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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

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
Dass Question by Dass on May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir my age is 29 don't have any savings How to start savings one my income 900 rupees

Ans: It's commendable that you're keen to embark on your savings journey despite facing financial constraints. Let's explore practical strategies to kickstart your savings plan and build a secure financial future.

Understanding Your Financial Situation

Before diving into savings strategies, let's assess your current financial landscape and identify areas where you can optimize your resources.

Assessment of Financial Position:

At 29 years old and with an income of ?900 per month, you're at the beginning of your financial journey. It's essential to recognize your income level and prioritize prudent financial habits to lay a solid foundation for the future.

1. Budgeting Essentials:

Creating and adhering to a budget is fundamental to effective financial management, irrespective of income level.

Income Evaluation: Start by mapping out your monthly income sources, including salary, allowances, and any additional earnings.
Expense Analysis: Track your expenses meticulously to identify discretionary and non-discretionary spending categories. This will help pinpoint areas where you can cut back and redirect funds towards savings.
Prioritize Savings: Allocate a portion of your income towards savings as a non-negotiable expense. Even a modest amount can accumulate over time and contribute to your financial security.
2. Cultivating Saving Habits:

Inculcating disciplined saving habits is key to achieving your financial goals, regardless of your income level.

Start Small: Begin by setting achievable savings targets that align with your income and expenses. Even saving a nominal amount regularly can foster a habit of thriftiness and financial discipline.
Automate Savings: Explore options to automate your savings process, such as setting up recurring transfers to a designated savings account. This removes the temptation to spend and ensures consistent contributions towards your savings goals.
Track Progress: Monitor your savings progress regularly and celebrate milestones along the way. Seeing your savings grow can motivate you to stay committed to your financial objectives.
3. Exploring Income Enhancement Opportunities:

While your current income may be limited, exploring avenues to augment your earnings can bolster your savings potential.

Skill Development: Invest in acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones that can increase your employability and earning potential. Consider online courses, vocational training programs, or freelance opportunities.
Side Hustles: Explore part-time or freelance gigs that complement your skills and interests. From freelance writing to tutoring, there are myriad opportunities to earn additional income outside of your primary job.
4. Seeking Professional Guidance:

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to devise a tailored savings strategy that aligns with your financial goals and aspirations. A financial planner can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

Conclusion

Initiating savings on a limited income may seem daunting, but with strategic planning, discipline, and perseverance, it's entirely achievable. By prioritizing budgeting, cultivating saving habits, exploring income enhancement opportunities, and seeking professional guidance, you can lay a strong foundation for a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

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

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 23, 2024

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Hello sir I am 48 year old i have not invested in any savings as of now I want to start please help me I am a self employed
Ans: Certainly! It's never too late to start investing. Here are steps you can take to begin your savings and investment journey:

Emergency Fund: Start by building an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of your living expenses. This fund provides financial security in case of unexpected expenses or loss of income.

Retirement Planning: Evaluate your retirement goals and estimate the amount you'll need. Consider options like Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension System (NPS), and systematic investments in mutual funds for long-term growth.

Debt Reduction: If you have high-interest debt, prioritize paying it off. Reducing debt can free up more money for investments.

Diversified Portfolio: Build a diversified investment portfolio that includes a mix of equity, debt, and possibly real estate based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Consider starting a SIP in mutual funds. This allows you to invest regularly in a disciplined manner, benefitting from rupee cost averaging.

Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. This protects you and your family from unforeseen medical expenses and provides financial support in case of any unfortunate events.

Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor. They can help tailor an investment plan based on your unique financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.

Tax Planning: Explore tax-saving investment options like Equity-Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) and other tax-saving instruments to optimize your tax liability.
Stay Informed:

Remember, it's crucial to align your investments with your financial goals and regularly reassess your strategy. Consult with a financial advisor to create a personalized plan that suits your specific circumstances and aspirations

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir my age is 29 how to start in investment my one income 900 rupees I don't have any savings please help me how to savings stat and investment plans
Ans: It's great that you want to start investing and saving. With an income of ?900 per month, it can be challenging, but every small step counts. Let’s explore how you can begin saving and investing.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, understand your income and expenses. Track your monthly spending to identify areas where you can cut back. Even small savings can add up over time.

Setting Realistic Goals
Start with small, achievable goals. Aim to save a portion of your income each month. This helps build a habit of saving.

Creating a Budget
Track Income and Expenses

List all your monthly income and expenses.
Identify non-essential expenses you can reduce or eliminate.
Allocate Savings

Aim to save at least 10% of your income. With ?900, this means saving ?90 each month.
Emergency Fund

Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Start small, aim for ?500 initially.
Saving Methods
Savings Account

Open a basic savings account. It’s safe and earns a small interest.
Recurring Deposit (RD)

Consider starting a recurring deposit with your bank. You can deposit a small fixed amount each month. It’s a disciplined way to save.
Basic Investment Options
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Start a SIP with as little as ?500 per month. Mutual funds have options for low initial investments. SIPs help in disciplined investing and can offer good returns over time.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a safe and long-term investment option. You can start with small amounts and increase contributions as your income grows.
Government Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Open a Jan Dhan account. It offers no minimum balance requirement and other benefits like insurance.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

A pension scheme for workers in the unorganised sector. You can contribute small amounts to secure your retirement.
Increasing Your Income
Skill Development

Invest in learning new skills to increase your earning potential. Look for free or low-cost courses online.
Part-Time Work

Consider part-time jobs or freelancing to supplement your income. This additional income can boost your savings and investment capacity.
Discipline and Patience
Consistency

Regular saving and investing, no matter how small, will yield results over time. Be consistent with your contributions.
Avoid Debt

Avoid unnecessary loans or credit. If you must borrow, ensure you can manage the repayments.
Reviewing and Adjusting
Regular Review

Review your budget and savings plan regularly. Adjust your savings and investment as your income grows.
Seek Advice

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice as your financial situation evolves.

Starting with a small income can be tough, but your determination to save and invest is commendable. Every rupee saved is a step towards financial security. Stay committed, and over time, you’ll see the benefits of your disciplined approach.

Conclusion
Beginning your investment journey at 29 with a limited income is challenging but possible. Start by creating a budget, saving consistently, and exploring safe investment options. Increase your income through skill development and part-time work. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Your commitment to saving and investing will pave the way for a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

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Hello Sir my age 40 till now i am not having any savings my monthly salary 15000/- can you help me out for investing
Ans: Financial Assessment

Your monthly salary is Rs. 15,000.
You have no savings at age 40.
Starting to save now is very important.

Budgeting

Make a list of all your monthly expenses.
Find areas where you can cut back.
Try to save at least 10% of your income.

Emergency Fund

Start building an emergency fund first.
Aim for 3-6 months of expenses.
Keep this money in a savings account.

Insurance

Get a term life insurance policy.
Health insurance is also very important.
These protect your family from financial troubles.

Small Savings

Start with small, regular savings.
Even Rs. 500-1000 per month can make a difference.
Increase the amount as your income grows.

Investment Options

Mutual funds can be good for long-term growth.
Start with balanced or conservative funds.
Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Retirement Planning

It's not too late to start planning for retirement.
Even small amounts invested regularly can grow over time.
Consider PPF or NPS for tax benefits.

Skill Enhancement

Look for ways to increase your income.
Learn new skills that can help you earn more.
This can help you save and invest more.

Debt Management

Avoid taking high-interest loans.
If you have debts, make a plan to pay them off.
Clearing debts is as important as saving.

Regular Review

Check your budget and savings every month.
Adjust your plan as your situation changes.
Stay committed to your financial goals.

Finally

It's great that you want to start saving.
Be patient and consistent with your efforts.
Small steps now can lead to big results later.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |632 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 year old with 1.5 lac salary and 1 crore in FD. Have a 8 year old son. Currently I don't have any EMI but I wish to buy new house of 2 crore with appx loan of 1 cr and remaining 1 cr by selling current house. Also I invest 60k in mutual funds. What can I do if I wish to retire at 45 years and still be able to pay emi using swp and FD income.
Ans: Hello;

General Comments:
People nowadays get carried away by FIRE(Financial independence retire early) fads on social media and go by thumb rules provided on SM for retirement corpus calculation.

Please consult a certified financial planner or a retirement advisor who can guide you on these matters professionally.

Specific comments:
Do your math. If you retire at 45 you have 35 years in retirement considering life expectancy of 80. What corpus would you need to fund:

1. Your inflation indexed retirement income
2. Impact on retirement income due to home loan EMI.
3. Separate provision for higher education of son

If doing 3% SWP can meet your monthly income requirements post-tax it is okay but If you are increasing SWP rate beyond 3% you run the risk of eating into your corpus during periods of flat or negative returns by your fund.

Also pure equity funds for SWP in retirement are a strict NO.

Only hybrid mutual funds such as equity savings or conservative hybrid funds may be suitable with moderate risk.

If your regular expenses are 50 K today they will be 90 K in 10 years, 1.6 L in 20 years time considering modest 6% inflation.

Your 60 K monthly sip if continued for 5 years may yield you a corpus of 50 L assuming modest return of 12% from pure equity mutual funds which could be earmarked for higher education of your son.

Do you have any EPF/NPS corpus?

Please confirm.

Thanks;

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I had purchased kotak premier endowment plan in 2020. SI is 2.82 lakhs and annual premium is 32k. Premium payment term is 10 yrs and maturity term is 17 yrs. After having paid premium for 4 years, i am thinking to surrender the policy as it doesn't convince me anymore with its benefits. However, after paying Rs. 1.28 lakh premium over 4 years, surrender value is coming to Rs. 82k only. Should i continue with this policy or surrender and invest the amount anywhere else. Pls advise. Thanks
Ans: You purchased the Kotak Premier Endowment Plan in 2020. This plan combines insurance with savings. The sum assured is Rs. 2.82 lakhs, and the annual premium is Rs. 32,000.

You’ve already paid Rs. 1.28 lakhs over four years. The premium payment term is 10 years, and the maturity term is 17 years. The surrender value is currently Rs. 82,000, meaning a loss of Rs. 46,000.

Now, you are contemplating whether to continue with this plan or surrender and invest elsewhere.

Evaluating Endowment Plans
Endowment plans typically offer low returns compared to other investment options.
Most endowment plans have a return rate of 4-6%.
The main benefit is insurance coverage, which is often inadequate.
By continuing with this plan, your money may not grow significantly. It also locks your funds for a long period.

Advantages of Surrendering
By surrendering, you free up Rs. 82,000.
You stop further premium payments, avoiding additional allocation to a low-return product.
You can reallocate the funds to better-performing investment options.
Drawbacks of Surrendering
You lose Rs. 46,000 from the premiums paid so far.
Early surrender often results in reduced returns.
The plan’s long-term guaranteed returns will no longer apply.
Alternative Investments
If you surrender, the next step is reinvesting wisely.

Equity Mutual Funds: Offers long-term wealth creation. These funds outperform endowment plans in the long run.
Small-Cap Funds: For higher risk appetite, this can provide superior returns.
Debt Mutual Funds: Suitable for lower risk tolerance. Ideal for stable and predictable returns.
PPF (Public Provident Fund): A safe and tax-efficient option for long-term goals.
Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Active funds often outperform benchmarks.
Professional fund managers actively monitor market opportunities.
You benefit from diversification and risk management.
Avoid direct funds unless you’re a seasoned investor. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or mutual fund distributor ensures better guidance.

Why Insurance Should Be Separate
Insurance-cum-investment plans like endowment are not ideal.
Term insurance offers high coverage at low costs.
Use the money saved from premiums for pure investments.
Tax Implications
Surrendering may have tax implications. Check if your premiums qualified for Section 80C.
New gains from investments may attract taxation. For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
360-Degree Financial Assessment
Financial Goals: Align investments with your goals (e.g., retirement, children’s education).
Risk Appetite: Choose investments matching your comfort level with risk.
Emergency Fund: Maintain liquid funds to handle financial emergencies.
Debt Management: Clear high-interest liabilities before investing.
Portfolio Review: Balance investments between equity, debt, and fixed income.
Final Insights
The decision depends on your long-term goals. Surrendering is better if the plan does not align with your financial strategy. Reallocate wisely to maximize returns. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

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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