Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

55-year-old earning 1 lakh per month - on the right path to retirement?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |6302 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 28, 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

Question by Ajay on Aug 28, 2024Hindi

Hi, am earning approx 1 lakh per month, am aged 55, with approx 40 Lakh in MF, FD's approx 25Lakh, my PF as on date is around 16 Lakh, I plan to work till the age of 60. My wife is also working and drawing approx 70K per month. My MF/PF is a combination of both of us, I have a son who is settled in Canada,. On an avg every month I am investing 22K in MF and would continue for another 5 years . 20K I save as emergency fund. Pls suggest if I am on the right path

Ans: Current Financial Overview
Monthly Income: You and your wife have a combined monthly income of Rs. 1.7 lakh. This provides a strong financial foundation.

Savings and Investments: You have Rs. 40 lakh in mutual funds, Rs. 25 lakh in fixed deposits, and Rs. 16 lakh in provident fund. These assets show that you’ve been diligent in saving and investing.

Monthly Investments: You invest Rs. 22,000 per month in mutual funds and save Rs. 20,000 as an emergency fund. This disciplined approach is crucial for long-term financial stability.

Planned Working Duration: You plan to work until age 60. This gives you 5 more years to build your financial corpus.

Family Situation: Your son is settled in Canada, which might reduce future financial responsibilities related to his education or living expenses.

Assessment of Your Current Strategy
Diversified Portfolio: Your investments are well-diversified across mutual funds, fixed deposits, and provident funds. This mix balances growth potential with capital preservation.

Emergency Fund: Setting aside Rs. 20,000 each month as an emergency fund is a smart move. This ensures you have liquidity for unforeseen expenses without disturbing your investments.

Regular Investments: Continuing to invest Rs. 22,000 per month in mutual funds will help you build a substantial corpus by the time you retire. This is essential for maintaining your lifestyle post-retirement.

Provident Fund: With Rs. 16 lakh in your PF, you have a solid base for retirement savings. This will provide a lump sum at retirement and possibly a pension.

Recommendations for the Next 5 Years
Increase SIP Amount Gradually: If possible, consider gradually increasing your SIP amount in mutual funds. Even a small increase can significantly boost your corpus over 5 years.

Review Your Mutual Fund Portfolio: Ensure your mutual funds are aligned with your risk tolerance and retirement goals. Consult your Certified Financial Planner to reassess your fund selection.

Fixed Deposits Strategy: As you approach retirement, gradually move some of your FD investments into more liquid or safer options like short-term debt funds or liquid funds. This ensures you have quick access to funds without penalty.

Provident Fund: Continue contributing to your provident fund. It’s a low-risk, tax-efficient investment. As you near retirement, review your options for withdrawal and pension benefits.

Post-Retirement Planning
Income Replacement: At retirement, your combined savings should be able to generate a steady income. Consider a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) from your mutual funds to create a regular income stream.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for both you and your wife. Medical expenses can significantly impact your retirement savings if not planned for.

Estate Planning: Consider drafting or updating your will. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and provides peace of mind for your family.

Risk Management
Rebalance Portfolio: As you approach retirement, gradually reduce exposure to high-risk investments. Shift towards debt funds, balanced funds, or large-cap funds to reduce volatility.

Emergency Fund Size: Continue building your emergency fund, aiming for at least 12-18 months of living expenses. This will be crucial once you retire and have no regular income.

Avoid Unnecessary Risks: With your son settled and no immediate large financial commitments, avoid taking unnecessary financial risks. Focus on preserving your capital while achieving moderate growth.

Tax Planning
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: Plan your withdrawals from various investments in a tax-efficient manner. Withdrawals from PF, PPF, and some mutual funds may have tax implications. Your Certified Financial Planner can guide you on this.

Senior Citizen Benefits: Once you retire, take advantage of tax benefits available to senior citizens. This includes higher exemptions on interest income and other benefits.

Tax-Loss Harvesting: If applicable, consider tax-loss harvesting in your mutual funds to offset capital gains and reduce your tax liability.

Maintaining Financial Discipline
Stick to Your Plan: Continue with your disciplined approach to saving and investing. Regular reviews with your Certified Financial Planner will help ensure you stay on track.

Avoid Emotional Decisions: As retirement approaches, market fluctuations can cause anxiety. Avoid making emotional decisions about your investments. Stick to your long-term plan.

Family Communication: Keep your wife involved in financial decisions. Ensure she’s aware of all investments and understands the financial plan in place.

Final Insights
On the Right Path: You’re on a solid financial path with a well-thought-out strategy. Your diversified investments, regular savings, and disciplined approach are commendable.

Review and Adjust: Regular reviews and slight adjustments to your plan will help you meet your retirement goals comfortably. Keep collaborating with your Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Focus on Preservation: As you near retirement, focus on preserving your capital while ensuring a steady income stream post-retirement. This balanced approach will ensure financial security for you and your wife.

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.