I am 64, retired from private sector. I have SCSS & FD of 57-L - SCSS maturing mid-2025. I had invested jointly most of my savings in MF-sector in 2017(@57) - which has grown thrice since. Since my wife's sudden demise (2019), I had been redeeming considerable amounts & topping-up both my son's portfolios, at intervals(though both are 50-50 nominees to all my portfolios). Kindly advice if the above process is better than making a will with details ? Do you have to register the will ? What is the procedure ?

Ans: The taxation depends on the source of the 11 lakhs. If you are planning to invest this money for long term , you can go for a balanced portfolio of mutual funds.

Ans: You've done a commendable job so far in building your savings and investments. With a portfolio of Rs 50 lakh in mutual funds and Rs 60-70 lakh in fixed deposits (FDs), you've laid a solid foundation. Your objective to accumulate Rs 5-7 crore in the next 12-13 years for your younger son's future and your retirement is achievable, especially given your increased risk appetite.

Your query suggests two distinct paths:

Investing fresh capital with a focus on wealth creation.

Utilizing your existing fixed deposits to further contribute to your investment goals.

Let's explore both options in detail.

Option 1: Fresh Investment Strategy
Given your higher risk appetite and experience with mutual funds, focusing on equity-oriented investments is prudent. Here's how you can structure your portfolio:

1. Diversification Across Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are excellent for long-term wealth creation, especially for investors like you with a good risk appetite. Your portfolio should include:

Large-Cap Funds: These funds provide stability and consistent returns by investing in large, established companies.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: These funds are more volatile but offer higher growth potential. Include them for capital appreciation over the long term.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds allow fund managers to invest across market capitalizations, providing a balanced approach.

Sectoral or Thematic Funds: Allocate a smaller portion to sectors that align with your views on future growth potential, like technology or healthcare.

2. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Starting fresh SIPs in the funds mentioned above will allow you to invest consistently over time. This helps in averaging out market volatility and building a substantial corpus.

Set Clear SIP Amounts: Based on your goal of Rs 5-7 crore, calculate the required SIP amount. Your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can assist in determining the precise amount, considering your existing investments.

Monitor and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio’s performance and rebalance if necessary. This ensures your investments stay aligned with your goals.

3. Consider Balanced or Hybrid Funds
Balanced or hybrid funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments. They provide a cushion during market downturns, making them a suitable option for part of your portfolio.

Option 2: Utilizing Fixed Deposits
Your current FDs offer safety, but they might not deliver the returns needed to meet your Rs 5-7 crore target. Let's consider how you can strategically utilize them:

1. Partial Redemption and Reallocation
Redeem Part of Your FDs: Consider breaking a portion of your FDs, especially those with lower interest rates. Reallocate these funds into higher-yielding investment options like mutual funds.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP): If you're hesitant to move a large sum into mutual funds at once, use an STP. Transfer money from a debt fund to equity funds systematically, reducing market timing risk.

2. Maintain a Safety Net
Emergency Fund: Retain a portion of your FDs as an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses, ensuring financial security.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): For a portion of your FDs, consider reinvesting in safer options like SCSS once you or your spouse reach the eligible age. It offers higher interest rates than regular FDs and tax benefits under Section 80C.

Evaluating Direct and Regular Funds
Since you've been investing in mutual funds, it's important to address the choice between direct and regular funds:

1. Direct Funds
Lower Expense Ratios: Direct funds have lower expense ratios since they don't involve intermediaries. However, this doesn't always translate to better returns. Managing investments without professional guidance can lead to suboptimal decisions.

Self-Management Challenges: Direct funds require constant monitoring and active decision-making. If you're not equipped with the time or expertise, it might not be the best route.

2. Regular Funds with a CFP
Professional Guidance: Investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional oversight. Your investments are aligned with your goals, and portfolio adjustments are made as needed.

Long-Term Support: A CFP provides ongoing support, helping you navigate market changes, tax implications, and any financial challenges that arise.

Final Insights
Building a corpus of Rs 5-7 crore in 12-13 years is achievable with the right strategy. By leveraging your existing assets and investing fresh capital wisely, you can meet both your retirement and your son's educational needs.

Here’s a summary of the recommended approach:

Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap mutual funds.

Start new SIPs and regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio.

Consider balanced or hybrid funds for added stability.

Utilize a portion of your FDs through partial redemption and STP.

Retain some FDs as an emergency fund and consider safer reinvestment options like SCSS.

Choose regular funds with CFP support for ongoing professional guidance.

Your financial journey is already on the right path. With disciplined investing and strategic decisions, you can confidently achieve your long-term goals.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It's admirable that you've accumulated a substantial corpus for your retirement and have a clear goal of leaving a legacy for your son. As a Certified Financial Planner, I'm here to provide guidance on how to make the most of your retirement corpus while ensuring a comfortable lifestyle and leaving behind a meaningful inheritance.

Assess Your Financial Goals:

Before making any decisions, it's crucial to identify your financial goals and priorities. Retirement planning involves striking a balance between maintaining your desired lifestyle and preserving wealth for future generations.

Retirement Income Planning:

With a monthly expense of 1.5 lakhs and a corpus of 7 crores, you'll need to carefully plan your retirement income strategy. Consider creating a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) from your investment portfolio to ensure a steady stream of income to cover your expenses.

Legacy Planning:

To leave a substantial legacy for your son, it's essential to preserve and grow your wealth over time. Invest a portion of your corpus in growth-oriented assets such as equity mutual funds to generate long-term returns that outpace inflation and build a sizable inheritance.

Diversification and Risk Management:

Diversifying your investment portfolio across different asset classes and sectors can help manage risk and enhance returns. While equities offer the potential for higher growth, consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to fixed-income instruments for stability and income generation.

Estate Planning:

Ensure that you have a comprehensive estate plan in place to distribute your assets efficiently and minimize taxes. Consider creating a will and establishing trusts to protect your wealth and ensure a smooth transfer to your son in the future.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner:

As a Certified Financial Planner, I strongly recommend consulting with a professional to develop a customized retirement and legacy plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. A CFP can provide personalized advice, address any concerns or questions you may have, and help you navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.

Stay Informed and Engaged:

Stay actively involved in managing your finances and regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Keep abreast of market trends and economic developments that may impact your investments and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Final Thoughts:

Retirement planning is a journey that requires careful consideration, disciplined saving, and prudent investing. By taking a holistic approach to managing your wealth and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can retire comfortably and leave a meaningful legacy for your son. Remember, it's never too late to start planning for the future, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.