How can a 12th pass student with zero income plan finances for a future startup?

Hello sir! I am Aman Sharma,an 12 pass student,going to take admission in Engineering,who wants to do start-up after 10 year of engineering.I read lot of suggestions that you have given to many people, which made me to ask this question. My financial income is zero right now since I am a student. Very soon I will crack a hackathon so that I can start my income through internship further through job since I will get PPO through that. Could you please suggest me what should be my financial plan (where to invest) to have passive income through that investment, which will help me to do start-up in future. Sir along with financial plan name also mention their interest rate and risk associated with that. Sir please note that I have zero knowledge of financial planing

Ans: Aman,

It's wonderful to see your interest in planning your financial future at such an early stage. I commend your proactive approach. Here are some steps you can follow to build a strong financial foundation and secure passive income for your future start-up.

Understanding Financial Planning
Financial planning is about managing your money to meet your life goals. It includes saving, investing, and managing risks.

Initial Steps
Emergency Fund: Save at least six months' worth of expenses. This will help during unforeseen situations.

Education and Skill Development: Invest in courses and certifications. This will enhance your employability and income potential.

Investment Options
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Interest Rate: Around 7.1% per annum

Risk: Low

Benefits: Tax-free returns and long-term savings.

Mutual Funds

Interest Rate: Varies (10-15% on average)

Risk: Medium to High

Benefits: Professional management, diversified portfolio, and potential for higher returns.

Recurring Deposits (RD)

Interest Rate: Around 5-6% per annum

Risk: Low

Benefits: Regular savings with guaranteed returns.

Passive Income Strategies
Dividend-Yielding Stocks

Interest Rate: 2-6% dividend yield

Risk: Medium to High

Benefits: Regular income and potential capital appreciation.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)

Interest Rate: Varies (8-12% on average)

Risk: Medium

Benefits: Disciplined investing, rupee cost averaging, and compounding benefits.

Risk Management
Health Insurance

Ensure you have adequate health insurance. This will protect you from high medical costs.
Term Insurance

Opt for a term insurance plan. This will secure your family's future in case of an untimely demise.
Long-Term Goals
Retirement Planning

Start contributing to retirement plans early. This will ensure financial independence in your later years.
Educational Savings

Save for higher education and any future courses. This will help in enhancing your skills and knowledge.
Final Insights
Starting early gives you a significant advantage. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan as your income and goals evolve. Seek guidance from a certified financial planner to tailor a plan specific to your needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Asked on - Aug 02, 2024 | Answered on Aug 02, 2024

Risk=medium to high means I need to have eye on mutual fund whether they are declining or flourishing Risk=medium or low means don't need to have eye over them but yeas checking them every month end

Ans: Aman, for medium to high-risk investments like mutual funds, it’s good to monitor their performance regularly. However, for low-risk investments, you don't need to keep a constant watch but reviewing them monthly is wise. For more detailed guidance, get in touch with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Dear Ganesh,

Congratulations on nearing the end of your debt obligations. It’s commendable that you are planning ahead and thinking about investing for your future. At 24, you have a great opportunity to build a strong financial foundation. Here’s a detailed plan to help you start investing from January onwards.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You earn Rs 50,000 per month. Currently, your expenses are as follows:

Loan Repayment: Rs 14,000
Home Loan: Rs 22,000
Rent and Monthly Expenses: Rs 15,000
Your total monthly expenses amount to Rs 51,000. You are managing these expenses well and will clear your debts by December. From January onwards, you will have more disposable income to invest.

Building an Emergency Fund
The first step in your financial journey should be to build an emergency fund. An emergency fund provides a safety net for unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least six months’ worth of living expenses.

Target Amount: Rs 90,000 (6 x Rs 15,000)
Monthly Contribution: Set aside a portion of your income each month until you reach this target.
Keep this fund in a liquid asset, such as a savings account or a liquid mutual fund, for easy access.

Budgeting and Saving
Effective budgeting is crucial for financial stability. Here’s how you can allocate your monthly income of Rs 50,000 from January:

Savings and Investments: 30% (Rs 15,000)
Emergency Fund: 10% (Rs 5,000)
Rent and Living Expenses: 30% (Rs 15,000)
Discretionary Spending: 20% (Rs 10,000)
Insurance and Miscellaneous: 10% (Rs 5,000)
This allocation ensures you save and invest a significant portion while covering your expenses.

Investing for the Future
Investing is key to building wealth over time. Here are some investment strategies to consider:

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
A SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It’s a disciplined way to build wealth and averages the cost of investment over time.

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds invest in stocks and offer high returns. They are suitable for long-term goals.
Debt Mutual Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities, providing stable returns. They balance the risk in your portfolio.
Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt, offering growth with reduced risk.
Investing through SIPs can help you achieve your financial goals while mitigating market volatility.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
While index funds provide diversification at low cost, actively managed funds can potentially offer higher returns. Professional fund managers actively select and manage stocks, aiming to outperform the market.

Expert Management: Fund managers have the expertise to select high-potential stocks.
Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adjust their portfolios based on market conditions.
By investing in actively managed funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential, you can benefit from professional guidance and tailored investment strategies.

Insurance and Risk Management
Insurance is essential to protect your financial well-being. Here are key insurance strategies:

Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Medical expenses can be significant, and health insurance provides financial protection.

Coverage Amount: At least Rs 5 lakhs
Family Coverage: Consider a family floater plan if you have dependents.
Life Insurance
Life insurance is crucial if you have dependents. A term insurance plan offers high coverage at a low premium.

Coverage Amount: At least 10 times your annual income.
Term Insurance: Provides financial security to your family in case of an unforeseen event.
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can help you save money and increase your net worth. Here are some tax-saving strategies:

Section 80C
Invest in tax-saving instruments to avail deductions under Section 80C.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS): Mutual funds with a lock-in period of three years, offering high returns and tax benefits.
Section 80D
Claim deductions on health insurance premiums paid for yourself and your family under Section 80D.

Long-Term Financial Goals
Setting clear long-term financial goals is essential. Here are some common goals to consider:

Retirement Planning
Start investing for your retirement early to build a substantial corpus.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF): Contribute to EPF if you are employed.
National Pension System (NPS): Offers a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities with tax benefits.
Purchasing a House
If you plan to buy a house, start saving for the down payment early. Consider saving in a dedicated account for this purpose.

Children’s Education
If you plan to have children, start an education fund early. Investing in child-specific plans or mutual funds can help you build a corpus for their education.

Regular Financial Review
Regularly reviewing your financial plan is crucial to stay on track to achieve your goals. Here are some tips:

Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your financial plan. Assess your progress and make necessary adjustments.
Life Changes: Update your financial plan in response to significant life changes like marriage, birth of a child, or a change in employment.
Market Conditions: Stay informed about market conditions and adjust your investments accordingly. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to get professional advice.
Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls
To achieve financial success, it's essential to avoid common financial pitfalls:

High-Interest Debt: Avoid taking on high-interest debt. It can strain your finances and reduce your ability to save and invest.
Impulse Purchases: Stick to your financial plan and avoid impulsive spending. Discipline is crucial for long-term financial success.
Ignoring Inflation: Factor in inflation when planning your savings and investments. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your money over time.
The Benefits of Regular Funds Through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing in regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential offers several advantages:

Professional Guidance: Access to expert advice and personalized investment strategies.
Active Management: Benefit from the expertise of fund managers who actively select and manage stocks.
Convenience: MFDs handle the administrative aspects of your investments, making the process hassle-free.
Final Insights
Planning your finances is a continuous process that requires regular review and adjustment. By managing your expenses, saving diligently, investing wisely, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage, you can achieve your financial goals and secure your future.

Your proactive approach to financial planning is commendable. Continue to educate yourself on financial matters and seek professional advice when needed. Remember, a well-planned financial strategy can provide you with peace of mind and a secure future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in