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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2025

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
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Money

Dear sir i am 66 and my husband a retired bank employee is 74. We have a dependent child 45 yrs. My husband gets a pension of 44000 per month. We put 45 lakhs in SCSS. Jeevan shanti jt life 25 lakhs by 2030 we will get 16000 per month. Pmvvy 30 lakhs. 35 lakhs in FDs. After us our son will have to stay in rehab. Our expenses per month is 60000 on average. Medical insurance for both of us is 60000. We need to save more to provide for my son. After us my son needs 60 to 70 k / month. We stay in our own house which may earn us 60 lakhs

Ans: Thank you for sharing your complete situation with clarity. Your commitment to your child’s future is deeply appreciated. You’ve already structured your investments wisely across safe instruments. Still, let us do a 360-degree analysis to help build long-term care for your dependent son.

Let’s now assess your current assets, cashflows, risks, and identify a plan to bridge the gap between what you have and what your son may need after both of you.

» Existing Income and Asset Snapshot

– Your husband's pension of Rs. 44,000/month is a good regular income.
– SCSS of Rs. 45 lakhs may give around Rs. 3.3 lakhs per year.
– PMVVY of Rs. 30 lakhs may give around Rs. 2.4 lakhs per year.
– Jeevan Shanti of Rs. 25 lakhs will give Rs. 16,000 per month from 2030.
– FDs of Rs. 35 lakhs can give Rs. 2.5 to 3 lakhs per year.
– You also own a house worth approx. Rs. 60 lakhs.
– Medical insurance is covered at Rs. 60,000 annual premium.

So, in total, your current yearly income including pension, annuities, SCSS, and interest is about Rs. 10.5 to 11 lakhs.

That is enough to cover your present expenses of Rs. 60,000 per month or Rs. 7.2 lakhs per year.

» Current Financial Security – Assessment

– You and your husband are not dependent on your son. That is very positive.
– You have covered your regular income needs through safe schemes like SCSS, PMVVY, and annuity.
– You are not facing liquidity shortage today. That gives planning flexibility.
– Most of your money is invested in low-risk, government-backed or guaranteed-return instruments.

However, your concern is not just for now. It is for your son's future needs when both of you are no longer around.

» Understanding Post-Parental Expense Need for Son

– Your son is 45 years now and needs 60k–70k per month in future.
– His future expenses may rise due to inflation.
– At 5% inflation, Rs. 60,000/month today becomes Rs. 1.2 lakh/month after 15 years.
– So, a lifelong monthly income plan of Rs. 1 lakh–1.25 lakh is needed for him.
– He might need this income for 30+ years after your passing.

So, we are looking to create a permanent income stream of approx. Rs. 1 lakh/month for him.

That’s the real goal here. So, let us work towards it.

» Re-evaluating Current Portfolio for Future Liquidity and Legacy

– Your assets are all in safe instruments, but not all are legacy-suited.
– Annuity plans like Jeevan Shanti and PMVVY give regular income but no growth or capital left later.
– SCSS and FDs are good for safety, but interest gets spent in current years.
– Once both of you are not around, most income-based schemes will stop.
– That will leave your son with only capital from FD or sale of house.

So, from legacy point of view, these instruments are helpful for now, but not ideal for long-term care.

» What Happens After Both of You – Asset Transmission and Income Flow

Let us visualise what happens once both of you are not around:

– Pension will stop.
– SCSS and PMVVY income will stop.
– Jeevan Shanti annuity will also stop.
– FDs can be inherited and reinvested.
– House can be sold and proceeds used for income.

So only two sources will remain:

– House value – Rs. 60 lakhs approx.
– FDs value – Rs. 35 lakhs approx.

These total Rs. 95 lakhs. But your son needs Rs. 1 lakh per month. That is Rs. 12 lakhs per year.

So Rs. 95 lakhs will not last more than 8 years, unless properly invested. We need to plan differently.

» Need for Growth-Oriented Corpus for Son’s Future

– Your son needs income even 20–30 years after you.
– So just fixed returns or annuities won't support lifelong care.
– A corpus of Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 2 crore is ideal to provide Rs. 1 lakh monthly for life.
– This needs mix of safety and growth.
– Some money must be invested in equity mutual funds.
– This will help beat inflation and grow the corpus for long term.

This is critical to build a perpetual income plan.

» Option 1: Liquidate FDs and Invest in Hybrid Mutual Funds

– Your FDs of Rs. 35 lakhs are fully taxable.
– They also give very low inflation-adjusted returns.
– Break them and move the money in a combination of hybrid mutual funds.
– Conservative hybrid funds and balanced advantage funds are better for safety and moderate growth.
– They will grow capital over next 5–10 years.
– Later, SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) can be created for your son.
– Choose regular plans via MFD with CFP credential.

This is a safe but smart switch.

» Option 2: Use House Value Wisely

– Your house is valued at Rs. 60 lakhs.
– After both of you, this house should be sold.
– A corpus from the sale can be fully invested in low volatility mutual funds.
– A withdrawal plan can be set to give Rs. 1 lakh/month.
– If not sellable immediately, a trusted guardian should help sell.
– Avoid keeping the house idle or locked.
– Property does not give fixed income. Corpus gives reliable income if invested well.

So make a will to mention this intent clearly.

» Create a Trust for Your Son’s Lifetime Support

– You should create a private family trust.
– All your assets can be transferred to this trust after your lifetime.
– The trust will take care of investing and generating monthly income for your son.
– A corporate trustee or professional guardian can be appointed.
– This ensures proper legal and financial handling.
– Also prevents misuse or mismanagement of money after you.
– Trust can also pay for medical, therapy, food, and stay expenses of your son.

This is the best step to ensure life-long protection for him.

» Keep Some Liquid Emergency Funds

– Keep at least Rs. 5 lakhs in a separate FD or savings account.
– Use this only for medical emergencies.
– Do not mix this with other funds or income.
– Keep nomination and instructions clear.

This will help handle any sudden health issues.

» Health and Insurance Precautions

– Your insurance of Rs. 60,000 premium is very reasonable.
– Ensure the sum insured is Rs. 5–10 lakhs minimum for each.
– Keep cashless hospital network in check.
– Carry updated ID and policy
– Keep copies with your son’s future guardian also.

These steps reduce financial burden during medical events.

» Make a Strong and Legally Valid Will

– Write a registered will to clarify how assets should be used.
– Mention your son's condition, needs, and asset use plan.
– Make the house sale and corpus investment part of the will.
– Assign a guardian or trustee who will follow your wishes.
– If needed, take help of an estate planning lawyer.

This will prevent future legal or family conflict.

» Avoid Investing Further in Annuities or LIC Plans

– Annuities do not grow wealth.
– They stop income after your lifetime.
– LIC traditional plans give low returns.
– They are not good for legacy creation.
– Do not invest new money in such plans.
– Instead, focus only on mutual funds via SIP or lump sum.

This gives long-term growth and tax-efficient income.

» Role of Mutual Fund Regular Plans

– Use regular mutual funds via a CFP-MFD.
– They help you choose right fund mix.
– They also track and reallocate as per market changes.
– Direct plans are risky for non-experts.
– Especially when long-term goals like son’s care are involved.
– Regular plans also help with withdrawal setup and tax planning.

This gives you both guidance and peace.

» Set Up SIP or STP Immediately

– Start SIP of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 if any monthly surplus is available.
– Or use STP from savings to equity mutual funds.
– This helps build the Rs. 2 crore legacy corpus.
– Target this by 2030.
– After 2030, use SWP to give income to your son.
– Use growth option in funds till 2030.

Start small, build gradually.

» Appoint a Guardian or Executor

– Choose a trusted person, younger than you.
– They should be honest and responsible.
– Name them in the will and trust.
– Give them power to manage your son’s affairs.
– Inform them about all investments and intent.

This ensures continuity after you.

» Finally

– Your effort to secure your son’s future is truly inspiring.
– You already built a good base of income assets.
– But current assets are not fully suited for lifelong legacy.
– Switch FDs and future surplus into equity mutual funds.
– Create a trust, write a will, and appoint a guardian.
– Plan to liquidate house after your lifetime and reinvest it.
– Ensure everything is documented and legally registered.
– This will ensure your son lives with dignity and care, always.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Money
I am 45 years my name is U K Singh I have MF of 2000000 and SIP of 6500/ Month PPF Value 1500000 NPS Value 500000 by monthly contribution of 5K FD of 2000000 NSC of 1000000 My wife is also 45 years Her MF Value is of 500000 PPF Value 2100000 NPS Value 500000 by monthly contribution of 5K FD of 500000 3 Plots of 1 Cr My current monthly expenses are 30K. For my son’s medical education from 2029 to 2034 I will need money and for our retirement phase we will need money. Please suggest what we have to do
Ans: Your current investments are well-diversified across various instruments. These include mutual funds (MF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension System (NPS), Fixed Deposits (FD), and National Savings Certificates (NSC). Additionally, you have significant investments in real estate through plots.

You and your wife both have substantial PPF and NPS investments, which is a good strategy for long-term savings and tax benefits. Your monthly expenses are Rs. 30,000, and you will need funds for your son's medical education from 2029 to 2034 and for your retirement.


Your diversified portfolio shows a good understanding of risk management. The regular contributions to NPS and PPF are commendable as they offer long-term benefits. Your investment discipline is evident from your systematic investment plans (SIPs) and regular savings.

Understanding Your Goals
Let's break down your financial goals into two primary categories:

Funding Your Son's Medical Education (2029-2034)

Retirement Planning

Funding Your Son's Medical Education
Your son's education is a short to medium-term goal. To meet this goal, you need to ensure liquidity and safety of principal.

Recommendations:

Continue Your SIPs: Keep your SIPs in mutual funds going. These will help accumulate a significant corpus over time.

Allocate a Separate Fund for Education: Consider creating a separate investment portfolio for your son's education. You could increase your SIP amount or start a new SIP specifically for this goal.

Invest in Debt Funds: Given the shorter time frame, consider debt mutual funds. They offer better returns than FDs and are more tax-efficient.

Recurring Deposits (RDs): RDs can also be considered for medium-term goals. They are safe and offer guaranteed returns.

Partial Withdrawal from PPF: Since your PPF accounts have substantial balances, you can consider partial withdrawals when required. PPF allows withdrawals after the 7th year.

Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is a long-term goal, and you need to ensure a steady income post-retirement.

Recommendations:

Increase SIP Contributions: If possible, increase your SIP contributions. Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term goals due to their potential for higher returns.

Balanced Funds: Consider balanced or hybrid funds. These invest in both equity and debt instruments, providing a balance of growth and safety.

Review NPS Contributions: Your NPS contributions are excellent for retirement planning. Ensure that you and your wife continue contributing Rs. 5,000 monthly.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Post-retirement, use SWP from your mutual funds for regular income. SWPs provide a steady income stream and are tax-efficient.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical emergencies can significantly impact your savings.

Evaluation of Current Investments
Mutual Funds (MF):

Your MF investments are Rs. 2,000,000 and Rs. 500,000 respectively. Continue these investments and consider increasing your SIPs if possible.
PPF:

Your PPF values are Rs. 1,500,000 and Rs. 2,100,000. PPF is an excellent long-term investment. Avoid withdrawing unless necessary.
NPS:

Both you and your wife have Rs. 500,000 in NPS with monthly contributions of Rs. 5,000. This is a good strategy for retirement savings.
FDs and NSCs:

FDs (Rs. 2,000,000 and Rs. 500,000) and NSCs (Rs. 1,000,000) are safe but offer lower returns. Consider shifting a portion to higher-yielding instruments like debt mutual funds or balanced funds.
Real Estate:

Your three plots valued at Rs. 1 crore are a significant investment. Real estate is illiquid, so avoid relying on it for immediate needs.

We understand the importance of securing your son's future and ensuring a comfortable retirement. Your careful planning and disciplined approach are commendable. Balancing current expenses, future education costs, and retirement savings can be challenging. However, with a structured approach, you can achieve your goals.

Adjusting Your Portfolio
Increase Equity Exposure:

For long-term goals like retirement, increasing equity exposure is advisable. Equity has the potential for higher returns, which can significantly enhance your retirement corpus.
Debt Allocation:

For your son's education, focus more on debt instruments to ensure safety and liquidity. Debt mutual funds, RDs, and PPF withdrawals can be effective.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of your monthly expenses. This fund should be in liquid instruments like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.
Regular Review and Rebalancing
It's crucial to regularly review your portfolio and make necessary adjustments. Market conditions, interest rates, and personal circumstances change over time. Regular reviews ensure that your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Rebalancing Strategy:

Review your asset allocation annually. If equity markets perform well, your equity allocation may exceed your target. In such cases, consider shifting some funds to debt instruments.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid Over-Reliance on Fixed Deposits:

While FDs are safe, their returns are often lower than inflation. Over-reliance on FDs can erode your purchasing power over time.
Diversify Within Mutual Funds:

Don't concentrate all your mutual fund investments in one category. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.
Avoid High-Cost Insurance Products:

Avoid insurance products with high premiums and low returns. Focus on pure term insurance for adequate coverage and invest the rest in mutual funds.
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your returns. Utilize all available tax-saving instruments.

PPF and NPS:

Both PPF and NPS provide tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD respectively. Maximize these contributions for tax savings.
Mutual Funds:

Equity mutual funds held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains tax at 10% for gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh.
Health Insurance:

Premiums paid for health insurance qualify for deductions under Section 80D.
Final Insights
Your disciplined approach to savings and investments is praiseworthy. By fine-tuning your portfolio and aligning it with your goals, you can ensure financial security for your family. Focus on increasing your equity exposure for long-term goals and maintaining liquidity for short-term needs. Regular reviews and rebalancing will keep your investments on track.

Planning for your son's education and your retirement simultaneously is challenging but achievable with a structured plan. Continue your disciplined investment approach, and you will be well-prepared for both.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

Money
Dear financial guru. I am 46 now have a small buisness which I started with 2lac loan soon after my graduation , have 2 sons age 17 and 13 my wife is 40 year she is housewife. From the first day i started savings 1. Now have a corpus of 1cr in FD in bank with monthly intrest withdrawl of 60000 per month on 7% approx This is my retirement corpus 2. Have 1 flat of around 75 lac value which i have given on rent fetching me 20000 per month rent monthly. 3 . Have a investment in 2 plots with current value of around 4 cr and 80 lac 5 living in my ancestral home so I assume it with zero value of selling. 4. PPF ac having saving of around 25 lac matured I have extended it to another 5 years 5. Lic policy of around total 30 lac maturing in around 5 years. 6. Soviener gold bond of todays value for around 12 lac 6. Buisness income around 60000-90000 per month now as now my buissnesd is down due to recession. 7. No loans to repay . No monthly emi to pay. 8. I have taken family health insurance of 25 lac which I will increase to 50 lac in wen I am 50 years. So my current income is Fd intrest 60000 Rent 20000 Buisness income 60000-90000 Total 140000 -180000 Current monthly expenses including school fees 110000 Monthly saving after expense 50000 approx Now my aim 1. Need for my sons education , as my eldor son is 17years good in studies from next year I will be needing around1 lac to 1.50 lac monthly for 4 years as he will be doing btech from good collage maybe in india or abroad. 2 . Plans are approx same for younger son cuurently in 7th will be needing same amount after 4 years for further 5 years for his studies. So need 1-2 lac monthly from next year for around 8-10 years for studies of my both son. After that I will retire and need approx same amount for my entire life. Don’t like invest in share and mutual funds always want safe investment like fd. Pls guide me , I am thinking of selling one plot of 80 lac to manage funds for both sons education exp which I need for 8 -10 years. Second plot I plan to sell wen it’s value come to around 5-6 cr in another 3-4 years from now and will buy another commercial property which will fetching me rental of around 2.5 lac monthly if I rent it to a bank .or will put entire amount in fd with monthly pay out of around 7-8%. Pls guide me if am on right track because have limited knowledge . Thx
Ans: You have done very well. Starting with a small loan and building assets of crores is not easy. You have cared for your family, built savings, and kept your lifestyle under control. You have also kept insurance in place, which is very wise. Your focus now is children’s education and retirement. Both are achievable with a proper plan.

» Current Financial Snapshot
– Age: 46, wife 40, two sons aged 17 and 13.
– Assets: Rs. 1 crore in FD, one flat worth Rs. 75 lakh, two plots worth Rs. 4 crore and Rs. 80 lakh, Rs. 25 lakh in PPF, LIC of Rs. 30 lakh, Sovereign Gold Bonds Rs. 12 lakh.
– Income: Rs. 60,000 monthly from FD, Rs. 20,000 monthly rent, Rs. 60,000 to 90,000 business income.
– Expenses: Rs. 1.1 lakh monthly including school fees.
– Surplus: Around Rs. 50,000 monthly.
– Insurance: Family health cover Rs. 25 lakh (planned to increase to Rs. 50 lakh), LIC policies, no loans.

This shows a very strong and stable financial base.

» Children’s Education Goal
Your elder son needs Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh monthly for 4 years from next year. Younger son will need the same after 4 years for 5 years. That means for around 9 years, you will need heavy cash flow for education. You want to sell the Rs. 80 lakh plot to manage this. This is a reasonable idea. Education is a priority. Funding it from a separate lump sum makes sense.

» Use of Rs. 80 Lakh Plot Sale
If you sell this plot, you can park the amount safely. Do not keep all in FD with monthly payout. Instead, stagger the money. Keep the first 2 to 3 years expenses in FD for liquidity. Keep the balance in safe debt options with gradual redemption. This way you earn better growth than normal FD. You will have predictable flow for both children’s studies. Selling this plot for education is a practical decision.

» Retirement Corpus Planning
Your retirement expenses will be around Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh per month after children settle. You already have Rs. 1 crore in FD, Rs. 25 lakh in PPF, Rs. 12 lakh in gold, and rental income of Rs. 20,000. LIC maturity of Rs. 30 lakh will also add. In addition, you have a Rs. 4 crore plot. When you sell this in future, you expect Rs. 5 to 6 crore. This can give either large FD interest or rental from commercial property. That is the main driver for your retirement.

» FD and Interest Dependency
You like FD as your safe choice. FD gives fixed return and regular income. But it has two issues. First, interest is fully taxable. Second, it may not beat inflation over 20 to 30 years. You may feel comfortable today, but value of money reduces over time. With Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly need, you must ensure FD corpus is very large to support rising costs. Keep this in mind.

» Role of Gold and PPF
Gold is a hedge. You already have Rs. 12 lakh in Sovereign Gold Bonds. That is fine. Do not increase more. PPF of Rs. 25 lakh is safe and tax free. It adds to your retirement pool. Continue extension till 15 years if possible. It is a stable support.

» LIC Policies
Your LIC maturity of Rs. 30 lakh is not very large compared to your total wealth. LIC policies give safety but lower growth. After maturity, do not reinvest again in LIC. Shift the maturity proceeds to better instruments like FD or safe debt for income flow.

» Business Income Consideration
Your business is giving Rs. 60,000 to 90,000 monthly now. But you already sense pressure from recession. Do not depend on this as permanent. You must plan retirement income without including business income. If business gives profit, it will be extra cushion.

» Real Estate Considerations
You plan to sell the Rs. 4 crore plot later when it touches Rs. 5 to 6 crore. You also plan to buy a commercial property for rental of Rs. 2.5 lakh monthly. You must be cautious here. Real estate deals involve risks like tenant issues, delay in renting, maintenance, and liquidity. FD with 6 to 7% interest is safe but taxable. Rental income is also taxable and not always guaranteed. You should not depend only on this. Diversify your wealth so that you have multiple income sources, not just rent or FD.

» Health Insurance
You have Rs. 25 lakh cover, planning to increase to Rs. 50 lakh at 50 years. That is very important. Healthcare costs rise very fast. This step will protect your retirement corpus.

» Estate Planning
You live in ancestral home. You must write a Will clearly mentioning asset distribution. Mention how property and money should be divided between wife and sons. Do nomination in bank FDs, PPF, LIC, and bonds. This avoids future legal issues.

» Safe vs Growth Balance
You dislike equity and mutual funds. You want safety. But understand one point. FD interest may look enough today, but after 15 to 20 years, inflation will eat into your money. Rs. 1 lakh today may need Rs. 2 to 3 lakh then. FD will not grow to match this. Equity can beat inflation, but you are not comfortable. In such case, at least keep small exposure to growth-oriented safe funds managed by professionals. Otherwise, your wealth may look big but will reduce in value later.

» How to Manage Education and Retirement Together
– Sell Rs. 80 lakh plot. Park money in FD and safe debt for children’s fees.
– Keep Rs. 1 crore FD as retirement corpus. Do not touch it for education.
– LIC maturity of Rs. 30 lakh after 5 years can add to retirement fund.
– Continue PPF extension and treat it as retirement income booster.
– Sovereign Gold Bonds of Rs. 12 lakh can be kept till maturity for safety and small income.
– When sons complete studies, you will still have Rs. 4 crore plot to sell. That will be the main funding for higher retirement lifestyle.

» Risks to Watch
– Depending only on FD and real estate can reduce long-term growth.
– Tax on FD interest will reduce real income.
– Rental income may not always be steady.
– Inflation risk is real. Expenses may double in 10 to 12 years.
– Health costs may eat corpus if insurance is not high enough.

» Better Balance Suggestions
– Do not put all proceeds from Rs. 4 crore plot into commercial property. Diversify. Keep some in FD for sure. But also look at professional management funds through CFP. Active funds give better inflation protection. Avoid index funds as they only copy markets without risk control. Avoid direct funds as they need constant monitoring. Regular funds through CFP give discipline and review.
– Keep your emergency fund separate, at least Rs. 10 to 15 lakh in liquid form.
– Increase health cover to Rs. 50 lakh soon, not later.

» Finally
You have done great work till now. Your savings habit and asset creation are solid. Your plan to sell Rs. 80 lakh plot for children’s education is correct. For retirement, do not depend only on FD and rental. They are safe, but inflation and tax will hit. Use diversification for part of wealth. Keep core in FD if you like safety, but let a share grow in actively managed funds with CFP guidance. Write a Will and update nominations. Keep health cover high. With this balanced approach, you can educate both sons fully, retire peacefully, and live with dignity without fear of running out of money.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

Money
Dear financial guru. I am 46 now have a small buisness which I started with 2lac loan soon after my graduation , have 2 sons age 17 and 13 my wife is 40 year she is housewife. From the first day i started savings 1. Now have a corpus of 1cr in FD in bank with monthly intrest withdrawl of 60000 per month on 7% approx This is my retirement corpus 2. Have 1 flat of around 75 lac value which i have given on rent fetching me 20000 per month rent monthly. 3 . Have a investment in 2 plots with current value of around 4 cr and 80 lac 5 living in my ancestral home so I assume it with zero value of selling. 4. PPF ac having saving of around 25 lac matured I have extended it to another 5 years 5. Lic policy of around total 30 lac maturing in around 5 years. 6. Soviener gold bond of todays value for around 12 lac 6. Buisness income around 60000-90000 per month now as now my buissnesd is down due to recession. 7. No loans to repay . No monthly emi to pay. 8. I have taken family health insurance of 25 lac which I will increase to 50 lac in wen I am 50 years. So my current income is Fd intrest 60000 Rent 20000 Buisness income 60000-90000 Total 140000 -180000 Current monthly expenses including school fees 110000 Monthly saving after expense 50000 approx Now my aim 1. Need for my sons education , as my eldor son is 17years good in studies from next year I will be needing around1 lac to 1.50 lac monthly for 4 years as he will be doing btech from good collage maybe in india or abroad. 2 . Plans are approx same for younger son cuurently in 7th will be needing same amount after 4 years for further 5 years for his studies. So need 1-2 lac monthly from next year for around 8-10 years for studies of my both son. After that I will retire and need approx same amount for my entire life. Don’t like invest in share and mutual funds always want safe investment like fd. Pls guide me , I am thinking of selling one plot of 80 lac to manage funds for both sons education exp which I need for 8 -10 years. Second plot I plan to sell wen it’s value come to around 5-6 cr in another 3-4 years from now and will buy another commercial property which will fetching me rental of around 2.5 lac monthly if I rent it to a bank .or will put entire amount in fd with monthly pay out of around 7-8%. Pls guide me if am on right track because have limited knowledge . Thx
Ans: It shows your serious planning mindset.
You have already built a good corpus through disciplined saving.
Let me provide a detailed 360-degree perspective on your financial plan.

» Current financial overview
– Age: 46 years.
– Family: Wife (40 years), two sons (17 and 13 years).
– No loans or EMIs.
– Fixed Deposit corpus: Rs 1 crore, generating approx Rs 60,000 per month interest.
– Rental income from flat: Rs 20,000 per month.
– Business income: Rs 60,000 to Rs 90,000 per month (currently down due to recession).
– PPF: Rs 25 lakh, extended for another 5 years.
– LIC policy: Rs 30 lakh maturing in 5 years.
– Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB): Rs 12 lakh.
– Land plots: One valued at Rs 80 lakh, another at Rs 4 crore.
– Monthly expenses including school fees: Rs 1.1 lakh.
– Savings: Approx Rs 50,000 per month.

» Educational expense planning for your sons
– Eldest son (17 years):

Starting next year, you need Rs 1–1.5 lakh per month for 4 years.

This includes college tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.

– Younger son (13 years):

In 4 years, similar needs for the next 5–6 years.

Estimated monthly need: Rs 1–2 lakh during that time.

– Total Education need:

For 8–10 years, approx Rs 1–2 lakh per month.

Could amount to Rs 1 crore or more in total.

» Using your current assets to meet this need
– Selling the 80 lakh plot seems reasonable.

Will give immediate funds for the next 8–10 years.

Helps avoid disruption in your sons' education.

– Keep the larger 4 crore plot.

You plan to sell it after 3–4 years when value reaches 5–6 crore.

Then invest in commercial property.

Rental expected: Rs 2.5 lakh per month.

» Thoughts on the commercial property plan
– Renting to a bank is a stable option.

Gives steady rental income and long-term security.
– Alternatively, keeping the amount in Fixed Deposit is safe.

Current FD interest ~7–8%.

Good for predictable cash flow.
– My suggestion:

If long-term goal is passive income, commercial property is good.

Ensure proper due diligence before buying commercial property.

Check rental agreement terms and bank reputation.

» Your risk preference is low, preferring FDs
– It is fine to prefer safety.
– But over-relying on FD can reduce real returns.
– Inflation erodes FD’s real value.
– Diversification is important for stability and growth.

» Better safe investment alternatives
– Government-backed bonds or Sovereign Gold Bonds are good.

Provides safety and small capital appreciation.

Interest or bond value grows over time.

– PPF is safe and tax-efficient.

Continue holding and investing further.

– Avoid ULIPs and LIC policies due to high costs.

These often deliver lower returns.

– Actively managed debt mutual funds are better.

Provides better returns than FDs.

Liquidity and safety balanced well.

» Why avoid index funds and direct mutual funds?
– Index funds lack professional decision making.

They blindly track index performance.

Do not adjust during market downtrends.

– Direct funds are not well monitored.

CFP credentialed regular mutual funds give better expert support.

Regular plans have better advisory and rebalancing support.

» Retirement planning
– Current monthly expenses: Rs 1.1 lakh.
– Post-retirement, you may need similar or more due to inflation.
– Business income may reduce.
– FD interest + rental + pension may not suffice.
– Aim for Rs 2–3 lakh per month post-retirement.

– Focus on building a corpus of Rs 5–7 crore.

Fixed income from commercial property and FDs may cover future expenses.

» Emergency fund
– Maintain at least Rs 15–20 lakh as liquid emergency corpus.

In bank FDs or liquid mutual funds.

To avoid disrupting investments during urgent needs.

» Health and term insurance
– Increase family floater health cover to Rs 50 lakh as planned.
– Term life insurance is crucial, especially as your children depend on you.

At least Rs 1–2 crore cover is recommended.

Provides safety against unexpected risks.

» Cash flow management
– Current income: FD interest + rent + business = Rs 1.4–1.8 lakh.
– Monthly expenses: Rs 1.1 lakh.
– Savings capacity: Around Rs 50,000 per month.
– Use savings for top-up investments in safe bonds or debt funds.

Enhances corpus without adding risk.

» Systematic plan for next 10 years
– Year 1–3:

Sell 80 lakh plot.

Use funds for sons’ education and emergency buffer.

– Year 3–5:

Focus on growing PPF and SGB investments.

Consider actively managed debt mutual funds.

– Year 5–7:

Monitor the 4 crore plot value.

Sell when it reaches 5–6 crore.

– Year 7–10:

Purchase commercial property if rent and agreement terms are good.

Alternatively, place in high-interest debt instruments.

– Start planning to reduce dependency on business income.

Reinvest business profits into low-risk instruments.

» Final Insights
– You are on the right track by saving systematically.
– Selling the 80 lakh plot is wise for education needs.
– Avoid over-relying on FD only.
– Add safe debt mutual funds for better returns.
– Commercial property is a good plan for long-term passive income.
– Term insurance and higher health cover are essential.
– Rebalance your portfolio yearly.
– Plan to have Rs 5–7 crore corpus at retirement.

Your future looks promising with correct discipline and small corrections.
Stay consistent in your saving and investments.
Do not delay starting the term insurance.
Review investments every 6 months.

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

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

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear financial guru. I am 46 now have a small buisness which I started with 2lac loan soon after my graduation , have 2 sons age 17 and 13 my wife is 40 year she is housewife. From the first day i started savings 1. Now have a corpus of 1cr in FD in bank with monthly intrest withdrawl of 60000 per month on 7% approx This is my retirement corpus 2. Have 1 flat of around 75 lac value which i have given on rent fetching me 20000 per month rent monthly. 3 . Have a investment in 2 plots with current value of around 4 cr and 80 lac 5 living in my ancestral home so I assume it with zero value of selling. 4. PPF ac having saving of around 25 lac matured I have extended it to another 5 years 5. Lic policy of around total 30 lac maturing in around 5 years. 6. Soviener gold bond of todays value for around 12 lac 6. Buisness income around 60000-90000 per month now as now my buissnesd is down due to recession. 7. No loans to repay . No monthly emi to pay. 8. I have taken family health insurance of 25 lac which I will increase to 50 lac in wen I am 50 years. So my current income is Fd intrest 60000 Rent 20000 Buisness income 60000-90000 Total 140000 -180000 Current monthly expenses including school fees 110000 Monthly saving after expense 50000 approx Now my aim 1. Need for my sons education , as my eldor son is 17years good in studies from next year I will be needing around1 lac to 1.50 lac monthly for 4 years as he will be doing btech from good collage maybe in india or abroad. 2 . Plans are approx same for younger son cuurently in 7th will be needing same amount after 4 years for further 5 years for his studies. So need 1-2 lac monthly from next year for around 8-10 years for studies of my both son. After that I will retire and need approx same amount for my entire life. Don’t like invest in share and mutual funds always want safe investment like fd. Pls guide me , I am thinking of selling one plot of 80 lac to manage funds for both sons education exp which I need for 8 -10 years. Second plot I plan to sell wen it’s value come to around 5-6 cr in another 3-4 years from now and will buy another commercial property which will fetching me rental of around 2.5 lac monthly if I rent it to a bank .or will put entire amount in fd with monthly pay out of around 7-8%. Pls guide me if am on right track because have limited knowledge .
Ans: Hi,

You have done so good by building huge assets with your business that you started. It is a genuine worry around kid's education as its cost is rising a lot.
Taking your queries one by one.

1. Your foremost worry of not investing in stocks and mutual funds is very genuine. These come out to be risky. But for people who do not want to take any risk, there are funds as good as FD such as Balanced Funds or Hybrid Funds. As even a FD has risk - if a bank fails, your entire money would be gone in a blink of an eye and you will get only 5 lakhs by government.
So investing in mutual funds is a better option as these funds invest in a pool of stocks. Even if 1 stock fail, your 99% of the money is safe. So you can consider investing in these. Can consult an advisor for the same or reach out to me.

2. Selling one plot for kid's education - good decision. It will cover all cost for both kids and remaining amount (if any) will be for your future.

3. You can shift 70% of FD amount in hybrid mutual funds & start SWP. It comes with comparative tax benefits and better return.

4. PPF is good for you to hold for another 5 years. Continue it.

5. Choosing hybrid funds over FD will gurantee more return and security than any bank's FD.

Rest all is good. You can connect with a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

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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