51-Year-Old with Family in US and India: Retirement Plan, Where to Stay?

i am 51 years , having one son (middle school) duaghter (persuing engineering) and curretly in US. i have one 2bhk (1cr) and 1BHK ( 0.7 cr) and ancentral home where my parents staying (all in india). 1 CR. equity portfolio, 0.8 cr Retirals (pf, gratuttiy supernuation etc). I am curretnly deputed in US, if I work here another 10 years here then social security could be 1500 $ per month, Can work upto 67 years. I have another bank savings of $100 k and $25K as 401, My spouse wants to buy and stay small house here and stay, my father and mother (75+) wanted to come back india after daughter get settled in US. I have no idea or plan what to do, if i think of future , I start getting severe headache. What is my retirement plan, where to stay? how after retiremnet life will be in india ? how to do mange. I am just keep going....

Ans: You are 51 years old, with two children—your son is in middle school and your daughter is pursuing engineering. You currently live in the US on deputation, and have the option to work until the age of 67.

You own multiple properties in India, which include:

A 2 BHK house worth Rs. 1 crore.
A 1 BHK house worth Rs. 0.7 crore.
An ancestral home where your parents (aged 75+) reside, valued at Rs. 1 crore.
In addition, you have the following assets:

Rs. 1 crore in your equity portfolio.
Rs. 0.8 crore in retirals (Provident Fund, gratuity, superannuation, etc.).
Bank savings of $100,000.
$25,000 in a 401(k) account.
Your spouse wishes to buy a small house in the US, while your parents prefer to return to India after your daughter is settled in the US.

Retirement Goals and Key Questions
You're unsure where to retire and how to manage your post-retirement life. These are complex decisions, but breaking them down will make them easier to handle.

Key questions to address:

Should you buy a home in the US or continue living in India after retirement?
How will your retirement savings support your future lifestyle?
What is the most effective way to manage your current assets and savings?
How can you plan for your parents' care and your children's education, while securing your future?
Let’s address each of these aspects in detail.

Housing and Location Decisions
Buying a House in the US
Your spouse is interested in buying a small house in the US. Before making this decision, you need to carefully consider:

Costs of Home Ownership in the US: Purchasing a house in the US will come with significant costs, including mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, and insurance. Assess whether your current income and savings can handle these costs without straining your retirement funds.

How Long You Plan to Stay in the US: If you plan to work for the next 10 years, buying a house could make sense, as you would have enough time to pay off part of the mortgage. However, if you plan to return to India after retirement, it may be better to rent a home rather than buy one, as homeownership may not provide enough financial benefit in the long term.

Dual Living: If you buy a house in the US but intend to spend a significant amount of time in India, you will also need to factor in the cost of maintaining two households. This can be financially draining.

Staying in India Post-Retirement
Your parents prefer to return to India, and this may be the best long-term option for you as well. Key reasons to consider retiring in India:

Lower Living Costs: Living expenses in India are generally lower than in the US, particularly in smaller towns or cities. You could live comfortably on a lower budget, freeing up more of your retirement savings for other purposes.

Familiar Environment and Support: You have property in India, and your parents are settled there. Staying close to your family network can provide emotional support and reduce the stress of managing multiple homes across countries.

Medical Costs and Care: Healthcare costs in India, even in private hospitals, are more affordable compared to the US. You can invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan that will cover your medical needs in retirement.

Selling One Property: You could sell one of your properties in India—either the 1 BHK or 2 BHK—and use the funds to support your lifestyle or cover any future costs for your children. The proceeds could also be invested in more liquid assets to provide a steady income during retirement.

Financial Portfolio and Investments
Your financial portfolio is solid, but there is room for improvement to make it work harder for your retirement goals.

Equity Portfolio (Rs. 1 crore)
Reassess Risk Exposure: You have a substantial equity portfolio, which is good for long-term wealth generation. However, as you approach retirement, it's important to balance your portfolio by reducing exposure to high-risk equities and increasing allocation to safer assets.

Diversification: Ensure that your equity portfolio is well-diversified across sectors and geographies. If your portfolio is concentrated in a few stocks or sectors, you may be taking on unnecessary risk.

Retirals (Rs. 0.8 crore)
Utilization: Provident Fund, gratuity, and superannuation are relatively safe and provide liquidity. These funds should form a part of your retirement income. You can use these to generate a regular income stream post-retirement through systematic withdrawals.
Bank Savings and 401(k)
$100,000 Bank Savings: You should aim to keep at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid form. The rest of the bank savings can be deployed into investments that offer better returns.

401(k) Investments: Since you only have $25,000 in your 401(k), continue contributing to this as long as you are working in the US. Maximize employer matching contributions, if available, to build this up.

Social Security ($1,500 per Month)
Understanding Social Security: You expect to receive $1,500 per month from US Social Security if you work for another 10 years. This amount, while useful, may not be enough to cover all expenses. Consider it as a supplementary income source.

India-US Retirement Mix: Combine your US social security income with income from your Indian investments and retirals. This can give you a more complete financial picture for retirement.

Retirement Income Plan
To live a comfortable life in retirement, you need to create multiple streams of income. Here's how to go about it:

Equity SIPs: If you're not currently investing in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), it’s a good time to start. SIPs in well-managed mutual funds can offer long-term growth and help you maintain a steady income in retirement. Focus on active funds, as they tend to outperform index funds in volatile markets.

Regular Withdrawals from Retirals: As mentioned earlier, you can systematically withdraw from your Provident Fund and superannuation over time. This will ensure liquidity during retirement.

Dividend Income: If your equity portfolio includes dividend-paying stocks, use the dividend income as part of your retirement income stream. Over time, dividends can form a stable part of your cash flow.

Family Considerations
Education for Your Children
Daughter’s Education: Your daughter is pursuing engineering, which can be expensive. Ensure you have adequate savings set aside for her tuition and living expenses, especially if she plans to pursue higher studies in the US.

Son’s Future Education: As your son is still in middle school, you have time to plan for his higher education. Set up an education fund for him, either through a mix of SIPs and fixed-income investments, to cover these future costs.

Parents’ Health and Support
Health Care: Your parents are in their mid-70s. It’s essential to have health insurance for them in India. You should also plan for potential long-term care needs in case they require assisted living or in-home care in the future.

Living Arrangements: Since your parents plan to return to India, you may need to consider making the ancestral home more comfortable for them as they age. This may include renovations or adjustments for senior-friendly living.

Final Insights
Your portfolio is strong, but it needs balancing for long-term stability.

Focus on securing both US and India-based income streams for a steady post-retirement lifestyle.

Consider selling one of your properties in India and reinvesting the proceeds to ensure liquidity.

Your children’s education and your parents' health are key priorities that require planned savings and insurance coverage.

Assess whether buying a house in the US is truly necessary, or if renting would allow for more flexibility.

With a comprehensive plan, you can manage your assets and secure a peaceful retirement without financial stress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hi Sejal! You and your wife have done a commendable job in building your assets and investments. You both have a substantial income, and your assets are well-diversified. Let’s focus on how to manage your finances for a secure future, especially considering your plans to retire in 7 years.

Current Financial Snapshot
Income:

Your income: Rs. 1.25 lakhs per month.
Wife's income: Rs. 40,000 per month.
Rental income: Rs. 30 lakhs annually.
Expenses:

Child’s education: Rs. 2 lakhs per annum.
SIP: Rs. 10,000 per month.
Stock investments: Rs. 25,000 per month.
Miscellaneous expenses: Rs. 35,000 per month.
EMI: Rs. 33,000 for 2.5 years.
Assets:

4 houses valued at Rs. 1.5 crores.
PF: Rs. 14 lakhs.
Mutual funds and stocks: Rs. 45 lakhs.
Wife's PLI scheme maturing in May 2024: Rs. 8 lakhs.
ULIP maturing in Jan 2025: Rs. 4 lakhs.
Mediclaim from employer: Rs. 15 lakhs.
Two ULIP policies with Bajaj Allianz: Market value Rs. 14 lakhs, insured amount Rs. 31 lakhs.
Gold: 500 grams.
Cash: Rs. 2 lakhs.
Liabilities:

Pending loan: Rs. 8 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 33,000 for 2.5 years.
Retirement Planning
1. Assessing Retirement Corpus:

You plan to retire at 50. Considering your current lifestyle, we need to estimate the corpus required to maintain it post-retirement. This includes covering expenses, healthcare, and any other planned activities.

2. Current Investments:

Your current investments in PF, mutual funds, stocks, and real estate are significant. They provide a solid foundation for your retirement corpus. Ensure to continue your SIPs and stock investments as they are performing well.

3. Maximizing PF and PLI:

Your PF and PLI schemes will provide a good lump sum on maturity. Use these funds wisely to either pay off remaining liabilities or reinvest in safer options for retirement.

4. Reinvesting ULIP Maturities:

The ULIP maturity amounts in 2024 and 2025 should be reinvested in diversified mutual funds. This can offer better returns compared to reinvesting in another ULIP.

Post-Retirement Health Insurance
1. Mediclaim Continuation:

You have a mediclaim policy from your employer, but post-retirement, you will need a personal health insurance plan. Start looking for a comprehensive health insurance policy now to cover you and your family post-retirement.

2. Critical Illness Coverage:

Consider adding critical illness coverage to your health insurance. This ensures financial support in case of serious health issues which may require expensive treatments.

Managing Current Expenses
1. Education Expenses:

Your child's education expenses are significant. Plan for future educational needs, including college expenses. Start an education fund if you haven’t already.

2. EMI and Loan Management:

You have an EMI of Rs. 33,000 for the next 2.5 years. Focus on clearing this loan as soon as possible. Utilize any bonus or additional income to prepay this loan, reducing the interest burden.

3. Miscellaneous Expenses:

Your monthly miscellaneous expenses are Rs. 35,000. Review these expenses to identify any areas where you can cut costs. This will help in increasing your savings rate.

Building a Robust Investment Portfolio
1. Diversified Mutual Funds:

Continue investing in diversified mutual funds. They offer good returns and lower risk compared to sector-specific funds. Use the SIP route to invest regularly and benefit from rupee cost averaging.

2. Balanced Approach:

Maintain a balanced portfolio with a mix of equity and debt funds. This reduces risk and provides stable returns. Equity funds for growth and debt funds for stability.

3. Avoid Overexposure to ULIPs:

ULIPs have higher charges and may not provide the best returns. Reassess the value and benefits of your existing ULIPs. Consider surrendering them if the returns are not satisfactory and reinvest in mutual funds.

Power of Compounding
1. Long-Term Growth:

The power of compounding works best with long-term investments. Your mutual funds and SIPs will benefit from this, leading to substantial growth over time.

2. Regular Investments:

Continue your regular investments in SIPs and stocks. Even small amounts invested consistently will grow significantly due to compounding.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
1. Professional Management:

Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers. They make informed decisions to maximize returns while managing risks.

2. Diversification:

Mutual funds offer diversification, spreading your investment across various assets. This reduces risk and enhances potential returns.

3. Liquidity:

Mutual funds are highly liquid. You can redeem your units anytime, providing flexibility in case of financial needs.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
1. Active Management Benefits:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. Fund managers make strategic decisions based on market conditions, potentially offering higher returns.

2. Index Funds Limitations:

Index funds simply track a market index. They do not aim to outperform it. Actively managed funds can adjust holdings and strategies to maximize returns.
Sejal, mutual funds (MFs) can play a pivotal role in meeting your children's education goals and your retirement planning. They offer various advantages such as diversification, professional management, and the power of compounding, making them a valuable addition to any financial plan.

Importance of Mutual Funds in Meeting Kids' Education Goals
1. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):

SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This disciplined approach helps in building a substantial corpus over time. For your child's education, starting a SIP early can make a significant difference due to the power of compounding.

2. Goal-Based Investing:

Mutual funds offer a variety of schemes catering to different goals. You can choose funds based on the timeline and risk profile suitable for your child's education needs. For instance, equity funds for long-term growth and balanced or debt funds for short-term stability.

3. Diversification:

Mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, which helps in mitigating risks. By investing in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds, you can ensure that your investments are not overly exposed to market volatility, thereby protecting your child's education fund.

4. Tax Efficiency:

Certain mutual funds, such as Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Investing in these funds not only helps in wealth creation but also provides tax savings, making them an efficient option for education planning.

5. Flexibility:

Mutual funds offer the flexibility to start or stop SIPs, redeem units, or switch between funds based on your financial situation and goals. This adaptability ensures that you can adjust your investments as per the changing needs and milestones of your child's education.

6. Professional Management:

Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who make informed decisions based on extensive research and market analysis. This expertise can help in generating better returns compared to individual stock picking, ensuring a steady growth of your education fund.

Importance of Mutual Funds in Retirement Planning
1. Long-Term Growth:

Retirement planning requires a long-term investment horizon. Equity mutual funds, in particular, have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long term, thanks to the power of compounding. Starting early and staying invested can significantly enhance your retirement corpus.

2. Regular Income:

Post-retirement, you will need a regular income to maintain your lifestyle. Mutual funds, especially debt funds and hybrid funds, can provide a steady stream of income through systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) or dividend options, ensuring financial stability during retirement.

3. Inflation Protection:

One of the biggest challenges in retirement planning is inflation. Equity mutual funds, with their potential for higher returns, can help in beating inflation over the long term. By allocating a portion of your retirement corpus to equity funds, you can ensure that your purchasing power is maintained.

4. Diversification:

Diversification is crucial in retirement planning to balance risk and return. Mutual funds offer a range of options, including equity, debt, and balanced funds, allowing you to create a diversified portfolio that suits your risk appetite and retirement goals.

5. Tax Efficiency:

Investing in mutual funds can be tax-efficient for retirement planning. Long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds are taxed at a lower rate, and certain funds offer tax-saving benefits. This tax efficiency helps in maximizing your retirement corpus.

6. Liquidity:

Mutual funds are highly liquid investments. You can redeem your investments partially or fully at any time, providing flexibility to meet unforeseen expenses during retirement. This liquidity ensures that you are not locked into investments and can access your funds when needed.

7. Ease of Management:

Mutual funds simplify the process of retirement planning. You can automate your investments through SIPs, and professional fund managers take care of the portfolio management. This ease of management allows you to focus on other aspects of your life without worrying about your investments.

Mutual Funds for Kids' Education Goals
1. Starting Early:

The earlier you start investing for your child's education, the more time your money has to grow. For example, if you start a SIP when your child is born, you have around 18 years to build a substantial education corpus.

2. Choosing the Right Funds:

For long-term goals like education, equity mutual funds are ideal due to their higher return potential. As the time to goal reduces, you can gradually shift to balanced or debt funds to reduce risk and protect the accumulated corpus.

3. Education Planning:

Estimate the future cost of education, considering factors like inflation and the type of education your child might pursue. Based on this estimate, you can calculate the required monthly investment in mutual funds to achieve this goal.

4. Reviewing and Rebalancing:

Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it is on track to meet your education goal. Rebalance the portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation and adjust for market changes.

Mutual Funds for Retirement Planning
1. Retirement Corpus Estimation:

Estimate your retirement corpus by considering your current expenses, future lifestyle, inflation, and life expectancy. This will give you a target amount to aim for through your mutual fund investments.

2. Asset Allocation:

Determine an asset allocation strategy based on your risk tolerance and time to retirement. A mix of equity and debt mutual funds can provide growth and stability to your retirement corpus.

3. SIPs and Lumpsum Investments:

Invest regularly through SIPs to take advantage of rupee cost averaging and market volatility. Additionally, invest any lump sum amounts (bonuses, maturity proceeds) in mutual funds to boost your retirement savings.

4. Withdrawal Strategy:

Plan a systematic withdrawal strategy to ensure a steady income post-retirement. This could involve setting up SWPs from your mutual fund investments or redeeming units periodically based on your cash flow needs.

5. Healthcare Costs:

Include healthcare costs in your retirement planning. As you age, medical expenses are likely to increase. Ensure that you have sufficient coverage through health insurance and allocate a portion of your retirement corpus to meet these expenses.
Importance of Certified Financial Planners (CFPs)
1. Personalized Advice:

A CFP provides personalized financial advice based on your goals and risk tolerance. They can help you build a tailored financial plan.

2. Comprehensive Planning:

CFPs consider all aspects of your financial situation, including investments, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.

3. Peace of Mind:

Working with a CFP gives you peace of mind. You know your financial future is in the hands of a professional who prioritizes your best interests.

Final Insights
Sejal, you have a strong financial foundation with diversified investments. Focus on managing your current liabilities and continue your disciplined investment approach. Ensure you have adequate health insurance post-retirement and a clear plan for your child’s education. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with personalized advice and help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Firstly, congratulations on your income. Earning Rs. 1,00,000 per month is a significant achievement, especially in a private sector role as a civil engineer. This solid financial foundation is a great starting point for your future planning and retirement strategy.

You have mentioned your monthly EMI is Rs. 40,000. This means your discretionary income is Rs. 60,000 per month. With thoughtful planning, this amount can be effectively allocated towards securing your child's future and your retirement.

Child's Future Planning
Your child is currently 14 years old. In four years, he will likely be pursuing higher education. This is a critical period to ensure you have enough funds for his education. Education costs are rising, and having a solid plan will ensure you can meet these expenses without compromising other financial goals.

Assessing Education Costs

Higher education can be expensive. The first step is to estimate the total cost of your child’s education. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other related expenses. Let's assume the total cost to be around Rs. 20 lakhs.

Investment Strategy for Child's Education

To achieve this goal, you can start investing a part of your discretionary income. One of the most effective ways to grow your savings is through mutual funds. Regular mutual funds, when invested through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), offer professional management and can potentially provide higher returns compared to direct funds.

By investing Rs. 20,000 monthly in a diversified mutual fund, you can accumulate the required amount in the next four years. Mutual funds have the advantage of professional management, diversified risk, and the potential for inflation-beating returns.

Importance of Starting Early

Starting your investment journey early allows your money more time to grow. The power of compounding works best when investments are made early and left to grow over time. This approach can significantly reduce the financial stress when your child is ready for higher education.

Retirement Planning
You are 36 years old and plan to retire at 55. That gives you 19 years to build a retirement corpus of Rs. 50 lakhs. Given your current income and EMI obligations, this goal is achievable with disciplined saving and investing.

Setting Clear Goals

The first step in retirement planning is to set clear goals. You need to estimate your post-retirement expenses. Assuming you need Rs. 50 lakhs at the time of retirement, we can plan backward to determine how much you need to save and invest monthly.

Mutual Funds for Retirement

Investing in mutual funds through a CFP can help you build a significant corpus. Actively managed funds, in particular, can potentially offer better returns due to professional fund management and active stock selection.

By investing Rs. 30,000 per month in a diversified equity mutual fund, you can steadily build your retirement corpus. The equity market, despite its volatility, has historically provided higher returns over the long term, making it suitable for long-term goals like retirement.

Diversification and Regular Review

Diversification is key to managing investment risks. By spreading your investments across different asset classes and sectors, you can minimize risks while maximizing returns. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio with the help of a CFP ensures it stays aligned with your goals.

Managing EMI and Savings
With an EMI of Rs. 40,000, managing your savings and investments becomes crucial. Ensuring that you do not over-leverage yourself and maintaining a balance between your EMI obligations and savings is essential.

Budgeting and Financial Discipline

Creating a budget helps in tracking your income and expenses. Prioritize essential expenses and allocate the remaining towards savings and investments. Financial discipline is crucial in achieving your long-term goals.

Emergency Fund

Before diving deep into investments, it is wise to set aside an emergency fund. This fund should ideally cover 6-12 months of your expenses. This ensures that in case of any unexpected events, you have a financial cushion to fall back on without disrupting your investment plans.

Insurance Planning
Insurance is an integral part of financial planning. It protects your family against unforeseen events and ensures financial stability.

Life Insurance

If you have existing LIC or ULIP policies, it might be wise to evaluate their performance. Often, these policies do not provide adequate returns and may have high costs associated with them. Consider surrendering underperforming policies and reinvesting the proceeds into mutual funds through a CFP.

Term Insurance

A term insurance plan is a must-have. It provides a high coverage amount at a low premium, ensuring your family's financial security in your absence. Aim for a coverage amount that is at least 10-15 times your annual income.

Health Insurance

A comprehensive health insurance plan protects against medical emergencies. Ensure you have adequate coverage for yourself and your family. Rising medical costs can quickly deplete savings, making health insurance essential.

Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning helps in saving money which can be redirected towards investments.

Tax-saving Investments

Investments in tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS), PPF, and EPF not only provide tax benefits under Section 80C but also help in wealth creation. Consult with a CFP to choose the right mix of tax-saving instruments.

Utilizing Tax Deductions

Maximize the use of available tax deductions such as those under Section 80D for health insurance premiums and Section 24 for home loan interest. This reduces your taxable income and increases your savings.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Financial planning is not a one-time activity. It requires regular monitoring and adjustments to stay on track.

Periodic Reviews

Regularly review your investment portfolio with a CFP. This helps in identifying any underperforming assets and making necessary adjustments. Periodic reviews ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.

Rebalancing Portfolio

As you approach your goals, gradually shift from high-risk investments to more stable ones. This strategy protects your accumulated wealth from market volatility as you near your goal horizon.

Staying Informed

Stay updated with financial news and market trends. This helps in making informed decisions about your investments. However, avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Benefits of Working with a CFP
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) brings expertise and professional advice to your financial planning process.

Expert Advice

CFPs provide expert advice tailored to your financial situation and goals. Their knowledge and experience help in creating a comprehensive financial plan.

Holistic Approach

CFPs take a holistic approach to financial planning. They consider all aspects of your financial life, including savings, investments, insurance, and taxes, to create a balanced and effective plan.

Customized Solutions

CFPs offer customized solutions based on your specific needs and risk tolerance. This personalized approach ensures your financial plan is effective and achievable.

Final Insights
Creating a robust financial plan requires careful consideration of various factors. By focusing on your child's future, retirement planning, insurance, and tax strategies, you can build a secure financial future.

Investing through mutual funds with the guidance of a CFP can provide you with professional management and potentially higher returns. Regular reviews and adjustments, along with disciplined saving and investing, are key to achieving your financial goals.

Your journey towards financial security is unique. Embrace it with confidence and commitment. Your efforts today will ensure a prosperous and secure future for you and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in