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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi , my daughter wands to be a surgeon gynaecologist .currently I can commit only 30k a month towards mf and she’s 14. I have already started since 2 years but what should be my minimum monthly commitment for her to reach her goal ?

Ans: let's dive into this with a structured plan. I'll cover everything you need to know to ensure your daughter achieves her goal of becoming a surgeon gynaecologist, even with a Rs 30,000 monthly investment. Here's a thorough guide to help you understand how to maximize your investments and plan effectively.

Understanding the Goal
First, it's wonderful to hear about your daughter's ambition. Becoming a surgeon gynaecologist is a noble and highly rewarding career. It requires extensive education and training. Given she's 14, you have about four years until she enters college, and then several years of medical education after that. Let's outline the financial planning needed to support this journey.

The Cost of Medical Education
Medical education in India can be quite expensive. The costs can range significantly depending on whether she attends a government or private college.

Undergraduate Medical Education (MBBS): The cost can range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for the entire course. Government colleges are cheaper, while private institutions are on the higher end.

Postgraduate Education (MD/MS): This can add another Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, depending on the specialization and the institution.

Additional Costs: This includes entrance exam preparations, books, equipment, and living expenses.

Investment Strategy: Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an excellent way to grow your savings. They provide diversification, professional management, and the potential for high returns. Here’s how to approach investing in mutual funds to meet your financial goals.

Types of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds: These invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. They are suitable for long-term goals, such as your daughter's education.

Debt Mutual Funds: These invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They are safer but offer lower returns compared to equity funds. They can be used for short-term goals or to balance your portfolio.

Hybrid Mutual Funds: These funds invest in both equities and debt, providing a balanced approach. They offer moderate returns with reduced risk.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a variety of assets, reducing the risk associated with investing in a single asset.

Professional Management: Fund managers with expertise in the financial market manage mutual funds.

Compounding: Reinvesting your returns allows your money to grow exponentially over time.

Liquidity: Mutual funds are generally liquid, meaning you can easily convert them to cash if needed.

Assessing Your Current Investment
You've already been investing Rs 30,000 per month for the past two years. That’s a great start! Let’s assess how this contributes to your goal.

Power of Compounding
The key benefit of mutual funds is the power of compounding. The earlier you start, the more your money grows. Since you have started early, your investments will benefit significantly from compounding.

Regular Review and Adjustment
It's crucial to review your investment portfolio regularly. Make adjustments based on market conditions, your financial goals, and changes in your personal circumstances.

Estimating the Required Investment
To support your daughter's education, you'll need to ensure that your investments grow adequately. Here’s how you can estimate the required monthly investment:

Future Education Costs: Estimate the future cost of education considering inflation. Education costs tend to rise by about 10-12% annually.

Current Savings and Investments: Assess your current savings, including your mutual fund investments and any other savings.

Expected Returns: Estimate the returns on your mutual fund investments. Equity mutual funds typically offer returns of 12-15% per annum over the long term.

Shortfall and Monthly Investment: Calculate the shortfall between your current savings and the future education costs. Based on this, determine the additional monthly investment required.

Risk Management
Investing in mutual funds involves some risk. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

Diversify Your Investments: Don't put all your money in one type of fund. Spread it across equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on the performance of your funds. Make changes if a fund consistently underperforms.

Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner to help you make informed decisions.

SIPs: Systematic Investment Plans
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a great way to invest in mutual funds. They allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, making it easier to manage your finances.

Consistency: SIPs encourage regular investment, which is crucial for long-term wealth creation.

Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs average out the cost of your investments by buying more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high.

Discipline: SIPs instill a disciplined approach to investing, helping you stay committed to your financial goals.

Active vs Passive Funds
Active funds are managed by professionals who make decisions about where to invest the fund's money. They aim to outperform the market.

Benefits of Active Funds: They have the potential for higher returns compared to index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks that they believe will perform well.

Disadvantages of Index Funds: Index funds simply mimic a market index. They do not have the potential to outperform the market and might not provide the best returns for long-term goals.

Importance of Professional Guidance
While you can manage your investments on your own, seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner can be very beneficial.

Expertise: Certified Financial Planners have the expertise to guide you through complex financial decisions.

Tailored Advice: They can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals.

Holistic Planning: They look at your overall financial picture, including insurance, retirement planning, and tax planning.

Reviewing Your Insurance
If you hold LIC, ULIP, or investment-cum-insurance policies, consider their effectiveness.

Surrender and Reinvest: If these policies are not performing well, it may be wise to surrender them and reinvest the funds in mutual funds.

Insurance and Investment Separation: It's often better to keep insurance and investment separate. Term insurance provides adequate coverage, while mutual funds offer better returns on investments.

Final Insights
Planning for your daughter's education is a significant responsibility. By starting early and investing wisely, you can ensure she has the financial support she needs to achieve her dreams.

Start Early: The earlier you start, the better. Compounding works best over the long term.

Stay Consistent: Regular investments through SIPs help in building a substantial corpus over time.

Diversify: Spread your investments across different types of mutual funds to manage risk.

Seek Professional Help: A Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance and help you make informed decisions.

Review Regularly: Keep an eye on your investments and make adjustments as needed.

With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can ensure a bright future for your daughter. Remember, every small step you take today will contribute to her success tomorrow.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello sir, We are 35 years old couple earning 1 lakhs per month. We have 3 daughters with elder one 7 years old and younger ones twins of 1 year old. How much should be invest every month and where should be invest to ensure good education and future for our daughters.
Ans: It’s great that you’re thinking about your daughters' future. Financial planning is crucial to ensure a bright future for your kids. With a structured approach, you can secure their education and future.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
You're a 35-year-old couple earning Rs 1 lakh per month. You have three daughters: a 7-year-old and 1-year-old twins. Planning for their education and future requires a strategic approach.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Education Goals

The primary goal is to secure funds for your daughters’ education. Education costs are rising, so early planning is crucial. Break down the educational milestones like school, college, and higher education.

Future Security

Apart from education, think about other future expenses like weddings and career support. It's essential to have a broad perspective.

Emergency Fund

Always maintain an emergency fund to cover 6-12 months of expenses. This will protect you against unforeseen financial setbacks.

Monthly Investment Planning
Investment Allocation

From your monthly income of Rs 1 lakh, aim to invest 20-30%. This means setting aside Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 each month for your daughters’ future. This disciplined approach will accumulate significant wealth over time.

Mutual Funds for Education

Mutual funds are a good option for long-term goals. They provide diversified exposure and the potential for high returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds:
Professional Management: Experts manage these funds, ensuring better performance.
Diversification: Reduces risk by spreading investments.
Flexibility: Easy to buy and sell, offering liquidity.
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This method helps in disciplined investing and benefits from rupee cost averaging.

Assessing Different Investment Options
Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term goals like education. They invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. Over 10-15 years, equity mutual funds can significantly grow your investment.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds are safer and invest in fixed-income securities. They are ideal for medium-term goals and help balance your investment portfolio.

Balanced Funds

Balanced or hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They provide a mix of growth and stability, suitable for investors seeking moderate risk.

Importance of Regular Review
Annual Review

Review your investments annually. Ensure they align with your goals and make adjustments if necessary. This ensures you stay on track to achieve your financial objectives.

Rebalancing Portfolio

Rebalancing is adjusting your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. This helps in managing risk and optimizing returns.

Insurance for Security
Term Insurance

Term insurance is crucial for financial security. It provides a high cover at a low cost. Ensure you have adequate term insurance to cover your family's needs.

Health Insurance

Health insurance protects against medical expenses. With a family of five, ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance policy.

Avoiding Investment Pitfalls
Avoid Low-Return Investments

Avoid traditional savings instruments like fixed deposits for long-term goals. They offer lower returns compared to mutual funds.

Be Wary of Insurance-Cum-Investment Policies

If you have LIC, ULIPs, or investment-cum-insurance policies, consider surrendering them. They often have high costs and lower returns. Reinvest in mutual funds for better growth.

Benefits of Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Personalized Advice

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice. They understand your unique situation and recommend the best strategies.

Holistic Planning

CFPs offer holistic financial planning, considering all aspects of your finances. This ensures comprehensive and well-rounded advice.

Continuous Support

They provide continuous support and can help adjust your plan as needed. This ensures you are always on the right path.

Final Insights
Investing in your daughters’ future is a noble goal. By setting clear objectives and investing wisely, you can ensure their education and security. Mutual funds, especially equity and balanced funds, offer good growth potential. Regular review and rebalancing keep your investments on track. Ensure you have adequate term and health insurance for added security. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance and peace of mind.

Your commitment to your daughters' future is commendable. With disciplined investing and strategic planning, you can achieve all your financial goals and secure a bright future for them.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

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Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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