Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 22, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Hai I am 45yrs old business person , doing medium turn over and medium profit want to earn more money . I have 1 to 2 lakhs to invest Please suggest me where can I do ?

Ans: Firstly, I must commend you for your entrepreneurial spirit and your dedication to improving your financial situation.

Investing wisely can indeed be a pathway to greater wealth, and your willingness to explore options is admirable. With your current financial position and aspirations, it's essential to approach investment with caution and diligence.

Before diving in, take a moment to reflect on your risk tolerance and investment goals. Understanding these will guide your decisions and help manage expectations.

Now, with your budget in mind, let's explore some potential avenues for investment:

Consider starting with diversified mutual funds or index funds. They offer a balanced approach to investing, spreading risk across various assets.
Explore the stock market cautiously. With thorough research and guidance, you can identify promising companies poised for growth.
Peer-to-peer lending platforms can offer attractive returns. However, be sure to understand the associated risks and choose reputable platforms.
Investing in yourself is also crucial. Consider furthering your education or acquiring new skills relevant to your business or industry.
Don't overlook the potential of online businesses or e-commerce ventures. With your business acumen, you may find success in this rapidly growing sector.
Remember, patience and persistence are key virtues in the world of investment. It's essential to stay informed, adapt to market changes, and remain disciplined in your approach.

Lastly, never hesitate to seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner like myself. We're here to offer expertise and support on your journey towards financial success.

Keep your spirits high, and trust in your ability to make informed decisions. Your commitment to improving your financial situation is admirable, and I'm confident you'll achieve your goals with perseverance and sound planning.
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 25, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I’ve a net salary of 40 thousand. please suggest where and how much should i invest monthly so as to generate a secondary income
Ans: It's great to hear that you're looking to invest a portion of your salary to generate a secondary income. Let's explore some potential avenues tailored to your financial situation.

Emergency Fund: Before diving into investments, ensure you have an emergency fund set aside to cover at least 3-6 months' worth of expenses. This fund provides a safety net during unforeseen circumstances.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Consider starting a SIP in mutual funds to benefit from market growth over the long term. You can start with a modest amount that fits your budget and increase it gradually as your income grows.
Recurring Deposit (RD): Investing in an RD can provide a stable return and is suitable for short to medium-term goals. You can allocate a portion of your salary to an RD each month.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF offers tax benefits and a decent interest rate. Investing a portion of your salary in PPF can help in long-term wealth creation while enjoying tax benefits.
Stock Market: If you have an inclination towards equity investments, you can start investing in stocks or equity mutual funds. However, ensure to do thorough research or consult a financial expert before venturing into direct stock investments.
Skill Development: Investing in upgrading your skills or learning new ones can also be considered. It can potentially lead to better job opportunities and increased income in the future.
A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice considering your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you create a tailored investment plan to generate a secondary income and achieve financial stability.

Remember, the key to successful investing is patience, discipline, and regular review. Best wishes on your journey towards building a secondary income stream!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Listen
Money
I am 45 yrs old homemaker. Currently unemployed. I have good savings and i want to invest Rs.1 lakh . Can u pls suggest me where shld i invest it for higher returns for 5 year period
Ans: Making financial decisions can be overwhelming, but I'm here to guide you through your investment journey.

Understanding Your Goals and Risk Tolerance
Firstly, let's commend you for your prudent savings habits. Your desire to invest Rs.1 lakh demonstrates your commitment to securing your financial future. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of aligning investments with your goals and risk tolerance.

Investment Recommendations
Given your 5-year investment horizon and the quest for higher returns, let's explore suitable options:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns over the long term. However, they come with market risk. As a homemaker with no current income, the volatility may be unsettling.

Debt Mutual Funds: These funds primarily invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and offer relatively stable returns compared to equity funds. They are ideal for conservative investors seeking steady income.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds, averaging out market fluctuations. It's a disciplined approach that can benefit you over time.

Evaluating Options
While direct funds offer control over your investments, they require continuous monitoring and research. Opting for regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential ensures professional guidance and ongoing support.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, although low-cost and easy to understand, may not outperform actively managed funds. They lack flexibility in responding to market changes and can underperform during volatile periods, limiting potential returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, on the other hand, are overseen by professional fund managers who actively adjust the portfolio to capitalize on market opportunities. This dynamic approach aims to achieve superior returns, especially during market fluctuations.

Conclusion
Considering your circumstances, a balanced approach combining debt mutual funds and SIPs in actively managed equity funds through a Certified Financial Planner may be suitable. It provides a blend of stability and growth potential tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 07, 2025Hindi
Money
hello ,I am 36 year old now ,i have my own house ,living with 3 Kid and with my Parent , I am the only earning Person in my home ,i do travel business and did some jibs earlier i have saved 50 Lakh since i start my carrier ,but now my business is not doing good so now i am looking to invest 50 Lakh to generate an imcome of alteast 1 Lakh rs per month as fix income so suggest me some ways
Ans: You’ve made a commendable achievement in saving Rs. 50 lakh over the years. Given that your business is currently not performing well and you're seeking a stable monthly income, it's important to adopt a diversified investment strategy that generates reliable returns. Your goal of Rs. 1 lakh monthly income is achievable with the right mix of investments.

Understanding Your Needs
You need a fixed income of Rs. 1 lakh per month.
Your savings amount to Rs. 50 lakh.
The income should be stable and relatively risk-free, given the family responsibilities.
Considering these factors, let’s explore options that can generate a monthly income while maintaining a suitable level of safety.

Investment Options for Stable Income
Here are the key options you could consider for generating a fixed monthly income from your Rs. 50 lakh savings:

1. Fixed Deposits (FDs)
Safety and Stability: Fixed deposits are a low-risk investment option, offering guaranteed returns.
Interest Rate: Currently, FD interest rates hover around 7-8% per annum, depending on the bank and tenure.
Monthly Income: An FD of Rs. 50 lakh can generate about Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month, depending on the interest rate and tax treatment.
Taxation: Interest earned on FDs is taxable as per your income tax slab. This reduces the overall yield.
2. Debt Mutual Funds
Stability with Slightly Higher Returns: Debt mutual funds invest in government and corporate bonds, offering relatively safe returns.
Interest Rate: These funds can give you returns ranging from 6-9% per annum.
Monthly Income: Debt funds might offer you a slightly better return compared to FDs, but still, generating Rs. 1 lakh per month may require you to invest a larger amount.
Taxation: Interest income is taxed, but long-term capital gains (LTCG) on debt funds (held for over 3 years) are taxed at 20% after indexation, which is more tax-efficient than FD interest.
3. Monthly Income Plans (MIPs) of Mutual Funds
Balanced Approach: MIPs invest in both debt and equity, providing a mix of stable income and capital appreciation.
Returns: MIPs generally offer 8-10% annual returns.
Taxation: MIPs have tax advantages compared to FDs. The income from MIPs is treated as capital gains, which can be more tax-efficient.
Monthly Payout: By investing in MIPs, you can opt for monthly payout options that provide regular income. However, the returns are not fixed like FDs.
4. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
Capital Efficiency: Instead of opting for fixed income, you can use your mutual fund investments through an SWP. Here, you withdraw a fixed sum monthly from a mutual fund to get your desired monthly income.
Taxation: The gains from SWP are taxed as capital gains. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 15%, while long-term capital gains are taxed at 10% after Rs. 1 lakh per year.
Flexibility: You can choose actively managed funds to ensure better returns over time.
5. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Alternative Income Source: REITs are another option for generating monthly income. They invest in commercial real estate properties and distribute income to investors.
Returns: REITs have historically offered returns in the range of 7-9% annually.
Taxation: REITs offer tax advantages by being pass-through entities. Dividend income from REITs is taxed at 10% after a threshold.
Risk: Though safer than direct real estate, REITs still carry market risks as they are linked to the performance of the real estate market.
6. Gold and Gold Bonds
Safe-Haven Asset: Gold has always been a safe investment, especially in uncertain times.
Returns: Direct investment in gold may not generate monthly income, but you can invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), which pay an interest of 2.5% per annum.
Taxation: Capital gains from gold are taxed at 20% after 3 years. SGBs also offer a capital gain tax exemption if held to maturity.
7. Balanced Mutual Funds
Growth with Income: Balanced or hybrid mutual funds invest in a mix of debt and equity. They offer a good growth potential with reasonable stability.
Returns: These funds can offer returns of around 8-12% per annum.
Taxation: These funds are subject to long-term capital gains tax after 1 year for equity portion, and 20% after 3 years for debt portion.
8. Corporate Bonds and NCDs
Higher Income: Corporate bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) offer higher returns than government bonds.
Returns: The returns are in the range of 8-10% per annum.
Risk: They carry slightly higher risk compared to government-backed bonds. It's crucial to select high-rated bonds to ensure safety.
Understanding the Right Allocation
To generate an income of Rs. 1 lakh per month (Rs. 12 lakh annually), you need an investment that can consistently provide returns in this range.

Suggested Allocation for Rs. 50 Lakh
40% in Fixed Deposits (FDs): Rs. 20 lakh invested in FDs will provide steady but lower returns.
30% in Debt Mutual Funds or MIPs: Rs. 15 lakh in these funds will give you moderate returns with a bit more risk.
20% in Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Rs. 10 lakh in actively managed equity funds for long-term growth and regular withdrawals.
10% in REITs or Corporate Bonds: Rs. 5 lakh can be invested in alternative options like REITs for diversification.
Evaluating Risks and Tax Implications
Risk: The portfolio suggested above balances safety with some growth potential. The FD portion offers low risk, while the debt funds and SWPs carry slightly higher risks.
Taxation: FDs will be subject to tax based on your income slab. Debt funds and MIPs offer tax advantages, with long-term capital gains being more tax-efficient.
Liquidity: Ensure you keep some portion in liquid assets (FDs or debt funds) for emergencies.
If You Choose to Keep Money in Fixed Deposit / RBI Bonds
If you opt for fixed deposits or RBI bonds, while the returns are guaranteed, the income generated will fall short of your monthly requirement (Rs. 1 lakh). The FD returns will be closer to Rs. 35,000-40,000 per month, which means you'll need additional income sources like debt funds or other income-generating investments.

Final Insights
Diversification: Diversifying across multiple asset classes, including FDs, debt funds, MIPs, and SWPs, will provide stability and growth potential.
Risk and Returns: A mix of safer options like FDs and debt funds with higher-yielding SWPs or REITs can help generate the required monthly income.
Regular Monitoring: Review your portfolio regularly to ensure that your investments are meeting your income goals.
By following a balanced approach and not over-concentrating in a single asset, you can generate the required income while preserving your capital.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 56 yrs old with two sons, both married and settled. They are living on their own and managing their finances. I have around 2.5 Cr. invested in Direct Equity and 50L in Equity Mutual Funds. I have Another 50L savings in Bank and other secured investments. I am living in Delhi NCR in my owned parental house. I have two properties of current market worth of 2 Cr, giving a monthly rental of around 40K. I wish to retire and travel the world now with my wife. My approximate yearly expenditure on house hold and travel will be around 24 L per year. I want to know, if this corpus is enough for me to retire now and continue to live a comfortable life.
Ans: You have built a strong base. You have raised your sons well. They live independently. You and your wife now want a peaceful and enjoyable retired life. You have created wealth with discipline. You have no home loan. You live in your own house. This gives strength to your cash flow. Your savings across equity, mutual funds, and bank deposits show good clarity. I appreciate your careful preparation. You deserve a happy retired life with travel and comfort.

» Your Present Position
Your current financial position looks very steady. You hold direct equity of around Rs 2.5 Cr. You hold equity mutual funds worth Rs 50 lakh. You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits and other secured savings. Your two rental properties add more comfort. You earn around Rs 40,000 per month from rent. You also live in your owned house in Delhi NCR. So you have no rent expense.

Your total net worth crosses Rs 5.5 Cr easily. This gives you a strong base for your retired life. You plan to spend around Rs 24 lakh per year for all expenses, including travel. This is reasonable for your lifestyle. Your savings can support this if planned well. You have built more than the minimum needed for a comfortable retired life.

» Your Key Strengths
You already enjoy many strengths. These strengths hold your plan together.

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

You have strong liquidity with Rs 50 lakh in bank and secured savings.

These strengths reduce risk. They support a smooth retired life with less stress. They also help you handle inflation and medical costs better.

» Your Cash Flow Needs
Your yearly expense is around Rs 24 lakh. This includes travel, which is your main dream for retired life. A couple at your stage can keep this lifestyle if the cash flow is planned well. You need cash flow clarity for the next 30 years. Retirement at 56 can extend for three decades. So your wealth must support you for a long period.

Your rental income gives you around Rs 4.8 lakh per year. This covers almost 20% of your yearly spending. This reduces pressure on your investments. The rest can come from a planned withdrawal strategy from your financial assets.

You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits. This acts as liquidity buffer. You can use this buffer for short-term and medium-term needs. You also have equity exposure. This can support long-term growth.

» Risk Capacity and Risk Need
Your risk capacity is moderate to high. This is because:

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

Your risk need is also moderate. You need growth because inflation will rise. Travel costs will rise. Medical costs will increase. Your lifestyle will change with age. Your equity portion helps you beat inflation. But your equity exposure must be managed well. You should avoid sudden large withdrawals from equity at the wrong time.

Your stability allows you to keep some portion in equity even during retired life. But you should avoid excessive risk through direct equity. Direct equity carries concentration risk. A balanced mix of high-quality mutual funds is safer in retired life.

» Direct Equity Risk in Retired Life
You hold around Rs 2.5 Cr in direct equity. This brings some concerns. Direct equity needs frequent tracking. It needs research. It carries single-stock risk. One mistake may reduce your capital. In retired life, you need stability, clarity, and lower volatility.

Direct funds inside mutual funds also bring challenges. Direct funds lack personalised support. Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a Certified Financial Planner bring guidance and strategy. Regular funds also support better tracking and behaviour management in volatile markets. In retired life, proper handholding improves long-term stability.

Many people think direct funds save cost. But the value of advisory support through a CFP gives higher net gains over long periods. Direct plans also create more confusion in asset allocation for retirees.

» Mutual Funds as a Core Support
Actively managed mutual funds remain a strong pillar. They bring professional management and risk controls. They handle market cycles better than index funds. Index funds follow the market blindly. They do not help in volatile phases. They also offer no risk protection. They cannot manage quality of stocks.

Actively managed funds deliver better selection and risk handling. A retiree benefits from such active strategy. You should avoid index funds for a long retirement plan. You should prefer strong active funds under a disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD support.

» Why Regular Plans Work Better for Retirees
Direct plans give no guidance. Retired investors often face emotional decisions. Some panic during market fall. Some withdraw heavily during market rise. This harms wealth. Regular plan under a CFP-led MFD gives a relationship. It offers disciplined rebalancing. It improves long-term returns. It protects wealth from poor behaviour.

For retirees, the difference is huge. So shifting to regular plans for the mutual fund portion will help long-term stability.

» Your Withdrawal Strategy
A planned withdrawal strategy is key for your case. You should create three layers.

Short-Term Bucket
This comes from your bank deposits. This should hold at least 18 to 24 months of expenses. You already have Rs 50 lakh. This is enough to hold your short-term cash needs. You can use this for household costs and some travel. This avoids panic selling of equity during market downturn.

Medium-Term Bucket
This bucket can stay partly in low-volatility debt funds and partly in hybrid options. This should cover your next 5 to 7 years. This helps smoothen withdrawals. It gives regular cash flow. It reduces market shocks.

Long-Term Bucket
This can stay in high-quality equity mutual funds. This bucket helps beat inflation. This bucket helps fund your travel dreams in later years. This bucket also builds buffer for medical needs.

This three-bucket strategy protects your lifestyle. It also keeps discipline and clarity.

» Handling Property and Rental Income
Your properties give Rs 40,000 monthly rental. This helps your cash flow. You should maintain the property well. You should keep some funds aside for repairs. Do not depend fully on rental growth. Rental yields remain low. But your rental income reduces pressure on your investments. So keep the rental income as a steady support, not a primary source.

You should not plan more real estate purchase. Real estate brings low returns and poor liquidity. You already own enough. Holding more can hurt flexibility in retired life.

» Planning for Medical Costs
Medical costs rise faster than inflation. You and your wife need strong health coverage. You should maintain a reliable health insurance. You should also keep a medical fund from your bank deposits. You may keep around 3 to 4 lakh per year as a buffer for medical needs. Your bank savings support this.

Health coverage reduces stress on your long-term wealth. It also avoids large withdrawals from your growth assets.

» Travel Planning
Travel is your main dream now. You can plan your travel using your short-term and medium-term buckets. You can take funds annually from your liquidity bucket. You can avoid touching long-term equity assets for travel. This approach keeps your wealth stable.

You should plan travel for the next five years with a budget. You should adjust your travel based on markets and health. Do not use entire gains of equity for travel. Keep travel budget fixed. Add small adjustments only when needed.

» Inflation and Lifestyle Stability
Inflation will impact lifestyle. At Rs 24 lakh per year today, the cost may double in 12 to 14 years. Your equity exposure helps you beat this. But you need careful rebalancing. You also need disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD. This will help you manage inflation and maintain comfort.

Your lifestyle is stable because your children live independently. So your cash flow demand stays predictable. This makes your plan sustainable.

» Longevity Risk
Retirement at 56 means you may live till 85 or 90. Your plan should cover long years. Your total net worth of around Rs 5.5 Cr to Rs 6 Cr can support this. But you need a proper drawdown strategy. Avoid high withdrawals in early years. Keep your travel budget steady.

Do not depend on one asset class. A mix of debt and equity gives comfort. Keep your bank deposits as cushion.

» Succession and Estate Planning
Since you have two sons who are settled, you can plan a clear will. Clear distribution avoids conflict. You can also assign nominees across accounts. You can also review your legal papers. This gives peace to you and your family.

» Summary of Your Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and cash flow, you are ready to retire. You have enough wealth. You have enough liquidity. You have enough income support from rent. You also have good asset mix. With proper planning, your lifestyle is comfortable.

You can retire now. But maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy. Shift more reliance from direct equity into professionally managed mutual funds under regular plans. Keep your liquidity strong. Review once every year with a CFP.

Your wealth can support your travel dreams for many years. You can enjoy retired life with confidence.

» Finally
Your preparation is strong. Your intentions are clear. Your lifestyle needs are reasonable. Your assets support your dreams. With a balanced plan, steady review, and mindful spending, you can enjoy a comfortable retired life with your wife. You can travel the world without fear of running out of money. You deserve this peace and joy.

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

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2577 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x