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Should I sell my flat to generate Rs. 1 lakh monthly income at 58 with unmarried sons?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9719 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 10, 2025

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
Ravinder Question by Ravinder on Jan 10, 2025Hindi
Money

Dear Sir, I am 58 years old and still working. Having 2 unmarried sons age 32 years and 18 years of age. Elder son is still to marry. Corpus PPF : Rs. 35 Lacs, Retirement amount : Rs. 10-12 Lacs, PF Rs. 11 Lacs, Emergency fund : 5 Lacs, Medical policy : 15 Lacs, Rental income : 30000 from house and shop, Property : Flat worth 1.1 Cr, 1 shop worth 30 Lacs, Insurance : Sanchay plus - Premium of Rs. 1.5 Lacs till 2029 and will get 130000 from 2031 onwards, HDFC Pansion plan – pansion starts from 2026 as Rs. 26000 per year, HDFC SL Crest – funds accumulated 7 Lacs, Savings : RD in post office : Rs. 14 Lacs, Bank 5 Lacs, Medical policy : 15 Lacs, stocks Rs. 1 Lac. How should I invest Rs. 1.1 Crores on selling of Flat to get Rs. 1.0 Lac monthly ? What should I do to have stable income ?

Ans: You have diverse assets including PPF, PF, RDs, insurance plans, and rental income.

Emergency fund of Rs. 5 Lacs is adequate for unexpected short-term needs.

Medical insurance of Rs. 15 Lacs ensures financial protection for health emergencies.

Retirement corpus includes Rs. 35 Lacs in PPF and Rs. 11 Lacs in PF.

Rental income of Rs. 30,000 monthly provides a stable source of passive income.

HDFC Sanchay Plus and Pension Plan offer future income stability post-retirement.

Flat and shop properties together hold a value of Rs. 1.4 Crores.

Stocks, accumulated funds, and bank savings add liquidity to your portfolio.

Objectives and Key Considerations
Stable Monthly Income

Target Rs. 1 Lakh monthly income from investments post flat sale.
Preservation of Capital

Avoid high-risk investments to protect your capital.
Inflation-Adjusted Returns

Investments should grow to combat inflation over time.
Tax Efficiency

Minimise tax liability while optimising returns.
Family Security

Ensure financial security for your unmarried sons.
Strategy to Achieve Rs. 1 Lakh Monthly Income
Diversify the Rs. 1.1 Crore Corpus
Split the corpus into debt, equity, and hybrid instruments.

Allocate 60-70% to debt funds and bonds for stability.

Invest 20-30% in equity mutual funds for growth and inflation adjustment.

Keep 5-10% in liquid funds for liquidity and emergencies.

Debt Fund Investments
Choose high-quality debt funds for predictable income.

Opt for a mix of corporate bonds and government securities.

Debt funds provide regular income and lower risk.

Ensure debt fund maturity matches your income needs.

Equity Mutual Fund Investments
Actively managed funds deliver higher returns than index funds.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

Equity mutual funds counter inflation with potential long-term growth.

SIPs in balanced funds can balance risk and reward effectively.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Use SWP for a consistent monthly income.

Withdraw Rs. 1 Lakh monthly while allowing corpus to grow.

SWP ensures disciplined withdrawals and avoids emotional decisions.

Immediate Income Until SWP Grows
Use the current rental income and insurance maturity payouts.

Combine with returns from RD and accumulated funds temporarily.

Gradually shift to SWP after corpus generates desired returns.

Managing Existing Investments
Insurance Policies
Continue with Sanchay Plus till 2029 for guaranteed returns.

Evaluate surrender of ULIP (HDFC SL Crest) for reinvestment in mutual funds.

Reinvest surrendered funds in equity and hybrid funds for better growth.

Retirement Accounts
Maintain PPF and PF for tax-free and safe returns.

Avoid premature withdrawal to retain compounding benefits.

Savings and RDs
Keep a portion of Rs. 14 Lacs RD for short-term goals.

Gradually shift RD to debt funds for higher post-tax returns.

Stocks
Evaluate current stocks for performance and risk.

Avoid over-reliance on direct stock investments due to market volatility.

Tax Planning
SWP is tax-efficient as only capital gains are taxed.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 Lacs on equity funds are taxed at 12.5%.

Debt fund returns are taxed as per your income slab.

Use deductions and exemptions under Indian tax laws for savings.

Family Financial Planning
Elder Son’s Marriage
Allocate a portion of liquid funds for the elder son's marriage.

Ensure planned expenses do not disrupt monthly income goals.

Younger Son’s Education
Create a separate education corpus for the younger son.

Use a combination of debt funds and savings for stability.

Final Insights
Diversify the Rs. 1.1 Crore corpus for stable monthly income and capital growth.

Debt and equity mutual funds with SWP can meet your Rs. 1 Lakh monthly target.

Avoid real estate for reinvestment; it lacks liquidity and consistent income.

Continue current insurance plans; consider surrender of low-performing ULIPs.

Ensure tax-efficient withdrawals to preserve wealth.

Plan for family goals like elder son's marriage and younger son's education.

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  |9719 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, Myself and my wife are 38years and our son is 11years. Our annual income is 35 lacs including PF, taxes etc. My PF account has around 12 lacs and wife's pf account around 4 lacs.We have 2 FD's with 1 lac and 2.35 lacs for 10 years in the name of our son. Also an RD of 15000 per month, maturing(10.5lacs) May'24 which we have planned to keep as our emergency fund. Also one PPF account, but not able to invest regularly, balance would be 60K opened 4 years back. Our housing loan is of 45 lacs, now balance at 35lacs. Monthly EMi is 40K.Monthly income of around 1.95 lacs. (after taxes and pf contribution and car clv debit) Could you please suggest a plan to invest to gain wealth/kids education as well as to close the liability of housing loan faster. Not yet invested in sip or NPS or any term insurance.
Ans: IIt's heartening to see your dedication to securing your family's future amidst life's responsibilities. Your diligence in saving and investing is truly commendable.

Considering your current financial landscape, there are avenues that could potentially align with your aspirations. Have you pondered the benefits of SIPs or National Pension System (NPS) contributions? These options offer avenues for wealth accumulation and retirement planning, providing a structured approach towards your financial goals.

Additionally, exploring term insurance could offer a protective shield for your family's future, ensuring financial stability in unforeseen circumstances. As for your housing loan, have you contemplated redirecting a portion of your monthly surplus towards prepayments? This could help expedite closing the liability, offering you greater financial freedom sooner.

Remember, every step towards financial security is a step towards liberating your dreams. By embracing a holistic approach and seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, you're nurturing the seeds of prosperity for your loved ones. Keep treading this path with resilience, for the journey towards abundance is as enriching as the destination itself.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9719 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 23, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I am 43 years old and need some wealth planning advise. My take home salary after PF deduction is 3 lakhs per month. I have following savings: PF - 77 Lakhs ; PPF (Between me and my wife) - 20 Lakhs ; Superannuation - 25 Lakhs ; ULIP - 15 Lakhs ; MF - 20 Lakhs ; Stocks (under loss of 3 lakhs) - 6 Lakhs ; Cash - 3 Lakhs. I have a 6 year old son for whom I invest 1.5 lakhs every year under ICICI perfect scheme. Post retirement (I am planning when I am 50), I want 1 lakh Rs per month. I have no debts as of now. Have one flat already occupied worth 1.5 Cr and booked another recently 1.1 CR which will be delivered in 2029 Mid. I stay in Bangalore
Ans: you are in a strong financial position with a diversified portfolio. Your goal is clear—to retire at 50 and secure a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh. Let’s carefully analyse your current savings and investments, and develop a strategy that ensures a comfortable retirement.

Review of Current Savings and Investments
Provident Fund (PF): Rs 77 Lakhs
This is a stable, long-term investment with tax-free benefits upon withdrawal. The balance will grow further until you retire, making it a solid base for your retirement corpus.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 20 Lakhs (combined between you and your wife)
PPF offers safe returns, though the lock-in period must be considered. It matures soon, and you can either withdraw or reinvest.

Superannuation: Rs 25 Lakhs
Your superannuation fund can serve as a key retirement income generator, especially since it offers regular payouts upon maturity.

ULIP: Rs 15 Lakhs
ULIP can sometimes have high charges. You may want to review the charges and see if switching to a better investment makes sense. However, if you hold it for a longer duration, it may deliver decent returns.

Mutual Funds (MF): Rs 20 Lakhs
Mutual funds are a crucial part of your portfolio. This investment needs to be nurtured with a balanced strategy. Keep your portfolio well-diversified with large-cap and mid-cap actively managed funds to boost growth potential.

Stocks: Rs 6 Lakhs (with Rs 3 lakh loss)
The stock market can be volatile, but it can also offer higher returns in the long run. Consider whether holding onto underperforming stocks is worth it or if reallocating to more stable options would benefit your overall portfolio.

Cash: Rs 3 Lakhs
This is useful for emergencies but earns no returns. You could consider investing some of this for better returns while keeping some liquidity for short-term needs.

Real Estate (Two Flats): Occupied flat worth Rs 1.5 Cr and another booked for Rs 1.1 Cr (due for delivery in 2029)
While real estate offers stability, the second property should be carefully evaluated. It locks up a large sum until completion. Focus on liquidity and other investments to support your retirement goals.

Addressing Your Retirement Goal
You plan to retire in 7 years, at 50, and need Rs 1 lakh per month post-retirement. Let’s analyse whether your current savings and investments can support this.

PF and Superannuation:
Your PF and superannuation combined will likely grow substantially by 50. This corpus will serve as a foundation for generating a steady income post-retirement. You can withdraw or set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to draw monthly income from these funds.

PPF and ULIP:
When your PPF matures, reinvesting the proceeds in a safer option could ensure steady growth without much risk. Similarly, you can evaluate if continuing ULIP is beneficial or if switching is a better option.

Mutual Funds and Stocks:
These should continue to form a core part of your portfolio. For consistent post-retirement income, you may consider shifting some of your mutual fund holdings to a balanced or conservative fund as you near retirement.

Investment Planning for Son's Education
You’ve been regularly investing Rs 1.5 lakhs per year for your son's future under the ICICI Perfect Scheme. This is a good start, but do ensure that this investment is flexible enough to adjust to changing financial needs. Review the scheme’s performance to see if it matches your long-term educational goals for your son.

Suggested Strategy for Your Portfolio
Diversify Further:
You have a strong base of investments, but further diversification into different asset classes, especially debt and hybrid mutual funds, could balance risk and return. These will give you a steady stream of income post-retirement.

Actively Managed Funds vs Index Funds:
If you have considered index funds, keep in mind that they simply track the market. Actively managed funds, especially through a qualified Certified Financial Planner, can provide better risk management. A professional manager can rebalance the portfolio to adapt to market conditions, thus optimizing returns.

Review Your Loss-Making Stocks:
Stocks with losses could be a drag on your portfolio. Evaluate whether holding them makes sense or if reallocating to more reliable sectors or large-cap stocks would be beneficial.

Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal Planning
You should also be mindful of the tax implications of your investments.

Capital Gains Tax:
Equity mutual funds incur 12.5% tax on LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakhs, and STCG is taxed at 20%. For debt mutual funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your tax slab.

Regular Withdrawal Plan:
To generate a steady Rs 1 lakh post-retirement income, consider SWPs from mutual funds. These provide a consistent cash flow while letting the rest of your portfolio continue to grow. Balance this with a mix of debt and hybrid funds to ensure a steady income stream with minimal risk.

Final Insights
You are on a sound financial path, and with careful adjustments, you can comfortably retire at 50. Focus on:

Diversifying your mutual funds
Re-evaluating ULIP charges
Minimizing underperforming stocks
Building a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy for your post-retirement income
Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9719 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 10, 2025

Money
I am 58 years old working with salary of Rs.1.0 Lac monthly. Having 2 sons age 32 years and 18 years of age. Elder son is still to marry. Monthly expenses 50K, Having PPF : Rs. 35 Lacs, Retirement amount : Rs. 10-12 Lacs, PF Rs. 11 Lacs, Emergency fund : 10 Lacs, Medical policy : 15 Lacs, Rental income : 30000 from house and shop, Property : Flat worth 90 Lac, 1 shop worth 30 Lacs, Insurance : Sanchay plus - Premium of Rs. 1.5 Lacs till 2029 and will get 130000 from 2031 onwards, HDFC Pansion plan – pansion starts from 2026 as Rs. 26000 per year, HDFC SL Crest – funds accumulated 7 Lacs, Savings : RD in post office : Rs. 14 Lacs, Bank 5 Lacs, Medical policy : 15 Lacs. No Loan. How should I invest Rs. 1.1 Crores on selling of Flat to get Rs. 1.0 Lac monthly ? What should I do to have stable income in future with funds growing ?
Ans: Your Current Financial Position
Monthly Salary: Rs. 1 lakh.
Monthly Expenses: Rs. 50,000.
PPF: Rs. 35 lakhs.
Retirement Corpus: Rs. 10-12 lakhs.
PF: Rs. 11 lakhs.
Emergency Fund: Rs. 10 lakhs.
Rental Income: Rs. 30,000 per month.
Properties: Flat worth Rs. 90 lakhs and shop worth Rs. 30 lakhs.
Insurance: Sanchay Plus with Rs. 1.5 lakh annual premium and Rs. 1.3 lakh yearly return from 2031.
HDFC Pension Plan: Pension starts in 2026 at Rs. 26,000 per year.
HDFC SL Crest: Accumulated funds of Rs. 7 lakhs.
Savings: Rs. 14 lakhs in RD and Rs. 5 lakhs in the bank.
Medical Policy: Rs. 15 lakhs.
Future Asset: Rs. 1.1 crore from selling the flat.
You wish to generate Rs. 1 lakh per month from this amount while ensuring stability and growth.

Step 1: Create a Diversified Portfolio
Allocate Funds Across Asset Classes
1. Equity Mutual Funds

Allocate 40% of Rs. 1.1 crore (around Rs. 44 lakhs).
Focus on actively managed diversified funds.
Choose funds from large-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid categories for stability.
Actively managed funds have expert oversight for better performance.
Advantages of Regular Funds

Regular funds involve guidance from Certified Financial Planners (CFP).
You benefit from professional advice and fund selection.
This ensures efficient fund allocation for your goals.
2. Debt Mutual Funds

Allocate 30% of Rs. 1.1 crore (around Rs. 33 lakhs).
Invest in funds with low to medium risk.
Focus on short-duration or corporate bond funds for stable returns.
Debt funds provide regular income and lower tax impact than fixed deposits.
3. Monthly Income Plan (MIP) Mutual Funds

Allocate 10% of Rs. 1.1 crore (around Rs. 11 lakhs).
These funds aim for steady payouts with moderate risk.
4. Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Invest Rs. 15 lakhs (maximum allowed).
This government-backed scheme ensures safety and decent returns.
Payouts can supplement monthly income.
5. Fixed Deposits in Small Finance Banks

Allocate Rs. 10 lakhs to higher-interest FDs in small finance banks.
This ensures liquidity and risk-free returns.
Step 2: Plan Monthly Withdrawals
Combine rental income and investment returns to meet your Rs. 1 lakh goal.
Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) from mutual funds.
SWP allows you to withdraw monthly while the principal grows.
Rental income (Rs. 30,000) and SCSS payouts can cover basic needs.
Step 3: Evaluate Current Insurance Plans
1. Sanchay Plus

The annual premium of Rs. 1.5 lakh continues till 2029.
Returns of Rs. 1.3 lakh per year start in 2031.
This plan should be retained due to assured future income.
2. HDFC Pension Plan

Annual pension of Rs. 26,000 starts in 2026.
Retain the plan as it supplements your income.
3. HDFC SL Crest

Current accumulated fund value is Rs. 7 lakhs.
Surrender and reinvest this amount in mutual funds.
Mutual funds offer better growth potential over time.
Step 4: Emergency and Health Security
Keep Rs. 10 lakhs emergency fund intact.
Medical insurance of Rs. 15 lakhs is sufficient.
Ensure coverage for family members, including your younger son.
Step 5: Manage Future Milestones
1. Elder Son’s Marriage

Allocate Rs. 10-15 lakhs from existing RD and bank savings.
Avoid using investment corpus for this purpose.
2. Younger Son’s Education

Start a dedicated equity mutual fund SIP.
Use the PPF corpus of Rs. 35 lakhs when needed.
Tax Implications
Equity fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Debt fund income is taxed per your slab.
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liabilities.
Final Insights
Your current financial position is strong.

Selling your flat and investing Rs. 1.1 crore can provide Rs. 1 lakh monthly.

Ensure disciplined withdrawals and regular review of investments.

Retain essential insurance plans for future security.

A Certified Financial Planner can assist in monitoring your portfolio.

Focus on consistent income and long-term growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9719 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I'm a 36 yrs aged software employee working in Hyderabad with monthly in hand salary of 120k and withs 2 kids my son(his age is around 4 yrs) and my daughter (her age is around 2yrs). I have the following investments as of today. 1) PPF -8.5 Lakhs (12500/- monthly contribution) 2) Sukanya(SSY)- 4.8 Lakhs (12500/- monthly contribution) 3) NPS - 1.5 lakhs (8560/- monthly contribution) 4) EPFO - 6.5 Lakhs 5) NPS Vastalya (My son) - 13k (1k monthly contribution) 6) Post office RPLI (My wife) - 1.3 lakhs (22000/- yearly contribution) after the above all deductions, I can save 50k per month. My long term goal is buying a flat/house along with my retirement plan in next 10 yrs and need take care of my children education & marriage. I don't have any accumulated amount for down payment for buying a flat/house. What would be best approach to purchase a flat/house in Hyderabad ? should I take a home loan and buy a flat immediately in next 1/2 yrs (or) Should I invest an SIP of 50K per month for 5/10 yrs then buy ?
Ans: Thank you for sharing detailed information. You already have a disciplined approach to savings. You are clearly focused on long-term goals. Let's now look at the best approach to meet those goals.

 
 
 

Income and Savings Review
Your monthly in-hand salary is Rs.1.2 lakh. That gives a good base.

 
 
 

After all deductions, you can save Rs.50,000 monthly. That is a strong habit.

 
 
 

With two kids, financial responsibilities are high. You are still managing savings. Appreciate it.

 
 
 

Let’s now assess each of your investments.

 
 
 

Review of Existing Investments
PPF of Rs.8.5 lakh with Rs.12,500 monthly. Good for long-term. Safe and tax-free.

 
 
 

Sukanya for your daughter with Rs.4.8 lakh is well-planned. Continue it till she turns 14.

 
 
 

NPS of Rs.1.5 lakh with Rs.8,560 monthly. It builds retirement corpus. Continue it.

 
 
 

EPFO of Rs.6.5 lakh is part of your salary benefits. That’s a stable addition to retirement.

 
 
 

NPS for your son is a new initiative. It’s too early to predict its usefulness.

 
 
 

Post office RPLI in wife’s name with Rs.1.3 lakh. Yearly Rs.22,000 is manageable.

 
 
 

Overall, you have built a strong base with safe and regular investments. But these are mostly conservative. They may not beat inflation by a good margin.

 
 
 

Let’s now look at your primary goals.

 
 
 

Goal 1: Buying a Flat in Hyderabad
This is a big financial goal. Needs careful planning and timing.

 
 
 

You have zero savings for down payment now. That limits immediate action.

 
 
 

Buying now through a loan will put pressure on your cash flow.

 
 
 

If you go for loan now, EMI may be Rs.30,000–Rs.35,000 monthly.

 
 
 

That leaves you with very little for future goals and emergencies.

 
 
 

It is better to avoid rushing to buy flat now.

 
 
 

You can start a savings plan for down payment. Build at least Rs.6–8 lakh in 3–4 years.

 
 
 

Then you can take loan for balance amount. EMI will be safer then.

 
 
 

This way, your financial stress remains low.

 
 
 

Should You Wait or Buy Now?
Let’s compare both approaches carefully.

 
 
 

Buy Flat Immediately:

EMI pressure starts immediately. About Rs.30,000–Rs.35,000 per month.

 
 
 

You won’t be able to invest Rs.50,000 monthly anymore.

 
 
 

No funds left for kids’ future or your retirement.

 
 
 

You will be forced to stop current PPF or NPS contributions.

 
 
 

Not a safe approach. Will affect your other goals badly.

 
 
 

Wait and Invest for 5 Years:

Invest Rs.50,000 every month for 5 years.

 
 
 

You can build a down payment corpus of Rs.6–8 lakh easily.

 
 
 

Invest this amount in regular mutual funds with CFP guidance.

 
 
 

You can plan your home buying calmly. With less loan burden.

 
 
 

Your EMI will start only after 5 years. By then income also will grow.

 
 
 

Verdict: Wait and invest. Buy later. More secure path.

 
 
 

About Mutual Funds for SIP
SIP is best way to grow money in a planned way.

 
 
 

You should go for actively managed mutual funds.

 
 
 

Avoid index funds. They just follow index. No protection in falling market.

 
 
 

Actively managed funds try to give higher return than index.

 
 
 

They select good companies using deep research.

 
 
 

Use regular mutual funds through MFD with CFP support.

 
 
 

Avoid direct mutual funds. No help, no monitoring, no personal advice.

 
 
 

Regular funds provide tracking, rebalancing and expert guidance.

 
 
 

For you, regular plans through CFP will reduce risk and improve returns.

 
 
 

Start SIP of Rs.50,000 monthly in 3 to 4 funds.

 
 
 

Mix of large, mid and flexi-cap funds can work well.

 
 
 

Over 5 years, this SIP will help in flat down payment.

 
 
 

After that, you can reduce SIP and start EMI for flat.

 
 
 

Also continue SIP with lower amount for retirement and kids’ goals.

 
 
 

Retirement Planning
You are 36 now. Planning retirement early is smart.

 
 
 

NPS and EPFO are your current retirement tools.

 
 
 

They are safe but not flexible. Returns also moderate.

 
 
 

Mutual funds SIP gives better flexibility and return potential.

 
 
 

You can assign one fund’s SIP fully to your retirement goal.

 
 
 

You need bigger retirement fund. So SIP is needed even after NPS and EPFO.

 
 
 

Don’t rely only on NPS. Add mutual fund SIP to build a proper retirement fund.

 
 
 

Children’s Education and Marriage Planning
Your son is 4. Your daughter is 2. You have 13–16 years for education planning.

 
 
 

Sukanya is good for daughter. But more is needed.

 
 
 

For both kids, education cost will be high.

 
 
 

Start separate SIP for each child’s education.

 
 
 

You can start with Rs.10,000 each per month. Adjust based on your income.

 
 
 

Use separate mutual funds for these goals.

 
 
 

Later, assign some part of PPF maturity also for child marriage.

 
 
 

Avoid child insurance plans. Low return, high cost, and lock-in.

 
 
 

SIP in regular funds gives better flexibility and growth.

 
 
 

Emergency Fund
Emergency fund is must for every family.

 
 
 

Keep at least 6 months’ salary as emergency money.

 
 
 

That is Rs.7.2 lakh in your case.

 
 
 

Use bank savings or liquid mutual funds for this.

 
 
 

Emergency fund is not for investing. Don’t mix it with SIP.

 
 
 

Build this fund slowly over 6–8 months.

 
 
 

Insurance Review
You have RPLI for wife. That is a savings product.

 
 
 

You need pure term insurance. Sum assured of Rs.1 crore is needed.

 
 
 

Premium is low. Life protection is high.

 
 
 

No need for ULIPs or investment-cum-insurance plans.

 
 
 

Also check for proper health insurance for family.

 
 
 

Don’t depend only on office health plan.

 
 
 

Tax Efficiency
Your current investments give good tax benefits.

 
 
 

PPF, Sukanya, NPS all have tax benefits.

 
 
 

EPFO also gives tax-free interest.

 
 
 

Mutual funds have long-term tax advantages too.

 
 
 

LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

 
 
 

STCG taxed at 20%. Still better than FD or RD taxation.

 
 
 

Mutual funds help in better tax planning in long term.

 
 
 

What You Can Do Now – Step-by-Step
Start SIP of Rs.50,000 monthly in 3–4 mutual funds.

 
 
 

Take help from CFP for selecting right funds.

 
 
 

Review current RPLI. Keep only if not affecting liquidity.

 
 
 

Buy term life cover of Rs.1 crore immediately.

 
 
 

Start emergency fund. Target Rs.7.2 lakh over 1 year.

 
 
 

Start planning for home buying after 4–5 years.

 
 
 

Rebalance your investments every year with your CFP.

 
 
 

Track progress of each goal separately.

 
 
 

Don’t take any loan now. Wait until you are ready.

 
 
 

Finally
You have done a good job with disciplined savings.

 
 
 

But now, you need to shift from saving to smart investing.

 
 
 

Mutual funds with CFP guidance will take your goals forward.

 
 
 

Avoid direct funds and index funds. Use active regular funds.

 
 
 

Delay home buying. Build your down payment through SIP first.

 
 
 

Continue PPF, NPS and Sukanya. But add mutual fund SIP for higher growth.

 
 
 

Keep insurance pure and simple. No ULIPs or endowment plans.

 
 
 

Follow this roadmap. All your goals can be met peacefully.

 
 
 

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9719 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Money
I am 42, married with 1 kid in 6th Grade. I have my own home and I live in that. I also have a family home in my name which is in my village in remote area of Uttarakhand. After retiremnt I want to live there as I do not like materilistic life in cities or towns. This house is priced at 1.5 CR in market value and I plan to sell it of when I retire. I save about 3L every month from my salary after paying for home loan EMI and all other expenses. Kids school fee is about 2L and paid in 3 installments. I plan to finish off the remaining home loan (18L) in next 1 year. I have started SIP of 50K per month from last 6 months. I also have NPS tier-1 12k every month and tier-2 5k every month. Total corpus as of now in tier1 is about 12L. I have SSY for my daughter and maxing it out every year. I plan to use it for her higher education. I have PPF in my name and wifes name which also I max out and as of now each has accumulated 40L and 30L respectively. My EPF corpus as of now is 48L. I also have 3 different LIC policies wit htotal premium of 1.5L every year. They will fetch me some money in 5-15 years time. I don;t care how much they will fetch as I am not depending on it. Health insurance of 10L+90L top up for family. Once my daughter goes to college I want to retire. We as a family dont have big needs. In present value of money we can live our simple life comfortably under 1L per month. Can you please plan where and how do I invest my money so that my needs are fullfilled keeping in mind the inflation?
Ans: You are in a strong and organised financial situation.
You save Rs. 3 lakhs every month.
You have a clear retirement desire.
That makes planning easier and effective.

Let us build a 360?degree investment plan.
It will ensure comfort post?retirement in your village home.
It will cover family expenses, child’s education, and peace of mind.

Financial Snapshot and Aspirations
Age: 42, married with one child in 6th grade.

Homes:

Urban house where you live now.

Village house valued at Rs. 1.5 crore.

Loan: Rs. 18 lakh home loan, to be paid in 1 year.

Monthly Savings: Rs. 3 lakh net, after EMI and expenses.

Child's Fee: Rs. 2 lakh annually in three instalments.

Investments (monthly SIP started 6 months ago): Rs. 50,000.

NPS: Tier?I Rs. 12k and Tier?II Rs. 5k every month, Tier?I corpus Rs. 12 lakh.

SSY: Maxed out each year for daughter’s future.

PPF: You Rs. 40 lakh, wife Rs. 30 lakh.

EPF: Rs. 48 lakh accumulated.

LIC: 3 policies, annual premium Rs. 1.5 lakh, not crucial to your plan.

Health Insurance: Rs. 10 lakh base + Rs. 90 lakh top?up for family.

Retirement Plan: Move to village home, live modestly under Rs. 1 lakh per month at present value.

You have strong accumulation from various sources.
Your village home sale at retirement can give you a one?time boost.
Now let us use your discipline and savings to frame future security.

Step 1: Finish Home Loan Aggressively
You plan to close Rs. 18 lakh in 1 year.

Use Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly from your surplus.

That makes total repayment Rs. 18 lakh in 12 months.

This saves interest now and frees up funds later.

Post?loan, your monthly cash flow improves by this EMI amount.

This money will be available for investments starting Year 2.

Step 2: Emergency Fund and Safety Net
You need at least 6 to 9 months of living expenses.

Target Rs. 9 lakh in emergency buffer.

Use liquid mutual fund + sweep-in FD.

This protects against job loss, health crisis or urgent needs.

Keep these funds intact unless real emergencies arise.

Step 3: Continue Insurance Coverage
Your health coverage of Rs. 1 crore is excellent.

Update or renew policies before retirement.

Reassess co-pay, network hospital list and portability.

LIC policies can remain if you value their maturity benefit.

They cost little, so no need to surrender them now.

Pure term + health is your primary protection model.

Step 4: Plan Your Retirement Budget
You aim for Rs. 1 lakh per month in current terms.

After inflation, future cost may be Rs. 2 lakhs per month.

That implies a larger retirement corpus.

Post?retirement, your income sources will include:

EPF withdrawals

NPS Tier?I annuity or commutation

village home sale

moderate SIP part?withdrawals

rental (if any)

We must structure investments to support this inflow.

Step 5: Child’s Education Funding
Daughter is 10 now and in 6th grade.

Higher education costs in India or abroad start from 15 years later.

You already maxing out SSY annually—this is good.

Complement with mutual funds for inflation beat.

Currently, SIP of Rs. 50,000/month aids general corpus.

But education-specific corpus can be in separate fund.

This supports goal clarity and monitoring.

Step 6: Build Destination?Specific Corpus
a) Village Retirement Home Corpus

The home is valued at Rs. 1.5 crore now.

You plan to sell it at retirement.

But home value often appreciates post-retirement.

You need modest corpus to support monthly Rs. 2 lakh (future value) for 25 years.

This likely requires Rs. 6 to 7 crore on retirement.

EPF, NPS, mutual funds and home sale can cover this.

A portion needs equity allocation even now.

b) Daughter’s Education Corpus

Use SSY and add investments in mutual funds.

Equity portion now, shifting to debt later.

Create a separate mutual fund folio with SIP of Rs. 20,000/month.

This gets you a sizable education corpus in 8 years.

Step 7: Asset Allocation Strategy Going Forward
Your current assets are strong in PPF and NPS but need equity support.
Integration plan:

Maintain High?Quality Debt/Safe Assets

EPF and PPF: passive, safe returns.

SSY: safe for education.

Emergency fund: for liquidity needs.

NPS Tier?I: good for retirement with conservative mix.

NPS Tier?II: flexible but consider Move or Withdraw carefully.

Add Equity via SIP

Continue your existing Rs. 50,000 monthly equity SIP.

Use actively managed mutual funds, not index or direct funds.

Stay with regular plan via MFD with CFP.

Add a distinct SIP for child education.

Add Hybrid and Short?Term Funds for Stability

Invest a small SIP in hybrid balanced fund (growth focus).

Keep a minor SIP in liquid or short-duration debt funds.

Helps smooth volatility and maintain cash curve.

Step 8: Decide on STP vs Hybrid vs FMP
You asked whether to use STP or hybrid or FMP. Here's detailed guidance:

STP from Liquid to Equity:

Good for systematic equity exposure.

Reduces market timing risk.

Best for new equity deployment.

Make STP monthly from a small liquid corpus.

Hybrid Funds:

Suitable for medium-term balanced returns.

Steady glide?path mechanism.

Less equity than pure equity SIP.

Ideal for a part of retirement cushion.

FMPs / Debt products:

Safe and predictable over 3?5 year durations.

Limited inflation protection over long run.

Use only for portions maturing before retirement, not all corpus.

Recommendation:
Use all three smartly:

Use STP for new equity inflows and planned growth.

Add hybrid SIP for moderate-risk, stable returns.

Park 10–15% of surplus in FMP / debt for safety.

Step 9: Monthly Investment Structure (After Loan Repayment)
Once your loan closes in 1 year, juggle cash efficiently. Here is a detailed monthly breakdown thereafter:

Equity SIP:

Continue Rs. 50,000 plus consider a small increase.

Use STPs from liquid fund.

Education SIP:

Allocate Rs. 20,000 monthly.

Choose actively managed multi-cap or flexi-cap fund.

Hybrid SIP:

Allocate Rs. 10,000 monthly for stability.

Debt / Liquid SIP:

Allocate Rs. 10,000 as buffer and discipline fund.

FMP / Short-Term Debt:

Invest Rs. 5,000 monthly or lumpsum from surplus.

PPF Continual Contribution:

Continue PPF contributions yearly to max discipline and tax benefit.

This totals Rs. 95,000, leaving small buffer for flex.

Step 10: Positioning Each Instrument Over Time
Years 1–3: Clear loan, build buffer, deploy investments.

Years 4–10: Growth phase: equity + hybrid + debt.

Year 10: Start glide path: gradually shift hybrid and debt to pure debt as retirement nears.

Post?Retirement: Use NPS Tier?I commutation + pension, EPF withdrawals, small equity SWPs, and home sale to fund lifestyle.

Tax Planning and Withdrawal Strategy
Equity MF LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short?term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed per your slab.

Staggered withdrawal reduces tax shock.

NPS payout rules need compliance.

EPF 25?year partial withdrawal permitted.

Lump withdrawal may attract tax; plan timing accordingly.

Monitoring and Review
Check asset mix every 6 months.

Rebalance if equity proportion drifts significantly.

Shift some equity/tranche to hybrid or debt when nearing retirement.

Use annual increments or bonuses to top up SIPs.

A Certified Financial Planner helps with reallocation, goal tracking, and tax minimisation.

Lifestyle and Retirement Transition
Your retirement vision is simple and non-materialistic.

Use cost-of-living inflation assumption (~6–7%).

Sell village home and use lump sum as buffer or travel corpus.

Retain minimal urban requirements till final move.

Keep EPF and PPF liquid to cover unexpected needs.

Reduce portfolio equity portion gradually in last 3 years before retirement.

Risk Coverage and Estate Planning
Keep health insurance active after retirement switch.

Consider floater renewal and co-pay terms.

Term insurance cover can be reviewed; maybe convert to LIC cash value if needed for legacy.

Do not invest in annuities—they reduce flexibility.

Update nomination and prepare a simple will for assets distribution.

Educational Discipline
Commit to financial literacy.

Read simple personal finance books.

Track expenses monthly.

Encourage child’s financial awareness.

Schedule yearly meeting with spouse to review goals.

You Are Already Ahead Because...
You save Rs. 3 lakh monthly—excellent discipline.

You have strong portfolios in PPF, EPF, NPS, SSY.

You have a clear retirement place and mindset.

You prioritise debt repayment and existing obligations.

Final Insights
You are well?positioned to fulfil retirement and education goals.
Quick loan repayment frees 18 lakh EMI stress.
Maintain emergency buffer and insurance—overlooked by many.
Add equity via STP, hybrid and FMP for disciplined growth.
Build a separate education corpus to stay focused.
Glide?path into safety as you near village retirement.
Plan withdrawals tax smartly and include flexibility.

Most important: stay consistent.
Markets will shift, life will change, but your roadmap can adjust.

Continue disciplined saving of Rs. 3 lakh monthly.
With this plan in place, your retirement vision becomes reliable reality.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

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