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Should I buy a 65 lakh house with 65k salary, 35k savings, and a wife earning 35k?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 13, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 06, 2024Hindi
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Hello, My age is 35 year age , Male. I work as a bank Manager in HDFC BANK, my in hand salary is 65K /month . I want to buy a house worth 65 lakh rupees. My wife earns 35k per month. We have 7 lakhs in savings. We have checked the property, that's what we all want. I want to rethink it financially. Also I get discounted rate home loan as per bank. Should I go for it or stay in the rented space for a while. We have a girl child, she is 5 years old. We think about her future also , we are little scared because after loan we will get burden of paying back loan. Please help so that we decide it once and for all.

Ans: Considering that you are already employee of a bank and can get better interest rates I recommend you go ahead and invest in the property.

Both of you are earning which is positive because even if major part of your income goes towards loan repayment you have back up for regular expenses and PPF/NPS/SSY investments.

Retain that 7 Lac as your emergency fund. Add to it so as to cover 8-10 months of expense coverage.

Surely you have group health cover but consider having a separate personal family floater cover which comes in handy during job switch and any unexpected medical need arises.

I am sure you both have adequate term life cover.

All the best!!
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Good Day Sir, I am 33 now and both husband and wife earning around 1.6 lakhs per annum. We are renting a home of 18000 PM. Total expenses are 1.3 lakhs per month(Including Insurance, basic expenses, term, mutual fund). Investing 21000 PM in mutual fund, want to take a home in city like Noida of around 65 Lakhs. Loan would be around 50 lakhs for 20 yrs of time frame. Current savings is around 20 Lakhs. Can I take a home on loan now or should I wait?
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
You and your spouse earn around Rs 1.6 lakhs per month.

Your total expenses are Rs 1.3 lakhs per month.

This includes rent, insurance, basic expenses, and mutual fund investments.

Savings and Investments
You are investing Rs 21,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your current savings stand at Rs 20 lakhs.

Home Purchase Consideration
You want to buy a home in Noida worth Rs 65 lakhs.

You plan to take a home loan of Rs 50 lakhs for 20 years.

Financial Stability and Decision-Making
It's crucial to understand the impact of this decision on your financial stability.

Buying a home is a significant financial commitment.

Evaluating the Home Loan Option
Loan Details
A home loan of Rs 50 lakhs for 20 years.

Monthly EMI will depend on the interest rate.

EMI Impact on Monthly Budget
Calculate the EMI to understand its impact on your monthly budget.

Ensure the EMI fits within your budget without straining finances.

Comparing Renting vs. Buying
Currently, you pay Rs 18,000 per month in rent.

Compare this with the expected EMI.

Buying a home may offer long-term benefits.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home Now
Advantages of Buying Now
Fixed Asset
Owning a home provides a sense of security.

It's a long-term investment for your family.

Appreciation Potential
Property values in Noida may appreciate over time.

This can be beneficial for your investment.

Personalization
You can customize your own home to your liking.

This adds to your comfort and satisfaction.

Disadvantages of Buying Now
Financial Strain
A large EMI could strain your monthly budget.

Ensure you can manage all expenses comfortably.

Opportunity Cost
Using savings for a down payment may reduce your liquidity.

Consider the impact on your emergency fund.

Interest Burden
Home loans come with interest payments.

This adds to the total cost of the property.

Alternative Investment Options
Increasing Mutual Fund Investments
Consider increasing your mutual fund investments.

This can help build a larger corpus over time.

Power of Compounding
Mutual funds benefit from compounding returns.

The longer you invest, the more your money grows.

Risk Diversification
Diversify your investments across different mutual fund categories.

This reduces risk and enhances returns.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials provides professional guidance.

Regular funds offer advisory support.

Drawbacks of Direct Funds
Direct funds require more active management.

You may miss out on expert advice and insights.

Assessing the Timing
Market Conditions
Consider the current real estate market conditions in Noida.

Buying during a favorable market can be advantageous.

Personal Financial Goals
Align your home purchase with your long-term financial goals.

Ensure it doesn't compromise other important financial objectives.

Future Income Prospects
Evaluate your future income prospects.

A stable or increasing income can support your loan repayment.

Final Insights
Comprehensive Financial Plan
Create a comprehensive financial plan.

Include your home purchase, investments, and savings goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintain a robust emergency fund.

Ensure you have 6-12 months of expenses saved.

Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Get personalized advice tailored to your financial situation.

Balanced Approach
Balance your home loan with other financial commitments.

Ensure a comfortable lifestyle without financial stress.

Regular Review
Regularly review your financial plan.

Adjust it based on changes in income, expenses, and goals.

Long-Term Perspective
Keep a long-term perspective.

Consider the overall impact of your financial decisions on your future.

Conclusion
Buying a home is a significant decision.

Assess all factors carefully.

Ensure it aligns with your financial goals and stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am 64 Years of age still earning rs 18 LPA living on rent @ 21000pm, should i go to purchase a house of 60 lacs my saving may be 80 Lacs I dont have any further liability me and my wife is there only , Two daughters married. Please advise
Ans: You are 64 years old and still earning Rs. 18 lakhs annually. Living on rent for Rs. 21,000 per month seems manageable. You have savings of Rs. 80 lakhs and no other liabilities. With your two daughters married, you and your wife are financially secure in terms of dependents.

You are considering purchasing a house worth Rs. 60 lakhs. This is a significant decision and requires careful evaluation.

Assessing the Need for Purchasing a House
Renting vs. Owning
You are currently paying Rs. 21,000 monthly in rent, which equals Rs. 2.52 lakhs annually. This is a reasonable amount compared to your income of Rs. 18 lakhs per year. Owning a house, however, will bring additional costs such as property tax, maintenance, and repairs. Let's consider the benefits and drawbacks of buying a house at this stage.

Advantages of Renting:
Flexibility to move if needed.
Lower ongoing financial commitment.
Savings can continue to grow and be invested elsewhere.
Advantages of Owning:
Stability and security of owning your home.
No monthly rent payments.
Potential long-term capital appreciation.
Buying a house would use up a large portion of your savings. It might limit your liquidity and leave you with less cash for emergencies or future needs. At your age, liquidity is crucial for managing unforeseen expenses, especially healthcare-related ones.

Liquidity and Emergency Planning
You and your wife need a financial cushion for healthcare and daily living expenses. Though your earnings are good, retirement could be on the horizon. The Rs. 80 lakhs you have saved should be allocated wisely to provide for your post-retirement years.

Buying a house will deplete Rs. 60 lakhs, leaving only Rs. 20 lakhs for other needs. This may not be sufficient for future healthcare, emergencies, or lifestyle expenses.

Investment Potential
House as an Investment Option
While buying a house may seem like a good investment, it is a less liquid asset. If you need cash in the future, selling property may take time. Property prices also fluctuate based on market conditions. In contrast, keeping your savings liquid in mutual funds, fixed deposits, or other financial instruments can offer flexibility and consistent growth.

A Certified Financial Planner would typically advise against locking up too much of your savings in real estate, especially at this age. It may be better to focus on investments that offer liquidity, safety, and steady returns.

Health Care and Long-Term Planning
As you and your wife age, healthcare costs will likely rise. Keeping a significant portion of your Rs. 80 lakh savings in easily accessible and growth-oriented investments is essential. Healthcare emergencies or long-term care may arise, and selling a house during such times might not be feasible.

Consider enhancing your health insurance coverage if needed. Also, set aside funds in safe, liquid investments that can be accessed easily during emergencies.

Evaluating Your Current Income and Expenses
You are earning Rs. 18 lakhs annually, which gives you good financial stability. Your current rent of Rs. 21,000 per month is reasonable compared to your income. This leaves you with plenty of room for savings and investments.

Buying a house worth Rs. 60 lakhs may disrupt this balance. You will not only lose liquidity but also face additional expenses like property tax, maintenance, and repairs. Renting, on the other hand, provides flexibility without burdening your finances.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds over Real Estate
If you are considering investing your Rs. 80 lakhs, actively managed mutual funds can provide better returns and more flexibility than real estate. Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, as professional fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

In contrast, real estate is an illiquid investment and can take time to sell if needed. Moreover, real estate prices can stagnate or even decline in certain areas, making it a less attractive investment compared to mutual funds that offer both growth and liquidity.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Some people prefer index funds for their low fees, but they are not the best option for everyone. Index funds merely replicate the market performance and may not provide significant returns over inflation in the long run. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can potentially beat the market and give higher returns, making them more suitable for long-term wealth creation.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds
You may have considered direct mutual funds because of lower expense ratios. However, these funds do not come with expert advice, which is crucial, especially when managing significant retirement savings.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) provides access to personalized guidance. A CFP will help you balance your portfolio based on your goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. This can make a big difference in managing your wealth efficiently.

Maintaining Financial Independence
Given your age and the absence of any liabilities, it is vital to maintain your financial independence. Your income is good, but in the coming years, you may want to transition into retirement. Financial independence means having enough liquid assets to cover living expenses, healthcare, and unforeseen emergencies without worrying about market fluctuations.

Locking a large portion of your savings in real estate could compromise your financial independence. In contrast, keeping your savings in a diversified portfolio of liquid investments ensures that you can continue to manage your expenses and live comfortably.

Final Insights
Here are some important points for your situation:

Liquidity: Retain liquidity to cover emergencies, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses.

Renting: Renting at Rs. 21,000 per month is affordable and gives flexibility.

Owning a House: Buying a house may limit your liquidity and increase your financial burden.

Investments: Actively managed mutual funds offer better growth and liquidity than real estate.

Healthcare: Consider enhancing health insurance and setting aside emergency funds.

Long-Term Financial Independence: Focus on investments that provide liquidity and steady growth for retirement.

At this stage of life, maintaining financial flexibility and independence should be the priority. Locking your savings into real estate may not be the best decision.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Purshotam

Purshotam Lal  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 29, 2025Hindi
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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