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56-year-old with 4.15 crores saved - Am I financially ready for retirement?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 17, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 56 with a take home salary of about 5L per month and expect to retire in 4 years. I have about 1.2 cr in PF+PPF and 4 properties worth 2.5Cr. Cash in hand 40L and equity worth 25L. From Jan24, investing about 2L per month in MF + Shares + others and wish to continue to next 4 years. Daughter is working and likely to get married in next 2 years (anticipate a spend of 35L). Son will join MBBS in 2 years with expected fee of 30L per year. Have no loans and well covered for mediclaim and term insurance. Am i covered for the expenses? Please suggest ...

Ans: Hello;

Your PF+PPF balance you can keep untouched so it may grow into a corpus of 1.6 Cr(7.5% growth rate assumed) + regular contributions over 4 years, at the end of your work life.

At your age I recommend you to resist temptation of dealing in direct stocks or even pure equity mutual funds due to the very high risk of volatility.

I propose you to put 30 L(6 month pay coverage) as emergency fund in ICICI Pru Liquid fund(Best returns on 6M criteria)+ facility of instant redemption upto 50K & balance T+1 working day.

10 L balance from cash in hand + 25 L of stock holdings could be invested in Tata money market debt fund(best returns on 1 year criteria). Both these funds have moderate & low to moderate risk profile respectively. This will serve as your corpus for daughter's marriage and grow for 2 years in the meanwhile.

The 2L investment per month which you have began from Jan-24 is expected to go into MF sip+ direct stocks+ other.

For the other investment you are the best judge but here again I would humbly appeal to you to avoid equity MFs and direct stocks considering your age and high risks associated with these asset type direct exposure.

I propose you to invest in equity savings fund instead which are less riskier then pure equity funds and can yield decent return too. I recommend two funds in this category with best returns on 5 yr criteria & AUM above 1K Cr. Mirae Asset equity savings fund and Kotak equity savings fund.

A 2 L sip into these two funds for 4 years will yield a corpus of 1.16 Cr (Modest return of 9% considered). This will fully cover the cost of education for your son.

The best aspect of your financial planning which I admire and respect is No loans, well covered for mediclaim, term insurance and investment in real estate.

I have given my opinion, ultimately you are the best judge.

Feel free to revert in case of any query.

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing
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  |10924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

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Sir, I am 36. My monthly income is 80k. I have a daughter and my wife is housewife. I have investment with market value of Rs. 13 lakhs. Total 4 nos mutual fund total SIP Rs. 7000 p. m. with current value of Rs. 6 lakhs. My office provides EPF scheme. Where I invest 16% of Basic+DA. Present corpus is around 19 lakhs. Except a personal loan of Rs. 2.50 lakhs, presently I dont have any other loans. I have taken a comprehensive Health insurance policy value of Rs. 5 lakhs plus my office provides medical benefits. I have taken a term policy cover of Rs. 1 cr. Now, i want to have i) Education of my daughter now she is 7m old And ii) Steady cashflow for present and post retirement. I suppose the highest cost of education of IIT will be around 45 lakhs ii) Retirement corpus of Rs. 5 crores. There is no desire to buy car or house in future. Will I be able to cover up my family financially secure by present investment?
Ans: Detailed Financial Review and Strategy for Achieving Goals
Current Financial Status
Monthly Income: Rs. 80,000
Mutual Fund SIPs: Rs. 7,000 per month
Current Value of Mutual Funds: Rs. 6 lakhs
EPF Corpus: Rs. 19 lakhs
Health Insurance: Coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs
Term Insurance: Coverage of Rs. 1 crore
Personal Loan: Rs. 2.5 lakhs
Financial Goals
Daughter’s Education: Rs. 45 lakhs needed in 17 years
Retirement Corpus: Rs. 5 crores needed in 24 years
Detailed Investment and Savings Strategy
Mutual Funds
Current SIPs: Rs. 7,000 per month
Recommendation: Continue with actively managed mutual funds to potentially achieve higher returns. Aim for funds with a strong track record and capable fund managers.
Increase SIPs Gradually: As your income grows, consider increasing your SIPs by at least 10-15% annually to boost your investment corpus.
Employee Provident Fund (EPF)
Current Corpus: Rs. 19 lakhs
EPF Growth: EPF is a low-risk investment with steady growth. Continue contributing regularly as it provides a stable retirement fund base.
Insurance
Term Insurance: The Rs. 1 crore cover is sufficient to secure your family’s future in case of an unforeseen event. Ensure to review and adjust this coverage periodically to match inflation and any changes in financial responsibilities.
Health Insurance: The Rs. 5 lakhs coverage, combined with employer benefits, appears adequate. However, with rising healthcare costs, consider increasing your health insurance cover or adding a top-up plan.
Daughter’s Education Planning
Time Horizon: 17 years
Estimated Cost: Rs. 45 lakhs
Investment Strategy:
Equity Mutual Funds: Start a dedicated SIP in equity mutual funds. Given the long investment horizon, equity funds offer the best potential for high returns.
Target SIP Amount: To accumulate Rs. 45 lakhs in 17 years, assuming an average annual return of 12%, you need to invest approximately Rs. 8,000-10,000 per month.
Retirement Planning
Time Horizon: 24 years
Target Corpus: Rs. 5 crores
Investment Strategy:
Additional SIPs: Besides your existing SIPs and EPF contributions, start additional SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds.
Target SIP Amount: To accumulate Rs. 5 crores in 24 years, assuming an average annual return of 12%, you need to invest approximately Rs. 15,000-20,000 per month. This figure should be periodically reviewed and adjusted based on actual investment performance and any changes in retirement goals.
Debt Management
Current Debt: Rs. 2.5 lakhs personal loan
Strategy: Prioritize paying off this personal loan to free up cash flow for further investments. Consider allocating a portion of your monthly savings towards this debt to clear it as soon as possible.
Ensuring Steady Cash Flow Post-Retirement
Balanced/Hybrid Funds: Invest in balanced or hybrid funds as you approach retirement. These funds offer a mix of equity and debt, providing both growth and stability. They are ideal for generating a steady income post-retirement.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Consider setting up an SWP in mutual funds to ensure a regular income stream during retirement. This helps in managing monthly expenses without compromising on the principal investment significantly.
Continuous Review and Adjustment
Annual Review: Regularly review your financial plan and investment portfolio at least once a year. Adjust your investments based on market performance, changes in financial goals, or life events.
Professional Guidance: Consider working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to stay on track and make informed decisions. A CFP can provide personalized advice and help in navigating complex financial markets.
Conclusion
You are already on the right path with a disciplined approach to savings and investments. By gradually increasing your SIPs, focusing on equity funds for long-term goals, and efficiently managing debt, you can comfortably achieve your financial objectives. Regular reviews and adjustments, along with professional advice, will further ensure that you stay on track to secure your family’s future and your retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Jinal

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10860 Answers  |Ask -

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I am 60+ , qualified CMA and working in Gulf, have an investment in FD of 30 L. Invested in Mutual . fund (ICICI prudential pru Elite life super 28.0 L for the period 2017-24)& ICICI pru life time classic . (5.0L for the period 2017-22. Both maturing in Sep 27. Annuity return of 40,831 under ICICI Pension scheme, started receiving since 2025 Plan to invest around another 25.0L from my after benefits .Have a medical insurance policy for myself and wife. Daughter is in 2nd year CS at BMS college. her fees is separately invested in FD for the remaining 3 years and the interest earned takes care of her monthly expenses.Mostly in the 1st quarter of 2027 will be closing on my service tenure. Have 2 house property, 1 inherited, pls suggest any further investments I need to do to cater to my monthly expense (40-50k) I have
Ans: With a corpus comprising fixed deposits of ?30 L, mutual fund investments of ?33 L maturing in 2027, an ongoing annuity yielding ?40,831 annually since 2025, medical cover for both spouses, and earmarked FDs for your daughter’s fees, you have a diversified base. To generate a sustainable monthly income of ?40–50 K, maintain liquidity and inflation protection, consider allocating the planned additional ?25 L into a laddered portfolio of debt and hybrid instruments. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) offers assured interest and quarterly payouts with sovereign safety, while Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) provides steady monthly credits. Balancing these with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan from a Conservative Hybrid Fund yielding 7–8 percent can help offset inflation. Keep at least 6 months’ expenses in liquid funds for emergencies. Your annuity and rental income from two properties further support cash flow; ensure maintenance costs are factored in. Continue reinvesting annuity receipts into short-duration debt funds to enhance yield. Regular reviews every six months will help rebalance your portfolio in line with interest rate movements and liquidity needs, ensuring you meet monthly obligations without depleting capital prematurely.

Recommendation:
Invest the additional ?25 L in a mix of SCSS and POMIS for guaranteed quarterly payouts, complemented by conservative hybrid funds via SIPs for moderate growth and inflation protection.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 21, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello, I am 42 yrs old working with a large business house as a Product Manager drawing 45 lacs annual CTC. My wife is working part time with a pvt firm, we have 2 daughters 6 yrs and 11 yrs. I have a life cover of 1.25 cr, haven't taken a health cover yet. I have invested 48 lacs in MF (Multi Asset, Flexicap, Mid cap and Small cap funds), monthly SIP of 55k, 13 lacs in stocks, PPF Rs.2500/month. Please guide if this would take care of children education, their marriage and my retirement corpus. Thank you.
Ans: You have done very well till now. Saving and investing in your 40s is very important. Your discipline is clear from your SIPs and mutual fund corpus. With proper steps you can take care of your daughters’ future and your retirement.

» Family protection

Your life cover is Rs 1.25 crore.

It may not be enough for your income level.

Ideally, life cover should be 12 to 15 times annual income.

Increase cover to about Rs 5 crore.

Take pure term plan only.

Buy health insurance without delay.

One family floater of at least Rs 20 to 25 lakh is needed.

Health insurance protects your investments from medical shocks.

» Existing investments

Rs 48 lakh in mutual funds is a strong base.

Rs 55k monthly SIP is very good.

Your fund selection is diversified across categories.

Rs 13 lakh in stocks adds extra growth potential.

PPF at Rs 2500 per month is too small to matter.

Keep it only for diversification.

» Mutual fund strategy

Continue SIP without break.

Increase SIP by 10 percent each year with income rise.

Multi asset, flexicap and mid cap are fine.

Small cap should not be more than 10 to 15 percent of total.

Too much small cap increases volatility.

Actively managed funds are better than index funds in India.

Index funds just copy market and give average returns.

Skilled fund managers in active funds can beat market.

Stay in regular plan through Certified Financial Planner or MFD.

Direct plan may save cost but no guidance.

Mistakes in direct plans hurt more than small commission saved.

» Stocks allocation

Rs 13 lakh is a decent exposure.

Direct stocks are high risk if not tracked well.

Restrict to less than 10 percent of total portfolio.

Main wealth creation should come from mutual funds.

» Education goals for daughters

Elder daughter is 11. She may need higher education funds in 6 to 7 years.

Younger daughter is 6. You have 12 to 13 years for her education.

Create two separate SIPs for each education goal.

Do not mix these with retirement corpus.

Education costs rise faster than normal inflation.

Keep equity allocation higher for younger daughter.

Shift to safer funds as they approach college years.

For elder daughter, reduce risk after 3 to 4 years.

Use systematic transfer to debt funds in later years.

» Marriage goals for daughters

Marriage costs are flexible and lifestyle driven.

Plan modest but realistic corpus for each.

Separate goal-based SIP for marriage also.

Do not compromise retirement savings for this goal.

Marriage can be adjusted, retirement cannot.

» Retirement planning

You are 42. You have 15 to 18 years before retirement.

At current pace, you can build strong corpus.

Rs 55k SIP for 15 years can grow very well.

Adding yearly step-up makes it even stronger.

With Rs 48 lakh base corpus, your retirement can be well funded.

Aim for 70 to 80 percent in equity now.

Move slowly towards debt allocation after age 55.

Create systematic withdrawal plan after retirement.

Withdraw 4 to 5 percent yearly to maintain wealth.

» PPF role

Rs 2500 monthly in PPF will not impact big goals.

PPF is safe but return is modest.

Continue only as part of diversification.

Do not increase allocation here.

Retirement wealth is better created through equity SIPs.

» Tax aspects

Long term equity gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5 percent.

Short term equity gains taxed at 20 percent.

Debt mutual funds gains taxed as per income slab.

Use systematic withdrawal later to reduce tax burden.

Plan redemptions smartly to avoid high tax hit in one year.

» Asset allocation discipline

Maintain clear allocation between equity, debt and small gold exposure.

Gold can be 5 to 10 percent for hedge.

Do not overdo gold or PPF.

Focus more on equity funds for growth.

Balance risk with some debt allocation.

» Risk management

Insurance is your first shield.

Life cover, health cover, emergency fund are must.

Without these, investments can get disturbed.

Build 6 to 12 months’ expense as emergency fund in FD or liquid fund.

» Children’s future vs retirement

Always prioritise retirement over children goals.

Children’s education can be partly managed with education loan.

Marriage is a lifestyle choice.

Retirement cannot be postponed or loan funded.

Secure your old age first.

» Finally

You are already in a strong position at 42.

Increase life cover and add health insurance soon.

Continue and step up SIP every year.

Separate SIPs for daughters’ education and marriage.

Keep retirement SIP separate and untouchable.

Restrict direct stocks to less than 10 percent.

Keep asset allocation disciplined.

With these steps, your retirement and children’s future can be well secured.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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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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