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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 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 13, 2024Hindi
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I have a current corpus of 2.25 cr. I am 46 yo working having my own business. My yearly SIP is 40 lacs. I have no loan. I want to retire at the age of 65 years. How much corpus will i'll be able to achieve with same SIP taking inflation and 10 to 12% return ?

Ans: Estimating Future Corpus: Projecting Retirement Savings Growth
Your proactive approach towards retirement planning, coupled with a substantial current corpus and significant yearly SIP contributions, sets a strong foundation for achieving your retirement goals. Let's project the potential corpus you could accumulate by the age of 65, considering inflation and expected returns.

Current Financial Situation
Substantial Current Corpus: Your existing corpus of 2.25 crores provides a solid base for wealth accumulation, demonstrating prudent financial management and planning.

Significant Yearly SIP: A yearly SIP of 40 lakhs reflects your commitment to long-term wealth creation and retirement preparedness.

Projecting Future Corpus
Inflation Consideration: Accounting for inflation is essential to ensure your retirement corpus maintains its purchasing power over time. Assuming an average inflation rate of 6-7% annually is prudent.

Expected Returns: With a diversified investment portfolio and an investment horizon of 19 years until retirement, aiming for an average annual return of 10-12% is reasonable, considering historical market performance.

Compounding Effect: The power of compounding amplifies the growth potential of your investments over time, especially with consistent SIP contributions and favorable market conditions.

Estimating Future Corpus
Using a retirement calculator or financial projection tool, we can estimate the potential corpus you could accumulate by the age of 65 based on your current SIP contributions, expected returns, and inflation rate.

Conclusion
By diligently contributing to your SIPs and leveraging the power of compounding, you have the potential to achieve a substantial retirement corpus by the age of 65. Regularly reviewing your investment strategy, adjusting for changing market conditions, and staying disciplined in your savings habits will further enhance your financial security in retirement.

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  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 34 years old and earning 3 lacs per month. Currently I have a corpus of about 75 lacs in MF. And I have been doing SIP from last 7 years. Now my month SIP is about 1.8 lacs per month. I want to retire by 45. How much corpus would I have if I continue to save the same amount for next 10 - 11 yrs. Also, please help me to understand that how much corpus do I need to make. For monthly income of 2 lacs from my corpus or saving
Ans: Assessing Retirement Corpus Growth
Current Investment Scenario
Your disciplined approach to SIP investments has contributed to building a substantial corpus over the past seven years.

Projecting Future Corpus Growth
Continuing your monthly SIP of 1.8 lakhs for the next 10-11 years can potentially result in significant wealth accumulation due to the power of compounding.

Estimating Future Corpus
By projecting the expected returns based on historical performance and assuming a conservative growth rate, we can estimate the potential corpus you may accumulate by the time you retire at 45.

Understanding Retirement Income Needs
To determine the corpus needed for generating a monthly income of 2 lakhs post-retirement, we must consider factors such as inflation, lifestyle preferences, and other financial obligations.

Calculating Required Corpus
Using conservative estimates for inflation and investment returns, we can calculate the corpus required to generate a monthly income of 2 lakhs, ensuring financial security and maintaining your desired lifestyle.

Conducting Retirement Gap Analysis
Comparing the projected corpus from your SIP investments with the required corpus for generating the desired monthly income will help identify any potential shortfall and enable strategic planning to bridge the gap.

Recommendations for Retirement Planning
Optimize Investment Strategy: Consider diversifying your investment portfolio to mitigate risk and maximize returns, ensuring sustainable wealth accumulation over the long term.

Increase SIP Contributions: Evaluate the possibility of gradually increasing your SIP contributions to accelerate corpus growth and achieve your retirement goals more efficiently.

Review Retirement Goals: Regularly review your retirement goals and adjust your investment strategy as needed to align with evolving financial objectives and life circumstances.

Explore Supplementary Income Sources: Explore additional avenues for passive income generation, such as rental properties, dividend-paying stocks, or alternative investment options, to supplement your retirement corpus and enhance financial security.

Conclusion
By maintaining a disciplined approach to savings and investments and periodically reassessing your retirement goals and investment strategy, you can maximize the potential of achieving financial independence and securing a comfortable retirement lifestyle. It's essential to seek professional guidance and stay committed to your long-term financial objectives to ensure a smooth transition into retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 47 years old. I have a corpus of about 3.4Cr of which about 1.5Cr is in equities(Mostly large cap) & ETFs and rest is FD and PF. Apart from this, I have about Rs 72000 rental income. I have a term insurance and family medical insurance. I need to work for atleast another 3 years to cover my elder son's education and need a corpus for my 14 yrs old daughter's education of say about 50L. I can invest around 2L per month in SIPs. Given all this, how much more retirement corpus I need to have a regular monthly income of 2L? Thanks for replying.
Ans: It's great to see you've built a substantial corpus and are planning for your future financial needs. Let's analyze your situation and determine the steps needed to achieve your goals.

Current Financial Status
Corpus Allocation
Your corpus of ?3.4 crore, with a significant portion in equities, FDs, and PF, reflects a diversified investment approach.

Additional Income
The rental income of ?72,000 per annum provides an additional source of cash flow, contributing to your overall financial stability.

Future Financial Goals
Education Expenses
You have identified the need for ?50 lakh for your daughter's education in 14 years and have committed to investing ?2 lakh per month in SIPs to achieve this goal.

Retirement Planning
To secure a regular monthly income of ?2 lakh post-retirement, we need to calculate the additional retirement corpus required.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
Desired Monthly Income
A monthly income of ?2 lakh translates to an annual income of ?24 lakh post-retirement.

Withdrawal Rate
Assuming a conservative withdrawal rate of 5-6% from the retirement corpus, we can estimate the required corpus as follows:

?24,00,000 / 0.05 = ?4.8 crore
?24,00,000 / 0.06 = ?4 crore

Gap Analysis
Current Retirement Corpus
Your current corpus of ?3.4 crore is significant but falls short of the required retirement corpus.

Additional Savings
To bridge the gap, you may consider increasing your monthly SIP contributions or exploring other investment avenues that offer potential for higher returns.

Asset Allocation
Review your asset allocation to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals, especially considering the need for regular income post-retirement.

Conclusion
While you have made commendable progress towards your financial goals, there is a need to augment your retirement corpus to secure a regular monthly income of ?2 lakh post-retirement. By reassessing your investment strategy, increasing your savings rate, and exploring suitable investment options, you can work towards achieving financial independence and ensuring a comfortable retirement.

If you require further assistance or personalized advice, feel free to reach out. I'm here to support you in navigating your financial journey and achieving your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Sir , I am 32 years of age with no liabilities . I have my own home and office . I have invested 20 lacs in NSC , 19 lacs in share market , 20lacs in PPF , 25 in FDR , 1 lacs in MFI have a monthly expenditure of 1 lacs approx . I can save around 1 lacs per month . I want to retire by 50 . How much corpus should I make ?
Ans: At 32, you have a solid foundation with no liabilities, a home, and an office. With Rs. 20 lakhs in NSC, Rs. 19 lakhs in the share market, Rs. 20 lakhs in PPF, Rs. 25 lakhs in FDR, and Rs. 1 lakh in MFI, you’re on the right track. Your monthly expenditure is Rs. 1 lakh, and you can save Rs. 1 lakh monthly. Now, let's create a plan to help you retire by 50 with a comfortable corpus.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Current Investments:

NSC: Rs. 20 lakhs
Share Market: Rs. 19 lakhs
PPF: Rs. 20 lakhs
FDR: Rs. 25 lakhs
MFI: Rs. 1 lakh
Monthly Savings:

Expenditure: Rs. 1 lakh
Savings: Rs. 1 lakh
Setting Retirement Goals
To retire by 50, you need a significant corpus to sustain your lifestyle. Here's how to determine your target corpus:

1. Estimate Retirement Expenses:

Your current monthly expenditure is Rs. 1 lakh. Considering inflation, expenses will rise over time. Let's assume an inflation rate of 6% per annum.

2. Duration of Retirement:

If you retire at 50 and live till 80, you need funds for 30 years.

3. Calculate Retirement Corpus:

We need to account for inflation-adjusted expenses and potential investment returns. A rough estimate suggests you might need around Rs. 10-12 crores.

Building Your Retirement Corpus
1. Maximize Existing Investments:

NSC: National Savings Certificate (NSC) offers fixed returns and is a safe investment. However, it lacks the potential for high growth.

Share Market: Your Rs. 19 lakhs in the share market can grow significantly if well-managed. Diversify your portfolio to balance risk and return.

PPF: Public Provident Fund (PPF) is excellent for tax-free, safe returns. Continue investing here for stable growth.

FDR: Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR) provide security but lower returns. Consider shifting some funds to higher-yield investments.

MFI: Microfinance Institution (MFI) investments can be risky. Monitor closely and consider reallocating if needed.

2. Start SIPs in Mutual Funds:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds are ideal for long-term wealth creation. Here’s why:

Disciplined Investing: SIPs ensure regular investments.
Rupee Cost Averaging: Invests across market cycles, reducing risk.
Compounding: Reinvested returns generate more returns.
Diversification: Spreads risk across various sectors.
Choosing the Right Mutual Funds:

Equity Funds: High returns, suitable for long-term goals. Invest 60-70% in diversified equity funds.
Debt Funds: Lower risk, stable returns. Invest 20-30% for stability.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Invest 10-20% for balanced growth.
3. Regularly Review and Rebalance:

Monitor your investments to ensure they align with your goals. Review annually and rebalance if necessary to maintain your desired risk level.

Tax Planning
1. ELSS Funds: Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) offers tax benefits under Section 80C. Continue or start investing for dual benefits of tax saving and equity growth.

2. PPF: Continue your PPF investments for tax-free, stable returns.

3. Other Instruments: Explore NPS and other tax-saving instruments to optimize your tax liability.

Insurance Planning
1. Life Insurance: Ensure adequate life insurance to cover liabilities and provide for dependents.

2. Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is crucial to cover medical expenses and safeguard savings.

Education and Contingency Planning
1. Education Fund: If you plan to have children, start an education fund early. Consider child-specific mutual funds or a mix of equity and debt funds.

2. Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. Keep it in liquid funds or savings accounts for easy access.

Final Insights
Achieving a secure retirement requires disciplined planning and smart investing. Here’s a summary of your action plan:

Action Plan Summary:
1. Evaluate Current Investments: Review NSC, share market, PPF, FDR, and MFI investments.

2. Start SIPs: Invest Rs. 1 lakh monthly in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

3. Maximize Tax Benefits: Utilize ELSS, PPF, and other tax-saving instruments.

4. Ensure Insurance Coverage: Adequate life and health insurance.

5. Build Education and Emergency Funds: Separate funds for children’s education and emergencies.

6. Regular Review: Annually review and rebalance your portfolio.

By following this comprehensive plan, you can build a robust retirement corpus and ensure a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 09, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I have net salary of 2.7L per month and am 46 year old with 2 children aged 12 and 6. I have a EPF+PPF corpus of 65 lakhs , NPS 5 lakhs, 1CR in MF portfolio, invest 50k monthly (Which is on Hold currently) in MF SIPs. I own a house 65L(loan free) & another house 2CR have outstanding loans of 1CR. I have family floater medical insurance with 20L coverage and life cover for 1Cr. I wish to retire by age of 55 - pls advise how much corpus do I need at hand to retire. Consider my monthly expense as 1L
Ans: You are 46 years old with a net salary of Rs. 2.7 lakh per month. You have two children, aged 12 and 6, and a current corpus of Rs. 65 lakh in EPF and PPF, Rs. 5 lakh in NPS, and Rs. 1 crore in your mutual fund portfolio. Additionally, you own two properties, one valued at Rs. 65 lakh (loan-free) and another valued at Rs. 2 crore, with an outstanding loan of Rs. 1 crore. Your current monthly expenses are Rs. 1 lakh, and you have paused your monthly SIP of Rs. 50,000. You also hold a life insurance cover worth Rs. 1 crore and a family floater medical insurance with Rs. 20 lakh coverage.

You plan to retire by the age of 55, which gives you approximately nine years to build a sufficient corpus. Let's explore how much you need to comfortably retire while sustaining your current lifestyle.

Estimating Your Retirement Corpus
To determine your retirement corpus, we need to consider several factors:

Current monthly expenses: Rs. 1 lakh
Retirement age: 55
Post-retirement years: Assuming life expectancy of 85 years, you need to plan for 30 years post-retirement.
Inflation rate: An assumed inflation rate of 6% per year is a reasonable estimate for the future.
Growth rate of investments: Typically, diversified equity mutual funds have delivered around 10-12% returns over the long term.
Based on these factors, your current monthly expenses will increase due to inflation, and you need a corpus that generates enough to cover these rising costs. Since your expenses are Rs. 1 lakh today, they could double or triple over time. Your corpus should be able to sustain this without depleting prematurely.

Breakup of Current Assets
EPF & PPF (Rs. 65 lakh): These are stable, low-risk assets that will help you post-retirement but won't generate high returns.

NPS (Rs. 5 lakh): Provides tax benefits and is specifically designed for retirement savings. It will grow over time but is not highly flexible for withdrawals until retirement age.

Mutual Funds (Rs. 1 crore): This is an excellent foundation for your retirement plan. Equity mutual funds, in particular, have the potential to grow at a faster rate and combat inflation.

Real Estate (Rs. 65 lakh + Rs. 2 crore): While real estate holds value, its liquidity is limited. The house you live in does not contribute to your retirement corpus unless you plan to downsize. The second house has a loan of Rs. 1 crore, and the EMIs for this property must be factored into your pre-retirement cash flows.

Life Insurance (Rs. 1 crore): While it’s important for your family’s protection, this doesn’t contribute to your retirement corpus.

Estimating Your Future Monthly Expenses
Your current monthly expense is Rs. 1 lakh, but due to inflation, this figure will increase. Let’s assume the inflation rate remains at 6%. By the time you retire at 55, your monthly expenses will likely double or triple, reaching anywhere between Rs. 1.7 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh per month. Your retirement corpus should be large enough to generate this amount without running out of funds.

In addition, you’ll have to account for:

Healthcare costs: As you age, medical expenses tend to rise. Even though you have Rs. 20 lakh family floater insurance, post-retirement medical costs not covered by insurance should be factored in.

Educational expenses: Your children’s education could be a significant expense over the next 10 to 15 years.

Corpus Required for Comfortable Retirement
To maintain your current lifestyle, you would need a corpus that generates at least Rs. 2 lakh per month during retirement. Based on a withdrawal rate of 4%, which is commonly used to ensure the corpus lasts for the entirety of your retirement, you’ll need a retirement corpus of approximately Rs. 6 to 7 crore.

This corpus will ensure that you can comfortably cover your rising living expenses, healthcare, and other unforeseen costs without depleting your savings.

Recommendations to Achieve the Corpus
Here’s a detailed plan to help you achieve your target of Rs. 6 to 7 crore before retirement:

1. Resume Your SIP Investments
Restart your monthly SIP of Rs. 50,000 immediately. This is crucial, as equity mutual funds can provide the high returns needed to meet your retirement goal.

Consider increasing your SIP contribution each year in line with salary increments. This will accelerate your corpus growth and help you fight inflation more effectively.

2. Focus on Equity Mutual Funds
Given your long-term horizon (9 years until retirement), equity mutual funds remain the best investment option to grow your wealth. These funds have historically provided higher returns (10-12% CAGR), which will be essential for building your retirement corpus.

Ensure your portfolio is diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap mutual funds for balanced growth and risk.

3. Debt Repayment Strategy
You currently have an outstanding home loan of Rs. 1 crore. It’s advisable to clear this debt as early as possible. Carrying such a large debt into retirement can strain your finances.

Use a portion of your liquid assets, such as your mutual fund corpus or any bonuses, to reduce the loan burden gradually. This will free up cash flow and allow you to focus more on building your retirement fund.

4. Maximize Your EPF & PPF Contributions
Continue contributing to your EPF and PPF accounts. While the returns from these are modest, they are low-risk and provide tax-free returns, making them ideal for post-retirement stability.

As PPF matures, consider reinvesting the proceeds into equity mutual funds to capitalize on higher returns.

5. Increase Contributions to NPS
Your NPS balance is currently Rs. 5 lakh. Increase your contributions to this as it provides excellent tax benefits and is tailored for retirement.

NPS is also one of the few products where withdrawals are partially tax-free. Increasing contributions now will give you a more substantial corpus in the future.

6. Prioritize Children’s Education
Plan separately for your children’s education expenses. You might want to use specific child education funds or a combination of mutual funds for this.

Avoid dipping into your retirement savings for education purposes. Set clear boundaries between these two financial goals.

Final Insights
At 46, you are well-positioned financially, but pausing your SIP investments and holding onto a large loan could hinder your retirement plans. Restart your investments and focus on paying off your loan as soon as possible. By maintaining discipline and increasing your contributions to SIPs, NPS, and PPF, you should comfortably achieve your retirement corpus of Rs. 6 to 7 crore. Prioritize growth-oriented investments like equity mutual funds, and continue evaluating your portfolio annually to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir, Im 54 yrs, present monthly take home pay in hand of Rs.2.5Lacs after all I.Tax etc. deductions. Car EMI till Dec 2026 to be paid will be Rs.5000 per month. Have Health Insurance cover for 25 lacs, Term Insurance for Rs.2Crores but no Life Insurance cover. Monthly SIP is Rs.1Lac. Had made a lump-sum investment of Rs.55Lacs in Mutual Fund which is now valued around Rs.75Lacs. I'm not able to save anything beyond this due to family responsibilities and have to start repaying my son's education loan of Rs.20Lacs which would commence after 2.5 years (as he is studying now). Can you please let me know how much of corpus I might have at the time of my retirement if I continue to work till the age of 58years? Regards
Ans: Based on the information you’ve shared, let us assess your situation and provide insights into your potential retirement corpus.

Current Financial Position
Take-home salary: Rs. 2.5 Lacs per month
Car EMI: Rs. 5,000 per month (ending Dec 2026)
Health insurance: Rs. 25 Lacs
Term insurance: Rs. 2 Crores
Monthly SIP: Rs. 1 Lac
Lump-sum investment in mutual funds: Rs. 75 Lacs (current value)
Education loan repayment: Rs. 20 Lacs starting after 2.5 years
Retirement age: 58 years (4 years from now)
Assumptions for Projection
Your SIP of Rs. 1 Lac per month continues until retirement.
Your lump-sum mutual fund investment grows at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Monthly SIP investments grow at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Education loan repayment starts in 2.5 years. Let’s consider this doesn’t disrupt your SIPs.
Estimated Retirement Corpus
1. Growth of Existing Lump-Sum Investment
Current value: Rs. 75 Lacs
Growth for 4 years at 10%: Approximately Rs. 1.1 Crores
2. Future Value of Monthly SIPs
SIP: Rs. 1 Lac per month
Duration: 48 months (4 years)
Growth at 10%: Approximately Rs. 63 Lacs
Total Corpus at Retirement
Lump-sum mutual fund value: Rs. 1.1 Crores
SIP investments: Rs. 63 Lacs
Total corpus: Rs. 1.73 Crores
Recommendations
Education Loan Repayment: The repayment may require adjustments in your budget. Consider partial withdrawals or rebalancing investments if necessary to avoid disrupting your SIPs.
Increasing Savings: Once your car loan ends in 2026, channel the Rs. 5,000 EMI into SIPs to further enhance your corpus.
Financial Review: Regularly review your investments and retirement goals with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure alignment with market conditions.
Final Insights
If your investments grow at an average rate of 10%, you may have a retirement corpus of approximately Rs. 1.73 Crores by age 58. Focus on maintaining your SIP contributions and ensuring liquidity to manage upcoming education loan repayments effectively.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jun 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 07, 2025
Relationship
So I had breakup I dont know but things happen so drastically he has given commitment to me that he will marry me we was in a relationship for 5.5 years of relationship I was already married to him in my mind we was also physically involved he started his business in partnership of sandwichs I understand he was quite busy but he did not message me for 3 long days I used to remain confused about where he is and what he is doing I ask for clarity to him than he said that he cannot take it anymore and cannot handle me as He was not even messaging me he had ghost me I asked him if he like another girl but he said no the guy once was committed to me suddenly said he cannot take it he ended it and move on , I am in middle of Cat preparation everything just sucks that I lost my virginity too It attacks my confidence I feel my life had ended as because who will accept a girl with past in this "No seal No deal" era I am not a object or product I am a human being My boyfriend move on what I will do stck in there but will I ever endup in happy married life with such past, Can I share this past to anyone or keep it as a hidden secret with me only
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am very sorry you are going through such a tough time. First of all, this ‘no seal no deal’ is the brainchild of extremely insecure people. You should not have to worry about that. If, in the future, you start dating someone, and you decide to tell them about your past and they say something that indicates this mentality, you should reconsider the relationship. Your past is your past. Whatever happened between you and your ex was out of love. And it isn’t a flaw in you. Remember, you deserve as much happiness and love as any other person. Coming to whether you can ever share your past or not- that is entirely up to you. There is no hard and fast rule that you must tell your partner every single detail of your past relationship history. But I strongly suggest focusing on finding someone with whom you can share anything without fear of judgment.


In the end, I’d again like to remind you that the choice to disclose your past is on you. No one can pressure you to talk about it, or not sharing the same doesn’t make you guilty of anything. For now, please stop worrying about all these and focus on keeping yourself happy and moving forward. You deserve someone who will love you every day and for everything you are.
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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 10, 2025

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Sir, My son scored 96 percentile in mains, 800 community rank (SC) in JEE (ADV). Which course suits best for his career with strong placements & future research also if possible in IITM
Ans: Lavanya Madam, With a JEE Advanced SC rank of 800, admission to Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at IIT Madras remains unfeasible (2024 SC cutoff: 72), but competitive options include Mechanical Engineering (2024 SC cutoff: 716) and Aerospace Engineering (788), both offering 90%+ placement rates and median salaries of ?19.6 LPA (2023-24 data). For research-oriented pathways, Chemical Engineering (SC cutoff: 1,225) provides opportunities in sustainable energy and materials science via collaborations with DRDO and ISRO, supported by ?59.12 crore in annual research funding. Electrical Engineering (SC cutoff: 378) combines strong placements (median ?27.28 LPA) with interdisciplinary research in quantum computing and robotics through IITM’s Centre for Innovation. While Civil Engineering (SC cutoff: 1,324) offers lower placement traction (median ?17.73 LPA), its structural engineering research initiatives align with global infrastructure demands. Recommendation: Prioritize Mechanical Engineering for optimal balance of placement stability (core roles in automotive/manufacturing sectors) and research versatility, or Aerospace Engineering for niche opportunities in defense and space technology, leveraging IITM’s industry-academia partnerships and ?513 crore annual funding pool. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 10, 2025
Money
Prabhu Asked on - Jun 09, 2025 Hi sir, I'm 39 working with MNC with take home 1.4L. Kindly advice 2 thing. Shall I close the loan with PPF and does my investment are on right way. Investment 30L ESOP 30L MF 15L PPF ( matured) 25K yearly in ulip for 20 years stared in 2022. 12K SIP Liabilities 20L home loan ( 9 yr completed) 30K expenses monthly 21K health insurance yrly 40K term insurance yrly
Ans: You are 39 years old, working with a multinational company. Your take-home income is Rs. 1.4 lakh per month. You are asking two questions:

Should I close my home loan using my matured PPF?

Are my investments on the right track?

Let us evaluate both in a detailed and professional manner. We will look at your finances from a full 360-degree view to help you take better decisions.

Present Financial Snapshot
Let us understand your current assets and liabilities first:

Take-home salary: Rs. 1.4 lakh per month

Home loan outstanding: Rs. 20 lakh (9 years completed)

Monthly EMI (assumed): Not mentioned, but likely Rs. 20,000–25,000

Monthly expenses: Rs. 30,000

Health insurance premium: Rs. 21,000 per year

Term insurance premium: Rs. 40,000 per year

SIP: Rs. 12,000 per month

ULIP: Rs. 25,000 per year (started in 2022 for 20 years)

PPF: Rs. 15 lakh (matured)

Mutual funds: Rs. 30 lakh

ESOPs: Rs. 30 lakh

Let us now analyse both your questions step by step.

Should You Close Home Loan Using PPF?
You have completed 9 years of a housing loan.

Only Rs. 20 lakh is left as balance.

PPF has matured and holds Rs. 15 lakh.

Your PPF is a safe and tax-free investment.

You should not use the full amount to close your home loan.

Here is why: Home loan gives tax benefits on both interest and principal.

It also helps you build your credit history.

Your EMI seems comfortable at Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000.

Your net monthly surplus is very good after expenses and SIP.

Do partial prepayment of home loan only.

Use Rs. 5 lakh from PPF to reduce your loan balance.

This reduces your interest burden.

Keep Rs. 10 lakh in PPF for safety and emergencies.

Don’t close full loan now.

If you reduce loan tenure (not EMI), it saves more interest.

This way, you reduce interest and still keep benefits.

Don't touch the rest of PPF.

It can also act as emergency fund in job break, health issue or family need.

Full closure of home loan is not necessary if EMI is manageable.

Should You Continue or Surrender the ULIP?
You are paying Rs. 25,000 per year in a ULIP since 2022.

ULIPs mix insurance and investment in one product.

In the first few years, most of your money goes in charges.

They are very costly, and the returns are unpredictable.

You already have term insurance for pure protection.

ULIP is not needed.

You can surrender this policy immediately.

Reinvest the amount in mutual funds through SIP or STP.

This way, you get better returns with lower costs.

ULIP does not offer flexibility or goal matching.

Mutual funds give transparent performance tracking.

Avoid mixing insurance with investments in future.

Is Your Investment Strategy on the Right Path?
Let’s analyse your current investment portfolio from all sides.

1. Mutual Funds – Rs. 30 lakh

This is a strong amount for your age.

You are running a SIP of Rs. 12,000 monthly.

This shows discipline and long-term thinking.

Try to increase SIP yearly with salary hike.

Aim for Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 SIP monthly in next 2 years.

Invest in actively managed funds, not index funds.

Index funds only copy the market and don’t give extra return.

Active funds have fund managers to help beat inflation.

Also, avoid direct plan funds if used.

They may look cheaper, but offer zero guidance or review.

Use regular plan via Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

This gives ongoing support, rebalancing, and handholding.

Review your MF portfolio once in 6 months.

Keep mix of large cap, flexi cap and mid cap funds.

Avoid small cap if your goals are short term.

Long-term goals should drive your MF selection.

Keep 1 goal for each MF. Example: Retirement, freedom, child, etc.

This brings clarity and emotional discipline.

2. ESOPs – Rs. 30 lakh

ESOPs can create sudden wealth but are high risk.

They are linked to one company, your employer.

This is called “double risk”.

If your job and stock both go down, you face double pain.

Keep ESOPs within 20% of your total portfolio.

You already have Rs. 30 lakh in ESOP, and Rs. 30 lakh in MFs.

That’s a 50-50 split now.

Start selling some ESOP every year.

Move the money into mutual funds or debt funds.

This reduces risk and adds diversity.

Also, check tax rules before selling ESOPs.

Avoid waiting for maximum price or market timing.

Take money out slowly over 2–3 years.

Don't link your wealth to one company stock.

3. PPF – Rs. 15 lakh (matured)

You have done very well by holding PPF till maturity.

PPF is one of the best low-risk options in India.

Use only part of it for loan prepayment.

Keep balance for emergencies or future needs.

You can also open a new PPF again.

This helps save tax under Section 80C.

Use PPF as a safety cushion, not for aggressive growth.

4. SIP – Rs. 12,000 monthly

SIP is a good habit for wealth creation.

Increase it step by step every year.

Add Rs. 2,000–3,000 more every 6 months.

Your current income allows higher SIP.

But maintain balance between investing, EMI, insurance and life needs.

Insurance Coverage Assessment
1. Health Insurance

You are paying Rs. 21,000 per year.

Check if the cover is at least Rs. 25 lakh floater.

If not, take a super top-up plan.

Health expenses are rising faster than income.

Good insurance protects your savings and wealth.

2. Term Insurance

You are paying Rs. 40,000 yearly.

Ensure cover is 15 to 20 times your annual income.

Your income is Rs. 16.8 lakh yearly (1.4 lakh x 12).

So, term cover should be at least Rs. 3 crore.

If current cover is lower, take an extra policy.

Term plans are cheap and pure protection.

Don't delay increasing your coverage.

Suggestions for Future Financial Growth
Track your net worth every 6 months.

Maintain a monthly budget sheet to manage expenses.

Avoid luxury spending from bonuses or incentives.

Don’t buy any new real estate for investment.

Real estate locks money and gives poor flexibility.

Avoid F&O, crypto, or stock tips from social media.

These look exciting but destroy wealth silently.

Stick to your own goals and asset allocation.

Write your goals on paper – with amount and time.

Example: Rs. 2 crore for retirement by age 55, Rs. 40 lakh for child.

Link each investment to one goal.

This gives emotional connection and purpose.

Stay patient during market ups and downs.

Don’t stop SIPs during market fall. That’s when you get more value.

Meet a Certified Financial Planner every year to review.

Life changes. So should your plan.

Finally
Do not close your entire home loan using PPF.

Do partial prepayment with Rs. 5 lakh only.

Keep Rs. 10 lakh from PPF as emergency buffer.

Surrender your ULIP and shift to mutual funds.

Increase SIP step by step.

Reduce ESOP exposure to avoid risk.

Review term and health insurance coverage immediately.

Maintain goal-based investing using active mutual funds.

Avoid direct and index funds.

Keep meeting Certified Financial Planner every year.

This builds financial freedom, not just wealth.

You are already on a strong path. Just refine it smartly.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 10, 2025
Money
Sir i have 14 lacs in savings account and have a emi of 65k for 80 lacs loan at the moment. How much should i invest and how much to should i prepay my loan.
Ans: You have Rs. 14 lakh in your savings account. You are paying an EMI of Rs. 65,000 for a home loan of Rs. 80 lakh.

You want to know how much to invest and how much to prepay.

Let us do a complete 360-degree analysis.

We will keep the answer simple, but give deep insights for better decisions.

Understand the Current Picture
You have Rs. 14 lakh in savings account.

You are repaying Rs. 65,000 EMI monthly.

You have a large home loan of Rs. 80 lakh.

Most likely, your home loan tenure is 15 to 20 years.

The loan interest in initial years is mostly high.

Savings account gives very low returns.

Keeping too much idle in savings hurts your money.

A good balance is needed between safety, growth, and EMI relief.

Emergency Fund Comes First
First step is to check your emergency fund.

You should always keep 6 months of total expenses aside.

Include EMI, household costs, child fees, medical, etc.

If total monthly cost is Rs. 1 lakh, emergency fund must be Rs. 6 lakh.

If it is Rs. 1.3 lakh monthly, keep Rs. 7.5 to 8 lakh minimum.

This should be in FD or liquid mutual fund.

Do not invest or prepay using this portion.

Emergency fund is your shield against sudden shocks.

Only the extra amount beyond this can be used.

How Much to Prepay from Rs. 14 Lakh?
Once emergency fund is set aside, you are left with Rs. 6 to 7 lakh.

Home loan prepayment in early years saves a lot of interest.

Especially if your interest is above 8.5%, prepaying is smart.

Use a portion of the remaining money to prepay the loan.

But do not prepay everything. You also need investments for future goals.

So, use about Rs. 3 to 4 lakh for home loan prepayment now.

This reduces your loan balance and total interest outgo.

You also keep flexibility for future EMI relief if needed.

How Much to Invest from Rs. 14 Lakh?
After emergency fund and prepayment, you may have Rs. 3 to 4 lakh left.

You can invest this in mutual funds for long-term wealth.

Do not invest in lump sum fully in equity funds.

Invest this balance using STP (Systematic Transfer Plan).

First park the money in a liquid fund.

From there, shift Rs. 25,000–30,000 monthly into equity mutual funds.

This keeps risk lower and avoids market timing mistakes.

Choose good actively managed mutual funds.

Avoid index funds. They don’t perform better in Indian markets.

Index funds just copy the market. They don’t beat it.

Active funds are managed by experts and often give better returns.

Invest through regular plan via MFD with CFP guidance.

Avoid direct funds. They look cheaper, but offer no support or correction.

MFD with CFP gives you regular portfolio review and changes when needed.

Maintain Monthly SIP Discipline
Do not stop your monthly SIPs if already running.

If you are not doing SIPs yet, start one now.

Even a small SIP of Rs. 10,000 to 15,000 is powerful.

Link your SIPs to long-term goals like retirement, child future, freedom fund.

SIPs give you cost averaging, which beats market ups and downs.

Over 10 to 15 years, SIPs create strong wealth.

As your income grows, increase SIP amount yearly.

This is how wealth is created in real life – not through lottery or quick trades.

Benefits of Balanced Approach: Prepay + Invest
Let us now understand the real benefit of splitting your Rs. 14 lakh.

Emergency fund gives peace of mind.

Prepayment reduces your interest burden.

Investment gives your money a chance to grow.

This is how financial maturity is built.

You don’t put all in one basket.

You don’t lock all money into property.

You also don’t risk all into market.

You keep liquidity, reduce debt, and grow wealth side by side.

Bonus Tip: How to Review Loan Prepayment Plan
Check with your bank if there’s a cap or condition for partial prepayment.

Ask if you can reduce EMI or reduce tenure after prepaying.

Reducing tenure is better than reducing EMI.

Lower tenure saves more in total interest.

Check your home loan schedule every year.

If you get bonus, gift, or extra income, do small prepayments.

This will cut years off your loan.

But never sacrifice your emergency fund or investments for prepayment.

Your financial freedom is more important than just closing the loan.

Other Suggestions to Strengthen Your Financial Life
Ensure you have a term insurance equal to at least 15 times your annual income.

Ensure you have a family floater health policy for Rs. 25 lakh or more.

Keep an excel sheet to track all EMIs, SIPs, insurance, expenses.

Every 6 months, check your net worth.

Use surplus funds wisely, not for lifestyle inflation.

Do not break investments to repay loans in future.

Always separate your emergency, investment, and EMI money.

Meet a Certified Financial Planner once a year to check your plan.

This keeps your wealth engine tuned and moving forward.

Stay away from quick-money ideas like F&O, crypto, penny stocks.

These destroy wealth and create stress.

Follow a steady plan. Wealth builds slowly but surely.

Finally
You have Rs. 14 lakh in savings. This is a strong position.

Use Rs. 6 to 8 lakh to build or top up your emergency fund.

Use Rs. 3 to 4 lakh for home loan partial prepayment.

Use Rs. 3 to 4 lakh for mutual fund investing with SIP or STP.

This 3-way plan gives you safety, EMI relief, and growth.

You reduce loan burden without losing future opportunities.

You stay ready for emergency and invest for long term.

This is the smartest use of lump sum money.

Build on this foundation with monthly SIPs, yearly reviews, and steady savings.

This way, you achieve freedom, not just debt closure.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8891 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 10, 2025
Money
I am 32, earning Rs 2 lakh per month with a home loan EMI of 57,000 and education loan EMI of 11,000. I send 30,000 to my parents in Indore. I've been investing 20,000 monthly in SIPs across largecap and flexicap funds. I recently received a 5 lakh annual bonus. Should I use it to prepay my home loan or invest in SIPs for better long-term growth?
Ans: You are 32 years old and already earning Rs. 2 lakh monthly. That’s a strong start. You're managing Rs. 57,000 home loan EMI and Rs. 11,000 education loan EMI. You send Rs. 30,000 to your parents monthly. You also invest Rs. 20,000 SIP in largecap and flexicap funds. You have now received a Rs. 5 lakh bonus.

You want to know whether to prepay your home loan or invest this Rs. 5 lakh in SIPs.

Let us analyse both options step by step, from a full 360-degree perspective.

We will look at all angles and give you a practical plan.

Understanding Your Current Monthly Flow
Monthly income is Rs. 2 lakh.

Home loan EMI is Rs. 57,000.

Education loan EMI is Rs. 11,000.

You send Rs. 30,000 to your parents in Indore.

You invest Rs. 20,000 monthly in SIPs.

Your fixed monthly outgo is Rs. 1.18 lakh.

So, you are left with Rs. 82,000 monthly.

You need to manage your rent, food, travel, savings and other expenses from this.

It shows that your finances are stable and under control.

You also have discipline in investing regularly.

Receiving Rs. 5 lakh bonus gives you a chance to fast-track your goals.

Thinking About the Home Loan
Home loan EMI is Rs. 57,000 per month.

Most home loans run for 20 years.

The interest outgo is very high in early years.

Prepayment in early years reduces interest greatly.

Prepayment does not attract any penalty in most home loans.

But if you claim full home loan interest benefit under Section 24, check tax impact.

Full deduction up to Rs. 2 lakh per year is allowed.

If you prepay too much, you may lose some of this tax benefit.

Also, home loan gives long repayment term. That gives cash flow flexibility.

So, we need to evaluate if locking bonus into prepayment is the best use.

Education Loan Angle
EMI of Rs. 11,000 is small compared to income.

Education loans give tax benefit under Section 80E.

You get deduction for interest paid. No cap for years if loan is in active status.

But the benefit continues only for 8 years from start of repayment.

Also, education loan interest rate is often higher than home loan.

If your education loan is old and at high interest, partial repayment makes sense.

Otherwise, it can be kept as is if affordable.

Benefits of Mutual Fund SIPs
You already invest Rs. 20,000 in mutual funds monthly.

This is a very good habit.

Largecap and flexicap funds are balanced choices for long-term wealth.

These funds can grow faster than loan savings, over long time.

But mutual funds are volatile. They carry risk in short term.

SIPs work well if invested for 7 years or more.

For long-term goals like retirement, child’s future, or financial freedom, SIP is better.

But lump sum investment must be done only after risk review.

What Is the Best Use of the Rs. 5 Lakh Bonus?
Let us look at multiple good ways to use this bonus.

We will evaluate each angle separately.

Option 1: Use Full Bonus to Prepay Home Loan
You save a large amount in total interest over time.

It reduces EMI burden or shortens loan term.

You reduce stress in monthly cash flow in future.

But the money gets locked in the house.

You cannot access it in an emergency.

It does not grow in value.

It gives guaranteed savings, but not wealth creation.

If you have no emergency fund, this option is risky.



Option 2: Invest Full Rs. 5 Lakh in Mutual Funds
You create long-term wealth from this bonus.

Over 10 years, this can double or more.

You can use this later for a big goal like early retirement.

But mutual funds have risk of loss in short term.

Also, no guaranteed returns.

You need to stay invested long term and stay calm during market ups and downs.

If you have no emergency fund, again, this is not safe.

Emergency Fund Comes First
Before you choose prepayment or SIP, ask this first:

Do you have 6 months’ expenses saved as emergency fund?

Your monthly expenses are about Rs. 1.2 to 1.3 lakh.

So, emergency fund should be at least Rs. 7.5 to 8 lakh.

If you don’t have this yet, you must build it first.

Emergency fund should be kept in liquid mutual fund, FD, or savings account.

This gives peace and security during job loss, health crisis or big expense.

This also allows SIPs and EMIs to continue in hard times.

Use Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakh from the bonus to build emergency fund.

This is your foundation.

Ideal Split of Rs. 5 Lakh Bonus
Instead of putting all in one place, do a balanced split.

This gives you safety, peace, growth and loan savings together.

Here is a good model:

Rs. 2 lakh: Build emergency fund (if not already there)

Rs. 1 lakh: Partial prepayment of education loan (especially if interest is high)

Rs. 2 lakh: Invest in mutual funds for long term

This is a 360-degree plan.

It covers immediate safety, medium-term saving, and long-term growth.

It does not lock everything in the house or in markets.

It also keeps your risk low and returns reasonable.

Extra Suggestions to Strengthen Finances
Continue SIPs at Rs. 20,000 monthly.

Once education loan closes, increase SIP by Rs. 11,000 monthly.

Do not stop SIP even after buying a house.

Review your SIP funds once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Choose regular funds through a trusted MFD. Avoid direct funds.

Direct funds do not give guidance. They seem cheap but lead to poor decisions.

MFD with CFP helps in fund selection, discipline and rebalancing.

Invest in growth plans only if you are sure of the holding period.

If you plan to withdraw in less than 3 years, do not invest in equity.

Create goal-based SIPs – one for retirement, one for parents, one for your own freedom.

Review all insurance. Have term insurance and health cover already in place.

Track expenses for three months. Cut non-useful spends and increase savings.

Keep bonus or any windfall money for meaningful goals only.

Never mix consumption (like holidays) with your wealth-building money.

Tax Points to Keep in Mind
You will not pay tax for home loan prepayment.

But mutual fund gains are taxed on sale.

Short-term capital gains (within 1 year) – taxed at 20%.

Long-term capital gains (after 1 year) – first Rs. 1.25 lakh gain is tax-free.

Above that, taxed at 12.5%.

So, hold mutual funds for long term to get benefit.

Do not redeem mutual funds in panic or to pay EMI.

Always sell only after 1 year to reduce tax and maximise growth.

Finally
Rs. 5 lakh bonus is a gift. Use it wisely.

Don’t rush to prepay loan just because it feels good.

Don’t invest all into mutual funds only thinking of high returns.

First, secure your base with an emergency fund.

Next, reduce high-interest loans partially.

Then, invest the rest for long-term wealth creation.

This gives you strong financial health.

You feel secure, flexible and confident.

A Certified Financial Planner can review your full plan yearly.

This gives you the right direction in all seasons of life.

Stay invested, stay protected, and keep growing step by step.

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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