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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 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 - May 09, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 46 yrs old guy with a family of 2 children 10yrs and 3yrs. i have a 16 lakhs homeloan outstanding. i have created a small saving fund of about 11.36 lakhs in investments in the following funds quant active direct, hdfc flaxicap, Nippon flexicap, hdfc divident fund, holidng about 5.19 lakhs in stocks. I also invest into pension fund about 5000 per month and sip in the above mutual fund are 45000 per month. please suggest the investment strategy at my age and I would like to retire in 50 yrs.

Ans: It's wonderful to see you taking proactive steps towards securing your family's financial future. At 46, with two young children and a home loan, it's essential to have a solid investment strategy in place.
Considering your age and retirement goal of 50 years, here's a suggested investment strategy:
1. Prioritize Debt Reduction: Since you have a home loan outstanding, prioritize paying it off as soon as possible. Allocate a portion of your savings towards clearing this debt to reduce financial burden and free up cash flow for other investments.
2. Diversify Investments: Your current investment portfolio seems heavily skewed towards equity with a mix of mutual funds and stocks. While equity investments offer growth potential, they also come with higher risk. Consider diversifying into less volatile assets like debt funds, PPF, or FDs to balance risk.
3. Review and Adjust Mutual Fund Portfolio: Evaluate the performance of your mutual funds periodically and consider consolidating or reallocating funds based on their performance and your investment goals. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.
4. Continue SIPs and Pension Fund Contributions: Your SIPs and pension fund contributions are commendable. Continue investing regularly, but ensure you're comfortable with the amount allocated to each fund and adjust as necessary over time.
5. Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of living expenses in a liquid and accessible account to cover unexpected expenses or income disruptions.
6. Plan for Children's Education and Your Retirement: Factor in future expenses like your children's education and your retirement needs while planning your investments. Start separate funds for these goals to ensure you're adequately prepared when the time comes.
7. Regular Reviews: Regularly review your investment portfolio and financial goals to make adjustments as needed. Life circumstances and market conditions change, so staying proactive is key to long-term financial success.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay disciplined and informed. With careful planning and guidance from a CFP, you can navigate towards a secure financial future for you and your family.

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  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello, Hope you're doing good! I am 32 yrs old and planning to invest till 60 yrs i.e till next 28 yrs. I am investing in below MFs and some other savings schemes, I need you suggestion on the same: MFs Investment: 1. ICICI Prudential Nifty Alpha Low Volatility 30 ETF FOF - 1,500/- PM 2. Tata Resource & Energy Fund - 2,000/- PM 3. ICICI Prudential Technology - 1,500/- 4. Nippon India Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - 1,000/- PM 5. SBI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund - 1,000/- PM 6. ICICI Prudential Nasdaq 100 Index Fund - 1,000/- PM 7. ICICI Prudential Nifty Bank Index Fund - 2,000/- PM Apart from this I am also investing in NPS around 17,500/- PM and PF around 30,500 including both. Also investing 5,000/- in Max Life Online Savings Plan (10 yrs investing period and 15 Yrs total Policy period). My goal is to be accumulate wealth for my retirement. Thank you in advance for your help.
Ans: Your investment approach reflects a thoughtful strategy aimed at building long-term wealth for your retirement. Diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes, including equity mutual funds, index funds, and savings schemes like NPS and PF, is a wise move.

Maintaining a disciplined investment habit and staying committed to your financial goals over the next 28 years will be crucial. Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and adjusting it as needed to stay aligned with your objectives is essential.

Remember, the journey to retirement wealth accumulation is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust in the power of compounding to grow your investments steadily over time.

By diligently contributing to your investment portfolio and making informed decisions, you're laying a solid foundation for a financially secure and fulfilling retirement. Keep up the good work, and your future self will thank you for it.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 30, 2024Hindi
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I'm 45, earning 2.5L per month, debt free,married 2 kids, son studying 11standard and daughter 7th standard. My monthly expenses comes to 65000 per month currently, rest all saved and invested. I own 2C worth villa in city, a sedan, no credit card debt. I have 60L savings in account, 2.6L in LIC annuity life long giving Rs.1400 interest/month, 12L in PPF, 6L in Postoffice Savings SST, 1L in NPS, 11L ICICI signature plan need to pay 5L every year for next 5 years(18% returns), 1L PRAN, 5L worth gold-silver coins, 45L in fixed deposits in mom and wife names in many different small finance banks earning monthly interest(8.5-9%), 46L in my EPF. I want to plan to retire by 50 with life span of 75 with with 80L for 2 kids higher studies with atleast 5CR+ total corpus as goal. Kindly advice and guide me how to achieve it with moderate risk apetite..
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Age: 45 years
Monthly Income: Rs. 2.5 lakhs
Monthly Expenses: Rs. 65,000
Family: Married with 2 kids (son in 11th standard, daughter in 7th standard)
Assets: 2 crore worth villa, a sedan, no credit card debt
Savings and Investments:
Rs. 60 lakhs in savings account
Rs. 2.6 lakhs in LIC annuity giving Rs. 1400 interest/month
Rs. 12 lakhs in PPF
Rs. 6 lakhs in Post Office Savings SST
Rs. 1 lakh in NPS
Rs. 11 lakhs in ICICI Signature Plan (need to pay Rs. 5 lakhs every year for next 5 years)
Rs. 1 lakh in PRAN
Rs. 5 lakhs worth of gold-silver coins
Rs. 45 lakhs in fixed deposits in mom and wife’s names
Rs. 46 lakhs in EPF
Retirement Goals
Retirement Age: 50 years
Life Expectancy: 75 years
Kids' Higher Education: Rs. 80 lakhs
Total Corpus Goal: Rs. 5+ crores
Investment Strategy
Evaluate Current Investments
1. Savings Account and Fixed Deposits

Observation: Low returns (3-4% in savings, 8.5-9% in FDs).
Action: Consider shifting some funds to higher-yield investments.
2. LIC Annuity and ICICI Signature Plan

Observation: LIC annuity provides minimal returns. ICICI Signature Plan promises 18% but verify actual returns.
Action: Assess ICICI plan's performance. Shift LIC annuity to higher-yield funds if possible.
3. PPF, NPS, and Post Office Savings

Observation: Safe investments but with moderate returns.
Action: Continue PPF and NPS contributions for tax benefits and retirement corpus.
Optimize Investments
1. Increase SIP in Mutual Funds

Strategy: Diversify across large, mid, and small-cap funds. Aim for balanced risk and growth.
Monthly SIP: Consider increasing to Rs. 1 lakh or more for the next 5 years.
2. Diversify Portfolio

Strategy: Include equity mutual funds, balanced funds, and debt funds.
Moderate Risk: Balance between growth and safety.
3. Invest in Children's Education Funds

Action: Allocate Rs. 80 lakhs in equity mutual funds or balanced funds.
Goal: Ensure sufficient funds for kids' higher education.
Retirement Corpus Planning
1. Projected Returns

Strategy: Aim for a mix of equity and debt for optimal returns.
Projection: Assume 10-12% average returns over 5 years.
2. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Action: Post-retirement, use SWP for monthly expenses.
Goal: Ensure regular income without depleting corpus rapidly.
Tax Planning
1. Maximize Deductions

Section 80C: Utilize Rs. 1.5 lakhs limit through PPF, ELSS, and other investments.
Section 80CCD(1B): Additional Rs. 50,000 through NPS.
2. Optimize Tax-Efficient Investments

Tax-Free Returns: Focus on PPF, NPS, and long-term capital gains on equity funds.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: Plan withdrawals to minimize tax impact.
Insurance Coverage
1. Adequate Life Insurance

Action: Ensure adequate life cover for family’s security.
Consider: Term insurance for high coverage at low cost.
2. Health Insurance

Action: Comprehensive health coverage for family.
Goal: Avoid financial strain due to medical emergencies.
Regular Monitoring and Review
1. Annual Review

Action: Review investments annually.
Goal: Adjust based on performance and goals.
2. Financial Advisor Consultation

Certified Financial Planner: Seek periodic advice for professional guidance.
Final Insights
With careful planning, achieving a corpus of Rs. 5 crores by 50 is feasible. Prioritize investments in equity mutual funds for growth, while balancing with safe instruments like PPF and NPS. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio. Ensure adequate insurance coverage for risk management.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6275 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 19, 2024

Money
Hi Sir, I'm 40 in a job , earning around 1.40 L /month approx after dedcutions, Currently investing 60K monthly in SIPs in Quant MF (Small Cap - 10 k / Mid Cap-12.5K) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap-12.5K/ HDFC defence Fund-10 K, Nippon Large Cap-10K/ Mirae Asset Emerging Equity-5 K) MF holding 40 Lakhs , PPF-24 Lacs Matured after 15 years, EPF Balance- 30L, 62K Home Loan EMI (167 Months remaining), Real estate Worth - 6.5 Cr jointly with Father ,NPS-11 lacs, Direct Stocks-18 Lacs. Expenses are 50K.. Father is also getting pension 50K and helping in monthly expenses of around 25K... How can I do better for retirement planning?
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Let's break down your current financial position:

Monthly Income: Rs. 1.40 lakh (after deductions)
Monthly Expenses: Rs. 50,000 (with Rs. 25,000 support from your father's pension)
Monthly SIP Investments: Rs. 60,000 in various mutual funds
Home Loan EMI: Rs. 62,000 (167 months remaining)
Total Mutual Fund Holdings: Rs. 40 lakhs
PPF Balance: Rs. 24 lakhs (matured after 15 years)
EPF Balance: Rs. 30 lakhs
NPS Balance: Rs. 11 lakhs
Direct Stocks: Rs. 18 lakhs
Real Estate: Rs. 6.5 crore (jointly with your father)
Father's Pension: Rs. 50,000 per month (contributing Rs. 25,000 towards household expenses)
Retirement Planning Overview
Your financial profile is strong with a diversified asset base. Let's analyze your current situation and explore how you can optimize your retirement planning:

**1. Review Current Investments
Mutual Funds:

Your SIPs are spread across various funds, including small-cap, mid-cap, large-cap, and sectoral funds like the HDFC Defence Fund.
Recommendation: Review the performance of each fund annually. Consider the long-term performance (5+ years) and consistency of returns. Continue investing in funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals.
Direct Stocks:

You have Rs. 18 lakhs invested in direct stocks, which adds to your equity exposure.
Recommendation: Regularly monitor your stock portfolio. Consider rebalancing if any stock has underperformed significantly.
PPF and EPF:

Your PPF and EPF balances provide stability to your portfolio. These investments are safe and offer tax benefits.
Recommendation: Continue contributing to your EPF through your employer and review your PPF contributions. Since your PPF has matured, you can reinvest or continue the account for 5 years at a time to benefit from tax-free returns.
NPS:

Your NPS balance of Rs. 11 lakhs is a good start towards retirement. NPS provides a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
Recommendation: Keep contributing to NPS for its tax benefits and potential to grow over time. Ensure your allocation between equity and debt aligns with your risk tolerance.
**2. Managing Liabilities
Home Loan:

Your home loan EMI is Rs. 62,000, with 167 months remaining.
Recommendation: Consider prepaying your home loan when possible. Reducing your debt before retirement will lower your financial burden. Since your father helps with expenses, you might have some surplus to channel towards prepayment.
**3. Optimizing Asset Allocation
Given your diversified portfolio, ensure a balanced allocation across asset classes:

Equity (Mutual Funds + Stocks): Currently, a significant portion of your portfolio is in equity (through mutual funds and direct stocks). This is good for growth, but review and rebalance periodically.
Debt (PPF + EPF + NPS): Your PPF, EPF, and NPS provide the necessary debt exposure. These instruments offer stability and lower risk.
Real Estate: Real estate forms a large part of your portfolio. It's an illiquid asset but a substantial one.
Recommendation:

Aim for an asset allocation that matches your risk appetite and retirement goals. Typically, as you near retirement, gradually shift from high-risk investments (like small-cap equity) to safer, income-generating assets.
**4. **Planning for Retirement Corpus
To ensure a comfortable retirement, estimate the corpus you need:

Calculate Retirement Needs:

Consider your expected monthly expenses post-retirement (adjusted for inflation).
Factor in other income sources like pension or rental income (if applicable).
Build Your Corpus:

With your current savings and investments, you are on the right path. Continue your SIPs and consider increasing them if your income grows.
Maximize contributions to your EPF and NPS for tax efficiency.
**5. Risk Management and Insurance
Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life insurance to protect your family’s financial future. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to secure high coverage.
Health Insurance:

Ensure you and your family are covered with comprehensive health insurance. This will safeguard your savings in case of medical emergencies.
**6. Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This should be in a liquid or easily accessible form like a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

**7. Regular Monitoring and Review
Annual Review: Review your portfolio annually to assess performance and make necessary adjustments. This includes rebalancing your asset allocation and revisiting your financial goals.
Professional Guidance: Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized strategies to maximize your returns and minimize risks.
**8. Finally
Your financial discipline and diversified investments have set a strong foundation for retirement. With a strategic approach to managing your liabilities, optimizing your asset allocation, and planning for future needs, you can achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

Continue with your current investments, and regularly review your portfolio to stay on track with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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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