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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2024Hindi
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My age is 40, and gross salary is 42000, I am a father of two daughter, i live on rent with my parents and family, I am indecisive in the case whether to buy a property or to keep live on rent and start investing in Sip. However I do not pay the rent it is been borne by my father, due to some clash in understanding, after purchasing a property the liability of emi would be mine. So please suggest, Whether to keep living on rent with sip investment, or to make a permanent, place for us. Also, suggest the fund name in case of sip which can give a good growth in next 5/6 Years, As I would have liability of my elder daughter's marriage that time.

Ans: Assessing Your Situation
You are 40 years old. Your gross salary is Rs 42,000. You have two daughters. You live on rent with your parents and family. Your father bears the rent. You face a dilemma: buy a property or invest in SIPs while renting. Buying a property would mean taking on an EMI.

Financial Considerations
Buying a Property:

EMI Liability: An EMI can strain your budget.
Long-term Commitment: You need to commit to regular payments for many years.
Property Maintenance: Owning a property involves maintenance costs.
Living on Rent:

Lower Initial Cost: No need for a large down payment.
Flexibility: You can move if needed.
Investment Opportunity: Free up funds for investment in SIPs.
Advantages of SIP Investments
Regular Savings: Helps in disciplined savings.
Compounding: Benefits from the power of compounding over time.
Flexibility: You can adjust the investment amount as per your need.
Diversification: Spreads risk across various assets.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can be more beneficial than index funds.

Professional Management: Experts manage your investments.
Better Returns: Potential to outperform index funds.
Risk Management: Active management can mitigate risks.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Market-Linked Returns: Performance tied to the index, with no potential for outperformance.
No Active Management: No expert adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem cost-effective but have drawbacks.

No Advisory Support: Lack of expert guidance.
Time-Consuming: Requires personal research and monitoring.
Higher Risk: Greater chance of making uninformed decisions.
Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers many advantages.

Expert Guidance: Personalized advice from a CFP.
Stress-Free: Less time and effort needed from your side.
Potentially Higher Returns: Professional management often yields better results.
Evaluating Your Options
Investing in SIPs:

Short-Term Goals: Use SIPs to build a corpus for your daughter’s marriage.
Long-Term Benefits: SIPs can help in wealth creation over time.
Flexibility: Adjust investments as per your financial situation.
Buying a Property:

Stability: Owning a home can provide stability.
Asset Creation: A property can be a valuable asset.
Financial Burden: EMI can be a significant financial burden.
Recommendations
Considering your situation, investing in SIPs while living on rent seems more prudent. This approach provides flexibility and allows you to save for your daughter's marriage.

Suggested SIP Approach
Diversified Equity Funds: Focus on growth potential.
Regular Monitoring: Review and adjust your investments regularly.
Professional Advice: Consult a CFP for personalized fund recommendations.
Final Insights
Investing in SIPs offers flexibility and growth potential. It helps you prepare for your daughter’s marriage without the financial burden of an EMI. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice and fund recommendations.

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 Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Hi , im 31 years old im earning 2.5 lakhs per month, i have 65000 home loan emi, 8000 term insurance per month , 15000 per month medical insurance for my family. I want to invest 100000 to sip . Kindly advise which fund to select
Ans: Given your income and financial commitments, it's great that you're considering investing in SIPs. Here are some considerations for selecting funds:

Risk Tolerance: Determine your risk tolerance based on your investment goals, time horizon, and comfort level. Generally, equity funds offer higher returns but come with higher volatility compared to debt funds.
Investment Goals: Define your investment goals clearly. Are you investing for long-term wealth accumulation, retirement, or any specific financial goal? Your investment horizon will influence the choice of funds.
Diversification: Consider diversifying your investments across different types of funds to spread risk. This could include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equity funds, along with debt funds for stability.
Performance Track Record: Evaluate the historical performance of funds over different market cycles. Look for consistency in returns and fund management quality.
Expense Ratio: Pay attention to the expense ratio, as lower expenses can boost your overall returns over time. Choose funds with a reasonable expense ratio relative to their category.
Fund House Reputation: Invest in funds managed by reputable fund houses with a proven track record of managing investors' money responsibly.
Tax Efficiency: Consider the tax implications of your investments. Equity-oriented funds offer tax benefits on long-term capital gains compared to debt funds.
Given your monthly SIP investment amount of ?1,00,000, you can consider allocating it across different categories based on your risk appetite:

Large-cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in well-established, large companies with stable performance and lower volatility, making them suitable for conservative investors.
Mid-cap and Small-cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in mid-sized and small companies with higher growth potential but also higher risk. They are suitable for investors with a higher risk appetite and a longer investment horizon.
Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments, offering a balanced approach to risk and return. They can be suitable for investors seeking moderate growth with lower volatility.
It's essential to review your investment portfolio periodically and make adjustments based on changes in your financial situation and market conditions. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized investment advice tailored to your specific goals and risk tolerance.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2024Hindi
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Hi i am investing 48000 in sip monthly starting last 3 months ..sukanya samridi for kid monthly 12500 ..do not have any corpus... Plan to step sip by another 40 k in couple of months..aged 43 years...have term 1 c and otak smart life plan for kid for which I pay 1lac per year for 12 years payment term ...3 years completed.... Pf 22 lac and doing pf plus vpf close to 25000 per month...plan to sell an apt and can get 50 lac in couple of months... Have another apartment for later staying after retirement... Need to generate 4 crore for daughter education marriage and retirement in 8 years time... Please advice
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards securing your daughter's future and planning for your retirement. Let's break down your financial situation and outline a strategy to achieve your goals.

Currently, you're investing ?48,000 monthly in SIPs and ?12,500 in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for your kid's future. Additionally, you have term insurance and a life plan for your child, along with a significant PF balance and regular contributions.

Considering your age and financial goals, it's commendable that you're taking steps to enhance your savings and investments. The upcoming sale of an apartment, along with your existing assets, provides a solid foundation to work with.

To generate a corpus of ?4 crore for your daughter's education, marriage, and your retirement in 8 years, we need to focus on optimizing your investments and maximizing returns.

With the additional funds from the apartment sale, consider increasing your SIP investments gradually to accelerate wealth accumulation. Diversify your portfolio across equity, debt, and other asset classes to mitigate risk and enhance returns.

Since you have a relatively short time frame of 8 years, it's essential to maintain a balanced approach to investing, prioritizing growth while safeguarding capital. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can help ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

Furthermore, continue contributing to your PF and explore other tax-efficient investment avenues to optimize your savings. Ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect your family's financial well-being in case of unforeseen events.

By staying disciplined in your savings and investments and making informed decisions, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations for your daughter's future and your retirement.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear Sir, I am 40 years old, happily married, have 2 daughters 7 years and 3 years old. My financials are 1. Real Estate 1.50 cr. Land and 2 houses (house value: 85 lakhs: Monthly rental yield 30,000) 2. ULIP 18,000 monthly for 5 years. (19 months completed. Corpus: 4 lakhs) C. Mutual funds 50,000 (just started). I can invest monthly 1.50 lakhs now. Please advice the best categories of Mutual Funds to invest as SIP. Also, thinking to sell the house of 85 lakhs value and put in SWP. Please advice.
Ans: You are 40 years old, happily married with two daughters aged 7 and 3. You have real estate worth Rs. 1.50 crores, including two houses (one valued at Rs. 85 lakhs with a monthly rental yield of Rs. 30,000). You have a ULIP with a monthly contribution of Rs. 18,000 for 5 years, with 19 months completed and a corpus of Rs. 4 lakhs. You have just started investing Rs. 50,000 in mutual funds. You can invest Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly now.

Investment in Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are essential for long-term growth. They provide high returns over time. You can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are less risky. Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher returns but come with higher risks.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stability to your portfolio. They invest in bonds and government securities. They are less volatile and offer regular returns. You can consider short-term and long-term debt funds based on your investment horizon.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk takers. They provide stability with some growth potential.

Tax-saving Mutual Funds
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. They offer good returns and help in tax planning. You can allocate a portion of your investments to these funds.

Selling the House and SWP
Selling the house worth Rs. 85 lakhs can provide a lump sum. You can invest this in a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). SWP offers regular income from mutual funds. It provides flexibility and better returns compared to rental income. Ensure to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to align this with your financial goals.

Investment Strategy
Increase your SIP contributions to Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can provide a tailored financial plan. Professional guidance helps achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Final Insights
Focus on long-term growth with equity funds. Maintain stability with debt funds. Balance risk and return with hybrid funds. Consider tax-saving ELSS funds. Review your portfolio regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 26, 2024

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Hi sir, My name is imdad Khan, I am married and father of a 1yr old boy and I am 27 years old and having monthly income 70k and 2 loans are running ie., of 35k, House rent will be 10k. Expenses are 10k per month. One of my colleague has suggested me to do SIP so i have started of SIP 2500. Could you please suggest me where and how many i have to invest so that with in 5 years. At least i have to save 20 lakhs. Thank you
Ans: Imdad,

Thank you for sharing your details. You have a stable income of Rs 70,000 per month. You are also a responsible father and husband.

Let's assess your financial situation:

Income: Rs 70,000 per month
Loans: Rs 35,000 per month
House Rent: Rs 10,000 per month
Expenses: Rs 10,000 per month
SIP Investment: Rs 2,500 per month
This leaves you with Rs 12,500 for savings and investments.

Goals and Investment Strategy
Your goal is to save Rs 20 lakhs in 5 years. To achieve this, a structured investment plan is essential.

Increase SIP Contributions
Step 1: Increase your SIP from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000. This will significantly boost your savings.
Step 2: Invest in diversified equity mutual funds. They provide potential for higher returns.
Debt Management
Step 1: Focus on repaying your loans. This will reduce your monthly liabilities.
Step 2: Aim to pay off your higher-interest loan first. This will save you money in the long run.
Emergency Fund
Step 1: Allocate a portion of your savings to build an emergency fund. Aim for at least 3 months of expenses.
Step 2: Keep this fund in a liquid asset. A liquid mutual fund is a good option.
Insurance Planning
Step 1: Ensure you have adequate life insurance. Term insurance is cost-effective.
Step 2: Health insurance is crucial. Secure a family floater plan for your family's protection.
Diversified Investment Plan
Step 1: Apart from SIPs, consider other investment avenues like PPF and NPS. These provide tax benefits and steady returns.
Step 2: Avoid direct funds. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer professional management.
Avoid Index Funds
Step 1: Index funds mimic the market. They offer average returns, which might not be sufficient for your goal.
Step 2: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market. Professional fund managers can navigate market fluctuations better.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Step 1: Regularly review your investment portfolio. Ensure it aligns with your goals.
Step 2: Adjust your investments based on market conditions. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.
Final Insights
Your goal of saving Rs 20 lakhs in 5 years is achievable. With disciplined savings and smart investments, you can secure a bright financial future for your family. Focus on increasing your SIP contributions, managing debt efficiently, and diversifying your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |68 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 08, 2024

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**Subject:** Request for Investment Review and Future Corpus Estimation Dear Mr.Vivek, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to review my current investment portfolio and seek your expert advice regarding the future growth potential, as I aim to build a corpus of at least INR 3 - 5 crores by the time my daughters turn 18 years old. Is this figure realizable? Here’s a breakdown of my current investments: 1. **Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund (Direct Growth)** – INR 5,000 monthly - Current value: INR 135,281 2. **Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth)** – INR 10,000 monthly - Current value: INR 210,164 3. **Quant Small Cap Fund (Direct Plan Growth)** – INR 5,000 monthly - Just started; current value: INR 5,190 4. **ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund (Growth)** – INR 20,000 monthly - Current value: INR 583,113 5. **HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund (Growth)** – INR 15,000 monthly - Current value: INR 503,604 6. **SBI Balanced Advantage Fund (Regular Growth)** – INR 15,000 monthly - Current value: INR 321,491 7. **Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)** – INR 50,000 annually for my 9-year-old daughter - Current value: INR 565,805 (since 2016) 8. **Provident Fund (PF)** – Current balance: INR 10 lakh 9. **Tata AIA Life Insurance Fortune Pro ** – Started last year INR 150,000 to be paid for 5 years till 2027 10. SBI Child Plan Smart Scholar - Completed INR 500,000 Total Investment for 5 Years in 2024. From this year every financial year I plan to invest my working bonus of INR 3 Lacs to INR 5 Lacs every year as a bulk investment and diversify in different funds. I am 46 years old and plan to continue working and investing for another 5 to 6 years due to health reasons. My spouse is 37, and we have two daughters aged 9 and 5. My goal is to accumulate a corpus of at least INR 3 to 5 crores by the time my daughters reach 18 years of age. Based on my current investments, do you think this target is achievable within the given timeframe? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or adjustments you might recommend to help reach this goal. Thank you for your guidance.
Ans: Yes your target is achievable in the given time frame.(13% return assumed) I am sure you have planned for some regular income after you stop working (~6 years from now) to meet the regular expenses. Plz. Make sure you have good family floater health insurance coverage apart from the employer's group health policy if any. Insurers typically insist 3-4 years of continuous coverage after which pre existing illnesses are covered. Consider investing in SSY in the name of second daughter, if possible. As you approach your target move corpus away from equity MFs into liquid or ultra short term debt funds.

*Investments in mutual funds are subjected to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing

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Happy Investing!!

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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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