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How to Invest for My Future: 34 Year Old with Family & 3 Lakh Monthly Investment

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |346 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 14, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
ash Question by ash on Sep 02, 2024Hindi
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I am going to turn 34 years old this year. Me and my wife earn 3.7 Lakh Per Month In Hand (Post all deductions: Tax, EPF), above included salary and rental. 3 Lakh per month i can invest. How do you suggest i should invest for achieving my goals. In my family i have my Wife, Son 4 YO and my parents. Live with my parents in my own house so i do not plan to buy house. My wife and my own current savings: - 80 lakhs in Equity (PMS and Mutual Funds). - 45 Lakh in Crypto Currency (Invested 5 lakh very early and i want to stay invested). - Commercial Real Estate Office Worth 1 Cr. yielding rental of 47 thousand per month. - 15 Lakh Provident Fund - 20 Lakh Bank FD & Arbitrage Fund (Emergency Fund) - 5 Lakh Savings Account (Day today expenses) Expenses: - 70k per Month including everything (Daily expense, Vacation, mobile etc). - Our monthly expense is low as my father is also working and many other expenses (around 50k) are taken care by him only. I have health insurance cover from my company of 6.5 lakh. Personal medical insurance of 10 lakh. Term insurance from my company of around 1.7 crore. Personal Term Insurance of 4 crore. Zero loans. Goals: - 1.5 crore in today's terms 10-12 years later to reconstruct the house. - 40 lakh, 6 years later for new car. - 3-4 crore at age of around 55 (For my personal goal). - 2 crore for my son higher education. - 30 crore for my retirement.

Ans: Thanks for candidly sharing your goals, current income and savings/investments.

You have adequate term life cover but recommend to cover family and parents with healthcare cover of 50 L as a minimum considering increasing cost of medical treatments and rise in illnesses with age.

Your existing investments are considered as 95 L (Ignoring Emergency fund and saving account balance)

Crypto holdings are considered 0 since they are highly volatile, unregulated and not backed by any tangible asset.

1.5 Cr house reconstruction expenses 12 years hence translates into around 3 Cr considering 6% inflation.

So start a SIP of 90K for 12 years into Nippon India Multicap Fund & HDFC top 100 Fund(50:50)which may yield a corpus of 3.12 Cr(Considering modest return of 13%)

Next goal is car purchase after 6 years so initiate a SIP of 40K in HDFC balanced advantage fund which will yield a corpus of 40L considering modest return of 10.5%

Next goal is a corpus of 3-5 Cr when you will be 55 so you can do a SIP of 50K in PPFAS flexicap fund which will yield a corpus of 5.73 Cr assuming conservative return of 13%

Further important goal is corpus for child education so considering timeframe of 14 years recommend to do a SIP of 50K in HDFC Children's Gift Fund which will yield a corpus of 2Cr+ assuming modest return of 12%

Finally retirement goal of 30Cr assumed to be 25 years from now so you may start a SIP of 70K in ICICI Pru Retirement Fund Pure Equity Plan which yield you a corpus of 15.9 Cr considering modest growth of 13%.
Plus your corpus of 95 L at a modest return of 9.5% will yield a value of 9.18Cr after 25 years
So your total retirement corpus is now 15.9+9.18=25.08 Cr
Further the amount getting released after achievement of all other goals apart from retirement can be redeployed in a value based BAF(HDFC; 10% return) for residual span towards retirement goal.
i.e. 90K for 13 years --2.89 Cr
40K for 19 years--2.73 Cr
50K for 5 years----0.39 Cr
50K for 11 years---1.2 Cr
Total_-----------------------7.21 Cr

Adding this to our earlier calculated retirement corpus gives us comprehensive retirement corpus of 7.21+25.08= 32.21 Cr

Anything you get from Crypto is bonus!!

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates

Happy Investing!!
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  |6528 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2024Hindi
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I am 34 year old my salary is 30000, wife is house wife, have 2 daughters 8year and 2 year old one son 6 year old, i can invest 8000 per month now, how i should invest so i can manage my kids studies and other expenses with making some retirement fund also. In future as my salary will increase i can increase investment.
Ans: Managing your finances with a focus on your kids' education and your retirement is commendable. Let’s dive into a detailed plan tailored for you.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Your primary goals seem to be:

Ensuring a secure and quality education for your three kids.
Building a retirement corpus for a comfortable future.
Managing current expenses effectively while saving for future needs.
Each goal needs a specific strategy to ensure balanced growth and security.

Evaluating Your Current Financial Situation
With a salary of Rs 30,000 and a housewife spouse, it's essential to optimize your Rs 8,000 monthly savings. Your family responsibilities require prudent planning and disciplined saving habits.

Importance of a Diversified Portfolio
Investing across various assets is crucial. A diversified portfolio minimizes risk and maximizes returns. Let’s break down how you can allocate your Rs 8,000 monthly investment.

Prioritizing Emergency Fund
Before diving into investments, an emergency fund is vital. Aim to save 3-6 months' worth of expenses. This cushion will protect you from unexpected financial disruptions.

Building a Children's Education Fund
Education costs rise every year. Start a dedicated fund for each child’s education. Equity mutual funds are a strong option here due to their potential for high returns over a long period. While equity funds are volatile in the short term, they tend to outperform other asset classes in the long term.

Benefits of Actively Managed Equity Funds:

Professional management ensures informed investment decisions.
Potential for higher returns compared to passive index funds.
Active managers can navigate market volatility better.
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lack of flexibility in stock selection.
Possible underperformance in volatile markets.
Limited ability to react to market changes.
Planning for Retirement
Retirement planning should not be delayed. A systematic investment in mutual funds can create a substantial corpus. Since you have a long investment horizon, equity funds are suitable for this goal too.

Choosing Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
While direct funds have lower expense ratios, regular funds offer advantages through the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Regular funds come with:

Professional advice tailored to your financial goals.
Assistance in portfolio rebalancing.
Guidance during market volatility.
Insurance: Protection First
If you hold LIC, ULIP, or other investment-cum-insurance policies, it might be beneficial to surrender these and reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds. Pure term insurance is a better option for financial protection without the high costs of investment-linked insurance plans.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
A SIP is an excellent way to invest consistently. Here’s a proposed allocation for your Rs 8,000 monthly investment:

Children’s Education Fund: Rs 4,000
Retirement Fund: Rs 3,000
Emergency Fund: Rs 1,000
As your salary increases, you can proportionally increase these investments.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Financial planning is not a one-time activity. Regularly review your portfolio and rebalance it to align with your goals. A CFP can assist in these reviews and make necessary adjustments.

Tax Planning and Benefits
Investments in certain mutual funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) are mutual funds that provide tax deductions and have the potential for higher returns.

Importance of Discipline and Patience
Investing is a long-term commitment. Stay disciplined with your SIPs and avoid withdrawing funds unless absolutely necessary. Patience is key to achieving your financial goals.

Final Insights
To summarize:

Start with an emergency fund for financial security.
Allocate funds to children’s education and your retirement.
Opt for actively managed mutual funds over index funds.
Consider regular funds with professional guidance over direct funds.
Review and adjust your portfolio regularly with a CFP’s help.
Take advantage of tax-saving investment options.
With disciplined saving and informed investment decisions, you can secure your children’s future and build a comfortable retirement corpus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6528 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 30, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 36 year old my salary is 75000, wife is house wife, have one son 6 year old, i can invest 30000 per month now, how i should invest so i can manage my kid studies and other expenses with making some retirement fund also. In future as my salary will increase i can increase investment.
Ans: It’s wonderful that you’re considering your family’s future and making a plan for your child’s education and your retirement. Let’s break down a comprehensive strategy for you.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
You have a clear goal to manage your child’s education and build a retirement fund. Investing Rs 30,000 per month is a great start. Let’s structure a plan that balances both objectives.

Investment Strategy Overview
You’re 36 years old, earning Rs 75,000 per month, and planning to invest Rs 30,000 monthly. Here’s how you can allocate your investments effectively.

Diversification: The Key to Balanced Growth
Diversification helps in spreading risk across various assets. By diversifying your investments, you can achieve growth and stability. Here's how you can do it:

Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term growth. They invest in stocks, which can offer high returns. Here are some options:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in well-established companies. They offer stable growth with lower risk.
Mid-Cap Funds: These invest in medium-sized companies. They have higher growth potential but come with moderate risk.
Small-Cap Funds: These invest in small companies. They offer high growth but are riskier.
Multi-Cap Funds: These invest in companies of all sizes. They provide diversification within equities.
Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They offer stable returns with lower risk. Here are some options:

Short-Term Debt Funds: Suitable for stability and liquidity.
Medium-Term Debt Funds: Offer better returns with moderate risk.
Long-Term Debt Funds: Suitable for long-term goals, providing higher returns with interest rate risk.
Balanced Funds
Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in both equities and debt. They offer a balanced approach, providing growth and stability.

Allocating Your Monthly Investment
Here’s a suggested allocation for your Rs 30,000 monthly investment:

Equity Funds: Rs 18,000 (60%)
Debt Funds: Rs 9,000 (30%)
Balanced Funds: Rs 3,000 (10%)
This allocation balances growth potential with risk management.

Investing for Your Child’s Education
Your child’s education is a major goal. Planning ahead ensures you can meet future expenses. Here’s how you can do it:

Child Education Fund
Start a dedicated child education fund. Invest in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Consider the following:

Equity Funds: Allocate a significant portion to large-cap and multi-cap funds. These offer stable growth over the long term.
SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Invest a fixed amount regularly. SIPs help in averaging the cost and benefit from market fluctuations.
Regular Monitoring
Review the fund performance regularly. Adjust the investment strategy as needed to ensure it stays on track.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Planning for retirement early ensures you build a substantial corpus. Here’s how you can do it:

Retirement Fund
Start a dedicated retirement fund. Diversify across equity, debt, and balanced funds. Consider the following:

Equity Funds: Allocate to large-cap and multi-cap funds for growth.
Debt Funds: Allocate to short-term and medium-term debt funds for stability.
Balanced Funds: Allocate a small portion to balanced funds for a mix of growth and stability.
Power of Compounding
The power of compounding is a key factor in building your retirement corpus. The longer you stay invested, the more your money grows.

Managing Risk
Investing involves risk. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

Diversification
Diversifying across various asset classes and fund types reduces risk. This ensures poor performance in one area is offset by better performance in another.

Regular Reviews
Regularly review your investments. Adjust your strategy based on market conditions and personal goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund. This ensures you don’t need to liquidate your investments during emergencies.

Increasing Investments with Salary Hikes
As your salary increases, you can increase your investments. Here’s how to plan for it:

Incremental Investments
Increase your monthly investments proportionally with your salary hikes. This boosts your investment corpus significantly over time.

Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio regularly. Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy
Regular Monitoring
Monitor your investments every six months. Check fund performance and adjust your investments as needed.

Annual Review
Conduct a comprehensive review annually. Rebalance your portfolio to align with your changing financial goals and market conditions.

Final Insights
Your commitment to investing Rs 30,000 per month for your child’s education and retirement is commendable. By diversifying your investments across equity, debt, and balanced funds, you balance growth and stability.

Regular monitoring, rebalancing, and increasing investments with salary hikes ensure you stay on track to achieve your goals. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures you get personalized advice tailored to your needs.

Your disciplined approach and strategic planning will lead you to a secure financial future for your family. Stay committed, stay informed, and keep your long-term goals in sight.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6528 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 45 year old my salary is 42000, wife is house wife, have only one son 13 year old, i'am investing thousand each Large cap, mid cap and small cap 3000 per month now,want to add 2000 more. And I have investing child star vision 25000per year for last 4 years, need four more years to invest. I also took term plan for myself 500000. I have corporate family health insurance also.10000 we are playing committee we 10 of us ..my dream is after 15 years a 3 bhk house price now 35 lkh now in Delhi.My month ly expenses is House Rant giving 4500, 6000 ration, Child school fees 3000 avarage.So how i should invest so i can manage my kids studies and other house expenses with making some my dream . In future as my salary will increase i can increase investment also.
Ans: I understand your situation and aspirations. Let’s break down your financial planning comprehensively to help you achieve your goals and manage your expenses effectively.

Income and Current Investments

Your monthly salary is Rs. 42,000, and you are already investing Rs. 3,000 in mutual funds (Rs. 1,000 each in large cap, mid cap, and small cap funds). Additionally, you are contributing Rs. 25,000 annually to a Child Star Vision plan, which you will continue for another four years. You also have a term plan with a coverage of Rs. 5,00,000 and corporate health insurance for your family.

You also mentioned participating in a committee with friends, contributing Rs. 10,000. This traditional saving method can be beneficial, but it’s essential to diversify investments for long-term goals.

Understanding Your Monthly Expenses

Your monthly expenses are as follows:

House Rent: Rs. 4,500
Ration: Rs. 6,000
Child’s School Fees: Rs. 3,000
Total Monthly Expenses: Rs. 13,500
Analyzing Current Financial Position

Your monthly income is Rs. 42,000, and after deducting expenses of Rs. 13,500, you are left with Rs. 28,500. Out of this, you are already investing Rs. 3,000 in mutual funds and Rs. 2,083 (approx.) per month in the Child Star Vision plan. This leaves you with Rs. 23,417.

Investment Goals and Planning

You aim to purchase a 3 BHK house in Delhi after 15 years, which currently costs Rs. 35 lakhs. This is a long-term goal that will require disciplined savings and smart investments. Additionally, you want to ensure your child's education and manage household expenses.

Increasing Mutual Fund Investments

You are planning to add Rs. 2,000 more to your monthly investments. Here’s a recommended strategy:

Increase your allocation in large cap funds to Rs. 1,500.
Increase your allocation in mid cap funds to Rs. 1,500.
Continue with Rs. 1,000 in small cap funds.
Large cap funds are generally more stable and less volatile, providing consistent returns over time. Mid cap funds offer growth potential, and small cap funds, though riskier, can provide significant returns in the long run.

Mutual Funds: Categories and Benefits

Mutual funds are a great way to build wealth over time. Here’s a brief overview:

Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies with large market capitalization. They are less volatile and offer steady returns.

Mid Cap Funds: These invest in medium-sized companies. They are riskier than large cap funds but can provide higher returns.

Small Cap Funds: These invest in smaller companies. They are highly volatile but have the potential for significant growth.

Benefits of Mutual Funds:

Diversification: Mutual funds spread investments across various sectors, reducing risk.
Professional Management: Funds are managed by experienced professionals.
Liquidity: Mutual funds can be easily bought and sold.
Compounding: Reinvested earnings can grow exponentially over time.
Power of Compounding

Compounding is a powerful concept where your investment earns returns, and those returns earn further returns. Over long periods, this can significantly increase your wealth. For example, investing Rs. 5,000 monthly at an average return of 12% can grow substantially over 15 years.

Child’s Education Planning

Considering your child’s future education, continue with the Child Star Vision plan. Additionally, you can start a dedicated education fund. Allocate Rs. 2,000 monthly in a balanced mutual fund or an aggressive hybrid fund. These funds provide a mix of equity and debt, offering growth with stability.

Balancing Investments and Expenses

Ensure your monthly expenses are well-managed while investing for the future. Here are some tips:

Budgeting: Create a monthly budget to track income and expenses. Identify areas to save and invest the surplus.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This can be in a savings account or liquid mutual fund.
Insurance: Adequate health and life insurance coverage is crucial. Your current term plan of Rs. 5,00,000 might be insufficient. Consider increasing it to 10-15 times your annual income.
Long-term Goal: Buying a House

To buy a 3 BHK house in Delhi after 15 years, start a dedicated home purchase fund. Given the current price of Rs. 35 lakhs, factor in inflation (average 6-7% annually). You can invest in a mix of equity mutual funds for growth and debt funds for stability.

Recommended Allocation:

Equity Mutual Funds: Rs. 3,000 monthly.
Debt Mutual Funds: Rs. 2,000 monthly.
Review and adjust the allocation annually based on market conditions and goals.

Increasing Investment with Salary Hikes

As your salary increases, proportionally increase your investments. Aim to increase your investment rate by at least 10% annually. This helps in compounding your wealth faster.

Mutual Fund Advantages and Risks

Advantages:

Diversification reduces risk.
Professional management ensures better returns.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) promote disciplined investing.
Risks:

Market volatility can affect returns.
Past performance is not indicative of future returns.
Inflation risk can erode purchasing power.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require more knowledge and active management. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional advice, better fund selection, and regular reviews. This can significantly enhance your investment performance.

Avoiding Real Estate Investment

While real estate can be lucrative, it requires significant capital, is less liquid, and involves higher transaction costs. Mutual funds, on the other hand, offer flexibility, liquidity, and professional management.

Managing Committee Contributions

Continue your committee contributions if it aligns with your financial goals. Ensure it doesn’t strain your monthly budget. Utilize the proceeds for lump sum investments or emergency funds.

Final Insights

Achieving your financial goals requires a balanced approach of disciplined savings, smart investments, and regular reviews. Prioritize your child’s education, build a solid emergency fund, and increase investments as your salary grows. By leveraging the power of mutual funds and compounding, you can achieve your dream of owning a 3 BHK house in Delhi and ensure a secure financial future for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6528 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Money
I am 45 year old my salary is 42000, wife is house wife, have only one son 13 year old, i'am investing thousand each Large cap, mid cap and small cap 3000 per month now,want to add 2000 more. And I have investing child star vision 25000per year for last 4 years, need four more years to invest. I also took term plan for myself 500000. I have corporate family health insurance also.10000 we are playing committee we 10 of us ..my dream is after 15 years a 3 bhk house price now 35 lkh now in Delhi.My month ly expenses is House Rant giving 4500, 6000 ration, Child school fees 3000 avarage.So how i should invest so i can manage my kids studies and other house expenses with making some my dream . In future as my salary will increase i can increase investment also. Regards Jason
Ans: Jason,

Thank you for sharing your financial goals and current situation. I understand your aspiration to buy a 3 BHK house in Delhi in the next 15 years and ensure a secure future for your family. Let's break down your financial plan step by step.

Current Financial Snapshot
Salary: Rs. 42,000 per month
Wife: Homemaker
Son: 13 years old
Investments:
Rs. 1,000 each in large cap, mid cap, and small cap mutual funds (total Rs. 3,000/month)
Rs. 25,000/year in Child Star Vision (for 4 more years)
Insurance: Rs. 5,00,000 term plan
Health Insurance: Corporate family health insurance
Committee: Rs. 10,000/month
Expenses:
House rent: Rs. 4,500
Ration: Rs. 6,000
Child’s school fees: Rs. 3,000
Investing for Future Goals
1. Increasing SIP Investments

You are already investing Rs. 3,000 per month in mutual funds. Adding Rs. 2,000 more is a wise decision. Here’s how you can allocate the additional amount:

Large Cap Fund: Rs. 1,000
Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 500
Small Cap Fund: Rs. 500
Benefits of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spreading investments across different sectors.
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Compounding: Potential to grow your wealth over time through compounding.
Evaluating Fund Performance
Actively managed funds can outperform the market with the right strategy. Unlike index funds, actively managed funds aim to beat the market index, providing potentially higher returns.

Child Education Fund
2. Child Star Vision Plan

You have been investing Rs. 25,000 annually for the past four years. Continue this for the next four years to build a substantial education corpus.

Managing Risk and Return
Risk: Medium to high due to market volatility.
Return: Potential for higher returns compared to traditional savings.
Insurance Coverage
3. Term Insurance

Your term plan of Rs. 5,00,000 is essential for financial security. Consider increasing the coverage as your responsibilities grow.

Health Insurance
4. Corporate Health Insurance

Ensure that your corporate health insurance covers all major health risks. Consider a personal health policy for added security.

Monthly Expenses Management
5. Budgeting

Your monthly expenses total Rs. 13,500. Here are some budgeting tips:

Track Expenses: Keep a record of all expenditures.
Reduce Unnecessary Costs: Identify and cut down on non-essential spending.
Saving for a 3 BHK House
6. Long-Term Goal

Your dream of owning a 3 BHK house worth Rs. 35 lakhs in Delhi can be achieved with disciplined saving and investing.

Real Estate Price Inflation: Factor in the potential rise in property prices over 15 years.
Saving Plan: Start a dedicated savings plan for the house down payment.
Education and Other Expenses
7. Child’s Education

Education costs will rise as your child grows. Plan for higher secondary and college expenses.

Increasing Investment as Salary Increases
8. Salary Growth

As your salary increases, boost your investments proportionally.

Review Annually: Assess and adjust your investments yearly.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.
Power of Compounding
The key to building wealth is the power of compounding. By reinvesting your returns, your investments grow exponentially over time.

Understanding Fund Categories
9. Large Cap Funds

Characteristics: Invest in companies with a large market capitalization.
Risk: Lower risk compared to mid and small cap funds.
Return: Stable and steady returns.
10. Mid Cap Funds

Characteristics: Invest in medium-sized companies with growth potential.
Risk: Higher risk than large cap funds.
Return: Potential for higher returns.
11. Small Cap Funds

Characteristics: Invest in small-sized companies with high growth potential.
Risk: Highest risk among the three.
Return: Potential for the highest returns.
Actively Managed Funds vs. Direct Funds
12. Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Research Required: You need to research and manage your portfolio.
Time-Consuming: Regular monitoring is necessary.
13. Advantages of Regular Funds

Expert Management: Managed by professionals.
Convenience: Less time-consuming and hassle-free.
Additional Tips
14. Emergency Fund

Set aside three to six months' worth of expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.

15. Tax Planning

Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) to reduce your tax burden.

Final Insights
Your current financial strategy is a good start. By adding Rs. 2,000 more to your SIPs, you are taking a positive step towards your goals. Keep a close eye on your investments and adjust as needed. Continue investing in your child’s education plan and ensure adequate insurance coverage. With disciplined saving and investing, your dream of owning a 3 BHK house in Delhi is achievable.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |346 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
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Money
Now I'm 43 years old, but next 5 year's I need 3cr with best mutual funds to invest and son education, marriage and my retirement, currently I have housing loan commitment. 70lakhs, how should I close my loan ASAP and I should have 3cr in my hand. Kindly help me, I'm in scary situation, I'm working in private sector 95k my take home and current home loan emi is 63k, 4500 recently started investment through groww app in parakh Parikh small fund, 12500 in PPF etc, kindly help. I'm completely in debt trap.
Ans: Hello;

General Comments:
People always delay retirement planning for later stage but this is not ok.

Because when you are young the investible surplus amount maybe less but you have the biggest resource, time on your side.

A mere 25K monthly sip can achieve 3 Cr in 20+ years

Query Specific Comments:
If you need this corpus in 5 years then you need to make a monthly sip of 3.55 Lacs Minimum to reach 3 Cr corpus in 5 yrs.(modest return of 13% considered).

Focus on improving your earning because then you can earmark larger amounts for investing towards your goals.

Also try to prepay the home loan as early as possible through EPF corpus or some asset sale.

Do not panic if you diligently pre-close the home loan you have ample time to invest and create a comfortable corpus for your goals.

Continue investing in MFs with increasing allocation, PPF to reach your goals.

Happy Investing!!

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |346 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am 24 years old and earn a monthly salary of Rs.65,000. I am interested in investing some of my funds for future financial security and am also planning to marry in two years. As I have no prior knowledge of investment, I would greatly appreciate guidance on this matter.
Ans: Hello;

First and foremost buy a good term life cover including riders for critical care and accident benefit.

Ensure that you can top-up the sum assured later when you grow your responsibilities after marriage.

For retirement planning you should consider investing in NPS. If your office provides it well and good but otherwise also you can open NPS account and contribute regularly for financing your retirement. It's an E-E-E type of scheme. Charges are quite low and you can decide to select allocation to the asset classes like equity, corporate debt or sovereign bonds as per your risk tolerance. It allows limited withdrawal before 60.

If you decide to contribute to NPS per month an amount of 20 K, it will grow into a corpus of 6.51 Cr by the time you are 60 years of age.(A modest return of 9% is considered)

For all other goals such as marriage, house, kid's education, car, vacation you can use mutual funds as your mode of investments.

If you do a monthly sip of say 15 K into a pure equity mutual fund then at the end of 5 years you may expect to receive a corpus of 12.72 L considering moderate return of 13%.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6528 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Gurus I'm 39, married and no kids, sole breadwinner in the family. My salary is 1.2 lakh per month and investing in mutual funds (since 2020) through SIP as below and step up investment 10-15% every year. Current corpus stands at 14 lakh. I have 10lakh in my PF account and I get another 5 lakh from gratuity. Mirae Asset tax saver fund 5k Parag parikh tax saver 3k Quant elss 3k Canara robecco small cap 5k SBI small cap 5k Tata digital India fund 5k I have parked 20 lakhs in debt fund and FD which I'm planning to use it to buy a flat within a year. Every month I keep aside 15k towards savings and emergency fund. I move it to debt fund, FD and I invest small portion of my bonus in existing MFs as lumpsum. My goal is to accumulate 2 CR by the time I turn 50 and need suggestions and plans to achieve the same.
Ans: You are 39 years old, married, and the sole breadwinner. Your monthly salary is Rs 1.2 lakh, and you have been investing in mutual funds since 2020. Your investments include a combination of tax-saving mutual funds, small-cap funds, and a sector-specific fund. You have also parked Rs 20 lakh in debt funds and fixed deposits for buying a flat within a year. Additionally, you have Rs 10 lakh in your Provident Fund (PF) and Rs 5 lakh in gratuity.

You have set a goal to accumulate Rs 2 crore by the age of 50. This is an achievable goal, but it will require some adjustments and strategic planning to optimise your savings and investments.

You are also setting aside Rs 15,000 each month towards an emergency fund and savings, while reinvesting some of your bonus into mutual funds. Let's go step-by-step to achieve your goal while ensuring financial security along the way.

Current Investment Strategy
Your investment portfolio includes:

Three tax-saving mutual funds
Small-cap mutual funds
A sector-specific fund
Rs 20 lakh parked in debt funds and fixed deposits for a future property purchase
Your current investment strategy is diversified across equity and debt instruments. This diversification is good, but there is room for improvement in your equity mutual fund selection and tax efficiency.

Analysis of Current Investments
Equity Mutual Funds
Small-Cap and Sector-Specific Funds: Small-cap funds can provide high returns over time but also carry higher risks. Over-exposure to small-cap funds can make your portfolio volatile, especially as you near your retirement goal. A sector-specific fund, while offering focused growth, can also be risky if the sector underperforms.

Tax-Saving Funds: While tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) provide tax benefits, there may be an overlap in the holdings of your ELSS funds. Additionally, ELSS funds have a 3-year lock-in period, which reduces liquidity.

Debt Funds and FDs
You have wisely parked Rs 20 lakh in debt funds and fixed deposits, which ensures stability and liquidity for your property purchase. However, investing large amounts in fixed deposits may not be the most tax-efficient strategy in the long run due to the high tax on interest income.

Suggestions for Achieving Your Rs 2 Crore Goal
To accumulate Rs 2 crore by the age of 50, you need a more optimised approach. Here are the steps:

1. Review and Adjust Your Equity Allocation
Increase Mid-Cap and Flexi-Cap Exposure: As you are still 11 years away from your goal, consider shifting a portion of your investments from small-cap and sector-specific funds to more balanced options like mid-cap and flexi-cap funds. These funds offer a balance between risk and return, providing more stability than small-cap funds while still offering high growth potential.

Reduce Sector-Specific Fund Exposure: Sector funds can be volatile. Consider reallocating your investment in this fund to more diversified equity funds like flexi-cap or large-cap funds. These funds are less volatile and provide more stable returns over time.

2. Reassess Your Tax-Saving Funds
Optimise ELSS Investments: You already have multiple ELSS funds, which may result in overlapping holdings and lower diversification. You could consolidate your ELSS investments into one or two well-performing funds. This will simplify your portfolio and improve returns while still offering tax benefits.

Consider the Lock-in: Keep in mind the 3-year lock-in period of ELSS funds. If liquidity is a concern, consider reducing your ELSS exposure once you’ve maximised your Section 80C limit.

3. Focus on Regular Funds over Direct Funds
Investing through a certified financial planner (CFP) in regular funds is better than investing in direct funds by yourself. A CFP can provide ongoing advice, portfolio rebalancing, and support during market fluctuations, which is crucial for reaching your Rs 2 crore goal.

4. Build a Strong Emergency Fund
You are already setting aside Rs 15,000 per month towards savings and your emergency fund. Aim to build a fund that covers at least 6 to 12 months' worth of expenses. Given your Rs 50,000 monthly expense, this would mean an emergency fund of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.

Continue to park this money in debt funds or fixed deposits for easy liquidity. This will safeguard you from any unforeseen expenses while ensuring that your long-term investments remain untouched.

5. Bonus Investment Strategy
You are already investing your bonus into mutual funds as a lump sum. This is a good practice, but consider utilising this money strategically:

Top-Up Your Existing SIPs: Rather than investing the entire bonus in one go, you could use it to top up your SIPs in your existing mutual funds. This will average your investment cost and reduce market timing risks.

Boost Equity Allocation: If your risk appetite allows, allocate more of your bonus towards equity mutual funds. This can provide higher returns in the long run, contributing significantly to your Rs 2 crore goal.

6. Step-Up Your SIPs Annually
You have mentioned that you step up your SIPs by 10-15% every year. Continue with this approach, as it aligns well with your growing income and inflation. This will accelerate your wealth accumulation and keep your goal on track.

For instance, a 10-15% increase in SIP amounts every year can make a significant difference to your final corpus. By increasing your SIPs, you will also take advantage of compounding and market growth.

7. Debt Fund Considerations
You have Rs 20 lakh in debt funds and fixed deposits. Once you buy your flat, this money will likely be reduced. However, after the purchase, you should maintain a portion of your savings in debt funds as part of your overall asset allocation.

Debt funds provide stability and reduce risk, which is essential as you approach your retirement goal. A balanced portfolio of equity and debt is necessary for sustainable growth.

8. Retirement Planning
To achieve Rs 2 crore by the time you turn 50, you need a mix of aggressive growth in the early years and risk mitigation in the later years.

Increase Equity Exposure for Now: As you have 11 years until retirement, continue focusing on equity funds for growth. However, once you are within 5 years of your retirement goal, gradually shift a portion of your equity investments to debt funds to protect your capital.

Avoid Real Estate Investments: Since you are planning to buy a flat within a year, avoid additional investments in real estate. Real estate is illiquid and may not provide returns aligned with your retirement timeline.

Maximise Provident Fund Contributions: You already have Rs 10 lakh in your PF, and this will continue growing with your monthly contributions. Provident Fund provides a safe and stable return and should remain a core part of your retirement corpus.

9. Tax Efficiency
As your investments grow, consider tax efficiency:

Tax on Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Be mindful of these taxes when planning withdrawals.

Tax on Debt Funds and FDs: Interest income from fixed deposits is taxed as per your income slab, which is less tax-efficient than equity investments. You can reduce your tax burden by keeping longer-term investments in equity funds and shorter-term savings in debt funds.

Final Insights
With proper planning, accumulating Rs 2 crore by the age of 50 is within your reach. You are already on the right track with a balanced approach to savings and investments. However, minor adjustments in your mutual fund selection, better tax efficiency, and maintaining a strong emergency fund can further optimise your strategy.

Your commitment to stepping up your investments and regularly reviewing your portfolio will help you stay on track. Be consistent with your SIPs and disciplined in maintaining your long-term focus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6528 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 06, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am male 36 years earning Rs 90000 a month working in a government organisation. My monthly expenses are Rs 50000. I am investing in following mutual funds and Provident Fund :- Axis Bluechip Fund - Rs 1000 monthly and current value Rs 70000 Axis Mid cap Fund - Rs 1500 monthly and current value Rs 60000 Nippon India Flexi Cap Fund - Rs 1100 monthly and current value Rs 40000 SBI Nifty SMALL cap index fund - Rs 2000 monthly and current value - Rs 29000 Provident Fund - Rs 20000 monthly and current value - Rs 10 Lakhs Sukanya Smridhi Yojna for my 4 years old daughter - Rs 2500 monthly and current value Rs 118000 I have my wife, 4 years old and mother who are financially dependent on me. I have own house. No loan EMIs are going on. I wish to retire in next 10 years. Is it possible?
Ans: At 36 years old, earning Rs 90,000 per month, and investing in mutual funds and the Provident Fund, you're building a solid foundation. With a manageable monthly expense of Rs 50,000, you are saving around Rs 40,000 per month. This surplus gives you a good start towards achieving your retirement goals.

Your current investments include:

Axis Bluechip Fund: Rs 1,000 monthly SIP, with a current value of Rs 70,000.
Axis Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1,500 monthly SIP, with a current value of Rs 60,000.
Nippon India Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 1,100 monthly SIP, with a current value of Rs 40,000.
SBI Nifty Small Cap Index Fund: Rs 2,000 monthly SIP, with a current value of Rs 29,000.
Provident Fund: Rs 20,000 monthly contribution, current value Rs 10 lakh.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Rs 2,500 monthly contribution for your daughter, current value Rs 1.18 lakh.
It is commendable that you are consistently investing in mutual funds and secured schemes like the Provident Fund and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for your daughter. These diversified investments provide stability and growth.

Now, you have set a target to retire in the next 10 years. Let’s assess the feasibility of that goal.

Assessing Your Retirement Timeline
With a 10-year timeline for retirement, you need to ensure that your investments can generate sufficient wealth to cover your post-retirement expenses. You need to account for the following factors:

Inflation: Prices will rise over time, and your expenses will likely increase. Even if your current monthly expense is Rs 50,000, it could double in 10 years due to inflation.

Post-Retirement Monthly Income: After retiring, you will need a regular income to meet your living expenses, cover healthcare, and support your family.

Longevity: You should plan for a retirement period that could last 30 years or more. This means your retirement corpus must last for a long time.

Existing Dependents: You have a wife, a 4-year-old daughter, and a mother who are financially dependent on you. This adds additional responsibility and expense post-retirement.

Given these factors, retiring in 10 years is possible if you carefully plan and optimize your investments.

Recommended Asset Allocation for Retirement
A balanced investment strategy is essential for achieving your goal of early retirement. Here’s a step-by-step approach to structure your investments:

Equity Mutual Funds: Continue investing in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. However, I would recommend focusing on a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds: You currently have an investment in an index fund (SBI Nifty Small Cap Index Fund). Index funds tend to provide market-level returns, which may not be sufficient to meet your retirement goals. Actively managed funds offer the potential for better returns because fund managers can take advantage of market opportunities.

By switching from index funds to actively managed funds, you give yourself a higher probability of generating alpha (returns above the market average).

Provident Fund: Continue contributing to the Provident Fund, as it provides a secure, guaranteed return and will serve as a safe portion of your retirement corpus. The EPF also gives you tax-free returns, which are crucial for long-term security.

Increase SIPs Gradually: As your income grows or expenses reduce, try to increase your SIPs. A regular increase of 5% to 10% in SIP contributions can significantly enhance your retirement corpus over time.

Debt Funds for Stability: While equity funds are important for growth, debt mutual funds provide stability and regular returns. As you approach retirement, start allocating a portion of your savings to debt mutual funds. They will offer a regular income stream, while also reducing risk.

Debt funds are also tax-efficient as compared to traditional fixed deposits, especially for long-term capital gains.

Role of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for your daughter is a great way to secure her future education. However, you should continue monitoring the progress of the SSY account and ensure that you’re on track to meet her future education needs.

The SSY will also give you tax benefits under Section 80C, making it an efficient investment option from both a financial and tax-saving perspective.

This is a long-term investment, and the current contributions look sufficient for your daughter’s needs. You can gradually increase your contributions as your income grows.

Why Direct Mutual Funds May Not Be Ideal
It is important to be aware of the distinction between direct funds and regular funds. Direct funds come with lower expense ratios but require hands-on management. If you opt for direct funds, you must actively monitor and adjust your portfolio.

However, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) via regular funds ensures professional advice. Your investments will be periodically reviewed and rebalanced to meet your goals. Although regular funds have a slightly higher expense ratio, they come with valuable services that can help you stay on track for retirement.

Thus, it’s better to invest through a CFP who can guide you in adjusting your portfolio as per market trends and your financial goals.

Consider Your Emergency Fund
It’s essential to maintain an emergency fund that can cover 6 to 12 months of living expenses. Given your current expenses of Rs 50,000 per month, aim to set aside around Rs 3-6 lakh in a highly liquid and safe investment, such as a liquid fund or a short-term debt fund.

This emergency fund will act as a buffer during unforeseen circumstances and help you avoid dipping into your long-term investments.

Final Insights
To retire in 10 years, you will need a substantial retirement corpus. This requires careful planning and disciplined investments. Here’s what you should do:

Continue investing in mutual funds, but shift focus towards actively managed funds.

Increase your SIP contributions as your income grows. You are currently saving Rs 40,000 per month, but try to save and invest more if possible.

Maintain a healthy balance between equity and debt investments. While equities will give you growth, debt will provide stability.

Keep contributing to Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for your daughter’s future.

Avoid direct mutual funds unless you can actively manage the portfolio. Regular funds with a CFP offer better guidance.

Don’t forget to maintain an emergency fund.

With these strategies in place, you have a good chance of achieving your retirement goal in 10 years. But it’s important to continuously review and adjust your plan as you move closer to retirement.

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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