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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 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
Nitin Question by Nitin on May 20, 2024Hindi
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Asked on - May 20, 2024 I am a self employee my age is 33 currently my earning 70k per month I have 2 kids 1 daughter is 7 yrs old and 1 sun is 1 yrs old . Currently I am investing is sip total 5k 1k canara robeco emerging equity fund Gr since 3 yrs 1k Marie asset large and midcap fund Gr since 3yrs 1k HDFC Midcap opportunities fund Gr since 1yrs , 1k Nippon India small cap fund Gr, 1k SBI small cap fund Gr Sukanya lumsum 3/5k/m Ppf 5k/m(Total 5lac) LIC 1500 SINCE 10YRS Pls suggest how much amount invest for kids Higher education & Retirement to get2- 5cr

Ans: Strategic Planning for Financial Security

It's commendable that you're proactively investing in your children's future and planning for your retirement at such a young age. Let's delve into strategic approaches to ensure adequate funding for your children's higher education and secure your retirement goals.

Assessment of Current Financial Position

Before outlining a comprehensive investment strategy, let's assess your current financial situation and investment portfolio.

1. Income and Expenses:

Your monthly income of ?70,000 provides a solid foundation for financial planning. It's essential to balance your expenses, including childcare costs and savings, to ensure sustainable financial growth.

2. Existing Investments:

Your SIP investments across various mutual funds demonstrate a diversified approach to wealth accumulation. Additionally, your allocation towards Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), PPF, and LIC reflects a mix of long-term savings and insurance coverage.

Investment Strategy for Children's Higher Education

With a daughter aged 7 and a son aged 1, planning for their higher education is paramount. Let's outline a strategy to ensure adequate funding for their educational needs.

1. Goal Setting:

Estimate the anticipated cost of higher education for both children, factoring in inflation and the duration until they reach college age. This will serve as a benchmark for your savings target.

2. Systematic Investments:

Increase your monthly SIP contributions towards education-focused mutual funds, aiming to accumulate a substantial corpus by the time your children enter college. Consider gradually scaling up your investments as your income grows.

3. Long-Term Savings Vehicles:

Continue investing in SSY for your daughter's education, maximizing the benefits of the scheme's tax-efficient returns. Additionally, maintain regular contributions to PPF to complement your long-term savings strategy.

4. Education Loans:

While prioritizing savings for your children's education, keep education loan options in mind as a supplementary funding source. Evaluate the terms and interest rates offered by various financial institutions to determine their feasibility.

Retirement Planning and Wealth Accumulation

Securing your retirement with a target corpus of ?2-5 crores requires a strategic approach to long-term wealth accumulation.

1. Retirement Goal Setting:

Determine your desired retirement lifestyle and estimate the corpus needed to sustain it comfortably. Consider factors such as inflation, healthcare expenses, and post-retirement activities.

2. Retirement-focused Investments:

Allocate a significant portion of your savings towards retirement-focused mutual funds, pension plans, and other long-term investment vehicles. Prioritize growth-oriented funds with a track record of delivering consistent returns over the long term.

3. Tax Planning:

Optimize your tax liabilities by leveraging tax-saving investment options such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), National Pension System (NPS), and tax-saving mutual funds. Maximize deductions under Section 80C to enhance your savings potential.

4. Regular Review and Adjustment:

Periodically review your investment portfolio and retirement goals to ensure alignment with your evolving financial circumstances and aspirations. Adjust your savings strategy as necessary to stay on track towards achieving your retirement objectives.

Conclusion

By prioritizing systematic investments for your children's higher education and adopting a disciplined approach to retirement planning, you can lay the groundwork for a financially secure future. Regular review and adjustment of your investment strategy, coupled with prudent financial management, will help you achieve your goals effectively.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Sir, i m 40 yrs old, have two children 11 & 9 years old. Monthly income appx 90000/- P. M. Investing in monthly sip (5 different sector) appx 18000/- p. M. From last 4 years and RD in bank 15000/- p. M. How much i have to invest more for children education and marriage expenses appx 75 lacs each Monthly expenses abt 40 to 50k. No home loan only one car loan 20 installment pending 9100/-
Ans: It sounds like you've been diligently investing in SIPs and RDs to secure your family's future, which is truly commendable.

Given your children's ages, planning for their education and marriage expenses is a prudent step forward.

To accumulate approximately 75 lakhs for each child's education and marriage, you may need to increase your monthly investments.

Considering your current commitments and expenses, allocating an additional amount towards these goals is essential.

Calculating the required monthly investment involves factoring in the time horizon, expected returns, and inflation.

A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor a plan suited to your specific needs and goals.

Adjusting your budget to accommodate higher monthly investments may be necessary to achieve your financial objectives.

Exploring options like increasing SIP contributions or diversifying your investment portfolio can accelerate wealth accumulation.

Maintaining a balance between meeting your current financial obligations and saving for future goals is crucial.

Regularly reviewing your financial plan and making necessary adjustments ensures you stay on track to achieve your objectives.

Your dedication to securing your children's future is admirable. With careful planning and perseverance, you'll undoubtedly succeed.

Keep up the excellent work, and remember that every rupee saved today is a step closer to a brighter tomorrow for your family.

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

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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