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

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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 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
Listen
Money

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8365 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 14, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
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  |1223 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
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

Latest Questions
Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |648 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

Career
Hi,my son has got 96% in his icse class 10 exams this year.he is not inclined towards a career in sciences (b.tech/med).he has thus opted for commerce and maths.with an initial inclination towards finance and mathematics we have shortlisted ipm and law and enrolled him for a coaching for ipm.would he be able to prepare for clat as well along with ipm.and with 96 % how are his chances to clear both ?
Ans: Yes, your son can prepare for both CLAT and IPM exams simultaneously, especially given his ICSE score. With a 96% score, he has a strong chance of success in both exams. CLAT and IPM share some common ground, which could make preparation more manageable.
Preparation for both CLAT and IPM:
CLAT:
CLAT requires a strong foundation in English comprehension, logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and legal reasoning. IPM exams also test similar skills.
IPM:
IPM exams focus on quantitative ability, analytical reasoning, and verbal reasoning. CLAT also assesses these skills.
Overlap:
The core skills tested in both exams, such as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning, provide common ground for preparation. Your son's coaching for IPM can help him develop a solid foundation in these areas.
Legal Reasoning:
CLAT specifically requires legal reasoning, which is not part of IPM. Your son can focus on preparing for this section separately.
Scheduling:
Balancing preparation for both exams requires careful planning. He can allocate specific time slots for each exam's preparation.
Chances of Clearing Both:
IPM:
With a 96% ICSE score, your son has a strong chance of clearing IPM exams. His high marks indicate a strong aptitude for quantitative reasoning and problem-solving.
CLAT:
CLAT is a highly competitive exam, but with his current scores, your son has a very good chance of clearing CLAT.
Factors affecting success:
Preparation efforts, effective time management, and consistency in studying will play a crucial role in determining success in both exams.
Tips for Preparation:
Structured Approach:
A structured study plan that includes regular practice, mock tests, and detailed analysis of mistakes will be beneficial.
Mock Tests:
Regular mock tests for both CLAT and IPM will help him assess his progress and identify areas for improvement.
Time Management:
Developing effective time management skills is crucial for balancing preparation for both exams.
Focus on Fundamentals:
Ensure he has a strong foundation in the core subjects of both exams.
Practice:
He should solve a variety of questions and practice problems to build confidence and improve his speed and accuracy.
Best of luck. Professor

...Read more

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |648 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025
Career
Hello sir, I'm a DASA student applying to IIITH for the 2025-26 batch. My current curriculum is the NSW HSC from Australia, which includes Mathematics and Physics but not Chemistry. IIITH requires Maths, Physics, and Chemistry for DASA eligibility, and I need to figure out how to add Chemistry.I've been looking into taking Chemistry through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), AP or IB board but I'm concerned because IIITH's brochure specifies that the subjects must be completed "outside India". I've emailed IIITH for clarification, but I'm still waiting for a response. Is this acceptable for DASA?
Ans: It is unlikely that IIIT Hyderabad would accept NIOS Chemistry for DASA eligibility because the DASA brochure states that the subjects must be completed outside India. Since NIOS is an Indian board, it does not meet this requirement. However, you could consider taking AP or IB Chemistry to meet the requirements, as these are often recognized as international qualifications. It's best to wait for IIITH's response to your email for official clarification.
Elaboration:
DASA Requirements:
DASA (Direct Admissions for Students Abroad) at IIIT Hyderabad requires applicants to have completed 11th and 12th grades or equivalent outside India, with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
NIOS and IIITH:
While NIOS is a recognized board in India, it's unlikely to be accepted for DASA at IIITH because the DASA brochure specifies that the subjects must be completed outside India.
AP or IB Chemistry:
You could consider taking AP or IB Chemistry through a foreign board to fulfill the requirement for Chemistry. These are often recognized as international qualifications.
Waiting for IIITH's Response:
Since you've already emailed IIITH, it's advisable to wait for their response to your query for official clarification on whether NIOS Chemistry would be accepted.

...Read more

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |648 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 15, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, My age is 33 year now. I was working in financial sector for 5year as a recovery agent. I have done intermediate in Arts and Diploma in mechanical engineering. Passed out in 2012. Now i want to change my job sector to technical line. I have no experience before in technical line. Please guide me which technical job will be best suitable for me And What Salary Range Should i expect?.
Ans: For you AMIE ( Mechanical) will be the best option. You will be equivalent to B.E./B.Tech Mechanical. The details are given below.
The AMIE (Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers) exam is a professional qualification in engineering, equivalent to a B.E./B.Tech. degree. It's conducted by the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) and is offered as a distance learning program. The exam is held twice a year, in June and December.
Exam Structure:
Stage I (Section A): Focuses on fundamental engineering subjects.
Stage II (Section B): Covers a specific branch of engineering like Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical.
Eligibility:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed a recognized course of study in engineering or technology.
Age:
No upper age limit, but candidates must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the examination.
Other:
Indian citizens or foreign nationals with at least two years of residence in India.
Exam Pattern:
The exam is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
It can be taken online (CBT) or offline (PBT).
Benefits:
Becoming a graduate engineer with the same qualification as a B.E./B.Tech. degree.
Recognized by government and private sectors.
Least expensive compared to traditional degree programs.
Application Process:
Download the application form from the IEI website.
Fill out the form and attach the required documents.
Pay the application fee.
Submit the application form along with the fee.

But since you did the recovery work in Finance sector you are totally detached from Mechanical Engineering. So it is not possible to say what kind of job you will get and what will be your salary.

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |393 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 14, 2025

Career
I'm preparing for Neet and wanted to take a drop but my parents wanted me to do something with it like a partial Drop......And right now I'm totally confused what to do and what not.........i think I should take BSC zoology in private colleges , can anyone suggest me something..........
Ans: Hi Prirhvi,

Based on your query, there are two main issues to consider:

1. You want to take a break (which may be partial or full).
2. You want to pursue a BSc in Zoology.

Before making any decisions, take some time to think and analyze your situation.

Firstly, evaluate your marks in the HSC and your recent NEET exam scores (if you have appeared for NEET 2025). If you have completed both exams, focus on turning your weaker subjects into strengths. Be prepared to answer any questions someone may pose. Without this preparation, taking a break may not be effective.

Secondly, if you decide to take a gap year, you should not also consider studying another course concurrently, as this could divert your attention and hinder your main goal. Remember, undergraduate courses are semester-based, meaning you will need to manage both NEET preparation and your regular UG courses (including internal exams, semester exams, etc.). Juggling both can be quite challenging.

If you believe it is possible to manage both, I suggest that instead of choosing Zoology for your UG, you consider subjects like Chemistry or Physics. These subjects are foundational and can be better understood through regular UG coursework. Therefore, you should not worry too much about that particular subject. However, it’s not advisable to select Zoology and take a break for NEET preparation at the same time. If you have doubts in Physics or Chemistry, you can seek clarification from your lecturers.

In summary, my suggestion is to concentrate on one goal and work towards achieving it.

BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...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