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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 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 - Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello mam... My income per annually 7lakh ...in fd 24lkh .savings.we have 2kids class 1and daughter is 1year .my savings r in lic 61000 per annum jeevan labh and ppf 12k per year and son ppf account and ssy for daughter i dont have any idea about mutal fund r stock.. Star health 5lkh cover paying 26000premium. 54thousand premium in Maxlife term plan cover for 1cr...please help me how to save for children education

Ans: First off, it's great that you are thinking about your children's future education. Your current savings and investments show that you are on the right path. Let's delve deeper into how you can enhance your savings strategy for your children's education.

Current Financial Snapshot
You earn Rs. 7 lakhs per annum. You have Rs. 24 lakhs in fixed deposits, which is a good safety net. Your savings in LIC's Jeevan Labh (Rs. 61,000 per annum) and PPF (Rs. 12,000 per year) are commendable. Additionally, you have a PPF account for your son and an SSY account for your daughter, which are excellent long-term savings plans. You also have adequate insurance coverage with Star Health and a Maxlife term plan.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
Your current investments are safe but may not be sufficient for long-term goals like your children's education. Fixed deposits and LIC plans offer safety but relatively low returns compared to other investment options like mutual funds.

Understanding Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can be a powerful tool for long-term wealth creation. They offer a variety of options catering to different risk appetites and investment horizons. Here's why mutual funds can be beneficial for you:

Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, reducing risk.

Professional Management: Experienced fund managers handle your investments, aiming to maximize returns.

Potential for Higher Returns: Over the long term, mutual funds, especially equity funds, can offer higher returns than traditional savings options.

Types of Mutual Funds
Here's a brief overview of the different types of mutual funds you can consider:

Equity Funds: These invest primarily in stocks and have the potential for high returns but come with higher risk.

Debt Funds: These invest in fixed income instruments like bonds and are relatively safer but offer lower returns than equity funds.

Hybrid Funds: These invest in a mix of equity and debt, providing a balance of risk and return.

Power of Compounding
Mutual funds benefit from the power of compounding, where your earnings generate their own earnings. The longer you stay invested, the more your investment grows. This is particularly useful for long-term goals like education.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This helps in averaging the cost of investment and reduces the risk of market volatility. It's also easier on your finances as you can start with a small amount and increase it over time.

Creating an Education Fund for Your Children
Now, let's focus on how you can build an education fund for your children using mutual funds:

Set Clear Goals: Estimate the future cost of education. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, books, etc. Consider inflation in your calculations.

Choose the Right Funds: Based on your risk appetite, choose a mix of equity and hybrid funds. Equity funds can be suitable for long-term goals due to their higher return potential. Hybrid funds can provide stability.

Start Early: The earlier you start, the more you benefit from compounding. Even small regular investments can grow significantly over time.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your investments to ensure they are on track to meet your goals. Adjust your investment amount and fund choices if necessary.

Analyzing Your Risk Appetite
Your investments should align with your risk tolerance. Since you have young children, a long investment horizon allows you to take moderate to high risks initially and then gradually shift to safer options as the goal approaches.

Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Investing through a certified mutual fund distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials can offer several advantages over direct funds:

Expert Guidance: MFDs provide professional advice tailored to your financial goals.

Regular Monitoring: They continuously monitor your investments and make necessary adjustments.

Personalized Service: You receive personalized service and support, ensuring you stay on track with your investment plan.

Diversification Beyond Mutual Funds
While mutual funds are excellent for long-term goals, consider other diversification options:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): You already have a PPF account. Continue this as it offers tax benefits and guaranteed returns.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Continue investing in SSY for your daughter. It's a great scheme with tax benefits and good returns.

Fixed Deposits and Bonds: Maintain some amount in FDs and bonds for safety and liquidity.

Tax Planning
Your investments should also be tax-efficient. Mutual funds, especially Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Combining these with your existing PPF and SSY contributions can optimize your tax savings.

Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund to cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. This can be in the form of liquid funds or a savings account. It provides a safety net during unforeseen circumstances without disrupting your long-term investments.

Final Insights
Your current savings and investments are commendable. By diversifying into mutual funds and leveraging the power of compounding, you can significantly enhance your children's education fund. Remember, regular monitoring and adjustments are key to staying on track with your financial goals. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and ensure you make informed decisions.

Investing wisely today can secure a bright future for your children. All the best!

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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Sir , i am 35 yrs old earing 55k monthly , I am married and 2 son . I have no saving no sip ,my expenses are 25 k monthly so can you tell me how can I save for my child's future education .
Ans: Given your monthly income, expenses, and family responsibilities, it's essential to start saving and investing for your child's future education. Here's a simple plan to help you get started:

Budgeting and Savings:

Track Expenses: Monitor your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can reduce spending and increase savings.
Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses in a liquid and accessible form to handle unexpected expenses without tapping into your investments.
Start SIPs for Child's Education:

Investment Amount: Allocate a portion of your monthly savings towards SIPs in mutual funds to build a corpus for your child's education.
Asset Allocation: Consider a balanced allocation between equity and debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
Investment Duration: Start SIPs with a long-term perspective (e.g., 10-15 years) to benefit from the power of compounding and potential market growth.
Education Planning:

Calculate Future Expenses: Estimate the future cost of education for your children based on the current cost and expected inflation rate.
Investment Goal: Set a specific investment goal and target amount to achieve by the time your children reach college age.
Regular Review: Periodically review and adjust your SIPs and investment strategy to stay on track towards achieving your education savings goal.
Insurance Coverage:

Life Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage to provide financial security to your family in case of any unforeseen events.
Health Insurance: Invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan to cover medical expenses and ensure your family's well-being.
Recommendation:

Start Early: Begin investing as early as possible to benefit from the power of compounding and achieve your education savings goal.
Systematic Investment: Start SIPs in mutual funds to build a disciplined saving habit and accumulate wealth over time.
Financial Discipline: Maintain financial discipline, avoid unnecessary expenses, and stay committed to your investment plan to achieve your financial goals.
Consult with a financial advisor to create a personalized education savings plan tailored to your needs, helping you achieve your financial goals and secure your children's future.

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 13, 2024Hindi
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I am 44 years old having a kid 10 years old.I have home loan of 70 lac and my & my spouse monthly salary is 1.6 lacs.I have a plot work 70 lakhs. I have a term insurance of 60 lacs & health insurance of 10 lac. FD of 5 lacs and PPF of 10 lacs.I have no other savings. I need to plan for my kids education. And also please help in my financial planning.
Ans: Current Financial Overview
You are 44 years old with a 10-year-old child. Your monthly household income is Rs. 1.6 lakhs. You have a home loan of Rs. 70 lakhs. You own a plot worth Rs. 70 lakhs. You have a term insurance of Rs. 60 lakhs and health insurance of Rs. 10 lakhs. You have Rs. 5 lakhs in fixed deposits and Rs. 10 lakhs in PPF. You have no other savings.

Financial Goals
Kid's Education
Your child's education is a key priority. Let's focus on creating a fund for higher education.

Debt Management
Managing your home loan effectively is important. Reducing this liability will free up funds for other investments.

Wealth Creation
With no other savings, you need to build a robust investment portfolio. This will ensure long-term financial stability.

Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial. This will cover unforeseen expenses without disrupting your savings.

Action Plan
Kid's Education Fund
Start a dedicated investment for your child's education.
Consider equity mutual funds for long-term growth. These funds generally offer higher returns.
Regularly invest a fixed amount monthly. This will leverage the power of compounding.
Debt Management
Prioritize paying off your home loan. This reduces interest burden over time.
Allocate any bonus or extra income towards loan repayment.
Increase EMI payments if possible. This will shorten the loan tenure.
Building an Investment Portfolio
Diversify your investments. Include a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds. Professional fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.
Invest through regular plans with a Certified Financial Planner. They provide valuable advice and ongoing support.
Emergency Fund
Maintain a separate account for emergencies. This should cover 6-12 months of expenses.
Use liquid funds or short-term debt funds for this purpose. They offer easy access to funds and better returns than a savings account.
Insurance Review
Term Insurance
Your term insurance of Rs. 60 lakhs is a good safety net. Ensure the coverage is adequate for your family's needs.
Health Insurance
A health insurance cover of Rs. 10 lakhs is essential. Check if it covers all family members and includes critical illnesses.
Fixed Deposits and PPF
Continue with your fixed deposits and PPF. They provide safety and moderate returns.
Consider using some of the FD amount for higher-yielding investments. Equity and hybrid funds can offer better returns over time.
Retirement Planning
Although not mentioned, retirement planning is crucial. Start a retirement fund to ensure a comfortable post-retirement life.
Regular investments in equity or hybrid funds can build a substantial retirement corpus.
Final Insights
Your financial journey involves balancing current needs with future goals. Focus on reducing debt, building an education fund, and creating an emergency reserve. Diversify investments for long-term growth. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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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 Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

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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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