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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

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
shivu Question by shivu on Apr 15, 2025
Money

Hi sir I had invested 42L in mutual funds and spread across,large,mid and small cap. The portfolio value is 51L, additionalu started with 55k Sip, my target to achive 1cr portfolio value. My passion is to purchase land of 1cr and make farm house, in next 3 months . getting 15L lump sump amount from LIC Query is shall I incorporate that fund to existing mutual fund? Shall I invest in land, since am not affordable with 15L to purchase land, suggest me way forward to meet my passion and also to reach 1cr portfolio. I have health insurance of 15L Emergency fund of 3L ULIP policy of 15L I have dependent parents and kid with spouse.

Ans: You have built a strong portfolio and have a clear dream. Creating a farmhouse is a meaningful goal. Balancing this with your Rs. 1 crore investment target needs a structured approach.

Let us evaluate every angle before finalising the path.

? Your Existing Portfolio and Its Strength

Your mutual fund portfolio is already at Rs. 51L. You started with Rs. 42L.

That means your investment has grown well over time.

You are adding Rs. 55,000 every month as SIP. That is a healthy amount.

Your mix of large, mid, and small caps shows diversification is already in place.

This shows discipline and clarity in long-term investing.

This investment base gives you a head start for your Rs. 1 crore goal.

Keep your current SIPs running. Don't stop them.

Reaching Rs. 1 crore in the next few years looks achievable if you stay invested.

? Your Dream of Owning a Farmhouse

You want to buy land worth Rs. 1 crore. You have Rs. 15L available now.

Your passion is respected. Dreams add meaning to our efforts.

But passion must meet practical steps and timelines.

You cannot afford Rs. 1 crore land today. You only have Rs. 15L.

You may get tempted to book with advance or take loan.

Avoid both at this stage. They can cause stress later.

The land purchase will create more future costs — fencing, registration, maintenance, etc.

Land is not a liquid asset. You can’t sell quickly if needed.

Land also gives no regular income or tax benefits.

Let the dream stay. But wait until your financial base is stronger.

? What To Do With Rs. 15L LIC Proceeds

You will receive Rs. 15L from your LIC policy. This is a useful bonus.

Before investing, build clarity on your next 3–5 year plans.

You already have Rs. 3L in emergency fund. That is helpful.

If your health insurance has no large exclusions or co-pay, that is sufficient.

Your parents and child are dependents. Their needs will grow with time.

Keep Rs. 2L from the Rs. 15L as contingency for medical or family expenses.

Use the remaining Rs. 13L for your long-term goals.

? Should You Put This Into Existing Mutual Funds?

Yes. Add the Rs. 13L to your mutual funds in a staggered way.

Don't invest the full amount in one go.

You can spread it over the next 6–10 months using STP.

Systematic Transfer Plan helps reduce entry risk.

Invest this lump sum into a liquid fund first.

Then set up STP to transfer into your existing mutual funds monthly.

Choose allocation based on your current fund mix.

If you are underweight in mid or large cap, you may rebalance through this.

Avoid over-allocating into small caps through lump sum.

Small caps are for SIP only due to volatility.

This approach will bring more stability and better risk control.

Your Rs. 1 crore portfolio goal will now get stronger backing.

? Should You Continue the ULIP Policy?

You are holding a ULIP worth Rs. 15L. Please review its charges and returns.

ULIPs mix insurance and investment. That reduces flexibility.

Charges are higher than mutual funds.

If this is an old ULIP, returns may be low due to policy costs.

Also, you already have mutual fund exposure and health cover.

In most cases, it is better to surrender ULIP after 5 years.

Use the surrendered amount to invest in mutual funds through SIP or STP.

This gives better transparency, returns, and control.

But check surrender charges and compare maturity date too.

A Certified Financial Planner can help analyse the right time to exit ULIP.

? Managing Emotional Attachment to Your Dream

Your farmhouse dream is valid. But do not rush into it.

Many families buy land early and then regret later.

Land is not a wealth builder unless already developed.

You may need to spend on compound wall, water source, and upkeep.

Also, it creates pressure to spend more on building.

Buying under pressure or with loans will delay your other goals.

Let the dream stay alive but move step by step.

Reach Rs. 1 crore in mutual funds first.

After that, revisit your land purchase plan with more flexibility.

Maybe buy a smaller plot or partner with someone trustworthy.

? How To Reach Rs. 1 Crore Portfolio Faster

You are already on track to Rs. 1 crore. But a few steps can help you reach quicker.

Keep your SIP of Rs. 55,000 consistent. Don't reduce it.

Avoid withdrawing money from your mutual fund unless emergency.

Reinvest your ULIP corpus into mutual fund if surrendered.

Don't increase risk just for higher returns. Stick to your current mix.

Review your funds yearly. Rebalance if large deviation occurs.

Review goals yearly to stay focused and not get distracted.

? Family Responsibility Planning

You have dependent parents, spouse, and child.

You must build a long-term safety net for them.

Consider term insurance if not already in place.

It should be large enough to protect their future needs.

For your child, start a separate goal-based SIP.

Don’t mix your farmhouse goal with child education.

Your spouse should be aware of your investments and goals.

Keep records simple and updated for easy tracking.

Ensure nominations are updated in all your investments.

Family awareness adds stability and reduces future stress.

? Evaluate Goal Priority Carefully

You are passionate about land. That’s fine.

But financial freedom must come first.

Land gives emotional satisfaction. Mutual funds give financial growth.

Keep passion on paper until affordability improves.

When your portfolio reaches Rs. 1 crore, you will have more flexibility.

You can then consider partial withdrawal without affecting other goals.

Build in patience. It pays more than passion when it comes to money.

? Avoid These Mistakes

Don’t use the Rs. 15L to give advance for land now.

Don’t take loan to fund land dream.

Don’t stop SIPs to build land corpus.

Don’t mix emotional desire with long-term investing.

Don’t depend on land price appreciation. It is not guaranteed.

Don’t hold ULIP if returns are low. Exit smartly after evaluating charges.

? Final Insights

You are financially aware and focused. That’s your biggest strength.

Your investments have grown well. Your SIPs are strong.

Your family protection is in place with health cover and emergency fund.

You are only one step away from your dream.

But reaching Rs. 1 crore should come first before buying land.

Let your Rs. 15L LIC amount work harder for now.

Don’t rush into land buying unless you can afford the full cost later.

You can fulfil your farmhouse dream by staying on this steady path.

Your patience will make your dream come true at the right time.

Trust the process. Your dream is safe in the hands of your discipline.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 27, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I really appreciate the advice received from you to my query. Bases on your feedback, I have decided to replan the mutual funds investments and hence will request your invaluable suggestion on wealth building for the next 10 years. I am 45 years old and the objective is to work for another 10 years and accumulate a corpus of around 2.5 CRS. My existing take home salary is Rs 1.25 lacs per month and additional variable income ( incentives ) of around Rs 3 to 4 lacs annually. My existing EFP accumulation is Rs 38,18,711 and it should continue to add for another 10 years. My existing PPF accumulation is Rs 24,69,961, having started from April, 2011 and I wish to continue it for another 10 years with Rs 1.5 lacs deposit per year. Following are my ongoing LICs maturity plans :- Jeevan Anand, Maturity year - 2032, Sum assured - Rs 8 lacs Jeevan Ankur, Maturity year - 2034, Sum assured - Rs 12 lacs Jeevan Saral, Maturity year - 2035, Sum assured - Rs 352,330 Money back policy, Maturity year - 2027, Sum assured - Rs 2lacs + vested bonds My existing LIC annual premium is Rs 135,661 My existing corpus if mutual fund is around Rs 4 lacs, regret not having started investing in mutual funds earlier. Following are the SIPs I intend to realign from January, 2025 to at least till December, 20234, per month Parag Pariekh Flexicap - Rs 20,000 Quant Active Fund - Rs 10,000 SBI Smallcap - Rs 5,000 Nippon India Smallcap - Rs 5,000 ICICI Prudential Bluchip - Rs 5,000 Mirae Asset Large and Midcap - Rs 5,000 Overviewing, the entire details, please share your opinions and suggestions for wealth building for the next 10 years.
Ans: Hello;

Your EPF corpus, PPF contribution+ corpus and MF sip corpus together will provide you a corpus of 2.5 Cr+ over 10 years. (8%, 6.9% & 12% returns considered respectively)

Maturity proceeds of endowment life insurance policies, if any, is a surplus.

Do invest part of your annual incentives as lumpsum investment in the sip funds to boost your corpus.

Also always bear in mind to never mix investment with insurance.

For life insurance an adequate term life cover is good enough.

Endowment policies have the worst returns.

SIP funds are okay except multicap fund, which you may replace with any other top quartile fund from that category, since that fund AMC has an ongoing sebi probe into frontrunning allegations.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 02, 2024

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Hi Sir Am holding 52L portfolio of mutual fund,with the investment of 40L with SIP of 50000. Am living in own house. Health insurance coverage upto 15L ULIP insurance upto 20 L Currently I have an NSC matured amount of 20L which will come in Jan 2025. Suggest me for better returns shall I invest in land,or plot Or Shall I distribute in my mutual fund portfoli? Am confused sir Your suggestions help me a lot sir
Ans: Your existing portfolio and investments reflect sound planning. A Rs. 52L mutual fund portfolio with a Rs. 40L investment indicates substantial growth. SIP contributions of Rs. 50,000 per month further strengthen your portfolio for long-term goals.

Living in your own house ensures reduced living costs, while a Rs. 15L health insurance cover provides excellent security against medical emergencies. However, ULIP investments worth Rs. 20L need reassessment for efficiency and returns.

The Rs. 20L from NSC maturing in January 2025 offers a golden opportunity to expand your wealth.

Why Real Estate May Not Be Ideal
1. High Initial Investment and Low Liquidity
Real estate investments demand significant funds upfront.

Selling plots or land can take time, reducing liquidity.

2. Maintenance and Legal Risks
Plots or land require maintenance and incur additional costs.

Legal disputes or encumbrances may cause complications.

3. Unpredictable Returns
Real estate returns are region-specific and may not outpace mutual fund returns.

Long holding periods may dilute the real returns due to inflation.

Why Enhance Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
1. Diversification Opportunities
Mutual funds offer sectoral and geographic diversification.

Broadening your portfolio helps reduce risk and boost returns.

2. Liquidity and Transparency
Mutual funds provide easy entry and exit options.

Regular updates and professional management ensure transparency.

3. Potential for Higher Returns
Actively managed equity funds can offer higher returns than fixed assets.

Regular portfolio rebalancing can optimise gains.

4. Flexibility
Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) help stagger investments to reduce timing risks.

Investments align better with market conditions.

Reassessing ULIP Investments
1. Evaluate the Returns
ULIPs mix insurance and investment but may offer moderate returns.

Compare ULIP returns with mutual fund growth over similar periods.

2. Consider Surrendering
If ULIPs underperform, you can consider surrendering after the lock-in period.

Reallocate proceeds to mutual funds for better returns.

Suggested Strategy for Rs. 20L NSC Proceeds
1. Staggered Investment in Mutual Funds
Use an STP to invest the Rs. 20L gradually in equity mutual funds.

This reduces market risk and maximises returns.

2. Focus on Balanced Asset Allocation
Allocate funds to equity, hybrid, and debt mutual funds.

This ensures both growth and stability.

3. Explore Thematic or International Funds
Add funds focusing on specific sectors or global markets.

Diversify beyond traditional equity funds for higher growth potential.

Tax Implications of Mutual Fund Investments
1. Equity Mutual Funds
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%.

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

Plan your holding period to optimise tax efficiency.

Finally
Investing in land or plots may not align with your financial goals due to lower liquidity and unpredictable returns. Distributing the Rs. 20L NSC maturity amount into diversified mutual funds will maximise growth and ensure financial flexibility.

Review your ULIP policies and consider shifting funds to mutual funds for better returns. Regularly consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 26, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 26, 2025Hindi
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I am 34 Years old. Earning 80k in hand. Till now I have been through loans due to family constraints. Now I have repaid all my loans in advance by prepaying them. I invested in one mutual fund Mirae asset ELSS. But now I have stopped SIP in it. It currently has 2.20 Lacs. I have 3 lacs in bank and given 4 lacs to someone. Has KVP of 2 lacs maturing in 2033. Wife has two LIC policies maturing in 2033 with 15 lacs approx as maturity amount. I have two kids (boys) 1 and 5 years old. As I am in paramilitary so investing in NPS from past 9 years, currently it has 16.5 lacs corpus with 26 years of my job remaining. I want to invest in mutual funds 37k per month. I have no loans, no credit card and no other liability. I have chosen Parag Parikh Flexi cap-10000 SBI Gold Durect Plan Growth-5000 Bharat 22 Index Fund Fund-5000 Nippon India Large Cap-5000 Motilal Oswal Mid Cap-4000 Nippon India Small Cap-4000 Tata small cap-4000 All are direct plans. Want to start them all in Groww app from Apr 2025. I want to buy a house in next 8-10 years of approx 50Lacs current value. My car is ageing and want to replace it in next one year. Please suggest me if my approach is good or do I have to make adjustments.
Ans: Your disciplined approach to finances is impressive. Paying off loans early was a great decision. Now, you can focus on growing wealth and achieving your goals. Below is a detailed analysis of your financial plan.

Emergency Fund and Short-Term Liquidity
You have Rs 3 lakh in the bank and Rs 4 lakh lent out.

Ideally, keep 6 months of expenses as a liquid emergency fund.

Since your salary is Rs 80,000 per month, target Rs 5 lakh as an emergency fund.

If the Rs 4 lakh is not immediately recoverable, consider adding more liquid savings.

Park this money in a mix of a high-interest savings account and liquid mutual funds.

Insurance Protection
Life Insurance: You did not mention a term plan. Ensure you have one with coverage of at least 10-15 times your annual income.

Health Insurance: You did not mention a health plan. Get a Rs 20-30 lakh family floater policy.

Personal Accident Cover: Since you are in the paramilitary, a personal accident cover is essential.

NPS and Retirement Planning
You have Rs 16.5 lakh in NPS after 9 years. With 26 years left, this can grow significantly.

Continue contributing, but do not rely solely on NPS.

Diversify retirement savings with equity mutual funds to give flexibility at retirement.

NPS has withdrawal restrictions, so having non-restricted investments is important.

Investment Portfolio Review
Existing Investments
ELSS Mutual Fund: It is tax-saving but not suitable for long-term wealth building. Consider diversifying.

KVP: A low-return product locked until 2033. Not ideal for long-term wealth creation.

LIC Policies (Wife): If they are traditional endowment plans, they may have low returns. Consider surrendering and reinvesting if feasible.

Planned SIPs (From April 2025)
Your planned SIPs total Rs 37,000 per month. Below is an evaluation:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap - Rs 10,000: Good choice for diversification and stability.

SBI Gold - Rs 5,000: Gold should not be a core investment. Reduce allocation to 5-10% of your portfolio.

Bharat 22 Index Fund - Rs 5,000: Index funds have limitations. Actively managed funds can offer better returns.

Nippon India Large Cap - Rs 5,000: Large-cap is important for stability. Keep allocation.

Motilal Oswal Mid Cap - Rs 4,000: Mid-cap funds offer growth but can be volatile. Moderate allocation is fine.

Nippon India Small Cap - Rs 4,000 & Tata Small Cap - Rs 4,000: Small-cap exposure is high. Consider reducing to avoid excessive risk.

Suggested Portfolio Adjustments
Reduce allocation to gold and index funds.

Maintain a mix of large, flexi-cap, mid, and small-cap funds.

Instead of direct funds, invest through an MFD with CFP credentials for better tracking and advice.

House Purchase Plan (8-10 Years)
The house is estimated at Rs 50 lakh in today’s value. Future value may increase.

Start a dedicated SIP in a hybrid or multi-asset fund for this goal.

Avoid real estate investment as a wealth-building tool. Buy a house only for personal use.

Car Purchase Plan (Next Year)
Since this is a short-term goal, avoid equity investment.

Use bank savings and allocate part of your upcoming savings for the purchase.

If needed, opt for a car loan but repay it quickly.

Final Insights
Keep an emergency fund of Rs 5 lakh.

Ensure you have term life and health insurance.

Continue investing in NPS but also in mutual funds for flexibility.

Review and rebalance your SIP choices.

Plan separately for house and car goals with appropriate investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2025
Money
Hi I am 43 me and wife earning 3 lcs per month with no kids we have a liability of 45 lacs housing loan and car loan of 8 lacs Housing loan balance 38 lacs ( we paid 5 lacs as part payment in two years) and also increase our installments from 38000 to 50000 for the last 5 months and reduce our tenure from 20 years to now 12 years Expenses:- 50000 housing laon per month 19000 car loan per month 30000 house hold expenses including travel expenses etc.. 30 lakhs mediclaim insurance premium 25000 annually Investment:- 35000 mutual funds per month ( funds like multi assets,multi cap and large cap one or two funds in small cap,and flexi funds ) Lic premium annual around 2 lacs 65000 annually premium for term plan ( unit linked plan) of 50 lacs 1 lakhs in PPF 50 lakhs corpus in mutual funds (90% equity and 10% hybrid) 15 lakhs FD 30 lakhs worth gold (300 grm) apprx 1 flat worth 1 crore ( on loan paying 50k pm) 10 lakh cash 3 lakh in savings Want to build a corpus of minimum of 10 crores befor 60 years of age How do invest in more systametic manner so that we can grow our money and how much amount do we need more to invest to reach this targetAnd another imp question is do I need to pay housing loan first so that I can save the intrest or kept the money in account as emergency fund. I am really confused Do I sell gold and pay loan ?? Do I break my FD ? What to do??
Ans: Appreciate your clarity and discipline with money. You are far ahead of many at your age. You already have a strong income, valuable assets, and good savings habits. Now let’s look at a complete 360° view of how to reach Rs. 10 crore target by 60.

We’ll go step by step with each area of your financial life.

Income and Cash Flow Overview
Monthly income of Rs. 3 lakhs is very healthy.

Loan EMIs total around Rs. 1.19 lakhs, approximately 40% of income.

Household expenses are just Rs. 30,000 – very efficient.

SIPs of Rs. 35,000 are a great start, but more growth investment is needed.

Scope exists to steadily increase investments each year.

Savings of Rs. 13 lakhs (FD + cash + savings) gives a solid buffer.

Actionable Insight:
Maintain a detailed monthly budget tracking income, expenses, EMIs, and surplus. Review it quarterly to stay in control.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Home loan of Rs. 38 lakh with Rs. 50,000 EMI and reduced tenure to 12 years – good progress.

Car loan of Rs. 8 lakh with Rs. 19,000 EMI.

Rs. 69,000/month in loan EMIs is manageable at your income level.

Recommendations:

Don’t rush to close home loan if interest is below 9% – you get tax benefits.

Prioritise closing the car loan if interest rate is high – it's not tax beneficial.

Avoid using FD or gold for loan repayment unless it’s an emergency.

Emergency Fund Evaluation
Rs. 10 lakh in cash + Rs. 3 lakh in savings is already strong.

With Rs. 15 lakh in FD, total emergency reserve is Rs. 28 lakh.

That’s more than sufficient; no need to expand emergency fund further.

Use sweep-in FD or split across multiple banks for liquidity and safety.

Insurance Assessment
Rs. 30 lakh health insurance is adequate – continue maintaining this.

Term insurance of Rs. 50 lakh via ULIP is too low.

Ideal cover should be around Rs. 4 crore (12x annual income).

Recommendations:

Take an independent term insurance plan of Rs. 3.5 crore.

Continue existing health cover.

Evaluate surrender of ULIP and LIC if returns are low (generally ~5%).

Redirect those premiums (Rs. 2.65 lakh annually) to mutual fund SIPs.

Investment Portfolio Review
Monthly Investments:

Rs. 35,000 into mutual funds (multi-cap, flexi-cap, small-cap, etc.)

Annual Contributions:

Rs. 1 lakh into PPF

Total Investment Corpus:

Rs. 50 lakh in mutual funds

Rs. 15 lakh in FD

Rs. 30 lakh in gold

Rs. 10 lakh in cash

Rs. 3 lakh in savings

Positives:

Strong equity exposure for long-term growth.

Balanced support from gold and FD.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Increase SIPs annually by at least 10%.

Limit small-cap exposure to 10-15%.

Gradually move from FD to debt mutual funds for better returns and tax-efficiency.

Surrender low-return policies (LIC, ULIP) and reinvest in growth-oriented funds.

Continue PPF contributions for safe, tax-free returns.

Realistic Path to Rs. 10 Crore by Age 60
You are 43 now, with 17 years to invest.

Current investment corpus is around Rs. 1.08 crore.

With Rs. 35,000 SIP, you might reach Rs. 2.5–3 crore by 60 – not enough.

To Reach Rs. 10 Crore Goal:

Gradually increase SIPs to Rs. 1 lakh/month in 5 years.

Reinvest proceeds from surrendering LIC/ULIP (Rs. 2.65 lakh annually).

Redirect EMI amounts (car loan, etc.) once loans are closed.

Make lump sum additions from bonuses or surplus income.

Mutual Fund Taxation Notes
From 2024, equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per slab.

Advice:

Avoid frequent withdrawals.

Use ultra-short term or debt funds for short- to medium-term needs.

Fund Selection Guidelines
Avoid direct funds unless you manage the portfolio yourself.

Use regular plans through a certified financial planner for guidance.

Avoid index funds if you seek alpha and personalized management.

Stick to a blend of active multi-cap, flexi-cap, and large-cap funds.

Suggested Asset Allocation
60% – Equity mutual funds

15% – Debt mutual funds

10% – Gold (already in place)

10% – Emergency fund (FD + cash)

5% – PPF

Annual Portfolio Rebalancing Recommended

Year-Wise Action Plan
Year 1–2:

Repay car loan using surplus or gold if needed.

Surrender LIC and ULIP; shift Rs. 2.65 lakh to mutual funds.

Take new term plan of Rs. 3.5 crore.

Increase SIPs to Rs. 50,000/month.

Year 3–5:

Redirect closed EMIs (Rs. 19,000) to SIPs.

Gradually move FD into debt mutual funds.

Add lump sum investments from annual bonuses.

Year 6–10:

Continue SIPs at Rs. 1 lakh/month.

Keep gold as is.

Rebalance asset allocation annually.

Final Insights
You are on the right track.

No need to sell gold or break FD prematurely.

Gradually increase SIPs and equity exposure.

Maintain emergency reserve.

Improve term cover and simplify insurance portfolio.

Avoid panic, follow the strategy, and review annually.

With this approach, you can confidently build Rs. 10 crore or more by 60 and ensure financial independence.

With better planning and yearly reviews, you will secure a strong retired life.

 

Best Regards,
?
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
?
Chief Financial Planner,
?
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi sir My self shiingam,am 39 years Am invested in staggered manner in equity mutual funds from 4 years,the invested amount is 52L , recently I had invested more ,the portfolio value is 67L, additionally started with 55k sip Suggest me when my portfolio will reach 1cr? Whether am doing the right thing since I have incorporated all savings excluding pf into equity By 2030 I need financial stability I have family with dependent mother,father wife and son I have below investment 1.6500 monthly postal insurance for my son it will mature byb2030 2.existing sips 3.Pf about 17L 4.health insurance upto 15L I have taken Whether am in right track? Since near to retirement I have a dream to make farm land in future with theese investment is it achivieble? Or shall I continue some more sip and lump sump investment ?
Ans: You have done very well so far. You have taken action early. You have discipline in savings. This builds a strong base for your family’s future. Many people keep waiting. You are already moving forward. That deserves appreciation.

Here is a full and detailed view of your situation. This covers the risk, growth, and safety side together. This gives you a 360-degree plan.

» current position analysis
– You are 39 now. You still have long working years.
– You have Rs. 67L in equity mutual funds. This is a solid start.
– You are adding Rs. 55k every month through SIP. This adds growth speed.
– You have Rs. 17L in PF. This adds stability to your portfolio.
– You have postal insurance for your son. It will mature in 2030. That is a good safety plan for his future.
– You have Rs. 15L health cover. This is very important. This protects your savings during health emergencies.
– You are responsible for your parents, wife, and son. Your plan must protect them too.

This mix is good. You have growth assets and safety assets. You have not locked all money in illiquid areas. You have flexibility. That is very important near retirement.

» growth expectation from equity mutual funds
– Equity mutual funds need time. Short term is always volatile.
– You have already seen growth from Rs. 52L to Rs. 67L. This is a positive sign.
– With disciplined SIPs, the power of compounding works well.
– Reaching Rs. 1 Cr depends on returns and new investments.
– If the market grows at a reasonable pace, your portfolio may touch Rs. 1 Cr within 3 to 4 years.
– Sometimes markets stay flat. Then it may take 5 years.
– Staying invested and continuing SIPs is the key. Stopping now will delay the target.

» is the current approach right
– Your current plan is sensible.
– You are using equity mutual funds for growth.
– You are not depending on random stocks. You are using managed funds. This lowers risk.
– You have PF for stability.
– You have insurance for protection.
– You are investing for your son.
– This mix is balanced between growth and safety.

But you need to keep reviewing. As you reach closer to retirement, you must shift some money to safer options. This will protect you from market falls near the time of need.

» on allocating all savings to equity
– It is fine now as you are 39.
– Equity builds wealth for long-term needs.
– But do not keep emergency money in equity.
– You must keep at least 6 to 9 months’ expense in liquid safe funds or bank.
– This money should be easy to withdraw and without risk.
– If not yet done, create this emergency fund.
– Then continue SIPs with balance money.

» building the farm land dream
– Buying a farm land is an emotional goal. It is not only a financial decision.
– You need to check legal clear titles, water, road access, and permissions.
– Real estate does not create income until sold or leased.
– If your dream is for own use, you can plan later.
– Do not disturb your retirement corpus for it.
– First secure retirement income. Then plan farm land with surplus.

» safety as you near retirement
– Your plan is to have financial stability by 2030.
– You have around 6 years.
– This is a short period for equity. You must be careful with risk.
– Slowly shift some part to safer debt mutual funds, tax efficient bonds, or deposits.
– Do not move everything at once. Use gradual transfer.
– Keep growth assets for long-term needs. Keep safe assets for near-term use.
– This protects against sudden market drops before you use the money.

» importance of reviewing insurance
– You have health insurance of Rs. 15L. Good step.
– But check if all family members are covered.
– Also check if parents are under cover. If not, consider separate senior citizen cover.
– Life cover is also important. You did not mention term insurance.
– If not taken, you must take term insurance equal to 10 to 15 times your yearly income.
– This protects your family in case of an unexpected event.
– Do not depend on postal or LIC plans for protection. They are mainly savings, not strong risk cover.

» about lump sum and more SIPs
– You can continue SIPs. It is the best way to average cost.
– You can add lumpsum if there is surplus.
– But never invest emergency or short-term money in equity.
– All extra long-term money can be put in lumpsum during market dips.
– If you are unsure about timing, stick to SIP. It removes timing stress.

» action plan from here
– Keep your current SIPs running.
– Increase SIPs by 5-10% every year if income grows.
– Keep emergency fund safe and separate.
– Review insurance cover and fill gaps if any.
– Check your mutual funds once a year. Make sure they are performing better than peers.
– Start a shift plan from equity to safer debt instruments at least 2 years before your target use.
– Do not chase very high returns. Protect what you have built.
– Avoid direct stocks, high-risk bets, or speculative ideas.

» understanding long-term peace
– Wealth is not only about returns. It is about peace of mind.
– When you know your family is safe, health is covered, and income is planned, you can focus on your own dreams.
– You are already ahead of many people in preparation.
– The key now is discipline and regular review.

» final insights
– Your current approach is good.
– You are on track for Rs. 1 Cr target well before 2030.
– Keep focus on balanced growth and safety.
– Do not lock all money in land or property. Keep flexibility.
– Reinvest matured LIC or postal money in better yielding safe instruments at that time.
– The dream of farm land is achievable. But do it only after securing retirement income.
– With your discipline, you can retire with peace, dignity, and freedom to pursue personal goals.

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

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

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

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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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