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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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
Hitesh Question by Hitesh on Sep 11, 2023Hindi
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Hello sir, i am looking for wealth creation in future. I would like to earn 1 lakh per month after ten years for the next 25 years. How much should I for next 10 years to achieve this target and what mutual funds are best for this target to be realistic?

Ans: Strategic Plan for Wealth Creation

Assessment of Financial Goal

Your aspiration to earn Rs. 1 lakh per month after ten years for the next 25 years reflects a commendable vision for long-term wealth creation and financial security.

Evaluation of Investment Strategy

To achieve this target, it's essential to adopt a systematic investment approach that combines disciplined savings with prudent investment choices.

Calculation of Required Investment

To determine the amount you need to invest over the next ten years to achieve your goal, we must consider factors such as the expected rate of return, inflation, and the desired monthly income.

Analysis of Mutual Fund Selection

When selecting mutual funds for this goal, it's crucial to prioritize funds with a proven track record of consistent performance, a focus on capital appreciation, and a suitable investment style aligned with your risk tolerance.

Assessment of Risk and Return

While equity-oriented mutual funds typically offer higher potential returns over the long term, they also carry higher volatility and risk. Balancing risk and return is essential to ensure the stability and sustainability of your investment portfolio.

Recommendations for Portfolio Construction

Diversified Equity Funds: Allocate a significant portion of your investment portfolio to diversified equity funds, including large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds. These funds offer exposure to a broad range of stocks and sectors, providing growth potential while managing risk.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Implement a SIP strategy to invest regularly over time, leveraging the power of compounding to maximize returns. Consistent investment discipline is key to achieving your long-term wealth creation goal.

Regular Portfolio Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives and risk tolerance. Rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation and optimize returns.

Professional Guidance: As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor to develop a personalized investment strategy tailored to your specific needs, goals, and risk profile. A professional advisor can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of wealth creation effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving your goal of earning Rs. 1 lakh per month after ten years for the next 25 years requires a strategic investment approach that combines disciplined savings with prudent mutual fund selections. By prioritizing diversified equity funds, implementing a systematic investment plan, and seeking professional guidance, you can enhance the likelihood of realizing your long-term wealth creation objectives.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 19, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 34 earning 2 lacs per month. I have been investing in Mutual funds from past 6 years and from pass 2- 2.5 years I have reached and investing 1.6 lacs per month in Mutual funds. In next 10 years I want to have an automatic income of about 3 lacs per month. Can you advise how is it possible. I am investing in Mirae emerging asset, DSP, axis long term quity, parag pariek flexi cap, HDFC mic cap, HDFC Top 100, Nippon, SBi (small cap) Please advise the mutual fund I should invest and the amount to get an income of 3 lacs per month in next 7-10 years Also, i have bought a house for 1.5 cr. Have paid about 25 lacs from my investments already. Planning to pay about 70% as down payment in the next 3-4 years and 30 % loan. Is that a wise decision. Please advise
Ans: To achieve an automatic income of 3 lakhs per month in the next 7-10 years, you'll need to focus on building a substantial corpus through your investments. Given your current investment capacity and time horizon, you may consider allocating a significant portion of your monthly investments to high-growth potential mutual funds, particularly those with exposure to mid-cap and small-cap segments.

Ensure your investment portfolio remains well-diversified across different asset classes and investment styles to manage risk effectively. Regularly review your portfolio's performance and adjust your investment strategy as needed to stay on track towards your income goal.

Regarding your decision to pay 70% down payment for your house purchase, it can be a wise move if it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. By making a higher down payment, you can potentially reduce your loan burden and overall interest costs. However, it's essential to ensure that you maintain an adequate emergency fund and continue investing for your long-term financial goals alongside your home purchase plans.

Consider consulting with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate through your investment and home purchase decisions effectively.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 34 earning 3 lacs per month. I have been investing in Mutual funds from past 7 years and from pass 3 years I have reached and investing 1.6 lacs per month in Mutual funds. In next 10 years I want to have an automatic income of about 3 lacs per month. Can you advise how is it possible. I am investing in Mirae emerging asset, DSP, axis long term quity, parag pariek flexi cap, HDFC mic cap, HDFC Top 100, Nippon, SBi (small cap) Please advise the mutual fund I should invest and the amount to get an income of 3 lacs per month in next 7-10 years Also, i have bought a house for 1.5 cr. Have paid about 25 lacs from my investments already. Planning to pay about 70% as down payment in the next 3-4 years and 30 % loan. Is that a wise decision. Please advise
Ans: It's impressive to see your commitment to investing and your ambitious goal of generating a passive income of 3 lakhs per month in the next decade. With your current investment capacity and timeframe, achieving this target is feasible, but it requires careful planning and strategic allocation of your resources.

Given your investment horizon, you might consider a combination of growth-oriented and income-oriented mutual funds. Growth-oriented funds can provide capital appreciation over time, while income-oriented funds can generate regular dividends or interest payments.

To meet your income goal, you'll need to accumulate a significant corpus that can generate a sustainable monthly income. Based on your current investments and savings rate, you may need to increase your monthly investment amount and consider higher-returning investment avenues.

Regarding your mutual fund portfolio, it's essential to ensure diversification and align your investments with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your portfolio to meet your income objectives while managing risk effectively.

Regarding your property investment, using a combination of your savings and a home loan for the down payment seems like a prudent approach, as it reduces your debt burden while leveraging your existing assets. However, assess your cash flow and future income prospects to ensure you can comfortably manage the loan obligations.

Overall, achieving your financial goals requires a holistic approach, considering both investment strategies and asset allocation. Stay focused on your long-term objectives, and seek professional guidance to optimize your investment plan and real estate decisions. With discipline and careful planning, you can work towards building a robust financial future.

..Read more

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Career Counsellor - Answered on May 22, 2025

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Sir my son is in class 12th now. He wants aerospace in IIT Madras. If he could not make upto that mark. What are other institutes he should try for.
Ans: Abhishek Sir, If your son aims for Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras but wants strong alternatives, here are the top colleges to consider:

IIT Madras – India’s top-ranked aerospace program with excellent research, placements, and ISRO/DRDO ties.

IIT Bombay – Strong academics and recruiters like Airbus and NASA.

IIT Kharagpur – Established aerospace department with core industry connections.

IIT Hyderabad – Emerging leader with good placements and research.

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram – Direct ISRO affiliation, focused on space technology.

Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chandigarh – Good government college with solid placements.

SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai – Private university with industry collaborations.

Manipal Institute of Technology – Good aerospace program with decent placements.

Amity University, Noida – Private university with good recruiters in aerospace.

RV College of Engineering, Bangalore – Reputed private college with good industry exposure.

These institutes offer a range of options based on entrance exams (JEE Advanced, JEE Main, MET, AEEE) and provide strong academics, research, and placement opportunities in aerospace engineering. All the best for your son's admissions and a bright future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 37 years old male from Bangalore staying with wife in lease house. Our monthly salary is 180000. We have no debts and no savings and we are planning to buy a property in Bangalore, not sure which property to buy (Plot/sites/apartment/independent house). My CIBIL score is low and I took settlements for my many credit cards. Last year I applied for loan and it got rejected bcoz of credit card settlements. My wife's salary is less and we can't get as expected loan. Please advice us how to buy a property.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Position

You both earn Rs. 1.80 lakh monthly. This is a good income.

You live in a leased house in Bangalore. So, you save on rent payments.

You currently have no savings. That is risky and must be addressed first.

You had credit card settlements earlier. This has lowered your CIBIL score.

Your loan was rejected due to poor credit history. This is expected after settlements.

Your wife has lower income. So, combined loan eligibility is affected.

You want to buy a property in Bangalore. But don’t know what to buy yet.

Issues with Current Financial Health

Low or zero savings is risky. No buffer for job loss or emergency.

Poor credit score affects loan approvals. Also increases interest rates when approved.

Planning a property purchase without savings is not safe.

Property cost in Bangalore is high. You will need good credit and savings.

Unclear property choice shows lack of clarity in goal.

Let’s Fix the Basics First

Forget property buying for now. It’s not a priority today.

Build a strong financial base first.

First step is to build an emergency fund. Minimum 6 months expenses.

Try to save Rs. 50,000 monthly. This is around 28% of your income.

Out of that, keep Rs. 25,000 aside as emergency savings.

Put emergency fund in liquid mutual fund or short-term FD.

Use balance Rs. 25,000 to start investing for long term goals.

This way you start wealth creation and stay safe from sudden shocks.

Steps to Improve Your CIBIL Score

Check your current CIBIL report. Spot all negative remarks.

Start using one small credit card. Repay full amount every month.

Don’t delay even by one day. It will hurt your score again.

Don’t apply for any loan for 12-18 months.

Credit score improves only with time and discipline.

Pay mobile, electricity, rent and other bills on time.

Avoid financial shortcuts like new settlements or informal loans.

Make your bank accounts active with consistent transactions.

Keep credit utilisation ratio below 30%.

Why Property Buying Now is Not Wise

Real estate has high entry cost and exit cost.

Down payment will need minimum 15%-20%. That is at least Rs. 15-20 lakh.

Home loan needs high credit score. Else interest rate will be very high.

Property is not liquid. You can’t sell quickly when needed.

Property maintenance and tax cost is extra burden.

You don’t own a house yet. But that doesn’t mean you must rush.

Many people regret hasty property purchases later.

Renting is not bad. It gives flexibility and no long-term burden.

Invest first. Build credit and corpus. Buy property only after 5 years.

How to Prioritise Financial Goals

Step 1: Emergency Fund – Minimum Rs. 5 to 6 lakh in liquid investments.

Step 2: Credit Repair – Maintain discipline and no new settlements.

Step 3: Wealth Creation – Start SIPs in mutual funds.

Step 4: Term Insurance – Buy pure term cover for both of you.

Step 5: Health Insurance – Take separate health policy if only employer cover exists.

Step 6: Review After 3 Years – Only then think of home purchase.

How to Start Investments Now

Start mutual fund SIPs for long term goals like retirement and child’s education.

Begin with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP. Increase by 10% yearly.

Always invest in regular mutual funds through a certified financial planner.

Regular funds give guidance, reviews and behavioural support.

Direct funds give no advice. Many investors take wrong decisions due to that.

Certified Financial Planner will help in selecting right funds.

Also helps in goal tracking, tax planning and risk assessment.

Avoid index funds. They blindly copy markets and don’t protect during falls.

Actively managed funds adapt to changes and protect capital better.

Create Goal-wise Investment Buckets

Goal 1: Emergency Fund – Rs. 6 lakh in 12 months. Use liquid funds.

Goal 2: Short-Term – Next 3 years, invest in hybrid or conservative funds.

Goal 3: Long-Term – SIP in equity mutual funds for retirement and future goals.

Goal 4: Property – Start separate SIP for this, after 3 years only.

Wife’s Role in Financial Planning

Include her in all planning steps. Take decisions jointly.

If she is not financially aware, help her understand the basics.

Make her take a small SIP in her name. This builds interest and ownership.

Encourage her to open her own credit card. Use it responsibly to build her score.

Her credit score and income will help in future joint loans.

Her health and life cover are also important. Don’t ignore.

Mistakes to Avoid from Now

Don’t rush into property buying because others are doing it.

Don’t take help from informal lenders or brokers.

Don’t co-sign for any relative’s loans.

Don’t buy real estate as an investment.

Don’t invest in traditional LIC or ULIP plans.

Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Don’t blindly trust online credit repair companies.

Don’t invest without written goal plan.

Timeline to Prepare for Property

Year 1: Create emergency fund. Improve credit score. Avoid any new debt.

Year 2: Continue SIPs. Track expenses. Maintain discipline.

Year 3: Take CIBIL report again. Score should be 750+.

Year 4: Assess financial readiness. Check if property goal is now practical.

Year 5: If all is good, shortlist location. Start planning down payment.

If You Still Want to Buy Early

Then take 2 years to build Rs. 10-15 lakh corpus.

Buy a small plot or property without loan. Only if budget allows.

Avoid joint loans if wife’s income is too low.

Don’t stretch EMI above 30% of your income.

But again, only do this if you have emergency fund and stable credit.

Finally

Your income is good. But financial base is weak today.

First focus must be on savings and discipline.

Property will always be available. But your credit and savings need time.

Use this time to grow slowly and wisely.

A certified financial planner can help you set up proper goal-based plans.

Your past does not stop you. But only discipline will build your future.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2025
Money
Hello Sir. I'm 36. I earn net 1.25L per month. I have Plot Loan Outstanding 17L roi is 9%, 12 years pending, EMI 23k per month. I also have Personal Loan, outstanding 17 Lakhs,3 years pending, EMI 28k per month. I invest 12k per month for SSY for my daughter and 10K SIP in MF. I save about 10K monthly after all expenses. Please guide can I use that savings for prepayment of loan or to increase the SIP. MF + Stocks - 6L SSY - 3L Emergency Fund - 3L Term insurance - 1.5CR - Premium - 30K annualy. Health Insurance - 15L - Premium - 30K annualy. LIC - 8L insured - 36K annually Plot - worth 40L - Loan outstanding Please advise sir.
Ans: You have made a disciplined start towards financial planning. Your family responsibilities are being handled well, especially your daughter’s SSY and the insurance covers.

Let us now assess your current financial picture, and explore suitable action points.

Income, Expenses and Loan Burden
Your monthly income is Rs. 1.25 lakh.

Plot loan EMI is Rs. 23,000. Personal loan EMI is Rs. 28,000.

Total EMI is Rs. 51,000 per month. That is 40% of your income.

This is a high EMI-to-income ratio. It limits your flexibility.

Your monthly SIP is Rs. 10,000. SSY is Rs. 12,000 per month.

You save Rs. 10,000 monthly after all these.

Your committed outflow is around Rs. 83,000 monthly. This needs careful planning.

Assessment of Your Loans
Personal loan is expensive. Tenure is short. EMI is high.

Plot loan is long-term. EMI is moderate. But interest rate is also high.

Personal loan is not asset-backed. Interest is high without tax benefit.

Plot loan is secured. Interest is also high but offers tax benefit.

Total outstanding loan is Rs. 34 lakh. That is 27 times your monthly income.

This is a financial stress point. Needs correction step-by-step.

Investments and Insurance Review
Mutual fund + stocks total is Rs. 6 lakh.

Emergency fund is Rs. 3 lakh. You are well-covered for 3 months' expenses.

SSY corpus is Rs. 3 lakh. A good start for your daughter.

Term insurance of Rs. 1.5 crore is ideal. You are rightly covered.

Health insurance of Rs. 15 lakh is sufficient for now. Good family protection.

LIC policy of Rs. 8 lakh sum assured, with Rs. 36,000 premium yearly.

LIC plans are low-yield. You may evaluate this further.

Your Financial Strengths
You are consistently saving. That is a great habit.

You have SSY for your daughter. A strong step as a father.

You have term and health covers. Risk management is in place.

You have SIP in mutual funds. You are investing for the future.

Emergency fund of Rs. 3 lakh gives you safety.

Your Financial Pressure Points
Two large loans are a burden. EMI eats away 40% income.

Personal loan interest is costly. It slows down wealth growth.

LIC policy is eating Rs. 3,000 monthly. Returns are not linked to inflation.

Limited surplus for investments due to EMI load.

Equity investments are just Rs. 6 lakh. Needs increase over time.

Ideal Action Plan — Step-by-Step
1. Personal Loan Repayment First

This loan is costlier than plot loan.

It has short tenure. Paying extra saves more.

Use monthly savings of Rs. 10,000 to prepay personal loan.

Do not increase SIP now. Prioritise debt clearance.

Even a partial prepayment every 6 months will help.

2. Stop LIC Policy After Evaluation

LIC gives low returns. Around 4–5% annually.

You are already insured through term policy.

If this LIC is not a pension or ULIP, consider surrender.

Use surrender value to prepay personal loan or invest in mutual funds.

Reinvesting this Rs. 36,000 annual premium in mutual funds is better.

3. Hold SIP Steady, Don’t Increase Yet

You are investing Rs. 10,000 per month in SIP. Keep it unchanged.

Do not stop or reduce SIP unless emergency arises.

Use only savings and LIC money for loan prepayment, not SIP money.

Your SIP should continue to compound long-term.

4. SSY Contribution is Mandatory

Rs. 12,000 monthly SSY for daughter is locked-in. That’s fine.

This is a social commitment. Let it continue.

It will create a corpus at her age 21. Don’t disturb this.

5. Keep Emergency Fund Intact

You have Rs. 3 lakh emergency fund.

That covers 3 months' expenses. Good decision.

Do not use this for loan prepayment or investment.

Keep it in a liquid fund or sweep-in FD for access.

6. Avoid Direct Stocks or High-Risk Assets Now

You already hold Rs. 6 lakh in MF and stocks.

Stocks are volatile. You are in a debt-heavy phase.

Avoid buying more stocks till loans are reduced.

Focus on debt reduction, not aggressive returns.

7. No New Loans or Commitments

No gold loan, credit card EMI, or gadgets on EMI.

No car loan or new real estate plan.

Avoid real estate as investment. It's illiquid and costly.

Your plot is for long term. Keep it that way.

8. Regular Fund Investments Preferred

You may have SIPs in direct plans. These look cheaper.

But direct funds do not offer advice or personal review.

Wrong fund choice in direct plan can lower returns.

Regular plans via CFP-backed MFD ensure guidance and tracking.

Long-term returns improve with portfolio review and timely changes.

9. Stay with Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Index funds may look simple and low-cost.

But index funds lack flexibility. They mimic the market.

In falling markets, index funds fall fully. No downside protection.

Actively managed funds give better defence and opportunity.

Let fund managers make dynamic decisions for better outcomes.

10. Monitor and Review Every 6 Months

Keep track of loan balances and interest saved.

Review SIPs and funds with CFP every 6 months.

Check if additional surplus can be used to prepay loans.

Once personal loan is cleared, divert that EMI into SIP.

Over time, increase SIP to Rs. 20,000 monthly.

11. Children’s Education Plan Later

Your daughter’s SSY is a good start.

After clearing personal loan, build an education fund.

Begin with Rs. 5,000 monthly SIP when surplus increases.

Use child-specific mutual funds with 10–12 year horizon.

12. Retirement Planning from Age 40

You are 36 now. Clear loans in 3–4 years.

From age 40, begin long-term retirement SIPs.

SIP of Rs. 20,000 monthly for 20 years builds good retirement wealth.

Delay in retirement planning can lead to pressure later.

13. Avoid Frequent Changes or Panic

Stick to your strategy. Be consistent.

Don’t stop SIP during market fall.

Don’t switch funds without reason or advice.

Avoid short-term goals with equity mutual funds.

14. Use Surplus Cash or Bonus Wisely

Use any annual bonus to prepay loans.

Avoid spending bonus on lifestyle upgrades.

Any maturity from LIC or FD should go to loan or SIP.

15. Tax Planning Must be Optimised

You are investing in SSY, ELSS may be part of SIP.

Avoid traditional plans for tax benefit alone.

Use term plan and ELSS for tax and growth.

Finally
You are already making smart money choices. That’s encouraging.

Clear personal loan first. It frees up cash and mind.

LIC surrender and reinvestment improves returns.

Keep SIPs running. Keep SSY untouched.

Increase SIP later with surplus from EMI reduction.

Build a child education fund post-loan closure.

Retirement savings can start at age 40 with higher SIP.

Don’t invest in real estate now. Avoid gold loans and credit EMIs.

Review your financial plan with a Certified Financial Planner every 6 months.

Your journey is strong. With right steps, you will create lasting wealth.

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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