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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8859 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I'm 35 year. And getting 28lpa. Currently I'm invest in 6 SIPs (31k) monthly, 5k in NPS, 26k is personal loan, 17k car emi and purchasing 15k stock in every month. Stock buying I started from jan2024. I have around 25lakh in my sip fund and 10lakh other fund. Now I'm planning to buy a home that cost around 90 lakh. So my question is, can take the 80% home loan and keep my SIP. Or withdraw my all sip fund and reduce home loan amount. Btw my personal loan will complete end of this year. Please suggest withdraw the sip fund is good option or taking the home loan is good option.

Ans: It sounds like you're making some big financial decisions, and it's great that you're considering your options carefully. Taking out a home loan while keeping your SIPs intact could be a strategic move. It allows you to maintain your investment momentum while also spreading out the cost of your home purchase over time.

However, withdrawing your SIP funds to reduce the home loan amount could also be a viable option. It would lower your debt burden and potentially save you on interest payments in the long run.

Before making a decision, consider factors like the interest rates on the home loan versus the potential returns on your SIP investments. Also, think about your long-term financial goals and how each option aligns with them.

Consulting with a financial advisor could provide valuable insight into the best course of action based on your specific circumstances and goals. With careful planning, you'll be on track to achieving your dream of homeownership while securing your financial future.
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  |8859 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 10, 2024Hindi
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My age is 47 and I have invested 7.75 lakh in multiple stock and its grow arround 10 lakh from the past 2.5 years. I have 5.5 lakh home loan remaining . Should I withdraw these money and repay the home loan first and after that increase the SIP of that amount of mf .my current mf sip amount is 30k pm. Please suggest
Ans: Your query reflects careful consideration of financial priorities. Let's analyse whether using your stock investments to repay the home loan is the right step.

Evaluate the Existing Stock Portfolio
Your stock portfolio has grown from Rs 7.75 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs in 2.5 years.

This indicates a strong return of approximately 29%. If these stocks have long-term growth potential, continuing to hold them might be advantageous.

Consider whether these stocks align with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals.

Impact of Repaying the Home Loan
Your remaining home loan is Rs 5.5 lakhs. Paying this off will eliminate your EMI burden.

Repaying the loan early saves on interest costs, but assess the prepayment charges, if any.

Compare the effective interest rate on your home loan with the expected annualised return from your stock portfolio.

Home loan interest rates are usually lower compared to stock market returns over the long term.

Increasing SIP After Loan Repayment
Repaying the loan frees up EMI money that can be channelled into mutual fund SIPs.

By increasing SIPs, you benefit from disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.

Use the additional SIPs to diversify into funds aligned with your risk profile and financial goals.

Considerations for Long-Term Wealth Creation
Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, provide better diversification than direct stocks.

Your current SIP of Rs 30,000 per month is a good start. Increasing this amount post-loan repayment accelerates wealth creation.

Actively managed funds can outperform index funds through skilled fund management. Avoid direct funds unless you have deep knowledge and time to manage investments.

Evaluating Stock Liquidation
Selling your stocks could trigger capital gains tax. For gains above Rs 1.25 lakh, you will pay LTCG tax at 12.5%.

Factor in transaction costs and tax implications before selling.

Retain stocks that have strong fundamentals and growth prospects. Sell only non-performing or high-risk holdings.

Holistic Financial Planning
Build an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses if you don’t already have one.

Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage for your family’s security.

Maintain a balanced portfolio with exposure to equity, debt, and alternative assets.

Monitor your investments regularly and rebalance them to align with changing goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights
If your home loan interest is significantly higher than potential stock returns, repayment is wise.

Otherwise, consider maintaining the stock portfolio and continuing your SIPs.

A mix of both strategies—partial loan repayment and increased SIPs—may offer balanced benefits.

Engage a Certified Financial Planner for a tailored strategy that ensures long-term financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8859 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 14, 2024

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Dear Sir This is to get an advise on opting whether to clear the home loan (126 instalments Re.57000p.m) or to go for SIP. I am going to get around 40 lakh as retirement benefits shortly. Which is best option. I've no other financial commitments except this or any responsibilities. I just want peace of mind. Nothing else.
Ans: Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and achieving a debt-free, responsibility-free status. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option to help you decide whether to clear the home loan or invest in SIPs. Each approach has its merits, but since you value peace of mind above all, we'll examine both from a holistic perspective.

1. Clearing the Home Loan
Immediate Debt-Free Status: By using Rs. 40 lakh to clear your home loan, you can become debt-free instantly. This would eliminate monthly EMI obligations of Rs. 57,000, giving you a sense of financial relief.

Interest Savings: Paying off the loan early will save you a substantial amount in interest. Over 126 remaining EMIs, the interest saved by closing the loan could outweigh potential SIP returns, depending on the interest rate of your home loan.

Emotional and Psychological Relief: For those seeking peace of mind, being debt-free is often invaluable. If not having the burden of a loan is your priority, this option ensures freedom from monthly repayments, letting you enjoy your retirement worry-free.

Financial Flexibility: Without the Rs. 57,000 monthly EMI, you’ll have additional flexibility. This can help you better manage your retirement finances or even allow for smaller, less risky investments over time.

2. Investing in SIPs
Potential for Higher Returns: Over the long term, equity SIPs typically offer higher returns compared to the interest you would save by paying off a loan. For an 8–10-year horizon, SIPs in a diversified portfolio can potentially grow the Rs. 40 lakh corpus, creating a larger retirement cushion.

Liquidity Advantage: By investing in SIPs, your money remains accessible. Should you need funds later, you can redeem SIPs, whereas funds used to clear the loan would be tied up.

Tax Benefits and Compounding: Investments in equity mutual funds benefit from compounding and, if held long-term, offer favorable capital gains taxation (LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%). This could result in net returns that outpace loan interest, but the market risks must be considered.

Balancing Monthly Expenses: Continuing the loan means a fixed monthly outflow of Rs. 57,000. Ensure your retirement income is comfortably meeting your lifestyle and monthly expenses before committing to SIPs with the entire Rs. 40 lakh.

Assessing Peace of Mind
Since peace of mind is your top priority, consider the following approach for a balanced solution:

Partial Loan Repayment and Partial SIP Investment: You could use a portion of the Rs. 40 lakh to reduce the outstanding principal on your loan. This would lower your EMI burden, freeing up some cash flow each month. The remaining amount could go into SIPs, allowing for wealth growth alongside a manageable EMI.

Emergency Fund Consideration: Retaining a portion of the Rs. 40 lakh in safe, liquid instruments (like a Fixed Deposit or Liquid Fund) will provide you with emergency backup funds. This ensures peace of mind while allowing for potential SIP growth.

Evaluate Your Risk Comfort: If market fluctuations don’t align with your peace of mind goal, paying off the home loan in full might be preferable. However, if you are comfortable with moderate risk and fluctuations, SIPs could offer better returns in the long run.

Final Insights
Given that your priority is peace of mind, a balanced approach might serve best: use a portion to reduce the home loan, and allocate the remainder towards SIPs or safer investments. This way, you retain growth potential while minimizing debt obligations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8859 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I am 31 years old, my monthly salary is 70 thousand. I have a existing home loan around 1986000 with ROI 9.25% for 29years. and till now through SIP I have invested 5 Lac and I keep liquid fund 2.5 Lac. My current balance including all SIP and liquid fund 9 Lac. I need a advise from you that I should repay my home with this 9 Lac or I should continue investing as SIP and continue EMI and repay homeloan as 1 or 2 EMI Extra in a year.
Ans: At 31, you have a strong financial foundation. Your disciplined SIP investments, liquid funds, and home loan management are appreciable. Let’s assess your options to help you make the best decision.

Analysing Your Current Financial Situation
Existing Home Loan
Your outstanding home loan of Rs 19.86 lakhs has a tenure of 29 years.
The interest rate is 9.25%, which impacts your long-term cash flow.
The EMI will consume a consistent portion of your salary over the years.
SIP Investments
You have already invested Rs 5 lakhs through SIPs.
Regular investments in SIPs help in wealth accumulation and compounding returns.
Your monthly SIPs are likely aligned with your financial goals.
Liquid Funds
You hold Rs 2.5 lakhs in liquid funds.
This provides a buffer for emergencies or short-term needs.
Options to Consider
Option 1: Use Rs 9 Lakhs to Prepay the Loan
Prepaying the loan can reduce the principal significantly.
This reduces the overall interest burden and loan tenure.
However, this locks your funds into a low-return liability.
Option 2: Continue SIPs and Pay Extra EMIs Annually
Continue your SIP investments for higher long-term returns.
Paying 1–2 extra EMIs yearly can reduce the tenure significantly.
This approach balances wealth creation and liability management.
Option 3: Split Funds Between Prepayment and Investments
Use a portion of Rs 9 lakhs for partial prepayment.
Invest the remaining amount in SIPs or other high-return instruments.
This ensures debt reduction and continued wealth growth.
Evaluating Return on Investment
Home Loan Interest vs SIP Returns
Your home loan interest rate of 9.25% is a guaranteed expense.
Equity SIPs typically yield higher returns, averaging 12–15% annually.
Investing in SIPs could create wealth faster than prepaying the loan.
Tax Benefits on Home Loan
You may claim tax deductions on home loan interest and principal.
Prepaying reduces the tax-saving benefits.
Recommended Approach
Maintain Emergency Liquidity
Retain Rs 2.5 lakhs or more in liquid funds.
This ensures financial stability during unforeseen situations.
Focus on SIP Investments
Continue SIPs to benefit from long-term compounding.
Increase your SIP contributions gradually with salary increments.
Make Partial Prepayments
Use a portion of Rs 9 lakhs for partial prepayment.
Aim to reduce the principal significantly to lower interest outflows.
Pay Extra EMIs
Commit to paying at least 2 extra EMIs annually.
This reduces your loan tenure and interest burden effectively.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Do Not Over-Allocate to Loan Prepayment
Avoid locking all your funds into loan repayment.
This limits your liquidity and investment potential.
Avoid Real Estate Investments
Real estate involves high costs, illiquidity, and uncertain returns.
Stick to diversified mutual funds or equity investments instead.
Maintain Disciplined Financial Planning
Ensure a balanced approach between debt reduction and wealth creation.
Review your financial goals annually for necessary adjustments.
Final Insights
Your financial journey is off to a great start. Continue with SIP investments to maximise long-term growth. Use surplus funds for partial loan prepayments and extra EMIs to manage your debt efficiently. Balancing both strategies will ensure a secure financial future and help you achieve your goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Janak

Janak Patel  |45 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025
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Hi I am 32 years old working in IT, I want to retire from IT. I have a monthly expenses of 50k, 10L in bank and 12L in stocks. My question is: 1) what is the corpus amount to meet my monthly expenses? (Generate a revenue to cover my monthly expenses while corpus being invested in FD. considering inflation, and with the life expectancy 70 years) 2) at what age I can safely retire?
Ans: Hi,

Your current savings/investment of 22L will support your expenses for only a few years at this time.

Today if you wish to retire, you will need over 2 crores in FD earning 7% returns to last for your life expectancy of 70 years.

I recommend you focus on saving and investing across different asset classes to maximize your corpus over time. Different asset classes like equity, debt, gold etc can provide you well diversified option to generate wealth and provide stability and liquidity.

FDs are a safe option but its safety net if not going to cover your whole corpus if the bank fails.

Understand the potential, risk and returns of different asset classes and considering the long time period you have, you can save over the next 10-15 years and then plan retirement once your retirement corpus is accumulated.
Mutual funds are a good option to consider as they cover few asset classes and are easy to manage and track.

The retirement corpus depends on the time period post retirement and the expense you plan to cover from it. Accumulating that corpus also needs a plan and commitment to save/invest on a regular basis.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8859 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 05, 2025
Money
I am a retired person age 63. I need financial assistance as to how to use my funds. I have sold an property in July 2024 and kept an amount of Rs. 35L in capital gain account. As per inflation rate calculation, I have sold this properly in loss and there should be no tax deduction. Can I withdraw this fund and use in some other means Please advice. I have other savings. Approx. 34L are there in MF, I have a monthly SIP of Rs.16K. I have a PPF savings of Rs. 28L. I have approx. 7L in SB account. I have a LIC policy for which I shall get a lumpsum amount of approx. 12L in 2028. I have a plan to purchase a property in Delhi for Rs. 90L-1Cr. I also need some monthly income for monthly expenses. Please advice how I can use these funds for better benefits etc. and a monthly return for daily hope expenses.
Ans: You have built a respectable portfolio post-retirement. It shows you have taken prudent decisions in the past. Now the focus should be on creating monthly income, managing risks, and making sure your funds are used wisely without stress. Let us go step-by-step to build a clear plan for you.

Capital Gains Account – What You Can and Cannot Do
You deposited Rs. 35 lakhs in a capital gains account in July 2024.

You believe the sale was at a loss after adjusting for inflation.

Capital Gain Account Scheme is meant only for buying or constructing a house.

Funds must be used within 2 years (for purchase) or 3 years (for construction).

If you don’t use the amount within the allowed time, it is treated as capital gain.

You may be taxed on it in the year when the deadline ends.

Even if you made a loss, the income tax department needs documentation to accept it.

If you wish to withdraw this money for other uses, you must close the account formally.

You must submit Form G to your bank, explaining why you want to withdraw.

If you do not use this money for property purchase, it may be taxed.

Please speak to a chartered accountant for exact tax impact before withdrawal.

Avoid using this fund until you have tax clarity and proper documentation.

Your Monthly Income Requirement – First Focus Area
As a retired person, your priority is monthly income and capital safety.

Let us assume you need Rs. 35,000–40,000 per month for living expenses.

This amount must come from interest or investment income, not from selling assets.

You currently have SIP of Rs. 16,000/month and Rs. 34 lakh in mutual funds.

You can start a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from these mutual funds.

Start with Rs. 25,000 monthly withdrawal for the next 6–12 months.

The SIP can continue at Rs. 16,000 if cash flow allows.

Top up the balance Rs. 10,000–15,000 monthly from your savings account.

If needed, use PPF interest, which is tax-free, to manage shortfall.

Your Savings Account – Ideal Usage Strategy
Rs. 7 lakh in your savings account is good but should not stay idle.

Shift Rs. 4 lakh to a short-term debt mutual fund or liquid fund.

Keep Rs. 3 lakh as emergency fund in savings for medical or urgent needs.

Don’t keep all in one bank. Use 2 banks if needed for safety.

Mutual Funds Portfolio – Core Strategy and Monthly Income
Rs. 34 lakh in mutual funds is a strong base.

Continue with only regular plans via MFD who is also a CFP.

Avoid direct funds. They don’t provide guidance or timely review.

You need periodic rebalancing based on your retirement age and market cycle.

Use actively managed balanced advantage and hybrid funds.

These provide equity growth with stability and lower downside risk.

Withdraw using SWP from these funds to generate regular income.

Start with 4–5% annual withdrawal. Increase slowly if needed.

Avoid index funds. They just copy the market and offer no risk control.

In falling markets, actively managed funds protect capital better.

Your Certified Financial Planner can guide which funds to choose and exit.

PPF – How to Use the Rs. 28 Lakhs Safely
You have Rs. 28 lakh in PPF. It is 100% tax-free and safe.

Do not withdraw unless very urgent.

PPF earns steady interest every year without risk.

You can extend PPF in 5-year blocks with or without fresh contributions.

Use it as a reserve to support health care or large expenses.

Don’t touch this for property investment unless no other option exists.

LIC Policy – Planning the Maturity in 2028
You will receive Rs. 12 lakh in 2028.

This can be a good future buffer for medical or long-term care.

LIC returns are usually lower than mutual funds.

Once you receive the maturity, shift the amount to mutual funds.

Start a fresh SWP from this amount in 2029, if needed.

Don’t invest this lump sum again in insurance products.

Real Estate Purchase Plan – Review It Carefully
You are planning to buy a property worth Rs. 90 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

Please think twice before locking big money in real estate.

Real estate gives zero liquidity and high maintenance cost.

Selling real estate later can be slow and stressful.

Rental income is not guaranteed and is often low compared to invested corpus.

You will be forced to withdraw from mutual funds or PPF for down payment.

This will reduce your income-generating assets.

Instead of buying, consider staying on rent.

This will keep your money free, accessible, and invested.

In case of emergency or health issues, liquid investments help more.

Buying property now will break your cash flow and lower monthly income.

Think from a cash flow view, not emotional attachment.

Suggested Investment Allocation from Available Corpus
Rs. 35 lakh: Keep in CGAS till you get tax clarity.

Rs. 34 lakh in Mutual Funds: Keep 75% in hybrid and 25% in large-cap funds.

Rs. 28 lakh PPF: Keep untouched. Extend for 5 years post-maturity.

Rs. 7 lakh in SB: Keep Rs. 3 lakh in savings. Shift Rs. 4 lakh to debt funds.

Rs. 12 lakh LIC maturity: Plan to move to mutual funds in 2028.

Emergency and Health Safety – Must for Seniors
Health costs are unpredictable.

Ensure you have a health insurance of Rs. 10–15 lakh with good hospitals covered.

Don’t depend only on savings for health expenses.

You can keep Rs. 5 lakh in liquid funds only for health emergencies.

Also keep one family member informed of your accounts and investments.

Key Investment Mistakes to Avoid at This Stage
Don’t invest in ULIPs, endowment plans, or pension-linked policies now.

Don’t go for annuity schemes. Returns are very low and taxable.

Avoid fixed deposits for long term. Interest is taxable and eroded by inflation.

Don’t follow friends’ tips or invest in trends blindly.

Do not invest based on emotions or fear of missing out.

Focus on regular monthly return and capital safety, not risky growth.

Finally
You have done well in building assets before retirement.

The next goal is to convert your assets into reliable monthly income.

Do not rush into buying real estate. Keep cash flow strong and flexible.

Focus on mutual fund-based SWP for income and keep PPF as reserve.

Use a Certified Financial Planner to manage fund review and tax planning.

Avoid unnecessary complications and risky options.

Stay invested wisely. Protect your retirement with safe, planned income.

Regular check-ins and fund reviews every 6 months will help adjust your plan.

With good planning, you can enjoy peace, safety, and dignity in retirement.

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

...Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |45 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

Money
I AM 80 YEARS OLD AND STILL WORKING AS A Consultant AND EARNING RS.1.5 LAKHS PER MONTH. I HAVE A CORPUS OF 182 LAKHS CONSISTING OF MF/ FD/ AND STOCKS. I CONTEMPLATE RETIRING IN 6 MONTHS. REQUEST PL.SUGGEST IF MY CURRENT CORPUS WILL SUFFICE UNTIL AGE OF 95. MY MONTHLY EXPENSES ARE RS.50000.00. I HAVE NO LIABILITY AND MY WIFE IS THE ONLY DEPENDENT. SELF AND WIFE ARE CO.VERED UNDER MEDICLAIM.AWAITING UR VALUED OPINION
Ans: Hi Sivaramakrishnan,

Congratulations on having an active working life at the age of 80.

For your monthly expenses of Rs 50000 and assuming an inflation of 7% over the next 15 years, you require approx. Rs 85 lakhs (today).

You already have Rs 182 lakhs (not including any further savings over the next 6 months) invested across MF/ FD/ and STOCKS.

I recommend you have a systematic withdrawal plan from your investments for your annual expenses.
Depending on how you have spread your investments, you can decide on the approach.
For MFs - its simple to do a SWP for an amount each month.
For FDs - you may need to liquidate them, so instead of breaking them, plan to use them at their maturity if its within six months of your requirement. if the maturity is long term, and you have a need then you may need to liquidate. Also check if there is an option to make them Sweep-in type FD, which means that when your account has less balance, it will move money from FD to account. Discuss with your bank on options available to you.
For Stocks - You can decide when to liquidate them. If you wish to move away from stocks, then you can consider investing in so hybrid Mutual fund schemes considering your time horizon.

Overall you will be looking to grow approx. Rs 1 crore over the next 15 years and this can grow to an amount of Rs 3 crores at 8% returns.

So your current corpus is more than sufficient and even if you increase your monthly expenses, you will have a surplus after 15 years.
Happy retirement and a healthy life ahead.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...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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