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Sunil

Sunil Lala  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 11, 2024

Sunil Lala founded SL Wealth, a company that offers life and non-life insurance, mutual fund and asset allocation advice, in 2005. A certified financial planner, he has three decades of domain experience. His expertise includes designing goal-specific financial plans and creating investment awareness. He has been a registered member of the Financial Planning Standards Board since 2009.... more
Samir Question by Samir on Jan 25, 2024Hindi
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I am 60, my Mutual fund corpus is about 1.3 Cr. I am currently doing SIP of 1.5 lakh per month. I am looking to received 5 lakh per month after I RETIRE AT 65 Years. i also have share portfolio of 2 Cr. I will be obliged if you can tell me if I am on track to achieve this pension.

Ans: No
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2024

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Respected Sir, I am 40 years female with husband and 8years old daughter. My monthly salary is around 60k with 5%yearly increment.current investment portfolio is around 14 lacs in stock market. 1lac in SGB.ppf balance is around 10.38 lacs. I have one SSA account balance 13.6 lacs. I have endowment plans of current surrender value of around 4 lacs. I can invest 40 k currently through sip. Is it possible for me to retire at the age of 50 with a pension of 1lc/month.
Ans: Current Financial Overview
Monthly Salary: Rs. 60,000 with a 5% yearly increment.

Stock Market Investment: Rs. 14 lakhs.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB): Rs. 1 lakh.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 10.38 lakhs.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA): Rs. 13.6 lakhs.

Endowment Plans: Current surrender value of Rs. 4 lakhs.

SIP Investment Capacity: Rs. 40,000 per month.

Retirement Planning Goal
Desired Retirement Age: 50 years.

Target Monthly Pension: Rs. 1 lakh.

Income Generation and Increment Assessment
Your salary increases by 5% yearly. This steady growth will boost your savings and investment capacity over time. Consistent investment in SIPs will compound your wealth, aiding in reaching your retirement goal.

Stock Market Investments
Your stock market investment of Rs. 14 lakhs is a good start.

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner's guidance.

Diversify to mitigate risks and maximize returns.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)
SGBs are secure investments with a fixed interest rate and capital appreciation.

Hold onto your SGBs as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your PPF balance of Rs. 10.38 lakhs will grow with the current interest rates.

Continue contributing to PPF to benefit from tax-free returns and compounding interest.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA)
SSA balance of Rs. 13.6 lakhs will support your daughter's future needs.

Continue contributing to SSA for higher returns and tax benefits.

Endowment Plans
Evaluate the performance of your endowment plans.

Consider surrendering if returns are low and reinvesting in mutual funds for better growth.

Monthly SIP Investment
Investing Rs. 40,000 monthly in SIPs is a sound strategy.

Choose a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Regularly monitor and adjust your SIP portfolio with professional advice.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Focus on mutual funds managed by experienced fund managers for active management benefits.

Regularly assess your portfolio's performance and reallocate if needed.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
Given your savings, investments, and potential returns, build a robust retirement corpus.

Aim to accumulate a corpus that can generate a Rs. 1 lakh monthly pension through systematic withdrawals.

Insurance and Risk Management
Ensure adequate life and health insurance for your family.

Review and update your policies to cover future medical and financial risks.

Final Insights
Your current financial discipline and investment strategy are commendable.

Consistently invest, review, and adjust your portfolio to stay on track for retirement.

Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and optimal financial planning.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 08, 2025

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Sir i am 34 years old and having 25 lacs of mutual fund,17 lacs in stocks,I doing sip of 25000 monthly and 20000 in stock monthly. Also i am a banker so my health is covered,i have also taken 1.25 cr term plan.I also habe pf balance of 15 lacs and nps corpus of 20 lacs.i have no loans. I want to retire by 2040.please guide wether i am on right track
Ans: – You are only 34 and already hold a strong portfolio.
– Rs.25 lakh in mutual funds and Rs.17 lakh in stocks is impressive.
– Rs.15 lakh in PF and Rs.20 lakh in NPS gives great stability.
– SIP of Rs.25,000 and Rs.20,000 stock investment shows great discipline.
– Having a Rs.1.25 crore term plan shows foresight for family security.
– Being a banker, your medical cover is also in place, which is excellent.
– With no loans, your balance sheet is very healthy.

» Understanding Your Goal
– You want to retire by 2040, which is 16 years away.
– Your target should be to generate enough corpus for monthly income needs.
– Retirement also means preparing for lifestyle, health care and inflation.
– At 34, you have the most powerful resource: time on your side.
– With long horizon, you can use compounding to your advantage.

» Current Portfolio Assessment
– Mutual funds: Rs.25 lakh. This gives diversification and managed growth.
– Stocks: Rs.17 lakh. Higher growth potential but volatile.
– PF: Rs.15 lakh. Safe, stable, and provides long-term security.
– NPS: Rs.20 lakh. Good retirement-oriented savings, but less flexible.
– Term plan: Rs.1.25 crore. Provides protection for dependents.
– SIPs: Rs.25,000 in MF and Rs.20,000 in stocks monthly.

» Strengths in Your Current Approach
– You have a clear mix of growth and safety assets.
– Your monthly investments are consistent and sizeable.
– Your retirement is planned well in advance.
– Insurance and health cover ensure safety net for family.
– No loans allow you to focus on wealth creation without burden.

» Areas That Need Fine-Tuning
– Direct stock allocation is high compared to mutual funds.
– Stocks can give high return but carry risk of underperformance.
– NPS corpus is growing but has withdrawal restrictions.
– PF is safe but low return, may not beat inflation fully.
– Goal-based allocation is not clearly defined yet.

» Why Active Mutual Funds Should Be Your Core
– Many investors are tempted by index funds.
– Index funds look simple but carry hidden risks.
– They cannot exit weak companies, they blindly mirror index.
– During market falls, index funds give no downside control.
– Active funds are managed by experts who can act on opportunities.
– They aim to outperform markets and protect during downturns.
– For long-term goal like retirement, active funds are superior.

» Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
– Direct funds may seem cheaper due to lower expense ratio.
– But without professional review, mistakes in allocation are common.
– Wrong timing or mismanagement can cut returns drastically.
– Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing support.
– You get rebalancing, tax planning, withdrawal strategy and risk management.
– That value is far more than the small savings in direct funds.

» Growth Potential of Your Portfolio
– You are already investing Rs.45,000 monthly.
– Over 16 years, this itself can create massive wealth.
– Existing Rs.77 lakh corpus will compound well if allocated properly.
– Your PF and NPS add safety and stability.
– Together, this builds strong base for retirement corpus.
– With consistent investment and growth allocation, you are on track.

» Importance of Goal-Based Allocation
– Retirement corpus should be separate from children’s education or other goals.
– PF and NPS can act as base retirement fund.
– Mutual funds should be primary growth engine for wealth.
– Direct stock exposure can be reduced gradually.
– Child education can be funded through separate mutual fund allocation.
– Keeping goals separate avoids confusion during withdrawal.

» Asset Allocation Strategy
– Equity and mutual funds should be major portion till 2040.
– PF and NPS can provide stability but not growth.
– Ensure at least 60-65% in mutual funds for compounding.
– Keep direct stock allocation controlled at 20-25%.
– Debt and PF provide cushion for risk management.
– Periodic rebalancing will keep allocation healthy.

» Taxation Aspects to Keep in Mind
– PF maturity is tax-free, so it gives net benefit.
– NPS has partial tax benefit but also withdrawal rules.
– Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed at slab rate.
– Proper withdrawal planning can minimise tax outgo.

» Inflation Consideration
– Rs.1 lakh per month today may need Rs.3-4 lakh by 2040.
– Inflation silently reduces purchasing power.
– Growth allocation in equity is must for retirement.
– PF and NPS alone will not beat inflation.
– You need strong equity fund allocation even after retirement.

» Retirement Income Strategy
– At retirement, use bucket approach for systematic withdrawals.
– First bucket: 5 years of income in debt instruments.
– Second bucket: 10 years income in hybrid funds.
– Third bucket: long-term corpus in equity funds.
– Withdraw systematically from safe bucket, refill from growth.
– This provides stability and growth together.

» Managing Direct Stock Investments
– Stock investments require constant monitoring and skill.
– For retirement goal, overexposure can create risk.
– Better to gradually shift part of stocks to mutual funds.
– This will ensure diversification and expert management.
– Keep a small portion in stocks for personal interest.

» Insurance Review
– Your Rs.1.25 crore term plan is very good.
– Review if coverage is sufficient for family lifestyle goals.
– Avoid mixing future insurance with investment products.
– If you hold any LIC or ULIPs, better to surrender.
– Reinvest those proceeds into mutual funds for higher growth.

» Emergency and Liquidity Planning
– Maintain 6-9 months of expenses in liquid instruments.
– This avoids breaking retirement corpus during emergencies.
– Emergency fund ensures peace of mind and protects long-term assets.
– Keep it separate from your investment portfolio.

» Importance of Periodic Review
– Markets, tax laws and personal goals will change.
– Annual review ensures alignment with your retirement plan.
– Rebalancing keeps risk within comfort zone.
– Professional guidance helps adjust strategy as per changing conditions.

» Mistakes to Avoid
– Don’t over invest in FD or low-return instruments.
– Don’t switch funds frequently chasing returns.
– Don’t stop SIPs during market corrections.
– Don’t keep large idle amounts in savings account.
– Don’t depend only on PF and NPS for retirement.

» Role of Certified Financial Planner
– You have multiple assets and goals.
– A Certified Financial Planner helps align everything.
– They bring 360-degree solutions for retirement, education and tax planning.
– Regular funds through MFD with CFP support ensure disciplined execution.
– Professional review prevents emotional and costly mistakes.

» Finally
– At 34, you are in an excellent position.
– With Rs.77 lakh corpus and disciplined SIP, you are on track.
– Retirement by 2040 is realistic and achievable.
– Rebalancing stock exposure into mutual funds will strengthen plan.
– Inflation and tax must be factored into corpus planning.
– Keep goals separate, review annually and stay disciplined.
– With patience and professional guidance, you will retire comfortably.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello Sir My age is 35 my monthly salary is 1.6 lakh my current mutual fund portfolio is approx 20 lakhs and my sip investment is 22k in HDFC flexi cap fund 11k in Motilal Oswal large and midcap fund 12k in parag Parikh flexi cap fund 12k in canara robeco equity fund I also have PPF corpus of 7 lakh and I invest 1.5lakh every year in it with 10 more years left I want to retire at age 55 with corpus of 10crore..
Ans: Saving a large corpus for retirement is a big achievement. Your SIPs and discipline are inspiring. Many people wish for this, but few commit early.

» Your Financial Foundation at 35
– Salary of Rs 1.6 lakh monthly gives strong stability for saving.
– Rs 20 lakh mutual fund portfolio is impressive for your age.
– SIPs of Rs 57,000 per month show your high commitment.
– PPF corpus of Rs 7 lakh and annual Rs 1.5 lakh keeps risk moderate.
– Clear wish to retire at 55 with Rs 10 crore is very bold and practical.

» Clarity of Retirement Goal
– Having a fixed age of 55 and corpus goal is the best starting step.
– Big goals bring discipline, hope and improve savings behavior.
– Early retirement dreams mean you need intense focus now.
– With 20 years left, power of compounding works for you.
– Set proper goal splitting beyond corpus, like monthly pension needs.

» Strengths in Your Investment Plan
– SIP amounts across diversified funds keep risk well spread.
– Regular saving and step-up SIP approach will beat inflation.
– Flexi cap, large and midcap, equity diversify your chance for upside.
– PPF adds safety and offers tax-free returns at decent rates.
– Combination of risk and safety in portfolio shows wise planning.

» Assessing Mutual Fund Strategy
– SIPs in actively managed funds bring expert selection and faster reaction.
– Avoiding index funds is wise, as they only mirror the market.
– Actively managed funds can change allocation when economic cycles shift.
– Active funds can target top-performing stocks for extra returns.
– Step-up SIPs with rising income help grow corpus smoothly.

» Why Not Index Funds
– Index funds lack dynamic decision-making.
– If markets perform poorly, so do index funds without correction.
– Fund managers in active funds use experience to find strong stocks.
– Actively managed funds outperform indexes in emerging India market.

» Risks to Monitor in the Next 20 Years
– Market falls will happen, but SIP protects from panic-driven exits.
– Stick to SIP even in down periods for future upturns.
– Change funds only if any lags for 3+ years.
– Avoid overexposure to one theme or sector.

» Balancing Risk Using Debt
– As age grows, shift some funds to debt gradually.
– For last 5 years before retirement, move 20-30% to safer funds.
– PPF gives reliable cushion against shocks.
– Equity, debt, and PPF together reduce risk long term.

» PPF: Role in Retirement Planning
– PPF is protected by government, interest rate now around 7.1%.
– Rs 1.5 lakh contribution gives annual tax benefit under Section 80C.
– After 10 more years, your PPF corpus will grow risk-free.
– Money in PPF is tax-free at withdrawal, great for old age.

» Step-Up SIPs: Powerful Wealth Builder
– Increase SIP by 10-15% with salary hikes.
– Growing SIP means you benefit from income and inflation both.
– Small step-ups create huge difference in the final corpus.

» Asset Allocation for Peace and Growth
– Stay with 80% equity until age 45-50 for faster growth.
– Gradually move 20% each year after 50 to debt and hybrid funds.
– Final 2-3 years, shift more into safe assets to lock gains.

» Emergency Fund Is Non-Negotiable
– Keep 6-9 months’ living expenses in a liquid fund outside SIPs.
– Don’t touch your mutual funds unless an urgency arises.
– Secure emergency funds prevent panic redemption in market crashes.

» Continue PPF for Full Tenure
– Ten years more in PPF multiplies corpus safely.
– After 15 years, you can extend in 5-year tranches.
– Use PPF maturity as post-retirement safety fund.

» Regular Monitoring and Review
– Once a year, check your portfolio and switch only if needed.
– Don’t chase every new trend or hot fund based on media hype.
– Monitor tax rules, expense ratios, and avoid frequent switching.

» Taxation for Mutual Funds (2025 Rule)
– Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains taxed as per your income slab.
– Plan sale of funds to pay minimal tax each year.

» If You Invest in Direct Funds
– Direct mutual funds save some cost but lose out on expert advice.
– Without a Certified Financial Planner or MFD, wrong steps may happen easily.
– Regular funds through MFD with CFP credential provide guidance and reviews.
– Problem-solving and emotional support during bad markets is crucial.

» Don’t Touch Insurance-Linked Investments
– You have not mentioned any LIC, ULIP, or insurance-cum-investment plans.
– Just maintain your focus on mutual funds and PPF.

» Documentation and Nomination
– Keep details updated for each investment folio and PPF account.
– Share basic records with spouse or trusted person.
– Nominate family for ease of handover in case of emergency.

» Psychological Preparation
– Rising corpus brings excitement but also temptations to spend.
– Don’t be distracted by news, stories, or “get-rich-quick” schemes.
– Keep discipline and avoid stopping SIP even for one month.

» Family Communication for Confidence
– Share planning with family for trust and understanding.
– Educate spouse about portfolio and future vision.

» Technology for Smart Investing
– Use apps to monitor and adjust investments efficiently.
– Protect passwords and track SIP deduction dates.

» Retirement Corpus Withdrawal Strategy
– At 55, draw monthly funds from a mix of debt and equity.
– Avoid withdrawing all at once, spread over 25-30 years.
– Keep reinvesting in ultra-safe funds for money needed after age 70.

» Mistakes to Steer Clear From
– Don’t exit equity in panic during market fall.
– Don’t jump to new fund types without proper research.
– Avoid heavy exposure to single company, theme, or country.

» Hope and Optimism for Your Journey
– At 35, your efforts brighten future for family and self.
– Big corpus can be achieved with patience and discipline.
– India’s economy and market growth supports your ambitions.
– Focus on staying regular in SIP and lifting amounts every 2-3 years.

» Finally
– You are on the right path with diversified, high SIPs.
– Step-up SIPs and full tenure PPF multiply your wealth.
– Professional guidance through a Certified Financial Planner prevents costly mistakes.
– Keep reviewing, rebalancing, and stay committed to your retirement dream.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

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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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