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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6903 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 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 - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I lost my job in layoff . I am 46 year old . I had a home loan of 1.18 cr with EMI of 1.07L per month . I have 2 kids, Daughter is in 12th and Son is in 9th . I am selling my other 2 flats so that i can repay the loan and left money i will put in FD. I have to plan my children education 60 L and Retirement planning ( Next Month onwards i require 1 L ). After paying home loan I left with 70 L which i will put in FD . I have 70 L in EPF, 30 L in PPF maturity in 2026, 19 L FD, 3.3 L NSC ( Maturity at 2032/ 6.6L), 14 L Mutual Fund. My wife earns 50 K per month . Monthy expenses are 75K . My goals of havinng 1 L from next month and kids education can be achieved with these investment .

Ans: I'm sorry to hear about your job loss, but it's commendable that you're taking proactive steps to manage your finances during this challenging time. Let's create a plan to address your immediate needs and long-term goals:

• Home Loan Repayment: Selling your other two flats to repay the home loan is a prudent decision, as it will relieve you of the burden of the EMI and reduce financial stress.

• Emergency Fund: It's essential to maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and loss of income. Since you'll have 70 lakhs from the sale of your flats, consider keeping a portion of this amount aside as your emergency fund, ideally in a liquid and accessible form like a savings account or short-term FD.

• Children's Education: With 60 lakhs earmarked for your children's education, you can explore investment options that offer growth potential over the medium to long term. Consider a combination of equity mutual funds, balanced funds, and fixed-income instruments to achieve your education goals. Since your daughter is in 12th grade, you may need to prioritize her education expenses in the near term.

• Retirement Planning: Your goal of having 1 lakh per month from next month onwards for retirement can be achieved by structuring your existing investments wisely. With 70 lakhs in EPF, 30 lakhs in PPF (maturing in 2026), and other fixed deposits and mutual funds, you have a solid foundation. You can explore options like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS), and systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) from mutual funds to generate a regular income stream in retirement.

• Income Replacement: Since you'll no longer have a regular income from employment, it's crucial to plan for income replacement. Your wife's income of 50,000 per month will provide some support, but you may need to supplement it with income generated from your investments.

• Expense Management: Given your monthly expenses of 75,000, it's essential to budget carefully and prioritize your spending. Look for areas where you can cut costs without compromising on essentials.

• Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific circumstances and goals. They can provide valuable guidance on investment strategies, tax planning, and retirement planning.

In conclusion, while losing your job is undoubtedly challenging, with careful planning and prudent financial management, you can navigate this period of transition successfully. By leveraging your existing assets and making strategic investment decisions, you can work towards achieving your children's education goals and securing a comfortable retirement for yourself. Stay focused, stay positive, and remember that you're not alone in this journey.
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  |6903 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 33 year old with monthly income of 1.3 lac. My wife is also working with monthly income of 65k. I have home loan of 35 lac for which EMI is increased upto 50k now and remaining term is 4.5 years.My wife and me are collectively investing in mutual funds for Rs 40k/month in multiple small , mid and large cap funds. My wife and me have collectively 8 lac in MF's now. Apart from this I have 2.5 lac in equity shares. We want to save and invest for kids future education. (Currently one kid 3 years old and expecting one in few months) Also want to make retirement fund planning.
Ans: You and your wife earn Rs 1.95 lakh per month. You have a home loan of Rs 35 lakh with an EMI of Rs 50k. The loan term left is 4.5 years. You invest Rs 40k per month in mutual funds. You have Rs 8 lakh in MFs and Rs 2.5 lakh in equities.

Financial Goals
Kids' Future Education: Plan and save for children's education.
Retirement Fund: Build a retirement corpus.
Saving and Investment Strategy
1. Continue with SIPs in Mutual Funds
Consistent Investing: Continue Rs 40k/month in SIPs across small, mid, and large cap funds.
Diversification: Diversify to balance risk and return.
2. Increase Investment Gradually
Step-up SIP: Increase SIP amount annually to enhance growth.
Bonus and Increments: Allocate part of bonuses and increments to SIPs.
3. Kids' Education Fund
Dedicated Fund: Start a dedicated SIP for kids' education.
Education Costs: Estimate future education costs and plan accordingly.
Long-Term Growth: Invest in equity-oriented funds for long-term growth.
4. Retirement Planning
Target Corpus: Determine the desired retirement corpus.
Long-Term SIPs: Invest in long-term SIPs for retirement.
Diversified Portfolio: Maintain a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds.
5. Equity Shares
Review Portfolio: Regularly review and rebalance your equity portfolio.
Long-Term Growth: Focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains.
6. Debt Management
Home Loan Prepayment: Consider prepaying the home loan when possible.
Reduced Interest: Early repayment reduces interest burden.
Professional Guidance
1. Certified Financial Planner
Personalized Plan: Get a tailored investment plan from a CFP.
Regular Review: Periodically review and adjust your financial plan.
2. Active Fund Management
Professional Management: Actively managed funds can adapt to market changes.
Better Returns: Aim for better returns than index funds.
Analytical Insights
Long-Term Growth
Power of Compounding: Regular SIPs benefit from compounding over time.
Market Trends: Equity markets usually provide higher returns in the long run.
Risk Management
Diversification: Spread investments across various funds to mitigate risk.
Professional Advice: A CFP can help navigate market volatility.
Final Insights
You and your wife have a solid financial foundation. Continue with your SIPs and increase investments gradually. Focus on dedicated funds for kids' education and retirement. Consider prepaying your home loan to reduce interest. Regularly review your investments with a certified financial planner. This disciplined approach will ensure a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6903 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 14, 2024

Money
Hello, I'm a 46 year old , unable to work anymore, I have no loans, own house,wife is the earning member. My investments are : Running investments: Pension Plan with fund value of 42 lakhs(current fund value) till 2037, Equity Mutual fund with fund value of 12 lakhs( Current fund value). Yearly investment emi of 1.20 lakh Monthly expenditure of 25 k Monthly rental income of 8k NO PPF Bank Balance of 26 lakh. Want to invest 10 -15 lakh to earn a sizeable corpus ( say 1 cr) in next 18 years for my child when he will become an adult, in addition to a 50 k monthly income in next 2-3 years Can you kindly guide me as to what investments I should be doing to achieve this target
Ans: You have provided valuable details about your financial situation. Let’s analyse your current standing and future goals.

Age: 46 years old
Running Investments:
Pension Plan with a current fund value of Rs 42 lakhs (maturing in 2037).
Equity Mutual Fund with a current fund value of Rs 12 lakhs.
Income & Expenditure:
Monthly rental income of Rs 8,000.
Monthly expenditure of Rs 25,000.
Yearly EMI of Rs 1.2 lakh for ongoing investments.
Savings: Bank balance of Rs 26 lakhs.
Investment Goals:
You want to invest Rs 10-15 lakh to build a corpus of Rs 1 crore in 18 years for your child.
You also need a monthly income of Rs 50,000 in the next 2-3 years.
Given these goals, let’s discuss how you can achieve them.

Income Generation for Monthly Needs (Rs 50,000)
To achieve a monthly income of Rs 50,000 in the next 2-3 years, we need to explore investment options that can generate consistent returns.

Rental Income: You already have Rs 8,000 coming in monthly. This helps reduce your income requirement.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan from your mutual funds could be useful.
You can park part of your Rs 26 lakh bank balance into a debt-oriented hybrid mutual fund.
These funds provide stability with moderate returns.
You can withdraw monthly amounts through SWP to meet your requirement.
Based on the fund's performance, you can plan to withdraw around Rs 42,000 per month to reach your target of Rs 50,000 (including Rs 8,000 from rent).
This option allows you to use your capital effectively while keeping it invested for moderate growth.

Fixed Income Options:

You may also consider some amount in fixed deposits or high-interest-bearing savings instruments.
However, they are taxed as per your income tax slab, so this may reduce post-tax returns.
Combining these with SWP ensures liquidity and some level of fixed returns.
This way, your immediate income needs can be met, keeping your capital intact.

Investment Plan for Building Rs 1 Crore for Child's Future
You aim to build Rs 1 crore in 18 years for your child. The best way to achieve this is through equity-based investments, as they tend to offer the highest long-term growth.

Equity Mutual Funds:

For long-term goals like 18 years, equity mutual funds are the most suitable.
Your existing equity mutual funds of Rs 12 lakh can continue to grow.
You can also invest Rs 10-15 lakh from your bank balance into diversified equity funds.
Actively managed equity mutual funds generally perform better over a long period compared to passive index funds, which often lack flexibility in changing market conditions.
It’s crucial to focus on mid-cap and small-cap funds as they have higher growth potential over an 18-year period.
Regular vs Direct Funds:

You might have heard about direct mutual funds, which have lower fees.
However, direct plans require deep market understanding and regular monitoring.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who works with an MFD can help you manage your portfolio professionally, ensuring that your investments are regularly rebalanced to match market changes.
Regular plans, managed by CFPs, provide professional guidance, making them a better choice for individuals who do not want the stress of tracking every detail.
SIP for Consistent Growth:

You can start a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) of Rs 50,000 monthly.
This amount will steadily build wealth over 18 years.
By investing Rs 50,000 a month in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, you stand a good chance of achieving your target of Rs 1 crore.
A professional MFD working with a CFP can help you select funds based on your risk profile and growth expectations.
Review of Existing Pension Plan
Your pension plan with a current fund value of Rs 42 lakhs is a significant part of your retirement portfolio.

Performance Review:
It is crucial to review the performance of this pension plan periodically.
Ensure that it continues to give reasonable returns, as you have 13 more years until it matures.
Often, these plans have high charges and lower returns compared to equity mutual funds. You should evaluate if it makes sense to continue with this investment or switch to something more productive.
If the returns are lower than expected, you may want to consider redirecting future premiums into better-performing mutual funds.
Tax Implications on Your Investments
Understanding tax liabilities is essential for maximising your returns.

Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds:

For equity mutual funds, LTCG (Long-Term Capital Gains) above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 20%.
For debt mutual funds, LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab.
You should consult with your CFP to ensure that your withdrawals and investments are done in the most tax-efficient manner.
Tax on Rental Income:

The Rs 8,000 monthly rental income is also taxable.
Ensure you factor this into your annual tax planning.
By optimising tax strategies, you can maximise your returns while keeping your liabilities low.

Contingency and Emergency Fund
While investing for long-term goals, don’t overlook short-term financial safety.

Emergency Fund:
Out of your Rs 26 lakh bank balance, set aside at least Rs 4-5 lakh as an emergency fund.
This will help you manage any unforeseen expenses without disturbing your investments.
Keep this amount in a liquid or short-term debt fund for easy access.
Health Insurance:
Since your wife is the sole earning member now, ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage.
This will help safeguard your family’s finances in case of medical emergencies.
Revisit Your Financial Plan Regularly
It is essential to track your financial journey.

Review Performance:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds and pension plans.
Make adjustments based on market conditions and your changing life circumstances.
Stay on Track with Goals:

Ensure that you are consistently investing towards your Rs 1 crore goal.
Keep in touch with your CFP to monitor if you’re on track, and take corrective actions if required.
By actively managing your investments and reviewing your goals, you can ensure financial security for your family.

Finally
Your situation is unique, and your goals are achievable with a disciplined approach.

By combining equity mutual funds, SWPs, and systematic SIPs, you can grow your wealth and generate regular income. Balancing risk and return is essential to meet your child’s future needs and your immediate income requirements.

Keep your financial plan flexible, review it often, and stay committed to your goals.

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

..Read more

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |556 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 01, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 43 years old working in corporate sector in Bangalore for last 20 years. I got impacted by job loss due to the economic scenario and I am finding it difficult to get a job now for almost last 1 year. I am living off my savings. My investments are 1.5 Cr in FD, 2.75 Cr direct investment in equity, 80 Lakh in MF, 35 Lakh in PF, 1 Cr in NPS/Pension fund and 50 Lakhs in Gold. I live in the house I own and I have no loan. I also own a piece of Land worth 60 lakhs. I dont have any debts now. I dont have term life insurance, I have health insurance cover of 2 CR for family. My son is in 10th standard and wants to study abroad which will be a major expense in future. My monthly expenditure including school fees is 1.75 lakhs. Please advise me on how to manage the assets and how to move around the investments as getting a job seems to be more difficult.
Ans: Hello;

Following is the sum of investments you currently hold:

1. FDs: 1.5 Cr
2. Direct stocks: 2.75 Cr
3. MF corpus: 0.8 Cr
4. Land property: 0.6 Cr
5. PF corpus: 0.35 Cr
6. NPS corpus: 0.2 Cr
Grand TOTAL: 6.20 Cr

You should apply for premature withdrawal of NPS. Since this being premature withdrawal your corpus of 1 Cr will get divided into two components 0.8 Cr worth annuity you will have to buy while rest 0.2 Cr comes to you which is indicated above.

The gold asset worth 50 L is purposely not considered here. It may be used as a emergency safe reserve.

You may invest 6.2 Cr corpus in ICICI Pru equity savings fund (low to moderate risk) and do an SWP at 3% which may yield you a monthly income of ~1.4 L (post tax).

The 0.8 Cr of NPS used to buy annuity will yield you a monthly income of around 40 K (6% annuity rate considered), therefore your total monthly income will be 1.4+0.4=1.8 L.

The average returns of ICICI Pru equity savings fund are 8-9% but it is relatively less risky and this is more important.

To fund overseas education of your son, you may have to partially deplete the corpus apart from emergency gold reserves.

Hence it makes sound practical sense to have term life cover of ~ 2 Cr with riders for critical care and accident benefit for 15-20 years, apart from the health care cover which you have already.

This will ensure son's education and income for regular household expenses remain more or less unaffected in the unfortunate situation of your demise.

Also please keep searching for assignments, if not possible full time, maybe part time or on consultation basis.

This will keep you focused and busy.

Feel free to revert.

Happy Investing;

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |556 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |556 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

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I have taken parents health insurance in office coverage is 1 lack base and top up is 3lacks and premium is 38.5k. Since im paying more for less coverage planning to take outside. Taken care supreme with rider for mother which doesn't have waiting period. Father has gone through heart surgery no insurnace is willing to give the insurnace except care heart with the waiting period 2 years and co pay 20% and consumables will not be covered and heart related will not be covered. For both mother and father i need to pay 5k per month for care insurnace. Its like a burden paying office insurnace 38.5k and outside 60k . What should i do, I'm really confused to take outside health insurance or not. Cannot stop office insurnace since it does take have waiting period for parents. Please help me
Ans: Hello;

What is the current age of your mother and father?

Based on your reply I may be able to guide you suitably.

Best wishes;

...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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