Hello I am 26 years old and my salary is 80k. How should I start investment

Ans: Hello and thanks for writing to me. I am assuming that you are looking to invest for retirement and long term wealth creation.

As you are at 50 years, you can consider starting SIP's in a mix of multi-asset allocation funds and balanced advantage funds. These schemes invest in a mix of assets and can reduce volatility.

If you can share other relevant details like your risk taking appetite and your horizon, I may recommend another mix of funds.

Ans: It's wonderful that you're considering investment options to secure your financial future. Let's explore suitable avenues aligned with your goals.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation:

Before delving into investment options, let's assess your current financial status, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

Identifying Investment Objectives:

What are your investment objectives? Are you investing for retirement planning, wealth accumulation, or specific financial goals like education or travel?

Analyzing Risk Tolerance:

Understanding your risk tolerance is crucial in determining the appropriate investment strategy. Are you comfortable with market fluctuations and volatility?

Exploring Investment Avenues:

Equity Investments: Equity investments offer the potential for high returns over the long term but come with higher risk. They include direct stocks or equity mutual funds managed by professional fund managers.

Debt Instruments: Debt instruments like fixed deposits, bonds, or debt mutual funds provide stability and regular income. They are suitable for investors seeking capital preservation and steady returns.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): SIPs allow you to invest regularly in mutual funds, harnessing the power of compounding to build wealth over time. They offer flexibility and convenience in investing.

Retirement Planning: Investing in retirement-focused instruments like Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), or National Pension System (NPS) ensures financial security during retirement.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can help you design a customized investment plan to achieve your objectives effectively.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, exploring investment options tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance is essential for long-term wealth accumulation. By consulting with a Certified Financial Planner and diversifying your portfolio across equity, debt, and retirement-focused instruments, you can build a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It's great that you want to start investing and saving. With an income of ?900 per month, it can be challenging, but every small step counts. Let’s explore how you can begin saving and investing.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, understand your income and expenses. Track your monthly spending to identify areas where you can cut back. Even small savings can add up over time.

Setting Realistic Goals
Start with small, achievable goals. Aim to save a portion of your income each month. This helps build a habit of saving.

Creating a Budget
Track Income and Expenses

List all your monthly income and expenses.
Identify non-essential expenses you can reduce or eliminate.
Allocate Savings

Aim to save at least 10% of your income. With ?900, this means saving ?90 each month.
Emergency Fund

Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Start small, aim for ?500 initially.
Saving Methods
Savings Account

Open a basic savings account. It’s safe and earns a small interest.
Recurring Deposit (RD)

Consider starting a recurring deposit with your bank. You can deposit a small fixed amount each month. It’s a disciplined way to save.
Basic Investment Options
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Start a SIP with as little as ?500 per month. Mutual funds have options for low initial investments. SIPs help in disciplined investing and can offer good returns over time.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a safe and long-term investment option. You can start with small amounts and increase contributions as your income grows.
Government Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Open a Jan Dhan account. It offers no minimum balance requirement and other benefits like insurance.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

A pension scheme for workers in the unorganised sector. You can contribute small amounts to secure your retirement.
Increasing Your Income
Skill Development

Invest in learning new skills to increase your earning potential. Look for free or low-cost courses online.
Part-Time Work

Consider part-time jobs or freelancing to supplement your income. This additional income can boost your savings and investment capacity.
Discipline and Patience
Consistency

Regular saving and investing, no matter how small, will yield results over time. Be consistent with your contributions.
Avoid Debt

Avoid unnecessary loans or credit. If you must borrow, ensure you can manage the repayments.
Reviewing and Adjusting
Regular Review

Review your budget and savings plan regularly. Adjust your savings and investment as your income grows.
Seek Advice

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice as your financial situation evolves.

Starting with a small income can be tough, but your determination to save and invest is commendable. Every rupee saved is a step towards financial security. Stay committed, and over time, you’ll see the benefits of your disciplined approach.

Conclusion
Beginning your investment journey at 29 with a limited income is challenging but possible. Start by creating a budget, saving consistently, and exploring safe investment options. Increase your income through skill development and part-time work. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Your commitment to saving and investing will pave the way for a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello;

What is purpose of investment (retirement planning, kid's education house purchase)?

What is the time horizon (number of years)?

Based on your response, I can recommend you suitable options.

Thanks;

Ans: You are 36 years old. Monthly income is Rs 1.10 lakhs.

You currently have no investments.

You are paying a personal loan EMI of Rs 51,000.

Let us now do a 360-degree assessment and plan your financial path properly.

Current Financial Snapshot – Focus Needed on Cash Flow
Monthly income is Rs 1.10 lakhs. This is a good earning level.

EMI of Rs 51,000 is very high. Almost half your salary goes there.

This leaves you with Rs 59,000. From this you manage all expenses.

There is no existing investment. This needs urgent correction.

Debt burden is quite heavy. It affects your ability to invest.

Step 1 – First Focus: Emergency Fund Creation
Before starting any investment, protect yourself with emergency money.

You should build Rs 1.5 lakhs emergency fund. Keep in liquid savings.

Don’t invest this money. Use it only for job loss or medical needs.

Save slowly if needed. Try to keep Rs 10,000 per month for this.

Build it over 12 to 15 months. Emergency fund gives financial stability.

Step 2 – Review and Restructure Your EMI Burden
Personal loan EMI of Rs 51,000 is very high.

Try to consolidate loans. Explore options for lower interest.

Speak with bank. Check if longer tenure can reduce EMI.

Balance transfer to lower rate lender can help.

Goal should be to reduce EMI to below Rs 35,000.

High EMI blocks investments. Low EMI gives investment space.

Never take new loans now. Avoid credit cards and shopping loans.

Step 3 – Basic Protection with Insurance
You need to secure yourself and your family first.

Start term insurance of Rs 50 lakhs minimum. Premium is very low.

It covers your family if something happens to you.

Health insurance is also important. Get minimum Rs 5 lakh policy.

Company health policy is not enough. Take separate personal policy.

Step 4 – Start Investments with Clear Goal
Once emergency fund and insurance are ready, start investing.

Begin with mutual funds. You can start SIP of Rs 5,000 per month.

This builds financial habit. Later increase SIP when EMI reduces.

Focus only on actively managed mutual funds. They aim for higher returns.

Index funds don’t beat market. They don’t suit your growth needs.

Avoid direct funds. They lack support and review.

Invest in regular funds via Certified Financial Planner.

Start small. Grow slowly. But stay regular.

Step 5 – Reduce Loan and Increase SIP in Future
Over the next 2 years, focus on two things:

Reduce your personal loan principal. Try to pay Rs 10,000 extra per month.

Simultaneously, raise SIP from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 monthly.

As loan gets smaller, shift that EMI amount to investments.

In 3 years, you can build Rs 4 to 5 lakh mutual fund portfolio.

Step 6 – Plan for Retirement Starting Today
At age 36, retirement is still 24 years away.

That gives you good time. Compounding will work in your favour.

Start a separate SIP of Rs 3,000 monthly for retirement.

This SIP can grow into large corpus over time.

Avoid depending only on PF or NPS for retirement.

Use equity mutual funds with proper review each year.

Step 7 – Don’t Fall for Wrong Products
You will see many agents offering insurance-linked investments.

Avoid ULIP, endowment or LIC policies for investment.

They give low returns and block your money for long years.

If you already have such policies, surrender them and invest in mutual funds.

Keep insurance and investments separate.

Step 8 – Maintain Clear Budget and Expense Plan
With Rs 59,000 left after EMI, keep tight control on spending.

Break monthly expenses into food, rent, utility, transport, etc.

Fix a monthly budget. Track your expenses.

Avoid eating out too often. Control impulse shopping.

Save minimum 15% of income every month in mutual funds.

Step 9 – Stay Away from Real Estate and Gold for Now
You may think of buying property or gold later.

Right now, don’t lock money into such assets.

Real estate has low liquidity. It doesn’t help you grow wealth fast.

Gold bonds can be used later for diversification. Not now.

Step 10 – Review Your Progress Every Year
Planning is not enough. Reviewing is important.

Sit once every 12 months. Check income, SIP, loan, expenses.

If salary increases, raise SIP. Don’t raise lifestyle too much.

Meet a Certified Financial Planner once every year. Get guidance.

Keep your financial goals in writing. Stay focused.

Final Insights
Reduce personal loan EMI to under Rs 35,000. This is urgent.

Build Rs 1.5 lakh emergency fund. Use liquid savings, not investments.

Take Rs 50 lakh term insurance. Take Rs 5 lakh health insurance.

Start mutual fund SIP of Rs 5,000 monthly. Grow it step by step.

Use only regular mutual funds. Avoid direct funds. They lack advice.

Don’t go for index funds. They only copy market. No extra returns.

Avoid LIC, ULIP, and endowment policies. They give poor growth.

Fix budget. Track all expenses. Avoid loans and credit purchases.

Increase SIP every year. Use salary hikes wisely.

Begin separate SIP for retirement. Don’t delay it.

Stay disciplined. Don’t panic if markets fall. Think long-term.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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