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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 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
Raghav Question by Raghav on May 23, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir Im turning 36 this Dec. I have home loan outstanding of 33Lakh(31648/month)...earlier I was planning to pay 10 lakh every year end and close it in next 3-4 years. But Now I’m thinking to build a corpus of 50 lakh with below investment in next 4-5 years and close it in one go. 1.Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 11K each/month(9 month old) 2.parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) 3.mirae asset ELSS tax saver-1.5K/month(12 month old) 4.quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) 5.Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) 6.SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) 7.Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month) Apart from this im investing in direct stock (50K) I was planning to pay 10 lakh every year from above investment only. Please advise what would be better as im getting goods returns till now. tax plans are necessary to save tax for me and my wife.

Ans: Current Financial Situation and Loan Repayment Strategy

You are turning 36 this December and have an outstanding home loan of Rs. 33 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 31,648 per month. Initially, you planned to pay Rs. 10 lakhs annually to close it in 3-4 years. Now, you are considering building a corpus of Rs. 50 lakhs in the next 4-5 years and closing it in one go.

Commendable Investment Approach

Your current investments show a disciplined and diversified approach:

Small Cap Direct Growth Funds: Rs. 11K each/month (9 months old)
ELSS Tax Saver Funds:
Parag Parikh: Rs. 2K/month (12 months old)
Mirae Asset: Rs. 1.5K/month (12 months old)
Quant: Rs. 3K/month (16 months old)
Kotak: Rs. 2K/month (16 months old)
PSU Equity Funds:
SBI: Rs. 3K/month (1 month old)
Aditya Birla Sunlife: Rs. 5K/month (1 month old)
Direct Stocks: Rs. 50K/month
Analysis of Current Investments

Your portfolio is well-diversified across small cap, ELSS, and PSU equity funds. Investing in direct stocks further adds to this diversity. Your approach balances risk and growth potential, and the tax-saving investments are necessary for you and your wife.

Advantages of Building a Corpus

Building a corpus of Rs. 50 lakhs before closing your loan has several benefits:

Liquidity Maintenance: Keeping funds accessible rather than locking them into prepayment allows for better liquidity management.

Potential Higher Returns: Your current investments are yielding good returns, which might be higher than the interest savings from prepaying the loan.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds only replicate market performance and do not aim to outperform. Actively managed funds can potentially deliver better returns through strategic decisions made by fund managers.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are handled by expert fund managers who can adapt to market changes. This adaptability can lead to higher returns and better risk management compared to index funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds lack professional guidance and management. Investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert advice and regular portfolio reviews, optimizing your investments.

Evaluating Your Loan Prepayment Strategy

Your plan to pay Rs. 10 lakhs annually from your investments is sound, but consider the following:

Interest Rate Comparison: Compare the potential returns from your investments with the interest rate on your home loan. If investment returns exceed loan interest, continuing your current investment strategy might be better.

Tax Benefits: Home loan interest payments provide tax deductions. Weigh the tax benefits against the interest paid before deciding on prepayment.

Suggested Investment Adjustments

To optimize your portfolio, consider these adjustments:

Flexi Cap Funds: These funds provide flexibility by investing across market capitalizations, balancing risk and return.

International Equity Funds: Diversifying globally can hedge against domestic market volatility and tap into global growth opportunities.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds: Investing in specific sectors like technology or healthcare can offer high growth potential but comes with higher risk.

Regular Monitoring and Professional Guidance

Periodic reviews with a Certified Financial Planner are essential. They help align your investments with changing market conditions and personal goals, ensuring you stay on track for your financial targets.

Conclusion

Your current strategy and disciplined approach are commendable. Building a Rs. 50 lakh corpus before closing your home loan seems wise, given the potential for higher returns from your investments. Regular reviews and professional guidance will help optimize your portfolio and achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 23, 2024 | Answered on May 23, 2024
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thank you for explaining me thoroughly.....this is great help solving my confusion
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 17, 2024Hindi
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I'm aged 35 years working in psb getting net salary of 60000(after the deduction of nps and tax) and having fd of 35 lakhs and loan against of 20 lakhs at 7.5% and I'm doing monthly sip 2k( in 3mfs and lumpsum when ever I felt market down another 4 mutualfunds now valued 35k) and yearly ssy of 1.5 lakhs and monthly interest on fd 18k and loan interest of 14k and I have invested loan amount in land now it valued at 40L Now I want create corpus 4cr in coming 12 years in what way I have to invest either I have to clear 20 lakh or I have to invest in mutualfunds wage revision is pending once it settled my net salary arround 90k and I have given hand loan of 3lakhs these will be repaid with in 3 months Please guide me regarding investing strategy
Ans: To create a corpus of 4 crores in the next 12 years, you can consider the following strategies:

Evaluate your loan situation: Assess whether it's better to clear the existing loan of 20 lakhs or to continue investing in mutual funds. Compare the loan interest rate with the potential returns from your investments to make an informed decision.

Increase investment contributions: With the expected increase in your net salary after the wage revision, consider increasing your SIP contributions in mutual funds to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Optimize existing investments: Review your current mutual fund holdings and reallocate them if needed to align with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Diversify your portfolio: Consider diversifying your investments across different asset classes such as equity, debt, real estate, and alternative investments to manage risk and maximize returns.

Regularly review and adjust: Monitor your investments regularly and make adjustments as needed based on changing market conditions, financial goals, and personal circumstances.

Consult with a financial advisor to develop a customized investment plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. They can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate through your investment decisions effectively.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am a Govt Employee aged 31 Yrs. Salary 1.5L per month. Savings - 1. Monthly Investment in Govt Savings Scheme with 7.1% ROI. Total Corpus till now is 21 lakh and investing 30k per month. 2. SIP - 14K per month since last two yrs and have accumulated 3.6 L. 3. Bal savings account 2 L. Liabilities - 1. Home Loan - 23L balance with 8.7% ROI and 240 months. Apart from this I am able to save 10k more every month. Annual increment amount to 10-20k. Can you please advise what all measures I can take to Build a Corpus of 5 Cr plus atleast by next 15 yrs. Also should I finish my Home Loan first or should I explore more options for investment. I would request if you can guide how someone like me should plan the finances in a better manner.
Ans: Financial Planning for a Government Employee: Building a ?5 Crore Corpus in 15 Years
Congratulations on your prudent financial habits and your ambition to build a substantial corpus for the future. Let's craft a plan to help you achieve your goal while optimizing your finances.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Your current savings, investments, and liabilities provide a solid foundation. With a monthly salary of ?1.5 lakh, disciplined savings habits, and existing investments, you're well-positioned to reach your financial goals.

Maximizing Savings and Investments
Government Savings Scheme: Continue investing ?30,000 monthly in the Government Savings Scheme, offering a reliable 7.1% return. This provides stability to your portfolio.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Maintain your SIP of ?14,000 per month. Consider increasing this amount gradually with each salary increment to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Additional Savings: Utilize the extra ?10,000 saved monthly to bolster your investment portfolio. Consider diversifying into a mix of equity, debt, and other asset classes for long-term growth potential.

Addressing Liabilities
Home Loan: With a remaining balance of ?23 lakh at 8.7% interest, continue servicing the loan while exploring opportunities to refinance at lower rates. However, prioritize investments that offer higher returns than the loan interest.
Planning for Incremental Income
Annual Increment: Utilize the annual increment of ?10,000-20,000 to boost your investments. Consider allocating a portion towards debt repayment and the rest towards investment to accelerate wealth creation.
Optimizing Investment Strategy
Asset Allocation: Maintain a balanced asset allocation aligned with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Consider gradually shifting towards more aggressive investments like equity for higher returns over the long term.

Diversification: Diversify your investment portfolio across various asset classes to mitigate risk and enhance returns. Explore options like mutual funds, PPF, NPS, and direct equity investments based on your risk appetite and financial goals.

Prioritizing Financial Goals
Home Loan vs. Investment: While it's essential to reduce debt, consider the opportunity cost of repaying the home loan early. Evaluate if your investments can generate higher returns than the loan interest rate. If yes, prioritize investing while continuing to service the loan.
Regular Financial Review
Periodic Review: Conduct a comprehensive financial review at least annually to track progress towards your goals, reassess your risk tolerance, and make necessary adjustments to your investment strategy.
Conclusion
By diligently following this financial plan, you can work towards building a corpus of ?5 crores or more within the next 15 years while balancing debt repayment and wealth creation. Remember, financial planning is dynamic, and it's essential to adapt your strategy based on changing circumstances and market conditions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Money
Dear Sir...Im turing 36 this Dec....I have home loan remaining around 33.5 lakh...Im looking forward to close this by end of 2028 and also to build corpus nearly 20 lakh new property down payment...my investments are as per below, 1.Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 10K/month(9 month old) 2.parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) 3.mirae asset ELSS tax saver-1.5K/month(12 month old) 4.quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) 5.Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) 6.SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) 6.Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month) need your expertise if I need to change funds...these are combined investment by me & my wife..TAX saver are required to avoid tax liability under 80C...how much I need to invest further to achive the goal.....
Ans: Turning 36 this December, you have clear financial goals: closing your home loan by the end of 2028 and building a corpus of nearly Rs 20 lakh for a new property down payment. Your current investments reflect a thoughtful approach to achieving these objectives. Let's analyze your strategy and suggest ways to optimize your portfolio and achieve your goals effectively.

Current Investment Analysis
Your investment portfolio includes a mix of small-cap funds, ELSS tax saver funds, and sector-specific funds. Here’s a breakdown of your monthly SIPs:

Small Cap Direct Growth Funds: Rs 10,000 per month.
Parag Parikh ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 2,000 per month.
Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 1,500 per month.
Quant ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 3,000 per month.
Kotak ELSS Tax Saver: Rs 2,000 per month.
SBI PSU Direct Plan: Rs 3,000 per month.
Aditya Birla Sunlife PSU Equity Fund: Rs 5,000 per month.
These investments are well diversified across different categories and offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Let’s explore each category to ensure they align with your goals.

Evaluating Fund Categories
1. Small Cap Funds
Small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Investing Rs 10,000 per month is significant. Given your long-term horizon, these can provide substantial returns but should be monitored regularly.

2. ELSS Tax Saver Funds
ELSS funds offer tax benefits and have a mandatory three-year lock-in period. Your diversified investment in multiple ELSS funds is good for tax planning and long-term growth. However, consolidating into fewer funds might make portfolio management easier.

3. Sector-Specific Funds (PSU Funds)
Sector-specific funds can provide higher returns during sectoral booms but carry higher risk. Investing in PSU funds can be beneficial if you believe in the sector’s growth, but diversifying across sectors can reduce risk.

Suggestions for Portfolio Optimization
Review and Consolidate ELSS Funds
While having multiple ELSS funds diversifies risk, consolidating into two or three top-performing ELSS funds can simplify management and potentially enhance returns. Choose funds with consistent performance and robust management.

Balanced Allocation in Small Cap and Large Cap Funds
Given the volatility of small-cap funds, consider allocating a portion of your investments to large-cap or multi-cap funds. These funds provide stability and steady growth, balancing the high risk of small-cap investments.

Diversify Sector-Specific Investments
Instead of concentrating solely on PSU funds, consider diversifying into other promising sectors or opting for diversified equity funds. This approach can mitigate sector-specific risks and improve overall portfolio performance.

Calculating Additional Investment Needed
To close your home loan by the end of 2028 and accumulate Rs 20 lakh for a new property down payment, you need to calculate the total amount required and the additional investments needed.

Home Loan Repayment Strategy
Assuming you have 5 years to repay Rs 33.5 lakh:

Monthly EMI: Rs 22,000 (current)
Additional Monthly Investment: Calculate the extra amount needed based on your repayment schedule and interest rate.
Building Corpus for Down Payment
To accumulate Rs 20 lakh in 5 years, you need to invest systematically. Assuming an average annual return of 12% from your mutual funds, calculate the monthly SIP required.

Suggested Investment Plan
Increase SIPs for Goal Achievement
Home Loan Repayment: Allocate additional monthly funds to prepay your loan. Utilize any bonuses or windfalls to reduce principal.
Down Payment Corpus: Increase your SIPs in diversified equity funds and ELSS funds to achieve the required Rs 20 lakh.
Example Allocation
Increase SIP in diversified equity funds: Rs 5,000 per month.
Additional SIP in ELSS funds: Rs 3,000 per month.
Allocate any surplus income to a debt fund for lower risk and liquidity.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and personal financial changes.

Conclusion
Your current investments and clear financial goals set a strong foundation for achieving financial independence and securing your future. By optimizing your portfolio, increasing SIPs, and strategically repaying your home loan, you can meet your objectives efficiently.

Feel free to reach out for personalized advice or assistance in structuring your investment portfolio. I'm here to help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Dear Sir...Im turing 36 this Dec....I have home loan remaining around 33.5 lakh(EMI 31648/month)...Im looking forward to close this by end of 2028 and also to build corpus nearly 20 lakh new property down payment...my investments are as per below, 1.Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 10K/month(9 month old) 2.parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) 3.mirae asset ELSS tax saver-2K/month(12 month old) 4.quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) 5.Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) 6.SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) 6.Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month).apart from this investing stocks (invested 60K till date) need your expertise if I need to change funds...these are combined investment by me & my wife..TAX saver are required to avoid tax liability under 80C...how much I need to invest further to achive the goal.....
Ans: Optimizing Your Investment Strategy for Financial Goals
It's commendable that you have a clear vision for your financial future. Balancing a home loan, tax-saving investments, and building a corpus for property down payment requires a strategic approach. Let's evaluate your current investments and suggest improvements.

Evaluating Current Investments
You have diversified your investments across various mutual funds and ELSS schemes. This is a good start. Here’s a brief analysis of your portfolio:

Small Cap Funds: Investing Rs. 10K/month in small cap funds for 9 months shows an aggressive growth strategy. Small cap funds offer high returns but come with higher risk.

ELSS Tax Saver Funds: You have significant investments in ELSS to avail tax benefits under Section 80C. This is prudent as it serves dual purposes of tax saving and wealth creation.

PSU Equity Funds: Your recent investments in PSU equity funds suggest a strategic shift towards stability. PSUs can offer relatively stable returns and dividends.

Stock Investments: Your stock investments of Rs. 60K till date indicate a hands-on approach to wealth building. Stock picking requires research and time, which you seem committed to.

Financial Goals: Home Loan Closure and Down Payment Corpus
Closing Home Loan by 2028
To close your home loan by 2028, you need to focus on prepayment strategies. Prepaying your loan can significantly reduce the interest burden. Here’s how you can approach it:

Prepayment Plan: Allocate any annual bonuses, increments, or windfall gains towards loan prepayment. Even small prepayments can shorten the loan tenure.

Increase EMI Amount: If possible, increase your EMI by a small percentage each year. This reduces the principal faster.

Building a Corpus for Property Down Payment
You aim to accumulate Rs. 20 lakh for a property down payment. Given your investment horizon of 4-5 years, here’s a structured approach:

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Continue your SIPs but focus on a mix of mid-cap, multi-cap, and balanced funds. These funds balance growth and stability.

Monthly Investment: To accumulate Rs. 20 lakh, calculate the required monthly SIP amount. This should include a realistic growth rate based on past performance.

Optimizing Your Portfolio
Reviewing Fund Performance
Small Cap Funds: Continue with small cap funds but monitor their performance regularly. Small cap funds can be volatile, so stay updated with their performance and market trends.

ELSS Funds: Consolidate your ELSS investments if needed. Too many funds can lead to overlapping and diluted returns. Choose the best-performing ELSS funds and focus on them.

PSU Funds: Continue with PSU funds for stability and dividends. However, ensure they align with your risk profile and long-term goals.

Suggested Funds for Additional Investment
To invest an additional Rs. 20K per month, consider the following types of funds:

Multi-Cap Funds: These funds offer flexibility to invest across different market capitalizations, providing a balanced growth approach.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These dynamically adjust the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions, offering stability with growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds offer a balance between the high risk of small caps and the stability of large caps.

Focused Equity Funds: These funds invest in a concentrated portfolio of high-conviction stocks, potentially offering high returns with a focused risk approach.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equity and debt instruments, providing balanced risk and return.

Creating a Diversified Portfolio
Sample Allocation
Multi-Cap Funds: Rs. 5,000/month
Balanced Advantage Funds: Rs. 5,000/month
Mid-Cap Funds: Rs. 5,000/month
Focused Equity Funds: Rs. 3,000/month
Hybrid Funds: Rs. 2,000/month
This allocation ensures diversification across various asset classes, reducing risk while aiming for optimal returns.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor your investments and rebalance your portfolio annually. This ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is well thought out. By optimizing your portfolio and focusing on a mix of funds, you can achieve your financial goals of closing your home loan and building a property down payment corpus.

Continue your disciplined approach, stay informed, and adjust your investments as needed. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and to stay on track with your financial journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi Mittal  |431 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

Best Wishes.

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

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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