Sir I'm 27 years old with monthly income 65k after all tax deductions. I am investing in MFs monthly 18k diversifying around 2 ELSS, 1 Index fund, 3 Small cap, 1 Thematic fund. 1 LIC with 3L sum assured paying 16788 annually. Investing 15k in gold scheme in gold shops. NPS 6000 monthly. Corporate Medical insurance. 20k monthly expense as I am bachelor. I want to buy a house. When can I retire? Please let me know any change do I need to make in my investments. Thank you for your time.
Ans: Your financial journey is commendable. Investing Rs 18,000 monthly in mutual funds and Rs 15,000 in a gold scheme shows your dedication. You have a balanced approach towards saving and spending. Your monthly income of Rs 65,000 after taxes is well-utilized. Let’s dive into the details of your current investments and explore how you can achieve your goals of buying a house and planning for retirement.
Mutual Funds: A Deep Dive
Your mutual fund portfolio is diverse, covering various segments like ELSS, small caps, and thematic funds. However, the inclusion of an index fund may need reconsideration. Index funds, while low-cost, often underperform compared to actively managed funds, especially in the Indian market. Active funds, managed by skilled professionals, can navigate market complexities better, potentially offering higher returns.
ELSS Funds
ELSS funds are a great choice for tax saving and wealth creation. They have a lock-in period of three years, which encourages long-term investment. However, ensure you’re choosing funds with a consistent track record and reliable management.
Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds can offer high returns but come with high volatility. Investing in three small cap funds may be over-diversification within a volatile segment. Consider reducing this to two well-performing small cap funds and reallocating the freed-up capital to other diversified equity funds.
Thematic Funds
Thematic funds are focused on specific sectors. They can be rewarding but are also risky due to their concentration in a particular theme. Ensure the theme aligns with long-term economic growth and not just a short-term trend.
Life Insurance: Review and Recommendations
You have an LIC policy with a sum assured of Rs 3 lakhs, paying Rs 16,788 annually. LIC policies often come with lower returns compared to pure investment products. Consider if the primary purpose of your LIC policy is insurance or investment.
If it’s primarily for investment, think about redirecting these funds into mutual funds. Pure term insurance can offer higher coverage at a lower premium, providing better financial security.
Gold Investment: A Balanced Approach
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly in a gold scheme is substantial. Gold is a good hedge against inflation but lacks the potential for high returns like equity. Consider balancing your gold investment with other asset classes to enhance overall portfolio growth.
NPS: A Solid Retirement Plan
Your monthly contribution of Rs 6,000 to the NPS is wise. NPS offers tax benefits and a disciplined retirement savings plan. Ensure you choose an appropriate mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities within the NPS to optimize growth and stability.
Corporate Medical Insurance: Safety Net
Having corporate medical insurance is a plus. However, ensure you have a personal health insurance plan as well. Corporate insurance policies can change with employment status, and personal health insurance offers continued coverage.
Monthly Expenses: Efficient Management
Your monthly expenses of Rs 20,000 as a bachelor show disciplined spending. Maintaining this habit will help you save and invest more, speeding up your journey towards buying a house and retiring early.
Buying a House: Planning Ahead
Buying a house is a significant financial goal. Given your current savings and investments, start by saving for the down payment. Assess your EMI affordability based on your current income and expenses. Typically, EMIs should not exceed 40% of your monthly income to ensure financial stability.
Retirement Planning: The Road Ahead
Retiring early is a dream for many. To achieve this, calculate your retirement corpus based on expected expenses post-retirement. Factor in inflation and healthcare costs. Aim to build a diversified portfolio of equity, debt, and other instruments to generate a sustainable retirement income.
Investment Adjustments: Recommendations
Review and Adjust Mutual Funds
Reduce the number of small cap funds to two.
Reallocate funds from the index fund to actively managed diversified equity funds.
Ensure ELSS and thematic funds have a solid track record.
Life Insurance Optimization
Evaluate the purpose of your LIC policy. If it’s for investment, consider surrendering it and redirecting funds to mutual funds.
Opt for a term insurance plan for better coverage.
Gold Investment Balance
Consider reducing monthly gold investments slightly and redirecting to mutual funds or other high-return instruments.
Maintain a balanced portfolio to mitigate risks.
Additional Health Insurance
Secure a personal health insurance policy for comprehensive coverage.
Focused Saving for House Purchase
Open a separate savings account or invest in short-term debt funds for your house down payment.
Regularly review and adjust savings based on real estate market trends and personal financial growth.
Enhanced Retirement Savings
Increase NPS contributions gradually as your income grows.
Diversify retirement investments across mutual funds, PPF, and other long-term instruments.
Your proactive approach towards saving and investing is admirable. Balancing various investment avenues while managing monthly expenses efficiently is commendable. Your dedication to securing a house and planning for early retirement shows foresight and responsibility.
Final Insights
Your current financial plan is robust, but with a few adjustments, it can be optimized further. Reassessing your mutual fund portfolio, balancing gold investments, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage are key steps. Saving diligently for a house and enhancing retirement contributions will help achieve your goals.
Continue your disciplined approach, regularly review your investments, and stay informed about market trends. This will ensure your financial journey remains on track, leading to a secure and fulfilling future.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in