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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on May 14, 2021

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abhishek Question by abhishek on May 14, 2021Hindi
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In addition to above being a Serving Officer in Indian Army my Monthly contributions incl 

Rs 5000 in Army Group Insurance Fund- compulsory
Rs 20000- in Defence Service Officers Provident Fund- compulsory,

Rs 8000- Sukanya Samridhhi account since 2016 for my daughter -voluntary
Rs 50000- per annum in NPS Tier I ( as individual private investor) as I am covered under Old Pension Scheme- voluntary

Ans: These are fine for debt part of the portfolio

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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2024Hindi
Money
I am Sankar Roy 45 year old a Junior commission officer of India Army. Plaing to pension out with LMC ground by Apr 25. I will having total amount of Rs 48 Lacs retirement amount by Apr 25. Pension pm Rs 33000/ pm. Monthly expiditute Rs 50000 pm . Want 1 CR after 10 years . LIC will mature by 2032/ 20 Lacs . Health Insurance not required as ECHS facility are given by Govt./Army . Pl advice me how to invest. DA will increase 8% yerly. Will ing to invest Mutual fund with moderate risk. Preference to invest 50 % Govt Bank as no other side income are there. Personal house at Kolkata. Joka . No other liability and loan are their. Two son are studying one in 11th and one in class 1st at KV . Pl sir make my investment profile for my desired 1 CR. With regards Harekrishna. I will be grateful.
Ans: Dear Harekrishna,

First and foremost, I want to commend your dedicated service to our nation. Your efforts and sacrifices are truly appreciated. Let's work towards crafting a financial plan that meets your needs and goals.

You aim to accumulate Rs 1 crore in 10 years and manage your monthly expenses post-retirement. With a retirement corpus of Rs 48 lakhs, monthly pension of Rs 33,000, and expected LIC maturity of Rs 20 lakhs by 2032, we need a balanced approach to investment.

Monthly Expense Management
Your current monthly expenditure is Rs 50,000. After retirement, you will receive Rs 33,000 as a pension, leaving a shortfall of Rs 17,000. This gap can be managed through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) from your investments.

You will need to invest in a way that ensures a steady income while allowing your corpus to grow.

Investment in Government Bank FDs
Given your preference for safety and 50% allocation to government bank deposits, we can allocate Rs 24 lakhs to Fixed Deposits (FDs). This will provide stable, albeit modest, returns. FDs in government banks are secure and offer interest rates ranging from 5% to 7%.

This conservative portion ensures you have a safety net and liquidity.

Investment in Mutual Funds
With the remaining Rs 24 lakhs, a diversified portfolio in mutual funds can be created. Given your moderate risk appetite, a balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt funds is advisable.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds involve professional management and aim to outperform the market. The fund manager’s expertise can potentially yield higher returns compared to index funds, which simply track the market.

Actively managed funds can adapt to market conditions, manage risk better, and aim for superior performance. This can be particularly beneficial in achieving your long-term goal of Rs 1 crore.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
To accumulate Rs 1 crore in 10 years, a disciplined investment approach is essential. Investing through SIPs in equity-oriented mutual funds can leverage the power of compounding. Starting a SIP with a portion of your savings will gradually build your wealth.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
To cover the Rs 17,000 monthly shortfall, an SWP from your mutual fund investments can be arranged. This will provide a regular income while allowing the remaining corpus to continue growing.

Balancing Risk and Returns
Your portfolio will consist of:

50% in Government Bank FDs for stability.
50% in diversified mutual funds for growth.
This balance ensures you have a mix of safety and growth.

Evaluating Direct vs Regular Mutual Funds
Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios but require active management by the investor. This can be time-consuming and challenging without expertise. Regular funds, managed through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), provide professional guidance, potentially enhancing returns and ensuring your investments align with your goals.

The additional cost of regular funds is justified by the professional management and peace of mind they offer.

Reviewing and Rebalancing
Regular reviews of your investment portfolio are essential. Market conditions and personal circumstances change, and your investment strategy should adapt accordingly. A CFP can help with periodic rebalancing to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk level.

Additional Considerations
Your LIC maturity of Rs 20 lakhs in 2032 can be reinvested to further boost your corpus. The government’s Dearness Allowance (DA) increase by 8% yearly will help in offsetting inflation and managing expenses.

Your sons' education expenses will gradually increase. Planning for these costs now will ensure their educational needs are met without financial strain.

Summary of Action Plan
Allocate Rs 24 lakhs in Government Bank FDs for stability.
Invest Rs 24 lakhs in diversified mutual funds via SIPs for growth.
Use SWP from mutual funds to cover the monthly shortfall of Rs 17,000.
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio with a CFP’s assistance.
Reinvest LIC maturity amount for continued growth.
By following this plan, you can manage your expenses, grow your corpus, and achieve your goal of Rs 1 crore in 10 years.

Final Thoughts
Your disciplined approach to financial planning is commendable. With careful investment and regular reviews, you can secure your financial future and support your family’s needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 14, 2024

Money
Dear Sir, I aman Army Veteran of 64 years snd wife aged 61. I have a monthly pension of Rs 1,8lakh pm. I have following investments. FDs 1.2 Cr @ 8pc SCSS 30 lakh @7.8pc Gold ETF 6 lakh PPF Rs 22 lakh. Rs12500 pm. Maturing in Mar 28. Equity Rs 1.5 cr. Investment through self study. MF HDFC multy cap Rs 29 lakh. Monthly contribution Rs 10K. MIRAE ASSETS Emerging Blue Chip Rs 23 Lakh. Monthly contribution Rs 12500 pm ICICI Pru bluechip Pru blue chip Rs 33 lakh. Monthly contribution Rs 50K Bandhan Multi Cap Rs 23 lakh. Monthly contribution Rs 15K. Frankin Temp Rs 1.2 lakh. No monthly contribution All MF direct schemes. I have a house to live. Choldren Son 34 married and settled. Daughter 28. Working good package. Responsibilty. Only daughter marriage House Hold expenditure Rs 50K. Covere for medical by ECHS. I have only one goal to leave a corpus of Rs20Cr or more for my children in the next 15 years. Please advise any changes in the investment. Thank you Jasbir Singh
Ans: Dear Mr. Jasbir Singh,

First, I must commend you for your disciplined approach to financial planning and your desire to secure a substantial corpus for your children. At 64 years old, with a stable pension of Rs. 1.8 lakh per month and various well-placed investments, you are in a strong financial position. Your investments are diversified across fixed deposits (FDs), Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS), gold ETFs, Public Provident Fund (PPF), equities, and mutual funds.

Your primary goal is to leave a corpus of Rs. 20 crore or more for your children in the next 15 years. With your current financial standing, you have laid a solid foundation to achieve this.

Evaluating Your Existing Portfolio
1. Fixed Deposits (FDs)

You have Rs. 1.2 crore in FDs earning 8% interest. This provides stable, risk-free returns and liquidity, which is essential for your age. However, FDs generally offer lower returns compared to other investment options. Given your long-term horizon, consider the opportunity cost of keeping a large portion of your portfolio in FDs.
2. Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS)

SCSS is a safe investment with a reasonable interest rate of 7.8%, offering quarterly interest payouts. This is a good option for generating regular income, especially given the tax benefits. Keep this investment as it aligns with your risk profile and cash flow needs.
3. Gold ETFs

You have Rs. 6 lakh in gold ETFs, which provide a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties. This is a good long-term investment, but the returns are generally moderate. Since your portfolio is diversified, maintaining this small allocation to gold is beneficial.
4. Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Your PPF investment of Rs. 22 lakh, with a monthly contribution of Rs. 12,500, will mature in March 2028. PPF is a safe and tax-efficient investment, and you should continue it as part of your retirement planning. Given the current interest rates, PPF offers attractive long-term returns.
5. Equities

You have Rs. 1.5 crore in equities, which you manage through self-study. Equities are vital for long-term growth, and your involvement shows that you are well-versed in market dynamics. However, regular portfolio review and rebalancing are crucial to mitigate risks.
6. Mutual Funds

Your mutual fund portfolio is diversified across different funds, with a significant investment in large-cap and multi-cap funds. The monthly SIP contributions demonstrate a disciplined investment approach.
Suggested Adjustments to Achieve Your Goal
1. Rebalance Your Portfolio

Increase Equity Exposure: Considering your long-term goal of Rs. 20 crore, increasing your equity exposure could enhance your portfolio’s growth potential. You might consider reallocating some funds from FDs to equities or equity mutual funds, as they typically offer higher returns over the long term.

Diversify Equity Investments: While you have a strong base in large-cap and multi-cap funds, consider adding mid-cap and small-cap funds for potentially higher returns, though they come with increased risk.

Monitor and Rebalance Regularly: Review your portfolio at least annually to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Adjust your asset allocation based on market conditions and your risk tolerance.

2. Optimize Your Tax Efficiency

Maximize Tax Benefits: Continue maximizing tax-saving opportunities through your PPF and SCSS investments. Consider tax-efficient mutual funds under the long-term capital gains tax regime, especially for equity investments held for over a year.

Minimize Tax Liabilities: Given your high pension, you might be in a higher tax bracket. Efficient tax planning, including timing the sale of investments to optimize tax impact, is crucial.

3. Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer

Create a Will: Ensure you have a clear and legally sound will in place to avoid any legal complications for your heirs. Specify how your assets should be distributed among your children.

Trust Planning: Consider setting up a trust if you want to manage the distribution of your wealth after your demise. This can provide more control over how and when your children receive the inheritance.

Nomination and Documentation: Ensure that all your investments have proper nominations. Keep your financial documents and information organized and accessible to your family.

4. Increase SIP Contributions

Gradually Increase SIPs: As your pension and existing investments provide stability, consider gradually increasing your SIP contributions. This will help you take advantage of the power of compounding over the next 15 years.

Focus on Growth-Oriented Funds: Since you are aiming for a Rs. 20 crore corpus, growth-oriented mutual funds with a good track record should be your focus. Regularly review the performance of your current SIPs and adjust if necessary.

5. Review Your Risk Tolerance

Risk Assessment: As you age, your risk tolerance may decrease. Periodically assess your risk tolerance and adjust your equity exposure accordingly. A balanced approach that considers both growth and preservation of capital is essential.

Health Coverage: Although you are covered by ECHS, consider having additional health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses not covered under ECHS. This will protect your corpus from being depleted due to medical emergencies.

Final Insights
You are in a commendable financial position with a clear vision for your family's future. By making strategic adjustments to your portfolio, optimizing tax efficiency, and ensuring proper estate planning, you are well on your way to achieving your goal of leaving a substantial corpus for your children.

Keep in mind the importance of regular portfolio reviews and adjustments. The financial landscape can change, and staying informed will help you navigate your investment journey successfully.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |431 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2024Hindi
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A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

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.

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