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Planning for Retirement: How to Be Debt-Free and Create a Corpus Fund?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 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 23, 2024Hindi
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I am aged 53 and will retire from service in 2032.Presently monthly EMI of 1.5 lakhs for two individual house and flat home loans.Take home salary is 3L per month and likely to increase due to increase in DA for every six months and pay revision for every four years which is due in 2026 and 2030.My savings are MF daily SIP for five different funds (equity)started from Sep23 and lupsum investment for 15L with STP daily for 5 different equity funds started in Sep23. FDs and postal savings around 30L. I need to do marriages for my daughters aged 24 and 22 now.Need to be free from any liability at the end of retirement and have some corpus fund which would earn interest and live with my retirement pension.What additional things I should do to achieve this.Please suggest.

Ans: Assessing Current Financial Situation
Monthly EMI and Income
Monthly EMI: Rs 1.5 lakhs for home loans.
Take Home Salary: Rs 3 lakhs per month.
Income Growth: Likely due to DA increase every six months and pay revision in 2026 and 2030.
Investments and Savings
Mutual Funds: Daily SIPs in five equity funds since September 2023.
Lump Sum Investments: Rs 15 lakhs with daily STP into five equity funds.
FDs and Postal Savings: Rs 30 lakhs.
Upcoming Financial Commitments
Daughters’ Marriages: Aged 24 and 22 now.
Retirement Goal: Debt-free and a corpus fund for post-retirement life.
Recommendations for Financial Planning
Reducing Home Loan Liability
Prepay Home Loans: Increase EMI payments if possible to reduce principal faster.
Annual Bonuses: Use any bonuses or increments for prepayment.
Review Loan Terms: Check for better interest rates or refinancing options.
Building Retirement Corpus
Increase SIPs: Gradually increase SIP amounts in mutual funds as income increases.
Diversify Investments: Consider adding debt funds to balance risk and provide stable returns.
PPF and NPS: Invest in these for tax benefits and retirement savings.
Daughters’ Marriage Fund
Dedicated Savings: Start a separate SIP for marriage expenses.
Short-Term Debt Funds: Use these for safer investments with moderate returns.
Recurring Deposits: Consider these for disciplined savings.
Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage to protect family in case of any unforeseen events.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive family health plan to cover medical expenses.
Post-Retirement Planning
Annuity Products: Consider products that provide regular income post-retirement.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Use SWP from mutual funds for regular income.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): Invest in SCSS for regular income and safety.
Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Consult a CFP to tailor a plan specific to your needs.
Review Regularly: Assess your financial plan annually and adjust as required.
Final Insights
Prepay Loans: Focus on reducing your home loan liability.
Increase Investments: Gradually increase SIPs and diversify.
Plan for Marriages: Create a separate savings plan for marriage expenses.
Retirement Corpus: Build a strong retirement corpus through diversified investments.
Insurance: Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage.
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  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 14, 2024Hindi
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Currently I am 54 years old & following is the corpus build till now, left job / voluntarily retired 3 months ago, need financial advise for future!!!! 1. Total 3 nos Flat owned, current market value a. Rs 2.60 Cr (out of which Rs 1.25 Cr Home loan balance OD a/c) b. Rs 1.4Cr & c. Rs 35 Lacs (currently residing) 2. Rs 90 Lacs Cash parked in OD Home loan a/c 3. Rs 90 lacs accumulated in EPF a/c, getting interest & not planning to withdraw till 58 years of retire age. 4. Receiving monthly Rent from Flat a. & b. = Rs. 1 lac + Rs 50k = Rs. 1.5 Lac/month 5. Rs 2 Lakhs in Equity 6. Term insurance - 1.25 Cr+ 1Cr = 2.25 Cr Liability:- a. Daughters education (1 year in India & 2 years Masters in Australia + Marriage b. Rs 90 lacs home loan balance as. Stated above... c. monthly Expenses - 75k Kindly suggest investment ideas to increase corpus for healthy retirement .. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Real Estate Assets
You own three flats with a total market value of Rs 4.35 crores. The first flat has a home loan balance of Rs 1.25 crores. The second and third flats have a combined market value of Rs 1.75 crores.

This is a significant asset base. The rental income from these properties is Rs 1.5 lakhs per month. This steady income is a positive aspect of your portfolio.

Cash Reserves
You have Rs 90 lakhs parked in your OD home loan account. This reduces the interest burden on your home loan. It's wise to keep this amount liquid for emergencies and short-term needs.

EPF Accumulation
Your EPF account has Rs 90 lakhs. It’s generating interest, and you plan to keep it until 58 years. This is a good strategy for tax-efficient growth.

Equity Investments
You have Rs 2 lakhs in equity investments. This is a small part of your portfolio. Equities can provide high returns but come with high risks. Diversification is essential to balance risk and return.

Insurance Coverage
You have term insurance coverage of Rs 2.25 crores. This ensures financial security for your family in case of an unfortunate event.

Liabilities and Obligations
Your primary liabilities include:

Rs 1.25 crore home loan balance.
Funding your daughter's education and marriage.
Monthly expenses of Rs 75,000.
Investment Strategy for Healthy Retirement
Debt Management
Continue using the Rs 90 lakhs in your OD account to reduce the home loan interest. Pay off the home loan faster to reduce financial stress. This will improve your cash flow.

Rental Income
Ensure your rental properties are well-maintained. This will help retain tenants and maintain rental income. Consider rental agreements for security.

Equity Investments
Increase your exposure to equity investments. Equity mutual funds can provide better returns than direct stocks. Consider large-cap and diversified equity funds. This will balance risk and returns.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Start an SWP from your mutual funds after you retire fully. This will provide a steady monthly income. It’s tax-efficient and offers better returns than fixed deposits.

Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6 months of expenses as an emergency fund. This should be in a liquid and accessible form. Consider liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical costs can be high, especially in retirement. A family floater health insurance plan is recommended.

Daughter’s Education and Marriage
Start a separate fund for your daughter’s education and marriage. Consider child-specific mutual funds. This will ensure you have enough when needed without affecting your retirement corpus.

Retirement Corpus Growth
Maximize your retirement corpus growth by investing in a mix of debt and equity funds. A balanced fund can provide a good mix of stability and growth. Regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner’s guidance can help optimize returns.

Tax Planning
Utilize tax-saving instruments to reduce your tax liability. ELSS funds can offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Plan withdrawals from your EPF and other investments to minimize tax.

Regular Reviews
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and your financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help you stay on track.

Final Insights
Your current financial situation is strong. Focus on reducing liabilities, optimizing returns, and planning for your daughter’s future. Maintain adequate insurance and an emergency fund.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. They can help tailor a strategy to your needs and ensure a healthy, stress-free retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1153 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 17, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 53 yrs. I want to retire @60 with a INR 2.00 Cr Corps. Currently I have following SIP Total SIP 30000/- PM Axis Bluechip Fund - Regular Plan - Growth HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Growth Plan Aditya Birla Sun Life Pure Value Fund - Growth Option Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Advantage Fund - Regular Growth Sundaram Mid Cap Fund Regular Plan - Growth Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund -Regular Plan-Growth Franklin India Focused Equity Fund - Growth Plan Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund-Growth HDFC Top 100 Fund - Growth Option HDFC Multi Cap Fund - Growth Option I have MF Investment @ 26.00 Lakh Current Value is @ 52.00 Lakh. I have Savings of Rs. 10.00 Lakh, PPF Rs. 5.00 Lakh, Share investment Current Market Value around Rs. 20.00 Lakhs. I don't have any Loan. Insurance INR 1.50 Cr. up age of 70. Per month earning around Rs. 1.25 Lakh. I have a Investment in real estate which can give my INR 40.00 Lakh at current Market Price & Gold Investment of INR 20.00 Lakh which I think sufficient for my daughter Marriage. Current Monthly Expense INR 40-50 K. I am in a new tax regime, so discontinue my ELSS saving and PPF Saving. Suggest how i can increase my Corpus for retirement.
Ans: Hello;

You may top-up your monthly sip by 10% every year for 7 years. This will grow into a sum of around 0.51 Cr.

The MF corpus and direct equity holdings worth 0.72 Cr today will grow into a corpus of 1.59 Cr after 7 years.

Therefore you may achieve your intended corpus of 1.59+ 0.51=2.1 Cr, 7 years from now. A modest return of 12% is assumed from MF and direct equity holdings.

2-3 years before 60 you should start moving your gains from equity funds to liquid or ultra short duration debt funds to protect it against market volatility.

Also good health care insurance for yourself and your spouse.

RE property you may sell at a later date to boost your retirement income.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

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Hi sir thnku in advance. I am 28M,working in central govt job. It has just been one year and I plan on retiring very early around a 35 years of age. I have nps tier 1 account due to the job. I just have one query since I don't plan on marrying and I am alone with my own home. My expenses are max 18k per month. I hardly travel and live a very frugal life. So my query if I resign at 35 years then will 50 lakhs will sustain me for 15 years keeping in mind the inflation and my return as 7% on an average.
Ans: Your question shows rare clarity at a young age. You are just 28. But you already have a defined vision to retire by 35. That is highly appreciable. Many at this age are still unsure of financial direction.

Let us now assess your question in detail.

You asked whether Rs 50 lakhs will last 15 years, post retirement at 35.

Let us evaluate your financial journey from all angles.

Understanding Your Present Situation

You work in a central government job. That offers job security. And also an NPS Tier 1 account.

You live frugally. Your monthly expense is only Rs 18,000. That is extremely disciplined.

You have your own home. So no rent or EMI outgo. This reduces your future cost burden.

You do not plan to marry. So your financial responsibilities are only for yourself.

You plan to retire at 35. That means only 7 more years of active income.

After 35, you want Rs 50 lakhs corpus to sustain you for 15 years.

That means till age 50, you want to live from this corpus.

Now let us move step-by-step to assess sustainability.

Assessing Expense Inflation Over Time

Right now, your expense is Rs 18,000 per month.

Even a frugal person cannot avoid inflation.

Prices of food, electricity, health, etc. will go up.

Inflation over 15 years cannot be ignored.

Even if inflation is modest, say 6%, your expense will rise gradually.

By year 10 or 15, your Rs 18,000 monthly expense may double.

That will need a higher withdrawal from your corpus.

So corpus sustainability depends on how inflation is planned for.

Evaluating Return Assumption

You assume 7% average return on corpus.

This is realistic if money is well invested.

You must avoid only FDs or savings accounts.

To get 7% post-tax, proper asset allocation is needed.

Mutual funds can help here.

Especially, actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid index funds. They just copy the index.

Index funds do not give downside protection in bear markets.

They also underperform during volatile sideways markets.

Index funds have no fund manager taking active decisions.

Whereas actively managed funds adapt to market cycles.

A qualified CFP can help select suitable active funds.

Regular plans through a CFP give ongoing guidance.

Direct funds may look cheaper, but lack this support.

Direct funds are like self-medication. Risky without expert view.

Regular plans have a small fee, but offer long-term peace.

Corpus Withdrawal Planning

Your Rs 50 lakh must support monthly cash flow.

Even if you start withdrawing Rs 18,000 monthly, over time it will increase.

You need a withdrawal strategy.

You can follow a staggered withdrawal.

That means only taking what is needed each year.

Rest of the money keeps earning.

It also helps reduce tax burden.

But you must track how much you withdraw each year.

And ensure it grows in line with inflation.

If not planned well, corpus may finish earlier.

So withdrawal plan should be dynamic, not fixed.

A Certified Financial Planner can help prepare such a roadmap.

Emergency and Health Preparedness

You are alone. That means no support system in emergencies.

You must keep some contingency fund aside.

At least 12 months of expenses, i.e., about Rs 2.5 lakhs.

This should be liquid. Like in sweep-in FDs or ultra-short debt funds.

Also, ensure you have a strong health insurance policy.

Healthcare cost rises faster than inflation.

Even a single surgery or hospitalisation can dent your corpus.

Do not rely on employer health cover post resignation.

Buy your own health insurance before retirement.

Choose Rs 20–30 lakh cover. Preferably with a super top-up.

Keep paying its premium from a separate health corpus if needed.

If you stay healthy and insurance unused, that is a blessing.

But if not, it will safeguard your financial independence.

Psychological Readiness for Early Retirement

Financial numbers are only part of the journey.

Are you ready for non-financial changes post-retirement?

How will you keep yourself engaged from age 35 to 50?

No daily job, no team, no deadlines. That may feel strange.

Mental health and social belonging are also essential.

Plan for what you will do post retirement.

Hobbies, part-time work, teaching, or creative work.

Something that gives meaning to your day.

Else early retirement may feel empty after some years.

Personal fulfilment is important, not just financial planning.

Tax Implication of Your Investments

Returns from equity mutual funds have a new rule.

Long-term capital gain (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

This affects how you redeem funds.

Withdraw strategically to reduce tax.

Do not withdraw large amounts in one go unless needed.

Spread withdrawals over financial years.

Plan investments so equity and debt are balanced.

This helps with tax and market stability.

NPS Tier 1 – How It Helps

You already have NPS Tier 1 account.

You can continue it even after quitting job.

But withdrawals are restricted before age 60.

You can withdraw only 20% before 60 if not annuitised.

So it may not be useful for your 35–50 needs.

But it can be your backup after 60.

So continue it. Don’t touch now.

Let it grow. It adds to your retirement safety.

It cannot be your main retirement plan for early years.

How You Should Build Rs 50 Lakh Corpus

You have 7 years left to save.

That is a short horizon for such a big goal.

You must save aggressively now.

Keep lifestyle minimal, as you already are doing.

Avoid unnecessary gadgets, dining, or gadgets.

Every rupee saved now compounds for your future.

Invest in a well-planned mutual fund portfolio.

Include large cap, mid cap, and flexi cap funds.

Avoid thematic or sectoral funds. Too risky for main corpus.

Also add short-duration debt funds for stability.

Review this plan once a year with your CFP.

Increase SIPs with each salary hike.

Also allocate your yearly bonus fully into investments.

Rs 50 lakh target is tough but possible with discipline.

Asset Allocation Approach

Corpus should not be 100% in equity or 100% in debt.

A balanced approach is better.

Early years of retirement can bear some equity.

Later years should gradually shift to debt.

This is called glide path strategy.

Helps avoid sequence of returns risk.

If market crashes in year 1 or 2, your corpus shrinks fast.

So first 3 years’ expenses should be in debt.

Remaining in equity-debt mix as per risk profile.

Rebalancing is important each year.

Do not ignore this step.

It controls risk and improves return consistency.

Finally

Rs 50 lakhs can last for 15 years if:

You invest it wisely.

Withdraw in a disciplined way.

Factor in inflation, taxes, and health cost.

Keep emergency corpus aside.

Stay insured for health and critical illness.

Engage yourself meaningfully post-retirement.

Review your plan annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

Early retirement is not a one-time plan.

It is a living strategy that needs updates.

You are on the right path.

Stay focused. Stay simple.

And always seek guidance when needed.

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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