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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 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 - Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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I am 49 and my monthly net salary after GPF and tax deduction is 60000.i invest in Ulip 5000 every month. What should be my other savings for a decent retirement. GPF deduction is 23000

Ans: Considering your monthly net salary and current ULIP investment, you should aim to save at least an additional 15-20% of your net salary for retirement. This would amount to around 9,000 to 12,000 per month. You might also consider diversifying your investments beyond ULIPs to include mutual funds, PPF, or NPS for a well-rounded retirement corpus.
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  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 17, 2024Hindi
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RamalingamJi, I am 51 years old & having approx. corpus of Rs. 30L. I want to have 1.5L/month after retirement (at the age of 58 yrs.) so how much should I save from now so that I can have this much money w/o trouble. At present I am investing 20K/month in MF, 12.5K/month in PPF, 30K/month in EPF, 12K in Sukanya Smridhi, 17k/month in NPS, 6k/month in another PPF & another 20K/month in other saving schemes making it total 117.5K/month.
Ans: Planning for your Retirement Income
You're taking a great step by planning for your retirement income at 51. Here's how we can estimate how much you might need to save to reach your goal of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month after retirement at 58.

Factors to Consider:

Current Savings: Your current monthly savings of Rs. 1,17,500 is a significant starting point.
Time Horizon: You have 7 years (58 - 51) till retirement.
Desired Retirement Income: Your target monthly income is Rs. 1,50,000.
Inflation: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Consider a conservative estimate of 5-7% inflation.
Rate of Return: The expected return on your investments will determine how much you need to save.
Here's a simplified calculation (assuming a fixed rate of return):

Total Corpus Required:

Let's assume an 8% annual return and 7% inflation (adjusted return of 1%).
We can use the formula for perpetuity present value (PV) to calculate the corpus needed: PV = Desired monthly income (adjusted for inflation) / Adjusted annual return PV = (Rs. 1,50,000 * 12) / (1 + 0.01) = Rs. 1,80,00,000
Shortfall in Corpus:

You already have Rs. 30 lakh corpus.
The shortfall would be Rs. 1,80,00,000 - Rs. 30,00,000 = Rs. 1,50,00,000
Additional Monthly Savings:

To calculate the additional monthly savings required, we can use a savings goal calculator available online.
These factors will be considered: time horizon, desired corpus, and expected return.
Important Points to Remember:

This is a simplified calculation. Real-world returns may fluctuate.
Consider consulting a financial advisor for a personalized plan considering your risk tolerance and investment portfolio.
You've mentioned various investments (MF, PPF, EPF, etc.). An advisor can help assess the asset allocation and suggest adjustments if needed.
Positive Aspects of your Current Savings:

Your current savings of Rs. 1,17,500 per month is commendable.
You're invested in a variety of instruments (equity, debt, government schemes).
Next Steps:

Estimate Shortfall: Use a retirement calculator to get a more accurate estimate of the additional monthly savings required.
Review Investments: Consult a financial advisor to assess your current asset allocation and suggest adjustments if necessary to align with your retirement goals.
Increase Savings: If there's a shortfall, consider ways to increase your monthly savings by reviewing expenses or increasing income.
By planning and potentially making some adjustments, you can be well on your way to achieving your desired retirement income.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 51 yrs old woman. I have invested till now around 1 CR in MF, different Lic of about in total 10 lakhs that I will receive on maturity. I have different ULip policies which I will receive about 50 -60 lakhs on maturity, NSC of 2 lakh on maturity and negligible amount of 1 . 30 lakhs of Ppf which I invested since last 2 yrs . I have a home loan of about 3 lakhs left . 2 storey house of our own , though under loan . I have 2 children, 19 yrs daughter and 14 yrs son. How much should I save if I plan to retire at 55 . I have no pension
Ans: Planning for retirement at 55 requires a detailed and strategic approach, especially when considering your current financial situation and future needs. At 51, you have four years to build and solidify your retirement corpus. Let’s assess your current financial status and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.

Understanding Your Financial Position

1. Mutual Funds (MF)

You have invested Rs 1 crore in mutual funds. This is a significant investment and provides a strong foundation for your retirement corpus. Regular reviews and adjustments based on market conditions and fund performance are essential.

2. Life Insurance Policies (LIC)

You have different LIC policies worth Rs 10 lakhs. These policies will mature and provide a lump sum amount. This can be used to meet various financial needs or reinvested for better growth.

3. ULIP Policies

Your ULIP policies are expected to yield Rs 50-60 lakhs on maturity. ULIPs combine insurance and investment, offering returns based on market performance. Evaluate these policies to maximize their benefits.

4. National Savings Certificate (NSC)

You have Rs 2 lakhs in NSC, which is a safe investment providing fixed returns. This can be part of your low-risk portfolio.

5. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

You have invested Rs 1.30 lakhs in PPF over the last two years. PPF offers tax-free returns and should be continued for its benefits.

6. Home Loan

You have a home loan of Rs 3 lakhs left. Clearing this loan before retirement is advisable to reduce financial burden.

7. Real Estate

You own a two-storey house, though it’s under loan. Owning your residence is a significant advantage in retirement planning.

8. Dependents

You have two children, a 19-year-old daughter and a 14-year-old son. Their education and other needs must be considered in your financial planning.

Your commitment to building a diversified investment portfolio is commendable. Balancing investments in mutual funds, insurance, and savings schemes reflects a thoughtful approach to financial security. Your proactive planning for your children's future is also admirable.

Analyzing Income and Expenses

1. Monthly Income

Identify all sources of income, including your salary, rental income, or any other income streams. This will help in understanding your saving potential.

2. Monthly Expenses

Calculate your monthly household expenses, including utilities, groceries, education, and other essential expenses. This will provide clarity on your spending and saving capacity.

Investment Analysis and Strategy

1. Enhancing Mutual Fund Investments

Your Rs 1 crore investment in mutual funds is a strong base. Focus on a diversified portfolio with large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Regularly review and rebalance to optimize returns.

2. Life Insurance Policies (LIC)

When your LIC policies mature, reinvest the Rs 10 lakhs into diversified mutual funds or other investment avenues for better growth.

3. Maximizing ULIP Benefits

Your ULIP policies are expected to yield Rs 50-60 lakhs. Review these policies with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to maximize their returns. Consider partial withdrawals or reinvestment based on performance.

4. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Continue contributing to your PPF account to take advantage of its tax-free returns. Increase contributions if possible to build a substantial corpus.

5. Clearing Home Loan

Aim to clear your Rs 3 lakhs home loan before retirement. Use any surplus income, bonuses, or the maturity amount from LIC policies to repay the loan.

Planning for Children’s Education

1. Daughter’s Higher Education

Your 19-year-old daughter may soon require funds for higher education. Allocate a portion of your investments or ULIP returns towards her education fund.

2. Son’s Future Education

Your 14-year-old son will also need funds for his education. Plan and save accordingly to ensure his needs are met without straining your retirement corpus.

Retirement Corpus Calculation

1. Estimating Post-Retirement Expenses

Calculate your annual expenses post-retirement, including living expenses, healthcare, travel, and any other lifestyle needs. Factor in inflation to get a realistic estimate.

2. Retirement Corpus Needed

To determine the retirement corpus, use the rule of thumb that suggests having 25-30 times your annual expenses. This ensures you have enough to sustain you through your retirement years.

3. Investment Strategy

Equity for Growth

Invest a significant portion in equity mutual funds for high returns. Equities can outpace inflation, ensuring your corpus grows over time.

Debt for Stability

Allocate funds to debt instruments for stability and regular income. This balances the high-risk equity component and provides a steady income stream.

Diversified Portfolio

Choose diversified mutual funds with a mix of equity and debt. This provides growth potential with reduced volatility.

Tax Planning

1. Maximizing Tax Deductions

Utilize Section 80C for tax-saving investments like ELSS, PPF, and insurance premiums. This reduces your taxable income and increases savings.

2. National Pension System (NPS)

Consider investing in the National Pension System (NPS) for additional tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B). NPS also provides a steady post-retirement income.

Health and Life Insurance

1. Adequate Health Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family. This covers major medical expenses and critical illnesses, reducing financial strain.

2. Sufficient Life Insurance

Opt for a term life insurance policy covering at least 10-15 times your annual income. This ensures financial security for your family in case of any unforeseen events.

Regular Portfolio Review

1. Annual Review

Review your investment portfolio annually. Adjust investments based on performance and changing financial goals to optimize returns.

2. Rebalancing

Rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves selling high-performing assets and buying underperforming ones to maintain balance.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner

1. Personalized Advice

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides tailored advice. They help navigate complex financial decisions and optimize your strategy.

2. Regular Consultations

Schedule regular consultations with your CFP. This ensures you stay on track and make informed decisions based on changing financial circumstances.

Actively Managed Funds

1. Professional Management

Actively managed funds offer professional management. Fund managers make informed decisions to maximize returns.

2. Market Adaptation

These funds adapt to market conditions. They can outperform passive funds, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

1. Lack of Flexibility

Index funds replicate the market. They lack the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions, which can limit growth potential.

2. Average Returns

Index funds typically provide average market returns. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, offering higher returns.

Regular Funds Over Direct Funds

1. Professional Guidance

Investing through regular funds provides professional guidance. A Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) and CFP ensure your investments align with your goals.

2. Regular Reviews

Regular funds offer periodic reviews and adjustments. This maximizes returns and manages risks effectively.

Expense Management

1. Track Spending

Monitor your monthly expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back and save more. This helps in increasing your savings rate.

2. Budgeting

Create a budget and stick to it. Allocate funds for savings, investments, and necessary expenses. This ensures disciplined financial management.

Long-Term Focus and Patience

1. Stay Invested

Remain invested for the long term. Market fluctuations are normal, and staying invested ensures you benefit from compounding.

2. Avoid Impulsive Decisions

Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements. Stick to your long-term plan for better returns.

Diversification Across Asset Classes

1. Equity, Debt, and Gold

Diversify across equity, debt, and gold. Each asset class performs differently, providing stability and growth.

2. Balanced Approach

A balanced approach reduces risk and enhances returns. Diversification ensures a robust portfolio.

Tracking Progress and Adjustments

1. Financial Planning Tools

Use financial planning tools to track your progress. These tools help monitor investments and net worth, providing a clear picture of your financial health.

2. Make Necessary Adjustments

Adjust your investments based on changes in financial situation, goals, and market conditions. Stay flexible and proactive.

Staying Informed and Educated

1. Financial Knowledge

Stay informed about financial markets and investment opportunities. Continuous learning empowers better financial decisions.

2. Regular Updates

Keep up with market trends and updates. This helps in making timely adjustments to your portfolio for optimal returns.

Conclusion

Your goal of retiring at 55 is achievable with a disciplined approach. Focus on increasing your investments, managing debt, and staying diversified. Regular reviews and consultations with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure you stay on track. By following this comprehensive plan, you can achieve financial freedom and secure a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2024Hindi
Money
My Age is 47, my current saving is as follows 1. EPF : 30 L 2. MF & Equity : 2 L 3. FD : 60L 4. ULIP : 15 One parental house , one kid who is studing class 12 th kindly suggest after retirement need 1.5 L / month
Ans: You've done well in accumulating a substantial savings portfolio. Your current savings include Rs. 30 lakhs in EPF, Rs. 2 lakhs in mutual funds and equity, Rs. 60 lakhs in fixed deposits, and Rs. 15 lakhs in ULIPs. You also have a parental house and a child in Class 12. Your goal is to generate Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month post-retirement.

Let’s dive into the best strategies to achieve this.

Analysing Your Current Investments
EPF (Employee Provident Fund)

EPF is a great way to save for retirement with tax benefits. It offers a stable and secure return. However, it might not be enough to meet your monthly needs alone.

Mutual Funds and Equity

Your Rs. 2 lakhs in mutual funds and equity is relatively low. Equity and mutual funds can provide high returns, especially over long periods. These can be volatile in the short term but tend to grow well over time.

Fixed Deposits (FD)

You have Rs. 60 lakhs in fixed deposits. FDs are secure but offer lower returns. These are good for preserving capital but not the best for wealth creation.

ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans)

ULIPs combine investment and insurance. While they offer some returns, the charges and fees can be high. They might not be the best option for investment growth.

Parental House

Real estate can be a valuable asset, but it’s not as liquid as other investments. It’s great for security but not ideal for generating monthly income.

Setting Financial Goals and Strategies
Retirement Corpus Calculation

To generate Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month post-retirement, you need to build a substantial corpus. Assuming a 4% withdrawal rate, you would need a corpus of around Rs. 4.5 crores. This ensures you don’t outlive your savings.

Diversification for Stability and Growth

Diversifying your investments is crucial. Don’t rely on a single investment type. Spread your money across various asset classes like equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This balances risk and return.

Optimising Your Current Portfolio
Increasing Mutual Fund Investments

Invest more in mutual funds for long-term growth. Choose a mix of equity and hybrid funds. Equity funds have high growth potential, while hybrid funds balance risk. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, providing better returns.

Surrendering ULIPs

Consider surrendering your ULIPs. The high fees and charges reduce returns. Reinvest this money into mutual funds for better growth. Regular funds through a certified financial planner (CFP) offer guidance and better returns than direct funds.

Reducing Fixed Deposits

While FDs are safe, they offer lower returns. Reduce your FD investments and move some of this money into mutual funds or debt funds. Debt funds provide better returns than FDs with moderate risk.

Planning for Post-Retirement Income
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Use a systematic withdrawal plan from your mutual fund investments. This provides a regular income post-retirement while keeping your principal invested. It’s tax-efficient and ensures you get a steady income.

Balancing Risk and Return

Post-retirement, focus on a balanced portfolio. Include equity for growth and debt for stability. This ensures your portfolio grows while providing a steady income.

The Power of Compounding
Early and Regular Investments

Start investing early and regularly. The power of compounding grows your wealth significantly over time. Even small regular investments can lead to substantial growth.

Reinvesting Returns

Reinvest your returns to benefit from compounding. This accelerates your portfolio growth and helps you reach your financial goals faster.

Assessing the Risk Factors
Market Volatility

Equity markets can be volatile. But over the long term, they tend to provide high returns. Diversification helps manage this risk.

Inflation

Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money. Invest in assets that outpace inflation, like equity and hybrid funds.

Longevity Risk

Plan for a longer retirement. Ensure your corpus lasts by investing wisely and managing withdrawals.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

A CFP provides expert advice tailored to your goals. They help you navigate complex financial decisions and optimise your portfolio.

Regular Fund Investments

Investing through a CFP in regular funds offers advantages. You get professional management, better fund selection, and ongoing advice.

Creating a Robust Retirement Plan
Setting Clear Goals

Define your retirement goals clearly. Know how much you need monthly and plan your investments accordingly.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments

Review your portfolio regularly. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and your changing needs.

Building a Safety Net
Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. This provides security against unexpected financial needs.

Health Insurance

Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical costs can deplete your savings quickly. A good health insurance plan protects your wealth.

Future-proofing Your Finances
Estate Planning

Plan your estate to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. This includes making a will and considering trusts if needed.

Tax Planning

Optimize your investments for tax efficiency. Use tax-saving instruments and plan withdrawals to minimise tax liabilities.

Final Insights
Planning for retirement is a journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. Your current savings provide a strong foundation, but optimizing your investments can help you achieve your goal of Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month post-retirement.

By diversifying your portfolio, increasing your exposure to mutual funds, and leveraging professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, you can balance growth and stability. The power of compounding, combined with regular reviews and adjustments, will ensure your financial security and peace of mind in retirement.

Remember, the key to successful retirement planning is starting early, staying disciplined, and making informed decisions. Your future self will thank you for the efforts you put in today.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 16, 2024Hindi
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46 years old woman in private job earning 76k take home salary, with a 6 year old daughter. Sukanya, PPF, MF and some local investment around 50 k monthly, planning to retire at 60 years with a plan of 1 lakh monthly retirement. Where snd how much should be saved.
Ans: Today, we’ll discuss a 46-year-old working woman with a 6-year-old daughter, earning Rs 76,000 per month. She invests around Rs 50,000 each month in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PPF, and mutual funds. She has a plan to retire at 60 and receive Rs 1 lakh every month during her retirement.

So, how can she achieve this?

Let's break this down.

Assessment of Current Investments
Firstly, she’s already on a good track with investments. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for her daughter’s education is a smart move, and PPF provides a secure, tax-saving instrument with assured returns. However, relying too much on safe options like these might not provide the aggressive growth needed for a higher retirement corpus.

She’s also investing in mutual funds. This is where the real growth potential lies. Mutual funds, particularly equity-oriented ones, can provide the necessary boost. But, it’s essential to ensure she’s in well-diversified, actively managed mutual funds and not just index funds, which might limit returns in the long term.

The Right Mix of Safety and Growth
So, how much should she save and where should it go?

Sukanya Samriddhi and PPF should continue. They provide stability and safety. But for higher growth, she should focus more on mutual funds.

Mutual Funds: Actively managed funds are key here. These funds have the potential to outperform index funds, especially during market volatility. Instead of investing directly, she should consider investing through a Certified Financial Planner. They provide regular monitoring, helping her adjust her portfolio as needed.

Increase SIPs: She’s investing Rs 50,000 monthly now. But to achieve Rs 1 lakh monthly retirement, she should aim to increase this gradually over time. Ideally, at least Rs 30,000 should go toward mutual funds, particularly equity-oriented funds for growth.

Long-term Goal: Since she has 14 years until retirement, her investments need to focus on high-growth options, especially for the next 7-10 years. Equity mutual funds can help here. After that, she can slowly move to safer debt funds to preserve the capital.

Avoid Direct Investments: Direct funds may seem appealing because of lower fees, but they often lack the professional guidance that regular funds offer through a Certified Financial Planner. Investing in regular funds gives you access to expert advice and continuous monitoring. This ensures your investments align with your goals and market conditions.

Taxation Insights
Understanding tax implications is also important for maximizing returns.

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

Debt Mutual Funds: Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab. Hence, careful planning and strategy are crucial.

Final Insights
To ensure she meets her retirement goal of Rs 1 lakh per month, she should focus on a well-balanced investment strategy. Increasing SIPs in actively managed mutual funds, along with continuing Sukanya and PPF, will help her build a solid corpus. Tax efficiency and professional guidance will further maximize her returns.

Best Regards,

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 27, 2025

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I'm 26. 2.5L in hand monthly income. I have 15L in equity+mf, 2L in FD, 50k NPS, 4.5L PPF, 80k Gold. Home loan emi 30k, car loan 20k. Rent 33k. Other expenses roughly 50k. What lind of savings and investments can you suggest so I can retire by the age of 35. Thank you!
Ans: At 26, you are at an excellent stage to focus on financial growth.

Your Rs. 15 lakh in equity and mutual funds is a great start.

You also have Rs. 2 lakh in FD, Rs. 50,000 in NPS, Rs. 4.5 lakh in PPF, and Rs. 80,000 in gold.

Your total monthly expenses, including EMIs and rent, are Rs. 1.33 lakh, leaving Rs. 1.17 lakh surplus.

Your home loan EMI of Rs. 30,000 and car loan EMI of Rs. 20,000 are manageable for now.

Assessing Retirement at 35
Retiring at 35 means a shorter investment window and longer retirement period.

You need a significant corpus to sustain your post-retirement lifestyle for 50+ years.

Maximising savings and investing aggressively is crucial to achieving this goal.

Focus on Clearing Debt Early
Home and car loans reduce your cash flow and increase financial stress.

Pay off the car loan early as it has a shorter tenure and higher interest rates.

For the home loan, prepay 10-20% annually to reduce your overall tenure and interest burden.

Use bonuses or savings to make these prepayments while maintaining investments.

Building a Comprehensive Savings and Investment Plan
1. Increase Investments Aggressively
Direct a major portion of your surplus Rs. 1.17 lakh towards investments.

Allocate 70% of your surplus to equity mutual funds for high growth potential.

Use actively managed funds for better returns compared to index funds.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner to optimise fund selection and portfolio reviews.

2. Diversify for Stability
Allocate 20% of your surplus to debt funds or short-term corporate bond funds.

These funds provide stability and liquidity for medium-term goals.

Continue contributing Rs. 50,000 annually to your NPS for long-term benefits.

Increase your PPF contributions if possible, as it offers tax-free, risk-free returns.

3. Gold as a Small Portion
Retain gold as a hedge against inflation but avoid increasing its allocation.

Focus on financial assets that offer better growth for your retirement goal.

4. Build an Emergency Fund
Set aside at least six months of expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.

This ensures you don’t disrupt investments during emergencies.

Tax Optimisation Strategies
Use tax-saving options under Sections 80C and 80CCD for efficient planning.

Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals and switches strategically to reduce tax liabilities.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Review your investments annually to align them with your retirement target.

Rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions and life changes.

Use the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner for optimising your asset allocation.

Reducing Lifestyle Expenses
Monitor discretionary spending to increase your investable surplus.

Avoid lifestyle inflation as your income grows over time.

Direct all savings from reduced expenses towards investments for your goal.

Protecting Your Financial Plan
Ensure you have adequate life insurance to protect your family’s future.

Health insurance is also crucial to avoid dipping into your retirement corpus.

Keep reviewing your coverage periodically to match rising costs.

Final Insights
Retiring by 35 requires disciplined savings, aggressive investing, and debt reduction.

Direct your Rs. 1.17 lakh surplus towards equity and debt investments with a focused approach.

Pay off your car loan early and prepay your home loan regularly to improve cash flow.

Diversify your portfolio and continue contributing to NPS and PPF for balanced growth.

Regular monitoring and professional guidance will help you stay on track.

Build a sustainable plan for post-retirement withdrawals to protect your corpus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9752 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Career
Sir my rank is 16894 OC category no EWS .I got kmec CSM in second phase in tg eapcet. I am going for 3rd phase. So could you please guide me whether vidya jyoti institute of technology cse is better or kmec. In 3rd phase can I get Iare , cmrk , cvr , mgit , vjit , snist , anurag only cse and specializations . Are there any chances to get any of these colleges in 3rd phase ? Please guide me sir.
Ans: Dhaksh, With an OC category rank of 16,894 in TG EAPCET, you have secured Computer Science and Business Systems (CSM) at Keshav Memorial Engineering College (KMEC) in phase 2, and are now considering options for phase 3, including CSE at Vidya Jyothi Institute of Technology (VJIT), as well as aspirational seats at IARE, CMRK, CVR, MGIT, VJIT, SNIST, and Anurag (all CSE and related specializations). Based on the official 2024 TG EAPCET closing ranks and highly regarded educational portals, your current rank is well outside the typical closing ranks for OC candidates in CSE at top-tier colleges: CVR (3,200–4,200), MGIT (3,412–3,417), IARE (well under 1,000), SNIST and Anurag (typically under 8,000 for CSE), and CMRK (usually closes by 17,000). VJIT’s CSE (core) closed at 22,455 and AI-ML/Data Science specializations closed between 20,423–21,363, making VJIT’s CSE the only program among your choices where your rank sits comfortably within range for both core and allied branches in phase 3. KMEC’s CSM course typically has closing ranks around 17,263–18,648 for OC, which fits your present allocation and gives the campus a competitive, yet supportive environment, with strong faculty, modern infrastructure, transparent placement processes, and good industry connections. Both KMEC and VJIT have consistently placed 70–90% of eligible students in reputable IT and core companies, with experienced faculty and ample campus facilities, though VJIT is consistently rated higher for core CSE in terms of peer crowd, coding culture, alumni base, research opportunities, and recruiter interest.

In summary, at a 16,894 OC rank, you are unlikely to secure CSE at IARE, CMRK, CVR, MGIT, SNIST, or Anurag (across specializations) as their closing ranks are much lower for OC. VJIT CSE remains open in the upcoming round and is a stronger academic and placement choice than KMEC CSM. Both KMEC and VJIT offer key advantages—NAAC accreditation, modern labs, industry-engaged faculty, active coding culture, and well-structured placement cells—but VJIT provides a more prominent academic environment and greater success for core CSE aspirations.

RECOMMENDATION: Among realistic options, VJIT CSE is the preferred choice as it aligns with your rank, offers better placements, stronger academic pedigree, and deeper industry linkages. You may retain KMEC CSM as a secondary option, but prioritize VJIT CSE (and allied specializations) for a more competitive peer group, robust campus experience, and long-term professional growth. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
Ravi

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
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Hii mam i have done my registered marriage in April 2024 without knowing of my parents and now i m living in my mother's House without telling that i m married ? Now how can i convince my parents. I have told my parents about him but don't even want to talk to him or his parents.. how can i convince my parents?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are in a sensitive situation. Patience and empathy is extremely important if you want to convince your parents. Understand their side; what are they objecting and why. Once you get that, it will be easier to debunk any misunderstandings they have about your relationship. Have calm one-on-one conversation with each parent instead of talking to both of them at once. Your first task is to make them listen, not immediately approve. Acknowledge any mistake they bring up; it is indeed unfair to not include your parents in your marriage decision, at least, in India. Though I am sure you had your reasons and I am not judging at all. But you need to acknowledge that it was not right of you to do that. This makes you come off more responsible, mature and sincere. Ask them gently what they do not like about your partner and once you understand it, show them his positive side.

Do not threaten, or give ultimatum. Don’t use dialogues like my life my decision if you want them to ever approve of this relationship. Be patient and give them time to come to terms with it.

Lastly, if you, even once feel that some of their objections are valid and you never saw it that way, please take things slow. We do miss a lot when we are in love. I am sure that’s not the case with you, but just in case, please do not hesitate to rethink.

Best Wishes.

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