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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 21, 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

I am earning 1 LPA a month planing to buy a home range 60-70LPA. Saving 5LPA as FD there is no other saving apart. May be next year nursery of kid will start. Can you please suggest how to save money and buy a home within next 5-6 month.

Ans: You are earning Rs 1 lakh per month. You save Rs 5 lakh annually in fixed deposit. You are planning to buy a house of Rs 60 to 70 lakh within 5 to 6 months. Your child may also start nursery soon. Let’s create a plan that supports your home purchase and also builds financial stability.

? Understanding the Big Picture

– You want to buy a house in 5–6 months.
– Budget is Rs 60 to 70 lakh.
– You have no other savings except Rs 5 lakh FD.
– Monthly salary is Rs 1 lakh.
– Expenses will increase when nursery starts.
– So your cash flow must be planned carefully.
– Home loan is required in this case.
– Own contribution also needs to be arranged soon.

? Importance of Margin Money

– Banks usually fund 75% to 80% of property value.
– You need to pay 20% to 25% as down payment.
– For Rs 60 lakh home, Rs 12–15 lakh is your share.
– For Rs 70 lakh home, your share becomes Rs 14–17.5 lakh.
– This amount must come from your savings.
– Your current FD is Rs 5 lakh only.
– So you still need Rs 7–10 lakh more for the purchase.

? Action Plan to Arrange Own Contribution

– You have 5–6 months.
– Save at least Rs 40,000–45,000 monthly from salary.
– That gives Rs 2.4 to Rs 2.7 lakh in 6 months.
– Combine that with Rs 5 lakh FD.
– You may still need Rs 2–4 lakh more.
– Ask if any family support is available.
– Or liquidate non-core assets if available.
– Or choose a smaller flat in Rs 55–60 lakh range.
– That reduces your margin money burden.

? Prepare for Home Loan Eligibility

– Lenders check income, age and repayment capacity.
– Rs 1 lakh salary can support loan of Rs 40–50 lakh.
– Loan tenure of 20 years may be suitable.
– EMI should not cross 40% of your salary.
– That is around Rs 40,000 monthly.
– Choose a bank offering low interest and high eligibility.
– Keep credit score above 750 for better deal.
– Avoid new loans or credit card defaults now.
– Prepare all salary slips, IT returns and bank statements.

? Managing Expenses Before and After Purchase

– Create a detailed monthly budget.
– Include child education, groceries, utilities and EMIs.
– Keep Rs 10,000–15,000 buffer monthly for emergencies.
– Don’t stretch loan beyond your comfort.
– If EMI is too high, you may miss other goals.
– Nursery fees may increase over time.
– Plan for rising child expenses also.
– Avoid taking any car loan or consumer loan now.

? Emergency Fund is a Must

– Don’t use all money for house down payment.
– Keep minimum Rs 1.5–2 lakh in separate FD.
– This is for medical or job-related emergencies.
– House buying can bring sudden expenses.
– Having a backup gives peace of mind.

? What You Must Avoid

– Don’t buy a bigger house just for status.
– Don’t take maximum possible loan just because bank offers it.
– Don’t buy under-construction properties with uncertain timelines.
– Don’t borrow money from unregulated sources.
– Don’t delay child education savings for house EMI.
– Don’t ignore EMI insurance or home insurance.
– Don’t keep entire down payment in equity or risky funds.

? Ideal Property Selection Strategy

– Look for ready-to-move homes.
– Choose a reputed builder or resale in developed area.
– Location should have access to school and hospital.
– Property should have clear legal documents.
– Home loan process becomes smoother with clean title.
– Try to choose a property below Rs 60 lakh if possible.
– That helps reduce loan EMI pressure.
– A lower EMI will leave room for other goals.

? After Home Purchase – Start Other Investments

– Buying a house is just the beginning.
– You must start saving for your child’s school and college.
– Start SIP in child-focused mutual funds after house buying.
– Use actively managed funds, not index funds.
– Index funds don’t protect from market crash.
– Child education goal needs better control on risk.
– Start with small SIPs of Rs 2,000–3,000 per child.
– Increase SIP once your salary grows.

? Use Actively Managed Mutual Funds for Future

– Avoid direct funds unless you’re an expert.
– Regular plans via trusted MFD with CFP give better support.
– They track goals, adjust portfolio and provide advice.
– Direct funds miss this benefit.
– You may get stuck or exit at wrong time.
– Active mutual funds with regular guidance protect your goal.
– Always go with Certified Financial Planner’s advice.

? Home Loan Repayment Plan

– Try to pay extra towards principal every year.
– Even Rs 50,000–Rs 1 lakh extra reduces years of loan.
– Whenever you get bonus or hike, prepay 5% loan amount.
– Don’t extend the loan for 25–30 years.
– Keep tenure short to reduce total interest.
– But don’t overburden monthly EMI.
– Balance is important.

? Life and Health Cover

– Before buying a house, check your insurance.
– If something happens, EMI burden should not fall on family.
– Take a pure term insurance of Rs 50–75 lakh minimum.
– Premium is low if taken early.
– Also buy family health insurance if not covered.
– Medical emergency can ruin your EMI discipline.
– Protect your house and family together.

? Involving Spouse in Financial Planning

– Your spouse takes care of current expenses.
– After EMI starts, both incomes will be needed.
– Discuss financial goals together.
– Keep joint plan for expenses and savings.
– Joint home loan also improves loan eligibility.
– Register property in both names if possible.

? Tax Benefits from Home Loan

– You can claim Rs 1.5 lakh on principal repayment under Section 80C.
– You can also claim Rs 2 lakh interest deduction under Section 24(b).
– This gives tax savings every year.
– Keep all loan and payment proofs safe.
– Use savings for children’s future goals.

? Final Steps Before Purchase

– Finalise the builder or seller after checking property documents.
– Apply for loan only after site is confirmed.
– Pay token advance only after agreement.
– Use cheque or digital payment for record.
– Register the property properly after loan approval.
– Keep separate file for all papers, loan sanction and EMI details.

? Finally

– You are already saving and planning responsibly.
– Try to reduce house cost slightly to make things easy.
– Use current FD and save aggressively next 6 months.
– Don’t compromise emergency fund or child needs.
– Keep home loan EMI within 40% of salary.
– Start child education SIP once EMI begins.
– Use actively managed mutual funds through CFP-guided MFD.
– Avoid index funds, direct funds, and risky advice.
– With proper steps, you can buy your home peacefully.
– Plan next goals only after settling this properly.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hi sir, I want to buy a house but my bad I had no knowledge of saving money and till date not done any!!! I am 34 yrs and working in manufacturing industry, have two daughters aged 4 and 15 months old!! Can u please help me ???? and give the best ways to save money and have house.... My CTC is 9.63LPA.
Ans: It's great that you're looking to start saving for a house despite not having done so in the past. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Create a Budget: Begin by tracking your monthly expenses and income. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and where you can cut back to save more.

Set Savings Goals: Determine how much you need for a down payment on your house. Factor in other expenses like closing costs, moving expenses, and any repairs or renovations you may need to make.

Emergency Fund: Before you start saving for your house, ensure you have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs. Aim for 3-6 months' worth of living expenses.

Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your salary account to a separate savings account dedicated to your house fund. This will help you save consistently without having to think about it.

Cut Expenses: Look for areas where you can cut back on expenses to free up more money for savings. This could include dining out less, cancelling unused subscriptions, or finding cheaper alternatives for everyday expenses.

Increase Income: Consider ways to increase your income, such as taking on a side hustle or exploring opportunities for career advancement or higher-paying jobs.

Explore Government Schemes: Look into government schemes or subsidies available for first-time homebuyers in your area. These programs may offer financial assistance or lower interest rates on home loans.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you create a personalized savings plan tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Remember, saving for a house is a long-term goal that requires patience and discipline. Stay focused on your objectives, and celebrate small victories along the way. With determination and smart financial planning, you can achieve your dream of homeownership for your family.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am a software engineer working from last 10 months currently earning 90k per month. How should i save to buy house in the next 3-4 years. My monthly expenses are around 30K. I am doing an SIP of 10k in parag parikh elss tax saver fund for 80C deductions. How should i invest remaining money for my house goal. Considering my father is also working and i will get some support from father.
Ans: To begin, congratulations on your diligent efforts as a software engineer and your commitment to planning for your future. It's commendable that you're thinking ahead about homeownership and seeking advice on financial planning.

Given your current situation, with a steady income and manageable expenses, you're in a good position to save for your house goal. Your SIP in a tax-saving fund is a wise move for optimizing your taxes while also working towards your goal.

Considering a time horizon of 3-4 years, it's essential to balance growth potential with risk. While your father's support is valuable, it's prudent to plan primarily based on your own resources.

For the remaining funds, you might consider a diversified investment approach. Since you've already utilized the 80C benefit, explore other avenues like mutual funds, debt instruments, or balanced funds. These can offer a mix of growth and stability, aligning with your medium-term goal.

Be cautious about direct investments without professional guidance. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and help navigate the complexities of the market, maximizing returns while minimizing risks.

Avoiding real estate as an investment option is wise, given its illiquidity and potential volatility. Instead, focus on liquid assets that offer flexibility and easier access to funds when needed.

Remember, consistency is key. Continue to monitor your investments regularly, adjusting them as needed based on market conditions and your evolving financial situation.

Your proactive approach to financial planning sets a strong foundation for achieving your homeownership goal. Keep up the disciplined saving and investing, and you'll be closer to realizing your dream.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 21, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir.I am 37 year male.I have 2 children.I am earning 85000 per month . Monthly expenses are 35/40 k I have saved 1) 15 lakhs in mutual funds 2) 5.5 lakhs in shares 3)7.5 lakhs in PPF 4)NPS IS SHOWING 16 LAKHS TOTAL WITH GOVT CONTRIBUTION 5)LIC JEEVAN ANAND WORTH 60 K PREMIUM IS RUNNING SINCE 2015 ,will mature on 2040. I AM LOAN FREE AT PRESENT. .I want to buy a house after 6 years which has 75 lakhs value in today market. How to maximum my savings for kids future education,marriage etc .Kindly tell.
Ans: To help you maximize your savings and achieve your goals, let's assess your current financial situation. We will evaluate your assets, investments, and future plans. We'll then provide a comprehensive strategy to help you save for your children's future education, marriage, and the purchase of a house.

1. Overview of Current Financial Position
Income and Expenses
Monthly Income: Rs 85,000
Monthly Expenses: Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000
Net Savings per Month: Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000
Current Savings and Investments
Mutual Funds: Rs 15 lakh
Shares: Rs 5.5 lakh
PPF: Rs 7.5 lakh
NPS: Rs 16 lakh (including government contribution)
LIC Jeevan Anand: Premium of Rs 60,000 annually, maturing in 2040
2. Investment Evaluation
Mutual Funds
Your investment in mutual funds indicates a good start. Mutual funds offer diversification and professional management. They can potentially provide good returns, which is beneficial for long-term goals.

Strengths: Mutual funds can offer higher returns compared to traditional savings options. They are managed by professionals, reducing the need for you to make day-to-day investment decisions.

Risks: Mutual funds are subject to market risks. The performance depends on the market conditions and the fund manager’s decisions.

Shares
Investing in shares shows an inclination towards direct equity investment. This can offer high returns but comes with higher risk.

Strengths: Direct investments in shares can provide significant capital appreciation.

Risks: Shares are volatile. Lack of diversification and market fluctuations can impact your returns.

PPF
Your Public Provident Fund (PPF) investment is a safe option with guaranteed returns and tax benefits. It’s a good long-term investment for building a secure corpus.

Strengths: PPF offers safety, tax benefits, and a fixed interest rate. It’s a good tool for long-term savings.

Risks: The returns are lower compared to equity investments. The interest rate is subject to change based on government policies.

NPS
The National Pension System (NPS) is a retirement-focused investment. It provides a mix of equity and debt, which is beneficial for long-term growth.

Strengths: NPS offers tax benefits and is designed for retirement savings. It combines equity and debt investments, providing balanced growth.

Risks: NPS has restrictions on withdrawals before retirement. The returns can vary based on the market performance of the underlying assets.

LIC Jeevan Anand
The LIC Jeevan Anand policy is a combination of endowment and life insurance. It provides both savings and insurance benefits.

Strengths: It offers life coverage along with a savings component. The policy benefits can be used for future financial needs.

Risks: The returns on LIC policies are generally lower compared to market-linked investments. The policy matures in 2040, which might be too long for your immediate goals.

3. Strategy for Buying a House
Goal Setting
You plan to buy a house worth Rs 75 lakh in 6 years. This requires careful financial planning to accumulate the necessary funds.

Savings Requirement: Calculate the total amount needed for the house purchase, considering a down payment and any additional costs.
Investment Strategy
To maximize your savings for the house purchase, consider the following steps:

Increase Monthly Savings: With Rs 45,000 to Rs 50,000 savings per month, allocate a portion specifically for the house fund. Increase your savings rate if possible.

Diversify Investments: Consider investing in a mix of mutual funds and fixed-income options to achieve growth while maintaining safety.

Equity Mutual Funds: Continue investing in equity mutual funds for higher returns. Choose funds with a strong performance history and align with your risk tolerance.

Debt Instruments: Allocate a portion of your savings to fixed deposits or other debt instruments for safety and stability.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Increase your SIP contributions in mutual funds if feasible. This will help in accumulating a larger corpus over time.

4. Planning for Children's Future
Education and Marriage
Your financial goals include saving for your children’s education and marriage. Here’s how to approach this:

Education Fund: Start a dedicated education fund for your children. Use a mix of equity mutual funds and debt instruments to ensure growth and stability.

Marriage Fund: Create a separate fund for your children’s marriage. Invest in long-term growth options to build the required corpus.

Investment Vehicles
Mutual Funds: Invest in growth-oriented mutual funds for long-term goals. Diversify across various funds to spread risk.

PPF and NPS: Continue investing in PPF and NPS for tax benefits and secure growth. Use these instruments to build a portion of your children’s future funds.

5. Optimizing Your Financial Plan
Review and Adjust Investments
Regular Reviews: Periodically review your investments and financial plan. Adjust based on performance and changes in your financial situation.

Rebalancing: Rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning: Utilize tax-saving investments and deductions. Ensure you’re maximizing the benefits from instruments like PPF, NPS, and mutual funds.
6. Final Insights
To achieve your goals of buying a house, funding your children’s education, and marriage, follow these steps:

Increase Savings Rate: Allocate a significant portion of your monthly savings towards your house fund.

Diversify Investments: Use a mix of equity mutual funds, debt instruments, and secure savings options to grow your wealth.

Dedicated Funds: Create separate funds for your children’s education and marriage to ensure you meet these future expenses.

Regular Reviews: Continuously review and adjust your financial plan to stay on track with your goals.

By following this comprehensive approach, you will enhance your chances of achieving your financial goals and securing your family’s future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Im 43 years old resident from Hyderabad, working in a mnc with over 18years exp. I have so far not planned well for my retirement / future savings and wish to do now. I have purchased a house for myself in my home town ( home load fully paid just now ) and planning to take another one soon. I earn roughly over 1.15L per month and with no loans or credit cards. I've a wife ( house wife ) and 10 year old daughter . my monthly expenses are over 45k including my parents health insurance and save around 50k as of now . I get 15k rental income from my property . I wish to quickly save 15L to purchase a new home and parallelly plan my retirals money . Looking for your advice on how I can do that. Please advice... Thank you very much in advance
Ans: Sir, at 43 years old, you are in a good position to build a solid financial plan for retirement and future savings. You've already cleared your home loan and are saving Rs 50,000 per month. This is a positive foundation for your goals. Your family consists of your wife, who is a homemaker, and a 10-year-old daughter. Your monthly expenses, including health insurance for your parents, are Rs 45,000. Additionally, you are receiving a rental income of Rs 15,000 per month from your property. Now, you want to save Rs 15 lakhs for a new house while planning your retirement fund. Let’s break down how you can approach these goals.

Setting Financial Priorities
Before diving into specifics, let’s outline your two main goals:

Save Rs 15 lakhs for a new home – You are looking to accumulate this amount in a relatively short time.

Build a retirement corpus – Retirement planning should begin right away since time is still on your side.

Balancing these two goals while keeping your family’s security in mind is key. This means ensuring that you save for your retirement without stretching yourself too thin while saving for the new home.

Saving for a New House
Since you wish to save Rs 15 lakhs for a new home, this can be approached with a focused saving and investment strategy.

Use your monthly savings: You are already saving Rs 50,000 per month, which is commendable. Consider allocating a portion of this towards your new home fund. Since you want to accumulate Rs 15 lakhs quickly, you may have to direct a significant portion of your savings toward this goal, at least temporarily.

High-return, short-term investment options: While it's important to prioritise safety, you can consider short-term debt funds or balanced funds. These funds generally offer higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts or fixed deposits, making them a suitable option for your home purchase fund. Avoid stock market-related products here as they are more volatile, and you don’t want to take on unnecessary risk for a short-term goal.

Time horizon for the house: Depending on how quickly you want to buy the home, you can adjust your savings. If you need the Rs 15 lakhs within 2-3 years, aim to save around Rs 40,000 per month toward this. The rest of your savings can be directed toward retirement.

Retirement Planning – The Core Focus
Now, retirement planning is more critical as this will secure your and your family’s future. You have around 17 years to build a sufficient retirement corpus. Here's how you can approach it:

Start with a clear retirement goal: Estimate how much you would need per month post-retirement. Your current expenses are Rs 45,000 per month. Assuming an inflation rate of around 6-7%, you would need a significantly higher amount at the time of retirement. Let’s assume you will need Rs 1 lakh per month when you retire. Based on this, you can plan how much you need to save every month.

Use actively managed mutual funds: Since you have a long investment horizon for retirement, you can take advantage of the power of equity. Actively managed equity mutual funds (not index funds) tend to outperform over the long run. A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds would provide growth with some level of safety.

Regular SIPs: Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in actively managed funds are a smart way to invest for your retirement. Given that you can allocate a good portion of your Rs 50,000 monthly savings towards retirement, you could start SIPs in these funds. Aim for Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month towards SIPs for your retirement corpus. This disciplined approach will build a strong foundation for your retirement.

Avoid direct funds: You may be tempted to go for direct funds to save on expenses. However, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can guide you will often result in better management and advice tailored to your financial needs. Regular funds, managed by a professional MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor), can yield higher returns by helping you with fund selection, portfolio rebalancing, and tax-efficient strategies.

Diversify into balanced funds: To add stability to your portfolio, consider balanced or hybrid funds that allocate part of the investments to debt instruments. These funds reduce risk and offer more predictable returns, complementing your equity investments. As you near retirement, shifting a larger portion into these funds will help protect your capital while still offering growth.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Maintain an emergency fund: With a wife and daughter depending on you, having a robust emergency fund is crucial. Ideally, this should cover 6-12 months of your living expenses, including health insurance premiums. You should aim to have around Rs 5-6 lakhs easily accessible in a liquid fund or savings account.

Health and life insurance: You mentioned that your parents' health insurance is part of your expenses, but ensure you have adequate health insurance for yourself, your wife, and your daughter. Since you are the sole breadwinner, having sufficient life insurance (term plan) is also essential. If you hold any LIC or ULIP policies, you can consider surrendering them if they are not performing well and reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds for better growth.

Rental Income – An Additional Asset
Your rental income of Rs 15,000 per month adds a nice cushion to your finances. You can consider reinvesting this amount in your retirement fund. This way, the rental income can grow over time and contribute to your future corpus.

Avoid Buying Another House for Investment
While buying another house for personal use is fine, purchasing it as an investment may not always be the best decision. Real estate is illiquid and can come with maintenance and tenant-related issues. Instead, directing that Rs 15 lakhs into mutual funds or balanced funds could offer better growth and flexibility for your financial goals.

Tax Planning
Tax-efficient investments: Since you are earning Rs 1.15 lakh per month, you fall in a higher tax bracket. You can save taxes while investing for your goals. Contributions to PPF, NPS, and ELSS funds help in this regard. However, be cautious of the lock-in periods, especially for PPF and NPS, which have long-term commitments. ELSS funds offer tax benefits and can be part of your retirement planning as they have a 3-year lock-in and offer the potential for good equity growth.

Utilise Section 80C: Ensure that you fully utilise the Rs 1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C each year. This includes investments like PPF, life insurance premiums, and ELSS funds. You can also explore the National Pension Scheme (NPS), which offers additional tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B) for contributions up to Rs 50,000.

Final Insights
Prioritise retirement planning: Focus on building your retirement fund before committing too much toward the purchase of another property. A well-structured retirement plan will give you peace of mind and financial security in your later years.

Balanced approach for both goals: Split your current savings between the new house and retirement in such a way that both goals are met. However, ensure that retirement takes precedence as you can always take more time to save for a second home if necessary.

Systematic investments are key: Start SIPs for your retirement and short-term investments for the house fund. This approach brings discipline to your savings and helps grow your wealth systematically.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hello...I am planning to construct a home in next 5 years. My monthly salary is only 35000. I dont have any idea how to make my dream into a success. Please give me an idea how I can save my money to make a home with a budget of 30 lakhs.
Ans: Building a home is a big financial goal. You want to construct a house worth Rs 30 lakh in 5 years. Your monthly salary is Rs 35,000. With the right savings and investment plan, you can make this dream a reality.

 

Step 1: Understanding the Total Budget Requirement
The house construction cost is Rs 30 lakh.

You will need to save or arrange this amount in 5 years.

Costs may increase due to inflation.

Having a buffer amount is important for unexpected expenses.

 

Step 2: Evaluating Your Savings Capacity
Your monthly income is Rs 35,000. The goal is to save a portion consistently.

 

First, identify your essential monthly expenses.

Reduce unnecessary spending to increase savings.

The more you save, the less you need to borrow.

 

Step 3: Creating a Dedicated Home Fund
Open a separate investment account for home savings.

Invest in growth-oriented mutual funds.

Avoid keeping all money in fixed deposits due to lower returns.

 

Step 4: Choosing the Right Investment Strategy
A 5-year investment plan should have a balance of growth and safety.

 

1. Avoid Index Funds and ETFs
Index funds cannot adjust to market risks.

Actively managed funds perform better in volatile markets.

 

2. Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds need market tracking and knowledge.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures proper management.

 

3. Maintain Liquidity for Construction Costs
Keep some funds in liquid investments for easy access.

Avoid locking money in long-term illiquid assets.

 

Step 5: Considering a Home Loan as an Option
If saving Rs 30 lakh is difficult, a home loan can help.

 

Banks may provide up to 80% of the home cost.

Your EMI should not exceed 40% of your income.

Higher down payment reduces loan burden.

A shorter loan tenure saves interest costs.

 

Step 6: Cutting Expenses to Boost Savings
Reduce unnecessary spending like eating out and entertainment.

Avoid impulse purchases.

Use discounts and cashback options to save more.

A simple lifestyle today helps in building your dream home sooner.

 

Step 7: Reviewing Your Plan Every Year
Track savings and investments regularly.

Adjust plans if income increases or expenses change.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for guidance.

 

Finally
A Rs 30 lakh home in 5 years is possible with proper planning. Focus on consistent savings, smart investments, and controlled spending. If needed, a home loan can bridge the gap. With discipline and patience, your dream home can become a reality.

 

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10852 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Career
Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?
Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) actively recruits M.Sc Physics graduates as Scientific Officers and Research Fellows. Recruitment occurs through the BARC Online Test or GATE scores, with positions in nuclear science, radiation protection, and atomic research. BARC Summer Internship programs are available, offering ?5,000-?10,000 monthly stipends with opportunity for future scientist recruitment.
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
CDS/AFCAT (Armed Forces): While AFCAT meteorology branches specifically require "B.Sc with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks," the technical branches (Aeronautical Engineering and Ground Duty Technical roles) require graduation/integrated postgraduation in Engineering/Technology. An M.Sc Physics integrates well with technical qualifications, though you would need engineering background for direct officer entry. However, you remain eligible for specialized technical interviews if applying through alternate defence channels.
UGC-NET Examination: This pathway leads to Assistant Professor positions in central universities and colleges across India. NET-qualified candidates receive scholarships of ?31,000/month for 2-year JRF positions with PhD pursuit, transitioning to Assistant Professor salaries of ?41,000/month in government institutions. This route provides long-term academic career security with research opportunities.
Private Sector Technical Roles
M.Sc Physics graduates are increasingly valued in data science, software engineering, and technical consulting. Companies actively recruit physics graduates for software development, where strong problem-solving and logical reasoning translate to competitive packages of ?10-20 LPA. Specialized domains including quantum computing development, financial modeling, and scientific computing offer premium compensation. Your minor in Scientific Computing makes you particularly attractive to technology companies requiring computational expertise.
International Opportunities and Higher Studies Abroad
An M.Sc from Amrita facilitates admission to PhD programs at international institutions. German universities offer tuition-free or low-fee MSc Physics programs (2 years) with scholarships like DAAD providing €850+ monthly stipends. US universities accept M.Sc graduates directly for PhD positions with full funding (tuition coverage + stipend). These pathways require GRE scores and strong Statement of Purpose articulating research interests. Research collaboration opportunities exist with Max Planck Institute (Germany) and CalTech Summer Research Program (USA), both welcoming Indian M.Sc students.
Essential Skills and Certifications to Develop Immediately: Programming Languages: Start learning Python immediately—it's universally used in research and industry. Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to data analysis, scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and machine learning fundamentals. MATLAB is equally critical for physics applications, particularly numerical simulations and data visualization. Aim to complete MATLAB certification courses within your first year.
Research Tools: Learn Git/version control, LaTeX for scientific documentation, and data analysis frameworks. These skills are indispensable for publishing research papers and collaborating on projects.
Certifications Worth Pursuing: (1) MATLAB Certification (DIYguru or MathWorks official courses) (2) Python for Data Science (complete certificate programs from platforms like Coursera) (3) Machine Learning Fundamentals (for expanding technical versatility) & (4) Scientific Communication and Technical Writing (develop through departmental workshops)
Strategic Internship Planning: Leverage Amrita's research connections systematically. In your third year, apply to BARC Summer Internship, IISER Internships, TIFR Summer Fellowships, and IIT Internship programs (like IIT Kanpur SURGE). These expose you to frontier research while establishing connections for future PhD or scientist recruitment. Target 2-3 research internships across different specializations to develop versatility.

TO SUM UP, Your Integrated M.Sc Physics degree from Amrita positions you exceptionally well for competitive research careers at IISc/IITs, prestigious government scientist roles at BARC/DRDO/ISRO, and international PhD opportunities. The program's scientific computing emphasis differentiates you in the job market. Immediate priorities: (1) Master Python and MATLAB within the first two years; (2) Engage in research projects starting year 2-3; (3) Target internships at premiere research institutions; (4) Prepare GATE while completing your degree for maximum flexibility in recruitment; (5) Consider UGC-NET for long-term academic stability. Your career trajectory will ultimately depend on developing strong research fundamentals, demonstrating consistent excellence in specialization areas, and strategically selecting internship and research opportunities. The rigorous Amrita program combined with disciplined skill development positions you for exceptional career success across multiple sectors. Choose the most suitable option for you out of the various options available mentioned above. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.
Asked on - Dec 07, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025
Thankyou
Ans: Welcome Sree.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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