Retirement corpus goals: How to reach Rs.5 crores by 65 with no MF or SIP experience?

Ans: To achieve a corpus of 1 crore in 10 years, you'll need a disciplined monthly SIP investment. Assuming an average annual return of around 10%, you might need to invest approximately Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 55,000 per month in mutual funds.

For mutual fund selection:

Large-cap Funds: Offer stability and consistent returns.
Mid-cap Funds: Higher growth potential but with increased risk.
Diversified Equity Funds: Provide a mix of large and mid-cap stocks for balanced growth.
Balanced Funds: Combine equity and debt for stable returns with moderate risk.
Consider consulting a financial advisor to help select the right mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals.

Ans: To achieve your retirement goal of a monthly pension of Rs 2 lakhs post-tax, growing at 7% annually, you'll need to calculate the required corpus. For this, I’m unable to let you know your exact corpus amount since I have no information about your current expenses, risk tolerance, life expectancy and other financial goals.

With assumptions like an 85-year life expectancy and an aggressive risk profile, you might need around Rs 7.75 crore at retirement (age 45). This considers a 7% inflation rate and 13% pre-retirement returns.

Right now, you have Rs 67 lakhs saved, split between equity and debt. However, solely relying on these might only sustain your desired lifestyle till age 60 only. To make sure you have enough until 85, you need to invest an additional monthly investment (SIP) of around Rs 1 Lakh along with your existing investments of Rs. 67 Lakhs. Also, slowly build up an emergency fund equal to 6 months of your expenses.

The response to your query is based on limited information and consulting a financial advisor is highly recommended. He/she can create a personalized plan considering your expenses, risk tolerance, and other goals. There are some free financial calculators (for retirement planning) available on google, you can also refer to the same for the calculation.

Ans: Current Financial Snapshot

Your age: 43 years
Retirement age: 53 years
Desired retirement corpus: Rs 10 crore
Additional medical emergency fund: Rs 1 crore
Net savings per month: Rs 6 lakh
Current SIP investment: Rs 2 lakh in diversified equity funds
House value: Rs 3 crore (no loan)
Term policy: Rs 1.5 crore
Gold: 300 grams (targeting 600 grams before retirement)
Current mutual funds and other investments: Rs 50 lakh
Dependent: 9-year-old child
You have a clear vision for your retirement, and your savings plan is on the right track. Let's evaluate how you can achieve your goals and ensure a comfortable and secure future for your family.

Setting the Right Investment Strategy
Maximising the SIP Investments

Currently, you invest Rs 2 lakh per month in diversified equity funds. This is a strong foundation for wealth accumulation.

Given your target corpus and time horizon, increasing your SIP contribution will be crucial.

You could consider allocating an additional Rs 2 lakh from your monthly savings to SIPs in diversified equity funds.

This step could significantly boost your retirement corpus. Diversified equity funds have the potential to offer high returns over the long term.

By consistently investing Rs 4 lakh per month in diversified equity funds, you increase your chances of reaching your Rs 10 crore target.

Considering the Power of Compounding

Compounding works best when investments are made regularly over a long period.

Your 10-year investment horizon allows you to fully benefit from the compounding effect.

The additional SIPs will not only build your retirement corpus but also create a substantial wealth cushion.

Building a Medical Emergency Fund

The Rs 1 crore medical emergency fund is a wise decision.

It will provide financial security during unforeseen medical crises.

Consider setting aside a portion of your savings in a debt mutual fund or a conservative hybrid fund for this purpose.

Debt funds offer safety and liquidity, which are crucial for emergency funds.

Avoid taking undue risks with this money since it is meant for emergencies.

You might also want to review your health insurance coverage.

Ensure that it is adequate to cover potential medical expenses during and after retirement.

Gold as a Diversification Tool

You currently own 300 grams of gold and plan to reach 600 grams before retirement.

Gold is a good hedge against inflation and market volatility.

However, it's important to balance gold investments with other asset classes.

Gold can provide stability to your portfolio, but it should not dominate it.

Continue your plan to accumulate gold gradually, but ensure that it does not hinder your other investments.

Planning for Your Child’s Future
Educational and Post-Retirement Corpus

Your child, now 9 years old, will likely require significant funds for education in the next few years.

Consider creating a separate investment plan for your child’s higher education.

You could allocate part of your monthly savings to a child education fund, ideally a balanced mutual fund or a child-specific fund.

This ensures that the education expenses are well-covered without dipping into your retirement savings.

Additionally, you might want to earmark a portion of your retirement corpus as an inheritance.

This will ensure your child is financially secure even after your lifetime.

Term Insurance Review

Your current term policy of Rs 1.5 crore is a good start.

However, given your retirement goals and the need to leave a corpus for your child, you might want to review the sum assured.

Increasing your term insurance coverage might be beneficial.

It ensures that your child is financially protected in case of any eventuality.

A higher cover can replace your income and support your family’s future needs.

Ensuring a Comfortable Retirement
Inflation-Adjusted Withdrawal Strategy

After retirement, you will need to withdraw from your investments to cover your living expenses.

The Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a popular option for retirees.

SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly while your remaining investment continues to grow.

However, it’s important to consider inflation.

Your annual expenses of Rs 10 lakh today could be much higher in 10 years due to inflation.

You should plan to withdraw an inflation-adjusted amount to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.

You could consider investing a portion of your corpus in a conservative hybrid fund or a debt fund for SWP.

These funds offer stability and generate a regular income stream.

Evaluating Additional Investment Options
Avoiding Over-Reliance on Equity

While equity funds are essential for growth, it's wise not to rely solely on them.

You might consider diversifying your portfolio with other asset classes like debt funds and hybrid funds.

This ensures that your portfolio is balanced and not overly exposed to market risks.

Diversification can protect your corpus from market volatility, especially as you approach retirement.

Role of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market.

These funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make decisions based on market conditions.

This can provide you with an edge, especially in volatile markets.

You may already have some investments in direct mutual funds.

However, it's worth considering the benefits of regular funds.

Regular funds come with the advantage of professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

A CFP can help you align your investments with your retirement goals.

The cost of regular funds is justified by the personalised guidance and expertise you receive.

Balancing Risk and Return
Gradual Shift to Lower Risk Investments

As you approach retirement, gradually shifting some of your investments from equity to lower-risk assets is prudent.

This strategy helps protect your corpus from market downturns as you near retirement.

You might consider moving a portion of your equity investments into debt funds or conservative hybrid funds.

This transition can be done gradually over the next 5-7 years.

By the time you retire, your portfolio will be more stable and less exposed to market risks.

Reviewing Your Financial Plan Regularly

Regular review of your financial plan is crucial to stay on track.

Changes in market conditions, personal circumstances, or goals may require adjustments to your investment strategy.

It’s advisable to review your portfolio annually with a CFP.

A CFP can help you make necessary changes and ensure you are on the right path to achieving your retirement goals.

Final Insights
Your financial situation and clear retirement goals are commendable. By increasing your SIP investments, diversifying your portfolio, and considering inflation-adjusted withdrawals, you are well on your way to achieving a secure retirement.

Protecting your child’s future and maintaining a balance between equity and debt will provide stability to your financial plan. Regular reviews with a CFP will ensure that you stay on course and make informed decisions as you move closer to retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in