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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 26, 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
Jayprakash Question by Jayprakash on Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello Sir , I am 42 years old . I have one child 3 years old. I have invested in Max Life High Growth fund of one lakh per year which is 5 years now . Amount reflecting is 10 lakhs today. 5 years more to go for completion. I have my own house 62 lakhs just purchased . No loans . I recently purchased one more ulip policy midcap momentum 150 max life yearly one lakh for 10 years.I have invested in 3 Bhk apartment amount 1.7 cr which I will complete payment in next year. I earn around 36 to 40 lakhs per year. At present the expense is 50 thousand per month. How much amount should I invest yearly and where to develop a corpus of 5 cr at the age of 60 after deduction for one .child education. Thanks

Ans: First, let's understand your financial situation. You're 42, have a 3-year-old child, and a substantial annual income of Rs 36-40 lakhs. Your expenses are Rs 50,000 per month. You own a house worth Rs 62 lakhs and a 3BHK apartment for Rs 1.7 crores. No loans exist, and you’ve invested in ULIPs.

Compliments and Understanding
It's commendable that you've built a solid financial base and are debt-free. Your foresight in investing for the future is impressive. Let's plan for a corpus of Rs 5 crore by age 60, covering your child's education expenses too.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
Max Life High Growth Fund
You’ve invested Rs 1 lakh per year in Max Life High Growth Fund for 5 years. It's now worth Rs 10 lakhs. This ULIP has 5 more years to go. Evaluating ULIPs for high charges and lower flexibility, consider other options for higher returns.

New ULIP Policy
You recently bought another ULIP policy (Midcap Momentum 150, Max Life) with Rs 1 lakh annually for 10 years. ULIPs have mixed reviews due to their high charges and lower liquidity compared to mutual funds.

Real Estate Investments
Owning a house and a 3BHK apartment indicates a strong asset base. However, real estate might not yield high liquidity or returns compared to other investments. We'll focus on diversifying your portfolio further.

Creating a Financial Plan
Defining Financial Goals
Your primary goal is accumulating Rs 5 crore by age 60. Secondary goals include funding your child’s education. Let's outline steps to achieve these objectives.

Diversification Strategy
Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns. We'll explore various investment options, ensuring a balanced portfolio.

Mutual Funds: A Preferred Investment Avenue
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds offer high growth potential, suitable for long-term wealth accumulation. They invest in stocks, providing inflation-beating returns.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds are less risky, providing stable returns. They invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They suit investors seeking steady income with lower risk.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds balance risk and return by investing in both equities and debt. They offer a diversified approach, suitable for moderate risk-takers.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential provides personalized advice. MFDs help choose funds aligning with your goals and offer ongoing portfolio management.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Regular Investments
Investing through SIPs in mutual funds is beneficial. It ensures disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Calculating SIP Amount
To accumulate Rs 5 crore by age 60, we need to determine the annual investment amount. Given your financial situation, a significant portion of your income can be allocated towards SIPs in equity and hybrid funds.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Long-Term Savings
PPF is a government-backed savings scheme offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits under Section 80C. It suits risk-averse investors seeking assured returns.

PPF Strategy
Investing a portion of your savings in PPF can provide a secure and stable return, balancing the overall risk of your portfolio.

National Pension System (NPS)
Retirement Planning
NPS is a government-sponsored pension scheme offering diversified investments in equities, corporate bonds, and government securities. It provides tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus.

NPS Contributions
Allocating funds to NPS ensures a steady income post-retirement. It complements other investments, ensuring financial security in later years.

Gold: A Traditional and Reliable Asset
Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds
Investing in Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds offers benefits of gold without storage hassles. Sovereign Gold Bonds also provide periodic interest, enhancing returns.

Health and Term Insurance
Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance is crucial to cover medical expenses, protecting your savings and ensuring quality healthcare.

Term Insurance
Term insurance provides high life cover at low premiums. It ensures financial security for your family in case of your untimely demise. Choose a plan with adequate coverage.

Reviewing and Adjusting Investments
Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your investment portfolio ensures it aligns with your goals. Make necessary adjustments based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Avoiding Emotional Investing
Stick to your financial plan and avoid making investment decisions based on emotions. Make informed decisions and seek professional advice when needed.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management
Actively managed funds are managed by professional fund managers. They conduct extensive research and make informed investment decisions, aiming to outperform the market.

Potential for Higher Returns
Actively managed funds have the potential to deliver higher returns compared to index funds. Fund managers can take advantage of market opportunities and mitigate risks through active management.

Flexibility
Actively managed funds offer flexibility in investment strategies. Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions and economic trends, enhancing performance.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Lack of Flexibility
Index funds are passively managed and track a specific index. They lack flexibility to adjust to market conditions, which can limit returns.

Potential Underperformance
Index funds may underperform actively managed funds during market downturns. They cannot capitalize on market opportunities or mitigate risks effectively.

Limited Scope
Index funds have limited scope for diversification. They invest in a fixed set of securities, which might not align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights
Achieving a corpus of Rs 5 crore by age 60 requires disciplined investing and strategic planning. Diversifying your investments across mutual funds, PPF, NPS, and gold ensures a balanced and robust portfolio. Engaging a Certified Financial Planner ensures personalized advice and disciplined investing, helping you achieve long-term financial success.

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 Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 22, 2024Hindi
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Sir., my monthly expense is 100000 now and monthly income from house rent is 40k. My age is 47., my pf as per today 50L. Share 8 L and FD 4L, SGB 12L. Maintain same lifestyle after 60., how much corpus I need and how much I should start investing. Kindly clarity
Ans: At age 47, it's commendable that you are thinking about your retirement needs. Maintaining your current lifestyle post-retirement requires careful planning. Let's analyse your current financial situation and what you need to achieve your retirement goals.

Current Financial Status
Your monthly expense is ?100,000, and your income from house rent is ?40,000.

You have accumulated significant assets:

Provident Fund (PF): ?50 Lakhs

Shares: ?8 Lakhs

Fixed Deposits (FD): ?4 Lakhs

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB): ?12 Lakhs

These assets show that you have diversified investments, which is excellent for balancing risk.

Estimating the Retirement Corpus
To maintain the same lifestyle after retirement, you need to consider inflation. Your expenses will likely increase over time due to inflation. Assuming a 6% annual inflation rate, your current monthly expenses of ?100,000 will be much higher when you retire at 60.

You'll need a corpus that can generate enough income to cover these expenses. Let's assume you live up to 85 years. This means your corpus should last for 25 years post-retirement.

Calculating the Required Corpus
Estimating the exact corpus involves complex calculations. A Certified Financial Planner can help with precise numbers. However, a rough estimate is that you need about 20-25 times your annual expenses at the time of retirement.

Given your current expenses, you might need a corpus of around ?6-7 crores, factoring in inflation.

Investment Strategy to Build the Corpus
You need to start investing more aggressively to reach your retirement goal. Here's a suggested strategy:

1. Increase Equity Investments

Equities typically offer higher returns compared to other asset classes. Consider increasing your investment in actively managed equity mutual funds. These funds are managed by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market.

2. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Start a SIP in mutual funds. It helps in averaging the cost of investment and provides disciplined investing. SIPs are ideal for long-term wealth creation.

3. Diversify Your Portfolio

Diversification reduces risk. You already have SGBs, FDs, and shares. Ensure a good mix of equity, debt, and gold. This balanced approach mitigates risks.

4. Consult a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor a plan specific to your needs. They can provide guidance on asset allocation, risk management, and tax efficiency.

Managing Your Existing Assets
Provident Fund (PF)

Your PF is a secure and stable investment. Continue contributing to it. It provides a safety net with assured returns.

Shares and Equity

Monitor your share portfolio regularly. Avoid putting all your money in one stock. Diversify across sectors to minimize risk.

Fixed Deposits (FD)

FDs are safe but offer lower returns. Consider using them for emergency funds or short-term goals.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)

SGBs are good for diversification. They also provide a hedge against inflation. Keep them as part of your portfolio.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Regularly review your financial plan. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and your changing needs. Stay informed and adapt to new financial opportunities.

Conclusion
Planning for retirement requires a strategic approach. Your current assets provide a strong foundation. By investing wisely and consulting a Certified Financial Planner, you can achieve your retirement goals.

You have already taken the first step by evaluating your needs. With disciplined investing, you can ensure a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Sir, I am 43 years old living in UAE, with FD of 10L and current MF accumulation of 1.04 Cr and monthly SIP 50K along. I have a 2BHK apartment in Chennai which yields a rent of 8000 Rs and a 3-bedroom house inherited from my parents as gift where we live currently. Along with this we have 2400 Sq ft of land in Chennai and 3000 Sq ft of land in Madurai. I am contributing 69K yearly for the last 11 years in my name until 2035 (expected returns 30Lakhs), 28K yearly in my daughter’s name until 2034 (expected returns 10Lakhs). Addition to this i have icici pru gift long terms with annual payment of 2L Rs on my name (to pay for another 10 years and the return of 16K per month) icici future perfect 1L Rs (to pay for another 10 years). Will receive a sum of 5L Rs from a LIC policy which is getting matured this year and a Term policy of 2 Cr for which I must pay 47K annually and it must be paid for another 22 years and 20 Lakhs worth of gold. I wish to invest in stocks in the next 7 years with an average risk and stop SIP at the age of 50. I have a 9th grade daughter who wishes to pursue Medicine and a son who is in grade 2. I wish to retire at the age of 50 (7 years from now) and start consulting. Could you please guide me how much corpus I should create in the next 7 years to live a normal lifestyle and ensure to pay the balance ICICI investments and my daughters’ education regards Raj
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Raj, you have done a commendable job in managing your finances and building a diversified portfolio. Let's assess your current financial landscape.

Fixed Deposits and Mutual Funds
You have a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 10 lakhs and a mutual fund (MF) portfolio worth Rs 1.04 crore. You also contribute Rs 50,000 monthly to SIPs. This shows a disciplined approach towards long-term wealth creation.

Real Estate Holdings
You own a 2BHK apartment in Chennai, which generates a rental income of Rs 8,000 per month, and a 3-bedroom house inherited from your parents. Additionally, you possess 2400 sq ft of land in Chennai and 3000 sq ft of land in Madurai.

Insurance and Investments
You have various insurance and investment plans:

Annual contribution of Rs 69,000 for yourself until 2035 (expected returns Rs 30 lakhs).
Annual contribution of Rs 28,000 for your daughter until 2034 (expected returns Rs 10 lakhs).
ICICI Pru Gift Long Term with an annual payment of Rs 2 lakhs, yielding Rs 16,000 monthly after maturity.
ICICI Future Perfect with an annual payment of Rs 1 lakh for another 10 years.
LIC policy maturing this year with a sum assured of Rs 5 lakhs.
Term policy with a cover of Rs 2 crore, annual premium Rs 47,000 for the next 22 years.
Gold worth Rs 20 lakhs.
Family Commitments
Your daughter, currently in 9th grade, aspires to pursue medicine. Your son is in grade 2. You plan to retire at 50 and transition into consulting.

Financial Goals
To ensure a smooth transition into retirement and meet your financial obligations, let's break down your goals:

Retirement Corpus
Daughter's Education
Continuation of Investments
Living Expenses Post-Retirement
Retirement Corpus
You plan to retire in 7 years. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement, you need to determine a retirement corpus. This corpus should cover your monthly expenses, healthcare, and unforeseen emergencies.

Daughter's Education
Medical education is expensive. It is crucial to allocate sufficient funds for your daughter's medical education to avoid financial stress later.

Continuation of Investments
You have ongoing investments that require continued funding. Ensuring these are adequately funded until their maturity is essential for maximizing returns.

Living Expenses Post-Retirement
Post-retirement, you will require a steady income to cover living expenses. Your rental income, SIP returns, and maturity proceeds from insurance plans will contribute to this.

Strategy to Achieve Financial Goals
To meet your financial goals efficiently, consider the following strategies:

Increase SIP Contributions
Currently, you invest Rs 50,000 monthly in SIPs. Increasing this amount will help accumulate a larger corpus. Given your current financial stability, consider increasing your SIP contributions by 10-15% annually. This will compound your wealth significantly over the next 7 years.

Diversify Mutual Fund Investments
Review your mutual fund portfolio and diversify across various sectors and market caps. Actively managed funds tend to outperform index funds in the long run due to professional fund management and active stock selection. This can provide better returns and reduce risks.

Surrender Low-Yield Insurance Policies
Your LIC policy maturing this year will yield Rs 5 lakhs. Reinvest this amount in mutual funds for better returns. Assess the ICICI Pru Gift Long Term and ICICI Future Perfect plans. If they are not performing well, consider surrendering them and reinvesting in higher-yield mutual funds. This can maximize returns and provide better growth opportunities for your investments.

Plan for Daughter's Education
Estimate the total cost of your daughter's medical education, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Create a dedicated education fund using a mix of debt and equity mutual funds. This will ensure safety and growth of the corpus.

Utilize Gold Holdings
Your gold holdings worth Rs 20 lakhs can be a valuable asset. Consider partial liquidation of gold to fund higher-yield investments. Alternatively, keep the gold as a hedge against inflation and as a contingency fund.

Create an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund should be in a liquid asset class, such as a liquid mutual fund or a high-interest savings account, to access funds readily in case of emergencies.

Investment in Mutual Funds
Instead of investing directly in stocks, mutual funds can provide a balanced approach to achieving your financial goals with moderate risk. Here are the benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise to make informed investment decisions.
Diversification: Mutual funds provide diversification across various sectors and asset classes, reducing overall risk.
Liquidity: Mutual funds offer liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investments as needed.
Tax Efficiency: Equity mutual funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax benefits.
Increase SIP Contributions in Mutual Funds
Currently, you invest Rs 50,000 monthly in SIPs. Increasing this amount will help accumulate a larger corpus. Given your current financial stability, consider increasing your SIP contributions by 10-15% annually. This will compound your wealth significantly over the next 7 years.

Diversify Mutual Fund Investments
Review your mutual fund portfolio and diversify across various sectors and market caps. Actively managed funds tend to outperform index funds in the long run due to professional fund management and active stock selection. This can provide better returns and reduce risks.

Corpus Calculation for Retirement
To estimate the corpus required for retirement, consider the following:

Monthly Living Expenses: Calculate your current monthly expenses and account for inflation.
Healthcare Costs: Factor in healthcare costs, which tend to rise with age.
Contingency Fund: Include a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses.
Desired Lifestyle: Consider the lifestyle you wish to maintain post-retirement.
Monthly Living Expenses
Assume your current monthly expenses are Rs 50,000. Accounting for inflation at 6%, these expenses will rise over the next 7 years.

Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs can be substantial post-retirement. Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance and allocate a part of your corpus towards healthcare.

Contingency Fund
Set aside at least 10% of your retirement corpus for emergencies. This ensures financial security during unforeseen circumstances.

Desired Lifestyle
Factor in any lifestyle changes you wish to make post-retirement, such as travel, hobbies, or relocation.

Final Insights
Raj, your current financial situation is strong, with a diversified portfolio and substantial assets. To ensure a comfortable retirement and meet your financial goals, focus on increasing SIP contributions, diversifying mutual fund investments, and planning adequately for your daughter's education. Reviewing insurance policies and reallocating funds to higher-yield investments will optimize your returns. Investing in mutual funds can provide balanced growth and reduce risk, ensuring financial security post-retirement.

Building a robust retirement corpus requires careful planning and disciplined investing. With the right strategies, you can achieve your financial goals and enjoy a comfortable retirement while ensuring your family's financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 06, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am earning 1.2 lakh per month. Age 29 unmarried, Money for marriage is adjusted.I have a house and planning to buy another one probably 1cr . An lic policy of yearly premium of 25k. My savings are 5 lakhs. As of now I can invest 40k per month. I want liquid corpus of 1cr by age 50 and children education planning.
Ans: Monthly Income and Savings
You earn Rs. 1.2 lakh per month.

You save Rs. 40,000 per month.

You have Rs. 5 lakhs in savings.

Your LIC policy has a yearly premium of Rs. 25,000.

Investment Goals
You want Rs. 1 crore by age 50.

You plan for your children's education.

You plan to buy a house worth Rs. 1 crore.

Investment Strategy
Invest in a mix of equity and debt funds.

Focus on actively managed funds for better returns.

Consider SIPs for regular investments.

Liquid Corpus Goal
Aim for a diversified portfolio.

Allocate funds to equity for growth.

Include debt funds for stability.

Children's Education Planning
Start early to benefit from compounding.

Invest in children's plans and education funds.

Review and adjust the portfolio regularly.

House Purchase Plan
Ensure your investments align with your house purchase goal.

Keep your house purchase timeline in mind.

Insurance and Savings
Review your LIC policy for adequacy.

Consider additional term insurance if needed.

Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner can help optimize your plan.

Regularly review your portfolio with your planner.

Final Insights
Maintain a disciplined investment approach.

Regularly review and adjust your goals.

Seek professional advice when needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi Mittal  |514 Answers  |Ask -

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

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I am a divorced working woman , with a daughter 8 yrs. I have been pursued for remarriage with a guy who is 10 yrs older to me and have 2 kids. 11 and 14 yrs respectively living in a small town. Initially it was agreed the elder child who is a boy would be living in hostel , but now since we are approaching near to the marriage, it seems the elder male child is going to stay at home and not hostel. This is making me really uncomfortable as I won't get much privacy also the male child is aggressive.Already handling one kid was difficult before. Also moving to small town was difficult transition from a metropolitan that I stay in. Moving there could mean losing job opportunities in future. I am really worried if I let this match go, I end up alone again. I am not able to make a decision, it's difficult to raise others children. It's just not naturally inbuilt in us.Although I try really hard to mould my thinking and be more generous, but somehow it suffocates me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Let me ask you one thing, if you knew a plane was going to crash, would you still get on it because you are worried you will reach your destination late? No, right? Similarly, if you know this marriage could be really tough on you, with the added responsibilities of a teenager and another soon-to-be teenager, do you still want to go ahead with it, just because you might have to stay alone for a while longer?

I can't really make a decision for you, but I can urge you to rethink this alliance. It's great that you are trying to compromise but do not compromise so much that nothing that you want is given any importance. You cannot ask a father to send his child to a hostel so that you can have some privacy; similarly, no one can force you to raise him as well. The best decision would be to either reconsider the relationship or have an open conversation and come to a middle ground that works for all.

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
How do I 32M get over my insecurity with 30F? (Seeking Advice) Met this girl via matrimony exactly 2 months back. We connect well. Our families have met recently and it went well. Somehow we found a lot of connections between our families. That's just a bonus. Her family likes me a lot and they wanted to do Roka when they met us last week. I had told her, that no matter our bond, we should talk a lot and give it 3 months before going for roka. We live in different metro cities and have met twice now. About her: She is 30, well behaved & spoken(most important thing for me), smart, good looking, and is extremely polite. She is an army brat, has had a lot of freedom from family. Due to her father's job, they kept getting posted to different cities so she doesn't really understand family part of things. She's in a IT job. About me: I'm 32, okayish guy, in IT. To take things ahead I need to know my partner's past. I have no judgements at all but need to know stuff. Getting to know things over time bothers me a lot. I've tried to work on it, and have always made sure I don't bother the other person too much. After a month of talking, she told me that she had a casual boyfriend for an year. All her friends were dating in Bangalore and she decided to try it out. Found a guy through bumble and started dating him. So, according to her there were no feelings, just a person for her to go to places with, have drinks, and party. She likes drinking a lot and I have never taken a sip. She said that it was just a phase and she was immature. This happened between 2018(Nov) to 2020(march). So, it's been like 5 years. Never dated anyone after that. Since covid(2020) she's been living with her parents due to wfh. I have been completely ok with that but new things surfaced and they are messing with my head. While snooping around her facebook I figured out who that person was and this guy is super close to a person in my distant family. In fact they both were flatmates until their respective marriages. This distant cousin of mine knows me and knows her really well. These 3 used to hangout a lot and he has seen her come to their flat regularly. Infact, she had a good bond with my cousin as well. There are things that bother me and I really can't shake things and feel super awful in my gut. She mentioned that she and her ex had a common love for drinking and regularly visited pubs, got drunk, and partied. This means that they would be staying at each other's place as well. This is something super old but bothers me a lot. Specifically the fact that she would be drunk partying with someone for an year and sleeping with him, with no feelings. Secondly, I found some posts where she has liked a post about this guy on fb/insta from mid-2021. I have already confronted her twice to share everything and we shall never discuss this again but this bothers me a lot. Secondly, now that I know the timelines I can figure out what photos have been taken by her ex. There's even a photo of her sitting on a messy bed, where she's cutting her bday cake. They celebrated it together. I found my cousins page and some other pages from which I knew it's the guy's room/flat. I know everyone has a past. She has come clean to me but somehow my brain is so split. Sometimes her nature and behaviour with me make me not care about anything. And then I know the bed, flat, and her actions with some guy. Then there is this angle where the ex's flatmate is my distant cousin and knows about her well.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that it is important for you to need to know her past and you mentioned that you merely want to know, and would not judge. But judging is exactly what you are doing. A lot of people have exes, a lot of people have occasional drinks- we can't judge people based on their past. She has opened up to you and all you are doing is snooping around. To be honest, it seems like you are really more concerned about her ex and past than about how amazing a person she is. I have only one piece of advice, if you think you can't get past her past, let her go. No one deserves to be judged by their past.

And think of it this way- you asked, and she told you. She was not obliged to, but still understanding your 'need' to know 'everything,' she confided in you. And this is how you are paying her back. Moreover, so what if she had an ex, or dated casually? How does that affect you right now? Ask yourself the same question and I think you will know the answer to your own dilemma.

Having said it all, marriage is a big decision. If you think her past can hamper your future, please rethink this relationship. It is best for both of you.

Best Wishes

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

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I am 49 and plan to retire in 2 years time.. I currently have a MF corpus of about 1.8 Cr, a PF of about 1 Cr and properties worth 2 Cr. I have been investing in MF's since 2014 through SIP's and currently have 70K monthly SIP. Please advise if I would be comfortable in 2 years, my estimated monthly expense post retirement would be approx 2 Lakhs per month
Ans: Your current corpus of Rs. 1.8 crore in mutual funds and Rs. 1 crore in PF is significant. The additional Rs. 2 crore in properties adds to your wealth but doesn’t provide immediate liquidity. Let us evaluate if your corpus will sustain your post-retirement expense of Rs. 2 lakh per month.

Estimating Post-Retirement Corpus Requirement
You plan to retire in 2 years, at age 51.

Assuming a life expectancy of 85 years, the corpus needs to last for 34 years.

An expense of Rs. 2 lakh per month means Rs. 24 lakh annually.

Adjust this amount for inflation to calculate future needs.

Current Investment Contributions
Your Rs. 70,000 monthly SIP builds your corpus over the next 2 years.

SIPs offer rupee cost averaging, reducing market volatility impact.

Assess the fund performance regularly to maximise growth.

Diversification of Investments
Your corpus is spread across mutual funds, PF, and properties.

PF provides a stable, fixed return but lacks flexibility.

Properties offer wealth accumulation but are less liquid for immediate needs.

Mutual funds remain a primary source of liquidity and growth post-retirement.

Evaluating Monthly Withdrawals Post-Retirement
Withdrawals should balance your monthly expenses and ensure corpus longevity.

Avoid withdrawing large amounts in the early years of retirement.

Consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for withdrawal strategies.

Role of Inflation and Healthcare Costs
Factor in inflation’s effect on expenses over 30+ years.

A 6% inflation rate doubles your monthly expense in 12 years.

Allocate for increasing healthcare costs with age.

Importance of Emergency and Medical Coverage
Keep at least 6 months' expenses in a liquid fund for emergencies.

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance for unexpected medical costs.

Tax Efficiency in Withdrawals
Equity mutual funds' LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt fund returns are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability on gains.

Active Funds vs. Direct Funds
Actively managed funds optimise returns by responding to market changes.

Direct funds lack professional support, affecting long-term efficiency.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to select regular funds.

Disadvantages of Relying on Real Estate
Properties are illiquid and may take time to convert to cash.

Rental income may not cover Rs. 2 lakh monthly expenses reliably.

Maintenance and property taxes further reduce returns.

Recommendations for Portfolio Restructuring
Increase Allocation to Growth Assets

Continue SIPs in equity mutual funds for growth potential.

Review funds for consistent performance and portfolio alignment.

Add Balanced and Debt Funds for Stability

Include balanced advantage and debt funds for steady income.

Debt funds reduce overall portfolio risk.

Plan a Withdrawal Strategy

Use the SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for predictable income.

Withdraw from equity funds after 3 years for tax efficiency.

Avoid Over-reliance on PF and Real Estate

PF offers safety but limited returns.

Use properties strategically for potential downsizing or sale.

Final Insights
You are on track to retire comfortably, provided you optimise your investments. Plan your withdrawals carefully, factoring in inflation and tax efficiency. Work with a Certified Financial Planner to refine your portfolio and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7595 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 21, 2025Hindi
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I like to know which MF to be selected for investing in a SIP among same types of funds with equal performances and risks but with different NAVs.
Ans: When selecting a mutual fund for SIP among funds with similar types, performances, and risks but different NAVs, consider the following aspects:

1. Net Asset Value (NAV) Does Not Reflect Fund Performance
A lower or higher NAV does not indicate better returns.

NAV reflects the fund's per-unit value and changes daily.

Investment growth depends on percentage returns, not NAV values.

2. Expense Ratio and Fund Costs
A lower expense ratio can improve net returns.

Actively managed funds with skilled fund managers may charge slightly higher fees.

Ensure you evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio before making a decision.

3. Fund Manager's Track Record
Review the fund manager's expertise and past performances.

A consistent manager with strong market knowledge can add value.

Avoid funds with frequent management changes.

4. Fund House Reputation and AUM
Choose funds from a reputed fund house with a strong track record.

A large Asset Under Management (AUM) ensures better stability and liquidity.

Avoid funds with excessively low AUM, as they may face liquidity issues.

5. Tax Implications of the Fund
Assess how long-term and short-term capital gains will affect returns.

Equity mutual funds have specific tax rates: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Debt funds follow your income tax slab, affecting post-tax returns.

6. Investment Goals and Time Horizon
Align the fund choice with your financial goals.

Longer-term goals may benefit from equity-focused funds.

Short-term goals may require hybrid or debt-focused funds.

7. SIP Benefits in Any NAV
SIPs help average out purchase costs over time, reducing the impact of NAV differences.

Avoid basing decisions solely on NAV, as SIPs work on rupee cost averaging.

8. Focus on Portfolio Composition
Examine the fund's portfolio mix and sector allocation.

Ensure diversification aligns with your risk appetite and goals.

Avoid funds with concentrated exposure to risky sectors.

9. Assess Consistency of Returns
Look at rolling returns and consistency across market cycles.

Funds with stable returns in volatile markets are preferable.

Avoid funds with high volatility in performance.

10. Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds passively track benchmarks, lacking flexibility in volatile markets.

Actively managed funds can outperform by leveraging market opportunities.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide you to suitable active funds.

11. Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Regular funds offer ongoing advice and monitoring by a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD).

Direct funds lack professional support, which is crucial for long-term goals.

Certified Financial Planners provide insights and manage your portfolio efficiently.

Final Insights
Choosing the right mutual fund involves evaluating beyond NAVs. Focus on long-term potential, cost efficiency, and alignment with goals. SIPs, combined with expert advice, will help you achieve financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Pushpa

Pushpa R  |45 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Jan 21, 2025

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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