Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7981 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 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
Ranjit Question by Ranjit on May 01, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

My age is 42yrs, having a wife and child age 6yrs, want to retire at the age of 53-54yrs, I have term plan of 1.5cr, family health insurance of 60L, SIP(small + mid + multi + momentum fund) Rs 65K/month, current SIP value Rs 50L, my current per month expense except SIP is Rs 130000/- approx, please suggest what to do for my smooth retirement life

Ans: It's admirable that you're actively planning for your retirement, considering your family's needs and aspirations. Let's evaluate your current financial situation and chart a course towards a smooth retirement.

At 42, with a term plan of 1.5 crores and a family health insurance cover of 60 lakhs, you've taken crucial steps to protect your family's financial well-being in case of unforeseen events. These measures provide a safety net, ensuring financial stability during challenging times.

Investing 65K per month in SIPs across small, mid, multi, and momentum funds showcases a diversified approach to wealth accumulation. Your current SIP value of 50 lakhs reflects consistent savings and prudent investment decisions.

To ensure a smooth retirement, it's essential to estimate your post-retirement expenses and assess if your current savings and investments align with your retirement goals. Consider factors such as inflation, lifestyle expenses, healthcare costs, and any other financial obligations.

Given your current monthly expenses, it's crucial to evaluate if your retirement corpus will be sufficient to maintain your desired lifestyle post-retirement. If there's a shortfall, you may need to consider increasing your savings rate or exploring alternative investment strategies to bridge the gap.

Additionally, review your asset allocation and risk tolerance to ensure they are in line with your retirement timeline and goals. As you approach retirement age, gradually transitioning to more conservative investment options can help protect your accumulated wealth.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and aspirations. They can conduct a comprehensive retirement analysis, recommend suitable investment strategies, and help you navigate potential challenges along the way.

By taking proactive steps now and staying committed to your long-term financial goals, you can pave the way for a smooth and fulfilling retirement life for you and your family.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7981 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi Sir, I'm 40 in a job , earning around 1.40 L /month approx after dedcutions, Currently investing 60K monthly in SIPs in Quant MF (Small Cap - 10 k / Mid Cap-12.5K) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap-12.5K/ HDFC defence Fund-10 K, Nippon Large Cap-10K/ Mirae Asset Emerging Equity-5 K) MF holding 40 Lakhs , PPF-24 Lacs Matured after 15 years, EPF Balance- 30L, 62K Home Loan EMI (167 Months remaining), Real estate Worth - 6.5 Cr jointly with Father ,NPS-11 lacs, Direct Stocks-18 Lacs. Expenses are 50K.. Father is also getting pension 50K and helping in monthly expenses of around 25K... How can I do better for retirement planning?
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Let's break down your current financial position:

Monthly Income: Rs. 1.40 lakh (after deductions)
Monthly Expenses: Rs. 50,000 (with Rs. 25,000 support from your father's pension)
Monthly SIP Investments: Rs. 60,000 in various mutual funds
Home Loan EMI: Rs. 62,000 (167 months remaining)
Total Mutual Fund Holdings: Rs. 40 lakhs
PPF Balance: Rs. 24 lakhs (matured after 15 years)
EPF Balance: Rs. 30 lakhs
NPS Balance: Rs. 11 lakhs
Direct Stocks: Rs. 18 lakhs
Real Estate: Rs. 6.5 crore (jointly with your father)
Father's Pension: Rs. 50,000 per month (contributing Rs. 25,000 towards household expenses)
Retirement Planning Overview
Your financial profile is strong with a diversified asset base. Let's analyze your current situation and explore how you can optimize your retirement planning:

**1. Review Current Investments
Mutual Funds:

Your SIPs are spread across various funds, including small-cap, mid-cap, large-cap, and sectoral funds like the HDFC Defence Fund.
Recommendation: Review the performance of each fund annually. Consider the long-term performance (5+ years) and consistency of returns. Continue investing in funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals.
Direct Stocks:

You have Rs. 18 lakhs invested in direct stocks, which adds to your equity exposure.
Recommendation: Regularly monitor your stock portfolio. Consider rebalancing if any stock has underperformed significantly.
PPF and EPF:

Your PPF and EPF balances provide stability to your portfolio. These investments are safe and offer tax benefits.
Recommendation: Continue contributing to your EPF through your employer and review your PPF contributions. Since your PPF has matured, you can reinvest or continue the account for 5 years at a time to benefit from tax-free returns.
NPS:

Your NPS balance of Rs. 11 lakhs is a good start towards retirement. NPS provides a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
Recommendation: Keep contributing to NPS for its tax benefits and potential to grow over time. Ensure your allocation between equity and debt aligns with your risk tolerance.
**2. Managing Liabilities
Home Loan:

Your home loan EMI is Rs. 62,000, with 167 months remaining.
Recommendation: Consider prepaying your home loan when possible. Reducing your debt before retirement will lower your financial burden. Since your father helps with expenses, you might have some surplus to channel towards prepayment.
**3. Optimizing Asset Allocation
Given your diversified portfolio, ensure a balanced allocation across asset classes:

Equity (Mutual Funds + Stocks): Currently, a significant portion of your portfolio is in equity (through mutual funds and direct stocks). This is good for growth, but review and rebalance periodically.
Debt (PPF + EPF + NPS): Your PPF, EPF, and NPS provide the necessary debt exposure. These instruments offer stability and lower risk.
Real Estate: Real estate forms a large part of your portfolio. It's an illiquid asset but a substantial one.
Recommendation:

Aim for an asset allocation that matches your risk appetite and retirement goals. Typically, as you near retirement, gradually shift from high-risk investments (like small-cap equity) to safer, income-generating assets.
**4. **Planning for Retirement Corpus
To ensure a comfortable retirement, estimate the corpus you need:

Calculate Retirement Needs:

Consider your expected monthly expenses post-retirement (adjusted for inflation).
Factor in other income sources like pension or rental income (if applicable).
Build Your Corpus:

With your current savings and investments, you are on the right path. Continue your SIPs and consider increasing them if your income grows.
Maximize contributions to your EPF and NPS for tax efficiency.
**5. Risk Management and Insurance
Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life insurance to protect your family’s financial future. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to secure high coverage.
Health Insurance:

Ensure you and your family are covered with comprehensive health insurance. This will safeguard your savings in case of medical emergencies.
**6. Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This should be in a liquid or easily accessible form like a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

**7. Regular Monitoring and Review
Annual Review: Review your portfolio annually to assess performance and make necessary adjustments. This includes rebalancing your asset allocation and revisiting your financial goals.
Professional Guidance: Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized strategies to maximize your returns and minimize risks.
**8. Finally
Your financial discipline and diversified investments have set a strong foundation for retirement. With a strategic approach to managing your liabilities, optimizing your asset allocation, and planning for future needs, you can achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

Continue with your current investments, and regularly review your portfolio to stay on track with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7981 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 17, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 50 now and I want to retire at the age of 56 and my monthly expenditure is 40000PM and i have two daughters presently studying in 10th and 11th class. below mentioned financial situation please suggest me way forward on how can manage to retire or better my situation I have a 1Cr in Bank FD 12 lacs inequity ( invested 8lacs in 2021) PF as of today its accumulated to 25 lacs i am doing SIP worth rs6000 from2011 in different funds which is worth around 15 lacs now recently from feb2024 I stared doing 50000 thousands monthly SIP just last month i invested 12 lacs in hybrid mutual funds I had a house loan which is cleared now and besides this i have medical insurance which i pay 54000 for the complete family Per anum and Term insurance for which i pay 51000 PA
Ans: You are 50 years old, with a goal to retire at 56. Your monthly expenditure is Rs 40,000, and you have two daughters currently studying in 10th and 11th standards, who will require financial support for their education.

Your current financial assets include:

Rs 1 crore in Bank FD
Rs 12 lakhs in equity (invested Rs 8 lakhs in 2021)
Rs 25 lakhs accumulated in PF
Rs 15 lakhs in SIPs (since 2011)
Rs 50,000 monthly SIP (started from February 2024)
Rs 12 lakhs invested in hybrid mutual funds recently
Medical insurance costing Rs 54,000 PA for your family
Term insurance with an annual premium of Rs 51,000
House loan already cleared
I appreciate the strong foundation you have built with substantial savings and clear financial goals. Let's explore the way forward to optimise your retirement strategy and secure your financial future.

Step 1: Assessing Your Monthly Needs After Retirement
You need Rs 40,000 per month for your current expenses. However, this amount will likely increase due to inflation over the next six years until retirement. Let’s assume an inflation rate of 6%, which is typical in India. This means your monthly expenditure may rise to around Rs 57,000-60,000 by the time you retire.

Since you aim to retire in 6 years, the goal will be to create a financial plan that allows you to cover these rising expenses comfortably after retirement. We also need to consider the potential education expenses for your daughters in the near future, which will add another layer to your financial planning.

Step 2: Evaluating Your Current Investments
Bank FD (Rs 1 crore): While FDs offer safety, they have low returns. In the long run, they barely beat inflation. You should look at moving part of this into more growth-oriented options, like mutual funds, that can give you inflation-beating returns.

Equity Investments (Rs 12 lakhs): The equity market is an essential part of your portfolio, but given that you have invested Rs 8 lakhs in 2021, the returns may be volatile in the short term. However, staying invested in good-quality actively managed mutual funds can yield higher returns over time. Equity exposure is crucial to grow your wealth, especially given the inflationary pressures.

PF (Rs 25 lakhs): Provident Fund is a long-term wealth-building instrument with the benefit of compounding. It provides a decent rate of return and safety. This will form a significant part of your retirement corpus. You should continue contributing to this.

SIPs (Rs 15 lakhs and Rs 50,000/month): Your SIPs are excellent long-term wealth builders. Since you are already committed to Rs 50,000 monthly SIPs, you are on the right path to generating good returns. SIPs in actively managed equity mutual funds will help you stay ahead of inflation over time.

Hybrid Mutual Fund (Rs 12 lakhs): Hybrid funds offer a balanced mix of equity and debt, providing growth and stability. They can be useful as you approach retirement, but their equity exposure should be closely monitored.

Step 3: Optimising Insurance
Medical Insurance (Rs 54,000/year): You have medical insurance in place, which is essential for covering health-related risks. Ensure that the coverage is sufficient for your entire family. Given the rising healthcare costs, consider reviewing the sum assured and increasing it if needed.

Term Insurance (Rs 51,000/year): Term insurance is a cost-effective way to secure your family in case of unforeseen events. It’s good to have this in place. You may not need it post-retirement, so review it closer to retirement age.

Step 4: Prioritising Your Daughters' Education
Your daughters will soon enter college, and their higher education will be a significant financial commitment. It’s wise to set aside a portion of your investments to meet these expenses. Given their ages (10th and 11th standard), you can expect to incur these costs within the next 1-3 years. Consider earmarking part of your Bank FD or hybrid mutual fund investment for their education.

The Rs 1 crore FD could be partially redirected towards a safer option, like debt mutual funds or hybrid funds, to provide liquidity for education expenses without sacrificing growth entirely.

Step 5: Managing Post-Retirement Income
To ensure a steady flow of income post-retirement, let’s look at how your current portfolio can be structured to meet your monthly needs:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Once you retire, you can set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your mutual fund investments to provide a regular income. This way, you can withdraw a fixed amount every month, while the remaining capital stays invested and continues to grow.

Balanced Portfolio: As you approach retirement, you should gradually reduce exposure to high-risk equity and shift to a balanced portfolio. A mix of 40% equity and 60% debt will give you stability and growth, ensuring that you meet your monthly expenses while still preserving your capital.

Continue with PF and SIP Contributions: Your Provident Fund and SIPs should remain untouched until retirement. Both provide long-term growth and tax benefits. Continue your SIPs as planned, and consider increasing the amount when possible to accelerate your retirement corpus.

Step 6: Plan for Rising Medical Costs
As you age, healthcare costs will likely increase. Ensure that your medical insurance coverage is adequate. Review the current policy and look for options to increase the coverage if needed. A good health insurance policy will prevent you from dipping into your retirement savings for medical emergencies.

Step 7: Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategy
Capital Gains Tax: When you withdraw from mutual funds, remember that equity mutual funds attract capital gains tax. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Plan your withdrawals strategically to minimise tax outgo.

Debt Fund Withdrawals: If you hold any debt funds, remember that both LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab. Use these funds carefully to manage your tax liabilities post-retirement.

Step 8: Setting Up an Emergency Fund
It’s essential to keep some money aside as an emergency fund. This should cover at least 6-12 months of your monthly expenses. Since you have substantial assets, you can allocate part of your Bank FD towards this. The emergency fund should be liquid and easily accessible in case of unforeseen expenses.

Step 9: Reassess Your Risk Profile
At 50, your risk tolerance may be lower than when you were younger. However, to maintain your lifestyle after retirement, some equity exposure is necessary to beat inflation. Work on balancing your portfolio so that it reflects your need for both growth and stability. Actively managed funds, as opposed to index funds, will give you more flexibility and potentially higher returns.

Final Insights
You have built a strong financial base and are well on your way to a comfortable retirement. However, a few strategic adjustments will help optimise your portfolio and secure your financial future:

Increase your equity exposure slightly while balancing it with debt to ensure growth and stability.

Plan for your daughters’ education by earmarking some of your FD or hybrid fund investments.

Consider SWP for post-retirement income, and set up a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy.

Review your health insurance coverage to ensure it meets your future needs.

Stay disciplined with your SIPs and continue contributing towards your PF to build a robust retirement corpus.

By carefully managing your existing assets and planning ahead for both education and retirement, you can achieve financial independence and enjoy a secure post-retirement life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 17, 2025
Relationship
I am 36 married and have children. My life was going very well untill a girl who was my junior collegue married with children showed an interest in me as i was her senior some seven years back. The girl kept on keeping in touch with me then and one fine day i expressed my romantic interest in her. She reciprocated. We had some physical then and no sex happened. She kept in touch with me and we exchanged few sex chats too. In this period i helped girl officially. All stopped suddenly three years back where the girl was back to her home place. I felt very disturbed. I wanted to have sex with her but the girl rarely responds now. I send her messages some times but reply is very measured. I lost interest in having sex with my wife gradually. My question is i feel cheated now. I want to know how to get over her thoughts. I still want to have sex with her but there is no interest for her. I am not able to do sex with other woman too as my mind is deeply engrossed in her thoughts still. Please help.
Ans: The first step to getting over her thoughts is to acknowledge your feelings without judgment. It's okay to feel hurt, rejected, or confused. You're not alone in this, and these emotions are a natural part of the human experience. However, continuing to chase after someone who isn't reciprocating your feelings is only prolonging your pain.

You need to accept that she has moved on, even if she did show interest in the past. People’s feelings and circumstances change, and it’s likely that she decided to prioritize her family and her life away from you. Holding on to the desire to be with her is preventing you from moving forward. It’s crucial to let go of the fantasy of what could have been and focus on the reality of the situation.

To start the healing process, consider cutting off all communication with her. Continuing to reach out, even if it's just occasionally, keeps the wound open. Delete her contact information, block her on social media, and avoid places or situations that might remind you of her. It may seem extreme, but it’s a necessary step to break the cycle of obsessive thoughts.

Reconnecting with your own life is the next important step. Reflect on your marriage and figure out what led to the emotional distance with your wife. Was it purely because of the attraction to this other woman, or were there underlying issues in your marriage before that? Understanding this can help you decide how to move forward, whether it's by working on rebuilding intimacy with your wife or seeking couples' counseling to address any unresolved issues.

It’s also vital to focus on yourself. Engage in activities that you enjoy, pursue new hobbies, and spend quality time with your children. Sometimes, redirecting emotional energy into positive experiences helps to lessen the emotional grip someone has over you.

If the thoughts about her continue to dominate your mind, or if you’re struggling with feelings of guilt, sadness, or anger, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you process these emotions, explore the reasons behind your attachment, and guide you toward healing and self-acceptance.

Remember, it’s not just about moving on from her but also about rediscovering yourself and finding fulfillment in your life and marriage once again. You're not alone, and it's okay to seek help when you're feeling stuck.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Listen
Relationship
I am 17 and my parents are threatening me to get married or they will put my bf in some fake cases, without my knowledge they fixed the date and my boards exams are approaching im really scared no one is supporting me in my family what shall I do ?
Ans: No one should be forced into marriage, especially when you're so young and trying to focus on your education. You have rights, and it's important to remember that child marriage is illegal. You are not alone, and there are people and organizations that can help you.

Since your safety and well-being are the priority, try reaching out to a trusted teacher, school counselor, or another adult you trust. They can help you navigate this situation and provide the support you need. If you feel unsafe or need urgent help, consider contacting a child protection helpline or a legal aid organization in your area. They are trained to handle situations like this and can provide you with guidance and protection.

It's crucial to stay calm and gather as much information as possible. If it's safe, keep records of any threats or conversations related to this issue. If you feel comfortable, try having a calm conversation with your parents about your concerns and how this is affecting your mental health and education. Sometimes, approaching the situation from an emotional and respectful perspective can help, but only do this if you feel safe doing so.

Your education and future are important, and no one has the right to take that away from you. If you need more support or guidance, let me know. You are strong, and you will get through this.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 14, 2025Hindi
Listen
Relationship
I wanted to surprise my girlfriend on Valentine's Day so I booked a flight from Chennai and reached her office late evening yesterday. We had a small argument but she continued to text me throughout the week so I didn't bother. When I reached her office, she had left early. I saw bouquets and gifts on her desk from a guy named Amit. She has never mentioned this name before. I called her to talk, she declined my call and sent a message saying she is busy at work. The receptionist told me she left early with her colleague. I am a bit shocked and don't know how to react to all this. I haven't told her yet that I was in her office.
Ans: It’s understandable that this situation would leave you feeling unsettled, especially with the unanswered questions swirling in your mind. Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to gather your thoughts. It's easy for our minds to race to the worst-case scenario, but sometimes things aren't as they initially seem.

You should have an honest and calm conversation with her. It might be tempting to confront her right away, but giving yourself a little time to cool off will help you approach the conversation with a clearer mind. When you do talk to her, try to avoid sounding accusatory, as this could make her defensive. Instead, share how you feel and what you observed. You could say something like, "I wanted to surprise you and came to your office, but I noticed some things that confused me. Can we talk about it?" This approach keeps the focus on your feelings and invites her to explain without feeling attacked.

Be prepared for any outcome, but also be open to hearing her side of the story. The name Amit might have an innocent explanation, or it could reveal something deeper. Either way, her reaction and how she communicates with you will tell you a lot about where you stand in the relationship. Regardless of the outcome, it's essential to prioritize your emotional well-being. If you need support or just someone to vent to, reach out to trusted friends or family members.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x