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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 29, 2023

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
SHIVAPRASAD Question by SHIVAPRASAD on Jan 27, 2023Hindi
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At the age of 30, what kind of savings are suggested...?

Ans: Before giving this answer, I assume the following:-
• You have a job with some capacity to invest for your future financial goals.
• You have not done any investments so far and are starting afresh.
Whatever you have already done or are already doing can be discounted from what I have written below.

As a young person with family responsibilities right now or coming up in future, you should be doing the following:-
• You should have an emergency fund at the very outset, equal to 6-12 months’ worth of your expenses, to cater for unforeseen circumstances like a job loss or gap while transiting to another job. If you do not have it, create earliest through a lumpsum or slowly contributing to it, as convenient to you. It should be invested in small bank FDs or Liquid mutual funds from where you can take it out in a short period of time.
• Have a term insurance plan with a life cover equal to about 7 years of your annual income, in case you have any financial dependencies.
• Even if you have a medical insurance cover given by your employer, have your own cover too for about Rs 3-5 Lakhs to cater for employer provided cover not being there.
• Subscribe to EPF to the extent of Rs 2.5 Lakh (own contribution) per year which is the maximum tax-free amount you can contribute to it.
• Depending on your risk profile, invest in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plan) of Equity Mutual Funds for your long term goals occurring at least 5 years from now. In case you have any goals coming up withing 5 years, the investment should be done in a combination of FDs/RDs, debt funds and hybrid funds as per the amount available with you and your risk profile. Increase these SIPs as per your salary increase every year.
• Your financial goals would pertain to your children, house, retirement, vacations, vehicle and many more as per your own perception and requirements. For retirement goal, NPS (National Pension Scheme) would also be a good way to go ahead with in the form of SIPs there.
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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Age is 55 Y. Salary is 30K. No saving at present. What to do for saving for oldage .
Ans: Given your age of 55 and current salary of ?30,000 with no savings, it's important to take proactive steps to build a financial cushion for your retirement years. Here's a tailored plan to kickstart your savings journey:

Assess Expenses and Budgeting
Track Expenses
Begin by tracking your monthly expenses to understand where your money is going. Identify areas where you can cut back or reduce spending.

Create a Budget
Based on your expenses, create a realistic monthly budget that allocates a portion of your income towards savings and investments.

Emergency Fund
Start Small
Begin by setting aside a small portion of your salary each month towards building an emergency fund. Aim to gradually increase this fund to cover at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses.

High-Yield Savings Account
Park your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account or a liquid fund for easy access in case of unexpected expenses.

Retirement Savings
Invest in Retirement Plans
Consider investing in retirement plans such as the National Pension System (NPS) or Public Provident Fund (PPF). These offer tax benefits and provide a stable avenue for long-term savings.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Start SIPs in mutual funds that align with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Choose funds with a track record of consistent performance and diversify across asset classes for optimal returns.

Additional Income
Explore Part-Time Work
Consider taking up part-time work or freelance opportunities to supplement your income. This can provide additional funds for savings and investments.

Downsize Expenses
Evaluate your lifestyle and consider downsizing expenses where possible. This could include cutting back on discretionary spending or exploring cheaper alternatives for essential expenses.

Seek Professional Advice
Consult a Financial Advisor
Seek guidance from a certified financial planner who can assess your financial situation and recommend personalized strategies to meet your retirement goals.

Retirement Planning
Work with a financial advisor to create a comprehensive retirement plan that accounts for your current financial situation, future income needs, and investment objectives.

Stay Committed
Consistent Savings
Commit to a disciplined savings routine, setting aside a portion of your income each month towards your financial goals.

Monitor Progress
Regularly review your savings and investment portfolio to track progress towards your retirement goals. Adjust your strategy as needed to stay on track.

Conclusion
By implementing these steps, you can begin building a solid foundation for your retirement savings, even at age 55. It's never too late to start saving, and with dedication and careful planning, you can secure a comfortable retirement.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7012 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Saving plan at age of 41
Ans: Crafting a Savings Plan at 41
At 41, it's important to have a solid savings plan in place to secure your financial future. Let's outline a comprehensive strategy tailored to your needs.

Assessing Financial Goals
Short-Term Needs
Identify short-term financial goals such as emergency funds, upcoming expenses, and debt repayment.

Long-Term Objectives
Consider long-term goals such as retirement planning, children's education, and wealth accumulation.

Establishing a Budget
Track Expenses
Analyze your current spending habits to identify areas where you can cut back and redirect funds towards savings.

Set Priorities
Allocate a portion of your income towards savings, ensuring you prioritize essentials while still allowing for discretionary spending.

Building an Emergency Fund
Financial Safety Net
Set aside funds equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses to cover unforeseen emergencies like medical expenses or job loss.

High Liquidity
Keep your emergency fund in easily accessible and liquid accounts such as savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.

Retirement Planning
Retirement Corpus
Calculate the amount you'll need for a comfortable retirement and determine how much you need to save each month to reach that goal.

Retirement Accounts
Explore retirement savings options such as Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), or National Pension System (NPS) for tax benefits and long-term growth.

Education Planning
Children's Education
Estimate the cost of your children's education and start investing in education-focused instruments like mutual funds or education savings plans.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Consider SIPs in mutual funds with a suitable risk profile and investment horizon to gradually build a corpus for education expenses.

Review and Adjust
Regular Monitoring
Regularly review your savings plan to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and make adjustments as needed.

Stay Disciplined
Maintain discipline in sticking to your savings plan, even during times of economic uncertainty or market volatility.

Conclusion
By following a structured savings plan tailored to your financial goals and lifestyle, you can build a strong financial foundation and work towards achieving long-term prosperity and security.

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

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How to plan for saving at age of 41.
Ans: Comprehensive Financial Planning for a 41-Year-Old
At 41, planning for your financial future is crucial. You have a substantial number of working years ahead, allowing ample time to build a robust retirement corpus. This guide will help you develop a comprehensive plan, aligning with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
At this stage, it’s essential to clearly define your financial goals. These might include retirement planning, children's education, and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals will guide your investment strategy.


Your proactive approach to financial planning at 41 is commendable. This diligence and foresight will significantly enhance your financial security and future comfort.

Importance of Increasing Savings and Investments
To build a substantial retirement corpus, increasing your savings and investments is critical. Allocating a higher portion of your income towards savings will leverage the power of compounding, accelerating your corpus growth.

Diversification: The Key to Risk Management
Diversification is essential for managing risk and optimizing returns. By spreading your investments across various asset classes, such as equities and debt, you can balance risk and reward effectively.

Equity Mutual Funds for Long-Term Growth
Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term growth. They invest in stocks, which can offer high returns over time. Actively managed equity funds, in particular, can outperform the market due to the expertise of fund managers.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds passively track a market index and lack flexibility. They may underperform in volatile markets as they cannot adapt to changes. Actively managed funds have the potential to capitalize on market opportunities for better returns.

Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt mutual funds provide stability to your portfolio. They invest in fixed-income securities and are less volatile than equity funds. This stability is essential for balancing the higher risks associated with equities.

Hybrid Funds for Balanced Exposure
Hybrid funds invest in both equities and debt, offering a balanced risk-reward ratio. They provide moderate returns and stability, making them suitable for investors seeking a balanced portfolio.

Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Regular funds, accessed through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential, come with professional advice. This guidance is crucial for navigating complex financial markets and achieving your goals. Direct funds require self-management, which can be challenging without expert knowledge.

Importance of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can offer tailored advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Their expertise helps in creating a customized investment strategy, ensuring your path to a secure retirement is clear and achievable.

Increasing Your SIP Contributions
Consider increasing your SIP contributions as your income grows. Allocating an additional amount each month can significantly boost your retirement corpus over time. This adjustment leverages the power of compounding to accelerate your investment growth.

Portfolio Review and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is essential to maintain alignment with your financial goals. This process involves adjusting your asset allocation to ensure optimal performance and risk management.

Emergency Fund and Insurance Coverage
Maintaining an emergency fund is crucial for financial security. This fund provides a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, ensuring you don’t need to dip into your investments. Adequate insurance coverage protects against unforeseen events, safeguarding your financial health.

Efficient Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can maximize your investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments and strategies to minimize your tax liability. For instance, investing in Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) can provide tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Setting Realistic Expectations
Investing is a long-term endeavour. It’s essential to set realistic expectations for returns and remain patient. Market fluctuations are normal, and staying invested during volatile periods is key to achieving your financial goals.

Staying Informed About Market Trends
Keeping yourself informed about market trends and economic developments helps you make better investment decisions. Regularly educate yourself on financial markets and investment strategies to adapt your plan as needed.

Seeking Professional Guidance
While self-learning is valuable, professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is essential. A CFP can provide personalized advice, ensuring your investments are well-managed and aligned with your goals.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) can provide regular income during retirement. SWPs allow you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically, ensuring a steady cash flow while keeping your capital invested.

Conclusion
Your goal of securing a financially stable future is attainable with disciplined investing, diversification, and professional guidance. By following the strategies outlined in this guide and regularly reviewing your progress, you can achieve financial independence and secure your future.

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