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Retired with Rs. 80,000 pension - how to save for children's future?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 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
S Question by S on Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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I am 63 year old retired government employee, getting a monthly pension of Rs.80000. My son is in a IT firm and daughter is studying in Engineering college. They are yet to be married off. Have FD of Rs.35 lakhs. Please advise me on savings. Can I invest in stock.. can I start stock trading.. or MF through SIP.

Ans: Current Financial Status

At 63, you have a stable monthly pension of Rs 80,000. Your financial responsibilities include supporting your daughter’s education and future marriages of both children. You also have an FD of Rs 35 lakhs.

Financial Goals

Support your daughter’s education.
Ensure financial stability for your children’s marriages.
Maintain your own financial security and peace of mind.
Evaluating Investment Options

Considering your age and responsibilities, a balanced approach to investments is crucial. Here are some points to consider:

Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Pros: Safe, predictable returns, and easy access.
Cons: Low returns compared to other investment options.
Stock Market Investments

Pros: High growth potential.
Cons: High risk, requires market knowledge and regular monitoring.
Mutual Funds (SIPs)

Pros: Diversified, professionally managed, can provide higher returns than FDs.
Cons: Market risks, though lower than direct stock trading.
Investment Recommendations

Given your situation, here’s a balanced investment strategy:

Increase Diversification

Mutual Funds via SIPs: Invest in balanced or hybrid mutual funds. These funds invest in both equity and debt instruments, offering a balance of risk and return.
Debt Mutual Funds: Consider debt mutual funds for safer returns. These are less volatile than equity funds and offer better returns than FDs.
Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses in a liquid fund. This ensures easy access to funds in case of emergencies.

Health and Life Insurance

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Healthcare costs can be high, and insurance will provide financial protection.
Life Insurance: If not already in place, consider a term insurance plan to secure your family’s financial future.
Estate Planning

Will: Prepare a will to ensure your assets are distributed as per your wishes. This will provide clarity and peace of mind to your family.
Tax Efficiency

Tax-Saving Investments: Maximize investments in tax-saving instruments under Section 80C, 80D, and other applicable sections to reduce taxable income.
Regular Review: Annually review your tax-saving strategies to ensure they are effective.
Avoid High-Risk Investments

Given your age and responsibilities, avoid high-risk investments like direct stock trading. Stick to diversified and professionally managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds have limited flexibility and may underperform actively managed funds. Actively managed funds, through an MFD with CFP credentials, provide professional management and better growth potential.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds might seem cost-effective but require time and expertise. Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials offer better management and growth.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Monitor Investments: Regularly review your portfolio. Adjust based on performance and market conditions.
Certified Financial Planner: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. They can help you stay on track with your goals.
Final Insights

At 63, a balanced and cautious investment approach is crucial. Increase your investments in mutual funds via SIPs, maintain an emergency fund, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Avoid high-risk investments like direct stock trading. Regularly review your financial plan and consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice. This will help you achieve your financial goals and maintain peace of mind.

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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I'm 48 year old and a housewife. My husband is 52 and working in a restaurant with a salary of 24k p.m. I'm looking into investing with whatever remains out of this salary, approx. 5k (my daughter who is 22 year old is contributing a part of her income for household expenses). Please advise the best schemes/ MFs that we can invest into and also advise the procedure to MF as we have no knowledge about it. Also if my daughter can invest approx 5k-8k, what are the best plans for her to invest in SIP. Please advise. Thankyou.
Ans: It's wonderful to see your proactive approach towards investing and securing your family's financial future. Investing in mutual funds through SIPs can be a great way to start building wealth gradually over time.

For you and your husband, consider starting with SIPs in diversified equity funds or balanced funds that suit your risk appetite and investment goals. As beginners, it's crucial to choose schemes with a track record of consistent performance and managed by reputable fund houses.

For your daughter, she can also opt for SIPs in equity funds aligned with her risk tolerance and long-term financial objectives. Encouraging her to start investing early can help her harness the power of compounding and achieve her financial goals.

To start investing in mutual funds, you can approach a Certified Financial Planner or a mutual fund distributor who can guide you through the process, help you select suitable funds, and assist with the necessary paperwork.

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 26, 2024Hindi
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Sir,I m 43 year old, working in pvt college and getting 60000per month,pls elaborate me about investing and savings for my retirement and present expenses as I have two kids one is 16year and another one is 12 year
Ans: At 43 years old, with a monthly income of Rs. 60,000, your financial goals should include both immediate and long-term objectives. These goals would typically cover day-to-day expenses, children’s education, and retirement planning. Let’s break down how you can balance your current needs with future savings.

Managing Current Expenses
You have two children, aged 16 and 12, and it’s vital to manage your monthly expenses carefully. A clear budget is the foundation of good financial planning.

Household Expenses: Ensure your essential expenses are well-covered. These include food, utilities, and other daily necessities. Try to allocate a specific amount each month to prevent overspending.

Children’s Education: With children at 16 and 12 years old, educational expenses will increase, especially as your older child approaches higher education. Plan for tuition fees, books, and other related costs.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least six months of your monthly income. This fund will protect you from unexpected financial burdens like medical emergencies or job loss.

Allocating Savings for Future Needs
Balancing current expenses with savings for future needs is key to long-term financial security. Let’s explore how you can start saving efficiently.

Retirement Planning: You’re currently 43 years old, so retirement is still some years away. However, starting early is important. Consider contributing 20-30% of your income towards retirement savings. Look for options that offer a balance between growth and safety.

Children’s Higher Education: Higher education can be costly. Start investing in a dedicated plan for your children’s education. This should be separate from your retirement savings to avoid depleting your retirement funds.

Investment Options for a Secure Future
With a stable income, it’s crucial to explore the right investment options to grow your wealth. A diversified approach is recommended, keeping in mind your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Diversified Mutual Funds
Balanced Growth: Diversified mutual funds offer a mix of equity and debt, balancing risk and reward. This type of fund is ideal if you’re looking for moderate growth without exposing your investments to excessive risk.

Professional Management: Actively managed mutual funds are handled by professional fund managers who adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This offers you peace of mind, knowing that experts are managing your investments.

Regular Savings: Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest small amounts regularly. SIPs help in averaging out market volatility and building wealth over time.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Funds
You might come across index funds or direct funds as investment options. While they may seem appealing due to lower fees, they come with certain disadvantages.

Index Funds: These funds passively track an index and do not try to outperform the market. While fees are lower, they may not provide the returns you need, especially during market downturns. The lack of active management could result in missed opportunities.

Direct Funds: Direct funds cut out the intermediary, saving on commission fees. However, this approach requires you to manage and monitor your investments closely. It’s easy to make mistakes without expert guidance. Regular funds, on the other hand, offer the benefit of advice from a Certified Financial Planner, who can help optimize your investments.

Tax-Efficient Investments
Tax efficiency is a critical aspect of your financial plan. Choosing investments that offer tax benefits can maximize your returns.

Tax-Saving Instruments: Look into options that provide deductions under Section 80C, such as Public Provident Fund (PPF) or certain life insurance plans. These not only help in saving taxes but also ensure a safe return on your investment.

Long-Term Capital Gains: Consider investments that are taxed as long-term capital gains (LTCG) after a holding period. LTCG tax rates are generally lower than income tax rates, making them a tax-efficient option for wealth growth.

Insurance: Protecting Your Family’s Future
Insurance is an essential part of financial planning. It ensures that your family is financially protected in case of any unforeseen events.

Life Insurance: If you haven’t already, consider purchasing a term life insurance plan. This type of insurance provides a high coverage amount at a lower premium, ensuring your family’s financial security if something happens to you.

Health Insurance: With increasing healthcare costs, it’s important to have a comprehensive health insurance policy. This should cover you and your family, including any critical illness riders if possible.

Evaluating Your Retirement Corpus
When planning for retirement, it’s important to estimate the corpus you’ll need. The amount should be sufficient to cover your living expenses without relying on others.

Inflation: Consider inflation when planning your retirement corpus. The cost of living will increase over time, so your savings should be able to provide you with a comfortable lifestyle even 20-30 years from now.

Pension Options: If your employer offers a pension plan, review the benefits. If not, consider setting up a self-managed retirement plan that includes a mix of investments and savings.

Creating a Long-Term Investment Plan
A long-term investment plan is necessary to ensure that your savings grow steadily. This plan should include a mix of short-term and long-term investments, catering to different financial goals.

Equity Exposure: With 15-20 years until retirement, you can afford to have some exposure to equity investments. Equities have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long term, though they come with higher risks.

Debt Instruments: Complement your equity investments with safer debt instruments like bonds or fixed deposits. This will balance your portfolio and provide a steady income stream with lower risk.

Regular Review and Adjustment
A financial plan is not a one-time activity. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan is crucial to keep up with changes in your life and in the market.

Annual Review: Set aside time each year to review your financial plan. Assess whether your investments are performing as expected and whether you need to make any changes.

Goal Adjustment: As your children grow older and your financial situation changes, you may need to adjust your goals. Ensure your plan remains aligned with your evolving needs.

Final Insights
Balancing current expenses with future savings is a delicate task, but it’s entirely achievable with a disciplined approach. Prioritizing your children’s education, creating a solid retirement plan, and choosing tax-efficient, diversified investments will help you build a secure financial future. Regular reviews and adjustments to your plan will ensure you stay on track to meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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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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