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40-year-old with Rs.60 lakh FD seeks advice on investments

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 12, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir , I am 40 years old , I have below investment. No EMI No Loan. FD - 60 lacs. Mediclaim - 10 lacs ( 20K per year) NPS - 50K Per year ( Since last 5 years) PPF - 150K Per Year ( Since Last 5 years) I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ( 32K Total) - Since last 3 Years ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K HDFC Top 100 5K Parag Parikh Flexi 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? My income is arround 1.80 lac monthly , no home loan and emi. Shall I increase my SIP and my concern is 60 lacs is in FD ..Please suggest.

Ans: Assessment of Current Investments
Your financial discipline is impressive. You’ve built a diversified investment portfolio with no loans or EMIs, which is a great advantage. Your investments in fixed deposits (FDs), PPF, NPS, and mutual funds through SIPs demonstrate a thoughtful approach to wealth building.

However, it’s important to review the effectiveness of these investments, especially for long-term goals. Let’s break down the strengths and areas for improvement.

Fixed Deposit (FD) - Rs 60 Lakhs

FDs are safe, but their returns can be lower than inflation over the long term. This reduces the purchasing power of your money. Given the low interest rates compared to inflation, it might not be ideal to keep such a large portion in FDs for a long time.

Consider shifting part of this amount to higher-return investments. A mix of debt and equity mutual funds can offer better growth with moderate risk. This will ensure that your corpus grows and does not lose value.

Mediclaim - Rs 10 Lakhs

Your health insurance coverage is essential, but Rs 10 lakhs might be insufficient in today's medical inflation. Since you are 40 years old, increasing your coverage to around Rs 20-25 lakhs would be wise. You can also look into super top-up policies for additional coverage at lower premiums.

Keep your premium manageable while ensuring you have enough coverage for any emergency.

NPS - Rs 50K Per Year

The National Pension System (NPS) is a good option for retirement savings. It offers tax benefits and helps create a retirement corpus. However, keep in mind that NPS has limited liquidity and locks in the money till retirement.

Continue with your current contribution, but it’s important to also have other flexible investments for retirement, which can be accessed before the NPS maturity if needed.

PPF - Rs 1.5 Lakhs Per Year

Your consistent contribution to PPF is excellent. PPF offers tax-free returns and acts as a solid long-term debt instrument. However, it has a 15-year lock-in period, and the returns are limited, which might not be sufficient to beat inflation in the long run.

Continue investing in PPF, but consider balancing it with equity-based investments for better overall growth.

SIPs in Mutual Funds
Your SIP investments show good diversification, with exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. However, let's assess whether the fund selection aligns with your long-term goals.

Balanced Advantage Funds (BAFs)

BAFs are designed to manage market volatility by dynamically adjusting between equity and debt. Your allocation in these funds is good for managing risk, but the return potential might be lower compared to pure equity funds over the long term.

You may want to review your allocation here and consider increasing exposure to pure equity funds for better growth.

Midcap and Smallcap Funds

You have a healthy exposure to midcap and smallcap funds. These funds have the potential for high growth but come with higher volatility. Given your 8-10 year horizon, this allocation is suitable, as the long-term potential of mid and small-cap companies can help you achieve substantial gains.

Ensure you monitor these funds regularly, as they require careful attention to market cycles. If you can handle some risk, this allocation can continue to serve you well.

Commodities Fund

Your exposure to a commodities fund is unique. While commodities can provide diversification, they are often volatile and may not deliver consistent returns in the long term. Consider reducing exposure to this fund and reallocating it to equity or hybrid funds with better long-term growth potential.

Top 100 Large Cap Fund

Large-cap funds are stable and provide steady returns, making them a good choice for a conservative portion of your portfolio. Your investment here is well-placed for long-term wealth creation, as large-cap companies are usually more stable and less volatile.

Flexi Cap Fund

Your investment in a flexi-cap fund is an excellent choice. These funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations, which helps in capturing opportunities across different market segments. Flexi-cap funds can provide good long-term growth due to their dynamic nature.

Recommendations for Future SIPs
Increase Your SIP Gradually

Since your income is Rs 1.8 lakh per month, and you’re already investing Rs 32,000 in SIPs, you have room to increase your SIP contributions. Increasing your SIPs by Rs 10,000 per month could help you build a stronger corpus over time.

You could distribute the increased SIP amount among equity funds, focusing on large-cap or flexi-cap funds for better risk-adjusted returns.

Shift FD Amount Gradually

You can consider gradually reducing your Rs 60 lakh FD and allocating part of it into mutual funds. A combination of debt and equity funds would provide better returns while managing risk.

For example, you could shift Rs 20 lakh from FD into a combination of balanced hybrid funds and debt funds. This would offer a balance between safety and growth.

Health Insurance Enhancement

Increase your health insurance coverage to at least Rs 20-25 lakhs. Super top-up plans can be a cost-effective way to enhance your coverage without significantly increasing premiums.

Diversification Across Asset Classes

While your portfolio is diversified, it can benefit from more balanced exposure between debt and equity. Consider introducing hybrid funds or balanced advantage funds to provide a cushion against market volatility.

Reevaluate Commodities Fund

Commodities tend to be more volatile and may not perform as well over the long term compared to equity funds. You might want to shift this allocation to equity-focused funds for better growth prospects.

Long-Term Strategy and Final Insights
You are already on the right path with your investments. The key is to refine your portfolio for better long-term growth and inflation-beating returns. Some key takeaways:

FD Allocation: Gradually reduce your Rs 60 lakh FD holding. Allocate a portion to debt mutual funds for better returns and liquidity.

Health Insurance: Increase your health coverage to Rs 20-25 lakhs.

Increase SIPs: Consider increasing your SIP contribution from Rs 32,000 to Rs 40,000, focusing more on large-cap and flexi-cap funds.

NPS: Continue contributing to NPS, but balance your retirement planning with more liquid investments.

Balanced Advantage Funds: While these provide stability, the growth potential is limited. Consider reallocating part of this investment into equity funds for long-term growth.

Commodities Fund: Reevaluate this fund as commodities can be highly volatile. Shifting this to equity-focused funds may give better returns over 8-10 years.

Flexi-Cap and Midcap: These funds are ideal for long-term wealth creation, so maintaining and slightly increasing your allocation can provide growth.

Regular Reviews: Monitor your portfolio regularly and make adjustments based on performance and market conditions.

Finally, your financial foundation is strong. With a few adjustments, you can further strengthen your long-term wealth creation strategy. Stay focused on your goals, and consider increasing your SIPs as your income grows. Your current path is promising, and with these improvements, you will be well-positioned to meet your financial 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  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Hello sir , I am 40 years old , I have below investment. FD - 60 lacs. Mediclaim - 10 lacs NPS - 50K Per year PPF - 150K Per Year I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ( 22K) ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? I want to invest more 10K in SIP then which fund should I chose ? Thanks
Ans: It's great to see your disciplined approach towards investments. Let's assess your portfolio and potential additions:

Your current SIP portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, which is beneficial for long-term growth.
Given your investment horizon of 8 to 10 years, these funds offer a mix of growth potential and stability.
Considering adding another 10K to your SIP, you may want to focus on funds that complement your existing portfolio.
Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance and a strong investment thesis aligned with your financial goals.
Consider funds that provide exposure to sectors or themes with potential for future growth.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to evaluate your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment strategy before making any changes.
Remember, investing is a long-term journey, and staying disciplined and diversified is key to achieving your financial objectives.
By carefully selecting additional funds and staying focused on your long-term goals, you can continue to build a robust investment portfolio that serves your needs effectively.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 02, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, I am 34 years old and a salaried person. Following are my SIP in mutual funds which I had started recently. 1) Quant Smallcap G (Growth)- Rs.5K 2) Quant ELSS G - Rs.5K 3) Quant Midcap G - Rs.5K 4) Quant Value G - Rs.6K 5) Quant Active G - Rs.5K 6) Quant Infrastructure G - Rs.5K 7) Tata Digital G - Rs.2.5K 8) HDFC Defence G - Rs.5K 9) Motilal Oswal Nifty Microcap 250 G - Rs.2.5K 10) Nippon India Power & Infrastructure G - Rs.4K I intend to invest for 15-20 years thus please suggest whether mentioned Funds are good for long term. I intend to generate corpus of INR.5 crores.
Ans: Assessing Your Current SIP Portfolio
Your SIP portfolio is quite diversified, which is a positive step towards achieving your goal. You’ve chosen a mix of funds, which shows your interest in different sectors. However, it's important to assess whether this diversification aligns with your long-term goal of generating Rs. 5 crores in 15-20 years.

Portfolio Evaluation
Sectoral Exposure:
Your portfolio has significant exposure to sectoral and thematic funds, such as infrastructure and defence. While these funds can perform well in certain market conditions, they also carry higher risk due to their sector-specific nature.

Over-diversification Risk:
You've invested in 10 different funds. This might lead to over-diversification, where the benefits of diversification are diminished. Managing and tracking too many funds can also become complex over time.

Need for Core Funds:
While you have thematic and sectoral funds, it's essential to have a strong foundation in core funds like large-cap or flexi-cap funds. These funds provide stability and long-term growth, essential for achieving your Rs. 5 crore target.

Recommendations for Improvement
Focus on Core Funds:
Consider reallocating some of your SIPs to core funds that provide consistent growth. Actively managed flexi-cap or large-cap funds can offer better risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

Reduce Sectoral Concentration:
While sectoral funds can boost returns during specific market phases, they should not dominate your portfolio. Consider reducing your allocation to these funds and balancing it with diversified equity funds.

Avoid Direct Funds:
If you're investing in direct plans, consider switching to regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner. Regular plans offer professional guidance, which is crucial for long-term wealth creation.

Steps Towards Achieving Rs. 5 Crore Goal
Increase SIP Contribution:
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, you might need to gradually increase your SIP amount. Consider a step-up SIP strategy, where you increase your contribution by a fixed percentage annually.

Stay Committed to Long-Term:
Your goal aligns with a 15-20 year horizon, which is ideal for equity investments. Stay committed to your SIPs, even during market volatility, to benefit from the power of compounding.

Regular Portfolio Review:
Conduct an annual review of your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner. This will help you stay on track with your goal and make necessary adjustments as needed.

Final Insights
Your current SIP portfolio has a mix of opportunities and risks. By refining your investments, focusing on core funds, and regularly reviewing your strategy, you can increase your chances of reaching your Rs. 5 crore goal in the next 15-20 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |355 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir , I am 40 years old , I have below investment. No EMI No Loan. FD - 60 lacs. Mediclaim - 10 lacs ( 20K per year) NPS - 50K Per year ( Since last 5 years) PPF - 150K Per Year ( Since Last 5 years) I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ( 32K Total) - Since last 3 Years ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K HDFC Top 100 5K Parag Parikh Flexi 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? My income is arround 1.80 lac monthly , no home loan and emi. Shall I increase my SIP and my concern is 60 lacs is in FD ..Please suggest.
Ans: First and foremost enhance your healthcare cover upto 50 L - 1 Cr since healthcare costs are rising rapidly and as you grow older you may have more risks on the health front.

You have 32K SIP spread across 9 schemes which I would recommend to rationalise as follows:
HDFC BAF: 5K
MOSL Mid Cap:6K
Nippon S Cap: 6K
HDFC Top 100:7.5K
PPFAS F Cap: 7.5K

I recommend you to triple your SIP by multiplying above break-up by 3 so your monthly SIP will be 96 K. The 3 yr 32 K sip(previous @10%)+ 10 yr 96 K sip(13%considered) will yield a corpus of 2.5 Cr+ at the end of 10 years from now

Also if you invest 60 L in a conservative hybrid debt fund or a value based BAF for 10 years it will grow into 1.56 Cr (10% return considered)

So your Total corpus after 10 years will be 2.5+1.56= 4.06 Cr

An SWP of 6% will lead to monthly payout of 2L per month(pre-tax)

Make sure to transfer your gains from equity funds to debt fund as you reach closer to your target timeframe to safeguard your gains against volatility.

Enhance NPS contributions also to 1.5 L per year, if possible.

NPS & PPF corpus will yield you the delta to beat inflation.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates

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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I am Working as central government employee. I am married and have no children. My wife is a home maker. I am sharing comprehensive details about my investments in various mutual funds for your review. In addition to the mutual funds, here is a summary of my current financial situation: Recurring Deposits: I have bank recurring deposits totaling approximately ?8 lakhs. Income and Expenditure: Monthly Net Income: ?95,000 (after TDS, NPS and other deductions) Monthly Expenditure: My monthly expenses range from ?45,000 to ?50,000. This amount does not include the EMI for my land investment. NPS Contribution: Monthly Contribution: ?22,000 (This includes both employee and employer contributions.) Current NPS Holdings: ?21 lakhs I have recently transitioned my NPS fund management to HDFC Pension Management Company which has following allocation: Equity: 49.64% Corporate Debts: 30.21% Government Securities: 20.15% Real Estate: Co-own a land for which I have availed loan from bank with EMI of Rs. ?19,000 per month Insurance: Have term insurance of Rs. 1cr, (I am planning increase cover to 2 Cr.) Family is covered under Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) which is reimbursement type facility (not cashless). MUTUAL FUND PORTFOLIO MFs where SIPs are discontinued 1. Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund- Invested lump sum Rs. 75,000/- in Feb & March 2020 2. Canara Rebeco ELSS Tax Saver Fund- Currently invested Rs. 53,000-/- 3. Mirrae Asset ELLS Tax Saver Fund- Invested lump sum Rs. 75,000/- in Feb & March 2021 4. Parag Parekh ELSS: - Currently invested Rs. 1,05,000/- 5. Canara Rebeco Bluechip Equity Fund- Currently invested Rs. 87,000/- (due lack of knowledge and chasing top performer, I have ended up in investing various ELSS fund) MFs where SIPs are continued 1. Quant ELSS- Rs. 5,000/- PM 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap- Rs. 3,000/- PM (chose this fund as better alternative of Large cap fund) 3. Quant Small Cap- Rs. 3,000/- PM- (started SIP for exposure to Small Cap) 4. Kotak Emerging Equity- Rs. 3,000/- PM (started SIP for exposure to Mid Cap) 5. Tata Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 – Rs. 3,000/- PM (started SIP for exposure to Mid Cap) As on date, portfolio distribution as Debt- 5.17 % Other- 3.80% Equity- 90.98 % (of total equity 69.80 % in L-Cap, 16.53 in M-Cap and 13.66 in S-Cap) I would appreciate your detailed review of my portfolio and financial condition. Specifically, I am looking for insights into the following areas: • Should I redeem my funds in which SIPs are discontinued which would attract LTCG or should I just continue to hold them? • I have now started to rebalance my portfolio and aim to have distribution of my equity as 50-55% in Large CAP, 35-30% in Mid Cap and 15-20% in Small Cap. Is this a good approach to achieve good return? • I haven’t invested in any debt fund because I have RDs of 8 lakh, which I think, act like both fixed income asset and emergency fund. Is my understanding correct? Or should I invest in some debt fund (pure debt fund or hybrid fund)? • Should I take exposure to international funds and gold funds? • Any recommendations for optimizing my mutual fund portfolio for better performance. Thanks.
Ans: You have done well in diversifying your investments. Your portfolio has a good balance between equity, fixed income (recurring deposits), and NPS contributions. Let's discuss specific aspects of your situation to further optimize your portfolio.

Mutual Fund Portfolio Review
Discontinued SIPs: ELSS Funds

You have several discontinued SIPs in ELSS funds. ELSS funds offer tax benefits but come with a three-year lock-in period. Since these funds are no longer in your active SIP portfolio, consider the following:
Tax Impact: Redeeming these funds will attract long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax. For gains above Rs 1.25 lakh, LTCG is taxed at 12.5%. You should evaluate the taxable impact before redeeming. If the LTCG is substantial, staggering withdrawals across financial years could help minimize tax liabilities.
Performance Monitoring: Review the performance of these funds. If they’re underperforming compared to other ELSS or diversified funds, it might be better to exit. On the other hand, if these funds are delivering good returns, you could hold them for more growth.
Redemption Timing: Since these are tax-saving funds, check the lock-in period status. If the lock-in period is over and the fund’s performance isn’t aligned with your goals, you can consider redeeming them.
Active SIPs: Small, Mid, and Flexi Cap Funds

You have active SIPs in small-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds. Your strategy to diversify across different market caps is sound, but it's important to monitor:
Market Volatility: Small and mid-cap funds tend to be more volatile. While they can offer higher returns, they are also riskier. Having a balanced exposure across large, mid, and small caps helps manage risks.
Fund Performance: Keep an eye on the performance of your small and mid-cap funds. Ensure that they are consistently performing well against their respective benchmarks.
Review Flexi-Cap Allocation: Flexi-cap funds provide the flexibility to invest across market caps. It’s good that you have exposure to a flexi-cap fund as it adds diversification. Make sure your flexi-cap fund has a strong track record of managing market volatility.
Portfolio Rebalancing: Target Allocation Review
You aim to have a portfolio distribution of 50-55% in large-cap, 30-35% in mid-cap, and 15-20% in small-cap. This is a prudent strategy, especially for wealth accumulation over the long term. Here’s an assessment:
Large-Cap Focus: Large-cap stocks provide stability and lower risk. Targeting 50-55% in large-cap will help cushion the volatility from mid and small-cap investments.
Mid and Small-Cap Allocation: Your exposure to mid and small caps is within a reasonable range. Mid-cap funds can offer a balance of growth and risk, while small-cap funds, though riskier, have the potential for higher returns in the long run.
Ongoing Rebalancing: It’s important to rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain this allocation, especially during market movements. You can do this by adjusting your SIP amounts or making lump-sum investments in under-allocated segments.
Debt Investment: Role of Recurring Deposits
You have Rs 8 lakhs in recurring deposits (RDs), which act as your fixed-income investment. While RDs are safe, they may not offer the best returns over time. Here’s a detailed view:
Fixed-Income Component: RDs are a good tool for regular savings but may not keep up with inflation. They are better suited for short-term goals or an emergency fund. The return on RDs is usually lower compared to debt mutual funds.
Debt Fund vs RD: A well-diversified portfolio should have some allocation to debt mutual funds, as they tend to offer better post-tax returns than RDs, especially in higher tax brackets. You can consider allocating a portion of your RDs into debt funds, which provide liquidity, tax efficiency, and better returns over the long term.
Hybrid Funds: You could also consider hybrid funds if you want a mix of equity and debt exposure. These funds offer a balance between growth (through equity) and stability (through debt).
International and Gold Fund Exposure
International Funds: Diversifying into international markets can be beneficial, especially for long-term investors. International funds give you exposure to global companies that may not be available in the Indian market. Moreover, they act as a hedge against rupee depreciation. Allocating 5-10% of your portfolio to international funds can enhance diversification.

Currency Risk: Keep in mind that international funds are exposed to currency fluctuations. However, over a long investment horizon, the benefits usually outweigh the risks.
Fund Selection: If you decide to invest in international funds, focus on regions or countries that have strong growth potential or sectors like technology, which are underrepresented in Indian markets.
Gold Funds: Gold is traditionally seen as a safe haven during economic uncertainties. It can serve as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Gold Allocation: You could allocate around 5-10% of your portfolio to gold. However, avoid over-exposure, as gold doesn’t generate income and its returns are typically lower over the long term compared to equities.
Investment Routes: Instead of gold mutual funds, you might also consider Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) which offer the benefit of interest payments and tax-free capital gains if held till maturity.
NPS Contribution and Pension Management
You are contributing Rs 22,000 per month to NPS, with a current corpus of Rs 21 lakhs. Your asset allocation within NPS is spread across equity, corporate debt, and government securities.
Equity Allocation: At 49.64%, your equity exposure within NPS is well-placed for growth. As a long-term investor, equity will help build your corpus.
Debt Allocation: The combined 50.36% allocation in corporate debt and government securities provides stability and reduces risk. This balanced allocation ensures that your retirement savings are protected from market volatility.
HDFC Pension Management: Keep reviewing the performance of your pension fund manager. NPS allows you to switch fund managers once a year if needed, so ensure that your chosen manager is delivering competitive returns compared to peers.
Insurance Coverage: Term Plan
Your current term insurance of Rs 1 crore is good, but you’re planning to increase it to Rs 2 crore. This is a wise move as it will better protect your family’s financial future.
Life Cover Adequacy: As a rule of thumb, your term insurance cover should be at least 10-12 times your annual income. Given your monthly income of Rs 95,000, a Rs 2 crore cover will provide ample security for your family in case of an untimely event.
Health Insurance: Since you’re covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), which is a reimbursement type facility, it provides a reliable safety net for medical expenses.
Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization
Simplify ELSS Exposure: You have invested in multiple ELSS funds. To optimize your portfolio, consider consolidating your ELSS investments into one or two high-performing funds. This will make your portfolio easier to manage and track.

Continue with Mid and Small Cap Allocation: Your current allocation to mid-cap and small-cap funds seems balanced. Ensure that these funds are delivering competitive returns compared to their benchmarks.

Debt Fund Introduction: Consider introducing a debt mutual fund for better tax efficiency and returns compared to recurring deposits. You can start with a conservative or dynamic bond fund, depending on your risk appetite.

Monitor Regularly: Keep reviewing your mutual funds’ performance. Look at how they perform against their benchmarks and peer funds. If a fund consistently underperforms, consider switching.

Diversify Globally: Allocating 5-10% of your portfolio to international funds will add global diversification and reduce geographical risk. Stick to markets or sectors with strong growth potential.

Gold as a Hedge: Add 5-10% of gold exposure for portfolio stability. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are a tax-efficient and reliable option.

Final Insights
Your overall financial situation is sound with a good mix of equity, fixed-income, and real estate investments.

Consider consolidating your ELSS portfolio and introducing debt funds for better returns and risk management.

Adding international funds and a small allocation to gold will enhance diversification and protect against currency fluctuations and inflation.

Continue monitoring and rebalancing your portfolio periodically to ensure you stay on track with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I'm 47 yrs old PSU Employee. Presently having corpus of 1.20 cr in PF, around 50 lakhs in NPS, Two PPFs of 22 lakhs , mutual fund around 20 lakhs, savings account deposit around 7 lakhs . apartment cost 60 lakhs is in rent (receiving monthly rental Rs.12000 ) , Two lands. Contribution at present 1. PF around Rs.26600 2. NPS around Rs.23600 3. PPF yearly contribution Rs.300000 (will take care education of my two sons of 12yrs age) 4. Mutual fund Rs. 19000 Take Home salary : Rs.135000 Present monthly expenses : Rs. 55000 to 65000 Goals: 1.May think up new apartment disposing present property after 10yrs 2. Child (Twin son of 12yrs) education will be taken care by PPF 3. Marriage of children after 13/14 yrs 4. Retirement corpus >6 crs to generate monthly income at least 3 Lakhs (adjusted inflation) Risk :Considering 13 yrs to retire, I'm redy to take ample risk Mutual fund Portfolio SBI bLuechip fund -Rs.6000 , Kotak emerging equity - Rs.5000, Nippon Small cap fund -Rs.5000, Parag parikh flexi cap fund -Rs.5000, Franklin smaller companies fund- Rs. 1000, ICICI pru value discovery fund- Rs.1000 , HDFC hybrid fund - Rs.1000 Want to invest Rs.45000 in mutual fund SIP with 10% step up , Rs,5000 in ETFs. Kindly suggest how to proceed and suggest changes in my portfolio
Ans: At 47, you have a solid base with Rs 1.20 crore in PF, Rs 50 lakhs in NPS, and Rs 22 lakhs in PPF. Your goal of Rs 6 crore by retirement and generating Rs 3 lakhs monthly income post-retirement is achievable, given a 13-year investment horizon. However, it will require discipline, proper asset allocation, and regular contributions.

Let's break down how you can approach it.

Existing Portfolio Overview
Your current portfolio has a mix of Provident Fund (PF), National Pension System (NPS), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Mutual Funds. This diversified approach is commendable and provides stability for long-term growth.

Provident Fund (PF): You are contributing Rs 26,600 per month. This ensures safety and steady growth but might not beat inflation over time.

NPS: Your Rs 23,600 monthly contribution will also support retirement needs, with tax benefits. NPS invests in a mix of equity and debt, providing moderate growth.

PPF: Rs 3 lakh yearly contribution helps in building a tax-free corpus, especially for your children's education.

Mutual Funds: You currently have Rs 20 lakhs in mutual funds with a monthly SIP of Rs 19,000. This part of your portfolio has growth potential, but it needs some adjustment for better returns.

Current Mutual Fund Portfolio Analysis
Your mutual fund portfolio has a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. However, your contribution to some schemes is too small (Rs 1,000 per fund) to make a significant impact. Also, having too many small SIPs can dilute the returns.

Large-Cap Fund: This is essential for stability. But avoid over-exposure here, as large caps grow slower than mid and small caps.

Mid and Small-Cap Funds: You have exposure to mid and small-cap funds, which are essential for long-term growth. These funds provide higher returns but come with higher volatility.

Hybrid Fund: Your hybrid fund offers a balanced approach, but the allocation is very low (Rs 1,000). It may not be impactful.

Suggested Changes to Mutual Fund Portfolio
Focus on High Growth Funds:

You should concentrate more on mid-cap and small-cap funds for aggressive growth.
Reduce Underperforming SIPs:

Some of your small investments (Rs 1,000) in certain funds won't significantly impact your portfolio. You can stop or reduce SIPs in underperforming funds and reallocate this amount to better-performing funds.
Avoid too Many Funds:

Stick to a few funds with larger SIPs. This will help compound your investments better. Simplify your portfolio by reducing the number of funds to 5 or 6.
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually:

Your plan to invest Rs 45,000 per month with a 10% step-up is good. Gradually increasing the SIP amount helps in achieving the Rs 6 crore retirement goal faster.
Focus on Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds can outperform passive funds like ETFs, especially in the Indian market, where there's still scope for fund managers to generate alpha.
Avoid Over-Allocation to ETFs:

While ETFs provide low-cost investment options, they are passive and can underperform in an emerging market like India, where active fund managers can identify better opportunities. Your allocation to ETFs can be kept low or even avoided.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
Your plan to invest Rs 45,000 in SIPs with a 10% yearly step-up is excellent. This strategy ensures that you increase your contributions to match your income growth. SIPs are an ideal way to accumulate wealth gradually, especially when aligned with long-term goals like retirement.

Suggested Allocation:

Large-Cap Funds: 20% (Stability and lower risk)

Mid-Cap Funds: 40% (Moderate risk and high growth potential)

Small-Cap Funds: 30% (High risk but highest growth potential)

Flexi-Cap Funds: 10% (Allows dynamic allocation across large, mid, and small caps)

This mix will provide a good balance between risk and reward, helping you build the desired corpus over the next 13 years.

National Pension System (NPS)
You already contribute Rs 23,600 to NPS monthly. This amount is sufficient to generate a healthy corpus for your retirement. The NPS’s equity allocation helps with growth, while the debt portion provides stability. Given your risk appetite, you can increase the equity exposure in your NPS to maximize growth potential.

Remember, upon retirement, a portion of the NPS will need to be converted into an annuity, which may not generate high returns. Therefore, having a robust mutual fund portfolio as well is crucial.

Real Estate Consideration
Although you’re considering selling your current apartment and buying a new one in 10 years, I suggest thinking carefully before relying heavily on real estate as an investment. Real estate requires maintenance, can have low liquidity, and returns are not guaranteed. Moreover, rental yields are generally low in India (around 2-3%).

Instead, if you continue building your mutual fund portfolio, you will have more liquidity and better returns over time.

Children’s Education
You have wisely allocated your PPF funds towards your children’s education. PPF is safe, and its tax-free nature makes it ideal for funding future education expenses. Given your children are 12 years old, you have around 5 to 6 years before higher education costs kick in. Continue your PPF contributions, but also consider creating a separate mutual fund portfolio specifically for their education to account for rising costs.

You can allocate a part of your existing SIPs towards an education goal to complement the PPF. Equity mutual funds can help you beat inflation over the long term and provide a larger corpus when the time comes.

Retirement Planning and Corpus Goal
You have set a goal of Rs 6 crore for your retirement corpus. This will allow you to generate a monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs post-retirement. To achieve this, your existing investments and SIPs, along with a 10% step-up, should be enough, provided the market performs well.

Suggested Steps for Retirement:
Continue PF and NPS Contributions:

These will form a substantial part of your retirement corpus.
Increase Mutual Fund SIPs:

The plan to step up your SIPs by 10% annually is sound. This will allow you to accumulate the desired corpus.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Retirement:

Once you retire, an SWP from your mutual fund corpus can generate a regular monthly income. It’s a tax-efficient way to withdraw money while your investments continue to grow. Unlike real estate, mutual funds provide better liquidity and growth. An SWP will not deplete your corpus rapidly if planned well.
Tax Planning:

Keep in mind the tax implications when selling mutual funds. The new LTCG tax on equity mutual funds is 12.5% beyond Rs 1.25 lakh of gains. Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. Plan your withdrawals accordingly.
Final Insights
You’re on the right track with your investments and goals. With a 13-year horizon, focusing on equity mutual funds for growth will help you achieve your retirement goal. Avoid over-reliance on real estate for rental income, as mutual funds offer better liquidity and returns.

Simplify your mutual fund portfolio by reducing underperforming funds.

Concentrate on high-growth funds and step up your SIPs regularly.

Keep your NPS and PF contributions going for retirement stability.

Use SWP as a retirement income tool instead of depending on real estate.

Your children’s education can be secured through your PPF and a separate education-focused portfolio. Continue building your investments with discipline, and you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I am currently 42 years old Insurance professional. My wife is a teacher. Together our monthly earning is 165000/-. My daughter is in class 6. Here are the details of our investment and asset. We have our own apartment hence no home loan. I want to buy another flat for my daughter. I also would like to send my daughter to Germany for masters. Currently our investment are as below : Mutual fund : We have a portfolio of 28 lakh. Our monthly investment is 35K.. Our PPF fund is 12 lakh. We invest around 1 lakh a year there. Our FD is around 22 lakh. We have endowment insurance investment of around 10 lakh.In Sukanyacsamriddhi account we have 2 lakh. Cash in bank account 8 lakh. I wish to retire at 55 with a corpus of 2 Cr with all my liabilities mitigated. How should I approach?
Ans: You wish to retire at 55, leaving you with 13 years to build a corpus of Rs 2 crore. You have a solid financial foundation, and your current investments are heading in the right direction. With your combined monthly income of Rs 1.65 lakh and monthly SIP of Rs 35,000, your portfolio can grow substantially. However, achieving a Rs 2 crore corpus by 55 will require careful planning, discipline, and some adjustments to your investment strategy. Your goal is achievable, but you will need to evaluate your current approach and potentially make some changes.

Assessing Your Current Investment Portfolio
Let’s review the different components of your current investment portfolio.

Mutual Funds (Rs 28 lakh): You are investing Rs 35,000 per month, which is a good contribution. Mutual funds offer long-term growth and wealth-building opportunities. However, we need to ensure that your mutual funds are diversified across different asset classes. Since you are primarily focused on retirement and your daughter’s education, having a mix of equity funds, hybrid funds, and debt funds would be ideal to balance risk and returns. Equity mutual funds can provide higher returns but come with more volatility.

Public Provident Fund (PPF, Rs 12 lakh): PPF is a safe, long-term investment option with tax benefits under Section 80C. Your yearly investment of Rs 1 lakh is prudent, as it helps build a guaranteed, risk-free retirement corpus. PPF works well for conservative investors but doesn’t generate the high returns needed for aggressive growth. You can continue with this as part of a low-risk portion of your portfolio. However, for higher growth, your focus should remain on equity mutual funds.

Fixed Deposits (Rs 22 lakh): Fixed deposits offer safety but generate low returns, which may not keep up with inflation. It’s wise to hold some portion of your assets in FDs for short-term goals or emergencies. However, a large FD balance could slow down your portfolio’s overall growth. You may want to consider reallocating some of this to mutual funds for better long-term returns. You could keep around Rs 5-10 lakh in FDs and move the rest to a well-diversified portfolio.

Endowment Insurance (Rs 10 lakh): Endowment plans mix insurance with investment, but they generally offer low returns. While they provide life cover, their investment returns tend to be much lower than mutual funds or other pure investment products. You may consider surrendering these plans and using the proceeds to invest in high-growth mutual funds. For life insurance, you can shift to a term insurance plan, which will give you higher coverage at a lower premium.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY, Rs 2 lakh): This is a great savings option for your daughter’s future. It provides tax benefits and has a good interest rate. Continue contributing to this as part of your child’s education fund. SSY works best for long-term savings for daughters and is a safe, government-backed scheme.

Cash in Bank (Rs 8 lakh): Keeping Rs 8 lakh in your savings account is good for emergency needs. You should maintain an emergency fund equivalent to six months of your expenses. With a combined monthly earning of Rs 1.65 lakh, an emergency fund of Rs 8 lakh is appropriate. You could consider moving any excess cash beyond your emergency fund to more productive investments like mutual funds.

Buying Another Flat for Your Daughter
You have mentioned wanting to buy another flat for your daughter. While buying real estate is often seen as a good investment, it may not always be the best option for wealth creation. Real estate investments typically offer lower returns compared to equity mutual funds in the long run. Moreover, real estate requires large upfront capital, and the returns are less liquid compared to mutual funds. Since your primary focus is retirement and your daughter’s education, prioritizing those goals through financial investments may offer better growth and flexibility.

Rather than buying another flat, consider continuing to invest in equity mutual funds. This will allow your wealth to grow faster and give you more liquidity to meet your daughter’s education expenses and retirement needs. Additionally, you can explore renting a flat when the time comes if she needs housing during her education.

Daughter’s Education in Germany
Sending your daughter to Germany for her master’s education is a commendable goal. Education abroad can be expensive, and the cost of living in Germany, tuition fees, and travel expenses should all be factored in. Based on current costs, a master’s education abroad could cost around Rs 50-70 lakh over two years. To prepare for this, you should start a dedicated investment plan for her education.

You can consider setting aside a separate portion of your monthly investments toward her education fund. Flexi-cap mutual funds or balanced hybrid funds would be suitable for this goal, as they offer a mix of growth and stability. You already have a good foundation with Rs 2 lakh in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. This can be complemented with additional equity investments to ensure you meet the required corpus for her education in the next 6-7 years.

Strategy to Reach Rs 2 Crore Retirement Corpus
To reach your goal of Rs 2 crore by 55, let’s focus on your existing investment strategy and how to enhance it.

Continue Investing in Mutual Funds: Your current monthly SIP of Rs 35,000 is a good amount. You should continue investing consistently. Given that you have 13 years left until retirement, the power of compounding will work in your favor. You should target equity mutual funds with a long-term growth potential. A well-diversified portfolio with exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds would offer a balanced risk-return profile. It’s also essential to review and rebalance your portfolio every 1-2 years.

Increase SIP Contributions: To accelerate your wealth-building, consider increasing your monthly SIP amount by 10-15% each year. This will allow your investments to keep pace with inflation and your rising income. Gradually increasing your SIP will ensure that you are contributing more toward your retirement goal as your earnings grow.

Consider Debt Funds for Stability: Since you are nearing retirement, you could allocate a small portion of your portfolio to debt mutual funds or hybrid funds. These will provide stability and reduce the overall risk of your portfolio as you approach retirement. Debt funds offer lower volatility compared to equity funds and are suitable for those with a shorter investment horizon.

Term Insurance for Adequate Coverage: While you currently have an endowment insurance plan, term insurance would be a better option for life coverage. A term plan will offer you and your family financial security in case of any unfortunate events. The premium for term insurance is much lower than endowment plans, allowing you to free up more money for investments.

Tax Planning: Continue investing in tax-saving instruments like PPF, which offer Section 80C benefits. Additionally, your mutual fund investments can be planned to optimize your tax liability. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh from equity mutual funds are taxed at 12.5%. Planning withdrawals from your equity funds efficiently will help minimize tax payments when you begin using the corpus for retirement.

Health Insurance
It’s crucial to ensure you and your family have adequate health insurance coverage. You should review your existing health insurance policy to make sure it covers all potential medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, and critical illnesses. Your wife’s coverage, if provided by her employer, can supplement your insurance, but it’s always better to have independent coverage. You may also want to consider a separate health insurance plan for your daughter, as well as additional critical illness or accident insurance.

Emergency Fund
Your emergency fund of Rs 8 lakh is adequate for now, but you should aim to increase it slightly as your expenses grow. An emergency fund equivalent to six months of your household expenses is typically sufficient. If your monthly expenses are Rs 1.65 lakh, then Rs 8-10 lakh in emergency savings is a reasonable amount. Keeping this in a liquid or short-term debt fund will help it grow slightly while still being easily accessible in case of emergencies.

Finally
You are on the right track with your investments and financial planning. Achieving your Rs 2 crore retirement goal is possible with disciplined savings, the right mix of mutual funds, and regular reviews of your portfolio.

Focus on diversifying your mutual fund portfolio to ensure a balance of risk and growth.

Consider reallocating some of your fixed deposit funds to mutual funds for better returns.

Keep your home loan for tax benefits, and use endowment plan funds for better investment opportunities.

Plan for your daughter’s education through a combination of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and mutual funds.

Review your health insurance to make sure you have sufficient coverage for you, your wife, and your daughter.

Gradually increase your SIP contributions to ensure you meet your retirement and education goals.

By following these steps and consistently reviewing your progress, you’ll be well-positioned to retire comfortably at 55 with the desired corpus.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6538 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir Me and my husband, both are working and draw around 2.6 lac pa. I am 42 and my husband is 43 yrs old. In my ppf, I have 18.9 lac (close to 10 yrs) and in my husband's, it is 4.6 lac (close to 6 years)...I put monthly 12500 in each ppf account and will extend for another five years. In NPS, we both invest 9k and 10k monthly respectively. We also increased our PF by 8% under volunteer with current holding as 5.6 lac (mine) and 5.9 lac (husband). For my kid, I have taken HDFC growth plus with 2.5 lac annually paid for 5 yrs with maturity at 15 yrs. I just sold my home and will be having 50 lac. Only car loan is there, for which emi is 10.5K pm for next 5 yrs. Just want to know, how can I build a corpus of 2 cr in next five years. We are not going to buy home as don't want to get into debt again. My monthly expenses are around 1.5 lac including rent, car loan, school fees and other home expenses. Please let me know if we are moving in a right direction and where we can invest
Ans: Your current financial situation reflects a thoughtful approach to savings and investments. With a combined annual income of Rs 2.6 lakh, you have been diligent in accumulating assets through various financial instruments.

Current Assets Breakdown
Public Provident Fund (PPF):
Your PPF balance stands at Rs 18.9 lakh, which is a significant amount after nearly 10 years. Your husband's PPF has a balance of Rs 4.6 lakh after approximately six years.

National Pension System (NPS):
You both contribute to NPS, with you investing Rs 9,000 monthly and your husband contributing Rs 10,000 monthly. NPS is a solid choice for retirement planning, given its tax benefits and potential for market-linked returns.

Provident Fund (PF):
Your PF balance is Rs 5.6 lakh, while your husband has Rs 5.9 lakh. The PF accounts not only provide a safety net but also benefit from compounding over time.

Child’s Education Fund:
You have taken an HDFC Growth Plus policy with an annual premium of Rs 2.5 lakh for five years. This plan is designed to accumulate funds for your child's future educational expenses.

Home Sale Proceeds:
With the sale of your home, you will have Rs 50 lakh available. This amount presents a unique opportunity to bolster your investments.

Liabilities:
You currently have a car loan with an EMI of Rs 10,500 per month for the next five years. Managing this liability efficiently is essential to improve your overall cash flow.

Monthly Expenses:
Your monthly expenses are around Rs 1.5 lakh, which includes rent, car loan, school fees, and other home expenses. Monitoring and managing these expenses will be crucial as you work toward your financial goals.

Investment Strategy for Corpus Building
To build a corpus of Rs 2 crore in five years, you will need a well-structured investment strategy that leverages your current assets and income. Let’s explore a systematic approach.

1. Utilize Sale Proceeds Wisely
The Rs 50 lakh you receive from the home sale is a significant amount. Here’s how you can allocate these funds:

Emergency Fund:

Set aside Rs 10 lakh as an emergency fund. This will cover unforeseen expenses, ensuring you don’t have to dip into your investments during emergencies.
An emergency fund should ideally cover at least six months of living expenses.
Long-term Investments:

Allocate the remaining Rs 40 lakh towards growth-oriented investments. This allocation will form a substantial part of your corpus-building strategy.
2. Growth-Oriented Investments
You need to choose investments that offer high potential returns, considering your five-year horizon. Here are suitable options:

Equity Mutual Funds:

Consider investing a significant portion in actively managed equity mutual funds. Historically, they have the potential to deliver higher returns compared to traditional fixed-income investments and index funds.
Actively managed funds allow professional fund managers to select stocks based on market conditions. This increases your chances of outperforming the benchmark indices.
SIP Investments:

Continue your monthly SIPs in mutual funds. This disciplined approach allows you to invest consistently, reducing the impact of market volatility over time.
Increasing your SIP contributions, if financially feasible, can significantly boost your long-term wealth accumulation.
Tax-saving Options:

Explore equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) for tax benefits under Section 80C. Investing in ELSS can enhance your overall returns while simultaneously providing tax relief.
These schemes have a lock-in period of three years but offer the potential for significant capital appreciation.
Diversification:

Ensure your investment portfolio is diversified across different sectors and asset classes. Diversification helps mitigate risks and enhances potential returns.
Include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds in your portfolio to capture growth across market segments.
3. Maximizing NPS Contributions
Your commitment to NPS is commendable. It is a great tool for retirement savings and provides various benefits. Here’s how to maximize your NPS contributions:

Increased Contributions:

If possible, consider increasing your NPS contributions. Higher contributions will lead to a larger retirement corpus and benefit from compounding.
NPS allows you to choose your investment mix between equity and fixed income. Tailor this mix according to your risk appetite and retirement timeline.
Investment Mix:

Review the asset allocation in your NPS account. Make sure you have a balanced mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
A well-balanced portfolio within NPS can lead to better returns over time while reducing overall risk.
4. Evaluating Provident Fund (PF) Contributions
Your decision to increase PF contributions is wise. The PF scheme provides steady growth. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Voluntary Contribution:

Continue your voluntary contributions to the PF. This will enhance your retirement corpus significantly.
The compounding effect of the PF interest over time can contribute substantially to your long-term savings.
Monitoring Growth:

Keep track of your PF growth and ensure your contributions align with your overall financial goals.
Regular monitoring allows you to make necessary adjustments to your savings strategy as required.
Assessing Current Investments
You mentioned having an HDFC Growth Plus plan for your child. Here’s a deeper insight into evaluating this investment:

Investment Evaluation:

Regularly evaluate the performance of the HDFC Growth Plus plan. Compare it with benchmarks to ensure it aligns with your long-term goals.
If the policy shows consistent underperformance, consider redirecting those funds into mutual funds, which may provide better returns over the investment horizon.
Consideration of Alternatives:

If the returns from HDFC Growth Plus are not satisfactory, assess other investment avenues. Mutual funds typically offer better performance due to professional management and a diverse portfolio.
Debt Management
Effectively managing your car loan is crucial for financial stability. Here’s how to approach it:

Car Loan Strategy:

Maintain timely payments for the car loan to avoid penalties and maintain a good credit score.
Consider prepaying part of the loan if you have surplus funds. This can save on interest costs and reduce your overall debt burden.
Debt-Free Goal:

Prioritize becoming debt-free after the car loan repayment. This will free up cash flow and allow you to allocate those funds toward investments.
With no home loan, your focus should be on clearing the car loan as soon as possible.
Monthly Expense Management
Your monthly expenses are approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. Efficient management of these expenses is critical as you work toward your financial goals. Here are strategies to consider:

Budgeting:

Create a detailed monthly budget to track and manage your expenses. Allocate funds for essential and discretionary spending.
Review your budget regularly to ensure you are sticking to your financial plan.
Expense Review:

Regularly review your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can cut costs, especially in discretionary spending.
Look for opportunities to reduce expenses, such as dining out or entertainment costs.
Investing in Actively Managed Funds
It’s essential to understand the disadvantages of direct funds. Here’s why opting for regular funds through a certified financial planner can be beneficial:

Lack of Expertise:

Direct funds require significant knowledge and expertise. Without it, you may make uninformed decisions that could negatively impact your returns.
This lack of knowledge can lead to misallocating funds, potentially harming your financial growth.
Time Commitment:

Managing direct investments can be time-consuming. It requires constant monitoring, research, and market analysis.
If you have a demanding job or other commitments, managing investments directly may not be feasible.
Access to Better Options:

Certified financial planners can provide access to better investment options and exclusive funds. They have insights into top-performing funds that may not be available to individual investors.
A planner can help you choose the right funds based on your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Personalized Strategy:

Regular funds through a certified financial planner allow for a tailored investment strategy. This approach can adapt to your changing financial needs and goals.
A personalized strategy can lead to better overall performance and alignment with your financial objectives.
Final Insights
You are on the right track toward building a corpus of Rs 2 crore in the next five years. Your disciplined approach to saving and investing will serve you well. Here’s a recap of your actionable steps:

Focus on Growth:

Emphasize growth-oriented investments, primarily in actively managed equity mutual funds. This will allow for better returns in the long run.
Utilize Resources Wisely:

Make the most of your sale proceeds while ensuring you have a robust emergency fund in place.
Monitor and Adjust:

Regularly review your investment strategy and adjust as needed based on market conditions and personal circumstances.
Stay Committed:

Remain disciplined with your monthly contributions and maintain a keen eye on your expenses.
By following these strategies, you can effectively work towards achieving your financial goal of Rs 2 crore in five years.

The combination of strategic investment, disciplined saving, and effective debt management will position you well for future financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |355 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi Sir, iam 54 years old investor, recently resigned and active in shares trading and investing last 20 years. liquid assets approx. 3.75 cr. Rental income 33k and Gold another 1cr. Immovable property home and vacant shop 2 cr each. wife 51 yr old-home maker. Medical Policy 20 Lacs. household expenses 1.75 lacs inclusive of 45k of SIPs as per table. SCHEMES UNITS SIP VALUE AXIS LONG TERM - D 8247 240000 ADITYA BIRLA SL TAX RELIEF 96 D 759 150000 AXIS BLUE CHIP G 5702 375000 MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP G 1151 130000 HDFC BALANCE ADVANTAGE D 6905 5000 285000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES D 5616 5000 335000 ICICI PRU LIFE BLUE CHIP FUND G 6652 5000 750000 PARAG PARIKH LONG TERM G 6087 5000 500000 KOTAK FLEXI CAP FUND GROWTH 1694 145000 SBI BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND 5814 550000 AXIS MIDCAP FUND DIVIDEND 2165 100000 SBI SMALL CAP REGULAR GROWTH 895 5000 170000 KOTAK EMERGING EQUITY FUND 1306 5000 180000 SBI LARGE AND MIDCAP FUND 261 5000 155000 MOTILAL NIFTY DEFENCE INDEX G 5000 45000 NPS 12000 10000 1700000 45000 5810000 Goals / Requirements : *Need following funds next year - daughter marriage 30 lacs and son education 50 lacs and my retirement corpus plus 15 lacs for car. *mutual fund portfolio re-alignment. Queries : *should i sell commercial shop and invest in FDs / MFs / Shares. Rental value is 50k which is less as compared to invest 2 cr in FDs also will fetch me 1.25 lacs per month. will be able meet next year requirement also without selling my liquid portfolio. *also should i go for SWPs for all inactive MFs upto to the extent of 45k to fund my SIP and NPS from allocation and can also increase the SIPs, if suggested. * should i increase NPS allocation by another 5k for better retirement prospects or any other suggestion related to retirement as to how much more money needed to meet ends.
Ans: Hello;

Query1:

Yes it is better to sell low rent yielding commercial property now, utilise the sell proceeds to fund you goals next year i.e. daughter's marriage, son's education and car purchase while the balance should be invested in mutual funds(equity savings type mutual fund)

Query 2:

Exit all inactive mutual funds and invest corpus(16.9 L) in Mirae Asset equity savings fund (low to moderate risk profile).

You should then start an SWP at 3.6% so as to generate income of 5 K for additional monthly allocation to NPS.

You should do SIP only in following 3 funds:
SBI hybrid equity fund(15 K)
HDFC balanced advantage fund (15 K)
ICICI Pru Multi asset allocation fund (15 K)

The taxation of these funds is like equity funds but they have exposure to alternate asset classes to impart some stability to corpus during extreme market fluctuations which is also suited for your age category.

Liquid assets+ gold+ NPS corpus will add up to approx 6.51 Cr which if annuitized will yield post tax monthly income of 2.15 L.

MF corpus may still grow to build up your inflation war chest.

Health care cover for family needs enhancement upto 50 L minimum as a safe precaution.

Reduce exposure to direct equity as you near retirement. You may continue trading as a hobby with a minimum risk capital with adequate knowhow, setup and temperament.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |972 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
Hello Sir I am making my question more clear.... I am currently in 12th standard. I have done 11th from Biology now instead of giving 12th boards I am thinking to give 11th exam with mathematics.... Will it be okay
Ans: Hello.
Thanks for contacting me again. As I said earlier, there is no need to take the 11th examination in mathematics. You can appear 12th Board examination with your chosen subjects. As of now, you are in 12th, it is easy for you to cover the important topics of mathematics from 11th and 12th in a short period. Hence appear directly for the board examination in mathematics subject.
Why are you not able to take the 12th board examination is yet not clear to me. Do you wish to appear for JEE is also not clear.
Conclusion/suggestion:
1) Drop the idea of repeating 11th with mathematics.
2) Appear 12th board examination in mathematics subject
3) You can easily cover the important topics from a passing point of view in a short period (max 30-45 days)

If you are dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

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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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