I have 7.5 Lakh, where i should invest so that I can earn at least 10-15% pm. Is is it worth to invest in Post Office Monthly Scehme

Ans: Dear Suhas,

Thank you for reaching out for financial advice. It's great to see that you are planning to invest for your future. As a financial advisor, I understand your concerns and will try to provide a balanced and personalized approach for your investment.

Given your age and the amount you want to invest, I would recommend that you consider diversifying your investments across various financial instruments to minimize risk and optimize returns. Here's a suggested allocation of your Rs. 10,000 per month investment:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): A portion of your investment (say, Rs. 3,000 per month) can be directed towards a PPF account. This long-term investment is safe and offers tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. It currently provides an interest rate of around 7-8%, compounded annually.
Fixed Deposits (FD): Allocate around Rs. 2,000 per month towards a Fixed Deposit in a reputable bank. Fixed Deposits are a low-risk investment option with guaranteed returns. You can choose a tenor based on your financial goals and liquidity needs.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): Consider investing around Rs. 2,000 per month in POMIS. This scheme provides a guaranteed monthly income, and the interest rate is generally higher than bank savings accounts.
Mutual Funds: Allocate the remaining Rs. 3,000 per month to mutual funds, specifically targeting a balanced or hybrid fund. These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, providing a balance between risk and return. As you are 52 years old, it is important to have some exposure to equity for better long-term growth, but also to have a significant portion in safer debt instruments.
Please remember that this is just a suggested investment plan, and it is important to review your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon before making any decisions. You may also want to consult with a professional financial planner to create a tailored investment strategy based on your specific needs.

I hope this helps you in making an informed decision about your investments. Wishing you a secure and prosperous financial future!

Best regards,

Ans: I would like to refer to two myths here before I directly answer your question:-
1. Taking life-time to be minimum 90 years, we’re talking about at least 25 more years of living and investing. Hence, it is a myth that investing in older age should be in absolutely safe instruments since inflation doesn’t care for one’s age.
2. While bank FDs and post office instruments might give you steady returns, please remember that they will always give you returns which will be negative after catering for taxes and inflation. This means that the value of your portfolio will always keep decreasing if you fully invest in such instruments only.

Regarding a good investment portfolio for you, please invest as per your risk profile – meaning how much safety and volatility are you comfortable with – and your future requirements. You have mentioned that you are a govt pensioner, implying that you may be getting enough pension for your day-to-day living. So, make out a list of your future requirements (called financial goals). Then apply the formula that long term requirements go into volatile investments like stocks for better returns and short term into safer ones. On top of this, your risk-taking ability is imposed to give you percentage of safe and volatile investments that you should have.

Amongst the instruments to invest, bank FDs or debt mutual fund for safer investments and equity / hybrid mutual funds for longer term would be good for you. In FDs and debt MFs, try to take longer term investments since interest rates are quite high now. Avoid post office instruments like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme and PO MIS since they compulsorily give you an income which you probably do not need, and hence miss out on the compounding advantages.

For you grand daughter, only good equity funds should do, assuming that she’s very young.

Ans: Given your goal of purchasing a home in the near future, it's crucial to prioritize investments that offer liquidity and stability. Here's a suggested allocation for your monthly investment of 40k:

Liquid Funds: Allocate a significant portion, say 50%, into liquid funds. These funds provide high liquidity and low volatility, making them suitable for short-term goals like saving for a home purchase.

Short-Term Debt Funds: Allocate around 30% of your investment into short-term debt funds. These funds offer slightly higher returns than liquid funds while maintaining relatively low risk.

Conservative Hybrid Funds: Allocate the remaining 20% into conservative hybrid funds. These funds invest in a mix of debt and equity, providing potential for modest growth while mitigating risk.

By diversifying your investments across these categories, you can balance liquidity, stability, and potential returns, aligning with your goal of purchasing a home in the near future. Additionally, it's advisable to review your investment strategy periodically and make adjustments based on changes in your financial situation or investment goals.

Ans: To achieve a monthly income of approximately 5 lakhs through investments without relying on stocks or mutual funds, you'll need to explore alternative investment options. Real estate is one avenue, but there are other possibilities as well. Here's a strategy you might consider:

Evaluate Real Estate Investments: Real estate can provide a steady stream of rental income, especially if you invest in commercial properties, residential rental properties in high-demand areas, or vacation rentals in popular tourist destinations. Conduct thorough research on property markets, rental yields, occupancy rates, and potential appreciation before making investments.

Consider Fixed Income Investments: Explore fixed income instruments such as government bonds, corporate bonds, fixed deposits (FDs), and high-yield savings accounts. While these investments typically offer lower returns compared to stocks, they provide stability and regular income. Look for instruments with higher interest rates or coupon payments to maximize your income potential.

Explore Business Ventures: Consider investing in businesses or startups that have the potential for high returns. This could involve becoming a silent partner or providing capital in exchange for equity. However, investing in businesses carries inherent risks, so conduct thorough due diligence and seek professional advice before proceeding.

Dividend-Paying Stocks: While you mentioned avoiding stocks, some dividend-paying stocks offer consistent income streams. Look for established companies with a track record of dividend payments and stable earnings. Dividend income can supplement your overall investment income without the volatility associated with growth stocks.

Alternative Investments: Explore alternative investment options such as real estate investment trusts (REITs), peer-to-peer lending platforms, infrastructure funds, or renewable energy projects. These investments offer diversification and potentially higher returns compared to traditional fixed income instruments.

Diversify Your Portfolio: To minimize risk and enhance income potential, diversify your investments across different asset classes and investment vehicles. Avoid putting all your funds into one asset or investment type. Instead, spread your investments across multiple opportunities to balance risk and return.

Consult with Financial Advisors: Given your specific income target and risk preferences, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can assess your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. An advisor can help you develop a customized investment strategy tailored to your needs and objectives.

While achieving a monthly income of 5 lakhs solely through investments requires careful planning and risk management, diversifying your portfolio across multiple income-generating assets can help you work towards your income goal while mitigating risks.

It's important to note that all investments carry some level of risk, and thorough research and professional guidance are crucial when making investment decisions.

Ans: Investing wisely is crucial for achieving your financial goals. Let's explore some options suited to your needs:

Saving and investing can be daunting, but you're taking the right step by seeking advice. Kudos to you!

Considering your age and financial situation, it's essential to strike a balance between risk and return.

Equity mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns over the long term, but they come with market risks.

Debt mutual funds provide stability and regular income with lower risk, making them suitable for conservative investors.

Fixed deposits provide security but may not offer inflation-beating returns, especially in the current low-interest-rate environment.

National Pension System (NPS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) offer tax benefits and stable returns, making them attractive options for retirement planning.

Avoiding real estate is a wise choice, as it involves high initial costs and liquidity issues.

To make informed decisions, consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can assess your risk tolerance and financial goals, guiding you towards suitable investment options.

Remember, investing is a journey, not a sprint. Stay disciplined, and you'll reap the rewards in the long run.

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