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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 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
Deepak Question by Deepak on Apr 27, 2025
Money

Hello, I am Dr D, an Nri, since 9 years. I am building a house back in India, the total cost of project including land and construction is 2.4 Cr. As of now, i have fd of 1 cr, and investments in stocks since 2013 of 1.1 Cr, which have grown to 2.3 Cr. I have paid 50 % of the construction cost and need another 1.2 Cr over next one year which i have to pay in installments as the project completes. plus another 25 lakh for the interior and paper works. i have monthly income of 7.5 lakh ( after conversion to INR) of which i can save 4 lakh per month. i dont have any other liabilities. i dont have any loans to repay as of now. 1. How do i fund the construction cost? Should i take a loan or break my FD? Please suggest. If need further details please let me know.

Ans: You are in a very strong financial position.

Your monthly income of Rs. 7.5 lakh is stable and high.

You are able to save Rs. 4 lakh monthly. This shows excellent discipline.

Your stock investments have grown well from Rs. 1.1 crore to Rs. 2.3 crore.

You also hold Rs. 1 crore in fixed deposits. This gives you good liquidity.

You have already paid 50% of your home construction cost. This shows planning.

You need Rs. 1.2 crore more for construction, plus Rs. 25 lakh for interiors.

You have no loans or other liabilities. That gives you complete flexibility.

Let us now plan a simple way to manage the remaining Rs. 1.45 crore requirement.

Goal: Complete Home Construction Without Compromising Wealth Creation

You should aim to fund the house, and also retain equity growth potential.

Home is a consumption asset, not a financial one.

You already have 50% sunk cost in it. Balance 50% must be handled carefully.

You should avoid full withdrawal of your investments.

You should avoid breaking your FD fully in one go.

Also, avoid selling all your stocks together. That could trigger capital gains tax.

Try to split the funding over time. Use both assets and cashflow efficiently.

Recommended Funding Plan for Rs. 1.45 Crore Requirement

You can manage the funding with a mix of strategies.

You save Rs. 4 lakh monthly. That gives you Rs. 48 lakh over next 12 months.

Use this full Rs. 48 lakh for construction in monthly instalments.

That brings down the funding gap from Rs. 1.45 crore to about Rs. 97 lakh.

You can break FD partially to support balance amount in tranches.

Avoid breaking full Rs. 1 crore. Just break Rs. 50–60 lakh over 12 months.

Plan the FD maturity in 3 or 4 parts. Link them to construction payment schedule.

FD withdrawal is tax efficient as there is no capital gain tax involved.

Use your stock portfolio only if the market is favourable.

Sell part of equity, say Rs. 30–40 lakh in 3 tranches, only if markets are high.

Pick low conviction stocks or overvalued ones to sell.

Avoid panic selling or large lump sum withdrawals from equity.

Keep Rs. 40–50 lakh equity intact for long term growth.

About Loan Option: Take Only If Really Necessary

You don’t need a home loan in your case. But still, keep this backup.

Bank loan will cost you 8.5% to 9.5% interest.

That’s higher than FD interest and equity growth.

You are already able to save Rs. 4 lakh monthly.

Your liquidity is strong. So loan is not ideal in your case.

But still, have a pre-approved loan facility as backup.

If markets fall or FD is illiquid, loan gives flexibility.

You can take overdraft-type loan. You pay interest only on used amount.

Don’t take fixed EMI loans unless you have no other option.

Don’t use loan for interiors. Use only savings and FD for that.

Managing Your FD Efficiently During This Time

Let your FD serve construction flow with minimum tax impact.

Break the FD into 3 to 5 smaller deposits.

Let each part mature every 2–3 months.

This ensures your funds are not idle.

You avoid breaking entire FD at once.

Choose the highest interest paying FD. Prefer reputed banks.

Avoid corporate FDs unless AAA rated. Safety matters more now.

Keep Rs. 10–15 lakh FD as reserve. Don’t use up all.

Using Equity Smartly Without Disturbing Long Term Goals

Your stocks have grown well. But do not overuse them now.

Selectively redeem high valuation stocks first.

Don’t redeem high growth or dividend paying stocks now.

You can redeem stocks where conviction is now weak.

Avoid emotional attachment with any particular stock.

Ensure equity selling is spread across 2–3 quarters.

That way you can also manage capital gains taxation.

New rule allows Rs. 1.25 lakh LTCG tax free each year.

Beyond that, tax is 12.5% on long term equity capital gains.

Short term capital gains are taxed at 20%. So avoid recent stocks for redemption.

Interior Costs and Paper Work – Manage with Savings and FDs

Your interior and paperwork cost is Rs. 25 lakh. Handle it easily.

This is 5 to 6 months of your regular savings.

You can plan this expense over 6 to 8 months.

If some urgent payments arise, use FD tranches for it.

Don’t use equity investments for this portion.

Interior should not compromise your long-term wealth.

Future Strategy: Rebuild Portfolio Once House is Completed

Once your house project is complete, rebuild your portfolio slowly.

You can restart monthly equity SIP of Rs. 2 lakh from 2026 onwards.

Pick actively managed mutual funds through Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct funds. They offer no guidance or rebalancing support.

Avoid index funds. They give average returns, no downside protection.

Let your planner design an asset allocation plan.

Include equity, debt mutual funds, global funds, and gold savings.

Target Rs. 5–6 crore financial assets in next 10 years.

Don’t mix real estate again. You already own a big house now.

Review portfolio every year. Do rebalancing with expert help.

Your Risk Protection and Emergency Readiness

You must protect your family now with right insurance and emergency funds.

Have a term insurance of at least Rs. 1.5 crore.

Ensure Rs. 10 lakh health cover for you and family.

Keep Rs. 10 lakh as emergency fund in savings and liquid fund.

This ensures home funding plan does not get disturbed.

Finally

You have handled your finances wisely over the years.

You are in a better place than most people of your age.

Now your goal is to complete home peacefully without disturbing wealth.

Use your monthly savings, FDs and equity carefully.

Don’t rush to sell everything or take unnecessary loan.

Once house is done, build financial assets faster again.

Take help of a Certified Financial Planner to guide your investments.

Avoid random advice or trial-and-error approach in wealth building.

This is the right time to bring clarity and long-term planning.

Keep financial documents, home papers and investments organised.

Make a written plan for next 5 years with milestones.

Stick to the plan with discipline. Make adjustments only when required.

You have the right income, assets and mindset.

Now convert that into lasting financial security.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir Nameste, Me and my wife from small town working earning 1.13lakh per month, we have 3 loans 1. Icici 10 lakhs @12.39 (2.30 lakhs remaining to closed by september 25) 2. Sbi loan 1.6 lakh just started @ 12.46% 3. LIC loan 2.20 lakh @9% We are government employees both so investment in NPS is aprox 20,000/month We are also investing 19000/month in LIC We had also aquired 2 no. Of land in our locality, (loans are taken for this purpose) Our EMI is aprox 26000/month, and monthly expenses is 53000, we are dipositing all our excess money to our loans so that it all can be closed by 2025 september. Sir what should be my approach to build a house with in next 5 years.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Your combined monthly income is Rs 1.13 lakh, a solid base for building assets.

You have three active loans with a current EMI of Rs 26,000, which includes loans for land purchase.

Monthly expenses are Rs 53,000, while Rs 19,000 is allocated to LIC premiums, and Rs 20,000 goes to NPS.

You plan to close all loans by September 2025, and currently focus all excess funds towards these debts.

Evaluating Loan Repayment Strategy
Your focus on loan repayment is a wise step. Clearing these high-interest loans will free up monthly cash flow.

Prioritise the SBI loan at 12.46% interest after closing the ICICI loan, as it has a higher rate than the LIC loan.

Once these loans are cleared, your EMI obligation will reduce, allowing you to redirect funds toward home building and investment goals.

Strategic Steps Towards Home Building in 5 Years
Step 1: Plan a Dedicated Savings Fund
Begin a dedicated "Home Building Fund" once the loans are paid off by September 2025. This will give you two years of free cash flow before the home construction goal.

Estimate the cost for building your house. Allocate monthly contributions based on the required budget over 5 years, adjusted for inflation.

A balanced mutual fund or an SIP in a multi-cap fund could be beneficial for growing this fund with moderate risk.

Step 2: Review Existing LIC Policies
Rs 19,000 monthly in LIC may not yield optimal returns. Consider the role of these policies in your overall portfolio.

If these are traditional or endowment policies, they typically offer low returns. Switching to term insurance and investing the rest in mutual funds could enhance your wealth-building potential.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for an analysis of the LIC policies to determine if a shift would benefit your long-term goals.

Step 3: Explore NPS and Additional Investments
NPS is a good retirement tool with Rs 20,000 monthly contribution, but it may not support short-term goals like home building.

Post-loan, consider a diversified mutual fund SIP to grow your funds for the next 5 years, aiming for inflation-adjusted returns.

A combination of large-cap and multi-cap funds offers stability with moderate growth, which is suitable for a 5-year timeline.

Structuring Finances for Future Goals
Step 4: Create an Emergency Fund
As government employees, your jobs are stable, but emergencies can occur. Aim for 3-6 months of expenses saved in a liquid or short-term debt fund.

This fund prevents disruption to your goal-oriented savings if sudden expenses arise.

Step 5: Regular Review and Adjustment
Review your investments annually with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure they align with your timeline and goals.

Assess any rise in construction costs or changes in your financial situation. Regular adjustments ensure you stay on track without compromising other financial priorities.

Finally
Your disciplined approach to clearing loans and managing monthly contributions is commendable. A focused investment strategy after loan repayment will allow you to grow the funds needed to build your house in 5 years. Maintain an emergency fund, optimise insurance, and regularly review your investments to ensure a steady path toward your home-building goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 24, 2025Hindi
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24.01.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan demonstrates a well-thought-out approach to leveraging your investments while keeping liabilities manageable. Your decision to raise funds through an overdraft loan against shares and mutual funds is practical given the significant market value of your investments. However, there are a few aspects to evaluate for better clarity and financial stability.

Advantages of Your Strategy
Liquidity Without Selling Investments: Using an overdraft loan against your equity and mutual fund investments helps retain the assets.

SWP to Cover Interest Payments: A systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) ensures regular cash flow to meet interest expenses.

Property Value as Collateral: Your land property provides additional financial security.

Future Potential of Investments: Your expectation of Rs. 10 crore over 7-8 years appears reasonable given historical growth trends.

Concerns and Potential Risks
Market Volatility: Both equities and mutual funds are subject to market fluctuations.

Interest Burden: Over time, the compounding of the interest at 10.35% could strain liquidity.

Delays in Property Completion: Construction delays could impact cash flow plans.

Over-dependence on SWP: Over-reliance on SWP can erode long-term wealth if markets underperform.

Alternative Ways to Manage Overdraft Loan
Diversify Funding Sources
Split the Loan Amount: Explore partial loans from banks or NBFCs secured by the property itself.

Loan Against Fixed Deposits: Use your FD as collateral for a part of the loan.

Consider a Lower-Interest Loan: Negotiate with lenders for a lower interest rate.

Optimise SWP Strategy
Adjust Withdrawal Amount: Reduce SWP if the market experiences a downturn.

Partial Sale of Underperforming Units: Sell a small portion of underperforming investments to reduce the loan burden.

Construction Phasing
Build in Phases: Start with 2-3 floors initially to reduce the upfront loan requirement.

Rental Income from Early Units: Generate income from completed units to support loan repayment.

Emergency Backup Plan
Sell a Unit if Needed: Keep the option of selling one residential unit open to clear the loan.

Gold as Last Resort: Liquidate a small portion of gold only in extreme situations.

Tax Implications
Interest Deduction: Interest paid on loans for property construction could have tax benefits. Consult a tax expert for clarity.

Capital Gains on SWP Withdrawals: Gains from equity mutual fund SWP above Rs. 1.25 lakh per year will be taxed at 12.5%. Ensure tax liabilities are factored in.

Sale of Units: If you sell a unit to repay the loan, calculate the long-term capital gains taxes.

Key Points for Wealth Growth
Reinvest Profits Post Loan Repayment: Post-repayment, redirect surplus to equity or mutual funds for wealth growth.

Monitor Investments Regularly: Periodically review the performance of equity shares and mutual funds.

Diversify Investments: Post-retirement, ensure a diversified portfolio for steady income and wealth preservation.

Finally
Your plan is practical and aligns with your financial goals. However, diversification of funding sources, optimising SWP, and monitoring loan repayment are crucial. Prepare for market volatility and create an emergency backup plan. This approach ensures stability while maximising wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 01, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 28, 2025Hindi
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28.01.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan to construct residential apartments using an overdraft loan against your equity and mutual fund investments is ambitious. You have strong assets, but leveraging them comes with risks. Let’s analyze your plan and explore alternatives.

Key Observations
You have Rs. 3 crore land value, which is a significant asset.
Your investments have grown well:
Equities: Rs. 1.5 crore (invested Rs. 40 lakh over 44 years).
Mutual Funds: Rs. 1.6 crore (invested Rs. 45 lakh over 14 years).
Total investment corpus: Rs. 3.1 crore.
You need Rs. 2.5 crore for construction.
You are considering an overdraft (OD) loan against securities at 10.35% interest.
You plan an SWP of Rs. 10 lakh per year to service the loan interest.
You expect your investments to grow to Rs. 10 crore in 7–8 years.
Evaluation of Your Plan
Loan Strategy Risks

High Interest Cost: At 10.35% interest, a Rs. 2.5 crore OD loan will have an interest cost of Rs. 25.87 lakh per year.
SWP May Not Be Enough: Rs. 10 lakh SWP per year will only cover about 40% of interest. The shortfall may require additional withdrawals.
Market Volatility: Your investments may not always perform as expected. A market downturn can affect your ability to repay the loan.
Margin Calls: If markets fall significantly, the lender may demand additional security or partial repayment.
Alternative Strategies
A. Loan Against Property (LAP) Instead of OD Loan

A Loan Against Property (LAP) at 8–9% interest would be cheaper than 10.35% OD loan.
Since you own land worth Rs. 3 crore, you can get 50–60% LTV (Rs. 1.5–1.8 crore).
Combine this with a smaller OD loan (Rs. 70 lakh–1 crore) to reduce interest burden.
B. Staggered Construction with Phased Funding

Instead of borrowing Rs. 2.5 crore upfront, consider building in phases.
Start with 2–3 floors using lower debt and rental pre-sales for funding.
C. Joint Venture with a Developer

Partner with a real estate developer who funds construction in exchange for a share of profits.
This reduces your financial risk and eliminates the need for a high-cost loan.
D. Selling a Small Portion of Land Instead of Borrowing

Instead of selling an apartment unit later, sell a small portion of land now to raise funds.
This avoids interest costs and maintains your control over remaining property.
Final Insights
Your plan is aggressive but risky due to high loan interest and market uncertainties.
A combination of Loan Against Property + Small OD Loan is better than relying fully on OD.
Consider phased construction, developer partnerships, or partial land sale to reduce debt.
Ensure your SWP plan is sustainable and accounts for market fluctuations.
Would you like help evaluating a detailed financial model for these scenarios?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
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18.02.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan to raise funds through an overdraft loan against equity shares and mutual funds requires careful assessment. Here’s a structured evaluation of your situation:

Strengths in Your Plan
Strong Asset Base: Your land is worth Rs. 3 crore, and your investments have grown to Rs. 3.1 crore.
No Existing Liabilities: Since you have no loans, your financial flexibility is high.
Planned Repayment Strategy: Using SWP of Rs. 10 lakh annually for interest payments is a structured approach.
Realistic Growth Expectations: Your assumption of Rs. 10 crore in 7-8 years is possible with market appreciation.
Concerns and Challenges
High-Interest Cost: OD loans at 10.35% can be expensive. Over time, interest payments will be significant.
Market Volatility Risk: Equity and mutual fund values fluctuate. A market downturn may impact your repayment ability.
Liquidity Risk: Selling a property unit in an emergency may not be immediate or at the expected price.
Investment Growth is Not Guaranteed: While Rs. 10 crore is achievable, market conditions may delay this.
Alternative Strategies to Consider
1. Diversified Borrowing Approach
Instead of relying solely on an OD loan, consider these options:

Loan Against Property (LAP): Interest rates are lower (around 8-9%) compared to an overdraft loan. You can leverage your Rs. 3 crore land to raise funds at a lower cost.
Structured Construction Loan: Banks and NBFCs provide loans for property construction, often disbursed in phases. This reduces interest burden in the initial stages.
Combination of Loans: A mix of OD, LAP, and construction loans can optimize interest costs and liquidity.
2. Investment Portfolio Optimization
Shift Some Equity to Balanced Funds: These funds offer moderate growth with lower volatility. This helps protect your portfolio value.
Dividend-Based Mutual Funds: Some funds provide regular dividend payouts. This can help in covering interest payments.
Partial Profit Booking: Redeeming a small part of your portfolio during market peaks can provide liquidity without taking excessive loans.
3. Managing SWP for Repayment
SWP Flexibility: Instead of a fixed Rs. 10 lakh SWP, keep it dynamic based on market performance. Increase withdrawals when markets perform well and reduce when they decline.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: Ensure your SWP is structured to minimize capital gains tax under the new tax rules.
4. Emergency Backup Plan
Contingency Fund: Keep at least Rs. 20-30 lakh in liquid assets or debt funds. This acts as a buffer in case of unexpected cash flow issues.
Selling a Unit as a Last Resort: If required, sell one unit strategically at a premium price rather than in distress.
Final Insights
Your plan has a solid foundation, but diversifying borrowing, optimizing your portfolio, and having a backup fund can reduce financial risks. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for detailed execution strategies.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

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Hi Hemant Bokil Ji, My name is sathish residing in gandhi nagar, my age is 34 currently working as Engineer. My current salary is 2lakhs per month. After deducting PF employer & employee of 19200 and NPS 11200(14% of basic) and tax of 18967. It will be 1.5L. I am doing OT in the company payment for it will be 46,953. So total income which i will get is 1,96,953. I have taken home at Mumbai. Which is under construction of 1cr. Till date i have paid 26L. Loan of 24L. Which is 50% of deman raised. Still i need to pay 50L to builder. I need to pay still 50L to builder. Home loan is approved for 89L.Intrest rate of 7.9%. My intention is i dont want to go for loan. What ever the left over money after expenses i am keeping it in my account and paying to builder when he raises demand letter. Is i am doing the right thing or i need to invest the amount in the market for better returns. Please give the solution for this. Thank you
Ans: You have made a strong start.

At 34, planning such a high-value property is a responsible decision.

You are trying to avoid taking full home loan.

You are using your income balance to pay the builder.

This approach shows clarity and control.

Let us now evaluate the right approach from all angles.

Let us also help you make better financial decisions.

?

Understanding Your Cash Flow

Your total monthly income is Rs. 1,96,953.

This includes OT income of Rs. 46,953.

Your fixed deductions are for PF, NPS, and tax.

This leaves you with a healthy monthly disposable surplus.

You plan to save and pay the builder stage by stage.

You have paid Rs. 26 lakhs so far.

Rs. 24 lakhs is already through loan disbursed.

You still need to pay Rs. 50 lakhs to the builder.

Loan is approved for Rs. 89 lakhs. You wish to avoid more disbursement.

This means you want to self-fund the remaining Rs. 50 lakhs.

That is a very disciplined approach.

But we must analyse the risk and return involved.

?

Evaluate Opportunity Cost vs. Interest Savings

Home loan interest is 7.9% currently.

This is a moderate rate in current market.

If your investments earn more than 7.9%, they beat the loan cost.

Equity mutual funds have potential to deliver higher returns.

But they are volatile and need a longer time to grow.

You will need to withdraw for builder payment within 6-12 months.

Equity does not suit short-term goals.

Debt mutual funds also have market risks.

Bank savings or fixed deposits give 3%–6% currently.

That is lower than 7.9% home loan cost.

Hence, investing now and withdrawing later for builder is not profitable.

Your intention to avoid loan and use income is safer.

You save interest and avoid market volatility.

So, your current method is suitable for short-term funding.

No urgent need to invest the amount.

Keep the funds in a safe, liquid, and low-risk place.

For example, liquid funds or ultra-short-term mutual funds.

These are better than savings account.

They give 5%–6% return and quick withdrawal.

They don’t block the money.

Avoid equity mutual funds for now.

You need money in next few months, not after 5 years.

?

Build Emergency Fund First

Before paying builder, ensure you have emergency money.

At least 6 months of your expenses in liquid form.

Around Rs. 2–3 lakhs kept aside is ideal.

Don’t put this in property or investment.

Keep in liquid fund or sweep-in FD.

You must never use credit card or personal loan in emergency.

?

Future Strategy After Property Completion

After full builder payment, start goal-based investing.

Now you are using most of your surplus for property.

Later you can focus on building wealth.

Divide your investments based on financial goals.

Retirement, child education, travel, corpus for peace of mind.

Choose mutual funds with active fund management.

Index funds lack flexibility during market stress.

Actively managed funds have better downside protection.

Don’t invest directly. Use regular funds through MFD with CFP qualification.

Regular plans offer guidance, monitoring, and support.

Direct funds may miss out on personalised rebalancing.

This becomes risky in volatile markets.

Review your investments every 6 months.

Asset allocation should suit your risk level and age.

?

Avoid Common Investment Mistakes

Don’t invest only in one asset class.

Equity, debt, gold, all must be balanced.

Don’t follow stock tips or social media advice.

Don’t stop SIPs during market correction.

Don’t mix insurance with investment.

Avoid ULIPs and money-back policies.

Surrender old LIC policies if returns are poor.

Shift that money to mutual funds.

Buy pure term insurance separately.

Get health insurance for you and dependents.

Protecting your family is more important than chasing returns.

?

Tax-Saving Suggestions

Your NPS and PF already give tax benefit.

Check if you are using full Rs. 1.5 lakh under 80C.

Consider ELSS mutual fund if there is balance room.

They give tax savings and long-term growth.

Avoid 5-year FDs or ULIP for 80C.

ELSS has only 3-year lock-in.

Use NPS additional Rs. 50,000 under 80CCD(1B) fully.

Maintain home loan documents for future deductions.

Even pre-EMI interest can be claimed in 5 parts later.

Track capital gains from mutual funds properly.

New rule: Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed at your income slab.

?

What You Can Do Next

Track builder demand schedule.

Keep your savings liquid.

Avoid locking funds in volatile investments now.

Prepare for EMI post possession.

Keep your CIBIL score healthy.

Maintain minimum 6-month emergency reserve.

After construction, relook at your finances with a CFP.

Plan for long-term wealth creation post home completion.

?

Finally

You are managing your money thoughtfully.

You are avoiding high loan burden. That is wise.

You are not tempted by short-term market returns.

That shows maturity and patience.

At this stage, liquidity is more important than growth.

Once the house is complete, you can explore investments again.

Use regular mutual fund plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

That will keep your journey stress-free and aligned with your goals.

?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Samraat

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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