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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 26, 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 - Sep 26, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 50 , to get my retirement amount 1cr how much amount I should invest in mutual funds ie sip ,pls guide me .

Ans: At 50, planning for your retirement is a great step. Your goal is to accumulate Rs 1 crore by the time you retire. To achieve this through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in mutual funds, it’s important to assess various factors like time horizon, risk appetite, and expected returns. Let's break it down step by step to give you a clearer picture.

Factors Affecting Your SIP Investment
1. Time Horizon
Since you are 50 years old, the time left for retirement depends on when you plan to retire. Typically, retirement age is 60, so you may have 10 years. The shorter the time horizon, the larger your monthly SIP investment needs to be. If you have a longer time horizon, you can contribute a smaller amount monthly.

2. Expected Returns from Mutual Funds
In the Indian context, mutual funds—particularly equity mutual funds—can give returns ranging between 10% to 12% annually over the long term. For a 10-year horizon, investing in actively managed equity mutual funds can help you maximize growth. The reason is that equity has historically outperformed other asset classes over long periods. Debt mutual funds are safer but tend to offer lower returns, typically around 6% to 7%.

Choosing actively managed funds over passive index funds can help you get better returns as these funds are overseen by expert fund managers. While index funds follow the market, actively managed funds adjust for volatility and aim for higher returns.

3. Risk Tolerance
Since you are aiming to invest for 10 years or more, you have a moderate-to-long time horizon, which allows you to take on moderate risk. Equity-oriented mutual funds tend to be volatile in the short term but can deliver good returns in the long run. By investing in a balanced mix of equity and hybrid funds, you can ensure both growth and capital preservation.

SIP Calculation for Rs 1 Crore Corpus
To accumulate Rs 1 crore, the exact SIP amount depends on the returns your mutual fund investments generate. Here’s how the investment process works:

If the mutual funds generate 10% returns per annum, you will need to invest a higher amount compared to a 12% return scenario.

You can aim for equity mutual funds to help you reach the Rs 1 crore target within 10 years. Over time, you can shift part of your corpus to debt mutual funds to reduce the risk as you approach retirement.

However, the precise monthly SIP amount will depend on how much you can invest, your risk appetite, and your retirement timeframe. It’s recommended to start higher and adjust your SIP later depending on market performance.

SIP Strategies
1. Equity Mutual Funds
Since your goal is long-term, focusing on equity mutual funds is a smart option. These funds invest in stocks, which have historically provided inflation-beating returns over the long term. A mix of large-cap and mid-cap funds will give you stability and growth potential.

Actively managed equity mutual funds can help you get higher returns. These funds are managed by professionals who constantly adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, unlike index funds which follow the market blindly.

2. Hybrid Mutual Funds
If you want to balance between risk and return, consider hybrid mutual funds. These funds invest in both equity and debt, providing you with a safer option than pure equity funds but better returns than debt funds alone. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you choose the right hybrid funds for your retirement needs.

3. Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds can be included to offer a safety net as you near retirement. These funds are low-risk and offer steady, though lower, returns. As you approach your retirement, you can shift a portion of your investments to debt funds to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Why Not Index Funds?
You might come across index funds as a simpler alternative. While index funds have lower fees, they merely replicate the performance of an index like the Nifty 50. The downside is that they don't outperform the market. In contrast, actively managed mutual funds can offer better returns because skilled fund managers actively choose high-performing stocks and adjust the portfolio to respond to market conditions.

Actively managed funds also allow you to reduce risk over time, as the manager may move assets to safer investments if the market becomes volatile. This flexibility makes them a better choice for someone nearing retirement.

Regular Fund Investments vs Direct Funds
When choosing mutual funds, you might come across direct plans which charge lower fees compared to regular plans. However, direct plans don’t provide the advisory services or professional guidance that come with regular plans. Working with a CFP and investing through mutual fund distributors (MFDs) ensures you get expert advice and a well-constructed portfolio suited to your goals.

Protecting Your Retirement Corpus
As you approach retirement, it’s crucial to protect your investment from risks like market crashes. One strategy is to gradually reduce your exposure to equity funds and move to safer debt funds. A Certified Financial Planner can help you determine the right time to shift and how much to shift, ensuring your Rs 1 crore target remains on track.

Final Insights
To reach Rs 1 crore by the time you retire, investing through SIPs in a combination of equity, hybrid, and debt mutual funds is a balanced and effective approach. You will need to calculate the exact SIP amount based on the number of years to retirement, expected returns, and risk tolerance. Starting early and being consistent with your SIP contributions is key.

Start with Equity Funds: These will help you achieve higher returns in the earlier years.

Gradually Shift to Hybrid and Debt Funds: As you approach retirement, reduce your equity exposure and move to safer assets.

Seek Professional Guidance: A CFP can help you select the right funds and adjust your strategy as needed.

By following this strategy, you can comfortably achieve your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus and enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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 Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 01, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 year old want to invest in mutual fund sip for 10 years and at the age 51 I want 5 cr
Ans: That's a positive step towards your financial future! Investing in SIPs for the next 10 years is a great approach. Let's discuss your goal and how to approach it:

1. Starting Strong!

Good Decision! Starting a SIP at 40 shows initiative. However, building a Rs. 5 crore corpus in 10 years is ambitious.

Market Performance Matters: Equity investments (like SIPs) can be volatile. Guaranteed returns are difficult to predict due to market fluctuations.

2. Understanding Your Goal:

Ambitious Target: A Rs. 5 crore corpus in 10 years requires a high investment amount or exceptional returns. Both have challenges.

Time Horizon is Key: A longer investment horizon allows for compounding and potentially reaching larger sums.

3. Let's Do the Math (Hypothetically):

Hypothetical Example: Assuming a hypothetical 15% annual return (past performance is not a guarantee of future results), a monthly SIP of Rs. 1,20,000 for 10 years could lead to a corpus of around Rs. 2 crore.

Reaching the Target: The above example shows a gap between your target corpus and the potential accumulation. Consider these options:

Increase SIP amount: If possible, significantly increase your SIP amount to reach your target faster.
Seek Professional Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can analyze your risk tolerance, investment goals, and suggest a personalized strategy to potentially maximize your returns and reach your target corpus.
Remember, reaching your financial goals requires discipline, potentially increasing your investment amount, and a realistic understanding of market returns. Consulting a CFP can help you create a roadmap that considers your risk tolerance and suggests strategies to get you closer to your goals.

Here's the key takeaway: You're on the right track! Consider consulting a CFP for a personalized plan and potentially adjust your target corpus based on a realistic investment approach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 16, 2024Hindi
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I am 35years I am planning to retire at 58 years with 2 Cr on corpus.let me know how much SIP I need to invest
Ans: At 35 years of age, aiming for a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus by 58 is an achievable goal with disciplined investing. Let’s break down the steps to assess your SIP requirements.

Evaluating Your Time Horizon and Goal
You have 23 years to accumulate Rs 2 crore. This long-term horizon allows you to take advantage of equity mutual funds' potential growth. With time on your side, the power of compounding will work in your favour.

However, as you approach retirement, you should consider gradually shifting part of your investments to safer avenues to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Factors to Consider for SIP Calculation
Before deciding on the SIP amount, keep these factors in mind:

Inflation Impact: Inflation will erode the purchasing power of your corpus. To address this, targeting a slightly higher corpus (beyond Rs 2 crore) is prudent.

Expected Returns: Equity mutual funds have historically provided returns of 10-12% per annum. For conservative planning, assume a return of around 10% annually.

Tax Considerations: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds are taxable at 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh per year. Keeping this in mind helps in better planning.

How Much SIP to Invest?
The SIP amount you need depends on the rate of return you assume and how aggressively you want to invest. Here's an estimated SIP amount range based on different return assumptions:

Assuming 10% returns: You would need to invest around Rs 25,000-30,000 per month.

Assuming 12% returns: You could achieve the same corpus with an SIP of around Rs 20,000-25,000 per month.

These are rough estimates, and the actual amount will vary depending on market conditions, your portfolio performance, and adjustments over time.

Why Equity Mutual Funds Are Suitable
For a 23-year time horizon, equity mutual funds offer growth potential that other asset classes might not match. Here’s why:

Growth Potential: Equity funds can outpace inflation and provide significant wealth creation over the long term.

Diversification: Investing in a variety of equity funds helps balance risk and reward, especially in a volatile market.

Flexibility: You can adjust your SIPs based on your financial situation, increasing or decreasing contributions as necessary.

Avoid Index Funds and Direct Plans
While index funds are popular for their low cost, actively managed equity funds could provide better returns in the long run due to their ability to outperform benchmarks. Direct plans may seem attractive because of lower expense ratios, but working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and investing in regular plans through a mutual fund distributor can offer better guidance and active monitoring of your portfolio.

Adjusting Your SIP Over Time
As you get closer to retirement, you should review and adjust your SIPs to ensure you stay on track:

Increase SIP Amount: Gradually increasing your SIP contributions over time helps counter inflation and any market fluctuations.

Portfolio Rebalancing: Closer to retirement, you might want to move some funds into debt mutual funds to reduce risk.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Post-retirement, an SWP can provide regular income while keeping your investments growing.

Final Insights
To reach a Rs 2 crore retirement corpus by age 58, starting with an SIP of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 is a practical and achievable goal. Equities are likely your best bet for long-term growth, but plan for tax implications and the impact of inflation on your retirement lifestyle.

Regularly review your investments with your CFP to stay on track. You can always increase your SIP as your income grows, ensuring your corpus meets your future financial needs.

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

..Read more

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I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

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Milind

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Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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