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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8013 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 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 - May 29, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi, am close to reaching 30. Married. And my daughter is 2.5 years old. I am currently doing an monthly SIP of 6500 rupees. 1500 rupees to quant tax plan, 2000 rupees to parag parikh flexi cap, 2000 rupees to quant small cap, 1000 rupees to tata digital India fund. I had few other sips earlier. My current Mutual fund portfolio value is at 390000. I have earlier bought few stocks directly for long-term investment. but since am almost great at stock analysis I stopped purchasing stocks. My stock portfolio value is at 165000. Apart from this I deposit 1.5 lakh to ssy for my daughter's account for past 3 years. So far deposited 450000. After tds my monthly income is about 80000. I am staying in a metro city in a rental flat for 14500. And I have an active car loan and emi is 15000. I am planning to close this by this year end. And contribute more towards future saving and investment. I have company paid health insurance for my immediate family along with parents(I pay 25% for my parents) I have a term plan, took this after my daughter's birth. Whether am I in the right path or need any corrections.

Ans: First, congratulations on your dedication to financial planning at a young age. At almost 30, you have already taken significant steps to secure your family's future. Let's break down your current situation and evaluate your financial health.

Income and Expenses
Your monthly income after tax deductions is Rs 80,000. You're staying in a metro city and paying Rs 14,500 for rent, which is reasonable given the high cost of living in metro areas.

You also have an active car loan with an EMI of Rs 15,000. You plan to close this loan by the end of the year, which is a wise decision. It will free up Rs 15,000 monthly, allowing you to channel more funds into savings and investments.

Current Investments
Mutual Funds
You are currently investing Rs 6,500 monthly through SIPs in various mutual funds. Your mutual fund portfolio is valued at Rs 3,90,000. This indicates consistent investing and a disciplined approach.

Stock Portfolio
You have a stock portfolio worth Rs 1,65,000. Despite your earlier interest in direct stock investments, you stopped purchasing stocks, which shows self-awareness about your strengths and limitations in stock analysis. This is commendable.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
You've been depositing Rs 1,50,000 annually into the SSY account for your daughter for the past three years. This is an excellent step for securing your daughter's future, with Rs 4,50,000 already invested.

Current Insurance Coverage
You have a company-paid health insurance plan covering your immediate family and parents, with you paying 25% for your parents. Additionally, you took a term plan after your daughter's birth, which is crucial for ensuring your family's financial security in case of any unforeseen events.

Future Plans and Financial Goals
Closing the Car Loan
Your plan to close the car loan by the end of the year is sound. This will increase your disposable income and give you more flexibility in your financial planning.

Increasing Investments
Once the car loan is paid off, redirecting the Rs 15,000 EMI towards future savings and investments will significantly boost your financial growth. This strategy will help you achieve your long-term financial goals more efficiently.

Evaluating Your Investment Choices
Mutual Funds
Your current SIPs in mutual funds are diversified across various categories, including tax-saving, flexi cap, small cap, and sectoral funds. This diversification is a good strategy to balance risk and returns.

However, it's essential to review and rebalance your portfolio periodically. Ensure your investments align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized guidance and optimize your portfolio.

Direct Stock Investments
Although you have stopped purchasing individual stocks, it's important to monitor your existing stock portfolio. Ensure these stocks align with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. You might consider reallocating some funds from direct stocks to mutual funds for better diversification and professional management.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds often seem attractive due to lower expense ratios. However, they require active monitoring and management, which can be time-consuming and complex for an individual investor. Regular funds, managed by a CFP, offer professional management, periodic reviews, and rebalancing, ensuring your investments stay on track towards your financial goals.

Benefits of Investing Through a CFP
A Certified Financial Planner can offer comprehensive financial advice, tailored to your specific needs and goals. They provide regular fund management, periodic reviews, and strategic rebalancing, which are crucial for optimizing returns and minimizing risks. Investing through a CFP ensures a disciplined and structured approach to wealth creation.

Health Insurance Considerations
Your company-paid health insurance is a valuable benefit. However, it's wise to consider additional health insurance to cover any gaps and ensure comprehensive coverage for your family. Evaluating the coverage limits, inclusions, and exclusions of your current policy will help you make an informed decision about supplementary health insurance.

Term Insurance Coverage
Having a term insurance plan is essential for protecting your family's financial future. Ensure the coverage amount is adequate to meet your family's needs in your absence. Periodically reviewing and updating your term insurance policy will ensure it remains aligned with your financial responsibilities and goals.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Your consistent investments in the SSY account for your daughter are commendable. This scheme offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits, making it an excellent choice for her future education and marriage expenses. Continue to invest the maximum permissible amount annually to fully leverage the benefits of this scheme.

Future Savings and Investments
With the anticipated closure of your car loan, you'll have an additional Rs 15,000 per month. Consider the following strategies to optimize your future savings and investments:

Increase SIP Contributions: Boost your monthly SIP contributions to accelerate wealth creation. Diversify across different mutual fund categories based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund to cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses. This will provide financial security in case of unexpected events.

Child's Education Fund: Start a dedicated investment plan for your daughter's higher education. Consider long-term investment options like mutual funds to build a substantial corpus.

Retirement Planning: Focus on building a robust retirement corpus. Assess your retirement goals and invest in suitable instruments to ensure a comfortable and financially secure retirement.


Balancing financial responsibilities with family needs is challenging. Your proactive approach to financial planning, securing your family's future, and investing for long-term growth is commendable. Your dedication to your daughter's future and your awareness of your financial strengths and limitations reflect your commitment to your family's well-being.

You have demonstrated commendable financial discipline and foresight. Your investments in mutual funds, SSY, and term insurance show a strategic approach to wealth creation and financial security. Your plan to close the car loan and redirect funds towards future savings is a wise decision that will enhance your financial growth.

Final Insights
Your current financial path is well-structured and promising. By closing your car loan and increasing investments, you will further strengthen your financial position. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your investment portfolio, consulting a Certified Financial Planner, and maintaining adequate insurance coverage will ensure you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Your dedication to securing your family's future and your disciplined approach to investing are highly commendable. Continue to build on this strong foundation, and you will achieve financial success and security for your family.

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  |8013 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 2024

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Hi, my age is 29. Married. My daughter is 8 months old. My monthly salary is Rs. 1.33L PM. Monthly expense - Rs. 35,000 Current commitments are: Home Loan EMI - Rs. 43,535 (8 months completed. 30 years tenure) Term Insurance - 1cr (Annual premium - Rs. 36,000 for 10 years. 7 more premium pending) Current NPS Balance - Rs. 75,000. Investing Rs. 15,000 pm SSY - Rs. 12,500 pm. APY - Rs. 409 pm I'm planning to save for Emergency Corpus Fund, get a medical insurance floater policy. My short term goal is to save Rs. 20 lakhs within 4 years for registeration and interior work for house. My long term goals are for daughters UG education, wedding, retirement at 55 years. I took investment risk test and Im an aggressive investor and planning to invest more on equity. Also, I want to diversify the portfolio and invest across asset class.
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to financial planning! With your solid income and clear goals, here's a suggested plan:

Emergency Corpus Fund: Aim for 6-12 months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account for emergencies.
Medical Insurance Floater Policy: Ensure adequate coverage for your family's healthcare needs, including your daughter.
Short-Term Goal - House Expenses: Consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for potential growth while safeguarding against market volatility.
Long-Term Goals - Daughter's Education, Wedding, Retirement: Continue investing in equity through mutual funds or stocks for higher returns over the long term. Also, explore options like PPF, NPS, and diversified funds for diversification across asset classes.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your goals.
Remember, financial planning is dynamic. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances and aspirations. With discipline and strategic investing, you'll be well-positioned to achieve your financial dreams.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8013 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, am close to reaching 30. Married. And my daughter is 2.5 years old. I am currently doing an monthly SIP of 6500 rupees. 1500 rupees to quant tax plan, 2000 rupees to parag parikh flexi cap, 2000 rupees to quant small cap, 1000 rupees to tata digital India fund. I had few other sips earlier. My current Mutual fund portfolio value is at 390000. I have earlier bought few stocks directly for long-term investment. but since am almost great at stock analysis I stopped purchasing stocks. My stock portfolio value is at 165000. Apart from this I deposit 1.5 lakh to ssy for my daughter's account for past 3 years. So far deposited 450000. After tds my monthly income is about 80000. I am staying in a metro city in a rental flat for 14500. And I have an active car loan and emi is 15000. I am planning to close this by this year end. And contribute more towards future saving and investment. I have company paid health insurance for my immediate family along with parents(I pay 25% for my parents) I have a term plan, took this after my daughter's birth. Whether am I in the right path or need any corrections sir?
Ans: It's impressive that you are taking proactive steps towards securing your financial future at a young age. Let's delve into an analysis of your current situation and provide a few suggestions to help you optimize your financial planning. Your efforts thus far demonstrate commendable foresight and responsibility.

Assessing Your Current Financial Standing
You are currently 30, married, with a young daughter. Your monthly SIP contributions and investments show that you are on the right path towards building a solid financial foundation. Your diversified mutual fund portfolio and previous investments in stocks are indicative of a well-rounded approach to wealth creation.

Your current mutual fund portfolio is valued at Rs 3,90,000, and your stock portfolio is worth Rs 1,65,000. Additionally, you are contributing Rs 1,50,000 annually to the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for your daughter, which highlights your commitment to her future education and marriage expenses.

Income and Expenses Overview
Your post-TDS monthly income is Rs 80,000. Living in a metro city with a rental expense of Rs 14,500 and an active car loan EMI of Rs 15,000 shows that you have significant fixed monthly obligations. Your plan to close the car loan by the end of the year is prudent, as it will free up Rs 15,000 monthly, which can be redirected towards savings and investments.

Health and Life Insurance
Your company-provided health insurance for your family, including partial coverage for your parents, is a significant safety net. The term insurance policy taken after your daughter's birth further demonstrates your understanding of the importance of risk management in financial planning.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Mutual Fund Portfolio
You have diversified your mutual fund investments across different schemes, which is generally a good strategy. However, let's delve into the specific types of funds you have chosen:

Quant Tax Plan: This is an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) that offers tax benefits under Section 80C. It is a good option for long-term growth and tax savings.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: This fund provides flexibility by investing in companies across various market capitalizations. It offers a balanced approach to risk and reward.

Quant Small Cap: Investing in small-cap funds can be highly rewarding but also comes with higher volatility. It is suitable for long-term investors willing to accept higher risks.

Tata Digital India Fund: Sectoral funds like this one can offer high returns but are also subject to sector-specific risks. Limiting exposure to sectoral funds is advisable unless you have a strong conviction about the sector's performance.

Stock Investments
While you have ceased direct stock purchases due to your assessment of your stock analysis skills, the existing stock portfolio adds another layer of diversification. Monitoring these investments and rebalancing when necessary is crucial to ensure alignment with your financial goals.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Your consistent contributions to SSY for your daughter are excellent. This scheme offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits, making it a reliable option for securing your daughter's future.

Suggestions for Improvement
Debt Management: Closing your car loan by year-end is a wise decision. Once done, consider redirecting the freed-up funds towards increasing your SIP contributions.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. Ideally, this should cover 6-12 months of living expenses to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.

Health Insurance: While your company health insurance is beneficial, consider a standalone health insurance policy. This ensures continuous coverage even if you change jobs.

Investment Review: Regularly review your mutual fund portfolio. Actively managed funds can sometimes outperform, but they also come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds. Assess the performance and fees periodically.

Tax Planning: Continue utilizing tax-saving instruments like ELSS, SSY, and others under Section 80C to maximize tax benefits.

Child Education Planning: With your daughter being 2.5 years old, starting an education fund is crucial. Consider long-term investment options that can provide substantial returns over time.

Addressing Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are often preferred over index funds for several reasons:

Potential for Higher Returns: Fund managers actively select stocks aiming to outperform the market, potentially leading to higher returns.

Professional Management: These funds benefit from the expertise of fund managers who actively monitor and adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adjust their strategies to respond to market changes, potentially mitigating losses during downturns.

However, it is essential to keep an eye on the fees and performance of these funds. High management fees can eat into your returns, and not all actively managed funds consistently outperform their benchmarks.

Highlighting Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios as they do not involve intermediaries. However, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has its advantages:

Expert Advice: A CFP provides personalized advice, helping you choose the right funds based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Comprehensive Planning: CFPs offer holistic financial planning, including tax planning, retirement planning, and risk management.

Ease of Management: Regular funds through a CFP ensure that your investments are well-monitored and adjusted as per changing financial goals and market conditions.

While direct funds save on commission, the value-added services provided by a CFP can often outweigh these savings through better portfolio management and financial planning.

Conclusion
You have made commendable strides in your financial journey so far. Your diversified investment portfolio, consistent savings for your daughter, and proactive debt management indicate a solid foundation. By addressing a few areas, such as increasing your SIP contributions post car loan closure, ensuring a robust emergency fund, and regularly reviewing your investment strategy, you can further optimize your financial plan. Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can provide additional insights and personalized advice to help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8013 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Money
Hello Sir, I am a 40 yr old Zonal Sales Head in a private organisation having monthly take home salary of Rs.2.15 lakhs. I now invest Rs.81,500/month in diversified mutual funds SIP. I have a mutual fund Corpus of Rs.67.5 lakhs. I have Rs.16 lakhs in Shares in equity market & Rs.28 lakhs in PF, Rs.8 lakhs in PPF, Rs.8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. I keep Rs.3 lakhs in Bank account. I have a 6 yr old daughter. I would like to have 2.5 Cr for my daughters' higher education in 15 yrs & i need to have a corpus of 8 crores for my retirement in 18 yrs. Please suggest, am i on the right path.
Ans: I understand that you want to ensure your daughter's higher education and a secure retirement. With a structured plan and consistent efforts, you're on the right path to achieving your financial goals. Let's dive deeper into your current investments and future needs.

Current Financial Standing
You have an impressive monthly salary of Rs. 2.15 lakhs. Out of this, you are investing Rs. 81,500 in diversified mutual funds SIPs. Your mutual fund corpus stands at Rs. 67.5 lakhs, and you have Rs. 16 lakhs in equity shares. Additionally, you have Rs. 28 lakhs in your Provident Fund (PF), Rs. 8 lakhs in Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Rs. 8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. You also maintain Rs. 3 lakhs in your bank account for liquidity. This is a robust financial foundation.

Assessing Your Goals
Your financial goals are clear and ambitious. You aim to have Rs. 2.5 crores for your daughter's higher education in 15 years and a retirement corpus of Rs. 8 crores in 18 years. Let's break down how your current investments align with these goals and what adjustments may be necessary.

Mutual Fund Investments
Your substantial investment in mutual funds is commendable. Diversified mutual funds are a solid choice for long-term growth. Given your current SIPs, ensure that your portfolio remains balanced across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Diversification reduces risk and enhances growth potential.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
It is crucial to monitor your mutual fund portfolio periodically. Market conditions change, and your investments may need rebalancing to maintain the desired asset allocation. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can help optimize your portfolio.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds often outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Professional fund managers make strategic decisions to maximize returns, adapting to market fluctuations. This expertise can potentially provide higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Equity Shares
Your Rs. 16 lakhs in equity shares is a good investment. Direct equity investment can offer substantial returns but also comes with higher risk. Ensure that your equity portfolio is well-diversified across different sectors to mitigate risk. Consider periodically reviewing and possibly reallocating your investments based on market performance.

Provident Fund (PF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your investments in PF and PPF are prudent for long-term security. These instruments offer safety and tax benefits. Continue contributing to these funds to ensure a stable, risk-free component in your portfolio.

Life Insurance Policies
You have Rs. 8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. While traditional insurance plans provide security, they often yield lower returns compared to mutual funds. Given your substantial investment in insurance, consider evaluating the returns and possibly reallocating to higher-yielding investments.

Surrendering Investment-cum-Insurance Policies
If the returns from LIC Jivan Anand are not meeting your expectations, consider surrendering the policy. Reinvesting the proceeds into diversified mutual funds can potentially offer better growth, aligning with your long-term goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintaining Rs. 3 lakhs in your bank account for emergencies is wise. This fund should cover at least six months of your expenses. Given your monthly salary and expenses, ensure that this emergency fund remains liquid and easily accessible.

Daughter's Higher Education Goal
To achieve Rs. 2.5 crores in 15 years for your daughter's higher education, your investments need to grow at a healthy rate. Diversified mutual funds can help achieve this target. Ensure that you regularly review and adjust your SIPs to stay on track with this goal.

Education Savings Plan
Consider setting up a dedicated education savings plan. This plan can focus on high-growth mutual funds with a mix of equity and debt to balance risk and returns. Regular contributions and compounding growth will help you reach the Rs. 2.5 crore target.

Retirement Planning
Your goal of Rs. 8 crores for retirement in 18 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined investing. Let's evaluate how your current investments align with this goal.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Continue with your diversified mutual fund SIPs and equity investments. Additionally, consider increasing your SIP contributions periodically to match inflation and salary increments. This will help grow your corpus faster.

Role of Provident Funds
Your investments in PF and PPF will provide a stable and secure base for your retirement corpus. These funds should continue to form a core part of your retirement plan due to their safety and tax benefits.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Adopt a long-term investment strategy focusing on equity mutual funds for growth. As you approach retirement, gradually shift to more conservative investments like debt funds to protect your corpus from market volatility.

Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning can enhance your savings and investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds. They offer tax benefits under Section 80C and potential for higher returns.

Maximizing Tax Benefits
Ensure that you are fully utilizing the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction limit under Section 80C through investments in PPF, EPF, and ELSS. Additionally, consider tax-saving options under Sections 80D for health insurance and 24(b) for home loan interest.

Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance is crucial for financial security. Ensure that you and your family are covered under a comprehensive health insurance plan. This will protect your savings and investments from unforeseen medical expenses.

Estate Planning
Consider creating a will to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning helps avoid legal complications and ensures your family's financial security.

Education and Retirement Goal Alignment
Balancing your daughter's education and your retirement goals is key. Prioritize and allocate investments towards both goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help structure a plan that aligns both objectives without compromising either.

Final Insights
You are on a commendable path with your disciplined investment approach. Your diversified portfolio and regular investments are key to achieving your financial goals. Regular reviews and rebalancing of your portfolio will ensure you stay on track.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice and strategies to optimize your investments. Stay focused, and your financial goals are well within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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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