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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 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 07, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir, I am 43 years old and a Govt. employee. I need to plan for my children's future and my retired life too as I am not under OPS but under NPS. Cash-in-hand salary after all deductions is 40k. Following are my investments: 1) PPF 37 lacs, 1.50lacs yearly contribution. 2) SSA 14 lacs, 1.50lacs yearly contribution. 3) PF 27 lacs, 32K monthly contribution managed by my employer. 4) NPS 26 lacs, 25K monthly contribution both managed by my employer. 5) A house through Home loan which I will repay by 60. 6) MF Portfolio: 26 lacs against investment of 10lacs in following funds: Nippon India Tax Saver, Nippon India Small Cap, HSBC Infrastructure Fund, HDFC Midcap Opportunities, DSP NRNE, HSBC Midcap, ABSL Focused, Mirae Asset Large Cap, SBI Bluechip, SBI Balanced Advantage, Tata Smallcap, Baroda BNP Paribas Smallcap, Quant Active, Axis Smallcap, SBI Contra, SBI Automotive Opportunities I am investing in above 16 funds through 1000 monthly SIP and plan it to continue till 60. Thereafter I am planning to start SWP with the available corpus at that time. Kindly advise especially about my MF portfolio allocation and my planning for retirement whether I am proceeding in the right direction or do I need to make some changes. Your advice would be beneficial to me. Thanks in advance.

Ans: Planning for your children's future and your retirement is wise. With your current investments, you're on the right path but let’s refine your strategy for better results. Here’s a detailed analysis and suggestions.

Current Investments Analysis
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your PPF is robust with Rs 37 lacs and an annual contribution of Rs 1.5 lacs. This is a safe and tax-efficient investment, but it’s important to balance safety with growth.

PPF gives guaranteed returns, but they are moderate. It’s a great tool for safety and long-term growth.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA)
SSA is an excellent choice for your daughter’s future. With Rs 14 lacs and an annual contribution of Rs 1.5 lacs, it’s a solid investment for her education and marriage expenses. Like PPF, it offers safety and decent returns.

Provident Fund (PF)
Your PF balance is Rs 27 lacs with a monthly contribution of Rs 32k. This is a great safety net for retirement. PF offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a good retirement savings tool, providing market-linked returns. Your NPS balance is Rs 26 lacs with a monthly contribution of Rs 25k. It’s flexible and offers better returns over time.

Home Loan
Having a house is a good asset, and repaying your home loan by 60 is a prudent goal. Owning a home gives financial stability in retirement.

Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your mutual fund (MF) portfolio is Rs 26 lacs against an investment of Rs 10 lacs. Investing in 16 different funds through monthly SIPs of Rs 1,000 each is commendable but needs refinement for better performance.

Refining Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Reduce the Number of Funds
Investing in too many funds dilutes potential gains. Consider consolidating your portfolio. Focus on a balanced mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Active vs. Passive Management
Actively managed funds, like the ones you have, are good as fund managers can adapt to market changes. They aim to outperform the benchmark.

Suggested Fund Categories
Large-Cap Funds
These invest in well-established companies with stable returns. They provide steady growth and lower risk.

Mid-Cap Funds
These invest in medium-sized companies with growth potential. They offer higher returns but with higher risk.

Small-Cap Funds
These target small companies with high growth potential. They are risky but can offer significant returns.

Balanced Advantage Funds
These dynamically manage asset allocation between equity and debt. They provide stability and growth.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by experts who make informed decisions on your behalf.

Diversification
Investing in mutual funds allows diversification, reducing risk and enhancing potential returns.

Liquidity
Mutual funds are relatively liquid. You can redeem your investment anytime.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIPs help in disciplined investing, averaging out costs and reducing market timing risk.

Compounding
Mutual funds benefit from the power of compounding, significantly growing your investment over time.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Flexibility
Index funds strictly follow the index, offering no flexibility in changing market conditions.

Average Returns
Index funds aim to match the index returns, which are average and not always the best.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Potential to Outperform
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the index, providing higher returns.

Flexibility
Fund managers can make strategic decisions based on market conditions.

Evaluating Your Current Strategy
Monthly Contributions
You’re investing Rs 1000 per month in 16 funds, totaling Rs 16,000 monthly. This is a good strategy but can be optimized by focusing on fewer, high-performing funds.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Starting an SWP after 60 is a smart move. It provides regular income and keeps your investment growing.

Optimizing Your Investments
Focus on Quality Funds
Choose funds with a consistent track record. Look for those with good ratings and past performance.

Monitor and Review
Regularly review your portfolio. Make changes if necessary to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Risk Management
Ensure your portfolio matches your risk appetite. Diversify to balance risk and returns.

Long-Term Goals
Children's Education and Marriage
Your SSA is a great start. Consider additional investments in mutual funds for higher returns to cover inflation-adjusted expenses.

Retirement Planning
Your PF, NPS, and PPF are solid foundations. Enhance your retirement corpus with balanced mutual funds for growth.

Additional Suggestions
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. It ensures financial stability in unforeseen circumstances.

Health Insurance
Ensure adequate health insurance for your family. It prevents dipping into savings during medical emergencies.

Tax Planning
Maximize tax-saving investments under Section 80C and other applicable sections. It optimizes your post-tax returns.

Final Insights
Your current investments show a well-planned approach towards securing your future and your children’s. With a few refinements in your mutual fund portfolio and regular monitoring, you can enhance your returns and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Stay focused on your long-term objectives. Continue your disciplined investment approach, and you will see substantial growth in your wealth over time.

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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Below is my portfolio. Would highly appreciate if you can suggest if it is good or any changes required? Total current investment in SIP is Rs 12,000 (Which now I want to make it Rs 15K) kindly advise a good additional SIP for investing 3K monthly. Also let me know if the MF in lump sum are good? Or any changes required. I am now 45 years of age and my total savings as of date is Rs 13 Lacs only. Kindly advise how much more investment would I have to make to collect a good amount for my son's education and retirement - I have 2 son's aged 12 and 8. My current salary is Rs 1.5 Lacs and wife is also working with a salary of 30 K. Also I keep breaking SIP and lumpsum in between for emergency use. Let me know if that will affect my long terms plans of collecting funds SIPs: NAME OF MUTUAL FUND AMT INVESTED PER MONTH - (LONG TERM) Axis Focused 25 - Growth - RS - 2,OOO /- ICICI Prudential Focused Equity - Growth RS - 2,OOO /- HDFC Top 100 - Growth RS - 2,OOO /- Kotak Standard Multicap Fund - Growth RS - 2,OOO /- L&T Midcap - Growth RS - 2,OOO /- Motilal Oswal Multicap 35 - Growth RS - 2,OOO /- LUMPSUM NAME OF MUTUAL FUND AMT INVESTED LUMPSUM - (LONG TERM) DSP Focus - Growth RS - 1 LAC (INVESTED IN APRIL 2016) ICICI Pru Long Term Eq Fund ( Tax Sav) - Growth RS - 1 LAC (INVESTED IN APRIL 2016) Kotak Bluechip Fund - Growth RS - 1 LAC (INVESTED IN APRIL 2016) Nippon India DYNAMIC BOND FUND - Growth Plan RS - 1 LAC (INVESTED IN APRIL 2016) Mirae Asset Focused Fund - Growth RS - 50K (INVESTED IN AUG 2019) Mirae Asset Midcap Fund - Growth RS - 25K (INVESTED IN AUG 2019)
Ans: Prudent approach is to have the family covered for medical and life with pure insurance product.

Post that, create a corpus for emergency fund that should be 6 month of monthly expenses.

Only post that investment is recommended.

Depending upon your cash flows, mode of investment can be SIPs or lumpsums; however, SIPs are recommended.

Existing funds are okay; for further investment Axis ESG Equity Fund – Growth or UTI Flexi Cap fund – Growth can be considered

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am 53 years, planned for retirement after 3 years. Have MF investment about 50 lacs, FDs about 50 Lacs, will accumulate 50 lacs in the coming three years through investment in MF. My monthly expenditure is Rs 65,000. How can I plan with the above corpus for my retirement so as get monthly payout? Whether to go for SWP - Balanced advantage funds or SWP- Debt funds for my monthly income? Is this correct plan? I will be needing 75,000 per month after my retirement. How much tax will I have to pay on 75,000 per month? Will there be any exit load while changing to SWP? What should be my investment strategy?
Ans: It's great to see that you've already started planning for your retirement and have a diversified investment portfolio. You're taking the right steps towards securing your financial future.

Given your situation, it's essential to ensure that your investments align with your retirement income needs. SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) can indeed be a useful tool to generate a regular income from your mutual fund investments.

Balanced advantage funds and debt funds both have their merits. Balanced advantage funds dynamically manage their equity exposure based on market conditions, offering potential for growth while managing risk. Debt funds, on the other hand, provide stability and regular income with lower risk.

Your plan to accumulate an additional 50 lakhs in MF over the next three years is commendable. It adds to your retirement corpus and potentially increases your income-generating capacity.

To meet your monthly expenditure of Rs. 65,000 during retirement, you'll need to generate a monthly payout of Rs. 75,000, considering inflation and unforeseen expenses.

Regarding taxation, withdrawals from debt funds attract taxation based on the holding period and are subject to indexation benefits. As for balanced advantage funds, equity taxation rules apply if the holding period exceeds one year. It's advisable to consult with a tax advisor for personalized guidance.

Exit loads might apply when switching to SWP, depending on the mutual fund's terms and conditions. Ensure you're aware of any applicable charges before making the switch.

Your investment strategy should focus on a balanced approach, considering your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Diversification across asset classes and regular reviews of your portfolio are crucial for long-term success.

Overall, your plan seems well thought out, but it's essential to review and adjust it periodically to adapt to changing market conditions and personal circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 26, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am 53 years, planned for retirement in 3 years. Have MF investment about 80 lacs, FDs about 20 Lacs, will invest 50 lacs in the coming three years through investment in MF. I don’t have any loan, living in my own home. My monthly expenditure is Rs 65,000. How can I plan with the above corpus for my retirement so as get monthly payout? Whether to go for SWP - Balanced advantage funds or SWP- Debt funds for my monthly income? Is this correct plan? I will be needing 75,000 per month after my retirement. How much tax will I have to pay on 75,000 per month? Will there be any exit load while changing to S WP? What should be my investment strategy?
Ans: At 53, with retirement just three years away, you have a well-rounded financial foundation. Your assets include mutual funds (MFs) worth Rs 80 lakhs and fixed deposits (FDs) totaling Rs 20 lakhs. Additionally, you plan to invest Rs 50 lakhs in mutual funds over the next three years. Your monthly expenditure is Rs 65,000, and you anticipate needing Rs 75,000 per month post-retirement.

Let’s evaluate your retirement plan to ensure it provides the desired financial security and stability.

Monthly Income Needs After Retirement
Your monthly requirement of Rs 75,000 post-retirement translates to Rs 9 lakhs per year. Ensuring a steady and reliable income flow to meet these expenses is crucial. The focus should be on generating a regular income with minimal risk while considering tax efficiency.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) Evaluation
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments at regular intervals. You are considering SWPs from either Balanced Advantage Funds or Debt Funds. Let's assess both options:

Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They offer a mix of growth potential and risk management. However, equity exposure introduces volatility, which might not be ideal for generating a stable monthly income in retirement.

Debt Funds: Debt funds primarily invest in fixed-income securities. They offer lower returns than equity-oriented funds but with much less volatility. Debt funds are suitable for generating a steady income with lower risk, which aligns with retirement goals.

Tax Implications
Understanding the tax implications on your withdrawals is crucial for efficient planning:

Capital Gains Tax: Withdrawals from mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax. For equity funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh per annum are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, LTCG is taxed at 20% with indexation, and STCG is taxed as per your income slab.

SWP from Debt Funds: Since debt funds are less volatile, SWPs from these funds can provide a more predictable income stream. However, the tax on gains must be carefully managed.

SWP from Balanced Advantage Funds: The equity component can provide better tax efficiency for long-term gains, but the unpredictability of returns might not suit a retiree's income needs.

Given your retirement income needs, debt funds through an SWP may offer the most stable and predictable income while managing tax liabilities effectively.

Exit Load Considerations
Most mutual funds charge an exit load if you withdraw within a certain period, usually one year from the date of investment. Since you’re planning an SWP, which involves regular withdrawals, it’s important to choose funds with minimal or no exit load after the first year. Typically, debt funds and Balanced Advantage Funds have low or no exit load after one year, making them suitable for SWP.

Suggested Investment Strategy
Based on your situation, here’s a detailed investment strategy:

Diversify Your Corpus: Split your Rs 80 lakhs in MFs, Rs 20 lakhs in FDs, and Rs 50 lakhs future investment across different instruments to balance risk and return.

Invest in Debt Funds: Allocate a significant portion of your Rs 50 lakh investment in debt funds. This provides stability and ensures a steady income through SWP post-retirement.

Maintain a Balanced Approach: Consider Balanced Advantage Funds for a smaller portion of your corpus. This adds some growth potential while managing risk through dynamic asset allocation.

Emergency Fund: Keep a portion of your FDs as an emergency fund. FDs offer guaranteed returns and quick liquidity, which is essential for unexpected expenses.

Regular Review: Periodically review your investments. Adjust your SWP amounts based on inflation and changes in your financial needs.

Final Insights
Your planned retirement corpus and monthly income strategy are on the right track. However, prioritizing stability and tax efficiency is key. Using debt funds for your SWP will likely offer the most predictable income while minimizing volatility. Keep a balanced approach by mixing some exposure to Balanced Advantage Funds, but ensure that the majority of your retirement income comes from stable sources.

Finally, continue to monitor your expenses, review your portfolio regularly, and adjust as needed to ensure your retirement is financially secure and stress-free.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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What happens when a Mutual Fund company shuts down / gets sold off?
Ans: Hello;

If a mutual fund company gets sold or fails, the process is prescribed by SEBI:

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The new fund house may:
1. Continue the scheme with a new name and management.

2. Merge the scheme with similar funds and offer investors the option to exit without any exit load.

In case MF company shuts down,
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Skin in the game regulation mandates that 20% salary of key mutual fund personnel and fund managers is paid in terms of units of their funds with a 3 year lock-in.

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Registrar and Transfer Agents handle the investor registration,kyc, maintaining records, providing account and tax statements etc.

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

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