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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 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 - Feb 21, 2024Hindi
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Is there any answer for my query asked on 07 Jan 2024. Male 42 Year, Wife 38 (housewife), Two Kids age 9 and 5.5 (both school going), living in Ghaziabad, Job in Gurugram. I had a loss of my own property when my brother cheated on me, then I had another loss of around 25L in a property. Because of this, I disturbed mentally and physically both. Currently living on rent in Ghaziabad and doing daily up & down to Gurgaon for job which takes around 4.5 hrs. Thought of shifting to Gurgaon, but because of cost factors (like daily expenses, rent, school fees etc) are very high in Gurgaon as compared to Ghaziabad. But not at the age of 42, health does not allow the 4.5 hrs of daily journey as well as my kids want my time also. Ultimately, point is that, if I will stay in GZB and purchase a property here, I will have to commute daily for 4.5 hrs OR if I'll go to Gurgaon, meeting the expenses are difficult. Kindly suggest.

Ans: It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with various factors to consider. Here are a few suggestions:

Consider prioritizing your health and well-being: A 4.5-hour daily commute can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially considering your age and family responsibilities.

Evaluate your financial situation carefully: Compare the costs of living in Ghaziabad versus Gurgaon, including rent, school fees, and daily expenses. Look for ways to optimize your budget and potentially increase your income through avenues like investments or additional sources of revenue.

Explore alternative living arrangements: Look for more affordable housing options closer to your workplace in Gurgaon or explore the possibility of telecommuting if your job allows it.

Seek professional guidance: Consider consulting with a financial advisor or counselor who can help you assess your options objectively and make informed decisions based on your priorities and financial situation.

Ultimately, prioritize your health, family well-being, and financial stability when making your decision. It may require some careful planning and adjustments, but finding the right balance is crucial for your overall happiness and success.
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  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 40 year old. I have a salary of 65000 rs. My wife takes care of the house, my parents and our 1.8 year old daughter. I live in a rented property. I am want to buy a property in gurgaon which is suitable for whole family. I have sold a property I pre-owned in gurgaon in 3300000. But now as property rates are on hike am not able to search for a suitable property. Help me search a property and plan my daughter's future as well.
Ans: Planning to buy a property in Gurgaon and securing your daughter’s future requires a comprehensive strategy. As a Certified Financial Planner, I will guide you through the process with empathy and understanding, providing genuine compliments and professional advice. Let's break down the steps in an easy-to-follow manner.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, let's look at your current financial status. Your salary is Rs. 65,000 per month, and your wife takes care of the household, your parents, and your young daughter. Living in a rented property in Gurgaon, you aim to buy a home suitable for your entire family.

Funds from Property Sale
You recently sold a property in Gurgaon for Rs. 33,00,000. This amount will significantly contribute to your new property purchase. Given the rising property rates, finding a suitable home within your budget can be challenging but manageable with proper planning.

Property Search in Gurgaon
Set a Budget
Your budget for purchasing a property should include the amount from your property sale and any additional funds you can allocate. Given the sale amount of Rs. 33,00,000, aim to add some savings to this amount if possible.

Determine Your Requirements
Assess your family's needs in terms of space and amenities. Consider the following:

Number of bedrooms
Proximity to schools and hospitals
Access to public transportation
Safety and neighborhood quality
Explore Financing Options
You might need to take a home loan to cover any shortfall. Check your eligibility based on your income and credit score. Banks typically offer home loans up to 80% of the property value. Ensure the EMI is manageable within your monthly budget.

Research Property Options
Look for properties in Gurgaon that fit your budget and requirements. Areas like Sector 56, 57, and Sohna Road offer good residential options. Consider contacting real estate agents or using property search websites to explore listings.

Planning Your Daughter’s Future
Secure Education and Marriage Funds
Your daughter is 1.8 years old, giving you time to plan for her education and marriage. Start by estimating the future costs for both these milestones.

Investment Options for Her Future
Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits
FDs and RDs are safe options for securing funds. They offer guaranteed returns and can be a good choice for short-term goals.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a long-term, tax-free investment option. It is excellent for accumulating a substantial amount over time due to its compounding nature.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can provide higher returns over the long term. Consider equity mutual funds for higher growth potential, keeping in mind the risk associated.

Building a Comprehensive Financial Plan
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering at least 6 months of expenses. This fund will provide financial security during unexpected situations.

Insurance Coverage
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage. Life insurance will secure your family’s future, while health insurance will cover medical expenses.

Evaluating Investment Strategies
Active vs. Passive Funds
Active funds are managed by professionals aiming to outperform the market. They can be beneficial due to their potential for higher returns compared to index funds, which merely replicate market indices.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offers several advantages:

Professional guidance
Personalized advice
Better fund selection based on your risk profile
Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds have lower fees, they lack the potential for higher returns that actively managed funds offer. They simply track the market and do not aim to outperform it.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Regular Review of Investments
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Adjust the allocation based on changing market conditions and personal circumstances.

Professional Advice
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner regularly can help you stay on track with your financial goals. They can provide personalized advice and make necessary adjustments to your plan.

Buying a Property: Key Considerations
Legal Verification
Ensure the property has clear legal titles. Verify documents such as the sale deed, land records, and approvals from local authorities.

Home Loan Process
Compare home loan offers from different banks. Consider factors like interest rates, loan tenure, and processing fees. Ensure the EMI fits comfortably within your budget.

Property Valuation
Get the property valued to ensure you are paying a fair price. This step helps in negotiating the purchase price and securing the right loan amount.

Final Insights
Buying a property in Gurgaon and planning your daughter's future requires meticulous planning and execution. By setting a realistic budget, exploring financing options, and selecting suitable investment avenues, you can achieve your goals. Regularly review your financial plan with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives. Remember, the right financial strategy will provide security and growth for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 19, 2025Hindi
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I am a divorced working woman , with a daughter 8 yrs. I have been pursued for remarriage with a guy who is 10 yrs older to me and have 2 kids. 11 and 14 yrs respectively living in a small town. Initially it was agreed the elder child who is a boy would be living in hostel , but now since we are approaching near to the marriage, it seems the elder male child is going to stay at home and not hostel. This is making me really uncomfortable as I won't get much privacy also the male child is aggressive.Already handling one kid was difficult before. Also moving to small town was difficult transition from a metropolitan that I stay in. Moving there could mean losing job opportunities in future. I am really worried if I let this match go, I end up alone again. I am not able to make a decision, it's difficult to raise others children. It's just not naturally inbuilt in us.Although I try really hard to mould my thinking and be more generous, but somehow it suffocates me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Let me ask you one thing, if you knew a plane was going to crash, would you still get on it because you are worried you will reach your destination late? No, right? Similarly, if you know this marriage could be really tough on you, with the added responsibilities of a teenager and another soon-to-be teenager, do you still want to go ahead with it, just because you might have to stay alone for a while longer?

I can't really make a decision for you, but I can urge you to rethink this alliance. It's great that you are trying to compromise but do not compromise so much that nothing that you want is given any importance. You cannot ask a father to send his child to a hostel so that you can have some privacy; similarly, no one can force you to raise him as well. The best decision would be to either reconsider the relationship or have an open conversation and come to a middle ground that works for all.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2025Hindi
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How do I 32M get over my insecurity with 30F? (Seeking Advice) Met this girl via matrimony exactly 2 months back. We connect well. Our families have met recently and it went well. Somehow we found a lot of connections between our families. That's just a bonus. Her family likes me a lot and they wanted to do Roka when they met us last week. I had told her, that no matter our bond, we should talk a lot and give it 3 months before going for roka. We live in different metro cities and have met twice now. About her: She is 30, well behaved & spoken(most important thing for me), smart, good looking, and is extremely polite. She is an army brat, has had a lot of freedom from family. Due to her father's job, they kept getting posted to different cities so she doesn't really understand family part of things. She's in a IT job. About me: I'm 32, okayish guy, in IT. To take things ahead I need to know my partner's past. I have no judgements at all but need to know stuff. Getting to know things over time bothers me a lot. I've tried to work on it, and have always made sure I don't bother the other person too much. After a month of talking, she told me that she had a casual boyfriend for an year. All her friends were dating in Bangalore and she decided to try it out. Found a guy through bumble and started dating him. So, according to her there were no feelings, just a person for her to go to places with, have drinks, and party. She likes drinking a lot and I have never taken a sip. She said that it was just a phase and she was immature. This happened between 2018(Nov) to 2020(march). So, it's been like 5 years. Never dated anyone after that. Since covid(2020) she's been living with her parents due to wfh. I have been completely ok with that but new things surfaced and they are messing with my head. While snooping around her facebook I figured out who that person was and this guy is super close to a person in my distant family. In fact they both were flatmates until their respective marriages. This distant cousin of mine knows me and knows her really well. These 3 used to hangout a lot and he has seen her come to their flat regularly. Infact, she had a good bond with my cousin as well. There are things that bother me and I really can't shake things and feel super awful in my gut. She mentioned that she and her ex had a common love for drinking and regularly visited pubs, got drunk, and partied. This means that they would be staying at each other's place as well. This is something super old but bothers me a lot. Specifically the fact that she would be drunk partying with someone for an year and sleeping with him, with no feelings. Secondly, I found some posts where she has liked a post about this guy on fb/insta from mid-2021. I have already confronted her twice to share everything and we shall never discuss this again but this bothers me a lot. Secondly, now that I know the timelines I can figure out what photos have been taken by her ex. There's even a photo of her sitting on a messy bed, where she's cutting her bday cake. They celebrated it together. I found my cousins page and some other pages from which I knew it's the guy's room/flat. I know everyone has a past. She has come clean to me but somehow my brain is so split. Sometimes her nature and behaviour with me make me not care about anything. And then I know the bed, flat, and her actions with some guy. Then there is this angle where the ex's flatmate is my distant cousin and knows about her well.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that it is important for you to need to know her past and you mentioned that you merely want to know, and would not judge. But judging is exactly what you are doing. A lot of people have exes, a lot of people have occasional drinks- we can't judge people based on their past. She has opened up to you and all you are doing is snooping around. To be honest, it seems like you are really more concerned about her ex and past than about how amazing a person she is. I have only one piece of advice, if you think you can't get past her past, let her go. No one deserves to be judged by their past.

And think of it this way- you asked, and she told you. She was not obliged to, but still understanding your 'need' to know 'everything,' she confided in you. And this is how you are paying her back. Moreover, so what if she had an ex, or dated casually? How does that affect you right now? Ask yourself the same question and I think you will know the answer to your own dilemma.

Having said it all, marriage is a big decision. If you think her past can hamper your future, please rethink this relationship. It is best for both of you.

Best Wishes

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

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I am 49 and plan to retire in 2 years time.. I currently have a MF corpus of about 1.8 Cr, a PF of about 1 Cr and properties worth 2 Cr. I have been investing in MF's since 2014 through SIP's and currently have 70K monthly SIP. Please advise if I would be comfortable in 2 years, my estimated monthly expense post retirement would be approx 2 Lakhs per month
Ans: Your current corpus of Rs. 1.8 crore in mutual funds and Rs. 1 crore in PF is significant. The additional Rs. 2 crore in properties adds to your wealth but doesn’t provide immediate liquidity. Let us evaluate if your corpus will sustain your post-retirement expense of Rs. 2 lakh per month.

Estimating Post-Retirement Corpus Requirement
You plan to retire in 2 years, at age 51.

Assuming a life expectancy of 85 years, the corpus needs to last for 34 years.

An expense of Rs. 2 lakh per month means Rs. 24 lakh annually.

Adjust this amount for inflation to calculate future needs.

Current Investment Contributions
Your Rs. 70,000 monthly SIP builds your corpus over the next 2 years.

SIPs offer rupee cost averaging, reducing market volatility impact.

Assess the fund performance regularly to maximise growth.

Diversification of Investments
Your corpus is spread across mutual funds, PF, and properties.

PF provides a stable, fixed return but lacks flexibility.

Properties offer wealth accumulation but are less liquid for immediate needs.

Mutual funds remain a primary source of liquidity and growth post-retirement.

Evaluating Monthly Withdrawals Post-Retirement
Withdrawals should balance your monthly expenses and ensure corpus longevity.

Avoid withdrawing large amounts in the early years of retirement.

Consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for withdrawal strategies.

Role of Inflation and Healthcare Costs
Factor in inflation’s effect on expenses over 30+ years.

A 6% inflation rate doubles your monthly expense in 12 years.

Allocate for increasing healthcare costs with age.

Importance of Emergency and Medical Coverage
Keep at least 6 months' expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance for unexpected medical costs.

Tax Efficiency in Withdrawals
Equity mutual funds' LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt fund returns are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability on gains.

Active Funds vs. Direct Funds
Actively managed funds optimise returns by responding to market changes.

Direct funds lack professional support, affecting long-term efficiency.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to select regular funds.

Disadvantages of Relying on Real Estate
Properties are illiquid and may take time to convert to cash.

Rental income may not cover Rs. 2 lakh monthly expenses reliably.

Maintenance and property taxes further reduce returns.

Recommendations for Portfolio Restructuring
Increase Allocation to Growth Assets

Continue SIPs in equity mutual funds for growth potential.

Review funds for consistent performance and portfolio alignment.

Add Balanced and Debt Funds for Stability

Include balanced advantage and debt funds for steady income.

Debt funds reduce overall portfolio risk.

Plan a Withdrawal Strategy

Use the SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for predictable income.

Withdraw from equity funds after 3 years for tax efficiency.

Avoid Over-reliance on PF and Real Estate

PF offers safety but limited returns.

Use properties strategically for potential downsizing or sale.

Final Insights
You are on track to retire comfortably, provided you optimise your investments. Plan your withdrawals carefully, factoring in inflation and tax efficiency. Work with a Certified Financial Planner to refine your portfolio and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 21, 2025Hindi
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Money
I like to know which MF to be selected for investing in a SIP among same types of funds with equal performances and risks but with different NAVs.
Ans: When selecting a mutual fund for SIP among funds with similar types, performances, and risks but different NAVs, consider the following aspects:

1. Net Asset Value (NAV) Does Not Reflect Fund Performance
A lower or higher NAV does not indicate better returns.

NAV reflects the fund's per-unit value and changes daily.

Investment growth depends on percentage returns, not NAV values.

2. Expense Ratio and Fund Costs
A lower expense ratio can improve net returns.

Actively managed funds with skilled fund managers may charge slightly higher fees.

Ensure you evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio before making a decision.

3. Fund Manager's Track Record
Review the fund manager's expertise and past performances.

A consistent manager with strong market knowledge can add value.

Avoid funds with frequent management changes.

4. Fund House Reputation and AUM
Choose funds from a reputed fund house with a strong track record.

A large Asset Under Management (AUM) ensures better stability and liquidity.

Avoid funds with excessively low AUM, as they may face liquidity issues.

5. Tax Implications of the Fund
Assess how long-term and short-term capital gains will affect returns.

Equity mutual funds have specific tax rates: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt funds follow your income tax slab, affecting post-tax returns.

6. Investment Goals and Time Horizon
Align the fund choice with your financial goals.

Longer-term goals may benefit from equity-focused funds.

Short-term goals may require hybrid or debt-focused funds.

7. SIP Benefits in Any NAV
SIPs help average out purchase costs over time, reducing the impact of NAV differences.

Avoid basing decisions solely on NAV, as SIPs work on rupee cost averaging.

8. Focus on Portfolio Composition
Examine the fund's portfolio mix and sector allocation.

Ensure diversification aligns with your risk appetite and goals.

Avoid funds with concentrated exposure to risky sectors.

9. Assess Consistency of Returns
Look at rolling returns and consistency across market cycles.

Funds with stable returns in volatile markets are preferable.

Avoid funds with high volatility in performance.

10. Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds passively track benchmarks, lacking flexibility in volatile markets.

Actively managed funds can outperform by leveraging market opportunities.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide you to suitable active funds.

11. Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Regular funds offer ongoing advice and monitoring by a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD).

Direct funds lack professional support, which is crucial for long-term goals.

Certified Financial Planners provide insights and manage your portfolio efficiently.

Final Insights
Choosing the right mutual fund involves evaluating beyond NAVs. Focus on long-term potential, cost efficiency, and alignment with goals. SIPs, combined with expert advice, will help you achieve financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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Pushpa R  |45 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

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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