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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7070 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Paul Question by Paul on May 13, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, My age is 35yrs, I have a 7 year old daughter, i want to achieve 10lakhs at the time of her college education that is 16 or 17years. I have 8 years from now, please suggest the best investment option with low risk to achieve my target.

Ans: Your foresight in planning for your daughter's education demonstrates your commitment to her future well-being.

Analysis:
With an 8-year time horizon, it's crucial to balance risk and return to achieve your financial goal effectively.
Low-Risk Investment Options
Evaluating Fixed Income Instruments:
Sovereign Bonds or Government Securities:

Government bonds offer a low-risk investment option with guaranteed returns, providing stability to your investment portfolio.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills, offering relatively stable returns compared to equity investments.
Assessing Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
Balanced Mutual Funds:

Balanced funds allocate assets between equities and fixed income securities, offering a blend of growth potential and capital preservation suitable for medium-term goals.
Short-term Debt Funds:

Short-term debt funds invest in debt securities with shorter maturities, providing stability and predictable returns over the investment period.
Advantages of Low-Risk Investments:
Capital Preservation:

Low-risk investments prioritize the safety of your capital, reducing the potential for significant losses due to market volatility.
Steady Growth:

While low-risk investments may offer modest returns, they provide consistent growth over time, helping you achieve your financial goals with minimal exposure to market fluctuations.
Understanding the Impact of Inflation:
Inflationary Pressure:
While low-risk investments offer stability, it's essential to consider the impact of inflation on the purchasing power of your savings over time. Adjust your investment strategy accordingly to ensure your goals are met.
Conclusion
Considering your goal of accumulating 10 lakhs for your daughter's education in 8 years, low-risk investment options such as sovereign bonds, debt mutual funds, and balanced funds can help you achieve this target while prioritizing capital preservation and steady growth. However, it's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment plan that aligns with your risk tolerance, financial objectives, and time horizon.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7070 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

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Hi Ramalingam Sir, I am 41 yrs old working in IT, looking for best investment for my children's education, 9 old girl, studying in 4th std- need to invest for 8 yrs 6 old boy, studying in 1st std- need to invest for 11 yrs My plan is to get 75 lakhs each when they reach 12th std, I am okay to invest 40 to 50k per month, pls advise
Ans: Given your investment horizon and target corpus for your children's education, it's important to adopt a disciplined and strategic investment approach. Here's a suggested plan:

Determine Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and investment objectives to choose suitable investment options.

Asset Allocation: Allocate your investment across a mix of equity and debt instruments to balance risk and return potential.

Equity Investments: Consider investing a significant portion of your monthly contribution in equity-oriented mutual funds, such as diversified equity funds, large-cap funds, and balanced funds. These funds have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long term but come with higher volatility. Since you have a relatively long investment horizon, you can afford to ride out market fluctuations.

Debt Investments: Allocate a portion of your investment towards debt instruments like fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, or Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for stability and capital preservation. Debt investments provide a steady income stream and help mitigate overall portfolio risk.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest systematically through SIPs to benefit from rupee cost averaging and mitigate market volatility. Set up SIPs in the selected mutual funds based on your risk profile and investment goals.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Monitor your investments periodically and review your portfolio's performance. Make necessary adjustments to your investment strategy based on changing market conditions, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

Consultation with Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.

By following a disciplined investment approach and diversifying your portfolio across various asset classes, you can work towards achieving your target corpus of 75 lakhs for each child's education within the specified timeframe.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7070 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Sir, My age is 35 years i have a 7 year old daughter, i want to achieve 10Lakhs by the time she reaches to 16 or 17 years. I have 8 years from now, please suggest a best investment option with low risk. I can afford 5 to 7k per month. Thankyou.
Ans: Planning for Your Daughter's Future with Low-Risk Investments
You have a clear goal: achieving Rs. 10 lakhs by the time your daughter is 16 or 17 years old. You have an eight-year horizon and can afford Rs. 5,000 to 7,000 per month. Let's explore the best low-risk investment options to meet this goal.

Understanding Your Investment Horizon
An eight-year horizon provides ample time to grow your investments while managing risks. Given your preference for low risk, it's important to balance growth potential with stability.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Balanced Funds
What Are Balanced Funds?
Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in both equity and debt instruments. This mix provides growth potential from equities and stability from debt.

Why Balanced Funds?
Balanced funds offer moderate returns with lower risk compared to pure equity funds. They are ideal for investors seeking steady growth without high volatility.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
What Is PPF?
The Public Provident Fund is a long-term savings scheme backed by the government. It offers tax-free returns and a fixed interest rate.

Why PPF?
PPF is a low-risk investment with attractive returns, making it a safe choice for conservative investors. It also provides tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Recurring Deposits (RDs)
What Are Recurring Deposits?
Recurring deposits allow you to invest a fixed amount monthly for a predetermined period. They offer fixed returns and are available through banks and post offices.

Why RDs?
RDs are safe and provide assured returns, making them suitable for risk-averse investors. They are easy to manage and provide liquidity when needed.

Mutual Funds for Low-Risk Investors
What Are Debt Mutual Funds?
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds, treasury bills, and commercial paper. They aim to provide steady returns with lower risk.

Why Debt Mutual Funds?
Debt mutual funds are suitable for low-risk investors looking for better returns than traditional savings instruments. They offer liquidity and the potential for capital appreciation.

Comparing the Options
Risk and Return
Balanced Funds: Moderate risk and moderate returns. Suitable for a balanced approach.
PPF: Low risk with stable returns. Ideal for conservative investors.
RDs: Low risk with fixed returns. Suitable for risk-averse investors.
Debt Mutual Funds: Low to moderate risk with potential for better returns than RDs and PPF.
Flexibility and Liquidity
Balanced Funds: High flexibility with the option to redeem units anytime. Subject to market risks.
PPF: Limited liquidity with a 15-year lock-in period. Partial withdrawals allowed after the 7th year.
RDs: Fixed tenure with penalties for premature withdrawals.
Debt Mutual Funds: High liquidity with the ability to redeem units anytime.
Suggested Investment Strategy
Step 1: Start with SIP in Balanced Funds
Allocate Rs. 3,000 to 4,000 per month to balanced funds. This provides a good balance between growth and stability.

Step 2: Open a PPF Account
Invest Rs. 1,000 to 2,000 per month in PPF. This ensures a safe, tax-free investment with steady returns.

Step 3: Consider a Recurring Deposit
If you prefer additional security, start an RD with Rs. 1,000 to 2,000 per month. This ensures fixed returns with low risk.

Step 4: Invest in Debt Mutual Funds
Allocate a portion of your monthly investment, around Rs. 1,000 to 2,000, to debt mutual funds. This enhances your portfolio with low-risk, potentially higher returns.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Why Review?
Regularly reviewing your investments ensures they remain aligned with your goals and market conditions. It allows you to make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

How to Review?
Work with a Certified Financial Planner to periodically assess your investment portfolio. This ensures professional guidance and strategic adjustments as needed.

Conclusion
By investing in balanced funds, PPF, RDs, and debt mutual funds, you can achieve your goal with low risk. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure your investments stay on track, providing financial security for your daughter's future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7070 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 20, 2024

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Sir, in how many years , I can turn 1crore to 20 crore.So that I can retire.Im investing about 1.35lakh as sip every month . Im 44 now . I have about 60 lakh iin different funds now, im hoping to reach a crore 2026.Thanks in advance.
Ans: To achieve a corpus of Rs 20 crore with your current financial inputs, let's break it down step by step:

Your Current Investments and SIP Plan
Current Investment: Rs 60 lakh (expected to grow to Rs 1 crore by 2026).
Monthly SIP Contribution: Rs 1.35 lakh.
Expected Rate of Return: 12% annually.
Timeframe to Reach Rs 20 Crore
With a starting corpus of Rs 1 crore (by 2026) and continuing a SIP of Rs 1.35 lakh monthly at 12%, it will take 23 years to grow to Rs 20 crore.
By the time you turn 67 years old, your desired retirement corpus can be achieved.


Key Assumptions
The 12% return assumption is realistic for equity-heavy portfolios. However, past performance is no guarantee for the future.
The SIP contributions should continue consistently without interruption for the given timeframe.
Inflation and changing lifestyle expenses are not considered here.

Points to Consider
Diversify Your Investments: Ensure your portfolio includes a mix of equity and debt. Adjust allocations as you approach retirement to reduce risk.

Monitor Progress Regularly: Periodically review your investments and returns. Rebalancing may be necessary to stay aligned with your goal.

Increase SIP Contributions Gradually: With rising income, consider increasing your SIPs by 5-10% annually to reduce the timeframe.

Emergency Fund and Insurance: Ensure you have a robust emergency fund and sufficient term insurance to secure your family.

High-Level Suggestion
We can fine-tune the investment strategy and assess the risks involved in detail.

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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