Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

68 years old, saving 20,000 monthly. Where to invest?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8001 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 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 - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money

I am 68 years old. Getting pension of 50000 monthly. I can save 20000 monthly. Where to put my savings

Ans: Saving Rs 20,000 every month at your age is an excellent habit. You need a balanced plan to grow your wealth while ensuring financial security.

Prioritising Safety and Liquidity
Emergency Fund First: Keep at least 12 months of expenses in a safe and liquid option.

Avoid Risky Investments: Your age requires a low-risk approach to preserve capital.

Keep Some Money Easily Accessible: A portion should be readily available for unexpected needs.

Investment Strategy for Monthly Savings
1. Regular Investments in Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed mutual funds help generate better returns than fixed-income options.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner to ensure professional fund selection.

Avoid direct funds, as they lack expert guidance and require continuous tracking.

Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for balanced growth.

2. Fixed-Income Instruments for Stability
Invest in a mix of fixed-income instruments for steady returns.

Choose options with quarterly or annual payouts to supplement pension income.

This ensures you earn passive income without taking excessive risks.

Inflation Protection and Growth
Inflation reduces the value of money over time.

A part of your savings should be in growth-oriented investments.

Actively managed equity funds provide inflation-beating returns over the long term.

Avoid index funds as they lack active risk management during market downturns.

Health and Insurance Considerations
Ensure you have a good health insurance plan to avoid medical expenses eating into savings.

If you hold LIC, ULIPs, or investment-cum-insurance policies, consider surrendering them.

Reinvest the proceeds in better financial instruments.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
Choose investments that offer tax efficiency to maximise post-tax returns.

Avoid frequent withdrawals, as they may attract capital gains tax.

Use tax-free options for stable and risk-free income generation.

Final Insights
Focus on capital preservation with moderate growth.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for a structured financial approach.

Keep a mix of liquid, fixed-income, and equity investments.

Avoid index funds, direct funds, and real estate for better returns and flexibility.

Plan for healthcare needs and tax efficiency while ensuring financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - Feb 04, 2025 | Answered on Feb 05, 2025
Thank you very much sir
Ans: You're most welcome! ????

Stay disciplined with your finances, and you'll achieve stability soon. If you need further guidance, feel free to ask.

Wishing you financial success and peace of mind!

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8001 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 25, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 47 years old&I want to retire now.I have 70 lakhs in my various savings.please suggest me where should I invest to get 45000/- per month
Ans: Crafting a Retirement Strategy for Financial Independence
Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your life journey. Transitioning into retirement necessitates a thoughtful approach to ensure a secure and fulfilling future. Let's explore strategic investment avenues to generate a monthly income of 45,000 INR from your existing savings of 70 lakhs.

Assessing Your Financial Landscape
Before embarking on your retirement journey, it's essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your financial situation, including existing savings, expenses, and desired lifestyle in retirement. This evaluation forms the foundation of your retirement strategy.

Creating a Sustainable Income Stream
To generate a monthly income of 45,000 INR, you'll need to rely on investment vehicles capable of providing consistent returns while preserving capital. Consider allocating a portion of your savings towards income-generating assets such as fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and dividend-paying stocks.

Leveraging Annuities for Guaranteed Income
Annuities offer a reliable source of income during retirement, providing regular payments over a specified period or for life. Explore the option of investing a portion of your savings in immediate annuities to secure a steady stream of income to supplement your retirement finances.

Balancing Growth and Stability
While prioritizing income generation, it's essential to strike a balance between growth and stability in your investment portfolio. Allocate a portion of your savings towards equity mutual funds or diversified portfolios to capitalize on long-term growth potential while mitigating risk through debt instruments.

Embracing Tax-Efficient Strategies
Maximizing tax efficiency is crucial in retirement planning to optimize your income and preserve wealth. Explore tax-saving investment options such as Senior Citizens' Saving Scheme (SCSS), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), and tax-free bonds to minimize tax liabilities and enhance your retirement income.

Seeking Professional Guidance
As a Certified Financial Planner, I emphasize the importance of seeking professional guidance to tailor a retirement plan aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. A qualified advisor can provide personalized recommendations and navigate you through the complexities of retirement planning.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Retirement planning is an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustment to align with evolving financial objectives and market conditions. Stay vigilant in monitoring your investment portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure long-term financial security.

Conclusion
Transitioning into retirement signifies a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth, exploration, and fulfillment. By strategically allocating your savings across income-generating assets, embracing tax-efficient strategies, and seeking professional guidance, you can embark on this journey with confidence and peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8001 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

Listen
Money
I am 50 years old i have an income of 20000 per mont? .i want to save money for my.daughter marriage and for old age pension .where to invest money of 3lakhs for these achievement or goals
Ans: It's great that you're planning ahead for your daughter's marriage and your old age pension. Let's dive into your options:

With an income of 20,000 per month, saving 3 lakhs might take some time, but it's definitely achievable with proper planning and discipline.

Given your goals, it's essential to strike a balance between safety, growth, and liquidity in your investments. Here's what you can consider:

Fixed Deposits (FDs): FDs offer safety and guaranteed returns. You can consider investing a portion of your savings in FDs to ensure capital preservation for your daughter's marriage.
Debt Mutual Funds: Debt mutual funds provide relatively higher returns than FDs while maintaining liquidity. They're suitable for medium-term goals like your daughter's marriage. Opt for funds with a track record of stable returns and low volatility.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a popular long-term investment option offering tax benefits and steady returns. It can serve as a retirement corpus for you, providing financial security in your old age.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS is designed for individuals above 60 years and offers regular income post-retirement. You can consider investing a portion of your savings in SCSS to build a pension corpus for your old age.
Gold ETFs: Investing in Gold ETFs can provide diversification to your portfolio and act as a hedge against inflation. You can allocate a small portion of your savings to Gold ETFs for long-term wealth preservation.
As you're nearing retirement age, it's crucial to prioritize building a robust retirement corpus alongside saving for your daughter's marriage. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals and risk profile.

Remember, consistency and discipline are key to achieving your financial aspirations. Keep saving regularly, and you'll steadily progress towards your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |248 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 23, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
Sir,I am a bsc. Zoology student interested in pursuing Msc.Clinical embryology. Which all exams should I appear to get admission to this course? Which is better - Msc. Clinical Embryology or Msc. Clinical embryology and Assisted reproductive technology? What is the scope of this subject and what is its pay level? Please guide
Ans: The NTA has started conducting eligibility exams for all PG courses, including professional courses like Pharmacy (MPHARM), known as the PG CUET exams. This is the first year for these exams, with 174 universities participating: 41 central universities, 38 state universities, 12 government institutions, 14 deemed universities, and 69 private universities. Similar to NEET, universities from all over India are involved, so you need not worry. Additionally, you may be able to obtain a scholarship to pursue your course. In the near future, many more universities are expected to join this initiative.

For your specific situation, you need to appear for the entrance exam for TEST PAPER SCQP17, based on the course you have studied and the one you have selected. In some cases, the syllabus is also provided. Therefore, you don’t need to struggle with the admission process. However, you should research which courses are offered by each university to gather the necessary details individually. If you haven't registered this time, you can always try again next time. Please note: A candidate can take up to four different test papers.
Both courses are acceptable, but consider pursuing an MSc in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology for a better future.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |528 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025
Relationship
Hi i am a married woman aged 45 years, i am happily married and have a loving husband. My husband travels a lot due to work and my son is studying in college in Pune. Everything was going fine in my life, but few months back a MBA graduate boy 23 years joined our office in my team. He had to report to me, and our company send us for sales corporatemeetings to Mumbai and other cities often. Gradually we became close and he confessed he had a crush on me. I was falttered but told him i am much older and married. Although i was very flattered that he found me attractive. I am tall 5ft 7 inches and kept myself very fit and always men keep hitting on me but i always ignore them. On our last trip together we went for a meal and had a few drinks together. Then i told him i was sleepy and needed to go to my room. He accompanied to my room and had a coffee. I had a bavk ache and he said he can massage me for 5 mins. I hesitantly agreed during the massage one thing led to another and we had sex and since then we have started having sex whenever we travel togther often. He says he truly loves me but for next 5 years he cannot marry anyone. I have now started loving him a lot i often fight with my husband. I want to continue this affair but am afraid if my husband finds out or if people in office come to know. Strangely another young man in office has starterd showing interest in me and asked me out for a coffee. He also says he likes me a lot anf is caring, I am confused shall i also go for a simple coffee. what if my husband or younger boyfriend find out. Is what i am doing wrong, i just want to live my life fully am i wrong ???
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
If you do not have an open marriage, then what you are doing is certainly wrong. When has cheating ever been right? Especially when you did not mention anything wrong with your husband. I am not judging you; but I would suggest that if you want to keep this up, you either come clean to your husband or let him go. This isn't fair. You living your life to the fullest should not harm or hurt others.
Hope this helps.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8001 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Listen
Money
I am selling my 3bhk flat around 6000000 is it compulsory to invest that money in other property? if i want to invest it what is the best options available to avoid tax?
Ans: Selling a property attracts capital gains tax. Since your flat is a long-term capital asset (held for more than 2 years), the Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax rate is 20% with indexation.

LTCG Calculation = Sale Price - Indexed Cost of Acquisition
Tax Payable = 20% on the LTCG amount
However, you can avoid paying tax by reinvesting the capital gains under certain sections of the Income Tax Act.

Ways to Save Capital Gains Tax
1. Reinvest in Another Residential Property (Section 54)
If you buy another residential property within 2 years or construct within 3 years, you get an exemption on the LTCG amount.
The new property must be in India and should be held for at least 3 years.
If you sell it before 3 years, the exemption is reversed.
? Best for: Those who want to own another property.

2. Invest in Capital Gains Bonds (Section 54EC)
You can invest up to Rs 50 lakhs in NHAI or REC capital gains bonds within 6 months of sale.
The lock-in period is 5 years.
Interest is taxable but the capital gains are exempt.
? Best for: Those who want a risk-free investment with tax savings.

3. Deposit in Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS)
If you haven’t decided where to invest, deposit the LTCG in a Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) before the IT return filing deadline.
This gives you time to buy property or construct a house.
The funds must be used within 3 years, or they become taxable.
? Best for: Those who need time before investing in real estate.

Other Investment Options (But No Tax Exemption)
If you don’t reinvest in property or bonds, the LTCG amount will be taxed at 20%. You can still invest the remaining amount in:

Mutual Funds – Equity funds for long-term growth
Fixed Deposits – Safe returns but fully taxable
Stock Market – High risk, high return potential
These options do not offer tax exemption but help grow wealth.

Final Insights
If you want tax-free gains, reinvest in property or capital gains bonds.
If you don’t want to lock funds, pay LTCG tax and invest in other assets.
Use the Capital Gains Account Scheme if you need time to decide.
Plan based on your financial goals and liquidity needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8001 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Listen
Money
Dear Sir, i'm 27 years old and wish to retire by 50. I live in my own home and investing 50k monthly sip to below funds from past 1 year. 20k tata small cap/ 10k parag parekh flexi cap/ 20k motilal oswal mid cap. Could you please guide me in long term if this would be sustainable or require some adjustments in funds or distribution? I'm hoping for higher returns to have enough big corpse at the time of retirement so not included large cap funds.
Ans: You are investing early, which is a great decision. Your goal of retiring at 50 is ambitious. A strong investment strategy will help achieve it.

Current Investment Overview
SIP Contribution – Rs 50,000 per month
Fund Allocation
Small Cap – Rs 20,000
Mid Cap – Rs 20,000
Flexi Cap – Rs 10,000
Investment Duration – 1 year completed
Key Observations
1. High Risk Allocation – Need for Balance
Your portfolio is heavily tilted toward small and mid caps.
These funds offer high returns but come with volatility.
A more balanced allocation will reduce risk.
2. Absence of Large Cap Exposure
Large caps provide stability in market downturns.
A portion of the portfolio should be in large-cap funds.
This will reduce portfolio fluctuations over time.
3. Flexi Cap Fund – Good Choice for Diversification
This fund type adjusts between market caps.
It provides flexibility based on market conditions.
Retain this fund for better risk management.
Recommended Adjustments
1. Optimizing Fund Distribution
Reduce small-cap allocation from Rs 20,000 to Rs 15,000.
Reduce mid-cap allocation from Rs 20,000 to Rs 15,000.
Add a large-cap fund with Rs 10,000 allocation.
Increase flexi-cap allocation from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.
2. Adding Debt for Stability
As you get closer to retirement, reduce equity exposure.
Start a small allocation in debt funds after 40.
This will ensure capital protection.
3. Tax Planning Considerations
Capital gains tax will apply when you redeem funds.
LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Plan withdrawals in a tax-efficient manner.
Final Insights
Continue SIPs with a more balanced allocation.
Add large-cap funds for stability.
Include debt funds closer to retirement.
Plan tax-efficient withdrawals in the future.
This strategy will ensure a strong retirement corpus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8001 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 18, 2025

Listen
Money
Hi ... I have been very bad a financial planning and have been living the good life without really bothering about the future. I am 48 and work with a MNC and make around 4.5L per month after taxes. I am married with a 17 yr old son who's in 11th. I currently have savings in my bank and equity to the tune of 35L. I have been investing around 80K per month in SIP's for the last 3 years. I have an apartment which is worth around 4cr now and I have a home loan of around 1cr remaining on it. In addition, I have a personal loan of around 40L taken for home interiors (4 more years pending on it). I feel I am not really set up well for my retirement. What would you suggest? My monthly expenses after all this do not have any room for savings.
Ans: You have a strong income and investments. But high loans are affecting savings. You need a structured plan to reduce debt and secure retirement.

Current Financial Overview
Income

Rs 4.5 lakh per month after taxes
Investments & Savings

Rs 35 lakh in bank and equity
Rs 80,000 SIP per month (3 years)
Assets

Apartment worth Rs 4 crore
Loans

Home loan: Rs 1 crore remaining
Personal loan: Rs 40 lakh (4 years left)
Expenses

No room for additional savings after all expenses
Key Financial Concerns
1. Home Loan & Personal Loan – Priority on Repayment
Loan EMIs are affecting savings.
Reduce home loan tenure by increasing EMI, if possible.
Try to prepay the personal loan first. It has a higher interest rate.
Avoid taking more loans until these are cleared.
2. Retirement Planning – Building a Strong Corpus
Your current savings are low for retirement. You need a better plan.

Increase SIPs when personal loan is cleared.
Allocate funds across equity and debt for long-term growth.
Consider PPF, EPF, and debt funds for stability.
Gradually move funds to safer investments as retirement nears.
3. Son’s Higher Education – Plan Early
Your son will enter college in two years. You need a dedicated fund.

Start a separate SIP to cover education costs.
Use debt funds for short-term needs.
Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.
4. Insurance – Protect Your Finances
Ensure you have term insurance of at least Rs 1.5 crore.
Maintain health insurance for family with a high cover.
Avoid traditional insurance plans with low returns.
Final Insights
Focus on repaying personal loan first.
Prepay the home loan gradually for financial freedom.
Increase SIPs once debt reduces.
Start a dedicated education fund for your son.
Build a diversified retirement corpus with equity and debt.
A disciplined approach will secure your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x