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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 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
Ankit Question by Ankit on May 10, 2024Hindi
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HELLO SIR, I AM 37 YEARS OLD AND OWNS A PROPERTY OF WORTH 90 LAKHS RIGHT NOW BOUGHT 8 YEARS BACK FOR 60 LAKHS. MY EMI IS AROUND 43K PER MONTH FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS. ME AND MY WIFE EARNS AROUND 110000 PER MONTH. MONTHLY EXPENSE IS AROUND 35K. I HAVE 1 KID. HAVE I DONE RIGHT INVESTMENT OR IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY AROUND.

Ans: It sounds like you've been diligently managing your finances and investing in property, which is a significant accomplishment. Let's take a closer look at your situation and explore potential strategies to optimize your financial position.

Assessing Your Current Investment: Property Ownership
Owning a property valued at 90 lakhs, which you purchased eight years ago for 60 lakhs, indicates a healthy appreciation in value over time. Property can be a valuable asset that offers potential long-term growth and stability.

Evaluating Financial Commitments: Mortgage and Monthly Expenses
With an EMI of 43k per month for another 20 years, it's essential to ensure that this obligation fits comfortably within your budget. Considering your combined monthly income of 1,10,000 and expenses of 35k, it seems like you're managing your finances responsibly.

Considering Future Financial Goals
As a family with one child, planning for the future is crucial. It's commendable that you're proactively assessing your investment decisions to ensure financial security and growth.

Exploring Alternative Investment Opportunities
While property investment can be lucrative, diversifying your portfolio with other assets may provide additional benefits. Consider exploring investment options such as mutual funds, stocks, or retirement accounts to supplement your existing holdings.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner
Given your financial goals and current assets, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable insights and personalized recommendations. A CFP can help you assess your risk tolerance, identify investment opportunities, and create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs.

Conclusion
Overall, your investment in property has proven to be a wise decision, considering the appreciation in value over time. However, exploring alternative investment avenues and seeking professional financial advice can further enhance your financial well-being and help you achieve your long-term goals.

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  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hellopus I am 40 year old married female and have a 1.5 year old daughter. Currently I am drawing 1.13 lakhs monthly. I have 28 lakhs in mutual funds, 10 lakhs in ppf, 26 lakhs in epf, 25 lakhs gold,20 lakhs in lic, 2 lakhs in fd, I am investing 60000 per month in various saving schemes. Now I intend to buy a property worth 1.30 crore. Shall I wait or invest. Am I in a position where I can pay monthly emi of 75000 for next 30 years.
Ans: You've built a strong financial foundation with your savings and investments. This is impressive, considering your current financial obligations and future goals. Let's take a detailed look at your situation and assess whether you should buy the property now or wait.

You earn Rs 1.13 lakhs monthly, and have substantial investments:

Rs 28 lakhs in mutual funds.
Rs 10 lakhs in PPF.
Rs 26 lakhs in EPF.
Rs 25 lakhs in gold.
Rs 20 lakhs in LIC.
Rs 2 lakhs in FD.
You also invest Rs 60,000 per month in various saving schemes.

Monthly EMI and Financial Stability
Purchasing a property worth Rs 1.30 crore will require a significant monthly EMI. If we assume an EMI of Rs 75,000 for 30 years, let's evaluate if this fits into your current financial structure.

Income and Expenses:
Your monthly income is Rs 1.13 lakhs. Deducting Rs 75,000 for EMI, you’ll have Rs 38,000 left for other expenses and investments.

Understanding Your Expenses
Your current monthly investments total Rs 60,000. After accounting for the EMI, it’s essential to ensure your remaining income covers your living expenses, savings, and unexpected costs.

Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is vital. Ideally, you should have 6-12 months of expenses saved. With Rs 2 lakhs in FD, consider increasing this fund to cover unforeseen expenses. This ensures financial stability without disrupting your EMI payments.

Assessing Investment Allocation
Mutual Funds:
You have Rs 28 lakhs in mutual funds. Mutual funds are versatile and offer potential growth. Ensure your portfolio is diversified across equity, debt, and hybrid funds to balance risk and return.

PPF and EPF:
Your PPF and EPF balances are Rs 10 lakhs and Rs 26 lakhs respectively. These are safe, long-term investments providing assured returns. They are also excellent for retirement planning.

Gold:
Gold worth Rs 25 lakhs adds stability and acts as a hedge against inflation. However, its returns are generally lower compared to other investment options.

LIC:
With Rs 20 lakhs in LIC policies, evaluate the performance and returns. If these are investment-cum-insurance policies, consider surrendering and reinvesting the amount in mutual funds for better growth.

FD:
Your Rs 2 lakhs in FD is a good start for an emergency fund. Ensure you have sufficient liquidity for emergencies.

Cash Flow and Loan Eligibility
Given your current financial commitments, paying a Rs 75,000 EMI might strain your cash flow. It's crucial to maintain a balance between your loan repayments and daily living expenses.

Impact on Lifestyle
Evaluate how a high EMI impacts your lifestyle. You must comfortably manage your expenses, investments, and future needs without financial stress.

Benefits of Waiting
Waiting to buy the property can provide several benefits:

Increased Savings: Allow more time to save, reducing loan amount and interest paid.
Market Conditions: Property prices may stabilize or fall, offering better deals.
Financial Cushion: Build a stronger financial cushion, reducing the burden of EMI.
Power of Compounding in Mutual Funds
Investing consistently in mutual funds harnesses the power of compounding. Over time, even small investments can grow significantly. This can enhance your financial stability and provide substantial returns.

Diversification and Risk Management
Diversifying your investments across different mutual funds reduces risk. Balancing between equity, debt, and hybrid funds helps manage market volatility and provides steady returns.

Mutual Fund Categories
Equity Funds: High risk, high reward. Suitable for long-term growth.
Debt Funds: Lower risk, stable returns. Ideal for short to medium-term goals.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Balanced risk and return.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Professional Management: Managed by experts, providing better growth opportunities.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell, offering flexibility.
Diversification: Reduces risk by investing in a variety of assets.
Tax Benefits: Certain funds offer tax advantages under sections like 80C.
Potential Risks
Market Volatility: Equity funds are subject to market fluctuations.
Credit Risk: Debt funds carry the risk of issuer default.
Interest Rate Risk: Affects bond prices and, consequently, debt funds.
Reassessing LIC Policies
Evaluate your LIC policies. If they are investment-cum-insurance, consider surrendering them. The amount can be reinvested in mutual funds for better returns and flexibility.

Future Goals and Planning
Your financial planning should align with future goals like your daughter’s education and marriage. Ensure your investments are structured to meet these goals without straining your current finances.

Creating a Balanced Portfolio
Your portfolio should balance risk and reward. A mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds provides growth and stability. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to align with your goals and market conditions.

Certified Financial Planner
Engage with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a financial strategy. They provide personalized advice, ensuring your investments align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights
Buying a property is a significant decision. Evaluate your financial stability, future goals, and current commitments before proceeding. Ensure you maintain a balance between loan repayments and living expenses. Waiting might provide better financial security and opportunities.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
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I am 30 yrs old my current salary is 85000per month m working at govt sector.i want to take loan of 60 lakh for buying a property which is 30 yr repayment with 40000 per month emi. my monthly expenses is 20000 My father's having 40000 per month pension and 40 lakh retirement money .pls advise me is it wise to buy property now with loan
Ans: Financial Assessment and Considerations
You earn Rs 85,000 per month and work in the government sector. Your monthly expenses are Rs 20,000. You are considering a Rs 60 lakh loan with a 30-year repayment and Rs 40,000 EMI. Your father has a Rs 40,000 pension and Rs 40 lakh retirement fund.

Loan Repayment Analysis
EMI Commitment: A Rs 40,000 EMI will take up nearly half of your salary. This leaves Rs 25,000 for other expenses and savings.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: With an EMI of Rs 40,000, your debt-to-income ratio will be close to 47%. This is high and might strain your finances.

Monthly Budget Post Loan
Remaining Salary: After EMI, you will have Rs 45,000.

Expenses: Your monthly expenses are Rs 20,000. This leaves Rs 25,000 for savings and other financial goals.

Savings and Investment Potential
Current Savings: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses.

Investment: Regular investments in mutual funds and retirement savings are crucial.

Father's Financial Support
Pension: Your father's Rs 40,000 pension can provide some financial support.

Retirement Fund: The Rs 40 lakh retirement fund should be invested wisely for long-term growth and stability.

Risks and Challenges
Financial Strain: A high EMI can reduce your ability to save and invest.

Interest Rate Fluctuations: Long-term loans are subject to interest rate changes, which can affect EMIs.

Unexpected Expenses: High monthly commitments may limit your capacity to handle unexpected expenses.

Alternatives to Consider
Wait and Save: Consider saving more for a larger down payment. This will reduce the loan amount and EMI.

Shorter Loan Tenure: Opting for a shorter loan tenure can reduce the total interest paid, though EMIs will be higher.

Joint Loan: Taking a joint loan with your father can spread the financial burden.

Final Insights
Buying property with a high loan and EMI can strain your finances. Assess your ability to manage EMIs, savings, and unexpected expenses. Consider saving more or looking for alternatives to reduce financial stress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2025
Money
Hello sir, my age is 37 yrs and i have one home loan worth 35L with an EMI of 35k. I m left with 5 yrs of EMI. I have savings of 21L and getting interest of 7.1% on it . I have SIP worth 10L and stocks worth 11L. My monthly salary is 2.5L per month and I m doing regular investment in gold, land and SIPs and stocks when the market is down. I m thinking to take loan worth 30 lakh to reinvest in property. My monthly expense is 40k. Can you tell me how to go about for more investment.
Ans: At age 37, you have already built a strong base. You have a healthy salary, moderate expenses, and diversified assets. You are also investing regularly. That shows clarity and forward-thinking.

Let us now plan your next steps with a 360-degree financial lens.

1. Understanding Your Current Position Clearly

Your home loan EMI is Rs. 35,000 per month.

Only 5 years are left on this home loan. That is very positive.

You have Rs. 21 lakhs in savings earning 7.1% interest.

SIPs of Rs. 10 lakhs and stocks worth Rs. 11 lakhs are also held.

Monthly salary is Rs. 2.5 lakhs, which gives good financial freedom.

Monthly expense is Rs. 40,000. That is very controlled and efficient.

You also invest in gold, SIPs, and stocks when market corrects.

You are now planning to take a Rs. 30 lakh loan to invest in property.

This shows a desire to grow wealth faster, but we must evaluate risk too.

2. Assessing the Need for a New Property Loan

You already have a house loan going on.

Adding a second large loan adds burden on your future cash flows.

Property investing brings risk of low liquidity.

You may get stuck if property prices don’t rise as expected.

There are also stamp duty, registration, maintenance, and tax costs.

Rental yield is low. Selling property also takes time and effort.

Avoid taking a fresh loan just for property investing.

There are more efficient, flexible, and liquid ways to grow wealth.

3. Leverage Strengths, Not Just Debt

You already have strong monthly savings potential.

You have Rs. 2.5 lakhs salary and Rs. 40,000 expenses.

That leaves Rs. 1.75 lakhs monthly.

Even after EMI of Rs. 35,000, you have Rs. 1.4 lakhs surplus.

Use this power to build a disciplined investment plan.

Avoid increasing EMI burden now.

4. Shift Focus from Property to Portfolio Diversification

Real estate is not a liquid asset.

It is hard to rebalance or exit in short time.

A Rs. 30 lakh loan for property brings EMI stress.

Instead, spread that money into equity mutual funds, gold funds, and debt.

You already have stocks and SIPs. Build further through this route.

Long-term returns from mutual funds are often better than rental yield.

Also, mutual funds give better diversification and liquidity.

5. Build Core Portfolio with Balanced Allocation

You already have Rs. 21 lakhs savings earning 7.1%.

That is a good emergency and medium-term buffer.

Do not disturb this amount now.

Consider adding more SIPs to equity funds regularly.

Spread across 3 to 4 actively managed mutual funds.

Choose mix of flexi-cap, large-cap, and hybrid funds.

Avoid index funds now. They just copy the market and give no downside control.

Fund managers in active funds aim for better returns with lesser volatility.

6. Actively Managed Funds Over Index or Direct Plans

You may be tempted to invest in direct plans.

Direct plans give lower expense, but no expert advice or support.

That becomes risky in market corrections or emotional investing.

Invest through regular plans with a certified MFD and CFP guidance.

Regular funds give access to reviews, adjustments, and better control.

In long run, good behaviour matters more than just expense ratio.

7. SIP Strategy Should Be Steady, Not Reactive

You invest in stocks when markets fall. That’s a good instinct.

But timing the market can go wrong too.

Instead, run SIPs without stopping, even in falling market.

SIPs buy more units when market falls. That is built-in benefit.

Continue SIPs monthly, and add lumpsum only if income is surplus.

8. Gold Should Be Small Part of Your Portfolio

You invest regularly in gold.

That’s good for hedge, but don’t go beyond 10% of portfolio.

Gold doesn’t generate income or dividends.

It should act as insurance against currency or equity risks.

9. Stock Portfolio Should Be Reviewed Every Year

You hold Rs. 11 lakhs in stocks.

Review if they are quality businesses with strong earnings.

Avoid trading or frequent buying and selling.

Do not chase market tips or news-based investing.

Consider shifting part of stock holdings to mutual funds gradually.

10. Don’t Overexpose to Real Estate

You mentioned land investments too.

Land is not income-generating. It also has legal, title, and liquidity risks.

Also, property market is very cyclical in India.

Use your money to build flexible financial assets instead.

SIPs, mutual funds, gold, and debt plans offer smoother growth.

11. Life and Health Insurance Should Be Rechecked

At your income level, check if you have Rs. 2 crore term cover.

That protects your family in case of any unexpected event.

Also ensure health insurance of Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs.

One illness can disturb your entire savings plan.

12. Plan Future Goals With Investment Buckets

Break your goals into short, medium, and long term.

Short term: Emergency fund, travel, insurance premium.

Medium term: Kid’s education, car, home upgrade.

Long term: Retirement, passive income, legacy.

Allocate your SIPs and savings to each goal wisely.

This gives clarity and direction to all your investments.

13. Avoid Over-Borrowing to Chase Growth

You don’t need to borrow more now.

Use your own strong cash flows to invest regularly.

Adding a second loan only increases pressure.

Your money can grow better in financial assets than in property.

14. Reinvest Surplus Monthly Systematically

You have Rs. 1.4 lakh surplus monthly.

Keep Rs. 20,000 for buffer or unexpected costs.

Invest Rs. 1.2 lakh monthly in mutual funds across 3 to 4 funds.

Split across growth and balanced funds.

Review every 6 months with your Certified Financial Planner.

15. Monitor and Rebalance Your Portfolio Annually

Your investments should match your risk profile.

Too much in land or stocks can be risky.

Too much in FD gives low returns.

Rebalancing once a year is important.

It keeps your portfolio aligned to your goals.

Finally

Your finances are strong. Your savings habits are good.

You do not need a second loan now.

Avoid taking risk with borrowed money.

Instead, use your high surplus income for smart investment.

Stay focused on equity mutual funds, gold, and short-term debt funds.

Take advice from a Certified Financial Planner every year.

Your future wealth is already in your hands. Let it grow smartly.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 19, 2025
Money
I am 49 yrs old Govt Employee. My take home salary (after TAX deduction) is Rs 1.5 lakh. I have a home loan of 40 lakh (bal 30 lakh) with EMI 27,000 for 20 yrs. I am getting an rent of 13,000 and am paying rent 25,000 for opting a bigger house near my office. I am planning to buy another house near my office for around 70 lakhs with EMI approx 63,000. In the last 15 yrs I have invested Rs 25 Lakh in MF, cuurent value is over 75 lakh. Currently I am investing 30,000 in MF and 15,000 in PF. Now my question is how to cover EMI for new flat: A) Shall I sell the previous flat and use the money to buy new one to lower the EMI or, B) Shall I STOP monthly investment in MF to cover the difference in EMI (63000 - rent of 25000). I am less worried about my future financial planning, as I will be getting pension and medical facility for family after retirement.
Ans: Based on your inputs and goals, here’s a professionally structured, insight-driven, and detailed response to guide you clearly.

Your Current Financial Profile
Age: 49 years.

Profession: Government employee with pension and family medical cover post-retirement.

Take-home salary: Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly.

Home loan: Outstanding Rs. 30 lakh. EMI: Rs. 27,000.

Existing property rented out for Rs. 13,000 per month.

Current residence rent: Rs. 25,000 per month.

Planning to buy a second house near your office worth Rs. 70 lakh.

EMI on new house expected to be Rs. 63,000.

Mutual fund investment: Rs. 25 lakh invested. Current value over Rs. 75 lakh.

Monthly SIP: Rs. 30,000.

Monthly PF contribution: Rs. 15,000.

Appreciation of Financial Discipline
Holding Rs. 75 lakh in mutual funds from a Rs. 25 lakh investment shows patience.

Regular investing and PF contributions show solid planning habits.

Your awareness about medical and pension benefits is practical and matured.

The fact that you want to optimise EMI without harming long-term wealth is wise.

Decision Point: Covering the New Home EMI
You are weighing two options now:

Option A: Sell current flat and reduce EMI burden for new flat.

Option B: Continue holding both flats and pause SIPs to manage EMI of Rs. 63,000.

Let's examine both with a 360-degree approach.

Option A: Selling the Existing Flat
Selling the old flat will release locked capital from property.

You can use this to make a larger down payment.

That will lower the EMI or reduce the loan period.

Lower EMI improves your monthly cash flow.

You also avoid managing two houses with two EMIs.

You stop earning Rs. 13,000 rent but save Rs. 27,000 EMI.

Owning a bigger house near office solves your need directly.

No rental expense of Rs. 25,000 if you shift to new home.

Key Point: You save Rs. 25,000 rent + reduce loan burden by using proceeds.

Tax Angle: If you sell the flat after 2 years of holding, capital gain is long-term.
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh in mutual funds is taxed at 12.5%.
LTCG from property is taxed at 20% with indexation.

Selling old flat may attract LTCG, but this can be managed using capital gain bonds.

Option B: Stop SIPs and Continue Both Loans
EMI gap = Rs. 63,000 (new) – Rs. 25,000 (current rent) = Rs. 38,000.

To cover this, you think of stopping Rs. 30,000 SIP.

But stopping SIPs will reduce your wealth-building capacity.

Your mutual fund corpus has done well. Rs. 75 lakh today is no accident.

Cutting SIPs for EMI compromises this growth for short-term comfort.

Managing two home loans increases debt burden.

Emergency or job-related changes will pressure your finances.

You will carry both loans into retirement years, which is risky.

Rental income of Rs. 13,000 does not justify a Rs. 27,000 EMI.

Key Point: Dual loans + no SIPs = weak liquidity + poor wealth creation.

Strategic Assessment
Your pension and medical support post-retirement are great advantages.

But real estate is not an efficient investment tool now.

It lacks liquidity, has low rental yield, and high exit costs.

Mutual funds, on the other hand, offer flexibility and growth.

SIPs keep your wealth compounding with time and inflation-adjusted returns.

Don’t stop SIPs which are the growth engine of your portfolio.

Disadvantages of Overexposure to Real Estate
You already own one flat. Another will double maintenance and property tax.

Real estate is illiquid and hard to exit in emergency.

Rental income is low compared to the capital value.

Prices may not rise as fast as mutual fund NAVs.

Property resale involves brokerage, stamp duty, and tax.

How to Optimally Fund New Home Purchase
Sell your old property to reduce new home loan amount.

Use part of your mutual fund corpus to bridge any shortfall.

Withdraw only up to 10-15% of MF corpus to avoid over-exposure.

Ensure you leave most of your MF investment untouched.

Avoid stopping SIPs; instead, cut some discretionary expenses.

Consider using partial withdrawal from EPF only if strictly needed.

Always keep emergency reserve of 6 months for EMI and expenses.

If You Must Retain Both Homes
Then you must downsize SIPs slightly, not stop them.

Reduce SIP to Rs. 10,000 or Rs. 15,000 monthly for 2-3 years.

Resume full SIPs once salary increases or loan interest reduces.

Don’t remove entire SIP at once; it hurts long-term compounding.

Explore joint ownership with spouse to improve loan eligibility.

Renting out one of the flats is essential for cash flow support.

MF Investment Advice
Avoid direct mutual funds unless you have market expertise.

Regular plans through MFDs with CFP support bring curated advice.

Direct plans don’t come with guidance, especially in volatile markets.

Certified Financial Planners bring goal alignment, review discipline, and fund switching help.

Active Funds Over Index Funds
Index funds follow market blindly; no downside protection.

Actively managed funds offer better risk-adjusted performance.

Fund manager expertise helps you in falling markets.

You already have seen benefit with active mutual fund growth.

Actionable Plan
Sell existing flat to reduce new loan to affordable level.

Shift to new home and save Rs. 25,000 monthly rent expense.

Use part of mutual fund corpus if needed. Limit to 10%-15%.

Avoid stopping SIPs. Reduce only if necessary.

Continue investing to reach Rs. 1.5 crore corpus before retirement.

Maintain health cover and emergency fund as buffer.

Avoid dual home loan exposure at 49, just 9-10 years before retirement.

Don’t expect real estate to give fast returns or high rental income.

Stay focused on liquidity, stability, and capital efficiency.

Keep goal-based mutual fund plans intact with professional help.

Finally
Your discipline in investing is a big asset already.

Avoid halting SIPs which power your future corpus.

Don’t load retirement life with dual EMIs and real estate stress.

Selling one property and owning the right home near office is practical.

Continue MF journey with expert guidance and minimal interruptions.

This keeps you financially strong even in post-retirement years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2025
Money
Im a 42 year old single parent. I have 2 home loan emi of 60k(35 lakh remaining to pay) and 40k(2 lakh remaining to pay) currently. I have about 32 lakh invested in stocks and 10 lakhs in mutual funds. My monthly income is 2.5lakh. I wanted to know if buying a higher value property would be a good idea at this time? I'm planning to sell off one of 2 existing property but not immediately. What is a safe amount I should pay in EMIs? in order to keep something for investing for my child's future education + occassional travel plans
Ans: You are doing well as a single parent. Managing EMIs, savings, and a child’s future alone is a big task. You are already making smart choices. Let’s now analyse your situation with a 360-degree approach.

We will go point-by-point to assess your options and give clarity on your plan.

Understanding Your Current Financial Snapshot
You are 42 years old and a single parent.

Your monthly income is Rs 2.5 lakh. That gives you a strong cash flow.

You have two home loan EMIs. One EMI is Rs 60K, loan outstanding is Rs 35 lakh.

Another EMI is Rs 40K, loan outstanding is Rs 2 lakh. This loan will close soon.

You have investments worth Rs 32 lakh in stocks and Rs 10 lakh in mutual funds.

You are planning to sell one property later, not now.

You are thinking of buying a higher-value property.

You want to know the safe EMI amount to leave room for investing for your child and travel.

First Let’s Review Your Current EMI Outflows
Your total EMI outflow is Rs 1 lakh per month.

After closing the Rs 2 lakh loan, your EMI will drop by Rs 40K.

You will be left with only Rs 60K EMI, which is manageable.

Your EMI-to-income ratio now is 40%. This is on the higher side.

Once the second loan is cleared, the ratio comes down to 24%. Much better.

Ideally, EMI should not exceed 30% of your monthly income.

Evaluating the Plan to Buy a Higher Value Property
Buying a higher-value property now may stretch your finances.

You already have two properties. One will be sold later.

Your stock and mutual fund portfolio is sizeable. That is a good sign.

However, committing to another large EMI now may limit flexibility.

You also need to keep room for your child’s future.

Education, college, or overseas education may need large funds.

If you increase EMI now, you will need to cut investments.

That is not ideal, especially at this life stage.

Disadvantages of Real Estate as a Financial Move Now
Real estate has low liquidity. You cannot access money quickly in emergencies.

Selling property takes time. Also, buyer demand is uncertain.

Maintenance costs, taxes, and documentation are ongoing burdens.

Capital appreciation is slow. Returns may not match mutual fund growth.

You may face emotional and legal issues while selling later.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I don’t suggest real estate now.

You already own two properties. That gives enough exposure.

Ideal EMI You Should Be Comfortable With
Your monthly income is Rs 2.5 lakh.

Maximum EMI should be 25% to 30% of monthly income.

That means, safe EMI should be Rs 60K to Rs 75K.

This keeps space for lifestyle, investing, and emergencies.

Since you already pay Rs 60K, avoid increasing it beyond Rs 75K.

If you buy a higher-value property, EMI may exceed Rs 1 lakh again.

That will squeeze investment for your child’s education.

Let Us Focus on Your Child’s Future Goals
This should be your top priority now.

If your child is in school, you have around 6 to 10 years for college.

Education, especially abroad, may need Rs 30 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.

You must start structured SIPs now to build this.

Don’t delay this by locking money in real estate.

Create goal-based mutual fund portfolios.

Invest in actively managed equity funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Why You Should Not Invest in Index Funds or Direct Plans
Index funds are passive. They copy an index and cannot beat it.

Actively managed funds have expert managers to beat market returns.

You get better results when a CFP monitors and rebalances your plan.

Also, if you invest in direct funds, there’s no guidance or monitoring.

Many investors in direct funds panic during market falls.

With regular plans through MFD and CFP, you get emotional support.

You stay disciplined and goal-focused.

Suggested Structure for Your Investments Now
Let us plan from a 360-degree view.

1. Emergency Fund

Keep 6 months of expenses in liquid mutual funds or savings.

This is important for a single parent.

Don’t touch this for EMI or travel.

2. Child’s Education

Start a long-term SIP right away.

Based on age, target corpus, and time left.

Your current MF investment is Rs 10 lakh. Grow this for child’s needs.

3. Retirement Plan

Don’t delay this goal.

Your current age is 42. Start a dedicated SIP for retirement.

Minimum 20 years left to retire. Use this time well.

4. Occasional Travel

For travel, create a separate short-term fund.

Invest in ultra-short-duration mutual funds.

Do not use credit cards or break investments.

When Should You Sell One Property?
You said you plan to sell one property. Timing is key.

Wait until loan is cleared and market is favourable.

Use part of proceeds to prepay existing home loan.

Use balance to invest in mutual funds for child and retirement.

Do not use entire amount to buy another high-value property.

Keep your financial flexibility intact.

Should You Close the Rs 2 Lakh Loan Now?
This loan is small and almost over.

You may prepay it now if there’s no penalty.

That will reduce EMI burden and improve monthly savings.

Other Points You Must Review
Life Insurance

Buy a pure term insurance of at least Rs 1 crore.

Single parents must protect child’s future.

Avoid ULIPs or investment-linked policies.

Health Insurance

Take minimum Rs 10 lakh health cover for you and child.

Add critical illness cover if possible.

Don’t rely only on employer-provided policy.

Travel Planning and Lifestyle Budget
Allocate a fixed monthly amount for travel savings.

Build a travel fund slowly over the year.

Use this fund only for planned vacations.

Don’t mix travel and child’s education fund.

Behavioural and Emotional Decisions to Watch Out
Property gives emotional comfort. But it limits flexibility.

Mutual funds give freedom and growth.

Don’t buy property just for prestige or fear of rent.

Focus on child’s safety and your own retirement.

Finally
Your current EMI outgo is high. Limit it to max Rs 75K per month.

Avoid buying a higher-value property now.

First clear existing loan and focus on child’s goals.

Build mutual fund portfolio with goal-based SIPs.

Don’t invest in index funds or direct funds. Choose regular funds with CFP guidance.

Sell one existing property later. Use that to prepay loan and invest wisely.

Keep emergency fund, life insurance, and health cover in place.

Set separate budgets for travel and education.

Don’t stretch finances just to add another property.

With current income and discipline, your goals are achievable.

Stay consistent, review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Career
Hi sir After taking first drop I repeat my 12th boards because I have only 64 percent in my 12th boards and in drop year I gave JEE also but I can't qualify..so sir I have questions that can I take any college and take partially drop. I mean I will prepare for JEE once again along with college ? Please tell me sir I am confused and scared also
Ans: Gagan, Taking a partial drop (preparing for JEE while attending college) is possible but challenging. Students often join engineering colleges via state quotas or management seats (e.g., AP/TS EAPCET Category-B) to secure admission with lower board scores (64% is sufficient for many private colleges). However, balancing college academics (attendance, assignments) with JEE prep requires strict time management and discipline. For instance, students in integrated programs (e.g., Resonance, Sri Chaitanya) combine 12th boards with JEE coaching, but this model is harder to replicate in college. Alternatives include lateral entry after a diploma or targeting colleges with flexible attendance policies. While partial drops are mentally taxing, they allow backup options if JEE isn’t cleared. Prioritize colleges with lighter academic loads or online/distance programs to focus on JEE. Note that NITs/IIITs require 75% boards (65% for reserved categories), so improving board scores via compartment exams may help future attempts. Recommendation: If confident in multitasking, opt for a partial drop; otherwise, focus on college and switch branches later via GATE or state exams. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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