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Jinal

Jinal Mehta  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 24, 2024

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
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Money

Hi experts, I am 41 years old and I have 2 cr. What would be the best way to invest it to get a steady income. Due to health issues, I cannot work anymore. Or keeping it in fixed deposit would be a good choice?

Ans: You can divide the the amount amount into 2-3 buckets to manage your cashflow. A combination of FD and swp should be decent . You may have tax incidences in both the scenarios
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  |9227 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, Iam 64 years old NRI, I have saving about 1 cr, please let me know where to invest safely
Ans: It’s great to see you thinking about safe investments for your savings. With Rs 1 crore to invest, let’s discuss a strategy that balances safety, growth, and income.


At 64, planning your investments carefully is crucial. Your focus on safety and returns is commendable. You deserve peace of mind and steady returns.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Investment Amount:

Rs 1 crore
Objective:

Safety of principal
Regular income
Moderate growth
Time Horizon:

Medium to long-term
Types of Investments
Diversifying your investments will help achieve a balance between safety and returns. Here’s how you can allocate your Rs 1 crore:

1. Debt Mutual Funds
Overview:

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like government and corporate bonds.
They provide regular income and are less volatile than equity funds.
Advantages:

Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Provides stability and steady returns.
Risks:

Interest rate risk: Value may decrease if interest rates rise.
Credit risk: Possibility of issuer default.
Recommended Allocation:

Allocate Rs 40 lakh to debt mutual funds.
Choose funds with a mix of high-quality corporate bonds and government securities.
2. Balanced or Hybrid Mutual Funds
Overview:

Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt.
They offer a balanced approach to investing, providing both growth and income.
Advantages:

Diversification across asset classes.
Potential for moderate growth with reduced risk.
Risks:

Market risk from equity component.
Interest rate and credit risks from debt component.
Recommended Allocation:

Allocate Rs 30 lakh to balanced or hybrid mutual funds.
This provides a balanced exposure to both equity and debt.
3. Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
Overview:

MIPs are mutual funds that primarily invest in debt instruments but also have a small equity component.
They are designed to provide regular monthly income.
Advantages:

Regular monthly income.
Lower risk due to high debt component.
Risks:

Market risk from the equity component.
Interest rate and credit risks from debt component.
Recommended Allocation:

Allocate Rs 20 lakh to MIPs.
This ensures regular income with moderate growth potential.
4. Liquid Funds
Overview:

Liquid funds invest in short-term debt instruments.
They offer high liquidity and low risk, ideal for emergencies.
Advantages:

High liquidity.
Better returns than a savings account.
Risks:

Lower returns compared to other debt funds.
Interest rate risk.
Recommended Allocation:

Allocate Rs 10 lakh to liquid funds.
This ensures quick access to funds in case of emergencies.
Power of Compounding
The power of compounding is essential in long-term investing. By reinvesting your returns, your money grows exponentially over time.

Overview:

Compounding is earning returns on your initial investment and the returns generated.
The longer you stay invested, the more your money grows.
Advantages:

Exponential growth of wealth.
Maximizes long-term returns.
Example:

Investing in mutual funds and reinvesting the returns can significantly grow your corpus over time.
Avoiding High-Risk Investments
Given your priority on safety, avoiding high-risk investments is prudent.

Equity Exposure:

Limit equity exposure to reduce volatility.
Focus on funds with a higher debt component for stability.
Real Estate:

Real estate can be illiquid and high maintenance.
Focus on liquid and manageable investments.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds are popular, they have some drawbacks compared to actively managed funds.

Limited Flexibility:

Index funds mirror the market and cannot adapt to changing conditions.
Actively managed funds can adjust to market trends and opportunities.
No Outperformance:

Index funds aim to match the market, not outperform it.
Actively managed funds can potentially deliver higher returns.
Recommended Approach:

Prefer actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice and potential outperformance.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem attractive due to lower expense ratios, but they come with their own challenges.

Lack of Guidance:

Direct funds require you to make all investment decisions.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner provides expert advice and tailored strategies.
Time-Consuming:

Managing direct funds can be time-consuming and complex.
Professional guidance simplifies the process and ensures informed decisions.
Recommended Approach:

Invest through regular funds with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.
Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Overview:

Regularly review your investment portfolio.
Rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Advantages:

Keeps your investments aligned with your goals.
Reduces risk by maintaining diversification.
Recommended Actions:

Review your portfolio every six months.
Rebalance if any asset class deviates significantly from the desired allocation.
Tax Considerations for NRIs
Tax Implications:

Understand the tax implications of your investments.
Consult with a tax advisor for NRI-specific tax benefits and obligations.
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA):

Take advantage of DTAA between India and your resident country.
This helps avoid double taxation on your investment income.
Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund is crucial, especially at your age. Ensure it is accessible and sufficient for at least 6-12 months of expenses.

1. Liquid Funds
Overview:

Liquid funds invest in short-term debt instruments.
They offer quick access to funds with minimal risk.
Advantages:

High liquidity.
Better returns than a savings account.
Risks:

Lower returns compared to other debt funds.
Interest rate risk.
Recommended Allocation:

Keep a portion of your emergency fund in liquid funds.
This ensures quick access and better returns than a savings account.
Regular Income through SWP
A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) can provide regular income from your mutual fund investments.

Overview:

SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your mutual fund investments.
It provides a steady cash flow.
Advantages:

Regular income while keeping your principal invested.
Flexibility to choose the withdrawal amount and frequency.
Risks:

Market risk: Value of investments can fluctuate.
Depleting principal if withdrawals exceed returns.
Recommended Allocation:

Set up an SWP for monthly income.
Withdraw a sustainable amount to ensure longevity of your investments.
Final Insights
By following this roadmap, you can effectively invest Rs 1 crore with a focus on safety and steady returns. Here’s a summary of the steps:

Debt Mutual Funds:

Allocate Rs 40 lakh.
Focus on high-quality corporate bonds and government securities.
Balanced or Hybrid Mutual Funds:

Allocate Rs 30 lakh.
Provides balanced exposure to equity and debt.
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs):

Allocate Rs 20 lakh.
Ensures regular income with moderate growth potential.
Liquid Funds:

Allocate Rs 10 lakh.
Ensures quick access to funds in case of emergencies.
Power of Compounding:

Reinvest returns to maximize long-term growth.
Avoid High-Risk Investments:

Limit equity exposure and avoid real estate.
Disadvantages of Index and Direct Funds:

Prefer actively managed funds with professional guidance.
Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing:

Review and adjust your portfolio every six months.
Tax Considerations for NRIs:

Understand tax implications and leverage DTAA benefits.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain liquidity and accessibility.
Regular Income through SWP:

Set up an SWP for steady monthly income.
By diversifying your investments and leveraging the power of compounding, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your financial goals with safety and stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9227 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 13, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 48 years old.. want to get 2 cr by investing monthly 50000 to 60000 please advise how should i invest to get 2 cr in next 5 years.
Ans: At 48 years old, you are at a critical phase of wealth creation. You want to reach a target of Rs 2 crore by investing Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 monthly over the next five years. Achieving this goal requires a disciplined, well-structured approach and smart investment decisions. Here's how you can get there:

Assessing Your Financial Goals
Investment Horizon: You have a relatively short investment horizon of five years. This means that you need a blend of high-growth investments with a certain degree of safety as you approach the target.

Risk Appetite: Since you are nearing retirement, your ability to take risks may not be as high. However, to achieve Rs 2 crore in five years, you will need to consider moderately aggressive options.

Investment Flexibility: With a monthly commitment of Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000, you have the flexibility to diversify your portfolio effectively.

Investment Strategy
Diversified Portfolio:

A balanced portfolio between equity and debt is necessary for your goal. Investing entirely in equities may offer higher returns but comes with higher risks, especially in the short term. On the other hand, debt-oriented investments offer stability but may not generate the required returns.

Equity Allocation: Given your time frame, allocate around 60% to 70% of your monthly investments into equity mutual funds. Actively managed funds are better in this scenario than index funds. Active funds provide opportunities for fund managers to outperform benchmarks, while index funds simply replicate the market performance, which may not be sufficient to meet your high return target.

Disadvantages of Index Funds: Index funds tend to underperform in volatile markets because they lack the flexibility to adapt. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you toward actively managed funds, which can better suit your five-year horizon. Moreover, active funds may help mitigate the impact of downturns due to professional management and sector rotation.
Debt Allocation: Allocate 30% to 40% of your portfolio to debt mutual funds. Debt investments provide stability and balance your portfolio’s risk. Debt funds can protect you from market volatility as you approach the end of your investment horizon.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Investing monthly through SIPs in mutual funds is ideal for your needs. It provides a disciplined way of investing and helps in rupee cost averaging, which reduces the impact of market fluctuations over time.

SIP in Equity Mutual Funds: You should focus on diversified equity mutual funds that invest in large-cap and mid-cap stocks. These funds can offer potential growth while balancing risk.

SIP in Debt Mutual Funds: Debt funds provide more consistent returns. You can consider funds with lower interest rate sensitivity for safety. SIPs into these funds can ensure you don’t put too much at risk while still gaining moderate returns.

Review Your Existing Insurance and Policies
If you have any existing LIC or ULIP policies, review their performance. Many of these traditional plans may not offer the kind of returns you need for wealth creation. In such cases, consider surrendering these policies and reinvesting the proceeds into mutual funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A CFP will guide you on how to exit these policies without losing too much and reinvest for better returns.

Tax Efficiency in Mutual Fund Investments
Given the new mutual fund capital gains taxation rules, you need to consider tax implications while planning your investments.

Equity Mutual Funds: The long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on equity mutual funds is now applicable above Rs 1.25 lakh, and it is taxed at 12.5%. This tax can impact your returns in the long run, so proper tax planning is essential. When you sell your funds, any profits beyond Rs 1.25 lakh in a financial year will be taxed, which needs to be factored into your overall return calculation.

Debt Mutual Funds: For debt mutual funds, capital gains are taxed based on your income tax slab. If your income falls in a higher tax bracket, this could significantly impact your returns. Short-term capital gains (STCG) from debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab, while LTCG from debt funds are also taxed based on the slab rate.

To minimise tax impact, your CFP will guide you in structuring withdrawals and optimising your tax liabilities by keeping an eye on the investment tenure and tax slabs.

Increase Your SIP Contributions Annually
As your income increases or you receive bonuses, try to increase your SIP contributions. Small increments can make a big difference in achieving your Rs 2 crore target. A step-up SIP strategy allows you to increase your investment amount every year, boosting your chances of meeting your goal within the given time frame.

Emergency Fund
Even though your goal is to build a Rs 2 crore corpus, you must not overlook building an emergency fund. Your emergency fund should cover at least six months of your living expenses. Having this buffer will ensure that you don’t need to withdraw from your long-term investments in case of unexpected events.

An emergency fund can be held in liquid mutual funds or fixed deposits. These options provide liquidity while offering moderate returns.

Contingency Planning
While you are focusing on building a significant corpus, also ensure you have adequate contingency plans in place. Since you are 48 years old, health insurance and life insurance are crucial to protect your family in case of any unexpected events. Review your existing health insurance coverage to ensure it is adequate. You may need to enhance it based on your current financial status and family needs.

Health Insurance: If you don’t have health insurance, get a robust plan that covers critical illnesses. This ensures you don’t have to dip into your savings for medical emergencies.

Life Insurance: Term insurance is the most cost-effective option for covering life risk. Ensure that the sum assured is enough to meet your family’s needs in case of your absence.

Investment Monitoring
Regularly monitor your portfolio performance. Review your investments at least once every six months. This will allow you to make adjustments if needed, especially if your investments are underperforming or if there are significant market changes.

Also, keep an eye on your goals. If there’s a shortfall or if the market environment changes, you can tweak your portfolio to get back on track. Work closely with your CFP, who can provide guidance during volatile markets or periods of underperformance.

Final Insights
Reaching Rs 2 crore in five years is ambitious but achievable with careful planning. Balancing high-growth equity investments with safe debt options is essential. A Certified Financial Planner can help you select the right mutual funds and maintain tax efficiency.

By investing Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 monthly, sticking to your plan, and reviewing it regularly, you will increase your chances of success. Remember, wealth creation requires discipline, patience, and a balanced approach.

Ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage to protect your family and have an emergency fund in place.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9227 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 03, 2024Hindi
Money
I am almost 47 years old. I have invested 18k in mutual fund and 15k in nos. 3 lacs in stocks and 1 lacs of fd. 30k in ppt. And almost 18k goes to pf from my salary and 15k from employer. I have company stocks of around 25k dollars. I get 50k via rent. I have 25 lacs in pf. I have 45 lacs of home loan and take away salary of 1. 8 lacs. What amount is sufficient to have 2 cr at age of 58. Kindly advise some investment options for me. I have son of 14 years and aspire to be doctor. His school expenses are around 4 lacs per year
Ans: Planning for your future and your son’s education is a wise step. Your goal of accumulating Rs. 2 crore by age 58 is achievable with a disciplined and diversified approach. Here’s a detailed plan to help you accomplish this goal, while also addressing your son’s education needs.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Based on the information provided, you have various sources of income and investment:

Monthly Salary: Rs. 1.8 lakh

Monthly Rental Income: Rs. 50,000

Provident Fund: Rs. 25 lakh (both personal and employer contributions)

Mutual Funds: Rs. 18,000 (ongoing investment)

National Savings Certificates (NSC): Rs. 15,000

Company Stock: Approximately Rs. 25,000 (worth in USD)

Stocks: Rs. 3 lakh

Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs. 1 lakh

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 30,000 annually

Home Loan: Rs. 45 lakh outstanding

This diversified investment mix, along with your home loan repayment, provides a solid base for your financial goals.

Investment Strategy to Achieve Rs. 2 Crore Corpus by Age 58
To reach Rs. 2 crore in 11 years, a structured investment plan is essential. Here are some suggestions to help you meet your goal:

1. Increase Monthly Mutual Fund Contributions
Boost Current SIPs: Gradually increase your SIP from Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 25,000-30,000 monthly to reach the desired corpus. Mutual funds can yield inflation-adjusted returns and have the potential to compound well over time.

Focus on Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds often outperform in volatile markets. They have the advantage of professional fund management, providing better returns than passively managed index funds, which lack the flexibility to adapt to changing markets.

2. Maximise Contributions to PPF and EPF
Continue PPF Contributions: Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a secure investment, and its tax-free maturity can be an excellent supplement to your retirement corpus.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF): EPF contributions from both you and your employer provide a stable, low-risk investment that will grow consistently until retirement.

3. Diversify into Balanced and Hybrid Funds
Consider Balanced Funds: Balanced or hybrid funds offer a mix of equity and debt, ensuring a balance between growth and stability. They are ideal for goals like retirement due to their moderate risk and steady returns.
4. Optimize Company Stock Holdings
Monitor Stock Performance: With company stocks valued at Rs. 25,000 in USD, it’s essential to regularly review their performance. This will help you avoid any potential concentration risk in your portfolio.

Diversify if Necessary: If these stocks form a large portion of your portfolio, consider diversifying into other assets or mutual funds. This will reduce the risk associated with market volatility.

5. Review Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Strategies
Tax on Equity Mutual Funds: Under current rules, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Optimise your withdrawals to minimise tax liabilities.

Tax Planning for Debt Mutual Funds: Debt mutual funds are taxed according to your income slab. Align your withdrawals with tax planning strategies to maximise your post-tax returns.

6. Adjust Investment for Your Son’s Education
Education Goal Planning: With your son aspiring to be a doctor, education expenses may increase significantly. Consider creating a dedicated fund specifically for his higher education.

Invest in Education-Focused Mutual Funds: Education funds provide potential growth with the flexibility to withdraw as needed. SIPs can help in systematic investing without impacting your other financial goals.

Establish a Target Corpus: Estimate future education costs and adjust your investments accordingly to ensure you can meet his tuition and living expenses comfortably.

Managing Your Debt Effectively
The outstanding home loan of Rs. 45 lakh can impact your cash flow. Here’s how you can manage it more efficiently:

Evaluate Prepayment Options: Prepaying a portion of the home loan annually can reduce interest and shorten the loan tenure. This will help improve your cash flow for additional investments.

Maintain an Emergency Fund: To avoid using your investments for unexpected expenses, keep an emergency fund worth 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a financial cushion while allowing your other investments to grow uninterrupted.

Benefits of Regular Mutual Funds Over Direct Investments
It’s essential to consider investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with an MFD credential rather than opting for direct funds. Here’s why:

Professional Advice: A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance, helping you make informed investment decisions that align with your financial goals.

Active Portfolio Management: MFDs with CFP certification monitor your investments and suggest timely changes, maximising your returns.

Tax-Efficient Portfolio: Regular fund options with a CFP help in structuring a tax-efficient portfolio, optimising your returns over time.

Final Insights
With a structured and disciplined investment approach, you can achieve both your retirement and educational goals. Regular reviews, diversifying into actively managed funds, and maximising PPF and EPF contributions will secure your financial future.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner will also bring expertise and personalised strategies to help you stay on track.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |1737 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir the kcet verification slip has been released now. But I have received my re evaluated cbse board marks now and there is an increment of 10 marks in PCM. Can I update my marks now and get a new rank somehow? And what is the procedure for that?
Ans: Yes, you can update your KCET application with your new CBSE marks after re-evaluation. However, whether it impacts your rank depends on the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) rules and when your revised marks are released—especially in relation to the KCET counseling schedule.

Here's what you should do:
1. Check the KEA Website
Go to cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.

Look for any announcements or FAQs about:

Updating marks after re-evaluation.

Impact on KCET 2025 ranks and verification slip changes.

Check if they mention a process for submitting updated marks from other boards like CBSE.

2. Understand the Timeline
KCET Counseling Start Date:
If your updated CBSE marks come before KCET counseling begins, you’ll likely be allowed to update them.

CBSE Re-evaluation Timeline:
Re-evaluation takes time. Check CBSE’s website for expected timelines so you know when to expect your updated marks.

3. If Re-evaluation Results Come Before Counseling
Collect Documents:

Original CBSE mark sheet.

Revised mark sheet (after re-evaluation).

A copy of the re-evaluation confirmation (if available).

Contact KEA:

Use their official helpline or email (from their website).

Ask specifically how to update your marks in their system.

Follow KEA Instructions:

If allowed, KEA will give you exact steps—possibly uploading documents online or via a specific portal.

Rank Might Change:

If your updated marks are submitted in time, KEA may recalculate your rank using the new scores.

4. If Re-evaluation Results Come After Counseling
Spot Admissions or Special Rounds:

If regular counseling is over, you may not be able to change your application immediately.

However, you might be eligible for spot admissions or extra counseling rounds (if seats are still available).

Stay in Touch with KEA:

Contact them and ask whether your revised marks can still be considered in any remaining rounds.

5. General Tips
Don’t Assume Anything:
Always rely on official updates from KEA and CBSE. Don’t act on rumors or hearsay.

Keep All Records:
Save copies of your application, payment receipts, emails, and any mark sheets (old and revised).

Ask for Help if Needed:
If confused, talk to an education counselor or someone experienced with KCET admissions.

...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.

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