Hi, my age is 40, I want to retire by 50 with Rs. 2 Crore of Corpus, Right Now i have Rs. 17 lacs in PF, Rs. 5 Lacs in NPS, Rs.1 Lacs in PPF and Home loan Completed this year. I have one LIC policy of Premium of Rs. 24000 Yearly. Now I don’t have single saving in my saving account. my monthly expense is 35k. I want to start from Zero. My monthly on hand salary is Rs. 1.5 Lacs and i am ready to take risk for Higher return. I have Jeevan Saral Policy starting from 2010 to still now and its mature on September-2023, I have checked and surrender the value comes to Rs. 6 Lacs, overall, i check and confirm only 5 to 6% comes in LIC Policy. Please advise only 5 years remaining for maturity. Also, in My monthly income i can easily save Rs. 1.05 Lacs if consider Rs. 45k Monthly expense. Issue is I am from Market since long 15 years and Right Now Market is very high so it’s advisable to start a SIP. or invest on safe place like FD & RD. Can I increase NPS contribution Rs 50 k to Rs. 1.50 lacs or invest in PPF account of Rs. 1.5 Lacs annually and also open a PPF account for daughter.

Ans: It's commendable that you've been diligently planning for your family's future. Your commitment to securing your children's education and ensuring a comfortable retirement is truly admirable.

Considering your current investments, it's essential to evaluate if they align with your long-term goals. While your existing plans offer some protection and potential growth, diversifying your portfolio could provide added stability and growth potential. Have you explored avenues beyond traditional insurance policies and mutual funds?

Certified Financial Planners can offer personalized strategies tailored to your aspirations and risk tolerance. They can suggest options that balance growth potential with risk mitigation, guiding you towards achieving your desired corpus. Have you considered consulting one to fine-tune your financial roadmap?

Remember, the journey to financial security is not just about numbers—it's about ensuring peace of mind and enabling your loved ones to pursue their dreams. By proactively seeking guidance and exploring diverse investment avenues, you're laying a robust foundation for a fulfilling future. Keep nurturing your financial garden, and the seeds you sow today will bloom into a prosperous tomorrow.

Ans: Assessing Your Jeevan Saral Policy
It's commendable that you’re evaluating your investments. With only 5 years left on your Jeevan Saral policy, you should consider your options carefully.

Consider Surrendering Your Policy
Surrendering your Jeevan Saral policy now might be beneficial. You mentioned a surrender value of Rs. 6 lakhs, which could be reinvested for potentially higher returns.

Investing in Mutual Funds
Starting a SIP in mutual funds can be a wise choice, even if the market is high. Over the long term, mutual funds generally provide better returns than traditional savings options like FDs and RDs.

Increasing NPS Contribution
Increasing your NPS contribution from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually is a good move. It provides tax benefits and helps in building a substantial retirement corpus.

Investing in PPF
Investing Rs. 1.5 lakhs annually in a PPF account is a safe and tax-efficient option. Opening a PPF account for your daughter will also help in securing her future.

Balancing Your Portfolio
Diversify your investments between mutual funds, NPS, and PPF. This balance offers growth potential with safety, meeting both short-term and long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You have a strong foundation. Your combined income of Rs. 2.4 lakh per month and assets like EPF, PPF, and LIC policies show disciplined savings. However, your significant loan obligations and future plans require a careful strategy to ensure financial stability and growth.

Evaluating the LIC Policies
Current Status: You have 25 LIC policies with a total sum assured of Rs. 25 lakh, maturing from 2036 onwards. These were started in 2011 with a 25-year term.

Decision on Surrendering: LIC policies typically offer lower returns compared to other investment options. You could consider surrendering them if the surrender value is close to your paid premiums. The money saved can be better utilized in higher-yielding investments.

Alternative Strategy: If you surrender these policies, redirect the funds into diversified mutual funds. This will provide better long-term returns and flexibility. Ensure you invest through a trusted MFD with CFP credentials to get the benefits of regular funds.

Managing the Home Loan
Loan Overview: You have a joint home loan of Rs. 1.5 crore with an EMI of Rs. 1.32 lakh. This is a significant portion of your income, which limits your cash flow.

Paying Off the Loan: You mentioned considering selling your flat for Rs. 1.2 crore. If you choose to sell, the proceeds can be used to reduce your loan burden. This would lower your EMI or even clear a significant part of the loan, freeing up monthly income.

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) on Selling the Flat
LTCG Tax: If you sell your flat for Rs. 1.2 crore, LTCG tax will apply. The tax rate is 20% after indexation benefits. This tax can be significant, so consider reinvesting the gains under Section 54 to avoid or reduce the tax burden. Reinvesting in another property or certain bonds within specified timelines can help.
Investment Strategy for SIPs and PPF
SIP Investment: You have started an SIP of Rs. 18,000 per month. This is a good start. Continue increasing the SIP amount as your income grows. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return. Avoid index funds and ETFs as actively managed funds offer better returns with professional management.

PPF Contributions: You deposit Rs. 5,000 monthly in PPF. This is a safe and tax-efficient investment. Continue this as part of your retirement corpus. The PPF’s long-term benefits will provide security during retirement.

Handling the Educational Expenses
Planning for Your Son’s Education: You need Rs. 3 lakh annually for your son’s education. Start a dedicated education fund using a mix of equity and debt mutual funds. This will provide the required amount with minimal strain on your monthly budget.
Retirement Planning
Retirement Corpus Requirement: You need to focus on building a substantial retirement corpus, given the existing liabilities and your son’s education needs.

EPF and PPF: Your EPF (Rs. 10 lakh) and PPF (Rs. 5 lakh) form the core of your retirement savings. Continue these contributions.

Diversified Portfolio: Allocate a portion of your savings into diversified mutual funds with a mix of equity and debt. This will help in wealth accumulation over the long term.

Tax Planning
Income Tax Management: With your income and investments, effective tax planning is crucial. Utilize Section 80C (up to Rs. 1.5 lakh) for EPF, PPF, and LIC premiums. Explore other tax-saving avenues like NPS under Section 80CCD(1B).

LTCG and Deductions: Plan your investments to optimize tax liabilities, especially with the potential sale of your flat. Consult a tax expert to explore all possible deductions and exemptions.

Final Insights
Reassess Your Insurance: Consider term insurance with adequate coverage for your family. This is crucial for their financial security in case of any unforeseen events.

Investment Discipline: Maintain discipline in your SIPs and other investments. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will help in realigning your strategy as needed.

Career Shift: While exploring a career shift, ensure you have a robust financial plan. A stable passive income stream and an emergency fund can provide peace of mind during this transition.

Retirement Planning Focus: Prioritize building a retirement corpus. It’s crucial to have sufficient funds for a comfortable post-retirement life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: At 39, you’re at a critical juncture in life where strategic financial planning is essential for securing your family's future. Your current income of Rs 2.4 lakhs per month, SIP investments, and commitment to savings through PPF reflect a disciplined approach. However, balancing your financial commitments, such as the joint home loan and your son’s education, with future goals like retirement requires careful planning.

Assessing Your Insurance Policies
Your 25 LIC policies, maturing from 2036 onwards, with a total sum assured of Rs 25 lakhs, have served as a significant portion of your insurance portfolio. However, with your current financial obligations and future goals in mind, it’s essential to reassess whether these policies align with your long-term objectives.

Considerations for Continuing LIC Policies:

Insurance Cover: Evaluate whether the Rs 25 lakhs sum assured is sufficient. Generally, life insurance should cover 10-15 times your annual income. In your case, this would be significantly higher than Rs 25 lakhs.

Policy Maturity: The policies mature over a long period, which may not provide liquidity when you need it most, such as during your son’s education or major life events.

Returns on Investment: LIC policies often offer lower returns compared to other investment options like mutual funds. The premiums could potentially yield better returns if redirected.

Option to Surrender:

Reallocation: If you choose to surrender, the funds could be redirected to more growth-oriented investments, providing higher returns and better alignment with your financial goals.

Impact: Understand the surrender value and any associated penalties. Weigh this against the potential returns from reallocating those funds.

Managing Your Home Loan and Property Sale
Your joint home loan with an EMI of Rs 1.32 lakhs is a significant financial burden, especially with your monthly expenses at Rs 40,000. Considering selling your flat for Rs 1.2 crores to pay off the home loan is a viable option but requires careful tax planning.

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax:

Tax Implication: If you sell the flat, LTCG tax will apply on the sale proceeds minus the indexed cost of acquisition. The current LTCG tax rate is 20% with indexation benefits.

Exemptions: To save on LTCG tax, you can invest the gains in another residential property under Section 54 or in specified bonds under Section 54EC.

Loan Repayment: Use the sale proceeds to clear the joint home loan. This reduces your financial burden, freeing up your income for other essential investments.

Evaluating the Sale:

Loan Repayment: Clearing the home loan reduces your EMI obligation, which currently consumes more than half of your monthly income.

Alternative Investments: Consider reallocating the remaining proceeds to a mix of liquid and growth-oriented investments. This could enhance your financial stability and ensure funds are available for future needs.

Strategic Investment Planning
Your current investment of Rs 18,000 per month in SIPs and Rs 5,000 per month in PPF is a good start. However, with the home loan and your son’s education expenses, it’s essential to optimize your investments for better returns.

Re-evaluating SIPs:

Diversification: Ensure that your SIP investments are diversified across different asset classes such as equity, debt, and hybrid funds to balance risk and reward.

Regular Funds: Investing through regular funds with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures that your portfolio is well-managed, aligning with your goals.

Reallocation from LIC: If you decide to surrender your LIC policies, consider directing those funds into your SIPs. This could significantly enhance the growth potential of your investments.

PPF Contributions:

Tax Efficiency: PPF offers tax benefits under Section 80C and is a safe, long-term investment. However, the lock-in period and lower returns compared to equities might not align with your need for higher growth.

Balancing Contributions: You may want to balance contributions between PPF and equity-oriented SIPs to achieve a mix of safety and growth.

Planning for Your Son’s Education
With a 5-year-old son, you anticipate education costs of around Rs 3 lakhs per year. Education expenses will likely rise, so planning for them is crucial.

Education Fund:

Dedicated SIP: Consider setting up a dedicated SIP for your son’s education, targeting growth-oriented funds that can outpace inflation.

Child Plan: Explore child-specific investment plans that provide a mix of insurance and investment benefits, ensuring that education expenses are covered even in your absence.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): As your son approaches college age, an SWP could provide a steady stream of income, covering his education expenses.

Retirement Planning
Retirement planning should be a priority, especially given your current financial commitments. You’ll need a substantial corpus to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.

Corpus Estimation:

Target Corpus: Estimate your retirement corpus based on your desired retirement age, current lifestyle, and inflation. Given your current income and expenses, a target of Rs 5-7 crores might be realistic.

Investment Strategy: Allocate a portion of your income to retirement-focused investments, such as diversified equity funds. The power of compounding will help you accumulate the necessary corpus over the next 15-20 years.

EPF and PPF: Continue contributing to EPF and PPF as they provide a stable and tax-efficient foundation for your retirement corpus.

Reviewing Insurance Needs:

Term Insurance: Ensure that you have adequate term insurance coverage, which is more cost-effective than traditional policies like LIC.

Health Insurance: With age, medical expenses tend to increase. Consider enhancing your health insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen medical costs in retirement.

Tax Planning and Optimization
Efficient tax planning can help you retain more of your earnings and grow your wealth faster.

Maximizing Deductions:

Section 80C: You’re already maximizing this with PPF, LIC premiums, and home loan principal repayment. Consider other avenues like ELSS for additional tax benefits.

Section 80D: Ensure you claim deductions for health insurance premiums. This not only reduces tax liability but also secures your family’s health needs.

Capital Gains and Tax Efficiency:

Property Sale: As discussed, reinvest LTCG from the property sale into specified instruments to reduce tax liability.

Tax Harvesting: If you hold equities or equity mutual funds, consider tax harvesting strategies to minimize LTCG taxes.

Emergency Fund and Contingency Planning
An emergency fund is essential, especially with your current financial commitments.

Building a Safety Net:

Liquid Fund: Set aside at least 6 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid fund. This ensures you’re covered in case of job loss or other emergencies.

Flexibility: Ensure that this fund is easily accessible and not locked into long-term investments.

Debt Management:

Prioritizing Debt: Consider prioritizing high-interest debt, such as any personal loans or credit card balances, before focusing on long-term investments.
Final Insights
Your financial situation is complex, but with strategic planning, you can manage your current obligations while building a secure future. Focus on reassessing your LIC policies, optimizing your investment strategy, and planning for major life goals like your son’s education and retirement.

Reducing your home loan burden through the sale of your flat and efficient tax planning can further enhance your financial stability. Ensuring that you have adequate insurance coverage and a robust emergency fund will protect you against unforeseen events.

Finally, with disciplined investing and strategic reallocation of funds, you can achieve your long-term financial goals and secure a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in