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Can I buy a Mercedes with my savings?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7206 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 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 - Jul 20, 2024Hindi
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Money

Hello sir, I'm 47 old and my wife is 45 years old. We have 1 son of 13 years old. We are earning 8 lakh rupees per month and have SIP of 5L per month. We have no loan or any liability. We have liquid investment of 13.6 cr (8cr in MFs, 4 cr in PMSs, 1cr in PF, 50L in stocks, 10L cash ) and a home of 1.5cr. All of us and parents are covered with term life and medical insurances of 1cr each. I've a Kia seltos SUV. Both of us are planning to retire in next 5 years with the target of 20cr of corpus. I'm planning to buy mercedes benz of 65L. Now I know that car is a depreciating thing and is a liability. But do you think I've enough assets that I can enjoy some of the luxuries? Or do I need to accumulate more corpus to splurge on such lavish things? Or buying such an expensive car doesn't make sense at all?

Ans: ou have a strong financial base with liquid investments of about Rs. 13.6 crores and an excellent monthly income, so you are on a good wicket. Let's see if buying a luxury car makes sense.

Present Financial Situation
Monthly Income
You have a monthly income of Rs. 8 lakh, which shall definitely ensure a comfortable lifestyle.

Investments

Mutual Funds: Rs. 8 crore
PMS: Rs. 4 crore
Provident Fund: Rs. 1 crore
Stocks: Rs. 50 lakh
Cash: Rs. 10 lakh
Assets

Home: Rs. 1.5 crore
Car: Kia Seltos SUV
Insurance Coverage

Term life insurance of Rs. 1 crore each for all family members and parents.
Comprehensive medical insurance of Rs. 1 crore each.
Retirement Planning
Target Corpus
You aim for a corpus of Rs. 20 crore in 5 years. Given your current investments and SIP, this target is achievable.

Monthly SIP
You are investing Rs. 5 lakh monthly. This disciplined approach is excellent.

Luxury Purchase Consideration
Mercedes-Benz Purchase
You plan to buy a Mercedes Benz for Rs. 65 lakh.

Financial Impact

Depreciation: Cars are a depreciating asset. The value of the car will reduce over time.
Maintenace: Luxury cars are expensive to maintain.
Opportunity Cost: This money, if invested, will yield a substantial return over time.
Can You Afford It?
Current Assets
You have ample assets and no liabilities. Your liquid investments are as high as Rs. 13.6 crore alone.

Future Goals
You want to have Rs. 20 crore in 5 years. Your current savings and investments are on track to reach this goal.

Income Stability
Rs. 8 lakh per month gives you a great deal of financial stability. This income can sustain your current lifestyle as well as a whole host of future goals.

Analytical Insights
Gimme Some Luxury
Your sound financial position gives you the wherewithal to splurge a bit, but keep an eye on its impact on the future.

Needs vs. Wants Balance

Needs: Securing retirement and your child's future
Wants: Living life's good life without any financial insecurity
What the Expert Says
As a Certified Financial Planner, I will ask you to consider benefits against costs. You will have to consider the depreciation and maintenance expenses of the car.
Reinvest the Amount
Now, think of reinvesting Rs 65 lakh. It can generate better returns and provide additional security to your retirement corpus.
Balanced Approach
You can also look at a balanced approach. Part of the amount can be used for luxury and the rest for investments.

Final Insights
You have built up a robust financial foundation. With assets and no liabilities, you can afford to buy a luxury car. But do consider the long-term impact on your finances. The balancing act between luxury and financial security will give you a comfortable future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Sep 07, 2024 | Answered on Sep 09, 2024
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Thanks so much for detailed explanation. This helps a lot.
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |7206 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Money
My age is 47. I have a salary of 2.4L per month post taxes. My savings totals up to 3Cr is cash (PF, fixed deposits etc all included) and stand to inherit another 1CR in cash from parents. I dont have any loans. I have an own house with loans paid for and a car that is 9 years old but good condition. Apart from this i stand to inherit some property (house + land) value of which would be approx 5CR. i have 2 kids - 12 and 15. My elder one will be going for Engineering college in 2 years time. My parents are largely sufficient on their own. I have just 2 major dreams of owning a BMW worth 50L and travelling the world. I work in software industry and worried about my job. But i am confident of doing anything else beyond software if i loose my job. My assumption is 10L for old car, 20L from my savings and 20L loan. Can i buy a BMW?
Ans: Congratulations on your impressive financial stability and well-thought-out future plans. Your situation reflects years of hard work and careful planning. Let’s assess whether you can comfortably buy a BMW worth Rs 50 lakh and still manage your other financial goals.

Current Financial Situation
You have a robust financial portfolio:

Monthly Salary: Rs 2.4 lakh post taxes
Savings: Rs 3 crore (including PF, fixed deposits, etc.)
Inheritance: Rs 1 crore in cash and approximately Rs 5 crore in property (house + land)
No current loans
Own house and car in good condition
Two children (ages 12 and 15)
Financial Goals
Buying a BMW worth Rs 50 lakh
Funding your children’s education
World travel
Evaluating Your Financial Goals
Buying a BMW
Your plan for purchasing a BMW involves:

Selling your old car for Rs 10 lakh
Using Rs 20 lakh from savings
Taking a Rs 20 lakh loan
Children’s Education
Your elder child will start engineering college in two years, which will require significant funds. Assuming your younger child will follow a similar path, it's essential to plan for these expenses.

World Travel
Traveling the world is a dream that will require a substantial budget, but with careful planning, it is achievable.

Financial Assessment
Buying a BMW
Given your financial situation, purchasing a BMW is feasible. Here’s why:

Down Payment and Loan: Using Rs 20 lakh from savings and a Rs 20 lakh loan is a practical approach. Your monthly salary can comfortably handle the EMIs.
Future Savings Impact: Even after spending Rs 20 lakh from your savings, you will have Rs 2.8 crore left, plus the expected inheritance of Rs 1 crore.
Children’s Education
Planning for Higher Education: Start an education fund for each child. Invest in a mix of safe instruments and equity for higher returns.
Estimate Costs: Engineering education can be expensive. Plan for tuition, accommodation, and other expenses.
World Travel
Budgeting for Travel: Create a travel fund. Decide on destinations, duration, and frequency of your travels. Budgeting will help you estimate the required amount.
Invest for Travel Goals: Allocate a portion of your investments specifically for travel. This ensures your travel fund grows over time.
Investment Strategy
Diversify Your Investments
Equity and Mutual Funds: Increase your equity and mutual fund investments. They offer higher returns over the long term, helping you grow your wealth.
Debt Instruments: Maintain some investments in fixed deposits, bonds, and other debt instruments for stability.
Education Fund
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Start SIPs in mutual funds dedicated to your children’s education. SIPs in diversified equity funds can help in accumulating a substantial corpus.
Education Loans: Consider education loans to spread out the financial burden. This can preserve your savings for other goals.
Emergency Fund
Maintain an Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund that covers at least 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a safety net in case of job loss or other unforeseen events.
Earning More with BMW and World Travel
Leveraging the BMW
Business and Professional Use: Use the BMW for business purposes if applicable. It can enhance your professional image and possibly lead to more business opportunities.
Renting Out: Occasionally rent out your BMW for events or special occasions. This can help offset the maintenance costs.
World Travel
Travel Blogging or Vlogging: Share your travel experiences through a blog or vlog. Monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Freelancing While Traveling: If your job permits, consider freelancing or consulting while traveling. This can provide additional income and fund your travels.
Tax Considerations
Tax on Car Loan
Interest Deduction: Interest on a car loan is not tax-deductible. Factor this into your financial planning.
Tax on Investments
Capital Gains: Be mindful of capital gains tax on your investments. Plan your withdrawals and reinvestments to minimize tax liability.
Tax-Saving Instruments: Utilize tax-saving investments under Section 80C, such as PPF, ELSS, and NPS, to reduce your tax burden.
Conclusion
Based on your current financial situation and future plans, you can comfortably buy a BMW worth Rs 50 lakh and still achieve your other financial goals. Here’s a summary of the action points:

Buy the BMW: Use Rs 20 lakh from savings, sell your old car, and take a Rs 20 lakh loan.
Plan for Education: Start dedicated education funds for your children through SIPs in mutual funds.
Build a Travel Fund: Allocate a portion of your investments for world travel.
Diversify Investments: Balance between equity and debt instruments for growth and stability.
Maintain an Emergency Fund: Ensure you have enough savings to cover unforeseen expenses.
Your disciplined approach to savings and investments, combined with careful planning, will help you achieve financial independence and fulfill your dreams. If you need personalized advice or assistance in structuring your investment portfolio, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7206 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello am 40, with monthly salary income of around 1.5 L, wife works part time with around 8k pm these are the only source of family income with 2 school going kids and my elderly dad. We own a house with 27k emi to be closed in next 6 to 7 years + equity corpus around 10L and wife has around 70k + my pf around 9L with some gold of around 200 gms + a small car in seconds + a 15 yr old Jevan Anand policy and company provided medicals+ around 1L in bank. Equity corpus was accumulated over a period of 2 years with invested amount of 6.6 L which is hovering around 10L current value and i am building these assets ongoing basis with around 20 k (10k+10k) pm investment on equity and gold family expenses around 40k pm. All these are self-made with not much guidance or external support. Wanted to understand if am on right track to support myself and my family needs for future. Also will it be wise to replace my small car with family car (around 10to 15L) with my financial situation now? I Dont wish to break any of my corpus considering any future or unforeseen events
Ans: You've done a commendable job of building your assets and managing your finances on your own. Let's assess your current standing and provide insights on future steps, including the decision about upgrading your car.

Current Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
Your combined family income is Rs. 1.58 lakhs per month. With your wife's part-time income, this provides a good cushion. Monthly family expenses are Rs. 40k, and your home loan EMI is Rs. 27k. This leaves you with around Rs. 91k monthly for savings and investments.

Assets
Equity Corpus: Rs. 10 lakhs, accumulated over 2 years from an investment of Rs. 6.6 lakhs.
Gold: 200 grams.
Provident Fund: Rs. 9 lakhs.
Bank Balance: Rs. 1 lakh.
Insurance: Jeevan Anand policy for 15 years.
Car: A small second-hand car.
Liabilities
Your home loan has an EMI of Rs. 27k, which will be closed in 6-7 years. This is your primary liability.

Monthly Investments
Rs. 10k in equity.
Rs. 10k in gold.
Assessment of Current Investments
Equity Investments
Your equity investments have grown from Rs. 6.6 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs, showing a healthy appreciation. Investing Rs. 10k monthly in equity is a good strategy, considering the long-term growth potential.

Gold Investments
Investing Rs. 10k monthly in gold adds stability to your portfolio. Gold acts as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties.

Provident Fund
Your PF of Rs. 9 lakhs provides a safe and stable corpus for retirement. Continue contributing to this as it also provides tax benefits.

Jeevan Anand Policy
Jeevan Anand is a traditional endowment plan. While it offers life cover and returns, its growth rate is typically lower than other investment options. Consider reviewing this policy's performance and comparing it with other potential investments.

Financial Planning for the Future
Emergency Fund
Your current bank balance of Rs. 1 lakh is relatively low for an emergency fund. Ideally, you should have 6-12 months' worth of expenses in a liquid and accessible form. Considering your monthly expenses are Rs. 67k (including EMI), aim for an emergency fund of around Rs. 4-8 lakhs. This can be built gradually by setting aside a portion of your savings each month.

Child's Education
With two school-going kids, planning for their higher education is crucial. Education costs are rising, so starting early will give you a head start. You could allocate a portion of your monthly investments towards child education funds or children's mutual funds. These funds typically offer higher returns over the long term, helping you build a substantial corpus for their education.

Retirement Planning
You have a good start with your PF and equity investments. However, to ensure a comfortable retirement, consider diversifying your investments further. You might explore adding more equity funds, particularly diversified or actively managed funds, to your portfolio. These funds have the potential to offer higher returns compared to traditional investments.

Insurance Coverage
Your Jeevan Anand policy provides life cover, but it's essential to assess if it's adequate. With dependents, including two children and an elderly parent, ensure your life cover is sufficient to cover their needs in your absence. Consider term insurance for higher coverage at a lower premium.

Medical Insurance
While you have company-provided medical insurance, it's advisable to have a separate family floater plan. This ensures coverage continues even if you change jobs or retire. Evaluate the sum assured to ensure it covers major medical emergencies.

Decision on Upgrading the Car
Financial Impact
Replacing your small car with a family car worth Rs. 10-15 lakhs is a significant decision. If you finance the new car, it will add to your monthly EMIs. Consider the impact on your cash flow and whether it would strain your current financial commitments.

Current Financial Priorities
Your primary financial priorities should be building an emergency fund, securing your children's education, and planning for retirement. Upgrading your car, while providing comfort, should not compromise these goals. If you decide to go ahead, consider saving for a larger down payment to reduce the loan burden.

Alternatives
If your current car meets your family's needs, consider postponing the upgrade until you achieve more financial milestones. Alternatively, a certified pre-owned car can offer a balance between cost and comfort.


You've done an excellent job of managing your finances independently. Your dedication to investing regularly and building assets is commendable. Balancing a family's needs with long-term financial planning is challenging, and you've shown great foresight and discipline.

Managing finances with multiple dependents, including children and an elderly parent, can be stressful. It's understandable to seek reassurance and guidance. Your desire to secure your family's future reflects your responsibility and care.

Final Insights
You've made significant progress in building a stable financial foundation. Your focus on regular investments and prudent asset allocation is noteworthy. Moving forward, prioritize building a robust emergency fund, securing higher education for your children, and ensuring sufficient insurance coverage.

Evaluate your Jeevan Anand policy to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Consider diversifying your investments with actively managed equity funds for better returns. Regarding upgrading your car, weigh the financial impact carefully and prioritize your primary financial goals.

If you need further personalized advice, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help refine your strategy and provide peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7206 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Money
Hi – I’m now 42 and I’ve been working since my UG years but never really was focussed on investments. However, in the recent past mostly since Jan 2022 I have started investing Rs 80k monthly into Mutual Funds and have so far accumulated Rs 47Lakhs of Rs 30.3lakh investments. I also have taken Jeevan Labh 936 policy for myself and wife which is for sum assured Rs 20lakhs for 16 years premium of Rs 8k monthly for each policy. In addition, my EPF is at 45lakhs and shares are worth 9lakhs. I have taken a home loan for Rs 75lakhs in Jan 2021 of which I have cleared I have paid 10lakhs and 1 lakh lumpsum and in the past 2 years and brought down the outstanding to Rs 55lakhs with Rs 75k EMI p.m. I also have a personal loan outstanding for Rs 5.5 lakhs with Rs 20k EMI p.m. I have 2 kids and aged 4 and 6 respectively and their school fees is Rs 2.5 lakhs put together per annum. I have a bike hand loan to clear viz., 3.5 lakhs which is due in Sep 2024. My take home salary is Rs. 2.4 lakhs p.m and I get a rental income of Rs 30k p/m and I’m the only earning member of the family. My home expenses including parents and home running and maintenance is around 50k per month. I want to retire in exactly 10years and hence seeking your inputs managing my investments vs liabilities even if that means clearing out liabilities and focussing towards investments. I willing to sell the car of which I will get around 7.5 lakhs and will get a bonus around 6 lakhs in September. Please advice if it is wise to close up the home loan with the MF funds and start MF from 0 with double the SIP.
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to managing your finances. You've made significant progress in the past few years. Let's break down your current situation and explore the best steps forward.

Your Current Assets and Liabilities
Assets:

Mutual Funds: Rs 47 lakhs
EPF: Rs 45 lakhs
Shares: Rs 9 lakhs
Rental Income: Rs 30k per month
Liabilities:

Home Loan: Rs 55 lakhs (EMI Rs 75k per month)
Personal Loan: Rs 5.5 lakhs (EMI Rs 20k per month)
Bike Loan: Rs 3.5 lakhs due by Sep 2024
Monthly Expenses: Rs 50k (including family and maintenance)
Jeevan Labh Policy: Rs 8k monthly per policy (yours and wife's)
Income:

Salary: Rs 2.4 lakhs per month
Rental Income: Rs 30k per month
Analyzing Your Situation
You have a good income and substantial investments. However, your liabilities are also significant. Let's assess your financial goals and how to balance investments and liabilities.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
You aim to retire in 10 years. To achieve this, you need to:

Clear your liabilities.
Build a substantial retirement corpus.
Ensure your children's education is funded.
Maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Managing Your Liabilities
Clearing liabilities is crucial for financial freedom.

Home Loan: Paying Rs 75k EMI monthly is significant. With Rs 55 lakhs outstanding, you could consider clearing it partially or fully.

Personal Loan: Rs 20k EMI monthly is also a burden. Prioritizing its closure can free up monthly cash flow.

Bike Loan: This loan of Rs 3.5 lakhs is due soon. Planning for its closure is necessary.

Evaluating Investments vs. Liability Clearance
Using your Mutual Funds to clear the home loan can be an option. Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Clearing Home Loan with Mutual Funds
Pros:

Reduces monthly EMI burden.
Provides a sense of financial freedom.
Interest saved on the home loan can be significant.
Cons:

Drains a substantial part of your investment corpus.
Restarting Mutual Funds means losing out on compounding benefits.
Power of Compounding
Mutual funds grow significantly over time due to compounding. Redeeming them now means missing out on potential future growth. However, reducing liabilities also frees up funds for future investments.

Evaluating Other Liabilities
Personal Loan: Clearing this should be a priority. Rs 5.5 lakhs is a manageable amount. You can use your bonus or car sale proceeds.

Bike Loan: This is a smaller amount and can be cleared with your bonus or monthly savings.

Strategic Recommendations
Here's a strategic plan to manage your finances efficiently:

Step 1: Use Bonus and Car Sale Proceeds
Use the Rs 6 lakhs bonus in September to clear the personal loan.
Use Rs 7.5 lakhs from selling the car to clear part of the home loan.
Step 2: Monthly Savings Allocation
With the personal loan cleared, your monthly savings increase by Rs 20k.
Allocate this Rs 20k towards higher SIP in mutual funds.
Step 3: Reviewing and Optimizing Insurance
Jeevan Labh Policy: Evaluate if it’s an investment cum insurance policy. Such policies often have low returns.

Consider surrendering these policies and investing the premium in mutual funds for better returns.
Get term insurance for adequate coverage at a lower cost.
Step 4: Increasing Mutual Fund Investment
With the liabilities managed, focus on increasing your mutual fund investments.

Equity Funds: Higher returns, suitable for long-term goals like retirement.

Debt Funds: Safer, suitable for short-term goals and stability.

Hybrid Funds: Balanced approach, offering both growth and safety.

Step 5: Building Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses.

Monthly Expenses: Rs 50k (home expenses) + Rs 75k (home loan EMI) + Rs 16k (Jeevan Labh policy) = Rs 1.41 lakhs.

Emergency Fund Needed: Rs 8.46 lakhs. This can come from savings or liquidating some shares.

Investing in Mutual Funds
Types of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: Ideal for long-term growth. They invest in stocks and have high return potential but come with higher risk.

Debt Funds: Suitable for short-term needs and stability. They invest in bonds and are less risky but offer lower returns.

Hybrid Funds: These invest in both equities and debt. They offer a balanced risk-return profile.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Reduces risk by investing in a variety of assets.
Professional Management: Managed by experts who make informed decisions.
Liquidity: Easily buy and sell mutual fund units.
SIP Option: Invest small amounts regularly, making it easier to build wealth over time.
Power of Compounding
Compounding is a powerful wealth-building tool. The longer you stay invested, the more your money grows. Starting SIPs early and staying invested for a long period maximizes returns.

Risk Management
Investing always involves risk. Understanding and managing risk is crucial.

Equity Funds: High risk, high return. Suitable for long-term goals.
Debt Funds: Low risk, low return. Suitable for short-term goals.
Hybrid Funds: Medium risk, balanced return. Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.
Reviewing and Adjusting Your Plan
Regularly review your financial plan. Adjust it based on changes in your life, market conditions, and financial goals.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consulting a CFP can provide personalized advice. They can help you navigate complex financial decisions and optimize your investments.

Final Insights
Balancing investments and liabilities is key to financial success. Clear high-interest liabilities first, then focus on building a substantial investment corpus. Mutual funds offer excellent growth potential through the power of compounding. Stay disciplined with your SIPs and review your financial plan regularly. Consulting a CFP can provide additional guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7206 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, i have gone through the below articles and thought of asking an advice and infeel.its right forum . I Have 45lac PF and 50 lack deposites , also i have verious MF 10 lackh, NPs 6+ Lakck, SBI elight scheme 10 lack, Axis I paid 5 lakh like every year 1 lakh i pay for 10 years , sbi mutual sip/insurance 6+ lakh , also , 50 lack worth of plot. My ask now, sir is it right time to buy a car worth of 27 lakhs with the down payment of 10 lakh (.which i have additional ) or am taking a risk?? I have currently home loan for 9 lakhs which i pay 25k per month ( the home property cost may be 1.2 cr) ??am not sure am.i clear with all details.. please advice sir..
Ans: Let’s first look at the assets and liabilities you currently have:

Provident Fund (PF): Rs 45 lakhs
Fixed Deposits: Rs 50 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs 10 lakhs
National Pension Scheme (NPS): Rs 6 lakhs
SBI Elite Scheme: Rs 10 lakhs
Axis policy: Rs 5 lakhs (paying Rs 1 lakh per year for 10 years)
SBI Mutual SIP/Insurance: Rs 6 lakhs
Plot of Land: Rs 50 lakhs
Home Loan: Rs 9 lakhs (EMI of Rs 25,000 per month)
You also mentioned that you have an additional Rs 10 lakhs which you are considering for a down payment on a new car worth Rs 27 lakhs.

This is a very good base of financial assets. Let’s assess whether buying a car right now is a wise decision based on your current financial standing and future needs.

Evaluating the Car Purchase

Buying a car is often an emotional decision, but it’s also a big financial commitment. You’re considering a down payment of Rs 10 lakhs for a car worth Rs 27 lakhs. Let’s break down the key factors:

Liquidity Impact:
You plan to use Rs 10 lakhs from your available funds for the car down payment. This amount is a significant chunk of your liquidity. Reducing your liquid cash could make it harder to cover any unexpected expenses.

EMI Commitment:
If you finance the remaining Rs 17 lakhs, your EMI could be between Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 per month (assuming a typical car loan tenure and interest rate). This would add to your current EMI of Rs 25,000 for the home loan, bringing your total EMI commitment to around Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 per month.

Total Monthly Outflow:
You may want to consider your total outflow, including living expenses, EMIs, and any other financial responsibilities. It’s crucial to ensure that your monthly cash flow can comfortably accommodate all these commitments without stretching your budget.

Asset Depreciation:
A car is a depreciating asset. Over the years, its value will decline, and it will not contribute to your wealth-building efforts. Meanwhile, your existing investments like mutual funds, PF, and NPS will continue to grow in value.

Alternative Use of Funds:
The Rs 10 lakhs down payment could alternatively be invested in a high-return investment option. Over time, this could help you achieve long-term financial goals more effectively.

Assessment of Current Loan Situation

You currently have a home loan of Rs 9 lakhs, which is manageable. The property’s value (Rs 1.2 crore) far outweighs the loan, which is positive. However, adding another loan in the form of a car EMI will increase your monthly financial burden.

At present, you are paying Rs 25,000 per month for the home loan. If you go for the car loan, the total EMI commitment will rise significantly. It’s important to ask yourself if you are comfortable with this higher commitment.

Insurance Policies: Reviewing SBI Elite Scheme and Axis Policy

Both the SBI Elite Scheme and Axis Policy require attention. These are investment-cum-insurance products, and such products often do not deliver the best returns. They also come with higher costs and offer limited flexibility in terms of withdrawals.

SBI Elite Scheme: You have Rs 10 lakhs invested here. While it may have some insurance benefits, the returns might not be competitive compared to mutual funds or other pure investment products.

Axis Policy: You are paying Rs 1 lakh annually for this policy. Over 10 years, you will have contributed Rs 10 lakhs. It’s important to check if the returns are aligned with your goals.

Consider reviewing both policies with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to assess if continuing them is beneficial. If they are underperforming, you may want to consider surrendering them and reinvesting in more flexible and higher-return instruments like mutual funds.

Asset Allocation and Diversification

You currently have a good mix of assets, including:

Fixed Deposits
Provident Fund
Mutual Funds
NPS
Real Estate
However, it’s important to ensure that your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and future goals. For instance:

Fixed Deposits:
While safe, they offer lower returns compared to mutual funds or equities, especially in the long run. As inflation rises, the real returns on fixed deposits diminish.

Provident Fund and NPS:
Both these assets offer long-term growth but have limited liquidity. They are ideal for retirement planning, but you cannot rely on them for immediate needs like the car purchase.

Mutual Funds:
Your mutual fund investments of Rs 10 lakhs are valuable growth assets. However, you could review their performance and consider reallocating to more actively managed funds for better returns.

Car Purchase: Is It a Risk?

To answer your direct question: Is buying the car right now a risk? Based on the analysis, here’s what I think:

Monthly EMI Burden:
The new car EMI will significantly increase your monthly outflow. It’s essential to ensure that you can comfortably afford this without compromising your savings or future investments.

Impact on Liquidity:
The Rs 10 lakhs down payment will reduce your liquid reserves. You still have FDs, but those might be tied up for long periods or may not give the best returns if broken early.

Wealth-Building Impact:
Investing the Rs 10 lakhs in growth assets like mutual funds could help you build wealth faster. A car, being a depreciating asset, will not contribute to wealth creation.

If the car is a necessity and you have carefully assessed your cash flow, you could go ahead. But if it’s a desire that can wait, consider postponing the purchase. Instead, focus on building more liquid wealth to cover future goals like your home loan repayment or emergency needs.

Final Insights

Buying a Rs 27-lakh car is a significant financial decision. While you have a strong financial base, the added EMI burden and liquidity impact should be considered carefully.

Your existing investments are solid, but there’s room for optimization. I would recommend revisiting your insurance-cum-investment policies. A Certified Financial Planner can help review these and guide you toward better investment strategies.

Consider delaying the car purchase if it’s not urgent. Use the Rs 10 lakhs for investments that could offer better returns over time. This way, you’ll strengthen your financial position and have more flexibility for future big-ticket purchases.

In short: Evaluate your monthly cash flow and risk tolerance. If you're comfortable with the increased EMI, go ahead. But, if you feel stretched, it’s better to wait and focus on building more liquid assets.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Latest Questions
Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |233 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 05, 2024

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Career
How should I decide which IT course to take at the age of 39 with a B.Com degree? I am confused between Full Stack Development (Should I first take a front-end development course and then move to back-end development, or should I directly pursue a full-stack course and expect to get a job?) or Cloud Computing. Also, could you suggest which institute is best in Pune? Finally, is it better to learn and complete the course offline or online, considering the employer's preference i.e., do employers give more preference to candidates who studied through regular offline classes or those who studied online?
Ans: Always an employee will prefer a candidate who did off line course than online course. Secondly do yopu have a back ground of Science in 12th Standard. If not then you need to know Mathematics of 12th Standard ( at least a part of it) thoroughly. Secondly I would advice you to go for online certification course in Data Science, Cloud Computing, AI and Machine Learning. But before going for these certification courses you must see the syllabus and practice the basic requirements by viewing the YOU TUBE videos of the topics and there are ample study materials available in net. But without practising the basic never start the courses, you will then end in misery. So learn the basic and then start. Off line course is not recommended at this age. No need to go for a degree course. It will be of no use at this age. Go for good certification courses offered by good organizations which are having collaboration with reputed IITs like Bombay/Madras/Roorkee. Best of luck. Just follow me. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. Professor..........................:)

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Janak

Janak Patel  |8 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 30, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi, i am 52years old, wanted to retire early, following are my investments, MF - INR 65L, Equity - INR 22L, 3 houses, one is self-occupied, other 2 houses valued at INR 90 L and INR 32L respectively, i have home loan outstanding of INR 12L, FD of INR 36L , PF INR 32L, monthly expenses requirement is INR 1 L, kindly help me to plan my early retirement. Thank you in advance for your reply on my question.
Ans: Hi,

As there are many things to consider for an early retirement, one of the first is to start thinking about it in a more realistic manner. An early retirement is not necessarily stop working life, but think of it as a more comfortable schedule that provides you opportunities to relax and pursue your passion and interests and live life on your own terms. You may or may not undertake an activity which can be monetized, meaning which provides you some sort of income - not necessarily to cover your living expenses in whole/part. So do give it some thought of how you intend to keep yourself occupied once you retire from your "current schedule". Will you generate any source of income or will you incur/require more expense.

At current age of 52, an early retirement even if we consider at 55 years of age, it a still a long life ahead. I will make a lot of assumptions in my response as these are not known from your query - such as life expectancy of another 30 years, average return of 8% on all investments for future etc. Are the 2 real estate properties earning any kind of rent that can be considered as income.
There are too many variables that go into the calculations for retirement which are specific to each individual and their circle of life.

Generic solution - You have a currently accumulated investments valued at INR 2.65 Cr (all investments less loan).

Current monthly expenses is INR 1 Lac, over which inflation needs to be applied each year (depends on lifestyle and composition of items of expenses).

So if your cumulative investments appreciate at average 8% annually, and your monthly expense increases at 6% annual inflation, your current accumulated investments are just about enough to manage expenses for next 30yrs (excluding tax implications - refer below).

Points to consider -
1. Inflation in real world is more than 6% (depends on the individual)
2. Liquidation of investments e.g. Real estate attract expenses/fees and tax on capital gains as it will be lumpsum
3. PF post retirement will earn interest only for 3 years, so you need to plan to re-invest the amount
4. Interest income on FD attracts tax at slab rate
5. Withdrawal of amount for monthly expense from your investments will attract tax on capital gains (MF and Equity)

I strongly recommend you connect with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized guidance and prepare a plan that will take into consideration your risk profile and overall investment management towards the retirement. Benefits will include a more tax efficient plan which will consider your requirements and ensure retirement goals are achieved and if there is a shortfall - what alternatives you need to consider.

Hope this is helpful and all the best for the future.

Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |174 Answers  |Ask -

Health Science and Pharmaceutical Careers Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2024

Career
Sir I am preparing for mbbs, but I'm not able to crack that. I'm a middle class student. Can I pursue mbbs in abroad under 8 lakhs in a best college for mbbs?After that can I able to be a doctor in India?
Ans: Hi Lagna,

It seems you haven’t provided the details clearly on this platform. If you could share more information, I’m sure you will receive helpful input.

Based on your message, I understand that you are considering pursuing a career in medicine. If you intend to enroll in a medical program either in India or abroad and plan to practice in India after completion, here are some important guidelines according to the National Medical Commission (NMC):

You must appear for the NEET exam, as it is a mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to pursue graduate medical education in India or elsewhere while intending to return and practice in India. According to the NMC eligibility criteria: “No student shall be eligible to pursue graduate medical education either in India or elsewhere (if they want to return and practice in India), except by scoring the minimum eligible score at the NEET UG exam. The UGMEB will announce the list of eligible students periodically.”

Therefore, I recommend preparing for the NEET exam and trying to secure admission in India itself. If you choose to pursue medical education abroad, you can still practice in India, but you will need to pass exit exams as well.

Regarding your question about pursuing MBBS abroad for under 8 lakhs, are you asking if this is per year or for the entire course? Studying abroad at that cost per year is possible. However, when you take into account the total expenses, which include course fees, accommodation, food, travel, visa, and other costs, it might be more feasible to complete your MBBS in India.

I hope this clarifies your queries!

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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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