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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8093 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Prahlad Question by Prahlad on Jun 23, 2024Hindi
Money

I am now 62 and retired. Having 1.75 cr in Mutual fund, 20 lacks in scsc, 10 lacks in gold,40 lack in equity and 5 lack in liquid. Need 1.5 lack SWP for monthly expenses. Pl suggest where should I invest and get monthly of 1.5 lack without reducing my investment

Ans: Congrats on your retirement and your well-structured investment portfolio. With Rs 1.75 crores in mutual funds, Rs 20 lakhs in SCSS, Rs 10 lakhs in gold, Rs 40 lakhs in equity, and Rs 5 lakhs in liquid funds, you have a diversified portfolio. Your goal of generating Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly without reducing your capital is achievable with strategic planning.

Understanding Your Financial Goal
Monthly Withdrawal Requirement:

You need Rs 1.5 lakhs per month, which amounts to Rs 18 lakhs annually.

Current Portfolio:

Mutual Funds: Rs 1.75 crores
SCSS: Rs 20 lakhs
Gold: Rs 10 lakhs
Equity: Rs 40 lakhs
Liquid Funds: Rs 5 lakhs
Strategic Investment Allocation
To generate a monthly income of Rs 1.5 lakhs, we need to optimize your portfolio to ensure both growth and stability.

Utilizing Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
1. SWP from Mutual Funds:

SWP from mutual funds can provide a steady monthly income. You can set up an SWP to withdraw Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly.

Benefits of SWP:

Regular income stream.
Tax-efficient.
Keeps your capital growing.
Allocating Your Portfolio for Optimal Returns
1. Debt Mutual Funds:

Allocate a significant portion to debt mutual funds. They provide stability and regular income.

Suggested Allocation:

60% in Debt Funds: Rs 1.05 crores in debt mutual funds.
40% in Equity Funds: Rs 70 lakhs in equity mutual funds.
This ensures a balanced approach with stability and growth.

Enhancing Your Current Investments
1. SCSS (Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme):

SCSS provides guaranteed returns and regular income. Continue to keep Rs 20 lakhs in SCSS.

2. Gold Investments:

Gold is a good hedge against inflation. Maintain your Rs 10 lakhs in gold for diversification.

3. Direct Equity:

Your Rs 40 lakhs in direct equity can be left for long-term growth. Monitor and rebalance periodically.

4. Liquid Funds:

Rs 5 lakhs in liquid funds acts as your emergency fund. This should cover any immediate financial needs.

Implementing the Systematic Withdrawal Plan
1. Setting Up SWP:

Set up an SWP from your debt mutual funds. Withdraw Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly. This provides a steady income stream while preserving your capital.

2. Rebalancing:

Review and rebalance your portfolio annually. Shift some gains from equity to debt to maintain the 60-40 allocation. This ensures stability and growth.

Managing Risks and Ensuring Growth
1. Diversification:

Diversify your investments within debt and equity mutual funds. Choose funds from different categories and sectors to spread risk.

2. Regular Review:

Review your investments quarterly. Monitor performance and make adjustments if needed. Regular reviews keep your portfolio aligned with your goals.

3. Professional Guidance:

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide tailored advice and help you make informed decisions.

Tax Efficiency
1. Tax on SWP:

SWP withdrawals from mutual funds are more tax-efficient than traditional fixed deposits. Only the capital gains portion is taxed.

2. Long-term vs Short-term Gains:

Hold your equity investments for more than a year to benefit from long-term capital gains tax rates, which are lower than short-term rates.

Contingency Planning
1. Emergency Fund:

Keep an emergency fund to cover at least six months of expenses. This ensures you don’t have to withdraw from your investments during market downturns.

2. Health Insurance:

Maintain comprehensive health insurance to cover medical emergencies. This prevents erosion of your savings due to unexpected medical expenses.

Creating a Sustainable Income Plan
1. Estimating Expenses:

Estimate your monthly expenses during retirement. Consider inflation and potential lifestyle changes to ensure you have a realistic figure.

2. Planning for Longevity:

Plan for a longer retirement period. Ensure your investments can support you through your expected lifespan.

3. Considering Health and Medical Costs:

Healthcare costs tend to rise with age. Ensure you have adequate savings and insurance to cover medical expenses during retirement.

Building a Robust Financial Plan
1. Set Clear Financial Milestones:

Break down your retirement goal into smaller, achievable milestones. Track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.

2. Budget and Save Aggressively:

Maintain a disciplined approach to budgeting and saving. Allocate a significant portion of your income towards investments to accelerate wealth accumulation.

3. Maximize Tax-Advantaged Investments:

Utilize tax-advantaged accounts like PPF and NPS to enhance returns and save on taxes. These are excellent for long-term savings with added tax benefits.

Final Insights
Your diversified portfolio and strategic investments can help you achieve your goal of withdrawing Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly. Utilize an SWP from a balanced portfolio of debt and equity mutual funds. Ensure diversification, regular review, and rebalancing to manage risk and grow your corpus. With disciplined planning and strategic investments, you can enjoy a steady income and financial security in retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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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Hi, I'm 35 yrs I can invest 25000-50000 per month, where should i invest. I can take moderate risk, 10yrs time horizon, I invested 10lakhs in direct shares already. Investing in Mirae ELSS monthly 4000rupees Not invested in any other mutual funds. I earn monthly 1 lakh, no emi, i can save 80k per month, let me know where i can invest 25-50k monthly
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to investing and your willingness to explore additional investment avenues. Given your risk tolerance, time horizon, and monthly saving capacity, mutual funds can be an excellent option to diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns over the long term. Here's a suggested approach for your monthly investments of 25,000 to 50,000 rupees:

Increase SIP Investment:
Since you're already investing in Mirae ELSS with a monthly SIP of 4,000 rupees, consider increasing your SIP amount in this fund or adding SIPs in other mutual funds.
Diversify Across Fund Categories:
Allocate your monthly investment across different categories of mutual funds to diversify your portfolio and manage risk effectively.
Consider investing in large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to gain exposure to different segments of the market.
Consider Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing, making them suitable for long-term wealth creation.
You can start SIPs with varying amounts in different funds based on your risk appetite and investment objectives.
Fund Selection:
Choose mutual funds with a proven track record of consistent performance, experienced fund managers, and a robust investment process.
Look for funds with low expense ratios and high-quality portfolios that align with your investment goals and risk profile.
Regular Monitoring and Review:
Keep a close eye on the performance of your mutual fund investments and regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives.
Make adjustments to your investment strategy as needed based on changes in market conditions, your risk tolerance, and investment goals.
Seek Professional Advice:
Consider consulting with a financial advisor or Certified Financial Planner to develop a customized investment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
A professional can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed investment decisions and navigate the complexities of the financial markets.
By diversifying your investments across mutual funds and adopting a disciplined approach to investing, you can potentially achieve your financial goals and build wealth over the long term. Remember to stay patient, stay focused on your long-term objectives, and avoid making impulsive investment decisions.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8093 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 03, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am retired person of 66 years. I have 22 Lakhs in Mutual Fund in SWP plan, get monthly rent Rs. 12000. I am soon going to get Rs. 1.5 Cr. (After tax) after selling property. I am staying in my Flat. I want you to Suggest me where i invest so that i get regular income & appreciation. I have mediclaim of Rs. 5 Lakhs jointly for my wife & me
Ans: At 66 years old, you are retired and living in your own flat. You currently have Rs. 22 lakhs in a Mutual Fund Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) and receive a monthly rent of Rs. 12,000. Soon, you will receive Rs. 1.5 crore after selling your property, and you have a mediclaim policy of Rs. 5 lakh covering both you and your wife.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Your primary goal is to secure a regular income while also ensuring that your investments appreciate over time. This is crucial to maintaining your lifestyle, accounting for inflation, and providing for any unforeseen expenses.

Importance of Regular Income and Capital Preservation
At your age, preserving capital while generating a steady income is paramount. The focus should be on low-risk investments that provide consistent returns while also offering some growth potential.

Diversified Investment Strategy
To meet your objectives, it’s essential to diversify your investments. Diversification helps in balancing risk and ensuring that your portfolio remains stable even if certain investments underperform.

1. Debt Mutual Funds (40%)
Debt funds are ideal for conservative investors. They offer regular income with lower risk compared to equity.

Consider investing in debt funds that focus on high-quality bonds. This ensures stability and regular payouts.

SWP from these funds can provide you with a steady monthly income.

2. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) (20%)
SCSS is a government-backed scheme offering regular interest payments.

It’s a safe investment option with decent returns, ideal for your regular income needs.

The interest is payable quarterly, which can supplement your monthly income.

3. Monthly Income Plans (MIPs) (20%)
MIPs invest in a mix of debt and equity, providing a balance between income and growth.

They offer regular monthly income, though the returns may fluctuate slightly based on market conditions.

This can be a good addition to your portfolio for some equity exposure with lower risk.

4. Fixed Deposits (FDs) (10%)
FDs offer safety and guaranteed returns. Although the interest rates are low, they provide assured income.

Keep a portion of your funds in FDs for immediate liquidity and safety.

5. Equity Mutual Funds (10%)
While equity carries higher risk, a small allocation is essential for growth and beating inflation.

Focus on conservative equity funds that invest in large-cap companies with stable performance.

This portion should be for long-term growth rather than immediate income.

Managing the Rs. 1.5 Crore Corpus
With the Rs. 1.5 crore corpus, a balanced approach to allocation is important:

Rs. 60 lakh in Debt Mutual Funds to generate steady income.

Rs. 30 lakh in SCSS for regular quarterly interest.

Rs. 30 lakh in MIPs for a mix of income and growth.

Rs. 15 lakh in Fixed Deposits for safety and liquidity.

Rs. 15 lakh in Equity Mutual Funds for long-term growth.

Health Insurance Consideration
Your current mediclaim policy of Rs. 5 lakh might not be sufficient, considering rising healthcare costs. Consider enhancing your coverage or opting for a top-up plan that provides additional coverage at a lower premium.

Final Insights
Your financial plan should focus on generating regular income, preserving your capital, and allowing for some growth to counter inflation. By diversifying your investments across debt, equity, and fixed-income instruments, you can achieve a balanced portfolio that meets your income needs while also offering potential for appreciation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hello Sir, I have invested in the following Mutual Funds: Tata Hybrid Equity Fund, Tata Banking & Financial Funds, Axis Blue Chip, Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund, Axis Global Equity Alpha, Axis Small Cap, Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver, Quant Active Fund, Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund, Birla Focused Equity Fund, Kotak Flexicap Fund, HSBC Value Fund, SBI Direct Bond Fund, SBI Magnum Income Plan, SBI Banking&Financial Services, SBI Blue Chip, SBI Flexicap Fund, DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund. Pls. advise if I hold on to them or lose some of them?
Ans: Your mutual fund portfolio is diverse, but some consolidation can improve efficiency. Below is an analysis of key points to help you decide which funds to keep and which to exit.

Key Observations
Overlapping Funds: Multiple funds from the same AMC in similar categories reduce diversification.

Sector-Specific Funds: Banking and financial sector funds add concentration risk.

Too Many ELSS Funds: Excessive ELSS funds may reduce focus on wealth creation.

Global Fund Exposure: International funds can diversify risks but may underperform in volatile global conditions.

Bond Funds for Stability: While bond funds offer stability, they may limit long-term growth.

Recommended Actions
Equity Funds: Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Retain 1-2 large-cap funds for stability and consistent returns.

Keep 1 flexi-cap fund for dynamic investment across market caps.

Retain 1-2 ELSS funds if you require tax savings; avoid over-diversification in this category.

Hold 1 small-cap fund for aggressive growth, but limit exposure to manage volatility.

Avoid multiple funds with similar strategies as they create redundancy.

Sector Funds: Reduce Concentration Risk
Reduce exposure to banking and financial services funds. These are cyclical and can underperform during economic downturns.

Instead, focus on diversified equity funds that include financial sector stocks.

Global Equity Funds: Moderate Allocation
Retain your global fund if you seek international diversification.

Limit exposure to less than 10% of your total portfolio to reduce currency risk.

Bond Funds: Stability with Limited Growth
Retain 1 bond fund for liquidity needs or near-term expenses.

Avoid excessive debt fund investments if your goal is long-term wealth creation.

Portfolio Optimisation Strategy
Aim for 7-9 well-chosen funds instead of spreading investments too thin.

Focus on a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for balanced growth.

Retain one global fund for international exposure.

Include one debt fund for short-term financial needs.

Exit funds with similar investment strategies to improve clarity and focus.

Tax Efficiency Considerations
Consider the latest capital gains tax rules when redeeming equity funds.

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

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Plan redemptions strategically to minimise tax impact.

SIP Strategy
Continue SIPs in high-performing equity funds with strong track records.

Increase SIPs in funds aligned with your long-term goals.

Reduce or stop SIPs in overlapping or underperforming funds.

Final Insights
Your portfolio requires better alignment with your financial goals. By reducing fund overlap and sector-specific exposure, you can improve returns and risk management. Focus on a leaner, more diversified portfolio with a strong mix of equity and debt funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Dear Sir. As parent, I have two questions - first is which engineering course to pursue and second is which institute to get admission - based on some trails mentioned below. My son registers for JEE 2025 Session II, BITSAT 2025, VIT 2025, COMEDK UGET 2025, MHT CET 2025. As plan-B option, he has also registered for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025, NEST (NISER 2025). Score in JEE Session I is 78.43 Percentile (Physics 90.76, Mathematics 84.1 & Chemistry 15.44). He has no interest in chemistry - which is also reflected in subject wise percentile. However, he has keen interest in deep-thinking, particularly in physics. Based on the association with my son, I clearly understand that his ability not at all aligns with his poor performance. As regards career, at present, he has strong desire to work in ISRO. He often share his idea with me by saying "I don't want to pursue Computer Science and thereafter money to become rich but I love to explore Space/Aerospace and so I want to join ISRO. But at his young age, my son is too immature to take the decision that which course will help him to land in ISRO. My son, somehow, comes to know that ISRO absorbs mechanical engineer through ICRB examination. Based on this information, he wants to pursue mechanical engineering. But, according to my opinion, as of today, as mechanical engineering has less scope in job-opportunities, it might be a risky choice. So, to remain on safer side, I insist him to pursue Electronics and communication engineering. My idea is if he pursues Electronics and communication and finally gets absorbed in ISRO, it is fine. Otherwise, (if not in ISRO), one can find job in other sectors (Government/ Private) as a Plan-B option. But with mechanical engineering, as of today, it may be difficult to find a suitable job of one's choice because of less job-opportunity in this field. Please suggest whether I am right or wrong in making this decision. My second question is which college should I choose for my son, based on his test in academic? As with this low percentile, my son will not be able to bag a seat in reputed government institute like IIT/NIT, so I decide to get his admission in some reputed private college/university. In this regard, I hear from people that when it comes to quality of education in private institution, South India is better. So, I decide to get his admission with Electronics and communication in some reputed college/university in Bangalore (although I and my son belong to north India). So, please suggest me whether I am right or wrong in making this decision. Also, please suggest me the name of reputed institute based on this perspective. Your valuable suggestions will my son to navigate in choosing his career path with desirable engineering course from a good/worthy institute - where he can flourish/nurture his taste of his choice.
Ans: Hello Dear.
I am pleased to note your kind attention towards your son. Additionally, you provided a lot of information to answer your queries in detail to some extent. Your son is interested in pursuing a career in the field of Space, specifically Aerospace, and he is keenly passionate about Physics. He is very clear that he does not want to pursue CSE or other computer-related engineering branches. He took his first attempt at the JEE but scored lower than both his and your expectations. However, he has another attempt in April where he has the opportunity to excel. Let us hope positively. Along with JEE, you are also encouraging him to sit for the BITSAT, VIT, COMEDK UGET, MHT-CET, IISER, and NEST entrance examinations, which is a wise decision.
Here is a point-wise reply to your questions: (1) Let him take all the above entrance examinations and the JEE second attempt, and gather the scorecards from these exams. (2) Based on these scores, you can choose the appropriate college and branch, excluding mechanical engineering. (3) Although your son aims to join ISRO, it would be safer to be admitted to a reputed engineering college in a good branch to avoid potential issues in the future. (4) Once admission is confirmed in a reputed college and branch, your son will have ample time to prepare for the entrance examinations conducted by ISRO and other institutions like NASA. (5) Even if he does not get into ISRO, he still has the chance to join a reputable company based on his degree. (6) Undoubtedly, Bangalore would be the best choice if your son were interested in CSE. However, since he has little interest in the computer field, there is no point in relocating from North to South India. It would be better to choose a college in the Northern region, particularly from the Delhi area. (7) If you are not interested in Mechanical Engineering and your son is not keen on computer-related branches, then it would be better to focus on getting admission to aerospace engineering. Numerous reputed institutes in India offer aerospace engineering courses; a quick Google search for "aerospace engineering colleges in India" can help. (8) Enrolling in aerospace engineering will boost your son's confidence right from the first year. (9) Your decision is neither wrong nor right. As a parent, your concern for your son's future is valid. However, navigating the entrance exams is your best option. Just wait for all the results to make the best choice. I hope this reply has satisfied you to some extent.
Follow me, if you are satisfied, else ask again.
Thanks
Radheshyam

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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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