How can I make the best of my savings with a monthly income of Rs.70,000?

Ans: It's commendable to see your commitment towards saving and investing at such a young age. Let's delve into your current investment strategy and future goals.

Your SIP investments across different categories indicate a diversified approach, which is good. However, it's essential to review the performance of these funds periodically and ensure they align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

The allocation towards PPF and NPS reflects a mix of long-term savings and retirement planning, which is a prudent move.

Considering your plan to buy a house and current home loan, it's crucial to balance your investments with your liabilities. Also, with rent and EPF contributions, ensuring sufficient liquidity for short-term needs and emergencies is vital.

For your retirement goal of having a pension of 70k-1 lac, you might want to consider increasing your NPS contributions or exploring other pension-oriented investment avenues.

A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. They can help you optimize your investment portfolio, guide you on balancing investments with your future home purchase, and align your retirement savings with your desired pension.

Remember, financial planning is a dynamic process, and it's essential to review and adjust periodically to stay on track towards your goals. Best wishes for your financial journey ahead!

Ans: Planning for Your Financial Future: Building a Rs 3 Crore Corpus and Securing Your Daughters' Futures

Congratulations on your disciplined saving and investment habits. Your current financial strategy is commendable, and it’s clear you’re committed to securing a prosperous future for yourself and your daughters. Let’s address your questions and develop a comprehensive plan.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
To start, let’s review your existing financial commitments and investments:

Monthly Income: Rs 1,30,000
Monthly Savings and Investments:
SIPs: Rs 26,000
PPF: Rs 12,500
Policies: Rs 30,000 and Rs 70,000 annually (equivalent to Rs 8,333 per month)
Gold: Rs 500
NPS: Rs 50,000 annually (equivalent to Rs 4,167 per month)
Savings Account: Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000
Your total monthly investments sum up to approximately Rs 51,500, excluding the savings account contributions.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
You have two primary goals:

Accumulating a Rs 3 Crore Corpus
Ensuring Funds for Your Daughters’ Education and Marriage
Goal 1: Accumulating a Rs 3 Crore Corpus
Calculating the Future Value of Your Investments
To determine if you need to invest more, we must project the future value of your current investments. Let’s assume an average annual return of 12% for your SIPs, considering they are likely invested in equity mutual funds.

Formula for Future Value of SIP:

FV = P * [(1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1] / (r/n)

Where:

P = Monthly investment (Rs 26,000)
r = Annual interest rate (0.12)
n = Number of times interest is compounded per year (12)
t = Number of years (26, assuming retirement at age 60)
Future Value Calculation for SIPs
Using the formula above:

FV = 26,000 * [(1 + 0.12/12)^(12 * 26) - 1] / (0.12/12)

FV = 26,000 * [(1 + 0.01)^(312) - 1] / 0.01

FV = 26,000 * [(1.01)^312 - 1] / 0.01

FV = 26,000 * [36.786 - 1] / 0.01

FV = 26,000 * 35.786 / 0.01

FV = 26,000 * 3,578.6

FV = 9,30,43,600

So, the future value of your SIPs after 26 years would be approximately Rs 9.3 crores.

Future Value Calculation for PPF
The PPF has a fixed rate of return. Assuming an average annual return of 7.1%:

Formula for Future Value of PPF:

FV = P * [(1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1] / (r/n)

Where:

P = Monthly investment (Rs 12,500)
r = Annual interest rate (0.071)
n = Number of times interest is compounded per year (1)
t = Number of years (15, due to PPF maturity period)
FV = 12,500 * [(1 + 0.071/1)^(1 * 15) - 1] / (0.071/1)

FV = 12,500 * [(1 + 0.071)^15 - 1] / 0.071

FV = 12,500 * [(1.071)^15 - 1] / 0.071

FV = 12,500 * [2.847 - 1] / 0.071

FV = 12,500 * 1.847 / 0.071

FV = 12,500 * 26.014

FV = 3,25,175

So, the future value of your PPF after 15 years would be approximately Rs 3.25 lakhs.

Future Value Calculation for NPS
NPS investments typically yield around 10% annually. Assuming the annual contribution is Rs 50,000:

Formula for Future Value of NPS:

FV = P * [(1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1] / (r/n)

Where:

P = Monthly investment (Rs 4,167)
r = Annual interest rate (0.10)
n = Number of times interest is compounded per year (1)
t = Number of years (26)
FV = 4,167 * [(1 + 0.10/1)^(1 * 26) - 1] / (0.10/1)

FV = 4,167 * [(1 + 0.10)^26 - 1] / 0.10

FV = 4,167 * [(1.10)^26 - 1] / 0.10

FV = 4,167 * [10.835 - 1] / 0.10

FV = 4,167 * 9.835 / 0.10

FV = 4,167 * 98.35

FV = 4,09,445

So, the future value of your NPS after 26 years would be approximately Rs 4.09 lakhs.

Additional Investments
Your existing policies (LIC, ULIP) may not offer the best returns. Consider surrendering them and redirecting the premiums into mutual funds for potentially higher growth.

Goal 2: Funding Your Daughters’ Education and Marriage
Estimating Future Expenses
Education Costs: Assume a need of Rs 20 lakhs for each daughter’s higher education.
Marriage Costs: Assume Rs 20 lakhs for each daughter’s marriage.
Let’s estimate the inflation-adjusted cost of education and marriage in the future.

Formula for Future Value of Education Costs:

FV = PV * (1 + r)^t

Where:

PV = Present value (Rs 20 lakhs)
r = Inflation rate (0.06)
t = Number of years until the expense (assume 10 years for education)
Future Value Calculation for Education
FV = 20,00,000 * (1 + 0.06)^10

FV = 20,00,000 * (1.06)^10

FV = 20,00,000 * 1.791

FV = 35,82,000

So, the future value of education costs after 10 years would be approximately Rs 35.82 lakhs.

Future Value Calculation for Marriage
Assuming marriages in 20 years:

FV = 20,00,000 * (1 + 0.06)^20

FV = 20,00,000 * (1.06)^20

FV = 20,00,000 * 3.207

FV = 64,14,000

So, the future value of marriage costs after 20 years would be approximately Rs 64.14 lakhs.

Investment Strategy for Daughters’ Future
Child Education Funds: Invest in dedicated mutual funds for child education. These funds typically offer higher returns and are tailored for education expenses.
Systematic Transfer Plan (STP): Use STP to gradually move funds from equity to debt as the expense time nears to minimize risk.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Consider SSY for long-term savings for your daughters, offering tax benefits and secure returns.
Monitoring and Adjusting Investments
Regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your goals. Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Periodic Reviews
Annual Performance Review: Evaluate the performance of your investments and adjust as necessary.
Adjusting Asset Allocation: Shift funds between equity and debt based on market conditions and your risk tolerance.
Risk Management
Diversification is crucial to minimize risks. Spread investments across various asset classes to safeguard against market volatility.

Market Risk
Equity Investments: High returns but subject to market fluctuations. Diversify across sectors and companies.
Debt Investments: Lower returns but more stable. Include high-quality debt instruments for stability.
Tax Considerations
Maximize tax efficiency by leveraging tax-saving instruments under Section 80C. Ensure investments align with your overall financial strategy.

Tax-Efficient Investments
Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): Provides tax benefits and good returns. Suitable for long-term goals.
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Safe and tax-efficient. Ideal for conservative investors.
Professional Guidance
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. A CFP can help tailor your investment strategy to meet your specific goals.

Advantages of CFP
Expertise in Financial Planning: Offers professional insights and strategies.
Personalized Advice: Tailored to your financial situation and goals.
Final Insights
Achieving a Rs 3 crore corpus and securing funds for your daughters’ education and marriage requires disciplined investing and strategic planning. Your current investments are a strong foundation, but consider increasing contributions for higher returns.

Diversify your investments, monitor performance regularly, and adjust your portfolio as needed. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance and help you stay on track.

Stay committed to your goals, and with careful planning, you can achieve financial security and ensure a bright future for your daughters.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Income and Savings: With an income of Rs 2 lakh per month and in-hand of Rs 1.2 lakh, you have a solid base for growth. Investing Rs 50,000 monthly reflects a commitment to building your wealth over time.

Investments in Fixed Income: Rs 22 lakh in fixed deposits (FD), Rs 11 lakh in Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Rs 7 lakh in Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) add security. These instruments are good for capital protection but may fall short on growth due to limited returns over the long term, especially with inflation.

Equity Investments: Your mutual fund (MF) investments at Rs 8 lakh and direct stock investments at Rs 12 lakh show a healthy inclination toward growth. However, they could be reviewed for better alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.

NPS Investment: A significant Rs 40 lakh in the National Pension System (NPS) is a commendable retirement savings measure. It offers market-linked returns and tax benefits, enhancing your retirement corpus.

Loans: An outstanding loan of Rs 19 lakh on your flat and car requires attention. Consider its impact on your cash flow and debt obligations when planning future investments.

Family Support: Supporting your mother, wife, and newborn, along with financial goals, requires a prudent and balanced strategy. This should include both asset growth and safety nets, like emergency funds and adequate insurance.

Evaluating the Decision for a Second Property Purchase
While property can be a long-term asset, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

Impact on Savings: A second flat would affect your monthly savings by Rs 25,000, reducing your existing investments. The impact on your liquidity and ability to invest for future goals must be carefully weighed.

Diversification Risks: Adding another property could lead to overexposure in real estate, especially given the current loan on your first property. Real estate often has higher transaction costs, lower liquidity, and unpredictable growth, which could limit flexibility in achieving financial goals.

Alternative Growth Options: Rather than real estate, consider diversified and high-growth options like equity mutual funds, which offer flexibility, liquidity, and potentially better returns over time. Actively managed funds can often yield higher growth and provide more adaptability.

Optimising Your Investment Portfolio
To strengthen your portfolio further, consider the following strategies:

Fixed Income Rebalancing: Your FD, PPF, and SCSS holdings together make up a significant portion of your portfolio. While they offer safety, gradually diversifying some of this capital toward equity funds could help you achieve better growth, especially given your long-term horizon.

Enhancing Mutual Fund Portfolio: Assess your mutual funds and choose actively managed funds suited to your risk profile and goals. Actively managed funds can bring diversification and growth potential. A Certified Financial Planner can help identify funds that align with your needs and provide a more balanced and efficient growth trajectory.

Stock Portfolio Re-evaluation: Your Rs 12 lakh stock portfolio could benefit from review. A diversified equity fund may provide professional management and steady growth with potentially less risk. With guidance from an experienced Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), you can optimise this for long-term gains.

NPS Portfolio Review: Since NPS is a key component of your retirement, periodically review its asset allocation. Choosing a higher equity allocation within NPS (based on your risk tolerance) may enhance your retirement corpus. The NPS portfolio should be reviewed every few years as it offers flexibility in adjusting the equity-debt ratio.

Protection and Security for Family
Protecting your family’s future is equally important as wealth-building:

Insurance Cover: Given your dependents, ensure adequate term life insurance coverage to secure your family’s financial future in your absence. Health insurance for each family member, with top-up options, is equally essential to prevent any medical expenses from disrupting your savings.

Emergency Fund: While your FD and other liquid assets offer some emergency cover, an exclusive emergency fund with three to six months of expenses is essential. This fund should be easily accessible in case of unexpected needs and help maintain other long-term investments.

Evaluating Monthly Investment Strategy
Here are some key insights into your current investment strategy:

Monthly SIPs and Growth Potential: Investing Rs 50,000 monthly across multiple avenues is commendable. To maximise returns, focus more on equity-oriented funds, balancing them with moderate debt funds. This diversification can provide a balanced risk-return profile, especially for long-term wealth creation.

Avoiding Direct Funds and Index Funds: Opting for regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner provides expert guidance, tailored fund recommendations, and timely portfolio adjustments. Unlike index funds, which passively track markets, actively managed funds aim to outperform through professional expertise. These funds offer superior growth potential and responsiveness to market changes.

Long-Term Commitment: Consistency in monthly investments is crucial to building a strong corpus. A disciplined SIP approach, with an annual increment to account for inflation and rising expenses, will help you achieve your financial goals smoothly.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
Efficient tax planning can maximise your take-home returns:

Equity Mutual Fund Taxation: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) over Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Keep track of your equity investments to plan for optimal redemption strategies and minimise tax outflows.

Debt Mutual Fund Taxation: Debt fund gains are taxed based on your income slab. While they provide stability, consider tax-efficient equity options for better growth with tax benefits.

PPF and NPS Benefits: PPF offers tax-free returns, making it a reliable tool for tax-saving. NPS provides tax benefits on investments and returns but be mindful of withdrawal taxes at retirement. Efficiently managing NPS withdrawals can help reduce the tax burden and boost retirement income.

Final Insights
Current Path Evaluation: You are on a well-planned path, with a diverse portfolio and regular investments. However, some adjustments to your portfolio and a second property’s impact must be evaluated carefully.

Maximising Growth Potential: A shift towards more equity-based mutual funds through active management can boost growth. This would balance your portfolio for optimal returns and support your financial goals.

Property Purchase Considerations: While real estate has its appeal, focus on diversification and liquidity. Property investments are often less flexible in liquidity and returns. Evaluate if you need more real estate in the mix or if diversifying in other growth options better supports your goals.

Sustaining Investments: Maintain your Rs 50,000 monthly investment rate and aim to increase it over time. An annual increment aligned with your income growth can accelerate your financial growth.

Your financial journey shows dedication and a balanced approach. A few small adjustments, focusing more on high-growth funds and less on additional real estate, can streamline your path to financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: You earn Rs. 84,000 per month.

You invest Rs. 20,000 per month in one mutual fund SIP. This has been ongoing for six years. Your total investment is Rs. 13,00,000, and the current corpus is Rs. 17,50,000.

You started another mutual fund SIP of Rs. 30,000 per month in 2024. You have invested Rs. 3,50,000, and the corpus is Rs. 3,80,000.

You invest Rs. 50,000 per year in NPS.

You invest Rs. 5,000 per month in Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA).

You invest Rs. 1,000 per month in PPF.

Your total corpus over the last six years is Rs. 25 lakh.

You hold Rs. 1 lakh in a liquid fund.

You have no loans or EMIs.

Your disciplined approach to investing is a positive step. You are creating long-term wealth and securing your financial future.

Strengths in Your Financial Plan
? Consistent Investments: You are investing 60% of your income in mutual funds and other instruments. This is a strong savings habit.

? Debt-Free Status: You have no EMIs or loans. This gives you financial flexibility.

? Diversified Portfolio: You invest in mutual funds, NPS, PPF, and SSA. This balance is good for risk management.

? Emergency Fund: You have Rs. 1 lakh in a liquid fund. This is helpful for unexpected expenses.

Areas of Improvement
1. Emergency Fund Needs Strengthening
Your emergency fund should be at least six months of expenses.

If your monthly expenses are Rs. 40,000, your emergency fund should be Rs. 2.4 lakh.

Increase your liquid fund to Rs. 2.5 lakh. You can add money gradually.

Keep it in a mix of savings accounts, fixed deposits, and liquid funds.

2. Optimising Mutual Fund Strategy
Your corpus in SIPs has grown, but the returns seem moderate.

The Rs. 20,000 SIP has a corpus of Rs. 17.5 lakh after six years. This suggests a moderate return.

Your Rs. 30,000 SIP started in 2024 has a small return so far.

Review your fund selection with a Certified Financial Planner.

Actively managed mutual funds help in wealth creation.

Continue SIPs but monitor performance regularly.

3. Retirement Planning Review
NPS is good for long-term retirement savings.

However, it has a lock-in period, and withdrawals have restrictions.

You should also build a separate mutual fund corpus for retirement.

Consider investing more in mutual funds for better liquidity.

Increase your PPF contributions if possible.

4. Child’s Education and Future Planning
SSA is a great step for your daughter’s education.

However, SSA has a long lock-in period.

Also, the returns are fixed and may not beat inflation.

Increase mutual fund investments to balance this.

Plan a dedicated education corpus in mutual funds.

This will give you flexibility when your children need funds.

5. Health and Life Insurance Check
You did not mention health insurance.

Ensure you have a good health policy for yourself and your family.

A Rs. 10-20 lakh floater health insurance policy is recommended.

If you have dependents, check if you need life insurance.

Term insurance is the best option for financial protection.

Optimising Tax Efficiency
Your PPF, SSA, and NPS contributions give tax benefits under Section 80C.

NPS also gives an additional Rs. 50,000 tax benefit under Section 80CCD(1B).

Review your tax-saving strategy for maximum benefits.

If you are in the new tax regime, some deductions may not apply.

Consult a tax expert to optimise your strategy.

How to Improve Your Wealth Creation Strategy
???? Increase your emergency fund to Rs. 2.5 lakh.

???? Continue SIPs, but review fund performance annually.

???? Increase investments for children’s education in mutual funds.

???? Consider increasing PPF contributions for stable returns.

???? Check your health and life insurance coverage.

???? Make sure your tax-saving investments align with your goals.

Final Insights
You are on the right track with disciplined investments.

However, some areas need improvement for long-term wealth creation.

Strengthen your emergency fund to avoid liquidity issues.

Review your mutual funds and optimise for better returns.

Build a strong education corpus for your kids in mutual funds.

Ensure proper health and life insurance coverage.

Keep monitoring your investments and stay updated on financial strategies.

With these improvements, you can achieve financial security and long-term wealth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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