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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

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 15, 2025
Money

Hello sir, my age is 37 yrs and i have one home loan worth 35L with an EMI of 35k. I m left with 5 yrs of EMI. I have savings of 21L and getting interest of 7.1% on it . I have SIP worth 10L and stocks worth 11L. My monthly salary is 2.5L per month and I m doing regular investment in gold, land and SIPs and stocks when the market is down. I m thinking to take loan worth 30 lakh to reinvest in property. My monthly expense is 40k. Can you tell me how to go about for more investment.

Ans: At age 37, you have already built a strong base. You have a healthy salary, moderate expenses, and diversified assets. You are also investing regularly. That shows clarity and forward-thinking.

Let us now plan your next steps with a 360-degree financial lens.

1. Understanding Your Current Position Clearly

Your home loan EMI is Rs. 35,000 per month.

Only 5 years are left on this home loan. That is very positive.

You have Rs. 21 lakhs in savings earning 7.1% interest.

SIPs of Rs. 10 lakhs and stocks worth Rs. 11 lakhs are also held.

Monthly salary is Rs. 2.5 lakhs, which gives good financial freedom.

Monthly expense is Rs. 40,000. That is very controlled and efficient.

You also invest in gold, SIPs, and stocks when market corrects.

You are now planning to take a Rs. 30 lakh loan to invest in property.

This shows a desire to grow wealth faster, but we must evaluate risk too.

2. Assessing the Need for a New Property Loan

You already have a house loan going on.

Adding a second large loan adds burden on your future cash flows.

Property investing brings risk of low liquidity.

You may get stuck if property prices don’t rise as expected.

There are also stamp duty, registration, maintenance, and tax costs.

Rental yield is low. Selling property also takes time and effort.

Avoid taking a fresh loan just for property investing.

There are more efficient, flexible, and liquid ways to grow wealth.

3. Leverage Strengths, Not Just Debt

You already have strong monthly savings potential.

You have Rs. 2.5 lakhs salary and Rs. 40,000 expenses.

That leaves Rs. 1.75 lakhs monthly.

Even after EMI of Rs. 35,000, you have Rs. 1.4 lakhs surplus.

Use this power to build a disciplined investment plan.

Avoid increasing EMI burden now.

4. Shift Focus from Property to Portfolio Diversification

Real estate is not a liquid asset.

It is hard to rebalance or exit in short time.

A Rs. 30 lakh loan for property brings EMI stress.

Instead, spread that money into equity mutual funds, gold funds, and debt.

You already have stocks and SIPs. Build further through this route.

Long-term returns from mutual funds are often better than rental yield.

Also, mutual funds give better diversification and liquidity.

5. Build Core Portfolio with Balanced Allocation

You already have Rs. 21 lakhs savings earning 7.1%.

That is a good emergency and medium-term buffer.

Do not disturb this amount now.

Consider adding more SIPs to equity funds regularly.

Spread across 3 to 4 actively managed mutual funds.

Choose mix of flexi-cap, large-cap, and hybrid funds.

Avoid index funds now. They just copy the market and give no downside control.

Fund managers in active funds aim for better returns with lesser volatility.

6. Actively Managed Funds Over Index or Direct Plans

You may be tempted to invest in direct plans.

Direct plans give lower expense, but no expert advice or support.

That becomes risky in market corrections or emotional investing.

Invest through regular plans with a certified MFD and CFP guidance.

Regular funds give access to reviews, adjustments, and better control.

In long run, good behaviour matters more than just expense ratio.

7. SIP Strategy Should Be Steady, Not Reactive

You invest in stocks when markets fall. That’s a good instinct.

But timing the market can go wrong too.

Instead, run SIPs without stopping, even in falling market.

SIPs buy more units when market falls. That is built-in benefit.

Continue SIPs monthly, and add lumpsum only if income is surplus.

8. Gold Should Be Small Part of Your Portfolio

You invest regularly in gold.

That’s good for hedge, but don’t go beyond 10% of portfolio.

Gold doesn’t generate income or dividends.

It should act as insurance against currency or equity risks.

9. Stock Portfolio Should Be Reviewed Every Year

You hold Rs. 11 lakhs in stocks.

Review if they are quality businesses with strong earnings.

Avoid trading or frequent buying and selling.

Do not chase market tips or news-based investing.

Consider shifting part of stock holdings to mutual funds gradually.

10. Don’t Overexpose to Real Estate

You mentioned land investments too.

Land is not income-generating. It also has legal, title, and liquidity risks.

Also, property market is very cyclical in India.

Use your money to build flexible financial assets instead.

SIPs, mutual funds, gold, and debt plans offer smoother growth.

11. Life and Health Insurance Should Be Rechecked

At your income level, check if you have Rs. 2 crore term cover.

That protects your family in case of any unexpected event.

Also ensure health insurance of Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs.

One illness can disturb your entire savings plan.

12. Plan Future Goals With Investment Buckets

Break your goals into short, medium, and long term.

Short term: Emergency fund, travel, insurance premium.

Medium term: Kid’s education, car, home upgrade.

Long term: Retirement, passive income, legacy.

Allocate your SIPs and savings to each goal wisely.

This gives clarity and direction to all your investments.

13. Avoid Over-Borrowing to Chase Growth

You don’t need to borrow more now.

Use your own strong cash flows to invest regularly.

Adding a second loan only increases pressure.

Your money can grow better in financial assets than in property.

14. Reinvest Surplus Monthly Systematically

You have Rs. 1.4 lakh surplus monthly.

Keep Rs. 20,000 for buffer or unexpected costs.

Invest Rs. 1.2 lakh monthly in mutual funds across 3 to 4 funds.

Split across growth and balanced funds.

Review every 6 months with your Certified Financial Planner.

15. Monitor and Rebalance Your Portfolio Annually

Your investments should match your risk profile.

Too much in land or stocks can be risky.

Too much in FD gives low returns.

Rebalancing once a year is important.

It keeps your portfolio aligned to your goals.

Finally

Your finances are strong. Your savings habits are good.

You do not need a second loan now.

Avoid taking risk with borrowed money.

Instead, use your high surplus income for smart investment.

Stay focused on equity mutual funds, gold, and short-term debt funds.

Take advice from a Certified Financial Planner every year.

Your future wealth is already in your hands. Let it grow smartly.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 28, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 42, and my current take home is 1.9 lakh per month. I have a home loan for which I paying 50K EMI. Currently my only investment is 5k monthly SIP and monthly EPF for 22k with current balance of 13 lakh. Now after all expenses I am am able to save 70-75k monthly. Can you please share a road map where I should invest money with 30k amount as high liquidity and flexibility and 40 as long term investment and any other suggestions for investment
Ans: Your dedication to securing a well-rounded financial future is excellent. Based on your profile, I’ll outline an investment roadmap that balances liquidity, growth, and long-term wealth creation.

Key Focus Areas for Your Financial Growth
For a comprehensive strategy, it’s essential to look at both liquidity needs and long-term growth. Given your current savings capacity, we’ll divide your Rs. 70-75k monthly savings effectively.

Here’s how to structure your investments with a balanced approach:

1. Allocating Rs. 30,000 for High Liquidity and Flexibility
In this portion, we’ll target investments that offer quick access to funds while providing a safety net for emergencies and short-term goals.

Liquid Funds
Liquid funds are low-risk and give quick access to cash within a day or two. These funds invest in short-term securities, providing stable returns with high liquidity. This option helps you build an emergency reserve without sacrificing flexibility.

Ultra-Short-Term Funds
Ultra-short-term funds offer slightly better returns than liquid funds but still maintain liquidity. They suit short-term goals and unexpected expenses. Ultra-short-term funds usually require a holding period of three months for optimal returns.

Recurring Deposits (RD)
If you prefer traditional investments, consider an RD with a 6-12 month term. It’s ideal for conservative investors seeking stable growth in liquid funds. It adds a disciplined approach to your savings without tying up funds long-term.

Money Market Funds
Money market funds provide a stable place for parking cash with moderate returns. They invest in high-quality, short-term debt instruments, offering security and fast access to funds. You can liquidate these investments quickly if needed.

2. Allocating Rs. 40,000 for Long-Term Wealth Creation
Long-term investments form the backbone of your financial growth. We’ll focus on higher-growth instruments for wealth building.

Equity Mutual Funds for High Returns
Equity mutual funds are ideal for a 5-10 year horizon and have high growth potential. With actively managed funds, your investment is continuously optimised by fund managers to outperform the market. Unlike index funds, actively managed funds allow for strategic shifts based on market conditions.

Balanced Advantage Funds for Stability and Growth
These funds blend equity and debt, balancing risk while delivering steady returns. They dynamically adjust between debt and equity, helping reduce volatility. They’re a safe choice if you want exposure to equity with controlled risk.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a government-backed option with tax-free returns and long-term benefits. It’s an excellent choice for retirement planning and fits well into a tax-efficient portfolio. It provides a 15-year horizon, aligning with long-term goals.

Debt Funds for Low-Risk Growth
Debt funds are suitable for steady, low-risk income. They invest in corporate bonds and government securities, providing reliable returns. They’re tax-efficient for long-term investors, especially if your income tax slab is high.

Assessing Your Home Loan and EMI Payment Strategy
Paying Rs. 50,000 monthly towards EMI affects your cash flow. You may consider partial pre-payments when feasible to reduce the loan burden. This strategy can help reduce interest over time and ease cash flow, freeing funds for further investment.

Strengthening Your Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is essential to manage unexpected expenses without disrupting your investments.

Set aside six months’ expenses in a high-liquidity option.

Liquid funds or ultra-short-term funds are excellent choices for this buffer.

Aim to allocate a portion of your Rs. 30,000 liquidity funds toward building this reserve.

Enhance Long-Term Security with Retirement Planning
Your monthly EPF contribution of Rs. 22,000 is a strong start. However, considering your future expenses, bolstering your retirement fund will help you secure financial freedom.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS provides tax-efficient growth for retirement. It invests in equity and debt based on your chosen risk profile, ensuring consistent growth for retirement. NPS offers benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD, giving you tax savings along with growth.

PPF Contributions
Consider supplementing EPF with PPF to balance your retirement fund. PPF provides assured returns, tax efficiency, and can serve as a reliable income source in retirement.

Avoid Direct Funds for Optimized Guidance and Security
Direct funds require continuous market knowledge and time to manage. Instead, consider investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials. This guidance brings expertise and helps you make strategic choices in volatile markets, giving better returns without direct fund challenges.

Tax Implications for Your Investments
Your investments should also focus on tax efficiency to maximise post-tax returns.

Equity Mutual Fund Taxation
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Equity investments should be held long-term to gain tax benefits.

Debt Fund Taxation
Debt funds are taxed as per your income slab, whether LTCG or STCG. They’re tax-efficient for those in high tax brackets and suit a stable, long-term portfolio.

Diversifying Your Investment Portfolio for Balanced Growth
To achieve a balanced portfolio, you’ll want diversity across asset classes, combining high growth with stability.

Gold Bonds
Gold bonds are government-backed, low-risk, and help hedge against inflation. They’re also tax-efficient and have no capital gains tax if held to maturity, making them ideal for a diversified portfolio.

Large-Cap and Mid-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds provide stability and lower risk, while mid-cap funds offer higher growth. Combining these funds aligns with your risk appetite and long-term growth goals.

Final Insights
A well-planned investment strategy can create financial stability and growth for your future. By focusing on a balanced approach, with Rs. 30,000 for liquidity and Rs. 40,000 for long-term investments, you secure flexibility and future wealth.

Stay consistent with these contributions, and make adjustments as needed. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can further refine this roadmap, helping you optimise each step of your investment journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 24, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 36 years old with two kids 3.75 years old and 1.25 year old. I have outstanding home loan of 24 lakh. I have mutual fund holding of 9 lakh and 3 lakh in equity. I don't have other savings. My monthly salary is 1.8 lakh and home loan emi is 55k/month and other expenses are 50k/month. I intent to pay off my home loan entirely by April 2025. And then save and focus on purchasing other real estate property. Request you to advise if I should pay off current home loan and then invest in second ( given opportunity cost of rising real estates ) or should I keep current emi and take additional loan to purchase second property as 24 lakh rupees would not be enough for second property.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You are 36 years old with two young kids.

Your monthly salary is Rs. 1.8 lakh.

Home loan EMI is Rs. 55,000 per month.

Other monthly expenses are Rs. 50,000.

Your current assets include Rs. 9 lakh in mutual funds and Rs. 3 lakh in equity.

No other savings apart from these investments.

You plan to fully repay your Rs. 24 lakh home loan by April 2025.

You are considering investing in another real estate property.

You are evaluating whether to pay off your current home loan first or take an additional loan.

Evaluating Home Loan Repayment
Paying off your home loan will free up Rs. 55,000 per month.

This can increase your savings and investment capacity.

However, prepaying the loan reduces liquidity, which is important for financial security.

Home loan interest rates are lower than potential investment returns from mutual funds.

Instead of full prepayment, partial repayment with continued investment may be better.

Assessing your loan’s interest rate versus expected returns is essential.

Managing Your Cash Flow and Investments
After EMI and expenses, you have Rs. 75,000 surplus per month.

With no emergency savings, all surplus going into loan repayment is risky.

Maintaining liquidity through an emergency fund is crucial.

Investing part of the surplus in mutual funds can create better long-term returns.

A balanced approach between loan prepayment and investment can be more beneficial.

Risks of Purchasing a Second Property
Real estate is illiquid and requires significant investment.

Rental yields are generally low, offering about 2-3% annually.

Capital appreciation is uncertain and depends on market conditions.

Maintenance, taxes, and potential vacancies add to costs.

If property prices fall, you may face financial stress with a higher loan burden.

Opportunity Cost of Investing in Real Estate
Investing in equity mutual funds offers better long-term returns.

You can achieve financial freedom faster through diversified investments.

Real estate locks in a large amount of money with slow growth.

Liquidity is lower compared to mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.

Recommended Financial Strategy
1. Build an Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid funds.

This ensures financial security and avoids forced withdrawals from investments.

2. Balance Loan Repayment and Investments
Instead of full prepayment, allocate some surplus towards investments.

Partial prepayment can reduce interest burden without affecting liquidity.

Continue investing in mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.

3. Avoid Purchasing Another Property
With limited savings and liquidity, another property will increase financial risk.

A second home loan will add EMI burden and reduce investment potential.

Diversifying into equity and fixed-income investments is a better approach.

Real estate investment limits flexibility in case of financial emergencies.

4. Strengthen Your Investment Portfolio
Increase SIP contributions in mutual funds to build long-term wealth.

Focus on a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for diversification.

Invest in debt funds or fixed-income instruments for stability.

Ensure a proper asset allocation based on risk tolerance and goals.

5. Secure Your Family’s Future
Ensure you have adequate term life insurance to protect your family.

Health insurance for yourself, spouse, and kids is necessary.

Create a financial plan for your children’s education and future needs.

Finally
Paying off your home loan is beneficial but should not drain liquidity.

Investing in mutual funds offers better flexibility and growth.

A second property will increase financial stress and limit investment potential.

Maintaining a balanced approach ensures financial stability and long-term wealth creation.

Prioritize an emergency fund, investments, and financial security before taking new liabilities.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 28, 2025
Money
Hi sir. I have 50 lakhs to invest and require inputs on where/how to. I currently have 1.2 Cr in Mutual funds (63% in large cap, 25% in midcap, 11% in small cap, rest 1-2% in gold funds). Monthly SIP of 50k ongoing in ICICI Pru Bluechip, Quant Mid Cap, PP Flexi cap, Quant Small Cap, Invesco India Contra, SBI Gold Fund. I have an under-constrution home loan for 1.3 Cr with current EMI of 80k which will increase to 1.2 lakh pm in 2 yrs when the project is completed. Could you suggest if I should reduce the loan requirement or invest the 50 lakh in add-on mutual funds/other investment products such as land (given current market scenario)?
Ans: Your current investments reflect clarity and structure.

It’s good to see your Rs. 1.2 crore mutual fund portfolio is well spread.

The Rs. 50,000 monthly SIP also shows strong financial discipline.

The Rs. 1.3 crore home loan with an increasing EMI in 2 years needs attention.

Your Rs. 50 lakh surplus gives you both flexibility and opportunity.

Let’s look at your options from a 360-degree financial planning lens.

We will explore four important areas:

– Debt management
– Investment suitability
– Portfolio structure
– Contingency planning

Let’s begin.

Loan Management – Reduce or Retain?
Your current EMI of Rs. 80,000 will go up to Rs. 1.2 lakh in two years.

Home loan rates may not go down significantly in short term.

You still have time to reduce the loan burden if needed.

Prepaying some loan amount now can reduce future EMI pressure.

You may also negotiate with the bank to restructure or reduce interest.

But don’t use full Rs. 50 lakh for loan prepayment.

Keeping liquidity is more important than full loan clearance.

Best strategy: Use 20–25 lakh for part prepayment.

This brings interest outgo under control.

It also brings mental peace before EMI rises.

Balance Rs. 25–30 lakh should be retained for investing purpose.

Investment Route – Where to Use Rs. 25–30 Lakh?
You already have Rs. 1.2 crore in mutual funds.

SIP of Rs. 50,000 per month is already active.

Your portfolio shows good mix: large, mid, small cap and gold.

No need to add more mutual fund categories now.

Instead, strengthen exposure in same structure.

Fresh lump sum must be staggered in tranches.

Use STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) for this.

Park Rs. 25–30 lakh in a good ultra-short duration fund.

Then transfer Rs. 1.5–2 lakh monthly into your current equity funds.

This way, you reduce market risk while entering.

Don’t go for direct funds even if expense ratio is less.

Regular funds through Certified Financial Planner give better guidance.

You gain personalised help, behavioural correction and fund review.

Direct plan investors often miss these, and returns suffer.

You should continue all your current SIPs.

Don’t introduce new schemes without specific purpose.

Also avoid exotic themes like international, thematic, sectoral funds.

They carry concentration risk and timing risk.

Asset Allocation Review – Balance Equity with Safety
98% of your mutual fund portfolio is in equity.

This is aggressive, and suitable only for long-term goals.

But now with large home loan and rising EMI, safety is key.

Allocate a part of your Rs. 50 lakh to safe products.

This ensures peace of mind and emergency coverage.

Choose short-term debt funds with high-quality papers.

Fixed deposits are fine for very short-term needs.

Avoid NCDs and corporate bonds without credit rating comfort.

Don't chase high returns from unlisted or private bonds.

Your core portfolio should balance return with stability.

Aim for 80:20 ratio between equity and safety instruments now.

Avoid Real Estate as Investment Route
You already have an under-construction property.

Real estate is illiquid and needs high maintenance.

Buying land or more property locks capital without regular returns.

Rental yield is also low. Liquidity during crisis is zero.

You also face risks like legal delays, registration cost, capital gain tax.

Avoid investing your surplus Rs. 50 lakh into any land.

Let your investments remain flexible, safe and growth-oriented.

Tax Perspective – Be Aware of Capital Gains Tax
Equity mutual fund gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh are tax-free yearly.

Beyond that, long-term gains are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Don’t redeem in bulk to avoid higher taxation.

Plan withdrawals during non-working years or post-retirement.

For debt funds, taxation is per your income slab.

Choose investments where taxation suits your slab.

Consult your tax expert once a year to rebalance smartly.

Contingency Planning – Emergency and Safety Check
Check if your emergency fund covers 12 months expenses.

You are already committing Rs. 80k EMI monthly.

In 2 years, it will go up by 50%.

In case of job loss or income dip, EMI stress may arise.

Always keep Rs. 8–10 lakh as emergency reserve.

Use sweep-in FDs or ultra-short debt funds for this.

Make sure health insurance and term insurance are adequate.

Any sudden illness or job risk shouldn’t break your portfolio.

Children’s Future – Start Goal-Based Planning
If you have children, plan now for education.

Use a separate SIP for child goal if not done already.

Select balanced or hybrid equity funds for child goals.

This provides growth with lower volatility.

Avoid child ULIPs or traditional insurance plans.

They are low-return and poor liquidity options.

If you hold any of them, consider surrender and reinvest into mutual funds.

Avoid Index Funds – Here’s Why
Index funds only mimic markets, not beat them.

You don’t get downside protection in falling markets.

Actively managed funds aim to outperform benchmarks.

In India, skilled fund managers can still beat index returns.

You miss expert judgement in index approach.

Also, same returns mean less room for alpha generation.

Stick to active funds under regular plans with a Certified Financial Planner.

Portfolio Monitoring – Keep Regular Reviews
Track your SIPs and lump sum investments quarterly.

See which funds are lagging beyond 2–3 years.

Don’t rush to exit due to 6-month poor return.

Use Certified Financial Planner to reallocate, not switch randomly.

Make goals-based buckets: home EMI, retirement, child education.

Link each fund to a goal. Track progress. Rebalance once a year.

Stay invested during market dips. That’s when wealth is built.

Finally – What You Should Do Now
Use Rs. 20–25 lakh to partly prepay the home loan.

Use Rs. 25–30 lakh for investment through STP into your current mutual funds.

Don’t add new fund types unless your goals demand.

Stay with regular mutual funds. Avoid direct mode and index funds.

Create safety net through short-term debt funds and FDs.

Maintain emergency fund. Avoid real estate or land purchases.

Monitor all funds quarterly. Rebalance annually with a planner’s support.

Keep discipline, avoid over-diversification, and stay goal focused.

You’re already doing well. Now, strengthen the base further.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 07, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
Money
Im earning 1 lakhs salary and have Home loan of 16 lakhs outstanding with EMI 15000 but paying 22000 per month. I have fds 7 lakhs , PPF 2 lakhs and SIP of 2 lakhs as assets. Im not planning for any EMI loans now and require 50 lakhs after 10 year and 75 lakhs after 15 year. Please guide me the investment strategy I have to follow. Also I have NPS investment balance of 20 lakhs
Ans: At age 1 lakh monthly income, no new loans planned, and specific future targets of Rs. 50 lakhs in 10 years and Rs. 75 lakhs in 15 years, you are on a promising path.

Let us now build a 360-degree investment plan for you. It will help you achieve these goals efficiently and sustainably.

Your Financial Snapshot
Let us begin with your current income and investment status.

Monthly salary: Rs. 1 lakh

Home loan outstanding: Rs. 16 lakh

EMI: Rs. 15,000, but paying Rs. 22,000/month

FDs: Rs. 7 lakh

PPF: Rs. 2 lakh

SIP investments: Rs. 2 lakh (need to confirm whether monthly or total corpus)

NPS balance: Rs. 20 lakh

No additional loans planned

Goals:

Rs. 50 lakh needed after 10 years

Rs. 75 lakh needed after 15 years

We will now assess your current investments and guide you to reach your goals.

Home Loan Strategy
You are repaying Rs. 22,000 EMI though actual EMI is Rs. 15,000.

This shows financial discipline.

By paying extra Rs. 7,000 per month, you are reducing interest burden.

Continue this prepayment as long as it doesn’t affect investments.

But do not pay off loan fully at cost of long-term wealth building.

Home loan also gives tax benefit.

Use a balance approach.

Prioritise investment for goals over aggressive loan closure.

Emergency Corpus Review
You have Rs. 7 lakh in fixed deposits.

That is adequate for 6 to 9 months of expenses.

FDs are good for emergencies.

But they are not good for long-term goals.

Do not invest fresh money in FDs for long-term plans.

Use it only for short-term needs or emergency reserves.

Keep it separate from investment funds.

PPF Account Allocation
You have Rs. 2 lakh in PPF.

PPF is a very safe long-term option.

Tax-free maturity is a big plus.

Returns are lower than mutual funds, but stable.

Continue with Rs. 1.5 lakh annual contribution if possible.

Use it as part of your 15+ year retirement base.

But don’t over-rely on it to reach Rs. 50 or 75 lakh goals.

It is more suitable for low-risk, slow-growth capital.

Understanding the NPS Investment
You have Rs. 20 lakh in NPS.

NPS is good for retirement.

It is partly in equity, partly in debt.

NPS has restrictions on liquidity before 60.

Also, partial withdrawal rules apply.

You will also need to use annuity post-retirement.

So NPS cannot be used to fund your Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 75 lakh goals.

Treat NPS as your retirement-only instrument.

Do not mix it with medium-term goal planning.

SIP Clarification and Strategy
You have Rs. 2 lakh invested in SIPs.

You have not specified if this is monthly SIP or current corpus.

If it is current corpus, then monthly SIP needs to be started.

If it is monthly SIP of Rs. 2 lakh, that would be a very high investment.

That needs clarification for correct planning.

Assuming Rs. 2 lakh is your current mutual fund corpus:

You must now start SIPs for both your goals.

You need goal-based funds with different risk levels.

Avoid investing in direct funds.

They don’t give you proper tracking and guidance.

Work through Certified Financial Planner with regular funds.

MFDs with CFPs offer support, reviews, and behavioural coaching.

Direct funds do not help you avoid mistakes.

Also, avoid index funds.

They only copy markets and don’t manage downside.

Actively managed funds offer better control and better returns over long periods.

Professional fund managers guide fund movement actively.

That benefits investors like you during volatility.

Asset Allocation for Your Goals
You have two goals:

Rs. 50 lakh in 10 years

Rs. 75 lakh in 15 years

Create two separate SIPs.

Treat them as independent buckets.

Avoid mixing goal timelines.

For Rs. 50 lakh goal:

Use actively managed hybrid and large cap funds

Aim for moderate risk and good stability

Allocate monthly SIP with proper calculation

For Rs. 75 lakh goal:

Use aggressive multi-cap and midcap equity funds

This will allow high growth in 15 years

Allocate higher equity exposure for long-term

Do not stop SIPs during corrections.

Stay invested for full term.

Review allocation every year.

Monthly Investment Plan
After EMI of Rs. 22,000, you have Rs. 78,000 balance.

Household expenses assumed at Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000.

That leaves Rs. 28,000 to Rs. 38,000 for investment.

Out of this, allocate:

Rs. 1.5 lakh per year in PPF (Rs. 12,500/month)

Rest in mutual fund SIPs for both goals

You may split the SIP:

Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 12,000 for 10-year goal

Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 for 15-year goal

Increase SIP every year by 10–15%.

Use bonuses and increments to boost SIPs.

Avoid These Mistakes
Here are common mistakes to avoid.

Avoid real estate for investment.

Property is illiquid and not suitable for 10–15 year goals.

Don’t invest new money in FDs.

Avoid mixing emergency and goal-based savings.

Don’t skip yearly review of portfolio.

Avoid direct mutual funds.

Don’t stop SIPs during market correction.

Don’t invest in index funds.

Building Long-Term Wealth Habits
Create goal buckets for all needs.

One for 10-year financial goal

One for 15-year financial goal

One for retirement (NPS + EPF + PPF)

One for emergency corpus (FD)

Keep clear distinction.

Do not withdraw from one for another.

Document your financial plan.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to track progress.

Ensure all investments have nominations.

Maintain a Will for clarity.

Also, take sufficient health insurance coverage.

One illness can derail savings.

Final Insights
You are financially stable.

With no new loans, you can focus on growth.

Keep paying your home loan with discipline.

Maintain emergency funds as is.

Use PPF and NPS as retirement tools.

Start SIPs aligned with your two goals.

Use regular, actively managed funds via CFP and MFD.

Avoid direct and index funds.

Review and increase SIP yearly.

Avoid early withdrawal from long-term plans.

Work steadily for 10 to 15 years.

You can achieve both goals confidently.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 18, 2025

Money
Hi, I am 35 years old with month take home salary is 1.90 lacks per month. I have below liabilities - Home loan - 15lacs remaining 32400 mothly emi with 7.85 interest rate Other - 50000 monthly expenses 16000 medical insurance per year 32000 medical insurance per year Investment - 15000 in SIP 40000 - Saving in account I have currently 12lacs in PPF, 2 lacs in SIP I want to have a 1laks per month income after retirement. I have one child 3 years old, need to plan for his education and marriage. I am planning to but a land that may add up to 15k per month of home loan emi. Suggest me, what more investment I can do to acheive my goal
Ans: You are doing really well at 35. Your income is strong, and you already started some investments. You also have clarity on your future goals. That is an excellent foundation. You want Rs.1 lakh per month retirement income, child education and marriage fund, and you are considering buying land. I will give you a complete 360-degree financial plan.

» Current Positives
– You earn Rs.1.9 lakh per month, which is very healthy.
– Home loan balance is only Rs.15 lakh, manageable with current EMI.
– You already have Rs.12 lakh in PPF, which builds long-term safety.
– SIPs are started, though still small compared to income.
– Health insurance is in place, which protects your wealth.
– You are thinking ahead about child and retirement, very wise.

» Current Concerns
– Investments are small compared to your high income.
– Large part of surplus is sitting idle in savings account.
– New loan for land may add stress without good returns.
– Education and marriage fund for child need dedicated planning.
– Retirement plan is not yet structured.

» Emergency Fund
– Keep 6 months of expense as liquid reserve.
– Your monthly expense with EMI is about Rs.85k.
– So maintain Rs.5 to 6 lakh separately in liquid asset.
– This should not be mixed with investments.

» Protection Planning
– You already have medical insurance. That is good.
– Check if cover is enough for family including child.
– Term insurance is a must. Take at least Rs.1.5 to 2 crore cover.
– Premium will be affordable now and gives family safety.

» Home Loan Strategy
– Home loan EMI is Rs.32,400. Balance is Rs.15 lakh.
– With 7.85% rate, repayment is not very heavy.
– Prepayment is optional, as inflation-adjusted cost is low.
– Better to continue and use surplus for investments.
– Only consider prepayment if interest rate rises too much.

» Land Purchase Thought
– You plan for land with extra Rs.15k EMI.
– Please avoid land purchase for investment purpose.
– Real estate often locks money for long years.
– It does not give regular returns.
– Also, maintenance, legal risks, and liquidity issues are high.
– Instead, channel this Rs.15k into mutual funds for higher compounding.

» Child Education Planning
– Child is 3 years old. Education goal is 15 years away.
– Education cost grows much faster than normal inflation.
– For higher education, you may need Rs.60 to 80 lakh.
– You should start a dedicated SIP only for education.
– At least Rs.20k per month can go here.

» Child Marriage Planning
– Marriage goal is around 20 to 25 years away.
– You may need Rs.50 to 60 lakh.
– For this long goal, equity mutual funds work best.
– At least Rs.10k to 12k per month should be set aside.

» Retirement Planning
– You want Rs.1 lakh per month in retirement.
– You are 35 now. Retirement at 60 gives you 25 years.
– This needs a very big retirement corpus.
– Your PPF will help but not enough.
– Increase SIP towards retirement.
– At least Rs.35k to 40k per month should go into retirement plan.

» Investment Allocation Suggestion
– Total investable surplus is around Rs.1 lakh monthly.
– Suggested split:

Rs.20k – child education SIP.

Rs.12k – child marriage SIP.

Rs.38k – retirement SIP.

Rs.10k – gold for diversification.

Rs.10k – stocks if you have knowledge.

Rs.10k – extra buffer / annual vacation / lifestyle fund.

» Role of Mutual Funds
– Mutual funds should be the main driver of wealth.
– They provide diversification and professional research.
– Do not go for direct mutual funds.
– Direct funds give no guidance and no support during corrections.
– Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner or distributor ensures handholding.
– This support is priceless in volatile markets.

» Why Not Index Funds
– Index funds only copy the index.
– They cannot beat the market.
– They give average return, not superior.
– During market crash, index falls equally.
– Active funds are better. Skilled manager can protect in bad times.
– Over long years, this makes big difference.

» Gold Allocation
– Keep 5 to 10% in gold.
– Use digital or sovereign gold.
– Gold acts as hedge in crisis.
– It balances portfolio when equity struggles.

» Stocks Allocation
– Direct stocks can be exciting.
– But they need time, knowledge, and discipline.
– Restrict them to 10% of portfolio.
– Do not put education or retirement money here.
– Only use extra risk money for stocks.

» Tax Awareness
– PPF gives tax deduction and safe return.
– Equity mutual fund long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds taxed as per your slab.
– Plan holding period carefully to reduce tax outgo.

» Lifestyle Control
– With Rs.1.9 lakh income, lifestyle spending can increase quickly.
– Keep lifestyle growth under control.
– Increase SIPs with every salary hike.
– Lifestyle creep can eat into retirement savings.

» Annual Review
– Every year, check performance with Certified Financial Planner.
– Replace underperforming funds.
– Increase SIP if income grows.
– Adjust child fund and retirement fund as goals become clearer.

» Behavioural Focus
– Stay disciplined during market falls.
– Do not stop SIPs when markets are negative.
– That is when you accumulate more units.
– Wealth building is a marathon, not sprint.

» Estate Planning
– Make nomination in all accounts and policies.
– Write a simple Will to secure your child.
– This ensures smooth transfer in future.

» Finally
You have high earning power and young age. This combination is powerful. Avoid locking surplus in land. Instead, use mutual funds actively through regular plans with guidance. Build dedicated funds for retirement, education, and marriage. Keep insurance strong and maintain an emergency fund. With Rs.1 lakh monthly investments across goals, you can achieve retirement income and secure your child’s future. Discipline and regular review will make the journey smooth and successful.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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