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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |3762 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello Sir ... we are a family of 5 - mom, dad, myself, wife and son. Combined we have wealth of 21 crores invested in FDs, stocks, RBI bonds etc. Apart from this we have a flat and an office. Is this amount enough for me to retire, i am currently 46 years old (son is 15 years old). I wanted to pursue spiritual music as a hobby so wanted to closedown my business. Our monthly expense is Rs.1.5 lakhs (thats 18 lakhs per annum, including school fees).

Ans: Assessing Your Financial Readiness for Retirement
Your question is both thoughtful and important. You have diligently saved Rs. 21 crores, which is commendable. Let’s evaluate if this amount can support your retirement and allow you to pursue your passion for spiritual music.

Current Financial Situation
You have Rs. 21 crores in various investments. You also own a flat and an office. These assets provide a solid financial foundation. Your monthly expense is Rs. 1.5 lakhs, including your son’s school fees.

Monthly Expenses and Inflation
Your current monthly expenses amount to Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Over time, inflation will increase your expenses. Considering inflation is crucial for long-term planning.

Investment Portfolio Diversification
Your investments are in FDs, stocks, and RBI bonds. A well-diversified portfolio reduces risk and can provide steady returns. Ensuring your portfolio is balanced and aligned with your retirement goals is essential.

Evaluating Fixed Deposits
Fixed Deposits (FDs) provide safety and guaranteed returns. However, they often offer lower returns compared to other investments. Balancing FDs with higher-yield investments can optimize growth.

Assessing Stocks
Stocks offer higher returns but come with higher risk. Diversifying within stocks and focusing on long-term growth can enhance your portfolio’s performance. It’s important to regularly review and adjust your stock investments.

Considering RBI Bonds
RBI bonds are a safe investment. They provide regular interest income, which can be beneficial during retirement. Balancing RBI bonds with other investments ensures both safety and growth.

Education Expenses for Your Son
Your son’s education is a significant expense. Planning for his higher education costs is vital. Setting aside funds specifically for his education ensures you won’t have to dip into your retirement savings.

Medical and Health Expenses
Healthcare costs tend to rise with age. Ensuring you have adequate health insurance coverage is crucial. Setting aside a portion of your investments for healthcare expenses can provide peace of mind.

Emergency Fund
Having an emergency fund is essential. This fund should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. It provides a financial cushion for unexpected events and emergencies.

Pursuing Your Passion for Spiritual Music
Transitioning to spiritual music requires careful financial planning. Ensuring you have a steady income stream to support your lifestyle without your business income is important.

Generating Regular Income
Creating a reliable income stream from your investments is crucial. Diversifying between interest-bearing instruments and growth-oriented investments can ensure a steady flow of income.

Avoiding Index Funds
Index funds have some disadvantages. They often underperform compared to actively managed funds. Actively managed funds, guided by a Certified Financial Planner, can provide better returns.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem attractive due to lower fees. However, regular funds offer professional management and advice. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures better decision-making and potentially higher returns.

Balancing Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform the market. They involve professional management, which can navigate market volatility better than index funds. Regularly reviewing these funds ensures they align with your financial goals.

Planning for Inflation
Inflation reduces purchasing power over time. Ensuring your investments grow faster than inflation is crucial. Diversifying into growth-oriented investments helps counteract the effects of inflation.

Reviewing Your Financial Plan Regularly
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial plan is essential. Life events and market changes can impact your financial situation. Staying proactive ensures you remain on track to meet your retirement goals.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice. They can help you navigate complex financial decisions and ensure your investments align with your retirement goals.

Conclusion
Your current savings and investments provide a strong foundation. With careful planning and regular reviews, you can achieve a comfortable retirement and pursue your passion for spiritual music. Ensuring a balanced and diversified portfolio will help you meet your financial goals and support your family’s needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Hi Dev, I hope you're doing well. I have a question that I think you might be able to assist me with. I'm 52 years old and currently need to plan for my children's education expenses. My elder child's education is ongoing and requires 10 lakhs, while my younger child will require 30 lakhs in two years. Here's a breakdown of my investments: Stocks, Mutual Funds, and Portfolio Management Services amount to 2.6 crores, and I have 40 lakhs in my Provident Fund. I also receive a monthly rent of 2 lakhs. If I estimate my monthly expenses at 1 lakh, do you think I can retire comfortably with this corpus? In the worst-case scenario, I can liquidate one of my properties, which could yield 3 crores. Ideally, I would like to retire without touching my real estate investments. My life expectancy is 85 years. Additionally, I have medical insurance coverage of 12 lakhs plus a top-up of 90 lakhs. I plan to travel twice a year during retirement, with an estimated expenditure of 1.5-2 lakhs per year. I would appreciate your insights on this matter. Thank you, Geo
Ans: Let's delve into your situation and see how we can address your concerns regarding your children's education expenses and retirement planning.

Firstly, it's commendable that you're proactively planning for your children's education. With the elder child's education requiring 10 lakhs and the younger child's needing 30 lakhs in two years, it's crucial to ensure you have sufficient funds set aside for these expenses.

You mentioned having investments in stocks, mutual funds, and Portfolio Management Services amounting to 2.6 crores, along with 40 lakhs in your Provident Fund. Additionally, you receive a monthly rent of 2 lakhs, which significantly contributes to your income.

Considering your monthly expenses are estimated at 1 lakh, and you have a potential fallback option of liquidating one of your properties, which could yield 3 crores, it seems you have a robust financial foundation.

With your life expectancy being 85 years and adequate medical insurance coverage, coupled with your retirement plans of traveling twice a year with estimated expenditures, you seem well-prepared for retirement.

However, it's essential to ensure that your investment portfolio is diversified and aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Regularly review your investments and make adjustments as necessary to stay on track.

Overall, it appears that you're in a good position to retire comfortably and fulfill your financial goals. If you have any further questions or need assistance in fine-tuning your financial plan, feel free to reach out. Wishing you all the best!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |3762 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 23, 2024Hindi
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Hello I plan to retire in next 4 years. I will be 52 years old at that time. I have 2, 3 BHK houses in Mumbai out of which one is required for our stay and other can be put up for rent which can fetch a monthly rent of 1lakh (today's date). I will get around 1 lakh(in hand as pension) and will have corpus of around 2 Cr at the time of my retirement. I have a daughter who will be fishing her graduation after 4 years. I will need money for her higher education and her marriage (I do not need gold as I already have). I have upper middle class life style at present. My question is will question is will the amount as I described earlier be sufficient for me to retire at an age of 52. I want to retain the present lifestyle.
Ans: Retiring at 52 with a sufficient corpus and a rental income from one of your properties is indeed a significant milestone. Let's assess your situation to determine if your current plan aligns with your retirement goals and lifestyle expectations:
1. Corpus and Income Sources: With a projected corpus of 2 Cr and an additional monthly pension of 1 lakh, you have a substantial financial base to support your retirement. The rental income from your property further adds to your income stream.
2. Expenses and Lifestyle: It's essential to evaluate your expected expenses post-retirement and compare them with your projected income. Since you aim to maintain your upper-middle-class lifestyle, factor in expenses related to healthcare, travel, leisure activities, and any unforeseen emergencies.
3. Daughter's Education and Marriage: Planning for your daughter's higher education and marriage is crucial. Estimate the future costs for these milestones and ensure that you allocate a portion of your corpus towards meeting these expenses. Consider inflation-adjusted estimates for a more accurate assessment.
4. Inflation and Investment Strategy: Given your retirement horizon of 4 years, focus on a balanced investment approach that prioritizes capital preservation while aiming for moderate growth. Consider allocating a portion of your corpus to safer investment avenues such as debt instruments, while also diversifying into equities and real estate for potential growth.
5. Regular Review and Adjustments: Regularly review your financial plan to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals and lifestyle aspirations. Make adjustments as necessary based on changes in your income, expenses, and market conditions.
6. Consultation with Financial Planner: Consider seeking advice from a certified financial planner who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific financial situation, retirement goals, and risk tolerance.
In summary, while your current financial situation appears promising for retirement at 52, it's essential to conduct a thorough assessment of your income, expenses, and investment strategy to ensure long-term financial security and fulfillment of your retirement objectives.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |3762 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 26, 2024Hindi
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My age is 43 and I have two children aged 10 and just born...I own a house and a small property...I have 2 crores spread across stocks, mutual fund, fds, ulips and pf...can I retire now and manage the rest of my life with a decent lifestyle?
Ans: Retiring at 43 with two children and a desire for a decent lifestyle requires careful planning. You have Rs 2 crores spread across various investments. Let’s evaluate if you can retire now and maintain your desired lifestyle.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You have a well-diversified portfolio, which is commendable. Your assets include:

Stocks and Mutual Funds: Potential for high returns but come with market risks.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Provide stability and guaranteed returns, though lower than other options.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs): Offer a mix of insurance and investment, but may have higher costs.

Provident Fund (PF): Secure and tax-efficient long-term savings.

Owning a house and a small property adds to your stability. However, these are less liquid assets and should not be the sole reliance for cash flow.

Calculating Retirement Expenses
To determine if you can retire, estimate your future expenses. Consider the following factors:

Monthly Living Expenses
Estimate your current monthly expenses and adjust for inflation. Include costs for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities.

Children’s Education
Education costs will be significant, especially with one child just born. Plan for school fees, extracurricular activities, and higher education costs.

Healthcare Costs
Healthcare expenses tend to rise with age. Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your family.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This fund should be liquid and easily accessible.

Generating Retirement Income
Your Rs 2 crores must be allocated wisely to generate a steady income. Here’s how you can structure your portfolio:

Diversified Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can offer growth potential. Opt for actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They provide professional management and timely rebalancing.

Fixed Deposits and Bonds
Fixed deposits and bonds offer stability and guaranteed returns. Allocate a portion of your funds here to ensure a steady income stream.

Provident Fund
Your PF is a secure long-term investment. Ensure it is well-managed and keep track of interest accruals.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
Use SWPs from mutual funds to generate a regular income. This allows for a steady cash flow while keeping your principal invested.

Insurance
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This will protect your family in case of unforeseen events.

Managing Risks and Returns
Balancing risk and return is crucial for a sustainable retirement. Here are some strategies:

Regular Review
Regularly review your portfolio and adjust based on market conditions and personal needs. A CFP can assist in maintaining the right balance.

Diversification
Diversify your investments across various asset classes. This spreads risk and increases the potential for steady returns.

Inflation Protection
Invest in instruments that offer inflation-beating returns. Equities and certain mutual funds can help counteract inflation.

Evaluating Current Lifestyle and Future Goals
Consider your current lifestyle and future goals. Will you need to downsize your home, or will you plan to travel more? These factors affect your financial needs.

Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning can save money and enhance your retirement corpus. Use tax-saving instruments and strategies advised by a CFP.

Potential Challenges
Market Volatility
Market fluctuations can impact your portfolio. Diversification and regular reviews help mitigate this risk.

Longevity Risk
Outliving your retirement funds is a concern. Plan for a longer retirement horizon to ensure financial security.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Plan
Regularly monitor your financial plan. Adjust based on changing needs, market conditions, and life events. This ensures your plan remains effective.

Conclusion
Retiring at 43 with Rs 2 crores and two children is ambitious but achievable with careful planning. Diversify your investments, plan for inflation, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regularly review and adjust your plan with the help of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This approach ensures a secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hi Sir. I am a professional accountant with various qualifications aged 56 years and currently working in a Pvt Sector Co. I am due for my retirement at the age of 58 years. My current monthly salarly is around Rs 5 lacs. As far as my financial wellness is concerned, I currently have my own house in which I live and another two houses/flats which are on rent and together earn around Rs 1.50 lacs rental income. Apart from this I have equity share investments totalling around Rs 1 crs. Further, on my retirement in another two years I would be having a retirement corpus of around Rs 2 crs which include my PF/Gratuity etc. My wife is a home maker and I have two grown up daughters who are both MBAs from A-Grade Management Institutes and are in well settled jobs and doing quite well for themselves, but both are yet to get married. Although, I feel that I am financially quite secure to handle my retired life but would like to seek your kind advice whether you feel that I have provided well for my retired second innings. I would also like to add that I do not have any plans to continue working in any capacity after my retirement and me and my wife plan to spend our times following our passion of travelling and delving more into spirituality and meditation. Thanks in advance for your time pls.
Ans: Evaluating Your Retirement Preparedness
Your disciplined financial planning and successful career are commendable. With your retirement approaching, let's assess whether your financial resources will support your retirement goals.

Current Financial Position
Income and Assets:

Monthly salary: Rs 5 lakhs.
Rental income: Rs 1.5 lakhs.
Equity investments: Rs 1 crore.
Retirement corpus (including PF/Gratuity): Rs 2 crores.
Property Holdings:

Own house (primary residence).
Two rental properties generating Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly.
Retirement Goals and Lifestyle
Travel and Spiritual Pursuits:
Your plan to travel and delve into spirituality and meditation indicates a need for a flexible and comfortable financial cushion.

Family Considerations:
With two well-settled daughters, your primary focus can remain on you and your wife's retirement lifestyle.

Evaluating Income and Expenses
Post-Retirement Income:

Rental income: Rs 1.5 lakhs/month.
Potential interest/dividend income from investments.
Expected Expenses:

Travel and leisure.
Healthcare and insurance.
Day-to-day living expenses.
Projected Retirement Corpus
Retirement Savings:
Your retirement corpus of Rs 2 crores and equity investments of Rs 1 crore provide a substantial financial base.

Growth Potential:
Investments in equity can continue to grow, but consider a balanced approach to reduce risk.

Recommendations for Financial Security
1. Diversify Investments:

Ensure your equity portfolio is diversified.
Consider balanced mutual funds to reduce risk and provide stable returns.
2. Establish a Contingency Fund:

Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
This should cover at least 1-2 years of living expenses.
3. Health Insurance:

Ensure comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Consider a top-up policy for additional security.
4. Regular Income Stream:

Allocate part of your corpus to debt instruments.
This provides regular interest income with lower risk.
Planning for Inflation
Inflation Impact:
Factor in inflation when planning your expenses. Ensure your income grows to match rising costs.

Cost of Living Adjustments:
Regularly review and adjust your investment strategy to maintain purchasing power.

Estate Planning
Will and Estate Plan:

Create a will to ensure smooth transfer of assets.
Consider estate planning to minimize taxes and legal complications.
Final Considerations
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Prepare for a lifestyle change post-retirement. Ensure your budget reflects your new routine.

Periodic Reviews:
Regularly review your financial plan with a certified financial planner. Adjust based on market conditions and personal needs.

Conclusion
Your current financial position indicates strong preparation for retirement. With disciplined planning and strategic adjustments, you can enjoy a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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I am 37 years old me&my wife salary is 55k pm each , rental income 30k , & we have a home loan of36 lacs emi32K @ 20yrs 8.4%we hve 2 kids of one boy12yr &8yr daughter. We totally have 2 L share ,mutual funds 1 L , ssy 3L, and I have 1 cr term insurance , wife giving regular lic premium 60k yrly abt to close in 4 yrs and we both have individual Nps account with total corpus 16L and ppf 3L each . My presently exp is 30k pm. I want to be financially free in next 15 years with monthly expense of 60k. Need money for kids studies marriage etc. also need 1 cr to purchase new house at earliest. Should I invest in shares or mutual funds. I have no knowledge of mkt but ready to learn. which one is safe for future
Ans: First, it's commendable that you are taking charge of your finances with a clear goal in mind. Your financial goals are ambitious yet achievable with the right planning and strategy. Understanding your current financial standing and future aspirations is the first step towards financial freedom. Here, I'll provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your financial journey over the next 15 years, ensuring that you can meet your expenses, children's education, and marriage costs, as well as purchase a new house worth Rs 1 crore.

Current Financial Situation
Let's break down your current financial situation. You and your wife have a combined salary of Rs 1,10,000 per month and a rental income of Rs 30,000, bringing your total monthly income to Rs 1,40,000. Your home loan EMI is Rs 32,000 per month at an interest rate of 8.4% for 20 years. Your monthly expenses are Rs 30,000, leaving you with a significant surplus.

Your current investments include:

Rs 2 lakh in shares
Rs 1 lakh in mutual funds
Rs 3 lakh in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Rs 1 crore term insurance
Rs 60,000 yearly LIC premium
Rs 16 lakh in NPS (both accounts)
Rs 3 lakh each in PPF for you and your wife
Financial Goals and Priorities
Your goals include:

Financial freedom in 15 years with monthly expenses of Rs 60,000
Funds for children's education and marriage
Purchase of a new house worth Rs 1 crore
Analyzing Your Investments
Insurance
You have a term insurance of Rs 1 crore, which is good. Term insurance provides financial security to your family in case of any unfortunate events. Your wife’s LIC policy is about to mature in four years. After maturity, consider investing this amount in more growth-oriented investment options. Since term insurance is already in place, you might not need additional LIC policies which often combine insurance and investment.

NPS and PPF
Your combined NPS corpus of Rs 16 lakh is a significant amount. NPS is beneficial for long-term retirement savings due to its tax benefits and potential for reasonable returns. Similarly, the PPF accounts are stable, tax-efficient, and provide safe returns.

Mutual Funds and Shares
You have Rs 2 lakh in shares and Rs 1 lakh in mutual funds. While shares offer potentially high returns, they come with higher risks and require market knowledge. Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, provide a balanced approach with professional management and diversification.

Investment Strategy for Financial Freedom
Monthly Savings Allocation
With your monthly income surplus, you have ample room to allocate funds towards different investment avenues. Here’s a suggested allocation:

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6 months of expenses (approximately Rs 1.8 lakh) in a liquid or savings account.

Home Loan Repayment: Continue with your existing EMI of Rs 32,000. As your income increases, consider making occasional lump sum payments towards the principal to reduce the tenure and interest burden.

Children’s Education and Marriage: Start a dedicated investment in mutual funds for your children’s education and marriage. Use child-specific plans or balanced funds to ensure steady growth with moderate risk. SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) in equity mutual funds can be a good option here.

Retirement Planning: Increase your contributions to NPS and PPF. NPS offers good returns with moderate risk, while PPF provides assured returns with tax benefits. Aim to maximize your PPF contributions each year.

New House Purchase: For your goal of purchasing a new house worth Rs 1 crore, start a separate investment plan. Invest in a mix of debt and equity mutual funds to balance growth and stability. This will help you accumulate the required down payment.

Mutual Funds vs. Shares
Given your limited market knowledge, mutual funds are a safer and more practical option compared to direct shares. Here's why:

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Professional Management: Fund managers handle investments, leveraging their expertise to maximize returns.

Diversification: Mutual funds spread investments across various sectors and companies, reducing risk.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and disciplined savings.

Flexibility: Mutual funds offer various schemes tailored to different goals, risk appetites, and time horizons.

Transparency and Regulation: Mutual funds are regulated by SEBI, ensuring transparency and investor protection.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
While index funds passively track market indices, actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through selective investment choices by fund managers.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
No Outperformance: Index funds match market returns but don't aim to beat them.

Market Risk: They are fully exposed to market volatility without the possibility of tactical adjustments.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Potential for Higher Returns: Skilled managers can leverage market opportunities for better returns.

Risk Management: Fund managers can adjust portfolios to mitigate risks during market downturns.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios since they bypass intermediaries, but they require more investor involvement and knowledge.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Self-Management: Investors must research and manage investments themselves, requiring market knowledge.

Time-Consuming: Continuous monitoring and adjustments are needed without professional assistance.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Advisor Support: Investing through a certified financial planner offers professional advice and tailored strategies.

Ease and Convenience: Financial planners handle the complex aspects of investment, allowing you to focus on your goals.

Steps to Implement Your Plan
Consult a Certified Financial Planner: A CFP can provide personalized advice and help tailor a strategy to your specific needs and goals.

Set Up SIPs in Mutual Funds: Allocate your surplus income towards SIPs in equity and balanced mutual funds for long-term goals.

Increase NPS Contributions: Boost your NPS contributions to benefit from long-term growth and tax advantages.

Review and Adjust Regularly: Regularly review your financial plan and adjust based on changing needs, market conditions, and goals.

Educate Yourself: While your financial planner will manage your investments, understanding the basics of mutual funds and market trends can help you make informed decisions.

Addressing Your Goals
Children’s Education and Marriage
Investing through SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds will help accumulate the necessary corpus for your children's education and marriage. Start early to benefit from compounding.

Retirement Planning
Your current NPS and PPF investments form a solid foundation. Increase contributions and consider additional retirement-focused mutual funds for a well-rounded retirement plan.

Purchasing a New House
For the new house, a combination of debt and equity mutual funds can help you accumulate the required down payment. Plan to divert a portion of your monthly surplus towards this goal.

Final Insights
Achieving financial freedom and meeting your long-term goals requires a disciplined approach and strategic investments. Your current financial standing is strong, and with careful planning and the right guidance, you can reach your aspirations.

By leveraging mutual funds for their professional management and diversification benefits, increasing your NPS and PPF contributions, and regularly reviewing your plan, you will be well on your way to financial independence.

Remember, a certified financial planner can offer invaluable support and ensure your investments are aligned with your goals. Stay focused, be disciplined, and regularly monitor your progress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

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