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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7167 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 10, 2023

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
Madhumohite Question by Madhumohite on Mar 02, 2023Hindi
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I am 49 now and planning to retire by 60 i have two daughters with age 13 and 6 .Need suggestion on investment planning on their education and my retirement income at the age of 60 .pls advice accordingly

Ans: 1. Please term insurance to cover your life.
2. Take a separate mediclaim policy in addition to the one provided by your employer.
3. Start SIP in mutual funds. 70% in equity funds, 25% in debt funds, and 5% in Gold Funds. ( this will help you build corpus for Kids education and retirement)
4. Review your portfolio with a professional financial planner periodically.
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  |7167 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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I am 39 year old and spouse is 35 also working New to investment expect few ploicie advice some investment plan for kids educational and retirement plans Thank you
Ans: Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing your family's financial future. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of creating a tailored investment plan that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Let's delve into crafting a comprehensive financial roadmap for you and your loved ones.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Before diving into specific investment strategies, it's crucial to understand your unique financial goals and aspirations. Whether it's planning for your children's education or securing a comfortable retirement, each objective requires a customized approach.

Planning for Your Children's Education
Investing in your children's education is a priority for most parents. To ensure you're adequately prepared, consider setting up a systematic investment plan (SIP) in diversified equity mutual funds. These funds offer the potential for higher returns over the long term, helping you build a substantial corpus for your children's future education expenses.

Securing Your Retirement
As you plan for retirement, it's essential to adopt a diversified investment approach that balances risk and return. While direct equity investments can offer lucrative returns, they come with higher volatility and require active management. Alternatively, opting for professionally managed mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with access to a diversified portfolio tailored to your risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Evaluating Investment Options
When exploring investment avenues, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option. While index funds may seem appealing due to their lower fees, they lack the potential for outperformance seen in actively managed funds. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, offer the expertise of fund managers who actively seek opportunities to maximize returns and mitigate risks.

Navigating the Investment Landscape
Navigating the investment landscape can be daunting, especially for newcomers. By partnering with a Certified Financial Planner, you gain access to personalized guidance and expertise tailored to your financial needs. A CFP can help you make informed investment decisions, optimize your portfolio, and stay on track towards achieving your long-term financial objectives.

Conclusion
In summary, crafting a comprehensive financial plan requires a thorough understanding of your goals, risk tolerance, and investment options. By leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner and adopting a diversified investment approach, you can build a secure financial future for you and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7167 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi i am 45 years old and working in corporate. My monthly salary is 1.6 l. I have 2 daughters 15 and 10. I have no loans. My husband and myself have paid off loans. I am investinh 30 k in mutual funds every month and have 50 l in epf. I have also also invested 75 l in equity and deft fund. How should i plan investment so that i can support my kids education plus retirement
Ans: Hi, it's wonderful to see you actively planning for your children's education and your retirement. You have a robust financial setup with a monthly salary of Rs 1.6 lakh, no loans, and substantial investments in mutual funds, EPF, and equity.

Your daughters, aged 15 and 10, will soon require significant funds for their higher education. At the same time, you need to ensure a comfortable retirement. Let's create a plan to achieve these goals.

Analyzing Your Current Financial Position
Your financial health is impressive. Here’s a breakdown:

Monthly Salary: Rs 1.6 lakh
Mutual Fund Investment: Rs 30,000 per month
EPF Savings: Rs 50 lakh
Investments in Equity and Debt Funds: Rs 75 lakh
Investment in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an excellent way to build wealth over time. Here’s why actively managed mutual funds are beneficial:

Professional Management: Fund managers make informed investment decisions.
Diversification: Reduces risk by spreading investments across various sectors.
Higher Returns: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds:

Regular Investment: Investing a fixed amount regularly helps in rupee cost averaging.
Compounding: Long-term SIPs benefit from the power of compounding.
Flexibility: SIPs can be started with a small amount and increased over time.
Planning for Children's Education
Higher education can be expensive. Here’s how to plan for it:

Estimate Future Costs: Consider inflation and future educational expenses.
Education Funds: Create dedicated education funds through SIPs in equity mutual funds for higher returns.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review the fund's performance and adjust the investments accordingly.
Balancing Risk and Returns
Balancing risk and returns is crucial, especially with equity and debt investments:

Equity Investments: Higher returns but higher risk. Suitable for long-term goals like retirement.
Debt Investments: Lower returns but more stable. Good for short-term goals like children's education.
Retirement Planning
To ensure a comfortable retirement, consider these points:

Retirement Corpus: Estimate the amount needed for retirement considering inflation and lifestyle.
EPF Contributions: Continue contributing to EPF for a safe and guaranteed return.
Additional Investments: Use mutual funds and equities for additional growth.
Creating a Balanced Portfolio
A balanced portfolio helps manage risk and maximize returns. Here’s how:

Diversification: Spread investments across various asset classes.
Rebalancing: Regularly rebalance your portfolio based on performance and goals.
Professional Advice: Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to optimize your investments.
Insurance Needs
Evaluate your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage:

Life Insurance: Adequate coverage to protect your family financially.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Surrender Policies: If holding LIC, ULIP, or investment-cum-insurance policies, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds for better returns.
Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is essential for financial security:

Liquidity: Ensure it covers 6-12 months of living expenses.
Accessibility: Keep it in easily accessible accounts like savings accounts or liquid funds.
Peace of Mind: Provides financial security during unexpected situations.
Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning can save you money and increase your returns:

Tax-Saving Mutual Funds: Invest in ELSS funds for tax benefits under Section 80C.
Long-Term Capital Gains: Plan your investments to take advantage of lower tax rates on long-term capital gains.
Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Utilize tax-advantaged accounts like PPF and NPS for additional tax benefits.
Planning for Inflation
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Here’s how to counter it:

Growth Investments: Invest in assets that grow faster than inflation, like equity mutual funds and stocks.
Regular Reviews: Regularly review and adjust your investments to stay ahead of inflation.
Monitoring Progress
Regularly monitoring your investment progress is crucial:

Annual Review: Conduct a detailed review of your portfolio annually with your CFP.
Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on performance and changing financial goals.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on market trends and investment options.
Future-Proofing Your Investments
Future-proof your investments to ensure long-term financial security:

Diversified Portfolio: Maintain a diversified portfolio to manage risk.
Professional Guidance: Seek regular advice from a Certified Financial Planner.
Flexibility: Be flexible with your investment strategy to adapt to changing market conditions.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial base and clear goals for your children's education and retirement. By investing wisely in mutual funds and equities, regularly reviewing your portfolio, and planning for taxes and inflation, you can achieve your financial goals.

Remember, investing is a journey. Staying informed, disciplined, and seeking professional guidance will help you reach your financial destination. Good luck!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1331 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 26, 2024Hindi
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Hi Madam, I have a 17 years old daughter and have been struggling with an issue for some time now. She takes very long time in bathroom for getting ready. She takes minimum 1.5 hrs daily for getting ready. This includes time spent in teeth brushing,bathing and defecation. When I asked her then she told me she feels like cleaning multiple times and thus it takes time. I have tried multiple ways to ge her to resolve this but none has worked. She is a very sincere, gentle kid and She becomes very aggressive when I try to persist her to solve this. she takes a lot of time in washing, bathing and ends up consuming very high amount of soap. This has had effect on other hygiene related aspects like She developed extreme dryness in skin for which we had to take very long treatment from dermatalogist. The dermatalogist also counselled her many times to use limited amount of soap and fix time for every activity in bathroom. I think it is some form of OCD. It has had effect on other things like studies as she is not able to get ready on time and thus ends up compromising on other activities like eating time, studies time. I have tried to counsel her many times but it has not worked. I told her the problems which start due to this which impact her. I suggested that we meet some professional(like psychologist/psychiatrist/counsellers) but she doesn't agree to it. whenever i say to consult somebody then she says that she will fix it and for 1-2 days it gets a little better but then she goes to her old routine. I don't want to forcibly take her to any professionals as she might develop a complex that she is inferior. 1.How do i handle this issue 2.How do I convince her to meet some professional 3.Which professional should we meet. psychologist or psychiatrist or any other Please suggest what I should do as it is now becoming big problems
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
The challenge is convincing someone who does not want to be convinced.
Probably, you can strike a deal with her; saying that she can set this right her way, but if it does not happen, then you see and work with a professional. That way she would have committed to it herself.
I would not label it an OCD until it is diagnosed by an expert but behavioral changes like these are usually related to emotional issues. It is best that an expert who understands the mind handle this.
Until such time that you take her to an expert:
- try not to talk about it repeatedly; this causes her to become conscious and this can increase the behavior
- take away soaps/body washes after her first shower
- observe any change in behavior - agitation/nervousness towards any incident during the day and if it results in her indulging in washing herself after that and note that down

Yes, it is necessary for this to be handled at the earliest and there's only a little that you can do personally as emotional triggers need the assistance of someone who understands it deeply and then guides the person accordingly to not just change the behavior but eliminate the cause behind it.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |415 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 28, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, we have completed 8 months of marriage and still my husband has trust issues about me, like I would have relation or contact with other person but I'm not having any relationship with anyone after marriage and even not connecting to anyone nor any ex person called or contact me from any media or app, . Since then I'm trying to clear my husbands doubt every time he asks me about it ...plzz tell me how do I make him to trust me .
Ans: The first thing to consider is that trust is something that takes time to build, and it is not something you can simply “prove” by answering his questions or explaining yourself over and over again. Trust is a process that requires consistent actions over time, and both partners need to contribute to that process. While you’re being open and transparent, it’s also important that your husband acknowledges that trust is a two-way street. He may have unresolved issues or past experiences that make it difficult for him to feel secure, and these need to be addressed if you want to move forward in a healthy way.

One of the challenges you face is the need for patience—both with him and with yourself. Reassuring your husband is important, but it’s equally important to create a space for deeper conversations about the root of his insecurities. Have you been able to sit down with him and gently ask what specifically triggers his doubts? You may want to approach this from a place of curiosity and care, without getting defensive. Understanding the underlying causes of his fears can give you both a clearer sense of how to work together to address them.

At the same time, it’s important to set emotional boundaries for yourself. While you want to support your husband, you shouldn’t feel like you need to constantly prove your loyalty or justify your actions. If you find yourself repeating the same explanations or feeling pressured to give constant reassurances, it can be emotionally draining. It’s okay to acknowledge his fears, but also to let him know that trust is something that needs to be built over time, and you need space to nurture the relationship without feeling constantly questioned.

In cases where trust issues persist despite your best efforts, it can sometimes be helpful to involve a third party, like a therapist or counselor. It may feel intimidating or unnecessary at first, but professional help can provide a neutral space for both of you to explore deeper issues—whether they are related to past experiences, emotional insecurities, or patterns of behavior. A counselor can also guide you in having more productive conversations and finding healthier ways to cope with these challenges as a couple.

Finally, remember that this process is not just about reassuring your husband, but also about protecting your own emotional wellbeing. You are not responsible for his insecurities, and while you can support him, you also deserve a relationship where you feel seen, heard, and trusted. It’s important to take care of your emotional health, too, and to know that you deserve a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Healing takes time, and while the journey may not be easy, with the right support and communication, it is possible for both of you to work through this.

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |415 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 27, 2024Hindi
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Hi Kanchan, I am reaching out because I am deeply troubled and need some advice. I was involved in a relationship with a much younger woman (14 years younger) who I developed strong feelings for. We met in 2017 and our relationship deepened in June 2022, involving both emotional and physical intimacy. Unfortunately, the relationship took a negative turn. She began making financial demands and became increasingly manipulative. Over the past two years, I've given her nearly 3 lakhs [for Rent, electricity bill, Food expenses + Other expenses]. After realizing her true intentions, I stopped providing financial support. She recently informed me about a breakup with a previous long-term partner. Shockingly, she got married in February 2024 [ 14th Feb] and is now residing in Ahmedabad, Gujrat. She ran away from Kolkata after extorting money. When I confronted her about the money I had given her, she completely denied any knowledge of it and has blocked me on all social media platforms. She even threatened to share our conversations with my daughter/ relatives if I continued to contact her. I am devastated by this betrayal and the emotional turmoil it has caused. I have saved our chats and her father's address. I am considering sharing her true nature with her friends and family. Is this a wise course of action? Or are there other steps I should take? I know it is easier said than done, but I am struggling to move on from this painful experience. Please offer any guidance you can. Thank you, AS,Kolkata
Ans: it's important to recognize that your emotional pain is valid. The feelings of being manipulated, exploited, and lied to are all real, and it’s okay to mourn the loss of a relationship that you thought had value. However, as tempting as it might be to seek some form of revenge or public exposure of her actions, it’s crucial to ask yourself: what do you really hope to achieve? It’s natural to want justice or closure, but sometimes, seeking to get even only prolongs your suffering. Taking the high road may not feel satisfying in the moment, but it will allow you to reclaim control over your own emotional state and move forward in a healthier way.

Rather than focusing on exposing her, I encourage you to turn your attention inward and prioritize your healing. Healing is not about ignoring the wrongs that have been done, but about freeing yourself from the emotional hold that this situation has on you. This could mean allowing yourself to grieve the loss of not only the relationship but also the trust you gave to someone who ultimately betrayed it. It’s important to recognize that closure doesn't always come from confronting the other person or airing grievances—it can come from within, through self-reflection, and setting the intention to heal and move forward.

I also understand that it’s hard to let go of the desire for accountability, especially when it feels like she’s getting away with something. But the truth is, confronting her may not bring the peace you hope for. It could lead to further conflict, strain your relationships with others, and keep you emotionally entangled with someone who no longer deserves a place in your life. Instead of focusing on her actions, I encourage you to take steps that help you regain your sense of self-worth and emotional security. Reflect on what you've learned from this experience—what boundaries you might want to set in future relationships, and how you can protect your emotional and financial wellbeing moving forward.

Consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist, someone who can provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and help you navigate your next steps. Talking through your emotions with a neutral third party can give you the clarity and emotional tools you need to make decisions that align with your highest good.

Finally, remember that you are not defined by this situation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-blame, but you are not responsible for her actions. What matters now is how you move forward, rebuild your sense of trust in yourself, and ensure that you are emotionally supported in the process. This painful chapter doesn’t have to define your future, but how you choose to heal from it can shape the life you want to create moving forward.

Take your time to process this at your own pace, but don’t let the actions of someone else keep you tethered to a painful past. You deserve peace, healing, and a future where you feel empowered and free from this betrayal.

...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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