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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 19, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi sir, My daughter is 31 years old housewife and she started investing in ppf 1.5 lakhs per year n sip 25000 per month in mf since two years. She wants to invest for 15 years for her son higher education if requir. His son is two years old now. My daughter income source from her property rent.Her husband is working good stable private company. Pl advise after 15 years hou much funds will be genarated from above investment.

Ans: ? Investment Summary

– Your daughter is investing Rs. 1.5 lakh yearly in PPF.
– She is also investing Rs. 25,000 monthly in mutual funds through SIP.
– She plans to continue this for 15 years for her son's higher education.

? Future Value of PPF Contribution

– PPF grows at around 7.5% annually.
– Over 15 years, the total corpus from PPF will be around Rs. 42.12 lakhs.
– This is a secure, low-risk portion of the plan.

? Future Value of SIP in Mutual Funds

– SIPs are assumed to grow at 12% annually.
– After 15 years, the SIPs will grow to about Rs. 1.19 crore.
– Mutual funds have market risk but offer higher potential growth.

? Total Investment Corpus in 15 Years

– Combined, the total fund will be around Rs. 1.61 crore.
– This is a good start towards funding higher education.

? Education Cost Expectation

– After 15 years, your grandson will be around 17 years old.
– Higher education may cost Rs. 1 crore or more then.
– Your daughter is on track to meet or even exceed this goal.

? Investment Mix Evaluation

– PPF gives stability and tax benefits under section 80C.
– Mutual funds bring growth with disciplined monthly investing.
– This mix is sound for a long-term goal like education.

? Importance of Staying Invested

– Long-term investing requires patience and regular contributions.
– Your daughter should avoid withdrawing this money early.
– Continue both PPF and SIP for full 15 years to maximise growth.

? Asset Allocation Guidance

– 80% of the portfolio is in equity mutual funds now.
– 20% is in PPF, a fixed income option.
– This is suitable for a 15-year horizon.

? SIP Mutual Fund Category Preference

– Choose actively managed funds with a strong long-term record.
– Flexi cap and large & mid-cap categories are good choices.
– Avoid direct funds. Choose regular plans via MFD with CFP qualification.

? Why Avoid Index and Direct Funds

– Index funds just copy the market. No chance to beat it.
– Active funds aim to outperform through expert stock picking.
– Direct funds lack guidance and support from a certified expert.
– Regular funds through a certified professional ensure better tracking.

? PPF Contribution Discipline

– Continue Rs. 1.5 lakh every year without fail.
– Maintain the same date every year for consistency.
– Avoid late deposits, especially in April, to maximise compounding.

? Emergency Fund Recommendation

– Keep at least 6 months of rent income as cash.
– Don’t disturb PPF or mutual fund for short term needs.
– Emergency fund must be liquid and separate.

? Health and Life Insurance Consideration

– Your daughter is currently not working.
– Husband should have enough term cover, ideally 15-20 times annual income.
– Medical insurance should cover all family members adequately.

? Inflation Protection

– Education cost rises faster than normal inflation.
– Equity mutual funds help beat inflation in long term.
– That’s why SIP investment should be continued without gaps.

? Monitor and Review Periodically

– Track investment at least once a year.
– Review performance, fund quality and asset allocation.
– Make adjustments through a Certified Financial Planner if needed.

? Tax Planning Awareness

– PPF maturity is tax-free.
– Mutual fund gains after Rs. 1.25 lakh LTCG are taxed at 12.5%.
– SIPs held for less than 1 year will attract 20% STCG.
– Review tax implications with a qualified planner when redeeming.

? Goal-Linked Investment Approach

– Keep this entire portfolio earmarked only for education.
– Don’t use this for other purposes like house or wedding.
– Label SIP folios clearly with goal name to avoid misuse.

? Teaching Financial Discipline

– Teach your daughter to increase SIP by 5-10% annually.
– As rental income rises, she can top up SIP amount.
– This small habit creates big difference over long term.

? Future Income Opportunities

– If your daughter resumes work in future, she can save more.
– Extra income can be invested in short term or long term options.
– Don’t mix lifestyle spending with goal-based investing.

? Importance of Financial Planning Support

– A Certified Financial Planner can help track goals.
– They also advise when to switch funds or change allocation.
– Emotional investing can be avoided with expert support.

? Investment Behaviour Matters

– Don’t stop SIPs even if market goes down.
– Market corrections are temporary. Growth is permanent.
– Compounding works best when you stay calm and invested.

? Risk Management

– If mutual fund return is less than expected, backup will be PPF.
– Also husband’s income can support with loans if needed.
– However, plan should rely mostly on disciplined investing.

? What If Goal Changes?

– If your grandson chooses a cheaper course, funds remain unused.
– It can later be used for his wedding or higher studies abroad.
– But never pre-spend this money before he turns 18.

? Educating Family

– Everyone in family should understand this investment goal.
– So they don’t disturb the funds in emergencies.
– Keep them informed of plan and target timeline.

? Risk of Overexposure to One Asset

– Don’t keep full focus on only mutual funds or PPF.
– Having a mix brings better security.
– However, avoid real estate or gold for child’s education.

? When to Start Redemption

– Begin planning redemptions when son turns 16.
– Don’t exit all investments in one go.
– Withdraw from equity in phased manner.

? Protecting Investment with Will

– Create a nomination for both PPF and mutual funds.
– Also draft a simple Will to avoid future disputes.
– This keeps investment safe and smooth for future use.

? Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Don’t redeem during short term gains.
– Avoid switching funds often.
– Don’t skip SIP due to short term expenses.

? Role of Husband in Investment

– He can help increase SIP with his income too.
– Joint financial planning as a couple brings stability.
– Keep long term goals as a shared responsibility.

? Final Insights

– Your daughter has made a strong start.
– Continue with the same discipline for next 15 years.
– Avoid mixing this with short-term needs.
– Equity and PPF together form a powerful strategy.
– Increase SIP as income increases to improve corpus.
– Get help from Certified Financial Planner for fine-tuning.
– Stay invested, stay focused on goal.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 22, 2024Hindi
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I am 37 years old and investing 2000 every month in canara rebecco mutual fund ..have 17L in PPF account and yearly investing 1.5 in ppf ...60000 yearly in LIC policies ..20 lakhs in FD Having a considerate quantity of gold which is personally saved Have around 350000 in mutuals leaving 2000 in 7 scripts ...I have a new born baby and have invested 2 lakh lum sum in 4 mutuals funds Target of 15 years ..by this year end planning more5 lakhs to be invested for her future I am not comfortable with monthly sip .. Need advice on agressive investment for daughter and for retirement planning And should I open a PPF account ? Kindly guide
Ans: Congratulations on taking proactive steps towards securing your daughter's future and planning for your retirement. Let's evaluate your current financial situation and chart a course of action to achieve your goals.

Considering your existing investments in PPF, LIC policies, FDs, mutual funds, and gold, you've demonstrated a disciplined approach towards savings and investment. Your prudent decision to invest a lump sum for your newborn's future reflects your commitment to her well-being.

For aggressive investment for your daughter's future, you may consider equity mutual funds tailored to long-term wealth creation. These funds offer the potential for higher returns over the long term, aligning with your target of 15 years. Diversification across multiple funds can help manage risk effectively.

Regarding retirement planning, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance and time horizon to determine the appropriate investment strategy. While equity investments offer growth potential, they also come with higher volatility. Consider a balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt investments to mitigate risk and ensure steady returns.

Opening a PPF account can complement your existing investments and provide additional tax benefits. PPF offers attractive interest rates and tax-free returns, making it a suitable option for long-term wealth accumulation.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I encourage you to review your investment portfolio regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your financial goals. Consider consulting with a CFP to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, by adopting a diversified investment approach, staying disciplined in your savings habits, and seeking professional guidance, you can secure a bright future for your daughter and achieve a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 39 years old have a 1.5 year old daughter ..I have around planning for her higher education and want every month need a fixed income for her around 25000 after 12 years so that she can get her own expenses 20 lakhs in pf for me and my wife retirement Paying Lic premium of 32000 yearly for me and my wife retirement Have around 8 lakhs of FD that is invested for coming 5 years Having 72000 of mutual fund for me and my wife retirement Have invested around 11 lakhs in mutuals for my daughter and currently investing 12000 as sip every month Have an nps vastalya for my daughter have aroubd 52000 invested and do lump sump investment whenever I have spare money to invest Have gold around 100 grams for my daughter So much will my 11 lakhs of mutual fund generate in next 20 years for my daughters higher education Also if I need 25000 every month for my daughter after 12 years how much to invest lump sump or where do I invest I have a scope to invest 2/3 lakhs lump sump one shot or partly Also for her marriage will need around 20 lakhs how to achieve this target
Ans: Current Mutual Fund Investment for Daughter's Higher Education
You have invested Rs. 11 lakhs in mutual funds for your daughter.
Also, you are investing Rs. 12,000 every month through SIP.
This is a very good foundation for long-term growth.

Over 20 years, mutual funds can deliver compounding returns.
If the fund performs steadily, the value may grow well.
Mutual funds offer better inflation-beating potential than FDs or gold.

But returns depend on fund type, consistency, and market cycles.
Assuming decent long-term growth, your Rs. 11 lakh can grow significantly.
Your monthly SIP of Rs. 12,000 adds more power to the compounding.

This combined investment has potential to reach a healthy corpus.
It could very well support her higher education needs in future.

But we must track and reallocate it every 4-5 years.
This ensures the investment stays aligned with your goal timeline.

Goal: Monthly Income of Rs. 25,000 After 12 Years
You want your daughter to get Rs. 25,000 every month after 12 years.
This is a goal similar to creating a future income stream.

This means you are planning to build a corpus by then.
That corpus can then give a steady income through withdrawals.

To receive Rs. 25,000 monthly, the corpus needs to be large.
If you aim to give her that for 10 years, plan accordingly.
This future value will be impacted by inflation.

You have two options now — monthly SIP or lump sum.
You mentioned you can invest Rs. 2 to 3 lakhs as lump sum.
It is better to invest in a diversified equity mutual fund now.

Lump sum gives growth if markets stay stable in long-term.
But split it into 3–4 instalments across next 6 months.
This smooths out market volatility risk.

Also, increase SIP by 5–10% every year as income grows.
This will help build more value over the next 12 years.

Later, when your daughter is 12–13 years old, reduce equity.
Shift slowly to hybrid and debt funds as the time nears.
That way, returns are protected from short-term risk.

Goal: Rs. 20 Lakhs for Daughter’s Marriage
You want Rs. 20 lakhs for her marriage.
Let’s assume this goal is around 20–22 years from now.
This gives you time to grow funds with equity exposure.

You already have 100 grams of gold set aside.
This is a helpful backup for wedding jewellery or support.

For the main corpus of Rs. 20 lakhs, equity mutual funds work best.
You may create a separate folio just for this goal.
Invest part of your future bonuses or incentives here.

Do small annual lump sum contributions along with monthly SIP.
Avoid relying fully on gold or fixed deposits for this.
Gold may not beat inflation consistently over 20 years.

Do not invest in gold ETF or digital gold also.
Physical gold held already is more than sufficient.

Retirement Assets and Planning Overview
You have Rs. 20 lakhs in PF between you and your wife.
Also, LIC policies with Rs. 32,000 annual premium.

LIC plans often give lower returns with long lock-ins.
They combine insurance and investment – which is inefficient.
You may check surrender value of these plans now.

If surrender is allowed with reasonable exit charges, consider it.
Reinvest the proceeds into diversified mutual funds for retirement.

You also have Rs. 72,000 in mutual funds for retirement.
This is a small amount so far.
Please consider starting a monthly SIP of Rs. 8,000 to 10,000 for retirement.

This can go in an aggressive hybrid or large-cap fund.
Continue for next 15 years and reduce risk later gradually.

Your FDs of Rs. 8 lakhs are good for safety.
But they don’t give high growth after tax.
Renew only a portion of them as fixed deposits after 5 years.
Shift part to mutual fund STP after 5 years if you need liquidity.

NPS for Daughter – Vatsalya Account
NPS Vatsalya is a long-term, disciplined option.
Rs. 52,000 invested so far is a good beginning.
You can do lump sum additions every year to this.

NPS has lock-in till child turns 18.
So, you are secure from unnecessary withdrawals.

But do not depend only on this for education.
It will help as a support, but returns are limited by structure.

You can use it later for her PG or marriage fund top-up.

Suggestions on Structuring New Investments
– Allocate Rs. 2–3 lakhs lump sum over next 3–6 months.
– Invest in diversified multi-cap or large & mid-cap funds.
– Prefer regular plans through a CFP-certified MFD.
– Avoid direct mutual funds. They offer no expert support or handholding.
– Direct funds also lack performance tracking and rebalancing.
– Regular funds offer better behavioural support and fund selection.

– Continue Rs. 12,000 SIP for daughter’s education.
– Create another SIP of Rs. 5,000 to 7,000 for marriage goal.
– Gradually increase SIPs by 10% every year if possible.
– Monitor fund performance every year with your MFD.
– Switch from equity to balanced or hybrid funds when goal is 3 years away.

Actionable Next Steps
– Review LIC policies. If they are endowment/ULIP, assess surrender value.
– Use a part of your FDs to start a child marriage SIP.
– Create a separate goal-wise investment plan using different folios.
– Make sure to review portfolio every year with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Tag your mutual fund folios clearly (education, marriage, retirement).
– Keep at least 6 months of household expenses in FD or liquid fund as emergency.

– Start a SIP of Rs. 8,000 per month for your and wife’s retirement.
– Invest in actively managed equity funds, not index funds.
– Index funds lack flexibility and may underperform in Indian market conditions.
– Active funds offer better downside protection and human-managed strategies.

Finally
Your long-term thinking for your daughter is inspiring.
You are already taking excellent steps with mutual funds and NPS.
This shows a deep commitment to her future and your own retirement.

But goals like monthly income for daughter and marriage need structured planning.
Mutual funds offer best combination of growth, flexibility, and liquidity.
You also need to shift from insurance-based investments to pure financial ones.

With regular review and small SIP increases, you can reach all three major goals.
Your daughter’s education, marriage, and your own retirement can all be covered.
Do not hesitate to make goal-specific portfolios for clarity.

Every rupee invested with purpose will give peace of mind tomorrow.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, I am 43 years old. I and my wife both are working professionals and earn around 5 lacs monthly. We recently purchased a flat in Noida for which 50 lacs loan is outstanding for a tenure of 15 years, purchased a car for with around 9 lacs is outstanding for a tenure of 4 years and have a interest free consumer loan of about 2.5 lacs, which would be fully paid by Feb, 2026. We have a mutual fund corpus of around 1.7 Cr. Total EMIs are around 1 lacs. We have SIPs of around 2,65,000, i have an RD of 15000, my wife has FDs of around 10 lacs. We also have PPF accounts where we both invest 150,000 per year for the last 5 years, NPS where we have been investing 15000 per month for the last 3 years. We have a 14 year old daughter in class 10 and she wants to go abroad for her Undergraduate studies, so I will need some funds in the next 3 years, please advise if the current investments are sufficient to find my daughter's education and if we are on the right track for q comfortable retirement.
Ans: You are managing multiple goals with remarkable discipline.
Your investments, income, and expense controls are all praiseworthy.
Let’s now do a 360-degree evaluation of both your near-term and long-term goals.

» Summary of Your Financial Position

– Combined income is Rs 5 lakhs per month.
– Total EMIs are around Rs 1 lakh.
– SIP investment is Rs 2.65 lakhs per month.
– Mutual fund corpus is around Rs 1.7 crore.
– PPF contributions are Rs 3 lakhs per year.
– NPS contributions are Rs 15,000 per month.
– FDs are Rs 10 lakhs (wife), RD is Rs 15,000 per month (you).
– Consumer loan of Rs 2.5 lakhs ends by Feb 2026.
– Car loan of Rs 9 lakhs with 4 years left.
– Home loan of Rs 50 lakhs with 15 years left.
– Daughter is in 10th grade, plans for foreign UG education in 3 years.

Your income is strong.
Your savings rate is highly commendable.
But now is the time to align your investments with upcoming goals.

» Educational Goal Assessment (3 Years)

– Foreign undergraduate education can cost Rs 80 lakhs to Rs 1.2 crore.
– Expenses include tuition, stay, food, travel, and insurance.
– Funds will be required in INR over the next 3 years.
– You already have Rs 1.7 crore mutual fund corpus.
– From this, you can earmark Rs 80–90 lakhs for education.
– Keep this earmarked portion safe and protected from volatility.
– Start a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) from equity funds to debt or liquid funds.
– Begin STP now, over 18 to 24 months.
– This will preserve returns and reduce market risks.

Use a Certified Financial Planner to guide the transition process.
Avoid emotional switches or panic exits in between.

» Why You Must Not Keep Education Fund in Equity Funds

– Equity is volatile in short term.
– Next 3 years is a goal with fixed timeline.
– Any market correction can impact education plans.
– Use short-duration or ultra-short debt funds instead.
– Liquidity, low risk, and stability are more important now.

Equity is not the right space for short-term goals like education.

» Disadvantages of Index Funds for Education

– Index funds follow market blindly.
– No active risk management.
– They do not offer protection during market fall.
– For goals like education, this can disrupt timing.
– Actively managed funds adjust to reduce downside.
– They work better when goals have no delay flexibility.

So, shift from index funds (if any) to actively managed short-term funds.

» Loan Management Evaluation

– Rs 1 lakh EMI is within safe limits (20% of income).
– Home loan is long tenure. Offers tax benefits.
– Car and consumer loan are short-term.
– Consumer loan will be closed in 6–7 months.
– Car loan should not be pre-closed unless excess funds are idle.
– Prioritise emergency fund and daughter’s education first.
– Once education funding is secured, then plan part prepayment.

Home loan is not a burden now.
But don’t stretch tenure beyond retirement.

» Emergency Fund Planning

– You and your wife are both working.
– Still, keep Rs 10–15 lakhs in liquid or overnight funds.
– This covers 6–9 months of expenses, including EMIs.
– Do not count PPF, RD, or NPS in emergency fund.
– FD can be partly used, but keep it liquid.
– Emergency fund should not be used for goal-based needs.

You should never invest 100% of corpus.
Always retain liquidity for unexpected events.

» Why You Should Not Use Direct Funds

– You are working professionals with limited time.
– Direct funds need regular review and rebalancing.
– Market, sector, and policy changes need active monitoring.
– Direct route lacks advisory or proactive reallocation.
– You may miss tax-efficient or risk-adjusted shifts.
– Regular funds through MFD with CFP offer ongoing guidance.
– It also includes emotional handholding during volatile times.

Your current SIP size and corpus need expert care.
Avoid DIY investing for large goals like retirement or education.

» NPS and PPF Positioning

– PPF helps build tax-free long-term corpus.
– Continue with Rs 1.5 lakhs yearly per person.
– Use it for retirement after 15+ years.
– Avoid early withdrawals.
– NPS offers additional tax saving on Rs 50,000.
– NPS can be used for income post-retirement.
– But 60% is tax-free only. Rest needs annuitisation.
– Keep NPS, but don’t depend only on it.

Mutual funds will provide more flexibility and growth.

» How Much Will You Need for Retirement

– You are 43 now.
– You may want to retire at 58–60.
– That gives you 15–17 years to build corpus.
– With lifestyle inflation, you may need Rs 2.5–3 lakhs per month after retirement.
– For a 30-year retirement, you may need Rs 6–8 crore corpus.
– Current MF corpus is Rs 1.7 crore.
– SIP of Rs 2.65 lakhs/month for 15 more years can achieve the goal.

You are well on track for retirement.
Do not reduce SIPs unless income drops.

» Where You Can Fine-tune Further

– Break SIP into goals: retirement, daughter’s marriage, travel, etc.
– Tag your investments to specific purposes.
– Review fund performance once in 6 months.
– Replace underperformers with better options, not just trending ones.
– Use hybrid and flexi-cap funds for long-term compounding.
– Maintain balance of equity, debt, and hybrid across goals.
– Take tax harvesting opportunities annually.
– Review asset allocation as age advances.

Avoid chasing returns. Focus on aligned asset mix.

» What to Do With FD and RD

– FD interest is taxable as per slab.
– RD is also taxed like FD interest.
– These are best for short-term needs.
– You can shift some FD to liquid funds with better post-tax yield.
– RD can be converted to SIP in low-risk hybrid fund.
– This helps align with long-term growth.
– Use FD for emergencies and near-term family expenses.

Do not treat FD as wealth builder.
Treat it as reserve pool only.

» Education Plan Execution Checklist

– Estimate detailed education budget.
– Include fees, hostel, visa, flights, insurance, forex buffer.
– Consider countries like USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, or Germany.
– Decide on college options within your financial bandwidth.
– Explore education loan options for partial funding.
– Keep Rs 5–10 lakhs margin for forex fluctuations.
– Plan for next steps after UG, like PG or settling abroad.

Take professional help to create fund drawdown plan.

» Tax Angle for Mutual Fund Withdrawals

– If equity mutual fund is held for 1 year+, gains above Rs 1.25 lakh/year are taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– For debt mutual funds, all gains are taxed as per slab.
– Plan withdrawals smartly over financial years.
– Use growth option and withdraw only when needed.
– Avoid unnecessary redemptions.
– Don’t use dividend option. It disturbs compounding.

Mutual funds need withdrawal planning, not just investment planning.

» Retirement Drawdown Planning

– Around age 58–60, create a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).
– Withdraw monthly income from mutual funds.
– Keep part corpus in hybrid or balanced advantage funds.
– Keep 2–3 years expenses in low-duration debt funds.
– Rest can stay in flexi-cap and multicap funds.
– Avoid relying only on pension or annuity.
– Structure SWP to match inflation-adjusted expenses.

This gives tax efficiency and monthly income stability.

» Finally

– You are doing exceptionally well.
– You are ahead of most people in financial discipline.
– Your daughter’s education goal is achievable with right execution.
– Retirement target is also achievable with current SIPs.
– Continue investing smartly and reviewing periodically.
– Work with a Certified Financial Planner to structure withdrawals and rebalancing.
– Avoid DIY fund management.
– Secure your lifestyle, health, and family dreams.

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

..Read more

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Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

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Dear Naveen Sir, I am 55 Years old and have five more years in superannuation. My monthly take home is approx. 6 Lacs PM . I have accumulated 2 Cr. in MF , 1.5 Cr in PF , 1 Cr FD and NPS and LIC put all together will be approx 50 Lacs and payout will start from 2028 onwards. I have just booked one 4 BHK and take home loan which is construction linked plan . Possession will be in 2029. My Daughter and Son are on Marriage age but both are also earning handsomely as they are in 30% bracket of IT . Have parental property approx 1.5 Cr which i will get in due course of the time. Monthly expenses are approx 1 Lacs only . Please suggest the way forward for next 5 Years .....how and where i start investing ....
Ans: Dear Sir
For a comprehensive QPFP level financial planning and retirement assessment we request the following details. These inputs will allow financial planner to prepare an accurate inflation-adjusted roadmap covering risk protection, income stability, investment strategy and long-term financial security.
________________________________________
1. Personal and Family Details
Your age and planned retirement year.
Spouse’s age, working status and future income expectations.
Number of dependents and their financial reliance on you.
Any major medical conditions in the family.
________________________________________
2. Parents’ Health and Financial Dependence
Current health condition of parents.
Do they have their own medical insurance cover.
Sum insured and type of policy.
Any critical illness or pre-existing conditions.
Monthly financial support you provide to them if any.
Expected future medical or caretaker expenses.
________________________________________
3. Income and Cash Flow
Monthly take home income.
Expected increments or bonuses for the next five years.
Monthly household expense structure.
Existing EMIs and financial commitments.
Monthly surplus available for investments.
Any expenses expected to rise due to inflation or lifestyle changes.
________________________________________
4. Home Loan and Liabilities
Sanctioned home loan amount, interest rate and tenure.
Current disbursement status under construction linked plan.
Your plan for EMI servicing and part-prepayment.
Any other loans or financial liabilities.
________________________________________
5. Real Estate Profile
Is this 4 BHK your first home or do you own other properties.
Any rental income from existing properties.
Purpose of the new 4 BHK after retirement for self, parents or children.
Your plan for the parental house. Retain, sell or rent.
Where you plan to settle post retirement.
________________________________________
6. Investment Portfolio
Current mutual fund corpus and category-wise split.
SIP amounts and investment horizon.
PF, EPF, PPF and other retirement scheme balances.
Fixed deposit amounts, maturity periods and ownership structure for DICGC protection.
NPS allocations Tier 1 and Tier 2.
LIC policies with surrender value and maturity year.
Any bonds, NCDs, PMS, private equity or invoice discounting exposure.
________________________________________
7. Emergency Preparedness
Current emergency fund value.
Loan facility available against MF or FD.
Any credit line for medical or sudden expenses.
________________________________________
8. Insurance Protection (Self and Spouse)
Term insurance coverage and policy details.
Health insurance sum assured and insurer.
Top-up or super top-up cover details.
Critical illness and accident cover status.
Adequacy of insurance after accounting for inflation.
________________________________________
9. Children’s Goals and Planning
Are you contributing financially to your children's planning.
Any corpus set aside for their marriage.
Children’s own investment and insurance setup.
Any future goals involving them.
________________________________________
10. Retirement Vision and Income Planning
Expected retirement lifestyle and monthly cost adjusted for inflation.
Your preferred retirement income structure
SWP from mutual funds
Annuity or pension products
PF interest
NPS annuity
Rental income
Plans to monetise or downsize real estate if needed.
Any travel, medical or lifestyle goals post retirement.
________________________________________
11. Estate and Succession Planning
Will availability and last update date.
Nominations across MF, PF, NPS, FD, LIC, demat and bank accounts.
Any instructions for asset distribution.
________________________________________
Next Step
Only Once you share these details, financial planner can prepare a complete five year roadmap covering asset allocation, inflation-adjusted corpus projections, loan strategy, insurance adequacy, medical preparedness, pension and SWP planning, liquidity management and post-retirement income stability.


Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai
044-31683550

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Money
Im aged 40 years and my husband is aged 48 years. We have one son aged 8 years and daughter aged 12 years. We both are in business. What should be the ideal corpus to meet their education at the age of 18 years for both children? Present business income we can save Rs.50000 pm
Ans: You are thinking early. That itself is a smart step. Many parents postpone planning and later struggle with loans. You are not in that situation. So appreciate your approach.

You asked about ideal corpus for higher education. Education cost is rising fast. So planning early avoids financial pressure later.

You have two kids. Your daughter is 12. Your son is 8. You have around six years for your daughter and around ten years for your son. With this time frame, you need a proper structured plan.

» Understanding Future Education Cost

Education inflation in India is high. It is increasing year after year. Even professional courses are becoming costly. College fees, hostel fees, books, digital tools and transportation also add cost.

You need to consider this inflation. Higher education cost will not remain at today’s value. It will grow.

So if today a standard undergraduate program costs around a few lakhs, in six to ten years the cost may go much higher. That is why estimating corpus should consider this future cost.

You don’t need exact numbers today. You need a target range to plan. A comfortable range gives clarity.

» Typical Cost Structure for Higher Education

Higher education cost depends on:

– Private or government institution
– Course type
– City or abroad option
– Duration

For engineering, medical, management or technology courses, cost goes higher. For government colleges the cost is lower but seats are limited. Private colleges are more accessible but expensive.

So planning based only on government college assumption may create funding gaps. Planning based on private college range gives safer margin.

» Suggested Corpus for Both Children

For your daughter, considering next six years gap and inflation, a target range should be higher. For your son, you have more time. So his corpus can grow better because compounding works more with time.

For a comfortable education corpus that covers most course possibilities, many families plan for a higher number. It gives flexibility to choose better college without stress.

So you can aim for a larger goal for both children like this:

– Daughter: Target a strong education fund for next six years
– Son: Target a similar or slightly higher fund for the next ten years because future costs may be higher

You may not need the whole amount if your child chooses a less expensive route. But having extra cushion gives peace.

» Your Savings Ability

You mentioned you can save Rs.50000 monthly. That is a strong saving capacity. But this saving should not go entirely to a single goal. You will also need future retirement planning, emergency fund and other life goals.

Still, a reasonable portion of this amount can be allocated towards education planning. Some families divide savings based on urgency and time horizon. Since daughter’s goal is near, she may need a more stable allocation.

Your son’s goal is long term. So his part can stay in growth asset for longer.

» Choosing the Right Investment Style

A long term goal like your son’s education needs equity exposure. Equity gives better potential for long term growth. It beats inflation better than fixed deposits.

But for your daughter, pure equity can create risk because goal is nearer. Market fluctuations may affect final corpus. So she needs a balanced asset mix.

So investment approach must be different for both.

» Asset Allocation Strategy

For your daughter with six year horizon:

– Higher allocation to a balanced type category
– Some allocation to equity through diversified categories
– Step down equity allocation in final three years

This structure protects capital in later years.

For your son with ten year horizon:

– Higher equity allocation at start
– Continue systematic investing
– Reduce risk allocation gradually closer to goal period

This helps growth and protection.

» Avoiding Wrong Investment Products

Parents often buy traditional insurance plans or children policies for education. These policies give low returns. They lock money and reduce wealth creation potential.

So avoid purely insurance based products for education goals. Insurance is separate. Investment is separate. This separation creates clarity and better growth.

If you already hold any ULIP or investment insurance product, it may not be efficient. Only if you have such policies then you may review and consider if surrender is needed and reinvest in mutual funds. If you don’t have such policies, no need to worry.

» Role of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

For long term goals, actively managed mutual funds offer better flexibility and expert management. They are designed to outperform inflation. A regular plan through a mutual fund distributor with CFP support helps with guidance. They also track your goal and give advice in volatile phases.

Direct funds look cheaper on expense ratio. But they lack advisory support. Long term investors often make emotional mistakes in direct investing. They stop SIPs or switch wrong schemes. So advisory backed investing avoids costly behaviour mistakes.

Index funds look simple and low cost. But they only follow the market. They don’t protect during corrections. There is no strategy or research. Actively managed funds adjust holdings based on market research and valuation. For life goals like education, smoother growth and strategy are needed.

So regular plan with advisory support helps you avoid unnecessary emotional decisions.

» Importance of Systematic Investing

A fixed monthly SIP gives discipline. It also benefits from market volatility. When markets fall, SIP buys more units. In rise phase, the value grows.

A structured SIP helps both goals. For daughter, SIP should shift towards low volatility funds slowly. For son, SIP can run longer in growth-oriented funds before reducing risk.

Your contribution amount may change based on future business income. But start now with whatever comfortable.

» Protecting the Goal With Insurance

Since you both are running business, income stability may fluctuate. So ensuring life security is important. Term insurance is the right option. It is low cost and high coverage.

This ensures child’s education is protected even if income stops.

Medical insurance also matters. A medical emergency should not break education savings.

» Reviewing the Plan Periodically

A fixed plan is good. But markets and life conditions change. So review once every twelve months.

Points to review:

– Are SIPs running on time?
– Is allocation suitable for goal year?
– Any need to shift from equity to safer category?
– Any tax planning advantage needed?

But avoid checking portfolio every week. Frequent checking creates stress.

» Education Goal Withdrawal Plan

As the daughter’s goal comes close:

– Stop SIP in high risk category
– Start shifting profit to debt type fund over systematic transfers
– Keep final year money in safe option like liquid category

Same formula should be applied for your son when his goal approaches.

This protects against last minute market crash.

» Emotional Side of Planning

Education is an emotional goal. Parents feel pressure to provide the best. But planning removes fear.

Saving consistently gives confidence. Having a plan helps avoid panic decisions. It also brings clarity of future expense.

This planning sets financial discipline for your children as well.

» Taxation Factors

When redeeming funds for education, tax rules will apply. For equity fund withdrawals, long term capital gains above exemption are taxed at 12.5% as per current rules. For short term within one year, tax is higher.

For debt investments, gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

So plan the withdrawal timing to reduce tax.

Tax planning near goal year is very important.

» What You Can Do Next

– Start separate investments for each child
– Use SIP for disciplined investing
– Choose growth-oriented asset for son
– Choose balanced and phased investment approach for daughter
– Review allocation yearly
– Protect the goal with insurance cover

Following these steps helps achieve the target corpus smoothly.

» Finally

You are already thinking in the right direction. You have time for both goals. You also have a good saving frequency. So you can build a strong education fund without stress.

Your children’s future will be secure if you continue with a structured and disciplined plan.

Stay consistent with your savings. Make investment choices carefully. Review and adjust calmly over time.

This journey will help you reach your ideal corpus for both children.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 09, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Regarding recent turmoils in global economic situation and trends, Trump's tariffs, relentless FII selling, should I be worried about midcap, large&midcap funds that I have in my mutual fund portfolio? I have been investing from last 4 years and want to invest for next 10 years only. And then plan to retire and move to SWP. I'm targeting a 10%-11% return eventually. And I don't want to make lower returns than FD's. Is now the time to switch from midcap, laege&midcap to conservative, large, flexi funds? Please suggest.
Ans: You have asked the right question at the right time. Many investors panic only after damage happens. You are thinking ahead. That is a strong habit.

You also have clarity about your goal, time horizon and expected returns. This mindset will help you handle market noise better.

» Current Market Sentiment and Global Events
The global economy is seeing stress. There are trade decisions, tariff announcements, and geopolitical issues. Foreign institutional investors are selling. News flow looks negative.
These events can cause short term volatility. Midcaps and small caps usually react faster during these phases. Even large caps show some stress.
But markets have seen many crises in the past. Elections, governments, conflicts, pandemics, financial crashes and tariff wars are not new events. Markets always recover over time.
Short term movements are unpredictable. Long term wealth creation depends more on patience and asset allocation.

» Your Time Horizon Matters More Than Market Noise
You have been investing for 4 years. You plan to invest for the next 10 years. That means your remaining maturity is long term.
For a 10 year goal, equity is suitable. Midcap and large and midcap funds are designed for long term investors. They are not meant for short periods.
If your time horizon is short, it is valid to worry about downside risk. But with 10 more years ahead, temporary volatility is normal and expected.
Short term fear should not drive long term decisions.

» Should You Switch to Conservative or Large Cap Now?
Switching based on panic or temporary news is not ideal. When you switch now, you lock the current lower value permanently. You also miss the recovery phase.
Large cap and flexi cap funds offer stability. But they also deliver lower growth potential during bull runs compared to midcaps.
Midcaps usually fall deeper when markets drop. But they also recover faster and often outperform in the next cycle.
Switching now may protect emotions but may reduce long term wealth creation.

» Target Return of 10% to 11% is Reasonable
Aiming for 10%-11% return with a 10 year investment horizon is realistic.
Fixed deposits now offer around 6.5% to 7.5%. After tax, the return becomes lower.
Equity funds have potential to generate better returns compared to FD over a long tenure. Midcap allocation contributes to this return potential.
So moving fully to conservative funds may reduce your ability to beat inflation comfortably.

» Impact of FII Selling
FII selling creates pressure on the market. But domestic investors including SIP flows are strong today. India is seeing strong structural growth.
Retail investors, mutual funds and systematic flows act as stabilizers.
FII selling is temporary and cyclical. It is not a permanent trend.

» Economic Slowdowns Create Opportunities
Corrections make valuations reasonable. This can benefit long term SIP investors.
During downturns, your SIP buys more units. During recovery, these units grow.
This mechanism works best in volatile categories like midcaps.
Stopping SIP or switching during dips blocks this benefit.

» Midcap Cycles Are Natural
Midcap funds move in cycles. They have phases of strong growth followed by correction. The correction phase is painful but temporary.
Every cycle contributes to future upside. Staying invested during all phases is important.
Many investors exit during downturns and enter again after markets rise. This behaviour produces lower returns than the mutual fund performance.

» Role of Portfolio Balance
Instead of exiting fully, review your asset allocation. You can hold a mix of:
– Large cap
– Flexi cap
– Midcap
– Large and midcap
This gives stability and growth potential.
Midcap should not be more than a suitable percentage for your age and risk tolerance. Since you are 36, some meaningful midcap exposure is fine.
If midcap exposure is very high, you can reduce slightly and move that portion to flexi cap or large cap funds slowly through a systematic transfer. Do not do a lump sum shift during panic.

» Behavioural Discipline Matters More Than Fund Selection
Market cycles test investor patience. Consistency in SIP and holding through declines builds wealth.
Most investors do not fail due to bad funds. They fail due to fear-based decisions.
Your approach should be systematic, not emotional.

» Do Not Compare with FD Frequently
FD gives predictable return. Equity gives volatile but higher potential return.
Comparing FD returns every time the market falls leads to wrong decisions.
FD is for safety. Equity is for growth. They serve different purposes.
Your retirement plan and SWP plan depends on growth. Only equity can provide that growth.

» Should You Change Strategy Because Retirement is 10 Years Away?
Now is not the time to exit growth segments. You are still in accumulation phase.
When you reach the last 3 years before retirement, then reducing equity exposure step by step is required.
At that stage, a glide path helps preserve gains. That time has not yet come.
So continue building wealth now.

» Market Timings and Shifts Rarely Work
Many investors try to predict markets. Most of them fail.
Switching based on news looks logical. But news and market timing rarely align.
Staying consistent with your asset allocation gives better results than frequent changes.

» Portfolio Review Approach
You can follow these steps:
– Continue SIPs in all categories
– Avoid stopping based on short term fears
– If midcap allocation is above comfort level, shift only small portion gradually
– Review allocation once in a year, not every month
This structured approach prevents emotional decisions.

» Tax Rules Matter When Switching
Switching between equity funds involves tax impact.
Short term capital gains tax is higher.
Long term capital gains above the exemption limit are taxed at 12.5%.
Switching without purpose can create avoidable tax leakage.
This reduces your compounding.

» When to Worry?
You need to reconsider only if:
– Your goal horizon becomes short
– Your risk appetite changes
– Your allocation becomes unbalanced
Not because of headlines or temporary corrections.

» Your Retirement SWP Plan
Once your accumulation phase is completed, you can shift to:
– Conservative hybrid
– Flexi cap
– Balanced allocation
This will support a smoother SWP.
But this transition should happen only closer to the retirement start date. Not now.

» SIP is Designed for Turbulent Years
SIP works best when markets are volatile. The hardest years for emotions are the most powerful for compounding.
Your long term discipline is your strategy.
Do not interrupt it.

» What You Should Do Now
– Stay invested
– Continue SIP
– Avoid panic selling
– Review allocation once a year
– Use a steady plan, not reactions
This will help you reach your target return range.

» Finally
You are on the right path. The current volatility is temporary. Your 10 year horizon gives enough time for recovery and growth.
Switching right now based on fear may reduce your future returns. Staying invested and continuing SIPs is the sensible approach.
Your goal of better return than FD is realistic. Equity can deliver that with patience.
Stay calm and systematic.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6740 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

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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