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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 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
Anushree Question by Anushree on Jun 26, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello Sir I am 34 with net monthly salary of 86000 in a government job . I am having an agricultural land worth 50 lakhs. I am having approximately 18 lakhs in NPS. Liquid cash of 6 lakhs in FD and Gold jwellery of 8 lakhs. A vehicle loan and personal loan total of Rs. 14 lakhs. I want to retire after 42 with a monthly income of 1.5 lakh and corpus of atleast 3 crore. I love travelling and planning to visit one foreign country once in 3 year, so a substantial amount of money is required for travelling. How and where should I invest money to receive a corpus of 3 crores and monthly income of 1.5 lakh at the age of 42 ??

Ans: It’s wonderful to see you thinking about your future and planning your retirement at 42. With your current financial status, let’s work on a comprehensive plan to help you achieve your goals.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
Your net monthly salary is Rs 86,000. You have a vehicle and personal loan totaling Rs 14 lakh.

Current Assets
Agricultural land worth Rs 50 lakh
Rs 18 lakh in NPS
Rs 6 lakh in FD
Gold jewellery worth Rs 8 lakh
Liabilities
Rs 14 lakh in loans
Financial Goals
Retire at 42 with a corpus of Rs 3 crore
Monthly income of Rs 1.5 lakh post-retirement
Travel internationally every three years
Building a Strong Financial Foundation
Creating a Budget
Creating a detailed budget is essential. It helps you understand your cash flow and identify savings opportunities.

Fixed Expenses
Loan EMIs
Household expenses
Essential bills
Variable Expenses
Discretionary spending
Travel fund
Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial. Aim to save at least 6-12 months of your monthly expenses. This fund should be in a liquid, easily accessible account.

Paying Off Debt
Focus on paying off your Rs 14 lakh loan as soon as possible. This will free up more funds for savings and investments.

Extra Payments
If possible, make extra payments towards your loan principal. This reduces the overall interest paid and shortens the loan tenure.

Savings and Investment Strategies
Starting with Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a great way to start investing. They offer professional management and diversification. Begin with a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) to invest a fixed amount regularly.

Types of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: Invest in stocks; higher risk, higher return.
Debt Funds: Invest in bonds; lower risk, stable return.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt; balanced risk and return.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds because they are managed by professionals who make investment decisions based on market conditions.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a retirement-focused investment that offers tax benefits. It invests in a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe, long-term investment with tax benefits. You can invest up to Rs 1.5 lakh per year, and the interest earned is tax-free.

Increasing SIP Contributions
As your income grows, increase your SIP contributions. This leverages the power of compounding, helping your investments grow over time.

Planning for Major Life Goals
Home Purchase
If you plan to buy a home, start saving for a down payment. Consider a combination of savings and investments to build this fund.

Children’s Education
Education costs are rising. Start an education fund for your children early to take advantage of compounding.

Retirement Planning
You have about 8 years until retirement at 42. Start early to build a substantial retirement corpus. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and other instruments.

Travelling Fund
Since you love traveling, create a separate fund for it. Allocate a portion of your monthly savings specifically for your travel expenses.

Risk Management and Insurance
Health Insurance
Health insurance is vital to protect against medical emergencies. Ensure you have adequate coverage for yourself and your family.

Life Insurance
Life insurance ensures financial security for your family in case of an unforeseen event. Term insurance is a cost-effective option.

Asset Allocation and Diversification
Diversification reduces risk. Allocate your investments across different asset classes to balance risk and return.

Example Portfolio Allocation
Equity: 50-60%
Debt: 30-40%
Others (PPF, NPS): 10-20%
Regular Portfolio Review
Review your investment portfolio regularly. Rebalance it based on your financial goals and market conditions.

Tax Planning
Tax-Efficient Investments
Invest in instruments that provide tax benefits, such as PPF, ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme), and NPS.

Utilizing Deductions
Maximize tax deductions under Section 80C, 80D, and other relevant sections to reduce your taxable income.

Final Insights
Securing your financial future requires discipline, planning, and regular investments. Here’s a summary of the steps to take:

Create a Budget: Track income and expenses to identify savings potential.
Build an Emergency Fund: Save 6-12 months of expenses for unexpected events.
Pay Off Debt: Prioritize loan repayment to free up more funds.
Start Investing: Begin with SIPs in mutual funds, PPF, and NPS.
Plan for Life Goals: Save for home purchase, children’s education, and retirement.
Manage Risk: Get adequate health and life insurance.
Diversify Investments: Allocate assets across equity, debt, and other instruments.
Regular Review: Monitor and rebalance your portfolio periodically.
Tax Planning: Invest in tax-efficient instruments and utilize deductions.
By following these steps, you can build a secure financial future and achieve your goals. Start today, stay disciplined, and regularly review your progress. Your future self will thank you!

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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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I will retire this year at the age of 63. Will have a corpus of around 3 crores out of which I want to have a yearly return of at least 18 lakhs to take care of monthly expenses. How do you suggest to invest ??
Ans: Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone of retirement! With a corpus of 3 crores and a goal of generating an annual income of 18 lakhs, thoughtful investment planning is key. Here's a tailored approach to help you achieve your financial objectives:

Diversify your investments across various asset classes, including equities and fixed income securities, to mitigate risk and enhance returns.

Allocate a portion of your corpus to actively managed equity funds. These funds have the potential to outperform the market, especially during periods of market inefficiencies, offering you the opportunity for higher returns.

Avoid direct funds investing. They may require active management, expertise, and time, which could be challenging, especially during your retirement phase. Instead, consider investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can guide you in selecting the right mutual fund distributors (MFDs).

Fixed income investments such as bonds and debt mutual funds can provide stability and regular income. Allocate a significant portion of your corpus to these instruments to meet your income requirements.

Regular review and rebalancing of your portfolio are essential to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider periodic consultations with your CFP to make any necessary adjustments.

Stay informed about market trends and economic developments. Keeping yourself updated will empower you to make informed decisions regarding your investments.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to remain patient and disciplined. With careful planning and prudent investment decisions, you can enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I am 33 years old working as a software professional. I have a mothly SIPs that I started earlier this year of 30000 rupees which was divided into 10000 rs for ICICI Prudential bluechip fund direct growth large cap, 10000 rs for motilal oswal midcap and 5000 rs each in Quant small cap and Aditya birla sunlife PSU fund. Along with this I have couple of life insurance policies with LIC on my name and one each for my wife and kid altogether I'm paying premium of 3 lakhs per annum. I also invested in real estate and bought a land worth 40 lakhs. I'm planning for my retirement at the age of 45 and want to know best ways for investment to build my corpus and earn 2 lakhs per month from it post retirement which suffices my needs adjusting to inflation.
Ans: Your commitment to securing your financial future is commendable, and your portfolio reflects a mix of investments. Let's analyze your current strategy and chart a path towards your retirement goal.

Starting with your SIPs, allocating funds across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap indicates a balanced approach to risk and growth. However, it's essential to review your portfolio periodically to ensure it aligns with your changing goals and market conditions.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:

Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.


Your life insurance policies provide financial protection for your family, which is crucial. However, it's advisable to evaluate if the coverage meets your evolving needs and if there are more cost-effective options available.

Investing in real estate can be lucrative, but it comes with its own set of challenges like liquidity issues and market volatility. Considering your retirement goal, diversifying your investments beyond real estate might be prudent.

To achieve your retirement target of ?2 lakhs per month adjusted for inflation, you'll need a substantial corpus. Considering your age and retirement timeline, investing in a mix of equity, debt, and other asset classes is essential.

Since you're aiming for early retirement, focusing on growth-oriented investments with higher returns potential could be beneficial. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can help fine-tune your strategy and maximize returns while managing risks.

Additionally, exploring tax-efficient investment avenues like Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) and PPF can optimize your tax outgo and enhance your corpus over time.

Remember, building a retirement corpus requires discipline, patience, and a well-thought-out strategy. Stay committed to your savings plan and adapt to changes in your financial landscape.

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

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
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I am 26 years old and i work in an IT company . My monthly salary is 1 lakh as of now .I have 4.4 lakh in mutual fund , 2.4 lakh in PF , 1.67 lakh in PPF and 2.5 lakh of shares . I need to retire around the age of 40 which is 14 years from now with a corpus of 3-4 cr . Please advice me how should i invest so i reach that amount.
Ans: You are 26 years old and work in an IT company.

Your monthly salary is Rs. 1 lakh.

You want to retire at 40, 14 years from now, with a corpus of Rs. 3-4 crores.

Current Financial Situation

You have Rs. 4.4 lakhs in mutual funds.

You have Rs. 2.4 lakhs in PF.

You have Rs. 1.67 lakhs in PPF.

You have Rs. 2.5 lakhs in shares.

Setting a Realistic Plan

To reach Rs. 3-4 crores in 14 years, disciplined investing is key.

Assuming a mix of equity and debt investments.

Monthly Savings and Investments

Save and invest a significant portion of your salary.

Aim to invest 30-40% of your salary monthly.

This means investing Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000 each month.

Choosing the Right Investments

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity funds offer high growth potential.

Consider large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Allocate around 60-70% of your investments here.

Hybrid Mutual Funds

Hybrid funds balance risk and reward.

They invest in both equity and debt.

Allocate around 20-30% of your investments here.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt funds provide stability and regular income.

Allocate around 10-20% of your investments here.

Avoiding Index Funds

Index funds track the market passively.

They lack active management and can limit returns.

Actively managed funds can outperform index funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds may seem cheaper but need expertise.

Regular funds, through a Certified Financial Planner, offer professional management.

They provide personalized advice and ongoing support.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Use SIPs for disciplined investing.

Invest a fixed amount regularly to average out market volatility.

Diversify Investments

Diversify your portfolio to reduce risk.

Include a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

Tax Efficiency

Equity mutual funds are tax-efficient for long-term gains.

Consider tax-saving funds under Section 80C for additional benefits.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Review your portfolio regularly.

Adjust allocations based on performance and goals.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner for tailored strategies.

Final Insights

To achieve your goal of Rs. 3-4 crores, disciplined saving and investing are crucial.

A mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds can balance growth and stability.

Regular reviews and professional advice will help you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi sir, I am pradeep,41 years old. I am getting 1.5lakhs take home salary. To get 3cr as retirement fund by the age of my 60 gearsy,how should I invest my money. Also everymonth I have 40k fixed commitments.
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Name: Pradeep
Age: 41 years
Monthly Take-Home Salary: Rs 1.5 lakhs
Monthly Fixed Commitments: Rs 40,000
Financial Goal
Retirement Fund Target: Rs 3 crores by age 60
Investment Strategy
Assessing Monthly Savings
Monthly Income: Rs 1.5 lakhs
Monthly Commitments: Rs 40,000
Potential Savings: Rs 1.1 lakhs
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Purpose: Steady growth and disciplined savings.
Suggested SIP Allocation: Rs 50,000 - Rs 70,000 per month.
Fund Selection:
Diversified Equity Fund
Flexi Cap Fund
Large Cap Fund
Suggested SIP Allocation
Diversified Equity Fund: Rs 20,000 per month
Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 20,000 per month
Large Cap Fund: Rs 10,000 per month
Balancing Risk and Returns
Objective: Balance growth with risk management.
Approach:
Invest in a mix of equity and debt funds.
Consider balanced or hybrid funds for lower risk.
Diversifying Investments
Mutual Funds
Allocation: Majority in equity funds, some in debt funds.
Purpose: Growth through equities, stability through debt.
Debt Funds
Purpose: Lower risk, stable returns.
Suggested Allocation: Rs 10,000 - Rs 20,000 per month.
Fund Selection:
Conservative Hybrid Fund
Debt Fund
Building a Retirement Corpus
Long-Term Goal: Achieve Rs 3 crores by age 60.
Steps:
Start SIPs immediately.
Increase SIP amount annually as salary increases.
Reinvest any bonuses or windfalls.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitoring Investments
Frequency: Every six months.
Purpose: Ensure investments are on track.
Approach:
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner.
Adjust investments based on market conditions.
Understanding Market Cycles
Education: Learn about market cycles and investment strategies.
Guidance:
Attend seminars/webinars.
Read investment literature.
Seek advice from your fund manager.
Final Insights
Diversification: Spread investments across equity and debt.
Discipline: Maintain regular SIP contributions.
Growth: Focus on long-term growth through equity funds.
Review: Regularly monitor and adjust your portfolio.
Education: Understand market dynamics with professional guidance.
By following this strategy, you can build a robust retirement corpus while managing risk effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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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