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Ramalingam Kalirajan |8913 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Question by Prahlad on Jun 23, 2024Hindi

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.