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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

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 - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello Sir, I am 33years old and have 2 kids, one is 5years old and other one is 1year old. Could you see my financial journey and feedback and provide details for wealth creation? I get 1.6L monthly(including rent, salary..) Currently i have 5L in ppf and 4L in NPS and recently i started with ssj for my girl child so i have invested 1.5L. I have term insurance of 1.5Cr and medical/health insurance of 5L. My monthly investment/debts includes Ppf-12.5k Nps-9k(including company sponsored) MF-5K Homeloan-26k Personal loan-19k( i have invested in RE) Gold-10k Ssj-125k I would like to make 2Cr by 10-15years for short term goals. Kindly suggest

Ans: You are doing a good job by staying invested and insured at a young age. With two kids and multiple responsibilities, you are taking the right steps. But there is scope for improvement. Let's assess your situation from every angle and design a 360-degree strategy for wealth creation.

Income and Cash Flow Review
– You have Rs. 1.6L monthly income including salary and rent. That’s appreciable.
– Your monthly EMI commitments are Rs. 45k (Home + Personal loan).
– Your monthly investments total around Rs. 1.61L. This includes SSJ, PPF, NPS, MF, and gold.
– This means you are spending more than your income or using past savings. That is not sustainable.
– It’s important to first check your actual monthly household expenses. This will help manage cash better.

Insurance Review
– You have Rs. 1.5Cr term cover. That is a good start.
– But with 2 kids and loans, this may not be enough.
– A thumb rule says 15–20 times of annual income is needed for term cover.
– You should consider increasing your term cover to Rs. 2.5Cr.
– You have health insurance of Rs. 5L. But is it family floater or individual?
– For family with 2 kids, at least Rs. 10L floater is advisable.

Analysis of Your Current Investments
Let’s evaluate your current investments from all angles.

##PPF Contribution
– You have Rs. 5L in PPF and contribute Rs. 12.5k monthly.
– PPF is good for safety but gives low returns.
– Interest is fixed yearly and locked for 15 years.
– PPF is not suited for aggressive wealth creation.
– You can reduce your PPF investment to Rs. 5k monthly.
– Redirect the balance to mutual funds for better growth.

##NPS Contribution
– You have Rs. 4L in NPS and Rs. 9k monthly goes in (including employer share).
– NPS is useful for retirement only. 60% is taxable at withdrawal.
– Long lock-in till 60 years. Not good for short-term goals.
– Don't increase contribution here beyond what company pays.
– Instead, use mutual funds for mid and short-term goals.

##SSJ for Girl Child
– Investing Rs. 1.5L yearly in Sukanya Samriddhi is good.
– This gives tax benefit and is safe. But interest is fixed and not market-linked.
– Maturity is when your girl turns 21. So use it only for long-term education.
– Don’t over-invest here. Limit to Rs. 1.5L yearly only. No more.

##Mutual Fund Contribution
– You are investing Rs. 5k monthly in mutual funds. This is too low for your goals.
– Mutual funds are ideal for 10-15 years goal like creating Rs. 2Cr.
– Increase this amount to at least Rs. 20k monthly over time.
– Choose good quality actively managed funds.
– Don’t go for index funds. They just copy the market. No strategy involved.
– Index funds can fall badly when the market crashes.
– Actively managed funds are handled by experts. They do better over long term.

##Gold Investment
– You invest Rs. 10k monthly in gold. That’s 6% of income. Too high.
– Gold is good for jewellery but not great for investment returns.
– Gold doesn’t create wealth. It just preserves value.
– Reduce gold investment to Rs. 2-3k per month if you must.
– Rest should go to mutual funds for better growth.

##Loan Situation – Home and Personal Loan
– You are paying Rs. 26k for home loan. That’s fine if interest is low.
– You also pay Rs. 19k EMI on personal loan. That’s worrying.
– Personal loan is costly. Usually interest is 11% to 14%.
– Please try to repay this loan faster.
– Stop gold purchase temporarily and divert that Rs. 10k toward personal loan repayment.
– Also reduce PPF and increase mutual fund allocation once loan is cleared.

Investment cum Insurance Products (If Any)
– You did not mention any ULIP, endowment or LIC plans.
– If you hold any LIC, ULIP or insurance-linked investments, please surrender them.
– These plans give low returns and lock your money.
– Reinvest the surrender value into mutual funds for better growth.

Your Goal – Creating Rs. 2 Crore in 10 to 15 Years
This is a realistic goal if we plan smartly.

– You want Rs. 2Cr in 10-15 years. That’s possible with discipline.
– You need to invest regularly in mutual funds for this.
– Direct funds are not suitable for this type of goal.
– In direct plans, no support or guidance is given.
– Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner give you access to expert review.
– The extra 0.5% commission is worth the financial planning and ongoing monitoring.
– A CFP will adjust your funds based on market and life changes.
– Also, direct plans are not recommended for busy individuals with kids.

Tax Angle – Capital Gains Rules
– When you sell equity mutual funds, gains above Rs. 1.25L per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– If you sell before 1 year, STCG is taxed at 20%.
– This applies only to equity funds.
– For debt mutual funds, both short and long-term gains are taxed as per your income slab.
– So stay invested long term in equity funds to reduce tax.

Emergency Fund – Very Important
– You did not mention emergency savings.
– This is critical with 2 kids and EMIs.
– You must have 6 to 9 months of expenses in liquid form.
– Keep in sweep-in FD or liquid mutual fund.
– This will help during job loss, medical issues or other urgent need.

Children’s Education Planning
– Your elder child is 5 years. You have 12-13 years for college.
– Your girl child has 16+ years.
– You have already invested in SSJ. That is good for one child.
– But higher education cost will be much more.
– You should start SIPs in equity mutual funds specifically for both children.
– You can assign two separate mutual fund portfolios – one for each child.
– Start with Rs. 5k-10k monthly for each. Increase as income grows.

Retirement Planning
– You are 33 now. Retirement is still 25+ years away.
– Good to start now itself. You have NPS. But don’t depend only on NPS.
– You must build your own corpus via mutual funds.
– NPS has strict rules and withdrawal limits.
– Keep at least Rs. 10k monthly SIP in diversified equity funds for retirement.
– Increase it every year with salary hike.

What You Can Improve From Today
– Review all expenses. Trim non-essentials.
– Prioritise personal loan repayment first.
– Reduce gold and PPF investment.
– Increase mutual fund SIPs to minimum Rs. 15k monthly now.
– Target Rs. 25k to Rs. 30k monthly SIP in 2 years.
– Recheck life and health cover. Increase if needed.
– Build emergency fund of Rs. 3L to Rs. 5L minimum.
– Separate mutual fund portfolios for kids’ education and your own retirement.
– Use regular mutual funds with guidance of Certified Financial Planner.
– Review portfolio every 6 months with your planner.

Finally
You have made a promising beginning. You are investing and insuring. That’s the right base.

But the real wealth creation comes with a clear goal plan. You need to adjust cash flow. You must repay bad loans. You should invest more in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid over-investment in PPF, gold, and SSJ. Focus on equity mutual funds. Don’t go for direct or index funds.

Create a balance between today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals. A 360-degree plan is necessary for growing wealth with confidence.

With proper steps, you can achieve Rs. 2Cr in 10-15 years.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2024

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Hello , My age is 30 and have investments as follows: 15 lacs in fd , 15 lacs in nsc, 5.5 lacs in ppf which will go upto 10 lacs in next 3 years (during maturity), 5 lacs in stocks and 2 sip 10k in quant elss tax saver fund & 6k in kotak elss tax fund , 5k/m contribution in nps.I have housing rent which is 35k/m and monthly expense upto ?6k. I am the only one earning at home. I want to generate wealth to cover my childs education and higher studies.
Ans: You have a good start in your investment journey. Your age is 30, and you have a well-diversified portfolio. Your goal is to generate wealth for your child's education and higher studies. Let's analyse your current investments and provide insights for future growth.

Current Investment Overview
Fixed Deposits: Rs 15 lakhs

National Savings Certificate (NSC): Rs 15 lakhs

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 5.5 lakhs (expected to grow to Rs 10 lakhs in 3 years)

Stocks: Rs 5 lakhs

SIPs: Rs 10,000 in ELSS tax saver fund, Rs 6,000 in another ELSS tax fund

National Pension System (NPS): Rs 5,000 monthly

Housing Rent: Rs 35,000 monthly

Monthly Expenses: Rs 6,000

Analysis of Your Current Portfolio
Fixed Deposits and NSC: These are low-risk, but returns are often low. They provide stability but may not keep pace with inflation.

PPF: This is a safe and tax-efficient option. It is a good long-term investment.

Stocks: High-risk, high-reward. Requires careful selection and monitoring.

SIPs in ELSS Funds: These offer tax benefits and potential for good returns. However, avoid duplication in fund choices.

NPS: Good for retirement planning. Offers tax benefits and disciplined savings.

Recommendations for Wealth Generation
Diversify Investments: Avoid putting too much in low-return options. Consider increasing exposure to equity mutual funds for higher growth potential.

Review ELSS Funds: Having two ELSS funds is redundant. Opt for one well-performing ELSS fund. This simplifies management and can boost returns.

Increase Equity Exposure: Allocate more to equity mutual funds. These funds generally offer better returns over the long term.

Regular Fund Investing: Consider investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner. This ensures professional guidance and avoids common investment mistakes.

Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds lack professional advice. Regular funds with CFP help are better for most investors.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Fund managers actively manage the portfolio for optimal returns.

Flexibility: They can adjust holdings based on market conditions.

Potential for Higher Returns: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds.

Additional Steps for Financial Security
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of expenses. This covers unexpected financial needs.

Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate life and health insurance. This protects your family from unforeseen events.

Regular Portfolio Review: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. This keeps your investments aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is well-diversified but can benefit from adjustments. Shift some funds from low-return options to equity mutual funds. Simplify your ELSS investments and increase equity exposure. Regular funds with Certified Financial Planner guidance offer better returns and convenience. Maintain an emergency fund and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regular reviews and rebalancing keep your portfolio on track. This approach will help you generate wealth for your child's education and secure your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello, I'm a 46 year old , unable to work anymore, I have no loans, own house,wife is the earning member. My investments are : Running investments: Pension Plan with fund value of 42 lakhs(current fund value) till 2037, Equity Mutual fund with fund value of 12 lakhs( Current fund value). Yearly investment emi of 1.20 lakh Monthly expenditure of 25 k Monthly rental income of 8k NO PPF Bank Balance of 26 lakh. Want to invest 10 -15 lakh to earn a sizeable corpus ( say 1 cr) in next 18 years for my child when he will become an adult, in addition to a 50 k monthly income in next 2-3 years Can you kindly guide me as to what investments I should be doing to achieve this target
Ans: You have provided valuable details about your financial situation. Let’s analyse your current standing and future goals.

Age: 46 years old
Running Investments:
Pension Plan with a current fund value of Rs 42 lakhs (maturing in 2037).
Equity Mutual Fund with a current fund value of Rs 12 lakhs.
Income & Expenditure:
Monthly rental income of Rs 8,000.
Monthly expenditure of Rs 25,000.
Yearly EMI of Rs 1.2 lakh for ongoing investments.
Savings: Bank balance of Rs 26 lakhs.
Investment Goals:
You want to invest Rs 10-15 lakh to build a corpus of Rs 1 crore in 18 years for your child.
You also need a monthly income of Rs 50,000 in the next 2-3 years.
Given these goals, let’s discuss how you can achieve them.

Income Generation for Monthly Needs (Rs 50,000)
To achieve a monthly income of Rs 50,000 in the next 2-3 years, we need to explore investment options that can generate consistent returns.

Rental Income: You already have Rs 8,000 coming in monthly. This helps reduce your income requirement.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan from your mutual funds could be useful.
You can park part of your Rs 26 lakh bank balance into a debt-oriented hybrid mutual fund.
These funds provide stability with moderate returns.
You can withdraw monthly amounts through SWP to meet your requirement.
Based on the fund's performance, you can plan to withdraw around Rs 42,000 per month to reach your target of Rs 50,000 (including Rs 8,000 from rent).
This option allows you to use your capital effectively while keeping it invested for moderate growth.

Fixed Income Options:

You may also consider some amount in fixed deposits or high-interest-bearing savings instruments.
However, they are taxed as per your income tax slab, so this may reduce post-tax returns.
Combining these with SWP ensures liquidity and some level of fixed returns.
This way, your immediate income needs can be met, keeping your capital intact.

Investment Plan for Building Rs 1 Crore for Child's Future
You aim to build Rs 1 crore in 18 years for your child. The best way to achieve this is through equity-based investments, as they tend to offer the highest long-term growth.

Equity Mutual Funds:

For long-term goals like 18 years, equity mutual funds are the most suitable.
Your existing equity mutual funds of Rs 12 lakh can continue to grow.
You can also invest Rs 10-15 lakh from your bank balance into diversified equity funds.
Actively managed equity mutual funds generally perform better over a long period compared to passive index funds, which often lack flexibility in changing market conditions.
It’s crucial to focus on mid-cap and small-cap funds as they have higher growth potential over an 18-year period.
Regular vs Direct Funds:

You might have heard about direct mutual funds, which have lower fees.
However, direct plans require deep market understanding and regular monitoring.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who works with an MFD can help you manage your portfolio professionally, ensuring that your investments are regularly rebalanced to match market changes.
Regular plans, managed by CFPs, provide professional guidance, making them a better choice for individuals who do not want the stress of tracking every detail.
SIP for Consistent Growth:

You can start a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of Rs 50,000 monthly.
This amount will steadily build wealth over 18 years.
By investing Rs 50,000 a month in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, you stand a good chance of achieving your target of Rs 1 crore.
A professional MFD working with a CFP can help you select funds based on your risk profile and growth expectations.
Review of Existing Pension Plan
Your pension plan with a current fund value of Rs 42 lakhs is a significant part of your retirement portfolio.

Performance Review:
It is crucial to review the performance of this pension plan periodically.
Ensure that it continues to give reasonable returns, as you have 13 more years until it matures.
Often, these plans have high charges and lower returns compared to equity mutual funds. You should evaluate if it makes sense to continue with this investment or switch to something more productive.
If the returns are lower than expected, you may want to consider redirecting future premiums into better-performing mutual funds.
Tax Implications on Your Investments
Understanding tax liabilities is essential for maximising your returns.

Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds:

For equity mutual funds, LTCG (Long-Term Capital Gains) above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 20%.
For debt mutual funds, LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab.
You should consult with your CFP to ensure that your withdrawals and investments are done in the most tax-efficient manner.
Tax on Rental Income:

The Rs 8,000 monthly rental income is also taxable.
Ensure you factor this into your annual tax planning.
By optimising tax strategies, you can maximise your returns while keeping your liabilities low.

Contingency and Emergency Fund
While investing for long-term goals, don’t overlook short-term financial safety.

Emergency Fund:
Out of your Rs 26 lakh bank balance, set aside at least Rs 4-5 lakh as an emergency fund.
This will help you manage any unforeseen expenses without disturbing your investments.
Keep this amount in a liquid or short-term debt fund for easy access.
Health Insurance:
Since your wife is the sole earning member now, ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage.
This will help safeguard your family’s finances in case of medical emergencies.
Revisit Your Financial Plan Regularly
It is essential to track your financial journey.

Review Performance:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds and pension plans.
Make adjustments based on market conditions and your changing life circumstances.
Stay on Track with Goals:

Ensure that you are consistently investing towards your Rs 1 crore goal.
Keep in touch with your CFP to monitor if you’re on track, and take corrective actions if required.
By actively managing your investments and reviewing your goals, you can ensure financial security for your family.

Finally
Your situation is unique, and your goals are achievable with a disciplined approach.

By combining equity mutual funds, SWPs, and systematic SIPs, you can grow your wealth and generate regular income. Balancing risk and return is essential to meet your child’s future needs and your immediate income requirements.

Keep your financial plan flexible, review it often, and stay committed to your goals.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Dear Sir, Please find below my financial details. Kindly advice further for wealth creation. PPF 10 Lacs LIC Jeevan Anand 6 Lacs RD 2000 per month Fixed Deposit 3.75 Lacs SBI- Small Cap 4000 Per month ( for 3 Years) Axis Blue chip 3000 Per month ( For 3 Years) Canara Robeco Blue Chip 3000 Per month ( For 1 Year) Mirae Asset Blue chip 4000 per month for 3 years) Medical Insurance 5 Lacs Term Insurance 50 Lacs Home Loan 28 Lacs( started in april25). Paying 8K per month extra except EMI). Property is rent out. Regards Ankur Gupta
Ans: You have taken some good steps towards financial discipline. Your efforts to diversify across various instruments and maintain insurance coverage are appreciated. I will now evaluate your financial situation under different aspects, and guide you with actionable steps for wealth creation in a simple and clear manner.

Emergency Fund
You haven't mentioned a separate emergency fund.

Emergency fund is essential before investing.

It should be at least 6 months’ monthly expenses.

Include EMIs, insurance, household, and medical costs.

You can use a savings account or liquid fund for this.

Do not use fixed deposits or mutual funds for this.

Keep this fund easily accessible.

Life Insurance and Health Cover
Your term insurance of Rs 50 lakhs is a good start.

But it may be on the lower side.

Cover should be 15–20 times your annual income.

LIC Jeevan Anand is a traditional plan.

These plans give low returns and poor liquidity.

It mixes insurance with investment.

It is better to have pure insurance and invest separately.

You can surrender this LIC plan.

Reinvest proceeds in mutual funds via regular plans through CFP.

You have Rs 5 lakh medical insurance.

This is fine if employer also gives coverage.

If not, increase it to Rs 10–15 lakhs.

Add a top-up health plan for better coverage.

Health costs are rising fast every year.

Loan and Property
Your home loan of Rs 28 lakhs is manageable.

You are paying extra Rs 8000 per month, which is good.

This helps reduce interest and tenure.

Since property is rented out, income supports EMI.

But do not rely on rental for wealth creation.

Real estate gives poor liquidity and high maintenance.

Instead, increase allocation to financial assets.

You can continue prepaying loan if no better options available.

But balance between loan repayment and investment is key.

Fixed Deposit and Recurring Deposit
You have Rs 3.75 lakhs in fixed deposit.

You invest Rs 2000 per month in RD.

These are very low-yield products after tax.

Returns may not beat inflation.

Use these only for short-term goals.

For long term, prefer mutual funds.

Shift RD to a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in equity funds.

Keep FD only as part of emergency fund or short-term goals.

PPF – Public Provident Fund
Your PPF balance of Rs 10 lakhs is very good.

It is safe and tax-free.

It gives fixed returns and supports retirement.

Continue PPF for long term stability.

Avoid using this for mid-term goals.

But don’t depend only on PPF for retirement.

It gives lower returns than equity in long run.

Use it as a supporting instrument, not the main one.

Mutual Fund Investments
Your SIPs in multiple funds show good intent.

Monthly SIPs total Rs 14,000.

You are investing in both large cap and small cap.

SIPs are a smart way to build wealth.

Here are a few suggestions:

You are investing in four equity mutual funds.

Three are large cap or blue chip. One is small cap.

Do not invest in too many similar funds.

Large cap funds usually move in same pattern.

This leads to over-diversification with no added benefit.

Instead, choose one or two quality diversified funds.

Keep small cap fund for long term only.

Small caps are risky and volatile in short term.

Do not choose index funds.
They simply copy the market index.
They do not manage risk during market falls.
Actively managed funds are better in Indian market.
Fund managers pick quality stocks and reduce downside.
Active funds give better returns if selected with care.

Also, avoid direct mutual fund plans.
They may look cheaper, but come without proper guidance.
Many investors make emotional decisions in direct plans.
They miss rebalancing and portfolio correction.
Invest through regular plans via MFD who is also a CFP.
You get proper advice, reviews, and rebalancing support.
Good advice helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Investment Strategy – Next Steps
You can now structure your financial plan like this:

Short-Term Goals (0–3 years)

Keep emergency fund of at least 6 months’ expenses.

Use liquid fund or FD for upcoming expenses.

Do not invest this amount in equity mutual funds.

Medium-Term Goals (3–7 years)

Use hybrid mutual funds or balanced advantage funds.

These reduce risk with equity and debt mix.

You can invest some of the FD here.

Long-Term Goals (7+ years)

Use equity mutual funds – large, flexi-cap, small cap.

Do SIPs regularly and increase yearly if income rises.

Stick with long term. Don’t stop during market fall.

Tax Planning and Returns
PPF is already helping in 80C tax saving.

LIC also helps but with low return. Better to surrender it.

SIPs in equity mutual funds are tax-efficient.

New tax rule for mutual funds is now different:

Equity LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakhs is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per income slab.

Avoid FD as main investment. It gives fully taxable return.

Mutual funds are better after tax adjustment.

Retirement Planning
You are doing some investments but not enough for retirement.

You must plan retirement early for compounding.

PPF is safe but not enough. Use equity mutual funds more.

Estimate your future needs with a financial expert.

Invest with clear goal and timeline.

Child’s Education or Other Goals
You have not mentioned children or specific goals.

Start planning even if child is small.

Education inflation is very high.

Use SIPs in mutual funds for such goals.

Key Action Plan for You
Create emergency fund first. Use FD or liquid fund.

Surrender LIC Jeevan Anand. Invest money in mutual funds.

Stop RD. Start SIP of same amount in balanced mutual fund.

Continue SIPs. Reduce to 2–3 quality funds only.

Invest only through regular plans with CFP-led MFD.

Don’t choose direct plans or index funds.

Keep paying extra to home loan. But balance with investments.

Increase term insurance to at least Rs 1 crore.

Increase health cover with top-up plan.

Track all investments and goals annually.

Finally
You have started well. Your savings habit is good.
You are investing regularly and taking insurance protection.
But your portfolio needs better structure and focus.
Avoid mixing insurance and investment.
Avoid low return products for long term goals.
Use equity funds more through regular plans with CFP support.
Stick to plan for 10–15 years for wealth creation.
Do not panic during market falls. Stay invested.
Rebalance portfolio yearly with professional help.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello sir, I am 36 years old bank employee. Net take home after Loan EMI and NPS is 70000. My details are as follows:- Debt- 1. Staff Housing loan Rs. 54 lakhs 27 years ( Emi 22000/-) fully insured with credit life insurance 2. staff car loan Rs. 13 lakhs for 15 years (emi 15000/-) fully insured with credit life insurance. 3. Staff Overdraft 10 lakhs ( interest 65000/- p.a) Investments 1.Equity- portfolio 5 lakhs 2. Mutual fund sip 11500/- pm. (5.5 lakhs portfolio) 3. Gold bond 2.5 lakhs 4. 3 Lic 98000/- pa. Since 2018 5. FD/Rd(emergency fund)- 4.7 lakhs 6. NPS- 14 lakhs portfolio. 7. Health insurance 50 lakhs for family of 3. Kindly advise on how to proceed forward and what is needed to create wealth in long term and also to keep my family future secure.
Ans: ? Income and Cash Flow – Present Stability Evaluation
– Your monthly income is Rs 70,000 after EMI and NPS.
– Your expenses are under control, which is good.
– EMI outgo totals Rs 37,000 per month.
– This is around 53% of your in-hand income.
– This is slightly high for financial safety.
– You also have an overdraft, which adds pressure.
– SIP of Rs 11,500 is a good saving habit.
– You are balancing loans and investments well.

? Debt Position – Needs Careful Structuring
– Staff housing loan of Rs 54 lakhs is a long-term commitment.
– EMI is manageable now, but will last 27 years.
– Car loan of Rs 13 lakhs is for 15 years.
– A car loan for 15 years is not efficient.
– Overdraft of Rs 10 lakhs with Rs 65,000 interest is costly.
– Overdraft is a short-term tool, not long-term borrowing.
– Aim to reduce overdraft first before fresh investments.
– Try to close car loan earlier if possible.
– Don’t prepay housing loan unless other debts are cleared.
– Housing loan gives tax benefits. Prioritise other loans first.

? Investment Portfolio – Broad But Needs Tight Structure
– Equity of Rs 5 lakhs is a good start.
– Mutual fund SIP of Rs 11,500 is the key wealth creator.
– MF portfolio is at Rs 5.5 lakhs now.
– You are investing around 16% of your income in SIPs.
– This percentage is healthy for long-term growth.
– Keep SIPs going consistently for compounding effect.
– SIPs in regular funds through MFD with CFP is ideal.
– Avoid direct funds, they lack expert support and reviews.
– Direct funds can look cheaper but can underperform.
– Regular funds offer better guidance and risk management.

? LIC Policies – Review Is Needed
– You are paying Rs 98,000 yearly in LIC plans.
– These are likely traditional or endowment type plans.
– They offer low returns and lack transparency.
– Since they started in 2018, check surrender value.
– Compare return expectation with mutual fund alternatives.
– If surrender value is decent, consider exiting.
– Reinvest in SIPs for long-term goals with better returns.
– ULIPs or insurance-cum-investments must be avoided.
– Keep insurance and investment separate always.

? FD and RD Holdings – Emergency Safety
– Rs 4.7 lakhs in FD/RD is your emergency fund.
– This is a wise buffer in your current situation.
– Ideally keep 6 months' expenses here.
– Try to keep Rs 5–6 lakhs minimum always available.
– Avoid breaking FD for discretionary expenses.
– Use only for medical or job emergencies.

? Gold Bonds – Useful for Long-Term Diversification
– Rs 2.5 lakhs in gold bonds adds portfolio stability.
– Do not increase allocation too much beyond this.
– Gold is not a wealth creator. It protects value.
– Keep gold under 10% of your net worth.

? NPS Portfolio – Foundation for Retirement
– Rs 14 lakhs in NPS is well structured for retirement.
– It builds your retirement base with tax benefits.
– Don’t depend only on NPS for retirement corpus.
– Supplement it with equity mutual funds.
– Monitor asset allocation in NPS yearly.
– Adjust equity-debt mix as per age and goals.

? Insurance Protection – Well Done on Health Front
– Rs 50 lakhs family cover is sufficient for three members.
– Credit life insurance on loans is an added safety net.
– Still, add term life cover of Rs 1 crore.
– Separate term cover gives clarity and flexibility.
– Premiums are low for your age.
– Don't mix insurance and investment.

? Prioritising Debt vs Investment – Balanced Approach Needed
– Overdraft must be cleared in 6–12 months.
– Reduce lifestyle expenses to pay it faster.
– Car loan tenure should be shortened.
– Use bonus or surplus to reduce this burden.
– Keep SIPs running while clearing debt.
– Don’t stop mutual fund SIP unless in emergency.
– Over time, increase SIP to Rs 15,000 monthly.
– Gradually grow this as income improves.

? Wealth Creation Strategy – For Long-Term Growth
– Stick to equity mutual fund SIP for 10+ years.
– Choose diversified, actively managed funds only.
– Avoid index funds – they don’t beat market returns.
– Index funds lack fund manager expertise.
– Active funds can handle market corrections better.
– They rebalance and protect during crashes.
– Always invest through an MFD with CFP certification.
– Review portfolio performance every 6–12 months.

? Goal-Based Planning – Bring Structure to Vision
– List your future goals with timelines.
– Retirement, child education, home upgrades, etc.
– Assign investments to each goal clearly.
– Don’t fund long-term goals from short-term sources.
– Allocate SIPs to retirement and child goals.
– Use emergency fund only for real emergencies.
– Avoid mixing FD funds with equity goals.

? Tax Planning – Optimise and Align
– You’re already saving through NPS and LIC for 80C.
– But returns from LIC are low.
– Use ELSS for tax savings with higher returns.
– Also gives 3-year lock-in for goal-linked discipline.
– Keep track of capital gains on equity funds.
– As per new rules:
• Equity LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%
• Equity STCG taxed at 20%
• Debt MF gains taxed as per your slab
– Rebalance portfolio keeping tax impact in mind.

? Key Milestones to Focus Next 3–5 Years
– Close overdraft by next financial year.
– Shorten car loan by 3–5 years.
– Increase SIP as income rises.
– Build Rs 6 lakh emergency fund.
– Consider surrender of LIC policies in next 2 years.
– Start new term life insurance policy.
– Define goals clearly and assign investment plans.

? What You Must Avoid
– Don’t buy more insurance-linked investments.
– Don’t increase gold beyond current level.
– Don’t stop SIPs for discretionary spending.
– Don’t use FDs for long-term goals.
– Don’t switch to direct mutual funds.
– Direct funds give no monitoring support.
– Regular funds with MFD and CFP offer better outcomes.
– Don’t consider index funds even if returns look attractive.
– Actively managed funds are better for Indian markets.

? Finally
– You are on the right track with discipline.
– But some actions need fine tuning now.
– Focus on reducing bad debt in next 12 months.
– Keep increasing SIP step by step.
– Shift from LIC to mutual funds gradually.
– Build clear roadmap for goals like retirement and child.
– Get professional review once a year.
– Keep insurance and investment separate.
– Stay invested long term for compounding to work.
– Keep risk moderate. Don’t chase fast profits.
– Create wealth with consistency and patience.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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