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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 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 09, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello I am 43 years old with take home salary of INR 2.7 Lakhs. I have a daughter in her late teens who plans to pursue her career in Music. I invest INR1.45 lakhs monthly in MF SIP (Bal - 42 lakhs), Stocks - 50 Lakhs, NPS - 21k monthly (bal - 17 lakhs), FD - 5.5 lakhs, ESOPs US security - 40k monthly ( bal - 19 lakhs), Gratuity 20 lakhs, PF - 25k monthly (bal - 65 lakhs). Term Insurance - 1.5 Cr, Medical floater of 10 lakhs, LIC endowment 2 policies - 52k and 60 k annually. ICICI future perfect plan - Completed yearly payment of 5lakhs for 5 years , total 10 years to maturity. I stay in my own house which is debt free. Real Estate Investment - 55 lakhs loan free and 1.2 Cr under construction with 74 lakhs loan. I plan to buy a bigger house in 5 to 7 yrs which would cost me around 3.5 Cr. Plan to retire at the age of 50 after providing regular income for my retirement (around 1.25 lakhs) and regular income for my daughter till her career stabilises. I plan to accumulate around 15 Crs at the age of 60.

Ans: It's impressive that you have a clear financial plan and diverse investments. Your commitment to securing a bright future for yourself and your daughter is commendable. Let's dive into a detailed strategy to ensure you meet your financial goals, including retirement and providing for your daughter's career in music.

Current Financial Situation
You are 43 years old with a take-home salary of Rs. 2.7 lakhs. Your investments include:

Mutual Fund SIPs: Rs. 1.45 lakhs monthly (balance: Rs. 42 lakhs)
Stocks: Rs. 50 lakhs
NPS: Rs. 21,000 monthly (balance: Rs. 17 lakhs)
FD: Rs. 5.5 lakhs
ESOPs US Security: Rs. 40,000 monthly (balance: Rs. 19 lakhs)
Gratuity: Rs. 20 lakhs
PF: Rs. 25,000 monthly (balance: Rs. 65 lakhs)
Term Insurance: Rs. 1.5 crores
Medical Floater: Rs. 10 lakhs
LIC Endowment: Rs. 52,000 and Rs. 60,000 annually
ICICI Future Perfect Plan: Rs. 5 lakhs annually for 5 years, 10 years to maturity
Real Estate: Own house (debt-free), investment property Rs. 55 lakhs (loan-free), and under-construction property Rs. 1.2 crores (Rs. 74 lakhs loan)
Financial Goals
Retirement at 50: Provide a regular income of Rs. 1.25 lakhs monthly
Support Daughter's Career: Ensure financial stability until her career stabilizes
Buy a Bigger House: Purchase a house worth Rs. 3.5 crores in 5-7 years
Accumulate Rs. 15 Crores by Age 60
Retirement Planning
Estimating Retirement Corpus
You plan to retire at 50 and need Rs. 1.25 lakhs monthly. This translates to Rs. 15 lakhs annually. Assuming a conservative withdrawal rate, you'll need a substantial corpus to ensure financial security.

Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds: Continue your SIPs. Equity mutual funds offer high returns and are suitable for long-term goals.
Balanced Funds: As you near retirement, allocate some investments to balanced funds for stability.
Debt Funds: Shift a portion of your investments to debt funds to preserve capital.
Diversification
Diversify your portfolio across different mutual fund categories to manage risk. Regularly review and adjust based on market conditions and goals.

Power of Compounding
Compounding can significantly grow your investments over time. Your disciplined SIPs will benefit from this, helping you build a robust retirement corpus.

Supporting Daughter's Career
Estimating Costs
Supporting a career in music may involve various expenses like education, instruments, and other related costs. Estimate these expenses to plan effectively.

Investment Options
Children’s Education Funds: These funds are tailored for children’s future needs. They provide a mix of growth and stability.
Equity Mutual Funds: Continue investing in equity funds for long-term growth.
Debt Funds: As your daughter approaches critical career milestones, shift some investments to debt funds for stability.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Start or continue a separate SIP for your daughter’s future needs. This will help you accumulate the required funds systematically over the years.

Buying a Bigger House
Planning for the Purchase
You plan to buy a house worth Rs. 3.5 crores in 5-7 years. Start by saving for the down payment and planning your finances to ensure you can manage the loan effectively.

Investment Strategy
Equity Mutual Funds: Continue investing in equity funds for potential high returns.
Balanced Funds: Gradually shift some investments to balanced funds as the purchase date approaches.
Debt Funds: Preserve your capital by shifting a portion of investments to debt funds closer to the purchase date.
Accumulating Rs. 15 Crores by Age 60
Setting Clear Goals
Break down your goal of Rs. 15 crores into smaller, manageable targets. Regularly track your progress to ensure you are on track.

Investment Strategy
Equity Mutual Funds: Continue your disciplined SIPs in equity funds. They offer the highest potential returns over the long term.
Balanced Funds: As you get closer to 60, allocate more investments to balanced funds for stability.
Debt Funds: In the final years, shift a significant portion to debt funds to preserve your accumulated wealth.
Regular Review and Adjustments
Financial planning is not a one-time activity. Regularly review your investments and adjust based on market conditions and your evolving financial goals.

Insurance Planning
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage. Your term insurance of Rs. 1.5 crores and medical floater of Rs. 10 lakhs are good starts.

Reviewing Existing Policies
Evaluate the performance and benefits of your LIC endowment policies and the ICICI Future Perfect Plan. Consider surrendering if they are not meeting your expectations and reinvesting in mutual funds.

Adding Coverage
As your responsibilities grow, ensure your insurance coverage is adequate. Consider increasing your life insurance cover if needed.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover at least 6-12 months of your expenses. This acts as a financial cushion during unforeseen events.

Keeping it Accessible
Keep your emergency fund in a liquid savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access during emergencies.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification
Mutual funds offer diversification across various sectors and asset classes, reducing risk.

Professional Management
They are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise to make informed investment decisions.

Flexibility
Mutual funds offer flexibility with various investment options to suit different risk appetites and financial goals.

Liquidity
They are highly liquid, meaning you can easily buy and sell your investment, providing access to your money when needed.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a market index, so they can’t outperform the market. They offer limited flexibility and are not actively managed.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market by selecting securities based on research and analysis. They offer higher return potential, although they come with higher fees.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require investors to make decisions without advice. This can be risky without proper knowledge and expertise.

Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential ensures professional guidance and tailored investment advice.

Final Insights
You have a solid financial foundation and a clear vision for the future. With disciplined investing and careful planning, you can achieve your goals.

Retirement Planning: Continue your SIPs in mutual funds and diversify your investments. Take advantage of compounding for long-term growth.
Supporting Daughter’s Career: Start or continue a separate SIP for her future needs. Estimate costs and plan accordingly.
Buying a Bigger House: Save for the down payment and plan your finances for the purchase. Gradually shift investments to balanced and debt funds.
Accumulating Rs. 15 Crores by Age 60: Set clear goals, track your progress, and adjust your investments regularly.
Maintain an emergency fund and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed. You are on the right track to achieve financial freedom and secure a bright future for yourself and your daughter.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 31, 2023Hindi
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Hi, My age is 28. Married. My daughter is 4 months old. My monthly salary is Rs. 1.22L PM. Monthly expense - Rs. 35,000 Current commitments are: Home Loan EMI - Rs. 36,011 (4 months completed. 30 years tenure) Term Insurance - 1cr (Annual premium - Rs. 36,000 for 10 years. 7 more premium pending) Current NPS Balance - Rs. 75,000. Investing Rs. 15,000 pm SSY - Rs. 12,500 pm. APY - Rs. 409 pm I'm planning to save for Emergency Corpus Fund, get a medical insurance floater policy. My short term goal is to save Rs. 20 lakhs within 4 years for registeration and interior work for house. My long term goals are for daughters UG education, wedding, retirement at 55 years. I took investment risk test and Im an aggressive investor and planning to invest more on equity. Also, I want to diversify the portfolio and invest across asset class.
Ans: It sounds like you've got a clear vision for your financial future, which is fantastic, especially at your age. With your goals in mind and being an aggressive investor, here's a potential strategy to consider:

Emergency Corpus Fund: Aim for at least 6-12 months' worth of expenses. Start with setting aside a portion of your savings each month until you reach this target.
Medical Insurance: A comprehensive floater policy covering your family is essential. Ensure the coverage amount is adequate to handle potential medical emergencies without denting your savings.
Short-term Goals - House: For the Rs. 20 lakhs target in 4 years, consider equity mutual funds with a mix of mid-cap and large-cap funds. You could also consider debt funds or fixed deposits for stability.
Long-term Goals:
Daughter's UG Education: Equity mutual funds can be a great option, given your aggressive risk profile. Start with diversified equity funds and gradually shift to balanced or hybrid funds as the goal approaches.
Daughter's Wedding: Again, equity mutual funds can be beneficial here. Also, considering gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds can be a good diversification strategy.
Retirement: NPS is a good start, given its tax benefits and long-term nature. You might want to increase your contributions over time. Additionally, diversify with equity mutual funds and other retirement-oriented funds.
Diversification Across Asset Classes:
Equity: You're already inclined towards equity, so continue investing in diversified equity funds, large-cap, mid-cap, and maybe even some small-cap funds.
Debt: Given your aggressive stance, limit this to around 20-30% of your portfolio. Short to medium-term debt funds or fixed deposits can be considered.
Gold: Gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds can be a good hedge against market volatility.
Real Estate: Since you're planning for a house, that's a good start. Real estate can be an excellent long-term investment, but ensure it doesn't over-concentrate your portfolio.
Regular Review: As your life progresses, your financial goals and risk appetite may evolve. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio ensures you stay on track.
Remember, while being aggressive can offer higher returns, it also comes with increased volatility. It's crucial to stay invested for the long term and avoid reacting to short-term market fluctuations. Consulting with a financial advisor can help tailor this strategy further to your needs and provide ongoing guidance.

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2024Hindi
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I am 40-year-old Software Engineer with 1.9L pm in hand salary with 2 daughters, elder one is in 8th standard and younger in 2nd. WIfe is not working. Let me first tell you about my saving and investment: 1. I have loan free 3BHK flat in Noida and also a car.. No current EMI liability. 2. Around 32L in PF and counting.. 3. Around 23L in PPF (wife and own account) and counting.. 4. Around 14.5L in Sukanya for both the kids and counting... 5. Around 22.5L in FD 6. Around 16L in MF, share, Gold bond and counting.. 7. Last year only started investing in NPS, fund value is around 1.5L and counting.. 8. I have company provided health insurance only and personal term plan for 60L I am doing monthly investment of 50K in PF+Sukanya, 30K in MF , 20k in Share and 10% of basic in NPS. I have to ask: 1. Am I doing right investment considering needed funds for elder daughter's higher education (in 4 yrs from now) and then for marriage? 2. Am I saving wisely and enough month-on-month basis? 3. How to reach 5cr corpus by the age of 50? and is it enough if wanted to retire? 4. What else I need to do to save more and increase my portfolio? I have less risk appetite. Please suggest
Ans: Firstly, it’s impressive to see your disciplined approach towards saving and investing. Having a clear financial plan and taking proactive steps shows great financial acumen. Let’s evaluate your current financial status and provide suggestions to reach your goals.

You have a stable financial foundation with no loan liabilities, a solid mix of investments, and a focus on future goals. Your current assets and monthly investments are commendable.

Here’s a detailed analysis and suggestions tailored to your needs:

Analysis of Current Investments
Provident Fund (PF)
You have Rs 32 lakh in PF, which is a substantial amount. PF offers a stable and relatively safe return. It is a great way to secure your retirement.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
With Rs 23 lakh in PPF, you are benefiting from tax-free returns and a safe investment vehicle. PPF is ideal for long-term goals like retirement due to its 15-year lock-in period.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Investing Rs 14.5 lakh in Sukanya Samriddhi for your daughters is a wise decision. It offers good interest rates and tax benefits. This will help in funding their education and marriage.

Fixed Deposits (FD)
You have Rs 22.5 lakh in FDs. While FDs are safe, the returns are generally lower compared to other investment options. It's a good idea to keep some funds in FDs for emergencies, but diversifying might yield better returns.

Mutual Funds, Shares, and Gold Bonds
You have Rs 16 lakh invested in a mix of mutual funds, shares, and gold bonds. Diversification here is beneficial as it balances risk and returns. Continue this approach but review the performance regularly.

National Pension System (NPS)
Starting with Rs 1.5 lakh in NPS is good for building a retirement corpus. NPS offers tax benefits and the potential for higher returns due to its market-linked nature.

Insurance
You have a Rs 60 lakh term plan which is essential for your family’s security. However, consider increasing the coverage based on your family’s future financial needs.

Monthly Investment Analysis
You are investing Rs 50,000 in PF and Sukanya, Rs 30,000 in mutual funds, Rs 20,000 in shares, and 10% of your basic salary in NPS. This diversified approach is commendable, but let’s delve deeper into each aspect.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Higher Education and Marriage of Elder Daughter
Your elder daughter’s higher education is a priority. With four years to go, you need to ensure sufficient funds. Sukanya Samriddhi and other investments should be assessed to meet this goal.

Monthly Savings Assessment
You are saving a significant amount monthly, which is excellent. However, it’s essential to ensure these savings align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Building a Rs 5 Crore Corpus by Age 50
Reaching a Rs 5 crore corpus in ten years requires strategic planning. Your current investments and returns need to be evaluated and optimized.

Suggestions to Enhance Your Financial Portfolio
Health Insurance
Relying solely on company-provided health insurance may not be sufficient. Consider purchasing a comprehensive personal health insurance plan. This ensures coverage even if you change jobs.

Increasing Term Insurance
Reevaluate your term insurance. Based on your current lifestyle and future needs, a higher coverage might be necessary.

Reviewing Mutual Fund Investments
Actively managed mutual funds can potentially yield higher returns compared to index funds. Ensure your mutual funds are well-chosen and periodically review their performance.

Share Investments
With a lower risk appetite, consider limiting direct investments in shares. Actively managed equity funds can offer exposure to equity markets with professional management.

Gold Bonds
Gold bonds are a good hedge against inflation. Continue investing but ensure it aligns with your overall asset allocation strategy.

NPS Contributions
Increasing your NPS contributions can be beneficial. It offers a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities, balancing growth and safety.

Detailed Action Plan for Financial Goals
Higher Education for Daughter
Estimate the total cost of higher education, considering inflation. Review your current investments in Sukanya Samriddhi and other savings to ensure they meet this goal. If needed, redirect some investments towards education-focused funds or fixed-income securities.

Retirement Planning
To achieve a Rs 5 crore corpus by age 50:

Increase your investments in high-growth potential assets, such as actively managed equity funds.
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track with your goals.
Consider professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner for tailored strategies.
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover at least six months of expenses. This should be in a liquid and safe investment like a savings account or short-term FD.

Enhancing Your Investment Portfolio
Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct mutual funds require active management and market knowledge. Regular funds, managed by professionals, can provide better returns with less effort on your part.

Diversifying Further
While you have a diversified portfolio, consider further diversification to mitigate risks. Explore options like balanced advantage funds which adjust between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Continue and potentially increase your SIP in mutual funds. This disciplined approach helps in averaging out market volatility and building wealth over time.

Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning can enhance your returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments under Section 80C, 80D, and 80CCD. This reduces tax liability and increases investable surplus.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Portfolio Review
Conduct a bi-annual review of your portfolio. Ensure your investments align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Adjusting Strategy
Based on market conditions and personal circumstances, be ready to adjust your investment strategy. This proactive approach helps in optimizing returns and minimizing risks.

Final Insights
You have a strong financial foundation and a disciplined approach towards saving and investing. By fine-tuning your strategy and focusing on your financial goals, you can achieve your targets.

Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage for family security. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals.

Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and strategies.

Your commitment to securing your family’s future is commendable. With careful planning and strategic investments, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6240 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 45 years age. Current investment balance in PF and VPF-45,00,000 mutual funds-27,00,000, Shares-700,000, NPS-6,00,000,LIC-10,00,000 Monthly investment PF and VPF-43,000, Mutual funds -32,000,NPS-6000, LIC-4500 Shares-10,0000. Yearly step up in PF vpf, mutual fund is 10% Current leaving in pune and home loan is 50,00,000. One home is in Nashik current market price is 75,00,000. I have daughter in 10th std and son in 6th std. Expecting Rs 50,00,000 on both education expenses after their 10th std. I want to retire at the age of 52. Expecting monthly income of Rs 1,00,000 after retirement.
Ans: You are 45 years old with a comprehensive investment portfolio. Here's a summary:

Provident Fund (PF) and Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF): Rs. 45,00,000
Mutual Funds: Rs. 27,00,000
Shares: Rs. 7,00,000
National Pension System (NPS): Rs. 6,00,000
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC): Rs. 10,00,000
Your monthly investments are:

PF and VPF: Rs. 43,000
Mutual Funds: Rs. 32,000
NPS: Rs. 6,000
LIC: Rs. 4,500
Shares: Rs. 10,000
You own a home in Pune with a home loan of Rs. 50,00,000 and another home in Nashik with a market value of Rs. 75,00,000. Your daughter is in 10th std, and your son is in 6th std, with expected education expenses of Rs. 50,00,000 each.

You plan to retire at 52 and desire a monthly income of Rs. 1,00,000 post-retirement.

Financial Goals
Children's Education: Rs. 50,00,000 each after 10th std.
Retirement Planning: Achieve a monthly income of Rs. 1,00,000 post-retirement.
Loan Management: Efficiently manage the home loan of Rs. 50,00,000.
Recommendations for Financial Stability
1. Children's Education Fund
Dedicated Savings: Start a dedicated investment for your children's education.
Systematic Investments: Consider mutual funds tailored for education expenses with a horizon of 2-5 years.
2. Retirement Planning
Current Investments: Continue your current investments in PF, VPF, mutual funds, and NPS.
Retirement Corpus: Calculate the required retirement corpus to achieve Rs. 1,00,000 monthly income.
3. Home Loan Management
Prepayments: Make prepayments on your home loan whenever possible. This reduces interest and tenure.
Budget Allocation: Allocate a portion of any surplus towards prepaying the loan.
4. Portfolio Review and Diversification
Diversification: Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across equity, debt, and other assets.
Regular Review: Review your portfolio annually and rebalance based on market conditions.
Analytical Insights
Children's Education Fund
Investment Strategy: Invest in a mix of equity and debt funds for a balanced approach.
Education Plans: Consider child education plans that offer a mix of growth and safety.
Retirement Planning
Corpus Calculation: To achieve Rs. 1,00,000 per month, you need a significant retirement corpus. Assuming a 4% withdrawal rate, you will need approximately Rs. 3 crores.
Current Contributions: Your current contributions are substantial. Continue with yearly step-ups to keep pace with inflation.
Risk Management
Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund of 6-12 months of living expenses.
Key Considerations
Risk Tolerance: Align your investments with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Financial Goals: Prioritize your children's education and retirement planning.
Regular Review: Annual reviews and adjustments are crucial for staying on track.
Final Insights
To achieve financial stability and meet your goals, continue your disciplined investment approach. Start a dedicated fund for your children's education and make strategic prepayments on your home loan. Ensure your investment portfolio is diversified and regularly reviewed. Adequate insurance coverage and an emergency fund are essential for risk management. By following these recommendations, you can secure a comfortable retirement and provide for your children's education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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