage this:

Diversification: Keep a diverse portfolio. You already have investments across multiple instruments—mutual funds, fixed deposits, post office schemes, and Jeevan Shanti. This reduces risk.

Health Insurance: As you age, medical expenses could rise. Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance to cover medical emergencies without dipping into your retirement corpus.

Estate Planning: Plan for how your assets will be distributed in the future. This ensures that your loved ones are taken care of without legal complications.

Tax Efficiency
Generating income post-retirement can attract tax, so it’s important to structure your withdrawals in a tax-efficient manner.

Tax-Saving Investments: Make use of tax-saving mutual funds under Section 80C, even though you are close to retirement. This can reduce your tax burden.

Capital Gains Tax: Withdraw from your mutual funds in a way that minimises capital gains tax. Long-term capital gains tax is lower, so try to keep investments for over a year to benefit from this.

Senior Citizen Tax Benefits: As a senior citizen, you are eligible for higher tax deductions. Utilise benefits under Sections 80D (for health insurance premiums) and 80TTB (for interest income).

Final Insights
You have built a solid financial base with Rs 4.7 crore in investments. To meet your retirement goal of Rs 2.5 lakh monthly income, we recommend a balanced approach. Continue generating income from your Jeevan Shanti, post office schemes, and fixed deposits. For additional income and growth, use an SWP from your mutual funds, and consider reallocating a portion of your FDs to mutual funds for better returns.

Regular reviews and portfolio rebalancing will ensure that your investments keep up with inflation while providing a steady, reliable income.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |577 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 04, 2024Hindi
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Money
What are different types of annuity plans. Do we have plan which gives fixed income till I live and then principle is return to my nominee. If I have 3 Cr , what max return per month I can get ? And is this tax free ?
Ans: Hello;

Annuities are types of plans where you make a lump sum payment and get a regular income for a certain period of time or for life.

There are primarily two types of annuities:

1. Immediate annuity
This is a type of annuity plan that provides you with a guaranteed regular income immediately after you pay the lump sum premium.

2. Deferred annuity
In a deferred annuity plan, your income starts at a later date and you can choose when you want the regular income to start.

Based on type of regular monthly payments annuities could also be classified as Fixed annuity and Variable annuity.

Below are the various options available in an annuity plan:

A. Life annuity: In this option, you receive annuity for life. The frequency of payments is usually pre-decided by you at the time of the purchase of the policy.

B. Joint life annuity: This is similar to a life annuity. In this option, you receive annuity payments for life. In your absence, your spouse continues to receive annuity payments for life.

C. Life annuity with return of purchase price: This provides you annuity payments for life. In case of an unfortunate event, your nominee will receive the amount you paid at the time of the purchase of the policy.

D. Annuity payable for a pre-decided term: This provides you the option to choose the duration for which you would want to receive annuity payments. The period can be 5 years, 10 years, or more.

Yes plans are available which can pay provide you fixed income and return of purchase price (principle) to your nominee.

With 3 Cr corpus you may expect 1.5 L (pre-tax) per month payout considering 6% annuity rate. This varies from company to company and if you shop around you may get a better rate then the one considered here.

This is like pension income and is taxable income as per your age and income slab.

Best wishes;

...Read more

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |389 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

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thank you for the reply madam, actually what's bothering me a lot is , i told to my alliance guy to stop marriage from his end only. but he not at all doing that and he is not even telling anyone that i told him No. Why he is behaving like this and proceeding to get married to me even after saying no? isn't this strange!
Ans: in many arranged situations, people sometimes feel a strong pressure to fulfill family expectations, and he may feel a sense of obligation to go through with the marriage regardless of personal feelings. He might be hesitant to be the one to break things off for fear of disappointing his family or even creating tension between the families involved. In some cases, individuals hesitate because they hope the other person might eventually change their mind, and they don’t want to be the one to let go prematurely.

Another possibility is that he could be uncertain or confused about what he truly wants. Even though you told him you weren’t interested, he might feel that it’s not a firm "no" and could be holding out hope or misinterpreting your intent. If he has strong feelings for you or sees the marriage as something that will eventually work, he may be hoping things will naturally fall into place if he just stays committed to the process.

To address this, it might be helpful to have a very clear, direct conversation with him. Let him know that you respect him and appreciate his consideration, but you’re certain about your decision and want him to honor it as well. If possible, express that you’re confident this decision is best for both of you and explain why you believe it would be more respectful for him to communicate this with both families.

In the end, staying true to your feelings is the right choice, even if it means repeatedly setting boundaries. It’s completely fair to expect him to respect your decision, and sometimes it does take a bit of firmness to ensure everyone is on the same page. Trust yourself in this decision; you know what’s best for you.

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |389 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

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Relationship
He rejected me but still went to my class to see me one glance.Before Our last class I said him to meet with me I want to say you something.He came to meet with me but he was too late and our tiffin break time is over so I don't say anything to him. We just looking each other for some seconds.Then I said him if you want you can go .He don't go instantly.He looking at me for while and then go to his class.Whenever he sees me he start blushing and feel nervous.Many times I found him staring at me.He is a introvert guy .But still when we met with each other he making eye contact with me. My question is if he doesn't love me how can he maintain eye contact with me like this .He is not that handsome but he is really good student.I truly love him and Cried a lot for him but he don't know anything.I texted him sometimes but he don't look interested.But always I see him I feel like he have also feelings for me .His eyes tell me he love me but he rejected me .Why?. I can't able to forget him .I tried to my best to forget him but I failed . What should I do now?I really badly want to know his feelings for me because if he sees me only as a friend he doesn't go to my class to see me a glance.Why he blushing around me? How to know his true feelings?What should I do?How to forget or get him? I'm clueless.Please help me????????
Ans: It sounds like you’re dealing with a complicated mix of emotions, and the signals you’re picking up from him are understandably confusing. From everything you’ve described, it seems that he has a genuine respect and perhaps a friendly affection for you, but he may not be sure of or ready to pursue a romantic connection. Introverts, especially, can be complex; they may struggle to express their feelings, and small gestures, like making eye contact or blushing, might be signs of nervousness rather than attraction. This doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate or like you—it simply means he may be holding back, perhaps because of his own personal reasons or boundaries.

His rejection, though, is an important thing to consider. Often, when someone clearly communicates that they don’t feel the same way, it’s best to respect that as his truth for now, even if he seems to act otherwise sometimes. I understand this can be very hard, especially when you feel so strongly for him. But you need to protect your own feelings, too, and holding on to small signs might only add to your hurt and confusion.

If you feel it’s absolutely necessary to know how he truly feels, one approach could be to have a simple, direct conversation. Explain to him, in a calm and open way, that you value his friendship and respect his initial decision, but you’d appreciate clarity because lingering uncertainty is making it hard for you to move on. However, be prepared for any outcome. If he reaffirms his feelings of friendship only, try to accept that as his final answer.

In the meantime, put some of your focus back onto yourself. I know it sounds easier said than done, but investing energy in your interests, your growth, and friendships that uplift you can really help you feel less reliant on what he may or may not feel. Surround yourself with supportive people who remind you of your worth and help you feel loved and valued.

Love and connection should make you feel secure, cherished, and clear about where you stand. By focusing on yourself and letting him be, you’ll naturally create space for clarity—and eventually, perhaps, for someone whose feelings for you are just as strong and straightforward as yours are for them.

...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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