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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 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
Mitansh Question by Mitansh on May 06, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 42, working as an HR professional with a MNC Life Insurance company. Wife is into consulting. Our household income is around 2.2 Lacs and we have a corpus of 1.7 Cr. Stocks - 11L (All Bluechip) MF - 25L (Large, Mid, Small & Flexi caps) NPS - 5.5L PF/PPF - 55L FD - 78L We are also monthly investing as mentioned below: MF SIPs - 1Lacs PF/PPF - 52k Employer NPS - 7k Liabilities: Home Loan - 25k Monthly EMI Tenure Left - 5 years I would require 2Cr after 7 years as my 11 years daughter wants to do a professional course from a top international university. Would require 1 Cr after 15 years for her wedding. Most important, I would like to shift my career wherein our household income would be reduced to 1-1.5 Lacs per month. The same would be the monthly household expenses. I would like to generate 2.5 lacs monthly income after 18 years from now. Thanks & Regards Mitansh Sanawar

Ans: Hello Mitansh,

It's commendable to see your proactive approach towards planning for your family's future. Let's break down your financial goals and chart a roadmap to achieve them:

• Firstly, kudos on building a substantial corpus and maintaining a disciplined approach towards investments. Your diversified portfolio reflects prudent financial planning.

• Your short-term goal of accumulating 2 crores in 7 years for your daughter's education is achievable with your current investment capacity. Given your investment horizon, consider allocating a portion of your portfolio towards growth-oriented assets with higher potential returns.

• For your daughter's wedding expenses of 1 crore in 15 years, continue your systematic investment approach through SIPs and other avenues. With disciplined investing, you can accumulate the required corpus by the targeted timeframe.

• Transitioning to a career with a reduced household income is a significant decision. It's essential to reassess your financial plan and ensure it aligns with your future income expectations. Consider revising your monthly investments and expenses accordingly to maintain financial stability.

• Your long-term goal of generating 2.5 lakhs in monthly income after 18 years requires careful planning and strategic investment allocation. Explore avenues such as dividend-paying stocks, rental income from real estate (if suitable), and other passive income streams to supplement your retirement income.

• Additionally, review your existing investment portfolio periodically to rebalance and optimize returns. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to fine-tune your financial plan and address any potential gaps.

With a clear roadmap and disciplined execution, you can achieve your financial aspirations and provide for your family's future needs. Stay focused on your goals, and best wishes for a prosperous financial journey ahead!
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  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 28, 2024Hindi
Money
Hii Sir, Private bank employee,with a monthly salary of 1.10 lacs ,want to retire early at the age 45 , present age 36 yrs. Need monthly income of 2 lacs after retirement ,also need corpus of 2 cr for my daughter education and marriage ,daughter age is 3 yrs now. Investment details. Sip 17000 monthly since last 8 yrs with a total balance as on date is 23 lacs ,and in share market 1.5 lacs invested. Fixed deposit of 20 lacs and 21 lacs in Mis at bank from there I am getting 16 k monthly . In ppf investment 5 thousand monthly since last 3 yrs.total fund available 2.10 lacs. In lic Yearly 1.55 lacs investment since last 10 yrs . Rd of Rs 15000 monthly. Kindly suggest
Ans: Early Retirement Planning for a Private Bank Employee

Retiring early is an admirable and ambitious goal. It requires a well-thought-out strategy. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand your aspirations. Let's analyse your current financial situation and explore ways to achieve your goals.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Your current financial landscape includes various investments. You have SIPs, shares, fixed deposits, MIS, PPF, LIC, and recurring deposits.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Rs 17,000 monthly for the past 8 years, totalling Rs 23 lakhs.

Share Market: Rs 1.5 lakhs invested.

Fixed Deposits: Rs 20 lakhs.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS): Rs 21 lakhs, generating Rs 16,000 monthly.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 5,000 monthly for 3 years, totalling Rs 2.1 lakhs.

LIC Policies: Rs 1.55 lakhs yearly for the past 10 years.

Recurring Deposit (RD): Rs 15,000 monthly.

Understanding your financial assets helps in forming a comprehensive retirement strategy.

Evaluating Your Retirement and Future Goals
You plan to retire at 45, requiring Rs 2 lakhs monthly post-retirement. Additionally, you need a corpus of Rs 2 crores for your daughter's education and marriage.

Monthly Income Requirement:
Post-retirement, you need Rs 2 lakhs monthly. This will require a substantial corpus to generate that income without exhausting your funds.

Daughter’s Education and Marriage Corpus:
You need Rs 2 crores in 15 years for your daughter's education and marriage. This needs careful planning and investment.

Investment Analysis and Recommendations
Based on your goals, let's discuss the strengths and potential adjustments to your current investment strategy.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs are a disciplined way of investing. Your consistent investment of Rs 17,000 monthly over 8 years is commendable. However, consider increasing the SIP amount as your salary grows to enhance your corpus.

Share Market Investments
Investing in the share market can yield high returns but also carries risks. Diversifying your portfolio with a mix of blue-chip and growth stocks could be beneficial. It's important to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.

Fixed Deposits and MIS
Fixed deposits and MIS provide stability and regular income. However, they offer lower returns compared to other investment options. Consider reallocating a portion to higher-yielding investments for better growth.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a secure investment with tax benefits. Continue your monthly contributions, but also explore other tax-efficient options to complement this.

Life Insurance Policies (LIC)
LIC policies offer safety but often lower returns. Assess the performance of these policies. If they underperform, consider redirecting funds to more lucrative options.

Recurring Deposits (RD)
RDs offer moderate returns with low risk. They are good for short-term goals. For long-term growth, consider shifting some funds to equity mutual funds.

Strategic Financial Adjustments
To meet your early retirement and future goals, consider the following strategic adjustments:

Increase SIP Contributions:
Boost your SIP contributions regularly. This leverages the power of compounding, enhancing your corpus significantly over time.

Diversify Investments:
Diversify across asset classes. This spreads risk and can improve returns. Balance your portfolio with equity, debt, and alternative investments.

Active Fund Management:
While index funds have their place, actively managed funds can outperform in dynamic markets. They provide the potential for higher returns through professional fund management.

Professional Guidance:
Consult a Certified Financial Planner. They provide tailored advice, helping you navigate complex financial decisions and optimise your investment strategy.

Planning for Post-Retirement Income
To generate Rs 2 lakhs monthly post-retirement, consider the following:

Annuity Products:
Avoid these due to low returns. Instead, focus on investments that provide better growth and regular income.

Mutual Funds and SWPs:
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds can provide regular income. They offer flexibility and potential for capital appreciation.

Equity and Debt Allocation:
Maintain a balanced allocation between equity and debt. This ensures stability while providing growth potential.

Planning for Daughter’s Education and Marriage
Achieving a Rs 2 crore corpus in 15 years requires disciplined investing. Here’s a plan:

Dedicated Investment Plan:
Create a dedicated investment plan for your daughter’s future needs. This can include a mix of equity and debt funds tailored for long-term growth.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments:
Regularly review your investments. Adjust as needed based on market conditions and performance.

Leverage Tax Benefits:
Utilise tax-efficient investments to maximise returns. This helps in growing your corpus without eroding gains through taxes.

Summary and Next Steps
Achieving early retirement and securing your daughter’s future is challenging but attainable with strategic planning. Increase your SIP contributions, diversify investments, and consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice.

Your commitment to your financial goals is impressive. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve financial freedom and secure your family’s future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, Me and my wife are both 35 years old. We earn a total of Rs. 3.50L per month. We have a house loan of 15L for which we pay an emi of 15k per month. We both also have ppf accounts with combined amount of 7L and starting july 2024 will be investing 12500 rs in each account. We also have lum-sum mf deposited of Rs. 2L and 3L each (a year back). Currently have a combined SIP of 10000 monthly in equity + debt. We have 2 properties for one receives rental of Rs. 12500 per month and other one we stay. We also have FD of around 20L and have a seperate amount of Rs. 5L kept as emergency fund. Also we have NPS account and per year we invest Rs. 50000 each in our accounts. We have a Term plans for both of us at 1-1cr each. Our company PF balnce combined to be around 25L. We have a 6 year old son. We wish to retire by age of 50 years, with a handsome amount which can generate an income of 1.5-2L. Please help us how can we work towards achieving this goal.
Ans: First, I want to commend you and your wife for being financially proactive and disciplined. Your combined monthly income of Rs. 3.50 lakhs and structured investments show a solid foundation. Your goal to retire by 50 with an income of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per month is achievable with strategic planning. Let’s explore how you can optimize your current finances to reach this goal.

Current Financial Snapshot
House Loan:

Outstanding loan: Rs. 15 lakhs
EMI: Rs. 15,000 per month
PPF Accounts:

Combined balance: Rs. 7 lakhs
Monthly investment from July 2024: Rs. 12,500 each (total Rs. 25,000)
Mutual Funds:

Lump sum: Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs
Monthly SIP: Rs. 10,000 in equity and debt
Properties:

One rental property generating Rs. 12,500 per month
Primary residence
Fixed Deposits:

Total: Rs. 20 lakhs
Emergency Fund:

Total: Rs. 5 lakhs
NPS Accounts:

Annual contribution: Rs. 50,000 each (total Rs. 1 lakh)
Term Insurance:

Sum assured: Rs. 1 crore each
Provident Fund:

Combined balance: Rs. 25 lakhs
With this strong financial base, let’s assess how to align your assets and investments towards your retirement goal.

Setting Clear Retirement Goals
Your goal is to retire at 50, with a steady monthly income of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs. To achieve this, we need to:

Estimate Retirement Corpus:

We need to calculate how much you’ll need to generate Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per month, considering inflation and longevity.
Optimize Current Investments:

Evaluate and adjust your current investments for growth and stability.
Increase Investment Contributions:

Plan to increase your savings and investments to meet the desired retirement corpus.
Estimating Your Retirement Corpus
Assuming you need Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per month in today’s terms, we must account for inflation. Typically, a 6-7% annual inflation rate is reasonable for long-term planning.

Inflation-Adjusted Income:

Rs. 1.5 lakhs today will be much higher in 15 years due to inflation. For example, at 6% inflation, Rs. 1.5 lakhs will be around Rs. 3.6 lakhs in 15 years.
Corpus Calculation:

To generate Rs. 3.6 lakhs per month, you need a substantial retirement corpus. Typically, using a safe withdrawal rate of 4-5%, you’ll need a corpus of approximately Rs. 9-10 crores.
Optimizing Your Current Investments
To build this corpus, let’s review and optimize your existing investments and strategies.

Paying Off the Home Loan
Low-Interest Priority:

Your home loan of Rs. 15 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 15,000 is manageable. If the interest rate is low, continue paying the EMI. Use surplus funds for higher growth investments rather than prepaying the loan.
Focus on Higher Returns:

Redirecting extra money towards investments with higher returns than your loan’s interest rate can be more beneficial.
Leveraging PPF Accounts
Consistent Contributions:

You plan to invest Rs. 25,000 per month in PPF. This provides safe, tax-free returns, which is great for a portion of your portfolio. Continue these contributions for stability and security.
Long-Term Growth:

PPF’s tax-free nature and stable returns make it a strong long-term investment. It’s perfect for balancing your riskier investments.
Enhancing Mutual Fund Investments
Review Lump Sum Investments:

Your Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs in mutual funds need reviewing. Ensure these funds are aligned with your risk tolerance and goals. Prefer funds with a good track record of consistent returns.
Increase SIPs:

You currently invest Rs. 10,000 monthly in SIPs. To meet your retirement goals, consider increasing your SIPs gradually. Target Rs. 20,000-30,000 monthly as your income allows.
Focus on Growth:

Prioritize equity mutual funds for higher returns, balanced with some debt funds for stability. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, providing better growth potential.
Fixed Deposits and Emergency Fund
Emergency Fund:

Your Rs. 5 lakhs emergency fund is excellent. It’s crucial to keep this liquid and accessible. This provides security and peace of mind.
Reassess Fixed Deposits:

With Rs. 20 lakhs in FDs, you have stability, but returns may be lower. Consider reallocating a portion to higher-yielding investments, keeping some for short-term needs and safety.
NPS Contributions
Tax Benefits:

Your annual Rs. 50,000 each in NPS is beneficial for tax savings and retirement planning. Continue these contributions for long-term retirement benefits.
Growth Potential:

NPS offers good growth with a mix of equity and debt. It’s a great supplement to your retirement corpus, providing steady growth and tax benefits.
Investment Strategy to Achieve Retirement Goals
To retire comfortably by 50, focus on growing your wealth while managing risks. Here’s a strategic plan:

Maximize Equity Exposure:

At your age, focus on equity investments for higher growth. Increase your SIPs in equity mutual funds and ensure a diversified portfolio.
Rebalance Periodically:

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals. Adjust allocations based on market conditions and your risk tolerance.
Leverage Professional Management:

Actively managed funds can provide higher returns through expert stock selection and management. Consider funds with good track records and professional managers.
Increase Contributions Over Time:

As your income grows, gradually increase your SIPs and other investments. Aim to invest a larger portion of your salary towards your retirement corpus.
Utilize Tax-Efficient Investments:

Maximize contributions to PPF and NPS for tax savings. Also, consider tax-efficient mutual funds and equity investments.
Diversify Across Asset Classes:

Balance your portfolio with a mix of equities, debt, and safe instruments like PPF and FDs. Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns.
Managing Risks and Ensuring Stability
Risk management is crucial in your journey towards early retirement. Here’s how you can mitigate risks while pursuing your goals:

Adequate Insurance Coverage:

Your term plans of Rs. 1 crore each provide a safety net for your family. Ensure you have adequate health insurance to cover medical emergencies.
Emergency Fund Maintenance:

Keep your Rs. 5 lakhs emergency fund intact. This protects against unexpected expenses without disturbing your investments.
Regular Financial Check-Ups:

Periodically review your financial plan and investments. This helps in adapting to changing circumstances and staying on track.
Plan for Inflation:

Consider the impact of inflation on your retirement needs. Ensure your investments grow faster than inflation to maintain purchasing power.
Building a Sustainable Retirement Plan
Creating a sustainable retirement plan involves both growing your corpus and planning for a stable income post-retirement. Here’s how:

Target a Diversified Corpus:

Aim for a retirement corpus that includes a mix of equity, debt, and fixed-income investments. This provides growth and stability.
Consider Systematic Withdrawal Plans:

Post-retirement, consider using Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds to generate a steady income. This allows you to withdraw money systematically while keeping your capital invested and growing.
Explore Annuity Options:

Though not the focus, evaluate annuities for a portion of your retirement corpus for guaranteed income. They provide stability and reduce the risk of outliving your savings.
Maintain a Balance Between Safety and Growth:

As you approach retirement, gradually shift to safer investments to protect your corpus while keeping some exposure to growth assets.
Final Insights
Your goal to retire at 50 with a monthly income of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs is ambitious but achievable. Here’s a summary of how to work towards it:

Focus on Equity for Growth:

Increase your equity investments through SIPs and lump-sum mutual fund investments. This provides the growth needed to build a large corpus.
Maintain Diversification and Stability:

Balance your portfolio with PPF, FDs, and NPS for stability and tax benefits. Keep your emergency fund intact for security.
Increase Investments Over Time:

Gradually increase your investment contributions as your income grows. This accelerates your wealth-building process.
Leverage Professional Management:

Utilize actively managed mutual funds and the expertise of Certified Financial Planners. They help in optimizing your investments and staying on track.
Regularly Review and Rebalance:

Periodically review your financial plan and investments. Rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
Starting early and maintaining a disciplined approach will lead you to a comfortable and financially secure retirement at 50. Your proactive steps today will pave the way for a fulfilling and worry-free future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Samraat Jadhav  |2503 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 17, 2024

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Sunil Lala  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, Me and My wife earn earn 2 lacs per month after taxes (Both Salaried). Im 34 and she is 31. We have a 1 Year old son. Current investments are as follows. MF: 2 Lacs (Sip 25k per month. PPFAS: 10K, ICICI Prud Large Cap Direct: 3k, Motilal Oswal midcap: 2k, LIC MF Gold ETF: 5K, Nippon inida Small cap: 5k) FD: 4 Lacs EPF: 7 Lacs PPF: 1.5 LPA (Started in april this year 12500 per month) Expenses ( 50 k per month) Liabilities. Home loan: 40 months remaining 35k EMI. We wish to achieve following goals. 1. 60Lacs in next 16 years for childs education. 2. 60Lacs in next 10 years for new home. 3. 2Cr in next 20 years for retirement. Please suggest suitable plan and investment change if any to achieve above goals.
Ans: Hello, to achieve 1.2Cr in the next 10 years, you need to have SIPs worth 50k today which will yield a CAGR of 15% to achieve the target. Another 20k SIP to achieve the 2Cr retirement target, which totals to 70k SIPs starting today. Your financials look very stable with the income you'll have, but the investment decisions w.r.t the mutual funds, the PPF and EPF are wrong since they will not yield optimum returns in the long run. As far as tax planning and safety is concerned, there are other better avenues to put your money which will be more effecient than your current decisions. Also, as far as your mutual funds are concerned, these look very "safe" and selection looks a lot based on past returns.
I would love to help you and have a detailed conversation with you for better, apt advice for you; please visit the website slwealthsolutions.com if you are interested.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello GURU My new Salary is Rs. 1.2 Lacs a month and my age is 45 As on date below is the earning utilization: Rs. 30k monthly investment in MF from last 6 years and now increased to 50k from August 2025. Rs. 50k monthly household and other expenses including college and school fees of my Daughter and Son respectively. Rs. 10k monthly savings for Daughter's SSY. Rs. 10k monthly savings for Yearly expenses including Residential Society Maintenance + 15L Health Insurance + Term Insurance + Car Insurance + Car Service, etc Rs. 10k monthly savings for ad-hoc, Vacation, Festivals, etc As on date below is the Financial status: FD for Emergency 3.5 Lacs Gold 5 Lacs with no more future purchase EPF nearly 22 Lacs MF nearly 27 lacs SSY nearly 12 Lacs and pending to invest for next 4 more years as the account will reach 14 years of investment target. Following expenses that would be nearly TRUE numbers and of course inflation adjusted for the target date: a. 12 Lacs for Daughter's 4 year Degree starting May/Jun 2027, I am planning to pay via MF corpus (year on year) b. School Fees can be covered via 50k monthly household. c. 18 Lacs for Son's 4 year Degree starting May/Jun 2033, I am planning to pay via MF corpus (year on year) d. Daughter's marriage to be covered by SSY. e. Son's marriage corpus planning is yet to be done but not my priority today. Analyzing above data: QUESTION 1 - Can you please guide me about how best the available funds can be utilized by end of 2038 at my retirement, so that all above expenses are covered time to time and I have retirement fund that I can enjoy for my remaining life. I will be happy if you can share some plan (I know SWP but how to best utilize it and save the tax too) ? QUESTION 2 - Can you please guide me about how best the available funds can be utilized if I decide to retire by 2032. Here I know that the expenses have to be cut down upto some limit and HOW to plan those? QUESTION 3 - Can you please guide me about how best the available funds can be utilized if I decide to stop working by end of 2027. Here I know that the expenses have to be cut down drastically and HOW to plan those ?
Ans: You’ve built a strong foundation, managed disciplined savings, and thoughtfully considered your family’s needs. That shows intent and preparedness—both powerful assets for your future.

Let’s break down your goals and craft a truly 360-degree plan that works for today, tomorrow, and beyond. I’ll address your three scenarios in detail, with clear guidance on using SWP, tax efficiency, and adjustments.

» Your Current Financial Profile at Age 45

– Salary: Rs. 1.2?lakh/month
– SIP in mutual funds: Rs.?50,000/month (increased recently)
– Household and education expenses: Rs.?50,000/month
– Savings for daughter’s SSY: Rs.?10,000/month
– Savings for annual expenses (maintenance, insurances): Rs.?10,000/month
– Savings for ad?hoc needs: Rs.?10,000/month

Assets
– Emergency FD: Rs.?3.5?lakh
– Gold: Rs.?5?lakh (no more purchases)
– EPF: Rs.?22?lakh
– Mutual Funds: Rs.?27?lakh
– SSY: Rs.?12?lakh (to run till full term)

Future Expenses (inflation-adjusted)
a. Daughter’s 4?year degree starting mid?2027: Rs.?12?lakh
b. Son’s 4?year degree starting mid?2033: Rs.?18?lakh
c. Daughter’s marriage: to be covered by SSY corpus
d. Son’s marriage: not a priority now

Your aim is to ensure coverage for these goals while having a retirement corpus for yourself by 2038, or earlier if desired.

Scenario 1: Retire by End of 2038 (Age 58–59)

Goal: Cover education costs for both children, celebrate your daughter’s marriage, and end with a retirement fund for your life ahead.

Step 1 – Emergency Fund
– Increase your emergency reserve to cover 6–12 months of expenses.
– Keep this in liquid funds or sweep-in FD for ready access.

Step 2 – Capital Needed for Children’s Education
– You need Rs.?12?lakh by 2027 and Rs.?18?lakh by 2033.
– Use mutual fund investments strategically in funds aligned to time frames.

Step 3 – Build a Goal-Based Investment Strategy
– Continue your SIP of Rs.?50k/month in actively managed equity and hybrid funds.
– Allocate part of MF corpus for short?term goals (daughter’s education), medium?term (son’s education), and long?term (retirement).
– For short?term (3–5 years): Use conservative hybrid funds or debt-oriented funds.
– For medium-term (8 years): Use balanced advantage or flexible hybrid funds.
– For retirement corpus (13+ years): Use aggressive hybrid or large?&?mid cap equity funds.

Step 4 – Use SWP to Cover Education Costs
– When daughter’s degree cost arises in 2027, begin an SWP from the relevant corpus portion.
– Doorstep logic: Keep capital intact while withdrawing required tuition yearly.
– For son’s degree in 2033, do the same with his corpus slice.

Step 5 – Retirement Corpus Build-Up
– Continue SIPs and invest additional surplus in equity and hybrid funds.
– Grow retirement corpus with long?term compounding.
– Use EPF, MF, and other savings to augment this corpus.

Step 6 – Efficient SWP for Retirement Income
– At retirement, convert your accumulated retirement corpus into a hybrid fund basket.
– Use SWP to generate monthly income, say Rs.?40k–50k/month (or as needed).
– SWP helps in tax efficiency: equity-based SWP gives LTCG exemption on small gains, and you withdraw gradually to stay in lower tax slabs.

Draft Allocation Strategy
– Emergency Fund: Rs.?5–8?lakh
– Daughter’s degree fund: Invest now in conservative hybrid till 2027
– Son’s degree fund: Invest in balanced category till 2033
– Retirement corpus: Remaining funds into aggressive hybrid or equity funds

Annual Steps
– Review corpus and adjust SWP start dates
– Step?up SIP amounts as income grows
– Rebalance asset allocation once a year

This strategy ensures educational obligations are met, while retirement corpus continues growing.

Scenario 2: Retire by End of 2032 (Age 52)

Goal: You must stop working early, reduce lifestyle costs, but still meet children’s education and retirement needs with available corpus.

Step A – Calculate Required Monthly Income Post?Retirement
– Estimate your essential monthly expenses after cutting down non?essentials. Let’s assume Rs.?80k/month.

Step B – Allocate for Short?Term Goals
– Daughter’s degree starts in 2027 (2 years away): move MF amount into ultra short or conservative hybrid.
– Son’s degree arises in 2033: continues same plan as earlier.

Step C – Reduce Monthly Cost and Redirect Savings
– Consider reducing discretionary spending (ad?hoc, vacations, etc.). Redirect savings into retirement corpus.
– Possibly pause SSY contributions and use that for retirement.

Step D – Retirement Corpus Estimation and SWP
– With early retirement, your working years are limited. Increasing SIP or lumpsum from sale of assets (if available) becomes important.
– Use SWP from accumulated corpus to meet expenses.
– Tailor SWP to withdraw what is necessary while protecting capital.

Step E – Aggressive Reallocation
– You have less time; your retirement investment needs greater equity exposure despite increased risk.
– Mix allocation: larger share to equity?oriented funds and small portion in conservative funds for stability.

Step F – Regular Reviews and Expense Control
– Your lifestyle budget must be trimmed and fixed.
– Each year, track inflation and adjust withdrawal and reserve accordingly.

Early retirement tightens the plan, but disciplined investment and clear expense control can still make it feasible.

Scenario 3: Stop Working by End of 2027 (Age 47)

Goal: Retire extremely early; living cost must be drastically reduced. Immediate focus on income needs and education funding.

Immediate Actions
– Cut discretionary costs drastically: reduce savings for vacations, festivals.
– Redirect all possible surplus into retirement and education funds now.
– Max out EPF, consider increasing income via freelancing or part?time projects.

Education Goals Handling
– Daughter’s degree starts soon; move relevant funds into high?liquidity, low?risk instruments.
– Son’s degree in 2033: follow balanced investment route but begin contributing more aggressively now.

Retirement Corpus Building
– You have only a few years of active savings left.
– Begin heavy SIPs into equity/hybrid funds while working.
– Consider liquidating some assets (like gold or low?return FDs) to boost corpus.

Use SWP Carefully
– At retirement, select a conservative hybrid plus equity mix to allow sustainable SWP.
– Withdrawal rate must be conservative (say 4% annually) to avoid early depletion.

Tax Efficiency
– SWP from equity-based funds spreads capital gains, often within tax?free thresholds; helps minimise tax bite.
– Plan corpus liquidation and SWP in a way that your LTCG stays under Rs. 1.25?lakh annually, if possible.

Lifestyle Adjustment Critical
– With early retirement, you must commit to a minimal but sustainable lifestyle.
– Post?retirement, reevaluate every year and adjust SWP or expenses as needed.

It’s a tighter path, but with serious discipline and alignment, it can still work.

Comparative Snapshot
Scenario Retirement Year Withdrawal Strategy Key Focus
1 2038 SWP from Hybrid / Aggressive Funds Balanced contributions, step-ups, comfort
2 2032 SWP from a more equity focus Cost cutting, aggressive savings
3 2027 SWP from conservative blend Lifestyle capping, urgent fund build
General Guidelines Applicable Across All Scenarios

– Emergency Fund: Prioritise 6–12 months saved in liquid/semi-liquid instruments.
– Goal-Based Allocation: Divide MF investments into goal-time buckets (2–4 yrs, 6–8 yrs, 10+ yrs).
– SWP Mechanism: Use it for structured withdrawal, capital preservation, and tax efficiency.
– Active Funds Over Index: Rely on actively managed funds—they help manage risk and adapt through markets.
– Regular Plans, Not Direct: You need guidance, structure, and emotional support. Regular funds via MFD with CFP give that.
– Annual Review: Reassess your goals, expenses, and allocations every year. Adjust SIP step-ups and SWP accordingly.
– Avoid Annuities: They lock your money with poor flexibility. SWP gives better control.
– Avoid Real Estate Investment: It adds complexity and illiquidity. Stick to financial assets.
– Tax Planning: SWP helps smooth capital gains; plan withdrawals to manage LTCG under Rs. 1.25?lakh if possible.

Final Insights

Your well?structured savings and disciplined MF investment already give you an edge. Scenario 1 (retire by 2038) is the most balanced and realistic path. It allows you to meet all goals with structured planning and less lifestyle sacrifice.

If you prefer Scenario 2 or 3, they demand aggressive savings, cost discipline, and disciplined withdrawals—still possible, but more demanding.

Key is to use SWP strategically across goal timelines, keep costs and taxes low, and review annually with professional guidance. Avoid passive index products, insurance-linked investments, and real estate. Focus on building a sustainable, secure future step by step.

Thank you for trusting me with your planning. With patience, discipline, and clarity, you can reach your retirement goals confidently.

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

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

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

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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