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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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 - Nov 06, 2023Hindi
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Sir, I want to create a secondary retirement corpus. Accordingly, I want to invest 6 lakhs in the next one year (starting from Jan 2024). My investment period will be 20 years. Pls suggest 6-7 Mutual funds for the same. Thanks.

Ans: Building a Secondary Retirement Corpus: Long-Term Investment Strategy
Creating a secondary retirement corpus is a prudent financial decision to ensure financial security and stability during your golden years. Let's explore a diversified portfolio of mutual funds tailored to your investment horizon of 20 years, starting with an initial investment of Rs. 6 lakhs over the next year.

Understanding Long-Term Investment Goals
Investing for retirement requires a long-term perspective, focusing on capital appreciation, wealth accumulation, and inflation protection. By starting early and staying invested, you can benefit from the power of compounding and achieve your financial objectives.

Diversifying Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
To build a robust retirement corpus, consider allocating your investment across a mix of mutual funds covering various asset classes and investment styles. Diversification helps mitigate risk and capture growth opportunities across different market segments. Here are 6-7 mutual funds to consider for your portfolio:

Large Cap Funds: Invest in large-cap equity funds that offer stability and consistent returns over the long term. These funds focus on established companies with a proven track record and stable earnings.

Mid Cap Funds: Allocate a portion of your portfolio to mid-cap equity funds, which have the potential to deliver higher returns but come with increased volatility. Mid-cap companies have room for growth and can outperform large-caps over the long term.

Small Cap Funds: Include small-cap equity funds to tap into the growth potential of smaller companies. While small-cap stocks can be more volatile, they offer the opportunity for significant capital appreciation over time.

Multi-Cap Funds: Opt for multi-cap equity funds that invest across companies of different market capitalizations. These funds provide flexibility to capitalize on opportunities across the entire market spectrum and adapt to changing market conditions.

Balanced Advantage Funds: Consider investing in balanced advantage funds, which dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt based on market valuations. These funds offer downside protection during market downturns while participating in equity market upside.

Index Funds (Optional): While index funds are passively managed and replicate the performance of a benchmark index, actively managed funds offer the potential to outperform the market through active stock selection and portfolio management.

Monitoring and Reviewing Your Portfolio
Regularly monitor the performance of your mutual fund portfolio and review it at least annually to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider rebalancing your portfolio if necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk-return profile.

Seeking Professional Guidance
For personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals, consult with a Certified Financial Planner. A professional can help you design a comprehensive investment strategy, optimize your portfolio, and navigate market uncertainties effectively.

Conclusion
Girish, by investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds tailored to your long-term retirement goals, you can build a secondary corpus that provides financial security and peace of mind during your retirement years. Stay disciplined, stay invested, and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to achieve your financial objectives.

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  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2023Hindi
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Money
I want to create a secondary retirement corpus. Accordingly, I want to invest 6 lakhs in the next one year (starting from Jan 2024). My investment period will be 20 years. Pls suggest 6-7 Mutual funds for the same. Thanks.
Ans: When selecting mutual funds for a long-term secondary retirement corpus, it's essential to consider factors such as your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Here's a diversified portfolio of mutual funds across different categories that you may consider:

Large Cap Equity Fund: Invest in funds that focus on large-cap stocks for stability and consistent returns.
Mid Cap Equity Fund: Allocate a portion to mid-cap funds for potential higher growth opportunities.
Small Cap Equity Fund: Include small-cap funds for exposure to high-growth potential companies.
Flexi Cap Equity Fund: Opt for flexi-cap funds that have the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions.
Multi Cap Equity Fund: Consider multi-cap funds that invest in companies across market segments for diversification.
Balanced Advantage Fund: Add balanced advantage funds for dynamic asset allocation based on market valuations.
International Equity Fund: Diversify globally by investing in international equity funds for exposure to overseas markets.
Ensure to review the performance and track record of the selected funds, along with considering factors like expense ratio, fund manager expertise, and consistency in delivering returns. Additionally, maintain a disciplined approach to investing through SIPs or lump sum investments based on your preference and risk appetite.

It's recommended to consult with a financial advisor to tailor the portfolio according to your specific financial goals and risk profile.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 06, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello Sir. I want to create a secondary retirement corpus. Accordingly, I want to invest 6 lakhs in the next one year (starting from Jan 2024). My investment period will be 20 years. Pls suggest 6-7 Mutual funds for the same. Thanks.
Ans: Creating a secondary retirement corpus is a smart move for securing your financial future. Here are some suggestions for mutual funds that you can consider for your investment:

Large Cap Funds: Invest in well-established companies with stable returns and lower volatility.
Mid Cap Funds: Aim for higher growth potential by investing in mid-sized companies with room for expansion.
Small Cap Funds: Invest in emerging companies with significant growth potential, albeit with higher risk.
Flexi Cap Funds: Enjoy the flexibility to invest across market caps based on prevailing market conditions.
Index Funds: Consider low-cost index funds to track broader market indices and benefit from long-term market growth.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Opt for funds that dynamically allocate between equity and debt to manage risk and optimize returns.
International Funds: Diversify globally by investing in funds that tap into international markets, providing exposure to foreign economies and currencies.
Remember to diversify your investments across different asset classes and fund categories to mitigate risk. Additionally, conduct thorough research or consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment choices align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, 1)I am 40 yrs old working for CPSU.Post deduction of monthly CPF + VPF contribution 39000/- ( Corpus: 80 Lacs) & NPS : 28900 (Corpus : 18 Lacs). I have in hand salary of 1 Lac per month. 2) PPF investment - 1.5 Lacs( Corpus: 14 Lacs).Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana- 1.5 Lacs 3)Monthly Investment in MFs is 35000/- (PPFAS: 10000/-, Axis Blue Chip: 5000/-;ICICI Prudential Nifty 50: 5000/-; PGIM Large and Mid Cap direct growth:5000/-; Quant MID Cap & Small Cap: 5000/- each )with corpus 10.5 lacs. 4)Equity Shares worth 18 lacs. Equity SIP: 20000/- Per Month 5)I have taken Home loan on 50 lacs with repayment period of 20 yrs, EMI approx: 37000/-. 6) LIC Policies Annual Premium: 1.7 Lacs 7) I have Post retirement benefit scheme corpus of 48 Lacs 8)I want to repay the Home in 15 yrs. I have miscellaneous expenses of about 7000/- PM.please suggest the ways to pay the loan early and build corpus of 8 crore at 60 yrs age.
Ans: You have built a solid base with multiple income streams and disciplined investing.

At 40, you are in a strong position to create a secure and abundant retirement corpus.

Your goals are clear:

Repay your home loan in 15 years instead of 20.

Build Rs. 8 crore corpus by age 60.

This plan needs structured action and disciplined execution. Let’s assess everything carefully from a 360-degree view.

Salary and Cash Flow – A Good Start
Your in-hand salary is Rs. 1 lakh per month.

After Rs. 39,000 CPF + VPF and Rs. 28,900 NPS deduction, you save a big portion.

You are already investing Rs. 35,000 in mutual funds.

Equity SIP of Rs. 20,000 shows higher risk appetite.

Miscellaneous expense of Rs. 7,000 is low and controlled.

Overall, your income-to-expense ratio is strong.

There is good scope for maximising returns and building wealth faster.

Home Loan – Strategy to Close in 15 Years
EMI of Rs. 37,000 on Rs. 50 lakh loan is well within limits.

Goal: Close this loan 5 years earlier without stress.

First, increase EMI gradually every year by 5-10%.

Use annual bonuses or salary increments to make part-prepayments.

Even Rs. 1 lakh extra per year can reduce term by 3-4 years.

Review loan structure with lender once in 3 years to get best rate.

Do not stop SIPs or equity investment for loan closure. Balance both together.

LIC Policies – Immediate Assessment Needed
You pay Rs. 1.7 lakhs yearly as LIC premium.

These are investment cum insurance plans.

These offer low returns and poor liquidity.

Surrender policies and reinvest money into mutual funds for better growth.

Get a simple term insurance of Rs. 1 crore for family safety.

This will reduce premium cost and improve overall wealth creation.

This one decision alone can add lakhs to your final corpus.

Direct Mutual Funds – Not the Right Choice
You are investing through direct plans in some mutual funds.

This looks cost-saving but can become risky in long term.

Direct funds do not offer any ongoing guidance.

Market changes are frequent. Without advice, you may exit or switch wrongly.

Wrong timing can damage your entire portfolio.

A Certified Financial Planner with MFD code gives portfolio strategy.

Regular fund investments give peace of mind and better asset allocation.

Charges are marginal but value is high.

Please shift your funds to regular plans through an MFD having CFP credentials.

Index Fund Exposure – Needs Reevaluation
You are investing in Nifty 50-based index fund.

Index funds are low-cost but not always right.

They follow the market passively.

No option to reduce exposure in weak sectors.

No active strategy during corrections or crashes.

Actively managed funds perform better in Indian market conditions.

They provide risk-adjusted returns with more flexibility.

Certified Financial Planners can help select best actively managed schemes.

Avoid depending on index funds for long-term goals.

Your Existing Investment Mix – Analysis
Your investments are well diversified across multiple asset classes.

Let us evaluate one by one:

CPF + VPF Corpus – Rs. 80 lakhs

Very stable and safe.

Good for post-retirement pension-like benefit.

No changes needed.

NPS Corpus – Rs. 18 lakhs

Another strong pillar for retirement.

Tax-efficient and low-cost.

Suggest keeping equity allocation at 50%-60%.

PPF Corpus – Rs. 14 lakhs

Excellent for safe long-term returns.

Tax-free and fixed interest.

Continue till maturity.

Sukanya Samriddhi – Rs. 1.5 lakhs/year

Good for daughter’s education or marriage goals.

Stay invested till maturity.

Mutual Fund SIPs – Rs. 35,000/month

Right asset for long-term wealth creation.

Some funds may need rebalancing.

Mid-cap and small-cap should not cross 30% of portfolio.

Equity Shares – Rs. 18 lakhs

Good wealth-building asset.

High risk, but can deliver higher returns.

Do annual review with a Certified Financial Planner.

Target Rs. 8 Crore at 60 – What You Need to Do
You are now 40 years old.

You have 20 years to build Rs. 8 crore.

Let us look at possible actions:

Continue current SIPs of Rs. 35,000 monthly.

Increase this by 10% every year.

Shift direct funds to regular funds.

Rebalance mid-cap/small-cap exposure to keep risk moderate.

Reinvest LIC surrender value in long-term equity mutual funds.

Keep NPS equity allocation between 50%-60%.

Avoid index funds. Choose high quality actively managed funds.

Use Certified Financial Planner for long-term monitoring.

With this discipline, your Rs. 8 crore goal is very realistic.

Insurance – Only Term Plan is Enough
You are spending Rs. 1.7 lakhs yearly on LIC.

These policies mix insurance with investment.

Returns are around 4%-5% only.

Do this instead:

Surrender LIC policies after checking surrender value.

Buy a pure term insurance of Rs. 1 crore.

Annual premium will be around Rs. 15,000 only.

Invest balance Rs. 1.55 lakhs in equity mutual funds.

This will protect family and create higher wealth.

Tax Planning – Ensure You Don’t Overlap Sections
You are contributing to PPF, CPF, NPS, Sukanya.

All these are eligible under Section 80C and 80CCD(1B).

Ensure not to exceed maximum allowed limits.

Use balance funds for equity mutual funds or debt funds.

Emergency Fund and Short-Term Goals
Maintain 6 months’ expenses in a liquid fund.

Do not mix emergency fund with investments.

Plan separately for near-term goals like car, vacation, etc.

Use short-term debt funds for such goals.

Portfolio Rebalancing – Do it Yearly
Every 12 months, review and rebalance your portfolio.

Reduce exposure in overgrown asset classes.

Adjust between large-cap, mid-cap, and debt.

Track performance with support of Certified Financial Planner.

Exit poor performers and reallocate.

This keeps your goal aligned and risk under control.

Final Insights
You are already on a strong foundation at age 40.

Your income is good, savings rate is healthy, and investments are well spread.

But a few corrections are needed to maximise outcomes.

Shift LIC policies to equity mutual funds.

Avoid direct and index funds.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

Stay invested, increase SIPs yearly, and control unnecessary spending.

Your Rs. 8 crore goal is possible with this roadmap.

Stay focused, track yearly, and adapt as needed.

You are moving in the right direction.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025
Money
I took VRS from SBI in 2023 Due to some personal reasons, I have no loans now , drawing 54000/-pension and I have 40lakhs in FD , and I have RD of 15k monthly from my pension. Is there any option of getting another 50kmonthly if I invest my 40 lakhs
Ans: You have taken thoughtful steps so far. A stable pension, no loan burden, and Rs. 40 lakhs in fixed deposits give a strong base. Also, your Rs. 15,000 recurring deposit shows continued financial discipline.

You wish to generate Rs. 50,000 more per month. Let us evaluate this from all angles, giving you a complete and professional perspective.

Below is a detailed analysis and action plan.

Present Financial Position – A Quick Snapshot
Pension of Rs. 54,000 per month ensures stable monthly income.

No loan burden gives full flexibility for future planning.

Rs. 40 lakhs in fixed deposits is your main investment pool.

Rs. 15,000 monthly RD shows ongoing savings habit from pension income.

Goal: Create another Rs. 50,000 monthly income from Rs. 40 lakhs corpus.

This is a clear and achievable financial objective with the right strategy.

FD-Based Income: Limits and Challenges
Current FD interest rate is around 6.5% to 7.5%.

With Rs. 40 lakhs, monthly income from FD is about Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 25,000.

To reach Rs. 50,000/month, you will need much higher returns.

FD interest is fully taxable as per your tax slab.

Inflation can reduce real value of this income over time.

FD gives safety but not high income or growth.

Monthly Income Generation – Need for Balanced Investment
To reach Rs. 50,000 monthly income, your funds need better growth and efficiency.

You can consider a diversified plan combining stability and higher returns.

A balanced portfolio with Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from mutual funds will work better.

Let us build this portfolio with simple and practical structure.

Suggested Investment Structure from Rs. 40 Lakhs
Invest Rs. 20 lakhs in debt mutual funds for stability and liquidity.

Invest Rs. 18 lakhs in equity-oriented hybrid mutual funds for growth and moderate risk.

Keep Rs. 2 lakhs in a savings bank or ultra-short-term fund for emergencies.

From the mutual funds, you can set up SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

It will allow monthly income while keeping principal relatively protected.

Why SWP from Mutual Funds is a Good Option
You can get monthly income like pension, from your investments.

Capital remains invested. Only chosen amount is withdrawn monthly.

It gives better control over taxation and liquidity.

You can stop, increase or reduce SWP any time.

If invested in hybrid and equity-oriented funds, returns are higher than FD.

Mutual Fund Category-wise Investment Purpose
Debt Mutual Funds (Rs. 20 lakhs):

These are less volatile than equity.

Suitable for regular income and lower risk.

Returns around 6.5% to 7.5% are possible.

Ideal for SWP of Rs. 15,000 per month.

Hybrid Mutual Funds (Rs. 18 lakhs):

These invest in both equity and debt.

They aim for balanced growth with moderate risk.

You can withdraw Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000 monthly from this portion.

Over long-term, it protects against inflation better than FD.

Disadvantages of FDs in This Context
FD interest is taxed fully as per your slab.

No flexibility in income withdrawal timing.

Pre-mature exit reduces interest rate.

FD returns often fail to beat inflation in the long run.

For retirees needing monthly cash flow, SWP is more tax-efficient.

Monthly Income Plan Using SWP – Illustration
Rs. 15,000/month SWP from debt mutual fund.

Rs. 35,000/month SWP from hybrid mutual fund.

Total Rs. 50,000 per month income possible.

Equity portion helps capital grow and beat inflation.

Debt portion ensures stability and cash flow.

Taxation in Mutual Funds – New Rules (Important)
Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) from equity above Rs. 1.25 lakhs is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) from equity is taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains (LTCG/STCG) taxed as per income slab.

SWP gives flexibility to manage tax better than FD or annuity.

Why You Must Avoid Annuities
Annuity returns are fixed and very low.

No growth in invested capital.

Entire income is taxable.

No liquidity or early withdrawal option.

Once locked, you cannot change or exit.

It is not suitable for someone like you who needs control and better returns.

Why Actively Managed Mutual Funds are Better Than Index Funds
Index funds blindly copy market index.

No flexibility during market correction or volatility.

Actively managed funds adapt to market changes.

Fund manager can shift money based on market cycle.

These often outperform index funds in India.

You get professional fund management and risk control.

Why Not to Choose Direct Funds
Direct funds have no advisor support.

You may not know when to switch or hold.

Wrong decision can cause major loss.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner give long-term guidance.

You get regular review and goal tracking.

Peace of mind is worth the small extra expense.

Why Not Real Estate
You mentioned no interest, and rightly so.

Real estate needs high capital.

Low rental yield and poor liquidity.

Long legal and selling process.

Risk of maintenance and disputes.

Not suitable for regular income post-retirement.

360 Degree Plan: Other Steps You Must Consider
Review RD after 12 months. Re-invest in mutual fund SIP for growth.

Keep 6 months’ expenses in liquid fund for emergency.

Nomination and Will should be updated for all investments.

Keep health insurance valid. Don’t depend only on pension for medical.

Track mutual fund performance every 6 months with Certified Financial Planner.

Increase SWP every 2 years to fight inflation.

Don’t break FD fully at once. Convert slowly as mutual fund corpus grows.

Never invest full money at once in equity. Use staggered approach.

Final Insights
You have done a great job by retiring without any loans.

Pension, FDs and RD show strong foundation. You need better returns now.

Rs. 50,000 monthly income from Rs. 40 lakhs is possible with mutual fund SWP strategy.

This approach gives income, tax efficiency and capital growth together.

FDs and annuities limit flexibility and returns.

A diversified mutual fund portfolio is your best choice today.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to track this plan.

They can guide review, rebalancing and risk control.

Don’t delay. The sooner you start, the better your income security will be.

This plan gives you peace, stability and freedom in retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5606 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5606 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Career
Hello Sir, Good morning. This is Suchithra Reguraj. My daughter is going to complete her Mtech in Robotics and AI this year. We have the confusion between going to job or doing PhD further. Could you guide us what are the scope in these two different tasks. Hope you reply soon. Thank you.
Ans: Suchitra Madam, For an M.Tech graduate in Robotics and AI, both industry roles and PhD pathways offer distinct advantages. Industry positions provide immediate entry into high-growth sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and tech, with Robotics Engineers earning ?4.5–30 LPA and AI Engineers commanding ?5–50 LPA, depending on experience and specialization. Top firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and TCS recruit for roles in AI development, automation, and robotics R&D, emphasizing practical skills over advanced degrees for most positions. Industry work focuses on deploying scalable solutions, with faster project cycles and exposure to cutting-edge tools like AI-driven automation and computer vision. Conversely, a PhD enables deep research contributions in academia or corporate R&D, with opportunities to lead innovations in areas like reinforcement learning, autonomous systems, or human-robot interaction. PhD holders often secure senior roles (e.g., AI Architect, Research Scientist) with salaries up to ?26 LPA in India or global positions at labs like DeepMind, alongside academic careers averaging ?20.3 LPA for professors. However, academia demands postdoctoral experience for tenure-track roles and prioritizes publications over immediate applications. While only 15% of AI jobs require a PhD, it remains critical for research-heavy roles. Recommendation: If financial independence and hands-on tech impact are priorities, pursue industry roles now, leveraging the robust job market. If driven by research curiosity and long-term leadership in innovation, a PhD offers strategic depth, though it requires 3–5 years of commitment with delayed earnings. Balance immediate goals with passion for discovery to decide. All the BEST for your Daughter's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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