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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 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
Gowtham Question by Gowtham on May 16, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi i am getting 60yrs age I will getting 25lakhs settlement amount how could I can get safest to invest with good returns

Ans: Turning 60 and receiving a settlement amount of ?25 lakhs is a significant milestone. This period of life calls for prudent financial planning to ensure safety and good returns. Here’s how you can invest your money wisely.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Short-Term Needs
Assess your immediate financial needs. Ensure you have enough liquidity to cover any short-term expenses without disturbing your long-term investments.

Long-Term Security
Your primary goal should be to secure a steady income for your retirement years. This requires a mix of safety and moderate returns.

Safe Investment Options
Fixed Deposits
Bank Fixed Deposits
Bank fixed deposits (FDs) are a safe investment option. They offer guaranteed returns and capital protection. You can choose from various tenure options to match your financial goals.

Post Office Schemes
Post Office fixed deposits are another secure option. They often offer competitive interest rates and the security of government backing.

Debt Mutual Funds
Benefits of Debt Funds
Debt mutual funds invest in bonds and fixed income securities. They provide better returns than FDs while maintaining lower risk. Actively managed debt funds can offer stability and moderate growth.

Risks and Mitigation
Debt funds are subject to interest rate risks. Choosing funds managed by experienced fund managers can mitigate these risks.

Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)
High Safety and Returns
SCSS is a government-backed scheme offering attractive interest rates. It is specifically designed for senior citizens and offers quarterly interest payments, ensuring regular income.

Investment Limits
You can invest a maximum of ?15 lakhs in SCSS. The remaining amount can be diversified into other safe investment options.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)
Regular Income
The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) provides a fixed monthly income. It is a safe investment with government backing, ideal for generating regular income.

Investment Cap
MIS has an investment limit of ?4.5 lakhs per individual. Consider this as part of your diversified investment strategy.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Long-Term Security
PPF offers tax-free returns and the security of government backing. It has a 15-year lock-in period, making it suitable for long-term investment.

Partial Withdrawals
Partial withdrawals are allowed after a certain period, providing some liquidity while ensuring long-term growth.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
Hedge Against Inflation
SGBs offer returns linked to the market price of gold, along with periodic interest payments. They are a good hedge against inflation and ensure capital appreciation.

Low Risk
SGBs are backed by the government, making them a low-risk investment option.

Importance of Diversification
Spread Your Investments
Diversify your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. A mix of FDs, debt funds, SCSS, MIS, PPF, and SGBs ensures a balanced portfolio.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Review your investments regularly and rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired risk-return profile. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers making strategic decisions. This can result in better returns compared to index funds, which follow a passive investment strategy.

Adaptability
Fund managers can adapt to market changes and take advantage of opportunities, enhancing the potential for higher returns.

Avoiding Direct Mutual Funds
Lack of Advisory Services
Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios but lack advisory services. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials ensures you receive professional advice tailored to your needs.

Personalized Guidance
An MFD can help you choose the right funds, manage risks, and optimize returns, making regular funds a better choice for most investors.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Building an Emergency Fund
Set aside a portion of your settlement amount as an emergency fund. This ensures you have quick access to funds in case of unexpected expenses without disrupting your investments.

Adequate Insurance Coverage
Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance. This protects your savings from unforeseen medical expenses and provides financial security for your family.

Conclusion
Your settlement amount of ?25 lakhs, combined with strategic investment planning, can ensure a secure and comfortable retirement. Focus on safe investment options like FDs, debt mutual funds, SCSS, MIS, PPF, and SGBs. Diversify your investments, seek professional advice, and regularly review your portfolio to achieve your financial goals. With careful planning, you can enjoy peace of mind and financial stability.

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.
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Hi I am retiring in one year want to invest 25 lacs. Which are best safe and best returns options
Ans: Since you're retiring soon and looking for safe investment options with potentially good returns, here are some options to consider:
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS is a government-backed savings scheme for individuals above 60 years of age. It offers quarterly interest payouts and has a tenure of 5 years, which can be extended once for an additional 3 years.

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): POMIS is a low-risk investment option offered by India Post. It provides monthly interest payments and has a maturity period of 5 years.

Bank Fixed Deposits (FDs): FDs are a popular choice for conservative investors. Look for banks offering competitive interest rates and consider opting for cumulative or non-cumulative FDs based on your income needs.

Debt Mutual Funds: Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. They offer relatively higher returns than traditional fixed-income options like FDs and are tax-efficient for investors in higher tax brackets.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): If you prefer investing in mutual funds, you can consider setting up an SWP to generate regular income from your investment while staying invested in the market.

Assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and income requirements before finalizing your investment strategy. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to create a customized retirement plan that aligns with your financial goals and needs.

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Lumpsum investment pls advise good funds Sip investment which good funds Tax savind mutual.fund which is good fund Pls advice am 50yrs pf age want the fund giv g gopd returns in 5 to 8 yrs
Ans: Investing a lumpsum amount requires careful planning. Given your age and goals, it's important to balance risk and return. Here are some recommendations:

Diversified Equity Funds:

These funds invest in a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They offer potential for high returns.
Suitable for a 5-8 year investment horizon.
Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
Professional fund managers select stocks based on research.
They can provide better returns than index funds.
Debt Funds:

For lower risk, consider debt funds.
These invest in fixed-income securities.
Suitable for short to medium-term goals.
SIP Investment
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help in disciplined investing. They also benefit from rupee cost averaging. Here are some options for SIP investments:

Large Cap Funds:

Invest in large, stable companies.
Lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Suitable for consistent growth.
Mid Cap Funds:

Invest in mid-sized companies.
Potential for higher growth than large-cap funds.
Suitable for medium to high-risk investors.
Small Cap Funds:

Invest in small companies with high growth potential.
Higher risk but can offer significant returns.
Suitable for long-term goals and risk-tolerant investors.
Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Tax-saving mutual funds, also known as ELSS, provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. Here are some benefits:

Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS):
Offer tax deductions up to Rs 1.5 lakh.
Invest in equity markets for potential high returns.
Shortest lock-in period among tax-saving options.
Investment Strategy
To achieve good returns in 5-8 years, consider the following strategy:

Diversification:

Spread investments across equity, debt, and tax-saving funds.
This reduces risk and maximizes returns.
Professional Guidance:

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials offer support and professional advice.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific market index. However, they have some disadvantages:

No Active Management:

They replicate the index and cannot outperform it.
They miss out on potential gains from market inefficiencies.
Market Risk:

They are subject to overall market risk.
They do not protect against downturns in the index.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have several advantages:

Professional Management:

Experienced fund managers make investment decisions.
They can identify and exploit market opportunities.
Potential for Higher Returns:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
They can adjust their portfolios based on market conditions.
Final Insights
Investing at 50 requires a balanced approach. Focus on diversifying across equity, debt, and tax-saving funds. Use SIPs for disciplined investing and consider actively managed funds for potential higher returns. Avoid direct investments and index funds due to their limitations. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investments to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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I am seeking guidance on my current financial situation. I am 50 years old, with a net take-home income of 1.42 lacs per month, while my wife earns approximately 75k monthly. We have two daughters pursuing higher education, with annual fees totalling 6.10 lacs. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced a significant setback when I was unable to pay my home loan EMI, leading me to opt for a moratorium. Despite having already paid approximately 43.85 lakhs towards my home loan of 58.50 lakhs taken in 2017, the principal outstanding has astonishingly increased to 59.45 lakhs. I now find myself committed to an EMI of 65,000 monthly, further straining our financial resources. To cover both my daughters first-year college fees, I took out a gold loan of 5.5 lakhs, for which I currently pay 50,000 a month. I had invested in a family health insurance policy with Star Health, covering 10 lakhs, but due to poor service I stopped paying my premium, which had an accrued value of 17.50 lakhs. I hold a provident fund account with a balance of 2.5 lakhs. I am concerned about planning for my elder daughter's wedding in the next 2 to 3 years and my retirement. I would appreciate any advice or strategies you could provide to help me navigate this situation effectively.
Ans: Hello;

Try and understand from the home loan lender as to how 59.45 L principal is overdue despite paying a sum of 43.85 L, despite factoring 80% of this as interest payment, the overdue principal should be below 50 L.

Double check if this is as per the terms of moratorium.

If you are not satisfied with replies from the lender escalate the matter to the highest authority at lender or RBI.

Lender can't behave irrationally just because you availed moratorium during COVID.

In my view you should have just sold the gold rather then taking loan against it.

That way you could have lessened EMI burden on your finances and ensured investments for retirement and other goals.

Unfortunately we have a tradition of attaching emotional value to precious metals and real estate.

The best "jewellery" you can offer to your kids is good education, which you have already done.

In matters of health insurance never discontinue a policy due to dissatisfaction with the insurer, port it to another insurer, 1.5/2 months before the renewal date so that your benefits remain intact. Now you may be need to find another health care insurance.

You may begin a monthly sip of 25-30 K in diversified large cap oriented mutual fund for 5 years.

Also give a thought to NPS, you can contribute till 70 age, for retirement pension.

Best wishes;

...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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