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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 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
Akshay Question by Akshay on May 14, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi, i am currently 33 and my wife is 31. We have a daughter who's just 5 months old. We have savings of 37 Lakhs in PPF, 20 lakhs in PF, 6 lakhs in NPS and 3.5 lakhs in stocks. We three still live in a rented home in Gurugram whose rent is 53k . We have parental properties of 3 Cr and a few plots. Our combined income is 3.5 LPA per month. Pls suggest me if i should invest in a property in gurugram as the property prices have sky rocketed. If so what should be my budget? We need to also secure my kids future. Can you let us know how should we budget our expenses?

Ans: Investing wisely is essential for securing your family's financial future. You have significant savings and a steady income, and you want to ensure a prosperous future for your child. Given the high property prices in Gurugram, it's crucial to evaluate whether investing in real estate is the best option. We will also explore how to budget your expenses effectively.

Evaluating Real Estate Investment
Rising Property Prices
Property prices in Gurugram have indeed skyrocketed. Investing in real estate requires careful consideration of several factors, including the market trends, your financial stability, and future needs.

Market Trends
Gurugram's real estate market has seen significant growth. While this might suggest potential for appreciation, it also means high initial costs and potential volatility.

Financial Stability
You have substantial savings and a combined income of ?3.5 lakhs per month. This financial stability is beneficial, but investing a large sum in property might limit your liquidity.

Alternatives to Real Estate
Instead of locking a significant portion of your funds in property, consider diversified investments. This approach can offer growth potential with managed risk.

Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, can provide good returns. These funds allow for professional management and diversification across various sectors.

Equity Funds
Equity funds, particularly large and mid-cap funds, can offer substantial growth. These funds invest in established companies, providing a balance of risk and return.

Financial Impact of Buying Property
Initial Costs
Buying property involves a substantial initial investment. This includes down payment, registration fees, and other related expenses.

Ongoing Costs
Maintenance, property tax, and potential loan EMIs add to the financial burden. It's essential to consider if these costs align with your long-term financial goals.

Securing Your Child’s Future
Education Planning
Planning for your child's education is crucial. Education costs are rising, and starting early can help in accumulating the necessary funds.

Education Savings Plans
Consider investing in education savings plans that offer tax benefits and growth potential.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds can help accumulate wealth systematically over time. By investing a fixed amount regularly, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Health and Insurance
Ensuring adequate health and life insurance is vital. It protects your family against unforeseen expenses and provides financial security.

Health Insurance
A comprehensive health insurance plan covers medical expenses, ensuring you don’t have to dip into savings during health emergencies.

Life Insurance
Adequate life insurance ensures your family’s financial stability in case of any unfortunate event. Consider a term insurance plan for high coverage at a lower cost.

Effective Budgeting
Monthly Income and Expenses
With a combined monthly income of ?3.5 lakhs and a rent expense of ?53,000, it’s important to allocate your funds wisely.

Fixed Expenses
Fixed expenses include rent, utilities, and insurance premiums. Ensure these are covered first from your monthly income.

Variable Expenses
Variable expenses include groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Tracking these helps in identifying areas where you can save.

Savings and Investments
Allocating a portion of your income to savings and investments is crucial for financial growth and security.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund provides a safety net during unforeseen situations.

Investment Portfolio
Diversify your investment portfolio across various asset classes to balance risk and return. This includes equities, mutual funds, PPF, and NPS.

Debt Management
If you have any existing loans, prioritizing repayment is essential. Reducing debt improves your financial health and increases disposable income for investments.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Start planning for retirement early to ensure a comfortable and secure future.

NPS and PPF
Continue contributing to your NPS and PPF accounts. These offer tax benefits and long-term growth, essential for retirement corpus.

Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds can provide the necessary growth to build a substantial retirement corpus.

Estate Planning
Ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes through proper estate planning.

Will and Trust
Create a will to specify how your assets should be distributed. Consider setting up a trust for smooth and tax-efficient transfer of wealth.

Legal Consultation
Consult a legal expert to ensure all estate planning documents are in order and comply with legal requirements.

Conclusion
Investing in real estate in Gurugram requires careful consideration due to high property prices and potential financial constraints. Diversifying your investments across mutual funds, equities, and other financial instruments can provide better growth and liquidity. Planning for your child’s education, health insurance, and retirement are crucial steps towards securing your family’s future. Effective budgeting and debt management will further strengthen your financial position. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice to optimize your financial strategy.

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  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, Me and my wife both are 40 years old. Together, we both earn around Rs. 2.5 lacs per month. We have around Rs. 1cr in MF and 50 lacs in Stocks. We are investing monthly SIP of Rs. 1 lacs per month.All the SIPs are equity oriented.Paying Rent Rs. 45k and our monthly expense is around 90 k (including rent). We have 2 kids ( 7 years and 2 years), one is having medical (Cerebral Palsy) Issue. We plan to buy a house in Gurgaon. What should be our Ideal budget to buy a property? Understanding 1 kid will always be dependent on us . No other EMI as of now.
Ans: Here's some guidance on your ideal budget for a property in Gurgaon:

Financial Strength:

Combined Income: Rs. 2.5 lacs per month is a good starting point.
Savings: Rs. 1.5 cr (Rs. 1 cr in MF + Rs. 50 lacs in Stocks) is a significant sum.
Investments: Rs. 1 lac monthly SIP shows strong saving habits.
Challenges:

Dependent Child: Having a child with Cerebral Palsy will require long-term financial planning for their care.
Monthly Expenses: Your current expenses are Rs. 1.35 lacs (including rent).
Considering these factors:

Don't stretch too thin: While you have a good income and savings, prioritize your child's needs and future medical care.
Target a 15-20 year loan term: This keeps your monthly EMI manageable.
Recommended Budget:

Focus on affordability: Aim for a property with a total cost (including registration and other charges) between Rs. 50 lacs - Rs. 1 crore. This translates to a monthly EMI of around Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 60,000 (assuming a 15-20 year loan term).
Location: Consider areas in Gurgaon with good healthcare facilities and accessibility for your child's needs. Explore areas like Sectors 56, 70, 84 or Gurgaon outskirts like Sohna or New Palam Vihar which may offer better affordability.
Additional Tips:

Talk to a Financial Advisor: Discuss your situation with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to create a personalized financial plan considering your child's needs and future goals.
Research Property Options: Look for resale flats, builder floors, or upcoming projects in your budget range. Use online portals like MagicBricks or NoBroker to get an idea of prevailing prices.
Factor in Additional Costs: Remember, there are additional costs besides the property price – registration charges, stamp duty, maintenance fees, etc.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,


Chief Financial Planner,


www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Vivek, I am 45 year old. Myself and wife together earning 2.3L p.m. We have kids of aged 11 years and 3 years. Our monthly expenses are around 90K. We have home loan of 75L with 80k EMI for a tenure of 13 years and need to pay 30L for our new property in one year period. We have 50L worth apartment, 40L in PPF, 55L in PF, 20L in NPS, 40L in MF, 10L in stocks and 10L in ULIPs. We have monthly MF SIP of 40K and 10K pm for term and health insurances. We are expecting around 1cr expenses for children education till their graduation.We want to retire in next 10 years with 1L monthly income. Please advice on how to invest and plan for our future.
Ans: Existing Financial Position
Sources of Income and Expenses:

Monthly income: 2.3 lakhs
Monthly expenditure: Rs 90,000
Home loan EMI: Rs 80,000 (13 years tenure)
Probable payment towards new property: Rs 30 lakhs (can be within one year)
Assets and Investments:

Apartment value: Rs 50 lakhs
PPF: Rs 40 lakhs
PF: Rs 55 lakhs
NPS: Rs 20 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs 40 lakhs
Shares and Stocks: Rs 10 lakhs
ULIPs: Rs 10 lakhs
Insurance:

Insurance premium payment by month: Rs 10,000 (Term and Health Insurance)
SIP:

Monthly SIP: Rs 40,000
Education Expenses:

Child's education expense : Rs 1 crore
Retirement Goals
Retirement Plan:

Retirement age: 55 years
Desired monthly income post-retirement: Rs 1 lakh
Analysis and Recommendations
Debt Management:

Firstly, try to repay the home loan.
If possible, prepay the loan to lessen interest burden.
Investment Strategy:

Continue with existing SIPs.
If possible, increase SIPs to enlarge the corpus.
Diversification:

Your investments are very well diversified.
There needs to be a balance between equity and debt.
Education Fund:

Set aside a dedicated fund for children's education.
Use a mix of PPF, mutual funds, and fixed deposits.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses.
Use liquid funds or a savings account for this purpose.
Retirement Corpus:

Calculate the required corpus for Rs 1 lakh monthly income.
Take into consideration inflation and healthcare costs.
Health and Term Insurance:

Take stock of your insurance coverage
Ensure that it is adequate to cover possible medical expenses.
Action Plan
Increase SIPs:

Gradually increase the amount of the monthly SIP.
Mix of large-cap, mid-cap and balanced funds.
Education of Children:

Allocate some mutual funds for education.
Child-specific education plans can be invested in if they are better in terms of returns.
Prepayment of Home Loan:

Utilize excess income and bonus for pre-paying the home loan.
The burden on the tenure and interest decreases.
Regular Review:

Yearly review of your financial plan
Investments alter with the market condition and change in goals.
Final Takeaways
You are doing well on the financial front. Now, increase your SIPs and try to prepay on your home loan. Diversify your portfolio appropriately with adequate insurance coverage. Such disciplined planning with periodic reviews will help you achieve retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Moneywize

Moneywize   | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 08, 2024Hindi
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My wife and I earn Rs 2.9 lakh per month. We have two daughters: 8 and 5. Our monthly expenses are around 120K. We have home loan of 50 lakh with 50k EMI for 10 years. We will need Rs 40 lakh for our new property in one year period. We have Rs 80 lakh worth apartment, Rs 20 lakh in PPF, Rs 35 lakh in PF, Rs 10 lakh in NPS, Rs 20 lakh in MFs, Rs 20 lakh in stocks and Rs 20 lakh in ULIPs. We have monthly MF SIPs of 80K and 40K pm and also have our individual as well as family floater health insurances and term insurance. We are expecting around Rs 2 cr expenses for children education till their graduation. We want to retire in next 15 years with Rs 3 lakh monthly income. How should we invest and plan for our future?
Ans: To plan for your future and ensure you’re on track to meet your goals, here’s a strategy that might work well for you:

1. Emergency Fund

First, it’s a good idea to set aside 6-12 months of your expenses (around Rs 7.2 lakh to Rs 14.4 lakh) in something easily accessible, like a savings account or a liquid mutual fund. This way, you’ll have a safety net in case anything unexpected comes up, and you won’t have to dip into your other investments.

2. Debt Management

Home Loan: Keep up with your current EMI of Rs 50,000. Since it’s spread over 10 years, it’s manageable given your income. If you find yourself with some extra cash, consider making lump sum prepayments to shorten the loan period and reduce the interest you’ll pay in the long run.

3. Funding the New Property

You’ll need Rs 40 lakh in a year for your new property. It might be wise to start planning how to use your liquid investments, like mutual funds and stocks, for this purpose. If the market conditions are favourable, you can gradually redeem the required amount to avoid the risks associated with market timing. It’s best to avoid taking on new debt if possible, to keep your finances balanced.

4. Children's Education

You’re looking at about Rs 2 crore for your daughters’ education, and you’ve got a 10-12 year window to prepare.
Dedicated Education Fund: It’s worth starting a specific SIP in equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon. With the power of compounding on your side, you can either reallocate some of your existing SIPs or start new ones to build up this fund steadily. Also, consider Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for each daughter -- it offers a good interest rate and comes with tax benefits.

5. Retirement Planning

You’d like to retire in 15 years with Rs 3 lakh coming in every month. Accounting for inflation, you’re looking at needing a corpus of around Rs 7-8 crore.

• Current Retirement Savings: You already have Rs 85 lakh (from your PPF, PF, and NPS), which will grow over time, but you’ll need to invest more to hit your target.
• Invest Aggressively: Continue with your existing SIPs and think about increasing them each year as your income grows. Ideally, try to invest 30-40 per cent of your monthly income towards retirement.
• Equity Exposure: With your long-term horizon, keeping a high equity exposure (around 70-80 per cent) in your retirement portfolio could help maximise growth.
• NPS Contributions: You might also want to increase your contributions to the NPS for an additional tax-efficient retirement nest egg.

6. Insurance

Make sure your term insurance is enough to cover at least 10-15 times your annual income, which will help secure your family’s future in case anything happens to you. You’ve already got health insurance, which is great -- just review it to ensure it’ll be enough to cover rising medical costs in the future.

7. Tax Efficiency

Use all the tax-saving instruments available to you, like Section 80C, 80D, and 80CCD(1B), to minimise your tax liabilities. Also, consider diversifying your investments into tax-efficient options like ELSS, PPF, and NPS.

8. Review and Adjust

Finally, it’s important to regularly check in on your financial plan, at least once a year, to make sure you’re still on track. If your income, expenses, or goals change, you’ll need to adjust your investments accordingly.

By following this plan, you should be well on your way to achieving your financial goals, securing your children’s education, and retiring comfortably with the income you desire.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Money
I am 42 and have lost job. Have a fully paid 3cr flat with 45k rent and my wife earns 80k monthly. I have a 12year class 7th kid. I have approx 30L in PPF and expecting pf of 20L from previous organization. I have approx 12L fd or account balances and approx 30L invested in stocks directly. I need to pay 40k to my parents monthly, 12k school fees, 10k monthly to maid and other monthly expenses of 25k, 40k of sip which i am planning to stop and 30k of rd which i am planning to discontinue. How do I plan these monthly expenses, 25L for kids graduation in 2030, and 50L for his marriage in 2037 and our next 35yrs of life. 24k emi Pending for 28months and 24k emi Pending for 36 months. Also, my father owns a 350ghaz plot, but we need 3cr to build it. Shall we sell the flat and build this considering 4 built floors would generate approx 2.40L monthly rent. Cost of building is inclusive of 10% last minute overheads. Also there is no legal issue within the family, my father / brother. So 2 floors for myself and 2 for brother. We both presently stay in another parental owned house only and thats sufficient for the next 30- 40 years
Ans: Appreciating your openness in sharing key numbers.
This shows maturity and readiness to plan deeply.
Losing a job at 42 is challenging.
But your rental income, wife’s earnings and investments offer a strong base.
With proper steps, you can manage expenses, child goals and future stability.

Let us craft a full 360?degree plan covering every angle.

? Assessing your current financial position

– You have a flat worth Rs.?3 crore fully paid
– Monthly rent is Rs.?45,000
– Wife earns Rs.?80,000 monthly
– Child is class 7, aged around 12
– PPF holds Rs.?30 lakh
– PF pending about Rs.?20 lakh
– FD or savings balance is Rs.?12 lakh
– Stock portfolio value is Rs.?30 lakh
– You pay Rs.?40,000 monthly to parents
– School fees are Rs.?12,000 monthly
– Maid costs Rs.?10,000 monthly
– Other expenses Rs.?25,000 monthly
– EMI 1: Rs.?24,000 for 28 months left
– EMI 2: Rs.?24,000 for 36 months left
– SIP of Rs.?40,000 and RD of Rs.?30,000 you plan to stop

– Raw monthly inflow currently is Rs.?1.25 lakh (rent + wife income)
– Your liabilities and support outflow consume most of it
– The job loss means your active contribution is zero currently
– Yet your capital assets offer room to rebuild

? Immediate cash flow management

– First build emergency buffer of Rs.?3–4 lakh in liquid fund
– Stop SIP of Rs.?40,000 and RD of Rs.?30,000 now
– This recovers Rs.?70,000 monthly cash flow
– Combined with rent and wife salary, total inflow becomes Rs.?1.95 lakh

– Now liabilities/outflow are:

Parent support Rs.?40,000

School fees Rs.?12,000

Maid Rs.?10,000

Other expenses Rs.?25,000

EMI1 Rs.?24,000

EMI2 Rs.?24,000

– Total fixed outgo = Rs.?1.35 lakh
– Leaving Rs.?60,000 as monthly surplus
– Use surplus prudently: build buffer, reduce debt, plan investments

? Priority 1: Emergency fund and cash cushion

– Put Rs.?3–4 lakh into a liquid mutual fund
– This covers at least three months of expenses
– Avoid locking this in fixed deposits or RDs
– Liquidity is key in job loss phase

– Once job is regained or stable income resumes, raise emergency fund to cover 6–9 months of household and support expenses

? Priority 2: Loan payments and prepayment

– EMI1 ends in 28 months and EMI2 in 36 months
– Keep paying both EMIs as scheduled
– Don’t prepay aggressively from capital now

– Use monthly surplus to cover EMIs and support
– Invest remaining part after every due to build future corpus

– After your job returns, consider prepaying personal loan earlier

? Priority 3: Child’s goals – graduation and marriage

– Graduation need by 2030: Rs.?25 lakh in eight years
– Marriage need by 2037: Rs.?50 lakh in fifteen years

– Stop SIP now to free up cash
– After job stabilises, restart child-specific SIPs

– For graduation goal: start SIP of Rs.?20,000 per month into actively managed mutual funds now or soon
– For marriage goal: start SIP of Rs.?10,000 per month in hybrid or balanced funds

– These two separate buckets help discipline and tracking
– No mixing with general investments

– Review these goals with your Certified Financial Planner yearly
– Shift parts toward safer hybrid funds as goal date nears

? Investment strategy with your current corpus

– Assets: PPF Rs.?30 lakh, PF Rs.?20 lakh, FD Rs.?12 lakh, stocks Rs.?30 lakh

– PPF and PF should be left intact until retirement or emergency
– FD Rs.?12 lakh can be split:

Rs.?4 lakh to emergency liquid fund

Rs.?8 lakh can be used later to seed SIPs

– Stocks Rs.?30 lakh: high risk but good long-term growth potential
– Evaluate if diversification is good
– Some can be shifted into mutual funds gradually

– Move any ULIP or LIC policies if low returns to mutual funds
– They decrease flexibility and growth potential

– Do not use index funds or direct funds
– Index funds lack active risk control
– Direct plans lack professional guidance, rebalance and review

– Instead use regular actively managed mutual funds via MFD with CFP support
– That offers fund selection, risk alignment, tax optimisation and goal planning

? Income creation through flat redevelopment — is it viable?

– Redeveloping flat into 4 built floors cost is Rs.?3 crore
– Would yield rental inflow of Rs.?2.40 lakh monthly (approx)
– But requires huge capital, construction risk, and delays

– Given current income gap and job uncertainty, delaying this big decision is wise
– Building immediately may trigger liquidity stress
– Construction may take time, and rental accrual delays can strain cash flow

– Instead, hold flat as rented asset now
– Re-assess redevelopment when income stabilises and surplus becomes consistent

– If redevelopment is still desired later, consider joint funding with brother or investors
– Do it when risk appetite and cash flow are stronger

? Insurance and protection layer

– You support parents with Rs.?40,000 monthly
– Better to have term insurance for self and spouse
– Cover should be at least Rs.?1.5 crore to Rs.?2 crore each

– This ensures your daughter’s future is protected if anything happens
– Also get health insurance floater of Rs.?15 lakh including top-up

– If you have LIC or savings plans, review them
– If returns are poor, surrender and invest in mutual funds instead

? Expense discipline and control measures

– Monthly outflow components: parental support, school fees, maid, home, food, maintenance
– Review actual expenses each month
– Find areas to cut: subscriptions, utilities, discretionary spends

– Any small saving adds to stability
– Do not start any new expenses now
– Keep lifestyle minimal until income returns

? Job return and income rebuilding plan

– Join job search actively
– Use network, online platforms, skill upgrade to re-enter workforce quickly
– Even interim part-time earnings help maintain cash flow
– Once income returns, resume SIPs gradually: target child goals and rebuild investments

– Ideally restart SIPs at Rs.?30,000 per month post income recovery
– Raise this amount every year by 10–15% once stable

? Long-term retirement planning beyond 15 years

– Retirement likely at age 60 or later
– You currently have PPF + PF Rs.?50 lakh and potential future investments

– Long-term portfolio must be anchored in actively managed mutual funds
– Equity mutual funds should drive growth
– Hybrid funds provide downside buffering later

– Gradually shift to hybrid around age 55
– Avoid annuity products—they lock capital and give poor returns

– Use SWP post retirement to generate income from corpus
– Plan withdrawals tax-efficiently to minimize LTCG or STCG issues

? Tax efficiency in mutual fund investments

– For equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs.?1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%
– STCG taxed at 20%

– For debt funds: taxed per your income slab

– Strategise SIP and SWP to optimise tax on exit
– Avoid frequent switching and chasing returns purely based on short-term gains

– Certified Financial Planner can advise yearly to minimise tax hits

? Periodic review and professional guidance

– Review budget, goal progress and investments every 6–12 months
– Make minor shifts if needed (not big overhauls)

– Use help of a Certified Financial Planner to track multiple goals
– CFP helps with asset alignment, tax planning, risk management and emotional discipline

– Avoid reacting to short-term market dips or news
– Stick to goals and plans

? Final Insights

– Losing job was tough, but your rental income and spouse’s salary help
– Immediate steps: build emergency fund, stop SIPs and RD, manage EMIs, cut expenses

– Medium-term: regain income, resume SIPs for child goals and general corpus
– Long-term: retirement planning through actively managed mutual funds and SWP income

– Avoid mixing insurance and investments, ULIPs, LIC savings or guaranteed schemes
– Avoid index or direct mutual funds

– Maintain insurance cover, especially term and health insurance
– Plan for child’s education and marriage in goal buckets with disciplined SIPs

– Delay redevelopment of flat until cash flow is stable
– Prioritise building financial base first

– You still have assets, intent and capability
– With discipline and guidance you can meet child goals and secure your family’s future

– Stay consistent. Review yearly. Let your capital work wisely.

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

..Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |235 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 15, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi ,I am 41 ,having monthly salary of 2.4 lakhs investing monthly 1 lakh in Sip ,having corpus of approx 1.25 cr in portfolio ,Property 1 cr,EPF 30 lakhs and 20 lakhs savings.Lastly 2* 5 lakhs each on going Jeevan Umang lic policies due for maturity in next 10 years . I wanted to buy big house for my family at a good location , worth approx 2 cr . How do I plan my spending ,considering having some money in corpus for education of my Children ,1st child is 12 years old and other is 4 years old and can also plan home loan as well. Currently having car loan of 20 lakhs .
Ans: Dear Sir,

At 41, you are at a crucial stage where both children’s education and buying a bigger home need to be balanced carefully with long-term wealth creation.

Current Snapshot

Age: 41

Monthly Salary: ?2.4 lakh

Monthly SIPs: ?1 lakh

Portfolio (MF/Equity): ?1.25 crore

Property: ?1 crore

EPF: ?30 lakh

Savings: ?20 lakh

LIC Jeevan Umang Policies: 2 policies (?5 lakh each), maturity in ~10 years

Car Loan: ?20 lakh (ongoing)

Children: 12 years & 4 years old

Goal – Buy House Worth ~?2 crore

Funding Options:

Your savings (?20 lakh) + partial redemption from portfolio (~?20–25 lakh) can act as down payment.

Balance can be taken as a home loan of ~?1.5 crore. With your salary, EMI of ?1.3–1.4 lakh/month is possible, but this will squeeze your cash flows significantly.

Caution:

Your existing car loan + heavy home loan EMI may restrict your ability to continue ?1 lakh SIPs.

Cutting SIPs drastically will impact your children’s education fund and retirement corpus.

Children’s Education (Major Goal in 6–12 years)

First child (12 yrs): ?25–30 lakh may be required in ~6 years.

Second child (4 yrs): ?30–40 lakh in ~14 years.

You already have a good portfolio base (?1.25 crore). Continue SIPs, but earmark specific education goal funds in equity + debt mix to avoid future shortfall.

Suggested Strategy

House Purchase:

Ideally, limit home loan EMI to 35–40% of take-home salary (i.e., not more than ?80k–90k/month).

Instead of going for ?2 crore property immediately, consider stretching timeline or buying slightly lower value property (~?1.5–1.6 crore) to reduce EMI stress.

Avoid disturbing more than 20–25% of your current portfolio for down payment.

Education Corpus:

Continue dedicated SIPs for children’s education.

Keep equity-heavy allocation (60–65%) for younger child’s goal, but gradually shift to debt for elder child’s goal since it is closer.

Car Loan:

Prioritize prepayment in the next 2–3 years. Freeing this EMI will give you space for higher home loan EMI.

Insurance & Risk Protection:

Ensure adequate term insurance (at least 12–15 times annual income).

Maintain health insurance beyond employer cover.

Conclusion

A ?2 crore house is feasible, but a large loan will reduce your savings capacity unless managed smartly.

Suggest balancing by either:

Going for a slightly lower house value, OR

Increasing down payment by liquidating part of portfolio.

Children’s education must not be compromised; keep dedicated investments untouched.

Work with a financial planner to run a cash-flow projection so that your loan EMI, SIPs, and future expenses align smoothly.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks. Read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 56 yrs old with two sons, both married and settled. They are living on their own and managing their finances. I have around 2.5 Cr. invested in Direct Equity and 50L in Equity Mutual Funds. I have Another 50L savings in Bank and other secured investments. I am living in Delhi NCR in my owned parental house. I have two properties of current market worth of 2 Cr, giving a monthly rental of around 40K. I wish to retire and travel the world now with my wife. My approximate yearly expenditure on house hold and travel will be around 24 L per year. I want to know, if this corpus is enough for me to retire now and continue to live a comfortable life.
Ans: You have built a strong base. You have raised your sons well. They live independently. You and your wife now want a peaceful and enjoyable retired life. You have created wealth with discipline. You have no home loan. You live in your own house. This gives strength to your cash flow. Your savings across equity, mutual funds, and bank deposits show good clarity. I appreciate your careful preparation. You deserve a happy retired life with travel and comfort.

» Your Present Position
Your current financial position looks very steady. You hold direct equity of around Rs 2.5 Cr. You hold equity mutual funds worth Rs 50 lakh. You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits and other secured savings. Your two rental properties add more comfort. You earn around Rs 40,000 per month from rent. You also live in your owned house in Delhi NCR. So you have no rent expense.

Your total net worth crosses Rs 5.5 Cr easily. This gives you a strong base for your retired life. You plan to spend around Rs 24 lakh per year for all expenses, including travel. This is reasonable for your lifestyle. Your savings can support this if planned well. You have built more than the minimum needed for a comfortable retired life.

» Your Key Strengths
You already enjoy many strengths. These strengths hold your plan together.

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

You have strong liquidity with Rs 50 lakh in bank and secured savings.

These strengths reduce risk. They support a smooth retired life with less stress. They also help you handle inflation and medical costs better.

» Your Cash Flow Needs
Your yearly expense is around Rs 24 lakh. This includes travel, which is your main dream for retired life. A couple at your stage can keep this lifestyle if the cash flow is planned well. You need cash flow clarity for the next 30 years. Retirement at 56 can extend for three decades. So your wealth must support you for a long period.

Your rental income gives you around Rs 4.8 lakh per year. This covers almost 20% of your yearly spending. This reduces pressure on your investments. The rest can come from a planned withdrawal strategy from your financial assets.

You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits. This acts as liquidity buffer. You can use this buffer for short-term and medium-term needs. You also have equity exposure. This can support long-term growth.

» Risk Capacity and Risk Need
Your risk capacity is moderate to high. This is because:

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

Your risk need is also moderate. You need growth because inflation will rise. Travel costs will rise. Medical costs will increase. Your lifestyle will change with age. Your equity portion helps you beat inflation. But your equity exposure must be managed well. You should avoid sudden large withdrawals from equity at the wrong time.

Your stability allows you to keep some portion in equity even during retired life. But you should avoid excessive risk through direct equity. Direct equity carries concentration risk. A balanced mix of high-quality mutual funds is safer in retired life.

» Direct Equity Risk in Retired Life
You hold around Rs 2.5 Cr in direct equity. This brings some concerns. Direct equity needs frequent tracking. It needs research. It carries single-stock risk. One mistake may reduce your capital. In retired life, you need stability, clarity, and lower volatility.

Direct funds inside mutual funds also bring challenges. Direct funds lack personalised support. Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a Certified Financial Planner bring guidance and strategy. Regular funds also support better tracking and behaviour management in volatile markets. In retired life, proper handholding improves long-term stability.

Many people think direct funds save cost. But the value of advisory support through a CFP gives higher net gains over long periods. Direct plans also create more confusion in asset allocation for retirees.

» Mutual Funds as a Core Support
Actively managed mutual funds remain a strong pillar. They bring professional management and risk controls. They handle market cycles better than index funds. Index funds follow the market blindly. They do not help in volatile phases. They also offer no risk protection. They cannot manage quality of stocks.

Actively managed funds deliver better selection and risk handling. A retiree benefits from such active strategy. You should avoid index funds for a long retirement plan. You should prefer strong active funds under a disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD support.

» Why Regular Plans Work Better for Retirees
Direct plans give no guidance. Retired investors often face emotional decisions. Some panic during market fall. Some withdraw heavily during market rise. This harms wealth. Regular plan under a CFP-led MFD gives a relationship. It offers disciplined rebalancing. It improves long-term returns. It protects wealth from poor behaviour.

For retirees, the difference is huge. So shifting to regular plans for the mutual fund portion will help long-term stability.

» Your Withdrawal Strategy
A planned withdrawal strategy is key for your case. You should create three layers.

Short-Term Bucket
This comes from your bank deposits. This should hold at least 18 to 24 months of expenses. You already have Rs 50 lakh. This is enough to hold your short-term cash needs. You can use this for household costs and some travel. This avoids panic selling of equity during market downturn.

Medium-Term Bucket
This bucket can stay partly in low-volatility debt funds and partly in hybrid options. This should cover your next 5 to 7 years. This helps smoothen withdrawals. It gives regular cash flow. It reduces market shocks.

Long-Term Bucket
This can stay in high-quality equity mutual funds. This bucket helps beat inflation. This bucket helps fund your travel dreams in later years. This bucket also builds buffer for medical needs.

This three-bucket strategy protects your lifestyle. It also keeps discipline and clarity.

» Handling Property and Rental Income
Your properties give Rs 40,000 monthly rental. This helps your cash flow. You should maintain the property well. You should keep some funds aside for repairs. Do not depend fully on rental growth. Rental yields remain low. But your rental income reduces pressure on your investments. So keep the rental income as a steady support, not a primary source.

You should not plan more real estate purchase. Real estate brings low returns and poor liquidity. You already own enough. Holding more can hurt flexibility in retired life.

» Planning for Medical Costs
Medical costs rise faster than inflation. You and your wife need strong health coverage. You should maintain a reliable health insurance. You should also keep a medical fund from your bank deposits. You may keep around 3 to 4 lakh per year as a buffer for medical needs. Your bank savings support this.

Health coverage reduces stress on your long-term wealth. It also avoids large withdrawals from your growth assets.

» Travel Planning
Travel is your main dream now. You can plan your travel using your short-term and medium-term buckets. You can take funds annually from your liquidity bucket. You can avoid touching long-term equity assets for travel. This approach keeps your wealth stable.

You should plan travel for the next five years with a budget. You should adjust your travel based on markets and health. Do not use entire gains of equity for travel. Keep travel budget fixed. Add small adjustments only when needed.

» Inflation and Lifestyle Stability
Inflation will impact lifestyle. At Rs 24 lakh per year today, the cost may double in 12 to 14 years. Your equity exposure helps you beat this. But you need careful rebalancing. You also need disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD. This will help you manage inflation and maintain comfort.

Your lifestyle is stable because your children live independently. So your cash flow demand stays predictable. This makes your plan sustainable.

» Longevity Risk
Retirement at 56 means you may live till 85 or 90. Your plan should cover long years. Your total net worth of around Rs 5.5 Cr to Rs 6 Cr can support this. But you need a proper drawdown strategy. Avoid high withdrawals in early years. Keep your travel budget steady.

Do not depend on one asset class. A mix of debt and equity gives comfort. Keep your bank deposits as cushion.

» Succession and Estate Planning
Since you have two sons who are settled, you can plan a clear will. Clear distribution avoids conflict. You can also assign nominees across accounts. You can also review your legal papers. This gives peace to you and your family.

» Summary of Your Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and cash flow, you are ready to retire. You have enough wealth. You have enough liquidity. You have enough income support from rent. You also have good asset mix. With proper planning, your lifestyle is comfortable.

You can retire now. But maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy. Shift more reliance from direct equity into professionally managed mutual funds under regular plans. Keep your liquidity strong. Review once every year with a CFP.

Your wealth can support your travel dreams for many years. You can enjoy retired life with confidence.

» Finally
Your preparation is strong. Your intentions are clear. Your lifestyle needs are reasonable. Your assets support your dreams. With a balanced plan, steady review, and mindful spending, you can enjoy a comfortable retired life with your wife. You can travel the world without fear of running out of money. You deserve this peace and joy.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

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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