Abhishek Asked on - Jun 26, 2024 Hi I am 43 Year old Software engineer having 1.6 Cr in Mutual Funds, 30L in FD and 13 L in NPS , 30 L in EPF and also have my own house with ground floor on rent, , currently earning Rs 1L a month. I have a 13 year old son, I am planning to retire by 45 , will it be possible or do I need to actively work for at least 7 more years, I have Term life insurance of 75L and health insurance as well. My needs are mostly modest with 50K - 60K needed for monthly expenditure in a tier 3 city (Indore)

Ans: Congratulations on building such a substantial net worth at 36! Your financial discipline and strategic investments have put you in a strong position for the future. Let's assess whether you can retire comfortably in a tier 2 city with your current assets:

With a net worth of 4.2 crores, including investments, real estate, and other assets, you have accumulated a significant amount for retirement.

Your monthly expenses of 60K are relatively modest compared to your net worth and monthly income of 1.8L, which is a positive sign for retirement planning.

The absence of any outstanding loans, coupled with life and health insurance coverage, provides financial stability and security for you and your spouse.

Retirement readiness depends on various factors, including your desired lifestyle in retirement, inflation, healthcare costs, and potential unforeseen expenses.

Given your substantial net worth and relatively low monthly expenses, you may have the option to retire comfortably in a tier 2 city, especially if you continue to manage your finances prudently.

However, it's essential to consider factors such as inflation, healthcare expenses, and potential market fluctuations that could impact your retirement corpus over time.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting a detailed retirement projection analysis to assess whether your current assets are sufficient to sustain your desired lifestyle throughout retirement.

Additionally, continue to monitor and adjust your investment portfolio as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Remember, retirement is not just about financial readiness but also about emotional and psychological preparedness. Ensure you have meaningful activities and pursuits planned for your retired life.

With careful planning and ongoing financial management, you can look forward to a comfortable and fulfilling retirement in your tier 2 city.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Great to hear about your impressive financial progress. Let’s dive deep into your situation and analyze your retirement feasibility by age 45.

Current Financial Landscape
You have Rs 1.6 crore in mutual funds, Rs 30 lakh in FDs, Rs 13 lakh in NPS, and Rs 30 lakh in EPF. Your house also provides rental income. This solid base is commendable!

Your monthly salary is Rs 1 lakh, with Rs 50,000-60,000 needed for monthly expenses in Indore. Your term life insurance of Rs 75 lakh and health insurance provide necessary coverage.

Evaluating Your Retirement Plan
Retiring at 45 is ambitious, but not impossible. Let’s assess it.

Mutual Funds

Your Rs 1.6 crore in mutual funds is a great start. Mutual funds provide diversification and potential for good returns. However, ensure you have a mix of equity and debt funds. Equity funds can grow your wealth, but carry higher risk. Debt funds are more stable but offer lower returns. This mix will balance growth and safety.

Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Rs 30 lakh in FDs is safe but offers low returns. Consider reducing your FD amount and shifting some funds to mutual funds or other higher-yield options. This could enhance your growth potential without significantly increasing risk.

National Pension System (NPS)

Rs 13 lakh in NPS is good. NPS is beneficial due to tax benefits and long-term growth potential. Continue contributing to NPS, as it will be a key source of post-retirement income.

Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)

Rs 30 lakh in EPF is another strong point. EPF provides a decent return and is a reliable retirement corpus. Ensure you continue contributing to this fund until retirement.

Real Estate

Your house with rental income adds to your financial stability. Rental income can supplement your expenses post-retirement. However, property management can be a hassle, so factor that into your plans.

Monthly Expenditure Analysis
You need Rs 50,000-60,000 monthly for expenses. This translates to Rs 6-7.2 lakh annually. Post-retirement, your income must cover this without depleting your savings.

Assessing Your Financial Goals
Retirement Corpus

To sustain Rs 6-7.2 lakh annual expenses, you need a substantial retirement corpus. Typically, financial planners suggest a corpus of 20-25 times your annual expenses. This means you need around Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.8 crore.

Your current savings and investments total Rs 2.33 crore (excluding rental income and insurance). This is close to your target, but let’s consider inflation and unforeseen expenses.

Analyzing the Feasibility of Retiring at 45
Inflation Impact

Inflation erodes purchasing power. Assuming an average inflation rate of 6%, your Rs 50,000-60,000 monthly need will grow. You must account for this when planning your retirement corpus.

Healthcare Costs

Health expenses tend to rise with age. Ensure your health insurance covers significant medical costs. Consider increasing your health insurance coverage if necessary.

Education Expenses

Your son is 13. Education expenses, especially higher education, can be substantial. Ensure you have allocated enough funds for this.

Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses. This fund should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses.

Power of Compounding
Mutual Funds Growth

Mutual funds benefit from the power of compounding. Over time, reinvested returns generate additional income, significantly growing your wealth. This is crucial for building a robust retirement corpus.

Evaluating Risks
Market Risk

Equity mutual funds are subject to market risk. Diversify your portfolio to mitigate this risk. Don’t put all your money in one type of investment.

Interest Rate Risk

FDs and debt funds are affected by interest rate changes. Balance these with equity investments for optimal returns.

Longevity Risk

You might live longer than expected. Ensure your corpus is adequate to support a longer retirement period.

Strategy for Early Retirement
Step 1: Diversify Investments

Ensure a balanced mix of equity, debt, and other assets. This reduces risk and optimizes returns.

Step 2: Increase Contributions

Increase contributions to your NPS and EPF. This enhances your retirement corpus.

Step 3: Continue Working

Consider working a few more years if possible. This boosts your savings and delays corpus withdrawal.

Step 4: Reevaluate Insurance

Ensure your term life insurance and health insurance are adequate. Adjust coverage as needed.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Portfolio

Regularly review and adjust your investment portfolio. This ensures alignment with your goals and market conditions.

Understanding Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional managers making investment decisions. These managers aim to outperform the market, potentially providing better returns than index funds.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Professional Management: Experts manage your investments.
Potential for Higher Returns: Aim to outperform the market.
Flexibility: Managers can adjust portfolios based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Index Funds

Passive Management: No active decision-making.
Market-Linked Returns: Returns mirror the market, no chance of outperformance.
Lack of Flexibility: Fixed portfolio structure, no adjustments.
Benefits of Regular Funds
Expert Guidance

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides professional advice and personalized strategies. CFPs guide you based on your financial goals and risk appetite.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Regular funds offer continuous monitoring and adjustments. This ensures your investments stay aligned with your financial goals.

Risk Management

CFPs help in managing risks through diversification and strategic asset allocation.

Final Insights
Retiring at 45 is ambitious, but with careful planning, it's possible. Your current financial status is strong, but consider the following steps:

Diversify Investments: Balance between equity, debt, and other assets.
Increase Contributions: Boost your NPS and EPF contributions.
Review Insurance: Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage.
Consider Working Longer: A few more years of work can significantly strengthen your financial position.
Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review and adjust your investment portfolio.
Your current assets and income are commendable, and with strategic planning, you can achieve a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It’s commendable that you've accumulated a diverse portfolio with a clear retirement goal. Let's evaluate if your current portfolio aligns with a secure retirement.

Portfolio Review and Income Assessment
Based on your retirement aspirations, let’s consider each component of your portfolio and its potential to generate sustainable income:

Fixed Deposits (FD): Rs 22 lakh
FD interest can serve as a steady income source, though it typically yields lower returns, which may not keep up with inflation over the long term.

Mutual Funds (MF): Rs 22 lakh, with a SIP of Rs 33,000
MFs offer potential growth and help combat inflation. Continuing your SIPs could grow this corpus further, providing higher returns than fixed-income sources.

Gold: Rs 10 lakh
Gold adds stability and can be liquidated if needed. However, it might not be the best primary income source.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF): Rs 24 lakh and Gratuity Approx Rs 10 lakh
EPF and gratuity offer safe post-retirement funds. When you withdraw, they can be used as a source of regular income or reinvested for returns.

Equity Investments: Rs 10 lakh
Your equity investments add growth potential. Over time, this can be a crucial source to combat inflation.

Rental Income: Rs 25,000 per month
Rental income provides a consistent cash flow, covering a large portion of your monthly expenses. This income will be valuable post-retirement to meet regular needs.

Expense and Income Projection
With monthly expenses at Rs 30,000–35,000, and rental income already covering most of these costs, your current lifestyle is well supported. However, to retire comfortably, a buffer for healthcare, travel, and inflation is necessary.

Strategy for Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and expected needs, here’s a recommended approach to secure a steady retirement income:

Mutual Fund Strategy
Continuing your SIPs for the next 2-3 years will help grow your corpus further. Consider moving part of the equity-based mutual funds into debt funds close to retirement to reduce risk while generating returns.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
At retirement, you can initiate an SWP from your mutual fund corpus, providing a steady income. This strategy allows capital appreciation with controlled withdrawals, reducing the risk of prematurely depleting your funds.

Fixed Deposit Laddering
To maximise interest rates and ensure liquidity, consider a laddering strategy with your FDs. This will help meet emergency needs and take advantage of better rates.

Rental Income
Your rental income of Rs 25,000 is a reliable source. To protect it, ensure the property remains well-maintained and consider lease renewals with trusted tenants to maintain stability.

Contingency for Healthcare and Son’s Education
Health Insurance: Rs 10 lakh
Assess your current health cover, especially considering rising medical costs. A top-up or super top-up plan could add an extra layer of protection.

Son’s Education
Your son’s education may require additional funding. Any shortfall could be met by partial liquidation of non-core assets, like gold or FDs, if needed.

Estate and Legacy Planning
Your parental house and land provide substantial long-term security. Though not income-generating immediately, they offer future flexibility if liquidated or rented.

Final Insights
Your assets, income sources, and low monthly expenses indicate a strong readiness for retirement. With minor adjustments for healthcare and education, you can comfortably meet your goals. Continuing your current SIPs for the next few years and optimising your FD and MF corpus will help sustain your income post-retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello;

You may start a monthly sip of 1 L into a combination of pure equity mutual funds(25% each into flexi cap, multi cap, large and midcap and large cap fund). You may select any fund from the top quartile in these categories.

After 10 years this may grow into a corpus of 2.32 Cr.

The direct stock holding of 1.2 Cr may grow into a sum of 3.11 Cr in 10 years.

The ppf corpus if retained and invested for further 10 years will grow into a sum of 1.38 Cr.

Your current monthly expenses of 1 L will rise to 1.63 L over 10 years considering 5% inflation.

Your total corpus after 10 years will be 2.32+3.11+1.38=6.81 Cr.

Deduct 4 Cr meant for kids from this corpus and you have net corpus of 6.81-4=2.81 Cr.

If you buy an immediate annuity for this corpus of then you may expect a monthly income of 1.12 L post tax.

Add your monthly rental income from real estate assets to this and you are set for retirement.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest