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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 30, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Kallol Question by Kallol on Sep 26, 2025Hindi
Money

Sir, I am going to retire very soon. After retirement how should I invest my retirement money viz. around 60 L judiciously and atrract immunity to tax. I am very keen to invest in Mutual Fund, which MF is better for me. And what are the other option. Please suggest. Thank You

Ans: Hi Kallol,

60 lakhs can be invested into mutual funds very strategically and they can easily give you an annual return of 12%. Total gain will not be taxable to you. It will only be taxed upon redeeming of funds as per their tenure.

Are you also looking for a monthly withdrawal from these funds to cater to your monthly expenses? Or just want funds to be there for growth?
Your answer will help me to help you in a better way.

You should consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who will help you in starting your investments into mutual funds. A CFP also guides you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am 26 years old and i work in an IT company . My monthly salary is 1 lakh as of now .I have 4.4 lakh in mutual fund , 2.4 lakh in PF , 1.67 lakh in PPF and 2.5 lakh of shares . I need to retire around the age of 40 which is 14 years from now with a corpus of 3-4 cr . Please advice me how should i invest so i reach that amount.
Ans: You are 26 years old and work in an IT company.

Your monthly salary is Rs. 1 lakh.

You want to retire at 40, 14 years from now, with a corpus of Rs. 3-4 crores.

Current Financial Situation

You have Rs. 4.4 lakhs in mutual funds.

You have Rs. 2.4 lakhs in PF.

You have Rs. 1.67 lakhs in PPF.

You have Rs. 2.5 lakhs in shares.

Setting a Realistic Plan

To reach Rs. 3-4 crores in 14 years, disciplined investing is key.

Assuming a mix of equity and debt investments.

Monthly Savings and Investments

Save and invest a significant portion of your salary.

Aim to invest 30-40% of your salary monthly.

This means investing Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 each month.

Choosing the Right Investments

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity funds offer high growth potential.

Consider large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Allocate around 60-70% of your investments here.

Hybrid Mutual Funds

Hybrid funds balance risk and reward.

They invest in both equity and debt.

Allocate around 20-30% of your investments here.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt funds provide stability and regular income.

Allocate around 10-20% of your investments here.

Avoiding Index Funds

Index funds track the market passively.

They lack active management and can limit returns.

Actively managed funds can outperform index funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds may seem cheaper but need expertise.

Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner, offer professional management.

They provide personalized advice and ongoing support.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Use SIPs for disciplined investing.

Invest a fixed amount regularly to average out market volatility.

Diversify Investments

Diversify your portfolio to reduce risk.

Include a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

Tax Efficiency

Equity mutual funds are tax-efficient for long-term gains.

Consider tax-saving funds under Section 80C for additional benefits.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Review your portfolio regularly.

Adjust allocations based on performance and goals.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for tailored strategies.

Final Insights

To achieve your goal of Rs. 3-4 crores, disciplined saving and investing are crucial.

A mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds can balance growth and stability.

Regular reviews and professional advice will help you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

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Money
Sir i am 49 yrs, i want guidance on investments. Presently i am investing in PPF, NPS and Mutual Fund which i started very late. Kindly suggest investment for retirement so after retirement i can get monthly income of 35000-40000 rupees.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Position
You are 49 years old and planning for retirement.

You have started investing in PPF, NPS, and mutual funds.

Your goal is to secure a monthly income of Rs. 35,000-40,000 after retirement.

You need a structured investment strategy to achieve this goal.

Analysing Your Investment Approach
Starting late means you need a disciplined approach.

You must optimise your current investments for better growth.

A mix of equity and fixed-income assets is essential.

Proper asset allocation ensures stability and long-term wealth creation.

Assessing Your Retirement Goal
To generate Rs. 35,000-40,000 monthly, you need a strong corpus.

Inflation must be considered when planning.

Your corpus should sustain you for 25-30 years post-retirement.

A mix of growth and income-generating assets is necessary.

Strengthening Your Investment Strategy
1. Increase Equity Exposure for Growth
Equity mutual funds provide better long-term returns than fixed-income options.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds is recommended.

Actively managed funds perform better than index funds.

Regular funds through an MFD with CFP guidance offer better support.

2. Continue PPF but Avoid Over-Allocation
PPF is safe but offers limited returns.

Extend contributions till retirement for tax-free benefits.

Do not over-invest in PPF, as liquidity is restricted.

Keep equity as a significant part of your portfolio.

3. Optimise NPS Investments
NPS provides tax benefits and market-linked returns.

Maintain a higher equity allocation till retirement.

Systematic withdrawals post-retirement ensure a stable income.

Annuity purchase is mandatory, but choose the lowest allocation.

4. Increase SIP Contributions in Mutual Funds
Increase monthly SIPs to build a strong retirement corpus.

Invest in a diversified portfolio for better risk-adjusted returns.

SIPs provide rupee cost averaging and long-term wealth creation.

Avoid direct mutual funds as they lack expert guidance.

5. Build a Fixed-Income Portfolio for Stability
Debt funds provide stability and predictable returns.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a good post-retirement option.

Corporate bonds and RBI floating-rate bonds add security.

Avoid excessive allocation to low-yield instruments.

Creating a Retirement Withdrawal Plan
1. Systematic Withdrawal Strategy
SWP in mutual funds can generate regular monthly income.

Equity mutual funds provide tax-efficient withdrawals.

Debt instruments ensure stability during market fluctuations.

A mix of growth and income funds maintains corpus longevity.

2. Emergency Fund for Financial Security
Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

Keep at least 12-18 months of expenses in liquid assets.

Fixed deposits and liquid funds provide easy access to funds.

Do not rely solely on investments for emergency needs.

3. Managing Inflation and Rising Expenses
Your monthly expenses will rise over time.

Equity investments help beat inflation over the long term.

Adjust withdrawal amounts as per market conditions.

Maintain a portion of funds in high-growth assets.

Securing Your Family’s Future
1. Health Insurance is a Priority
Medical costs rise with age, making health insurance crucial.

Choose a high coverage policy with lifetime renewability.

Critical illness insurance adds extra financial security.

Avoid relying solely on employer-provided health coverage.

2. Ensure Adequate Life Insurance
Term insurance protects your family’s financial future.

If dependents are financially stable, coverage can be reduced.

Do not mix insurance with investment.

Avoid ULIPs and endowment policies for retirement planning.

3. Estate Planning and Will Creation
Create a will to avoid legal complications later.

Nominate beneficiaries for all financial assets.

Keep documents updated and accessible to family members.

Consider a trusted financial executor if needed.

Finally
Retirement planning needs a balanced investment approach.

Equity mutual funds help build wealth faster than fixed-income options.

A structured withdrawal plan ensures a steady post-retirement income.

Health and life insurance secure your family’s financial well-being.

A diversified investment strategy protects against risks and inflation.

Consistent investments and disciplined planning lead to financial freedom.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2025
Money
Hi I am 52 years old IT professional, and planning to retire by 56-57. In next 5 year I will accumulate 1 Cr each in PF and PPF , Have stocks worth 2 Cr. And I am sure it will become least 2.53 Cr. FDs worth 70 Lakhs and post office investment of 40+ lakhs. I will also get 40 lakhs from gratuity and superannuation. Please suggest how I should invest so that I will get steady income.. Other than my two sons marriage I will not have any liability Please note I don't trust Mutual funds so please don't suggest SWP, SIP..
Ans: Your preparation so far is strong. With a clear retirement age target, minimal liabilities, and good asset mix, your foundation is solid. Let us now build a secure and income-generating retirement plan for you.

Below is a complete and personalised strategy.



Your Retirement Readiness Assessment

You plan to retire by 56 or 57. You are currently 52. That gives 4 to 5 years.



Retirement corpus will include:



 – Rs. 1 crore in PF
 – Rs. 1 crore in PPF
 – Rs. 2.53 crore in stocks
 – Rs. 70 lakhs in fixed deposits
 – Rs. 40+ lakhs in post office schemes
 – Rs. 40 lakhs from gratuity and superannuation



Your post-retirement lifestyle needs to be carefully calculated. Life expectancy planning should go till age 85 at least.



Your corpus is expected to be around Rs. 6 to 6.5 crore in five years. This is strong.



Two major expenses ahead are your sons’ marriages. These can be met through a planned drawdown.



You have clearly avoided mutual funds. So, we will exclude them. We will build income using other regulated options.



Your Emergency Liquidity Plan

Emergency fund should always be available in safe and quick-access options.



Keep Rs. 15 lakhs in a laddered fixed deposit structure.



Split this into three parts maturing every 3 to 6 months.



This will help if any unexpected medical or family need arises.



FD ladder also reduces reinvestment risk. It provides better liquidity flow.



Do not invest emergency fund in long-term or risky assets.



Retirement Income Portfolio Construction

Let us focus on creating stable monthly or quarterly income from different asset classes.



This should come with minimum risk. Also, inflation should not reduce the value over time.



Split retirement corpus into three buckets:



 Bucket 1 – Safety and Liquidity (2 to 3 years income)
 – Rs. 40 to 50 lakhs in senior citizen savings scheme and post office MIS
 – These provide steady monthly or quarterly income
 – Use your gratuity and superannuation lump sum here
 – You can also consider tax-free bonds if available in the secondary market



 Bucket 2 – Medium-Term Income (4 to 10 years income)
 – Rs. 1 crore in corporate fixed deposits and bank deposits
 – Ensure these are from high-rated institutions only
 – Choose monthly or quarterly interest payout options
 – Ladder the deposits for 3 to 5 year maturities
 – Taxation should be managed through 15H or by splitting under family members if possible



 Bucket 3 – Long-Term Growth and Backup (10+ years)
 – Rs. 1 crore in PPF and PF will remain safe and tax-free
 – Use interest from these accounts later in retirement
 – Keep some part in safe dividend-paying stocks
 – Choose mature, stable companies with 10+ year dividend history



 – Reinvest dividends into bank deposits if not needed now
 – Keep part of your stock portfolio intact to beat inflation
 – But avoid aggressive stocks or sector-based stocks



 – Keep a rebalancing rule every 3 years to shift excess profits to deposits



Income Streams Planning

You need regular income from age 57 to 85 or beyond.



Monthly expenses need to be estimated accurately.



Estimate cost of living at today’s value and account for inflation.



Let us say you need Rs. 1.25 lakhs per month now.



Your PF, PPF, FDs, MIS, SCSS, stock dividends can jointly support this.



Interest from SCSS, MIS, and FDs will form your early retirement income base.



Later, start using your PF, PPF maturity and stock profits.



Withdraw PF and PPF only after 65 or later, if possible.



This structure will ensure you never run out of money.



Insurance and Risk Coverage

At 52, health insurance is extremely important.



Please keep Rs. 25 to 50 lakhs individual health policy for yourself and spouse.



Check if super top-up plans are available to expand your cover.



Renew policies every year without gap. Choose lifelong renewability.



Keep Rs. 10 lakhs medical buffer in bank if you prefer not depending on insurer.



Term insurance is optional at this stage if your dependents are financially secure.



Since you are already financially independent, you may skip term cover.



Gold and Physical Assets

Your current plan includes buying 20 gm gold every year.



While gold offers value preservation, it does not provide income.



Keep gold allocation below 10% of total wealth.



Focus more on income-generating assets like SCSS, FDs, dividend stocks.



If needed, sell part of gold for children’s marriages. Use it only for real needs.



Tax Management in Retirement

Plan withdrawals in a tax-efficient way.



SCSS, MIS, FDs – interest is taxable. Spread across family accounts.



PF and PPF – completely tax-free.



Dividends from stocks are taxable as per your slab.



Keep annual tax-free limit in mind – Rs. 2.5 lakhs basic exemption (plus 1.5 lakh for senior citizens above 60).



Split investments in spouse’s name to save tax legally.



Track your Form 26AS and AIS for interest and dividend records.



File ITR every year without fail to maintain tax history.



Asset Protection and Nomination

Assign nominees for every investment and bank account.



Update EPF, PPF, stocks, FD and PO account nominations.



Write a will if your asset size is large.



Will should mention names of family members and asset distribution.



You can also explore joint holding to simplify post-retirement access.



Keep one asset register updated every six months.



Other Useful Points for Financial Peace

Sons’ marriage fund should be kept in short-term deposits or bonds.



Do not disturb your long-term assets for short-term expenses.



Avoid loans post-retirement. Stay debt free.



Track inflation every year and review income need accordingly.



Do a full review every 2 years with a certified financial planner.



Maintain lifestyle within income. Do not overspend on lifestyle upgrades.



Prefer spending from interest. Avoid touching principal till absolutely needed.



Keep mental peace by building a system-based financial plan.



Finally

You are already ahead in your retirement journey. Assets are in place. You need a structure now.

You want to avoid mutual funds, and that’s fine. The above strategy uses only deposits, PFs, stocks, and post office tools.

This gives you inflation protection, steady income, and safety.

Rebalancing every 3 years will help you stay aligned.

Please implement it step by step, not in one go. Stay in control always.

Live simply, spend wisely, and let your money work peacefully.



Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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