Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
krushna Question by krushna on May 05, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I want earn 1cr above in 15 year, which category I invest

Ans: To achieve a target of earning ?1 crore or more in 15 years, mutual funds can be a powerful tool due to their potential for high returns and diversification benefits. Here's a detailed look at how mutual funds can help you reach your financial goal:

Equity Mutual Funds:
Diversification:

Equity mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks across various sectors and market capitalizations. This diversification helps spread risk and reduces the impact of volatility on your investments.
Professional Management:

Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who analyze market trends, company fundamentals, and economic indicators to make informed investment decisions on your behalf.
Risk Mitigation:

Through careful stock selection and portfolio diversification, equity mutual funds aim to mitigate the risks associated with investing in individual stocks.
Potential for High Returns:

Historically, equity mutual funds have offered higher returns compared to traditional fixed-income investments over the long term. They have the potential to generate significant wealth over a 15-year investment horizon.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
Rupee Cost Averaging:

SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, regardless of market conditions. This strategy helps you benefit from rupee cost averaging, where you buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high.
Discipline and Regular Investing:

SIPs instill discipline in your investment approach by encouraging regular investing. This disciplined approach can help you stay committed to your financial goals and avoid emotional investment decisions.
Power of Compounding:

By reinvesting your returns over time, you harness the power of compounding, where your money grows exponentially. The longer you stay invested, the greater the compounding effect and the higher your potential returns.
Tax Efficiency:
ELSS Funds:
Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) offer the dual benefit of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and potential capital appreciation. Investing in ELSS funds can help you optimize your tax planning while building wealth.
Regular Monitoring and Review:
Portfolio Rebalancing:
Regularly review your mutual fund portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance your portfolio if necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Professional Guidance:
Financial Advisor:
Consult a Certified Financial Planner who can assess your financial situation, risk profile, and investment goals to recommend suitable mutual funds. A financial advisor can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate market uncertainties.
By investing systematically in equity mutual funds, particularly through SIPs, you can potentially achieve your target of earning ?1 crore or more in 15 years. Remember to stay committed to your investment plan, remain patient during market fluctuations, and seek professional advice when needed.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi sir, how much I should invest to accumulate 1Cr in 15 years
Ans: Accumulating ?1 crore in 15 years is a commendable and achievable goal with the right strategy. It requires discipline, patience, and a sound investment plan. Your focus on long-term planning is excellent and necessary for building substantial wealth.

The Power of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a great way to invest regularly without timing the market. They help in averaging the purchase cost and benefit from the power of compounding. For long-term goals, equity mutual funds are preferable due to their potential for higher returns compared to other asset classes.

Expected Returns
For a goal of ?1 crore in 15 years, we will assume an annual return of 12%. This is a realistic expectation for diversified equity mutual funds, which have historically provided such returns over long periods.

Monthly Investment Calculation
To accumulate ?1 crore in 15 years with a 12% annual return, you need to invest a specific amount every month. The formula used for calculating the future value of SIPs helps in determining this monthly investment amount.

Based on the calculations, you will need to invest approximately ?15,000 to ?18,000 per month to achieve your goal. This range takes into account slight variations in returns due to market conditions.

Steps to Achieve Your Goal
1. Choose the Right Mutual Funds:
Diversify your investments across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds. Avoid thematic funds like infrastructure as they come with higher risks.

2. Regular Monitoring:
Review your portfolio at least once a year to ensure it aligns with your goals. Make adjustments based on performance and changes in your financial situation.

3. Increase SIP Amount:
Consider stepping up your SIP amount annually in line with salary increments. This practice can significantly boost your corpus.

4. Stay Invested:
Remain invested for the long term and avoid the temptation to withdraw during market volatility. Staying invested helps in reaping the benefits of compounding.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market. They have the flexibility to change the portfolio allocation based on market conditions, which can potentially provide better returns compared to index funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:
Index funds simply replicate the performance of a market index. They lack the flexibility to adapt to market changes and might not perform well during downturns.

Benefits of Regular Funds:
Investing through regular funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures you get professional advice and ongoing portfolio management. This can enhance your investment strategy and help in achieving your goals more efficiently.

Emergency Fund
Before starting your SIPs, ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to six months of expenses. This fund provides a financial cushion during unforeseen circumstances and prevents the need to dip into your investments.

Conclusion
Your goal of accumulating ?1 crore in 15 years is achievable with disciplined investing and regular reviews. Investing ?15,000 to ?18,000 per month in a diversified portfolio of actively managed equity mutual funds can help you reach your target. Working with a Certified Financial Planner ensures you get expert advice and stay on track with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 04, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi, Please suggest me best plan to achieve 1cr in next 5 years if I have the potential to invest upto 1lakh a month
Ans: Investing Rs. 1 lakh monthly for 5 years is a substantial commitment. While your goal is to achieve Rs. 1 crore, it's important to set realistic expectations. A well-diversified portfolio in a moderate-risk category might grow to around Rs. 80-85 lakhs over this period. The stock market is unpredictable, and returns depend on market conditions.

Why Rs. 1 Crore May Be Difficult to Achieve
To achieve Rs. 1 crore, your investments would need to grow at a rate that's higher than typical for moderate-risk investments. Aiming for such a high return might push you into higher-risk investments. However, these come with greater volatility and the risk of lower returns. It's essential to balance your risk tolerance with your financial goals.

Recommended Investment Strategy
Diversified Portfolio Approach
Invest in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds. This strategy balances growth potential with stability.

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate around 60-70% of your investment here. Focus on funds with a strong track record and potential for growth.

Debt Mutual Funds: Allocate the remaining 30-40%. These funds offer stability and protect your portfolio from market volatility.

Avoiding Index Funds
Given your goal, avoid index funds. They typically track the market and may not provide the high returns needed to reach Rs. 1 crore. Actively managed funds, though more expensive, offer the potential for higher returns as they aim to outperform the market.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
If you’re considering direct funds, keep in mind their disadvantages. Direct funds have lower costs, but they require constant monitoring and active management on your part. Regular funds, managed through a Certified Financial Planner, offer the benefit of expert guidance, which is crucial for reaching your goals.

Monthly Monitoring and Adjustments
Review your portfolio regularly, ideally every quarter. Make adjustments based on market conditions and fund performance. This proactive approach ensures your investments are aligned with your goal.

Contingency Plan
Consider keeping some funds liquid for emergencies. A small portion in safer instruments like liquid funds or fixed deposits can act as a cushion in volatile markets.

Tax Efficiency
Invest in tax-efficient instruments to maximize returns. Consider the tax implications of your investments and plan withdrawals in a way that minimizes your tax liability.

Final Insights
Reaching Rs. 1 crore in 5 years with a Rs. 1 lakh monthly investment is challenging. With a well-structured, diversified portfolio and regular monitoring, you can aim to get close to your target. Focus on realistic returns and make informed adjustments along the way.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
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

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
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

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x