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I am a college student. How can I invest my money and become rich?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8103 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 13, 2025

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 13, 2025Hindi
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I am a college student. I get pocket money of Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,000 additional from my grandparents every month . I have saved Rs 7,200 in my piggy bank. I want to invest this money and become rich. Can you tell me how I can invest and where to invest?

Ans: You have taken an excellent step by thinking about investing early. Starting young gives you a huge advantage in wealth building. Your current savings and monthly income can be used wisely to grow your money.

Understanding Your Financial Position
Savings: You have Rs 7,200 in hand.

Monthly Income: You receive Rs 7,000 every month (Rs 5,000 + Rs 2,000).

Expenses: If you track and limit your expenses, you can save more.

Goal: You want to invest and become rich over time.

Creating a Strong Investment Plan
Build an Emergency Fund

Keep at least Rs 3,000 in a savings account for emergencies.

This helps you avoid withdrawing from investments in urgent situations.

Invest Your Rs 7,200 Wisely

You can start a mutual fund SIP with a small amount.

Avoid index funds as they only match market returns.

Actively managed mutual funds can give better long-term growth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner help in tracking performance.

Save and Invest from Your Monthly Income

Try to invest at least Rs 2,000 per month from your pocket money.

Increase it when you have extra cash.

The longer you invest, the more wealth you can create.

Where to Invest?
Actively Managed Mutual Funds

These funds are managed by experts to get the best returns.

They perform better than index funds in most market conditions.

Avoid direct funds as they do not provide professional advice.

Recurring Deposits for Short-Term Goals

If you need money in 1-2 years, invest in a recurring deposit.

It is safe and gives better returns than a savings account.

Avoid Stocks for Now

Direct stock investing requires time and knowledge.

Mutual funds are a better option to begin with.

Habits to Build Wealth Faster
Increase Your Investment Every Year

Even adding Rs 500 more each year makes a big difference.

The power of compounding will multiply your wealth over time.

Track Your Expenses

Reduce spending on unnecessary items.

More savings mean more money for investment.

Continue Investing for 10+ Years

Wealth grows best when you invest for the long term.

Do not withdraw money for short-term needs.

Final Insights
You have made a great decision to start investing early.

Begin with mutual fund SIPs for long-term growth.

Save a fixed amount from your pocket money every month.

Increase investments every year for better returns.

Stay patient and let your wealth grow over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |8103 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir my age is 29 how to start in investment my one income 900 rupees I don't have any savings please help me how to savings stat and investment plans
Ans: It's great that you want to start investing and saving. With an income of ?900 per month, it can be challenging, but every small step counts. Let’s explore how you can begin saving and investing.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, understand your income and expenses. Track your monthly spending to identify areas where you can cut back. Even small savings can add up over time.

Setting Realistic Goals
Start with small, achievable goals. Aim to save a portion of your income each month. This helps build a habit of saving.

Creating a Budget
Track Income and Expenses

List all your monthly income and expenses.
Identify non-essential expenses you can reduce or eliminate.
Allocate Savings

Aim to save at least 10% of your income. With ?900, this means saving ?90 each month.
Emergency Fund

Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Start small, aim for ?500 initially.
Saving Methods
Savings Account

Open a basic savings account. It’s safe and earns a small interest.
Recurring Deposit (RD)

Consider starting a recurring deposit with your bank. You can deposit a small fixed amount each month. It’s a disciplined way to save.
Basic Investment Options
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Start a SIP with as little as ?500 per month. Mutual funds have options for low initial investments. SIPs help in disciplined investing and can offer good returns over time.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a safe and long-term investment option. You can start with small amounts and increase contributions as your income grows.
Government Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Open a Jan Dhan account. It offers no minimum balance requirement and other benefits like insurance.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

A pension scheme for workers in the unorganised sector. You can contribute small amounts to secure your retirement.
Increasing Your Income
Skill Development

Invest in learning new skills to increase your earning potential. Look for free or low-cost courses online.
Part-Time Work

Consider part-time jobs or freelancing to supplement your income. This additional income can boost your savings and investment capacity.
Discipline and Patience
Consistency

Regular saving and investing, no matter how small, will yield results over time. Be consistent with your contributions.
Avoid Debt

Avoid unnecessary loans or credit. If you must borrow, ensure you can manage the repayments.
Reviewing and Adjusting
Regular Review

Review your budget and savings plan regularly. Adjust your savings and investment as your income grows.
Seek Advice

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice as your financial situation evolves.

Starting with a small income can be tough, but your determination to save and invest is commendable. Every rupee saved is a step towards financial security. Stay committed, and over time, you’ll see the benefits of your disciplined approach.

Conclusion
Beginning your investment journey at 29 with a limited income is challenging but possible. Start by creating a budget, saving consistently, and exploring safe investment options. Increase your income through skill development and part-time work. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Your commitment to saving and investing will pave the way for a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8103 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Sir Very good morning Myself Karthikeyan.S from Hosur. Age 36 i have 2 son ( Age 8, 4 ). I Would like to create a wealth to achieve below goals. Child education - 1 crore after 10 years Additional backup amount - 1 crore after 15 years Retirement Plan - At my age of 55 with monthly return of 25000. So , pls guide me how to invest to achieve this goals .
Ans: Crafting a Comprehensive Wealth-Building Strategy
Karthikeyan, it's great that you're planning for your children's education, additional backup, and retirement. This forward-thinking approach will help secure your family's future. Let’s structure your investments to achieve your goals effectively.

Goal 1: Child Education - Rs. 1 Crore After 10 Years
Investment Strategy
To accumulate Rs. 1 crore for your children's education in 10 years, consider an aggressive investment approach. Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term goals due to their potential for high returns.

Recommended Fund Types
Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies with a proven track record.

Mid Cap Funds: These funds offer a balance between risk and return, investing in companies with high growth potential.

Multi Cap Funds: These funds diversify across different market capitalizations, reducing risk while aiming for growth.

Suggested Allocation
Large Cap Funds: 40%
Mid Cap Funds: 30%
Multi Cap Funds: 30%
Goal 2: Additional Backup Amount - Rs. 1 Crore After 15 Years
Investment Strategy
For your additional backup fund, a slightly balanced approach is suitable. Combining equity and debt funds can help achieve this goal with moderate risk.

Recommended Fund Types
Balanced Advantage Funds: These dynamically manage the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equity and debt, providing balanced risk and return.

Aggressive Hybrid Funds: These have a higher equity component, offering potential for higher returns.

Suggested Allocation
Balanced Advantage Funds: 40%
Hybrid Funds: 30%
Aggressive Hybrid Funds: 30%
Goal 3: Retirement Plan - Monthly Return of Rs. 25,000 at Age 55
Investment Strategy
To generate a monthly return of Rs. 25,000 at age 55, you need a mix of growth and stability. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from mutual funds can provide regular income during retirement.

Recommended Fund Types
Debt Funds: These provide stability and regular income.

Hybrid Funds: These balance growth and income needs.

Equity Income Funds: These generate dividends and offer potential for capital appreciation.

Suggested Allocation
Debt Funds: 50%
Hybrid Funds: 30%
Equity Income Funds: 20%
Monthly Investment Plan
To achieve your goals, consistent monthly investments are crucial. Here’s a structured plan:

Child Education
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, you need to invest around Rs. 50,000 per month in the suggested equity funds.

Additional Backup
Assuming an average annual return of 10%, you need to invest around Rs. 25,000 per month in the suggested balanced funds.

Retirement Corpus
Assuming an average annual return of 8%, you need to invest around Rs. 15,000 per month in the suggested funds.

Reviewing and Rebalancing
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Rebalance annually to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Conclusion
Karthikeyan, your dedication to planning for your family's future is admirable. By following this structured investment strategy, you can achieve your financial goals with confidence. Keep track of your investments, stay disciplined, and adjust as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8103 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi I'm 33 years old single male with 60 k salary per month I have 16 lakhs in my savings account but i don't have any policies or any other investments my monthly expenses are around 40 k don't have my own home please suggest me where to invest and how to invest
Ans: You earn Rs. 60,000 per month.

You have Rs. 16 lakhs in savings.

Your monthly expenses are Rs. 40,000.

Let's plan a 360-degree investment strategy for you.

Emergency Fund
Keep an emergency fund.

It should cover 6 months of expenses.

This means Rs. 2.4 lakhs.

Keep it in a liquid account.

Health and Life Insurance
Get health insurance.

Cover at least Rs. 5 lakhs.

Health issues can lead to high costs.

Consider term life insurance.

It is cheaper and gives high cover.

Cover at least 10 times your annual income.

This means Rs. 72 lakhs.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs are a great way to invest.

They help in disciplined investing.

Invest Rs. 10,000 per month in SIPs.

Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

This ensures diversification.

Actively managed funds can outperform.

They have fund managers who track the market.

This can lead to better returns.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe investment.

It offers tax benefits.

Invest Rs. 1.5 lakhs per year.

This is for long-term savings.

It has a 15-year lock-in period.

This helps in building a retirement corpus.

Diversification
Diversify your investments.

Don't put all money in one type of investment.

Use mutual funds for diversification.

They spread risk across many stocks.

Goal-based Investing
Identify your goals.

Short-term goals can be 1-3 years.

Medium-term goals can be 3-7 years.

Long-term goals can be 7+ years.

Choose investments based on these goals.

Regular Review
Review your investments regularly.

Ensure they align with your goals.

Make adjustments as needed.

Tax Planning
Invest in tax-saving instruments.

They reduce your taxable income.

Options include ELSS funds and PPF.

This helps in efficient tax planning.

Financial Planner
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They provide professional advice.

They help in making informed decisions.

They track market trends.

This helps in optimizing your investments.

Final Insights
Start with an emergency fund and insurance.

Then, invest in SIPs and PPF.

Diversify your portfolio.

Review your investments regularly.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner.

This ensures a well-rounded financial plan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4336 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Mar 16, 2025

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My son got 97.56 in general category. Any chances of getting cse at NIT. Regards
Ans: Sitansu Sir, Here is, How to Predict Your Son's Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Once the January JEE Main session results are declared, many students and JEE applicants start asking common questions about eligibility for specific institutes (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, etc.) based on their percentile, category, preferred branch, and home state.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Son's Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your Son's JEE Main percentile
Your Son's category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
His Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
HIs Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch your son is interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Son's Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your son's expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engieering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your Son's admissions!

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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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