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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello Sir , I am 43 years of age with no liabilities . I have my own home and 3 land properties . I have liquidity of 2Cr, 30lacs in SCSS in my mother name quarterly payment out , 2 LIC policy (one in my name and another on my brother name), I have 3 ULIP smart privilege plan of 10 lacs each year paying, I have 5FD of 30 lakhs each year gets due which is of 1,2,3,4 and 5, I have a monthly expenditure of 1 Lakhs approx . What will be the best way save around 1 lacs above per month . Presently retire by 42 years . What will be the best way to grow the above much corpus and also your thoughts with way to invest?

Ans: You have a strong financial foundation. You own your home and three land properties, offering significant asset value. Your liquid assets total Rs. 2 crores, providing a substantial cash reserve. Additionally, you have Rs. 30 lakhs in the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) under your mother's name, which yields quarterly payments.

Your insurance portfolio includes two LIC policies, one under your name and another under your brother's. You also hold three ULIP smart privilege plans, each with an annual premium of Rs. 10 lakhs. Moreover, you have five fixed deposits (FDs) of Rs. 30 lakhs each, maturing annually over the next five years. Your monthly expenditure is Rs. 1 lakh, reflecting a comfortable lifestyle.

Your goal is to save an additional Rs. 1 lakh per month and grow your corpus while ensuring financial security for the future.

Assessing Current Investments
LIC Policies and ULIPs

While LIC policies provide insurance coverage, they may not offer optimal returns compared to other investment avenues. Similarly, ULIPs combine insurance and investment but often come with high charges and lower returns. Evaluating the performance and costs of these policies can help determine if they are worth retaining.

Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits are secure but offer relatively low returns. With inflation and taxes, the real returns on FDs may be minimal. Therefore, exploring higher-yield investments is advisable.

Suggested Investment Strategies
Shift from Traditional to Growth-Oriented Investments

To achieve higher returns, consider moving from traditional investments like FDs to mutual funds. This will help you beat inflation and grow your wealth significantly over time.

Mutual Funds: A Better Alternative
Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds

Actively managed funds can offer higher returns than index funds, as professional fund managers make strategic decisions to outperform the market. Although index funds are cost-effective, they often deliver average market returns. In contrast, actively managed funds, despite higher fees, can potentially generate superior returns through expert management.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Advantages Over Direct Funds

Investing in regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential provides several benefits. You get expert guidance on fund selection and portfolio management. Direct funds might save on fees but require extensive knowledge and time to manage effectively. With regular funds, you also receive personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk appetite.

Portfolio Diversification
Balanced Asset Allocation

A well-diversified portfolio minimizes risk and maximizes returns. Here’s a suggested asset allocation:

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate 60-70% of your portfolio to equity funds. Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and growth potential.

Debt Mutual Funds: Invest 20-30% in debt funds for stability and regular income. This can include short-term, medium-term, and long-term debt funds.

Gold: Allocate 5-10% to gold for diversification and as a hedge against inflation. You can invest through gold mutual funds or sovereign gold bonds.

Steps to Implement
1. Review and Rationalize Insurance Policies

Evaluate your LIC and ULIP policies. If they are not providing competitive returns, consider surrendering them and reinvesting the proceeds into high-growth mutual funds.

2. Redeploy Fixed Deposits

As each FD matures, reinvest the proceeds into a diversified portfolio of equity and debt mutual funds. This strategy will enhance your returns over time.

3. Utilize Liquid Funds

For short-term liquidity needs and an emergency fund, invest a portion of your Rs. 2 crore in liquid funds. They offer better returns than a savings account and are easily accessible.

4. Monthly Investment Plan

To save an additional Rs. 1 lakh per month, set up Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds. This disciplined approach helps in rupee cost averaging and capitalizing on market volatility.

Enhancing Your Retirement Corpus
Maximizing Growth

To grow your corpus effectively, consider the following:

Equity Exposure: Increase your exposure to equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Given your age and financial position, a higher equity allocation can significantly enhance your retirement corpus.

Professional Guidance: Regularly consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to review and adjust your investment strategy based on market conditions and personal goals.

Tax Efficiency
Invest Tax-Efficiently

Invest in tax-saving instruments like Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) under Section 80C. These funds not only provide tax benefits but also offer potential for high returns. Additionally, consider tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to minimize tax liabilities in retirement.

Financial Security
Insurance Coverage

Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. This protects your financial plan from unforeseen medical expenses and secures your family’s future in case of any eventuality.

Estate Planning
Ensuring Smooth Succession

Create a comprehensive estate plan, including a will and nomination for all your investments. This ensures a smooth transfer of assets to your heirs, minimizing legal complexities and disputes.

Regular Review and Adjustments
Stay Updated

Regularly review your investment portfolio and financial plan. Adjust your strategy based on changes in market conditions, personal circumstances, and financial goals. A proactive approach ensures you stay on track to achieve your financial objectives.


You have built a substantial asset base and a strong financial position. Your proactive approach to seeking financial advice is commendable. It shows your commitment to securing a prosperous future for yourself and your family.

Understanding your financial aspirations and challenges is essential. You have made significant progress, and with strategic adjustments, you can achieve your goals effectively.

Final Insights
You have a robust financial foundation with significant assets and liquidity. By shifting from traditional investments to high-growth mutual funds, you can enhance your returns and achieve your financial goals. Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure alignment with your objectives. Your dedication to financial planning is admirable, and with these strategies, you can secure a prosperous future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 34 years old working in PSU Bank. Present Status of Investment is NPS- ? 20 lacs FDs- ? 4 lacs PPF (9 Financial years completed) - ? 9 lacs SIP- ? 1.65 lacs (Mirae Asset Midcap- 5k, Canara Robeco Small Cap- 2k, Quant Small Cap- 2k, DSP Next 50 index- 1k) LIC- ? 20 lacs SI (Guaranteed Bonus for 8 years- ? 5.84 lacs) Term Insurance and Health Insurance policy taken. Major Liabilities include Fresh Housing Loan- ? 50 lacs Car loan outstanding - ? 8 lacs I want to retire early and want to create a purely liquid corpus of ? 5-7 Cr by the age of 45 . Request you to provide financial advise in this regard.
Ans: Understanding Your Financial Situation
Your dedication to financial planning is admirable. At 34, you have already made substantial investments and have a clear goal of early retirement. Your current investments include Rs 20 lakh in NPS, Rs 4 lakh in FDs, Rs 9 lakh in PPF, and Rs 1.65 lakh in SIPs. Additionally, you have Rs 20 lakh in LIC and significant term and health insurance coverage.

Evaluating Current Investments
Your investment portfolio shows a diverse mix of instruments. Each has its strengths and contributes to your financial security. Let's evaluate each component to ensure it aligns with your early retirement goal.

NPS Investments
Your Rs 20 lakh investment in NPS is a strong foundation. NPS offers a mix of equity and debt exposure, balancing growth and stability. However, it has a lock-in period until retirement, limiting liquidity.

To create a liquid corpus, consider diversifying into more liquid investments. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help optimize your NPS allocation to align with your retirement timeline.

Fixed Deposits (FDs)
FDs offer security and guaranteed returns, but they often yield lower returns compared to other investments. With Rs 4 lakh in FDs, you have a secure base. However, consider balancing this with higher-return investments to achieve your retirement goal.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your Rs 9 lakh in PPF is a wise choice for tax-free, long-term savings. PPF provides stable returns and is government-backed, ensuring safety. However, like NPS, it has a lock-in period, limiting liquidity.

To reach your goal, ensure other investments are more liquid. This strategy provides both growth and accessibility.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Your SIPs in mutual funds are a dynamic component of your portfolio. Investing Rs 1.65 lakh in various mutual funds shows your commitment to growth. Actively managed funds can offer better returns compared to index funds. Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions, optimizing performance.

Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios but require significant knowledge and time. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional management and better outcomes.

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
Your Rs 20 lakh in LIC provides a safety net for your family. However, traditional LIC policies often yield lower returns compared to other investments. Surrendering your LIC policy and reinvesting the premium amount in mutual funds can potentially yield higher returns. Mutual funds offer better growth prospects and flexibility, enhancing your financial goals. Consulting with a CFP will help you make an informed decision and optimize your investment strategy.

Managing Liabilities
Your fresh housing loan of Rs 50 lakh and car loan of Rs 8 lakh are major liabilities. Managing these loans effectively is crucial for your financial health.

Housing Loan
Housing loans typically have lower interest rates and tax benefits. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt first. Ensure your EMI payments are manageable and align with your income.

Car Loan
Car loans usually have higher interest rates. Consider paying off your car loan faster to reduce interest costs. This strategy frees up more funds for investment, helping you reach your retirement goal.

Creating a Liquid Corpus
To achieve a liquid corpus of Rs 5-7 crore by age 45, you need a strategic investment plan. Here are key steps:

Increase SIP Contributions
Increasing your SIP contributions can significantly boost your corpus. Regular, disciplined investments in mutual funds can yield substantial returns. Aim to increase your SIP amounts annually, aligning with income growth.

Diversify Investment Portfolio
Diversification spreads risk and enhances potential returns. Invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. Actively managed funds can provide better growth opportunities. Diversify across sectors and geographies for balanced growth.

Focus on High-Return Investments
Equity mutual funds and stocks offer higher returns but come with higher risk. Balance your portfolio with a mix of high-return and low-risk investments. This strategy optimizes growth while managing risk.

Regular Review and Adjustments
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your investment plan is crucial. Monitor your portfolio's performance and make necessary changes. Stay informed about market trends and economic conditions. Consulting a CFP ensures your plan remains effective and aligned with your goals.

Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund covering 6-12 months' expenses provides financial security. Ensure this fund is easily accessible and separate from your main investments. This strategy protects your savings from unexpected expenses.

Ensuring Adequate Insurance Coverage
Adequate health and life insurance coverage is crucial. Review your existing policies and consider additional coverage if needed. Insurance protects your savings from unforeseen medical and life events.

Planning for Inflation
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Plan for inflation by investing in instruments that provide inflation-adjusted returns. Actively managed funds and equity investments can offer higher returns to combat inflation.

Conclusion
Your disciplined saving and investment approach is commendable. Balancing fixed-income investments, mutual funds, and managing liabilities ensures stability and growth. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert guidance and optimization.

Regularly review and adjust your financial plan to stay on track. Building an emergency fund and ensuring adequate insurance coverage provide financial security. Your goal of a liquid corpus of Rs 5-7 crore by age 45 is achievable with a strategic, disciplined approach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1238 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 17, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 53 yrs. I want to retire @60 with a INR 2.00 Cr Corps. Currently I have following SIP Total SIP 30000/- PM Axis Bluechip Fund - Regular Plan - Growth HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Growth Plan Aditya Birla Sun Life Pure Value Fund - Growth Option Aditya Birla Sun Life Equity Advantage Fund - Regular Growth Sundaram Mid Cap Fund Regular Plan - Growth Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund -Regular Plan-Growth Franklin India Focused Equity Fund - Growth Plan Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund-Growth HDFC Top 100 Fund - Growth Option HDFC Multi Cap Fund - Growth Option I have MF Investment @ 26.00 Lakh Current Value is @ 52.00 Lakh. I have Savings of Rs. 10.00 Lakh, PPF Rs. 5.00 Lakh, Share investment Current Market Value around Rs. 20.00 Lakhs. I don't have any Loan. Insurance INR 1.50 Cr. up age of 70. Per month earning around Rs. 1.25 Lakh. I have a Investment in real estate which can give my INR 40.00 Lakh at current Market Price & Gold Investment of INR 20.00 Lakh which I think sufficient for my daughter Marriage. Current Monthly Expense INR 40-50 K. I am in a new tax regime, so discontinue my ELSS saving and PPF Saving. Suggest how i can increase my Corpus for retirement.
Ans: Hello;

You may top-up your monthly sip by 10% every year for 7 years. This will grow into a sum of around 0.51 Cr.

The MF corpus and direct equity holdings worth 0.72 Cr today will grow into a corpus of 1.59 Cr after 7 years.

Therefore you may achieve your intended corpus of 1.59+ 0.51=2.1 Cr, 7 years from now. A modest return of 12% is assumed from MF and direct equity holdings.

2-3 years before 60 you should start moving your gains from equity funds to liquid or ultra short duration debt funds to protect it against market volatility.

Also good health care insurance for yourself and your spouse.

RE property you may sell at a later date to boost your retirement income.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 19, 2025Hindi
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Money
I'm 44, i want to retire now. Having two own houses 1cr and 2 cr value which gives 80K per month rent and have one to stay. Having agricultural land giving 1 lakh per month income. No loans . One son studying engineering and have 20 L separately for his studies. Having LIC endomenr policy wirh 50 L return and four years term to to paid ,1L per year. Having 70 L cash. Having three fixed asset plots which im not getting any income as of now and may value 15L, 40L and 2 Cr. Having health insurance of 25 L.Now i want to invest 50 L for wealth creation for my son. Please suggest me how to invest. im thinking to dispose one of my fixed asset like house and invest . Please suggest how can i grow my wealth. I have ppf 40L amount , gold 200 grams as coins and 5kg silver as bars which i can consider for investment. My monthly expenses would be 50K. What way i can invest my remaining income
Ans: You have built a strong financial base. Your rental income, agricultural income, and existing assets give you financial security. Now, let's focus on wealth creation and investment strategies for your son and yourself.

Investment of Rs 50 Lakh for Your Son
Invest Rs 30 lakh in actively managed equity mutual funds. Choose funds based on long-term growth potential.

Allocate Rs 10 lakh in a mix of mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher returns.

Put Rs 5 lakh in debt funds for stability and liquidity.

Keep Rs 5 lakh in a liquid fund for emergencies related to his education.

What to Do with LIC Endowment Policy?
Endowment policies give low returns. They are not good for wealth creation.

Surrender the policy and reinvest the maturity amount in mutual funds.

Use part of this money for equity mutual funds and part for debt funds.

Should You Sell a Fixed Asset for Investment?
Selling the Rs 2 crore plot can give a large capital for investment.

Real estate lacks liquidity and does not generate income.

Invest the sale proceeds into a combination of equity mutual funds and debt funds.

Keep a portion in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) if you want real estate exposure.

Investing the Remaining Income
Your total passive income is Rs 1.8 lakh per month.

Expenses are Rs 50,000 per month.

You have a surplus of Rs 1.3 lakh per month.

Invest Rs 80,000 per month in SIP of actively managed mutual funds.

Keep Rs 50,000 in a debt fund or bank account for liquidity.

Managing PPF, Gold, and Silver
Your PPF balance of Rs 40 lakh is safe and tax-free. Let it grow.

Gold and silver are good for wealth preservation, but not wealth creation.

Convert part of your gold (Rs 10 lakh worth) into Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) for interest income.

Final Insights
Invest your wealth in actively managed mutual funds through an MFD with CFP credentials.

Sell one of your fixed assets to increase liquidity and investment returns.

Reinvest LIC policy maturity into high-growth investments.

SIP investments will help in consistent wealth growth.

Keep a mix of equity, debt, and gold bonds for a balanced portfolio.

Review your investments every year to align with financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8600 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2025
Money
Hello Sir I am 46 years age working in central govt my current salary is 88k in hand with nps corpus of 30 lacs .i have wasted about 15 years of job period in which my only investment was lic of amount 8 lacs which will mature on 2027. I have married lately in my 40s and now i have 3 years old son.i have tried to become disciplined now and in these 2020 to till date purchased gold ornaments of Rs 25 lacs. Sir i have a question whether i should go for UPS or stay in NPS and i have no other investments. I live in my ancestral house with my family. Please suggest.
Ans: You’ve shown real commitment by becoming disciplined in recent years.
Let’s now create a 360-degree plan to secure your financial future.

Your Current Financial Profile
Age: 46 years

Employment: Central Government

Monthly in-hand salary: Rs. 88,000

NPS corpus: Rs. 30 lakhs

LIC investment: Rs. 8 lakhs (matures in 2027)

Gold bought from 2020 till now: Rs. 25 lakhs

Owns ancestral home; no housing rent or EMI burden

Married late; has 3-year-old son

No other investments currently

You have built a strong NPS corpus.
You also have gold and an LIC policy.
But your asset allocation is unbalanced.
It needs more diversification for stability and growth.

Understanding NPS and the New UPS Option
Government employees now have the choice to move from NPS to UPS.
This switch is optional and available for a limited time.

Let’s compare them carefully before any decision.

NPS – National Pension System
Pension is based on market performance

No assured income in retirement

Allows investment choice in equity and debt

Gives tax benefits under multiple sections

Offers flexibility but comes with market risk

NPS is good for growth but lacks guaranteed pension.
Returns depend on fund performance.
Pension amount at retirement is not fixed.
You will need to buy annuity at the end.
But annuity returns are generally low.
Also, annuity income is taxable.

UPS – Unified Pension Scheme (New Option)
Offers guaranteed pension after retirement

Pension amount is fixed at 50% of average last salary

Needs at least 25 years of service

Government will contribute more than under NPS

Gives peace of mind with predictable income

UPS gives financial stability in retirement.
It is not linked to market returns.
But you lose the flexibility and market growth of NPS.
You also don’t have control over your retirement corpus.
It may fall short of inflation-adjusted needs.

Which is Better for You?
You are 46 now.
So, you may have already completed more than 20 years of service.
If your qualifying service is 25 years, you can choose UPS.

Choose UPS if:

You want assured income in retirement

You are uncomfortable with market risks

You don’t want to manage investments post-retirement

Stay with NPS if:

You want growth potential with flexibility

You are okay with variable pension income

You are willing to plan annuity and withdrawals

Since you are already in NPS with Rs. 30 lakh corpus,
you should weigh the impact of switching carefully.
You can’t reverse it once opted.
Compare estimated pension under UPS
with possible pension from NPS corpus.

About the LIC Policy
You mentioned LIC worth Rs. 8 lakhs maturing in 2027.
You didn’t specify if it is term or endowment.

If it is an endowment plan, returns will be very low.

Consider surrendering the policy post-maturity.
Reinvest the maturity amount into mutual funds
through a Certified Financial Planner and MFD.

Avoid mixing insurance and investment.

Over-Exposure to Gold: A Concern
You’ve accumulated Rs. 25 lakhs worth of gold.

That’s a very high allocation to a single asset.

Gold does not give regular income.
It doesn’t beat inflation in the long term.
Also, jewellery has making charges and low resale value.
Liquidity is also limited compared to financial assets.

You may retain some portion as family reserve.
But avoid fresh investment in gold.
Avoid considering gold as your core long-term asset.

Create an Emergency Fund
You have a dependent child and only one income.
Maintain an emergency fund of 6 months’ expenses.

Keep it in a liquid fund or savings account.
This will help during medical or job emergencies.

Plan for Child’s Education
Your son is only 3 years old.
You have 15 years before his higher education.

Start a SIP now for his future.
Use a diversified mutual fund with long-term potential.

As he grows, reduce equity exposure gradually.

Create a dedicated portfolio only for education.
Don’t mix it with other goals.

Start SIP in Mutual Funds for Growth
Mutual funds offer good diversification and professional management.
Avoid direct funds, especially if you lack expertise.

Regular funds with support of CFP and MFD
offer hand-holding, periodic review, and behavioural support.

Direct funds lack personal guidance.
You may end up choosing unsuitable schemes.

Investing through an MFD with CFP credential
brings strategy, discipline, and peace of mind.

Avoid index funds.
They just follow the market blindly.
They don’t protect during market fall.

Actively managed mutual funds are better.
They aim for alpha returns and are guided by research.

Retirement Planning Must Start Now
You have only around 14 years left before retirement.

Depending only on UPS/NPS will not be enough.

You need an additional retirement corpus
to handle inflation and rising medical costs.

Start a separate SIP only for retirement.

This will help supplement your pension.

If you retire at 60 and live till 85,
your retirement will last 25 years.

Plan well in advance to avoid dependence later.

Do a Monthly Budgeting Exercise
Your current in-hand salary is Rs. 88,000.
You can still start small SIPs with Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.

Track expenses.
Avoid unnecessary purchases.
Gold buying can be stopped.

Assign money towards education, retirement, and emergency fund.

Check for Existing Insurance
Check if you have life cover.
If not, take a pure term insurance plan.

This will secure your son’s future.
Also take family health insurance.

Medical bills can wipe out savings.

Do Not Depend on Physical Assets Only
Gold is not income-producing.
House is for living, not for income.

You need financial assets for retirement cash flows.

Create a financial asset base now
through mutual funds and NPS.

Final Insights
You have taken a step in the right direction.
Your gold assets and NPS corpus give a base.

But you need to balance and grow wisely.
Don’t depend only on government pension.
Start SIPs for retirement and child’s future.

Don’t lock money in low-return products.
Seek professional support for fund selection and goal tracking.

Make every rupee count from now on.
That’s how you can create financial freedom in retirement.

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

...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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