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T S Khurana

T S Khurana   |275 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Sep 28, 2024

A certified management accountant since 1993, T S Khurana is a fellow member of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India. His areas of expertise are income tax, specifically litigation cases, and GST.

Since the last 21 years, he has also been providing expert advice on financial matters, including investments and diversification of funds, and wealth building in the long term to his clients.
He believes that investment in real estate is the safest way for better returns and wealth generation over a period of time.

A former chairman of the Chandigarh Chapter of Institute of Cost Accountants of India, T S Khurana has also served as member of its technical committee.... more
Chandrakant Question by Chandrakant on Sep 25, 2024
Money

hi... i have a flat in thane and its been on rent fro 6-7 years ...we are executing the contact every 11 months ..is it ok to keep the tenant fro so long or i need to change the tenant... or he may claim the property if there any law like that

Ans: 01. It is fine that you keep on executing new contract after every 11 months. This system seems to be safe. However, you may give a gap of one or two months, while renewing the contract. This is just to ensure that lease period is not continuous for a long period. You need not change the tenant as he has no right to claim your property, merely because, he has been your tenant for few years.
Most welcome for any further clarification. Thanks.
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  |7459 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Money
For the last 1 1/2 years I have a tenant. Though he was regularly paying rent but he was very secretive person. He never talked much with us. Everyday he leaves the flat at 6 am and returns after 11 pm. He told us that he has a warehouse of a reputed company and for that he remains very busy. Last year he showed immense interest to buy our flat. We were also ready to sale it. He assured us that he will surely buy the property so we have not entertained any other buyer. But for the last 4 months he was behaving suspiciously. Everytime we asked him about the tentative date when he is ready to take possession, he unnecessarily avoided the question saying that his lawyer is very busy. When we contacted his lawyer, he said that he has no connection with that person for the last 4-5 months. When we crossed him, he behaved very rudely and told that he will not purchase it and from that night he has not returned in his flat. Now we want to send him an eviction notice as per our agreement as we are in urgent need of selling the property as my father is seriously ill and need to do some costly medical procedure. We do not have any duplicate key of the flat so now it is not possible also to show the flat to someone. Also he is not picking up the phone. Please help. Our agreement will end on 9th October, 2024.
Ans: I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing. Dealing with a tenant who is uncooperative and has disappeared can be quite challenging, especially when urgent medical needs are involved. Here's a step-by-step approach to handle the situation effectively:

Understanding Your Agreement
Firstly, review your rental agreement thoroughly. Pay special attention to clauses related to eviction, notice periods, and tenant obligations. This will guide your actions and ensure you remain within legal boundaries.

Sending an Eviction Notice
Given the tenant's behavior and your urgent need, issuing an eviction notice is the right step. Here’s how to proceed:

Draft the Notice: The eviction notice should be clear and precise. Include the following details:

Tenant’s name and address
Reason for eviction (e.g., non-payment of rent, breach of contract)
The date by which the tenant should vacate the property
Reference to the specific clauses of the agreement being violated
Signature and date
Legal Considerations: In India, a minimum notice period is usually stipulated in the rental agreement. If not specified, a 30-day notice is typically considered reasonable. However, consult with a lawyer to ensure compliance with local laws.

Serving the Notice
Personal Delivery: If possible, deliver the notice personally. Ensure you have a witness present during delivery. This could be a neighbor or a friend.

Registered Post: If personal delivery is not possible, send the notice via registered post with acknowledgment due. This ensures there is a record of delivery.

Legal Recourse
If the tenant does not vacate after the notice period, you may need to initiate legal proceedings. Here’s what you can do:

Consult a Lawyer: Engage a lawyer who specializes in rental disputes. They can guide you through the process of filing an eviction suit.

File a Case: The lawyer will help you file an eviction suit in the appropriate court. This process can take time, so it’s essential to act promptly.

Court Order: If the court rules in your favor, they will issue an eviction order. The police can then assist in evicting the tenant if necessary.

Handling the Locked Flat
Given that you don’t have a duplicate key and the tenant is unreachable, you may need to take additional steps:

Legal Permission: Before attempting to access the flat, get legal permission. Unauthorized entry can lead to legal complications.

Police Assistance: If you have a court order, the police can assist in gaining access to the flat. They can also help ensure that the process is smooth and without conflict.

Addressing Urgent Medical Needs
Since your father’s medical needs are urgent, consider alternative financial arrangements while the eviction process is underway:

Loans: Explore options for a personal loan or a medical loan. Many banks offer these with quick disbursement.

Family Support: Seek financial support from family or friends temporarily until the property is sold.

Insurance: If you have any health insurance policies, check if they cover the medical procedures required.

Future Precautions
To avoid similar situations in the future, consider these precautions:

Tenant Screening: Conduct thorough background checks on prospective tenants. Verify their employment, check references, and ensure their credibility.

Clear Agreements: Ensure your rental agreements are clear and legally sound. Include clauses for regular inspections and maintenance visits.

Duplicate Keys: Always keep a duplicate key for the flat. This ensures you have access if the tenant becomes uncooperative.

Genuine Compliments and Empathy
Your proactive approach to solving this issue is commendable. It’s not easy to handle such stressful situations, especially with urgent medical needs. Your concern for your father’s health shows your dedication and love.

Final Insights
Handling a difficult tenant requires patience and legal guidance. Issue an eviction notice, consult a lawyer, and follow legal procedures to regain possession of your flat. Simultaneously, explore financial options for your father’s medical needs. Being proactive and seeking professional help will ensure a smoother resolution.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

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Dear Ramalingam, I’m a salaried employee aged 40. My take home salary is currently pegged at 1.05L/month, after deductions, tax, savings. My monthly savings/contributions include Superannuation fund around 11.5K, Provident Fund around 13.8K and additional Voluntary PF contributions currently averaging 46K. I’ve opted for NPS individually since 2019 and around 60K inflow is available there annually. I’ve an insurance policy for 5L (Jeevan Anand for 25Y period and currently in the 7th yr) and haven’t opted for Term insurance/personal health insurance currently, except the corporate health insurance coverage. My EPFO balance currently is around 48L and I’ve Postal savings in RD/NSC/PPF/SSA instruments [altogether currently valued around 12L+ (PPF/SSA is hardly aged 3 yrs and contributions are yearly 1.5L respectively)]. I’ve not availed loans and do not use a Credit Card. I’ve not ventured into Equities, as I’m risk averse person. I’m the prime bread winner for family consisting of my spouse(not working), 2 kids(aged 4(M) and 1(F)) and my parents (not working/not having any income and are senior citizens, aged 80+ and 70+). We’ve a house and agricultural land around 60 cents(non-metro, village). My monthly expense can be pegged currently at 30-40K range, including rentals. I’d like to have a review and expert opinion/evaluation on my portfolio, whether its satisfactory. (I understand the definition of satisfactory is subjective in nature). Assuming if I’m healthy and continuing to work until 50-55Yrs range, provide an analysis, whether the current patterns will suffice for sustaining the inflation and/or future expenses. Awaiting your valuable inputs. Regards,
Ans: Your financial discipline is commendable. Below is a detailed analysis of your current portfolio, along with recommendations for improvement.

Income and Savings Overview
Your take-home salary of Rs. 1.05 lakh/month allows for significant savings potential.

Superannuation, PF, and VPF contributions total nearly Rs. 71,300 monthly.

Annual NPS contributions of Rs. 60,000 provide additional retirement savings.

Insurance Coverage
The Jeevan Anand policy offers Rs. 5 lakh coverage, which is insufficient for your family.

You lack term insurance, which is crucial as the primary breadwinner.

Relying solely on corporate health insurance is risky for your family’s medical needs.

Current Investments
EPFO balance of Rs. 48 lakh is a strong retirement foundation.

Postal savings (RD/NSC/PPF/SSA) total Rs. 12 lakh, but they lack growth potential.

Contributions to PPF and SSA are beneficial but need complementary growth instruments.

No exposure to equities limits the wealth-building capacity of your portfolio.

Expense Management
Monthly expenses of Rs. 30,000-40,000 are well within your income limits.

Future expenses for children’s education and parental care must be considered.

Analysis of Future Financial Sufficiency
Retirement Goal

If you work until 55, your current savings pattern may need augmentation.
Inflation and rising medical costs will require a larger retirement corpus.
Children’s Education and Marriage

Expenses for higher education and weddings will significantly impact your corpus.
Parental Care

Senior citizen healthcare costs can be unpredictable and expensive.
Recommendations for Improvement
Increase Insurance Coverage
Opt for a term insurance policy of at least Rs. 1 crore.

Secure a family health insurance plan with adequate coverage.

Diversify Investments
Add equity exposure through actively managed mutual funds.

Allocate around 25% of savings to equity mutual funds for higher growth.

Continue PPF and SSA contributions, but limit postal savings to maintain liquidity.

Optimise Retirement Savings
Review NPS allocation to ensure a balanced equity and debt mix.

Increase contributions to NPS for tax benefits and long-term growth.

Reduce over-reliance on VPF and add growth instruments like mutual funds.

Plan for Long-Term Goals
Estimate future costs for children’s education and create a targeted investment plan.

Use a combination of equity and debt funds to balance risk and returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Maintain 6-12 months’ expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.

This will provide financial security during unforeseen circumstances.

Tax Efficiency
Review your investments annually to optimise tax savings.

Use Section 80C, 80D, and NPS tax benefits effectively.

Final Insights
Your financial discipline and savings pattern are excellent. However, diversification and better planning are essential.

Focus on increasing insurance coverage, adding growth instruments, and planning for future milestones.

With these adjustments, you can comfortably achieve your goals and sustain your lifestyle.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

Listen
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i am Rahul(30 year old), RRB bank clerk, b.tech graduate, unmarried, I am thinking about my future plan like my pension after retirement. Will I get a pension and how much will be it?
Ans: As an RRB clerk, your retirement benefits depend on government norms and organisational policies. Let’s analyse your future pension prospects and how to prepare for a financially secure retirement.

Government Pension System
New Pension System (NPS): Government employees recruited after 2004 are under the NPS.

Contribution System: You and your employer contribute to your NPS account.

Pension Payout: The final pension depends on accumulated corpus and annuity rates.

Estimating Your Pension Amount
Accumulated Corpus: Regular contributions from your salary build the corpus.

Annuity Purchase: At retirement, 40% of the corpus is used to buy an annuity.

Pension Amount: The annuity provides monthly pension based on selected annuity plans.

Inflation Impact: Future pension value depends on inflation-adjusted returns.

Supplementing Your Pension
Relying solely on the NPS might not suffice. You need parallel investments for added security.

1. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Invest monthly in mutual funds to create an additional retirement corpus.

Choose equity-oriented funds for long-term wealth creation.

Hybrid and debt funds can offer stability closer to retirement.

2. Voluntary Contributions to NPS
Contribute beyond mandatory deductions to build a larger corpus.

These voluntary contributions can provide additional retirement income.

3. Building a Diversified Portfolio
Diversify across equity, hybrid, and debt mutual funds for balanced growth.

Avoid relying on low-return options like fixed deposits.

Use professionally managed funds for better returns than index funds.

Managing Tax Liabilities
NPS Taxation: Withdrawals are partially taxable at maturity.

Mutual Fund Taxation: Equity funds have LTCG taxed at 12.5% beyond Rs. 1.25 lakh.

Plan withdrawals and redemptions to optimise post-retirement cash flow.

Role of Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Direct Funds: Require expertise and time to manage efficiently.

Regular Funds: MFDs and CFPs provide tailored advice and ongoing support.

Regular funds help align investments with your retirement goals.

Other Financial Considerations
1. Emergency Fund
Maintain a reserve for unexpected expenses, covering 6-12 months of needs.

Use liquid funds for accessibility and minimal risk.

2. Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health coverage for medical emergencies.

Avoid investment-linked insurance like ULIPs and endowment plans.

A separate term plan can protect your family’s financial future.

3. Retirement Age and Inflation
Plan for retirement expenses adjusted for inflation.

Aim to build a corpus that sustains your lifestyle for 25-30 years.

Step-by-Step Action Plan
Assess Current NPS Account: Check your contribution and employer’s contribution.

Start SIPs Immediately: Begin with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase annually by 10%.

Allocate Across Funds: Use a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

Enhance Voluntary NPS Contributions: Contribute more whenever possible.

Review Portfolio Semi-Annually: Adjust based on performance and retirement goals.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: For regular fund investments and portfolio alignment.

Finally
Planning early ensures a comfortable retirement and peace of mind. Combine your NPS benefits with mutual fund investments to achieve a secure future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

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Money
i am 49 years now. two years back i bought flat (15 years old) in heart of Hebbal Bangalore with all my savings 50K. I dont have any home loan/no personal loan/no hand loan/no credit card payment. my current take home salary is 70K. daughter studying 1st year engineering (her college expenses 1.5 lakhs/year) and my son 6th std (his school expense 1.5 lakhs including sports coaching). i am not doing any lavish expenses. After spending all my money to buy flat. Now my biggest worry is nearing retirement. I want to create retirement fund of min 50 lakhs by the age of 60. how can i achieve and advise some good funds and what strategy should i adopt.
Ans: You have made a significant decision by buying a flat in Hebbal. Being debt-free is a solid foundation for future planning. With a monthly take-home salary of Rs. 70,000 and educational expenses for your children, it’s crucial to build a strategy to achieve your retirement goal of Rs. 50 lakhs in 11 years.

Let’s create a 360-degree plan to achieve your target systematically.

Key Observations and Challenges
Educational Expenses: Annual expenses for your daughter and son total Rs. 3 lakhs.

Savings Potential: After meeting essential expenses, your ability to save is key for investments.

Time Horizon: You have 11 years to build a retirement corpus.

No Existing Investments: Starting now requires focused efforts and disciplined execution.

Monthly Savings and Investment Strategy
1. Determine Monthly Savings Capacity
Deduct all fixed and variable expenses from your take-home salary.

Aim to save at least Rs. 20,000 monthly for investments.

Any salary increments should directly increase your savings.

2. Adopt a Step-Up SIP Approach
Start with Rs. 20,000 monthly in Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).

Increase your investment by 10% annually.

A step-up SIP ensures higher contributions over time.

3. Allocate Investments Across Fund Categories
Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate 70% of your monthly SIPs to equity funds.

Hybrid Funds: Invest 20% in balanced advantage or aggressive hybrid funds.

Debt Funds: Allocate 10% to debt funds for stability and emergencies.

Fund Selection Recommendations
Equity Funds
Focus on actively managed funds across large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap categories.

Actively managed funds outperform in the long term compared to index funds.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds dynamically adjust equity and debt allocation, reducing risk.

Suitable for those nearing retirement.

Debt Funds
Debt funds provide stability and liquidity.

Use them for short-term needs and goal realignment near retirement.

Tax Efficiency
Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt Funds: Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan redemptions to minimise tax liabilities.

Additional Financial Planning Tips
1. Emergency Fund
Build a reserve of at least 6 months’ expenses in liquid funds.

This ensures financial stability during unforeseen events.

2. Insurance
Ensure adequate health insurance for your family.

Avoid investment-linked insurance plans like ULIPs or endowment plans.

Term insurance can secure your family’s financial future.

3. Track and Review
Monitor your portfolio semi-annually.

Rebalance funds to maintain the right mix of equity and debt.

4. Children’s Education
Prioritise their education without compromising your retirement savings.

Plan for their higher education by partially using hybrid or debt funds.

Insights on Direct vs Regular Funds
Direct Funds
Managing direct funds needs expertise and time.

Most investors find it challenging to track fund performance.

Regular Funds via CFP
A Certified Financial Planner ensures personalised advice and goal alignment.

They provide a structured approach, helping you stay on track.

Regular funds also simplify taxation and rebalancing.

Steps to Implement
Open a SIP for Rs. 20,000 in mutual funds through an MFD associated with a CFP.

Gradually increase your SIP amount annually by 10%.

Diversify investments across equity, hybrid, and debt categories.

Create a dedicated retirement fund and avoid using it for other goals.

Periodically review and realign your portfolio with a professional.

Finally
Starting your retirement journey now is a wise decision. Discipline, consistency, and smart fund selection will help achieve your Rs. 50 lakh target. With careful planning and execution, you can secure a comfortable retirement while supporting your children’s education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7459 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2025

Money
Hello, I am looking for MF portfolio advice for my investments. I am planning to invest 60K monthly with 10% yearly stepup in MF to create corpus for my future goals. * Daughter higher studies: corpus ~3cr, time: 18yrs * Daughter marriage: corpus ~1cr, time: 24yrs * Retirement planning: Sufficient for me and my wife, time: 25 yrs Please suggest proper breakups, which MF should i go for. (Currently i am investing in Index funds only...50% Nifty50, 30% Nifty Next50, 20% Nifty Midcap 150...)
Ans: Your dedication to achieving long-term goals is commendable. Investing Rs. 60,000 monthly with a 10% yearly step-up is a disciplined approach. However, relying solely on index funds may not be the most effective strategy. Let’s review and refine your portfolio to maximise returns while managing risks.

Drawbacks of Index Fund Investments
Lack of Flexibility: Index funds mirror the market, offering no scope for outperformance. Actively managed funds, however, provide flexibility to adapt to market conditions.

Sectoral Concentration: Index funds often have higher weights in specific sectors. This increases risks during sector downturns.

Missed Opportunities: Index funds do not benefit from opportunities outside the index universe.

Tax Inefficiencies: While index funds save on fund management fees, their passive nature may lead to frequent portfolio adjustments, triggering short-term capital gains (STCG) taxes.

To optimise your investments, transitioning to a mix of actively managed funds is recommended.

A Comprehensive Investment Plan for Your Goals
1. Daughter’s Higher Studies (Corpus: Rs. 3 crore, Time: 18 years)
Focus on equity-oriented funds with exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap categories.

Use SIP mode for disciplined investment. Allocate 50% of your monthly SIPs here initially.

Review and rebalance this portion every 3 years to align with market trends.

2. Daughter’s Marriage (Corpus: Rs. 1 crore, Time: 24 years)
Invest in a mix of mid-cap funds and hybrid funds to balance growth and stability.

Allocate 30% of your SIPs to this goal. As the timeline shortens, shift towards debt-oriented funds to reduce risks.

3. Retirement Planning (Time: 25 years)
For retirement, diversify into equity funds with some allocation in balanced advantage funds.

Ensure 20% of your SIPs flow here initially. Gradually increase allocation in safer instruments like debt mutual funds as you near retirement.

Proposed Monthly Investment Allocation
Daughter’s Higher Studies: Rs. 30,000
Daughter’s Marriage: Rs. 18,000
Retirement: Rs. 12,000
With the 10% annual step-up, maintain proportional increases across all goals.

Suggested Mutual Fund Categories
Large-Cap Funds

Offer stability and steady growth. Ideal for higher education and retirement goals.
Mid-Cap Funds

Potential for higher returns. Suitable for long-term goals like marriage and education.
Flexi-Cap Funds

Provide diversification by investing across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Balanced Advantage Funds

Balance equity and debt dynamically. Add stability to retirement planning.
Debt Funds

For short-term needs and to lower portfolio risk as goals near.
Key Portfolio Management Tips
Regular Monitoring: Review your portfolio semi-annually to ensure alignment with goals.

Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs): Gradually move equity investments to debt funds closer to goal timelines.

Tax Planning:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
Debt Funds: Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per your income tax slab.
Leverage these rules while rebalancing your portfolio.
Emergency Fund: Maintain 6-12 months of expenses in liquid funds or savings accounts to handle contingencies.

Insights on Direct vs. Regular Funds
Direct Funds: Require constant tracking and knowledge to optimise. Not suitable for most investors.

Regular Funds via a CFP:

Offers personalised advice tailored to your goals.
Simplifies rebalancing and tax optimisation.
Ensures access to a diversified, well-managed portfolio.
Investing with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner ensures structured decision-making and goal alignment.

Final Insights
Your current commitment to investing and goal clarity is praiseworthy. However, fine-tuning your strategy is essential for optimal outcomes. Diversify beyond index funds, embrace actively managed funds, and align investments with your unique goals and timelines.

With disciplined execution, periodic reviews, and professional guidance, you can achieve financial security for yourself and your family.

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.

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