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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am NRI - 38 Yr Old, I am targeting for 20 Cr..Currently investigating 65K/ Month in MF for last 4 Yr with additional 50K/Min Stock and 20K/M in ETF, 12.5K/ Month in NPS and 12.5K/Month in PPF for last 6 Yrs, 20K / M in US Stock, 10K/ Month in Crypto. Can i reach the target by age 60, Thanks for your feedback

Ans: that's impressive! You're investing a significant amount across various asset classes - a good first step towards your ambitious goal of Rs. 20 crore by age 60. Let's analyze your strategy and discuss some key points:

1. Disciplined Investor!

Thumbs Up! You're consistently investing in Mutual Funds (MFs), Equity Linked Schemes (ELSS/PPF), National Pension System (NPS), US Stocks, and even Crypto. This shows discipline and a willingness to explore various avenues.

Diversification is Key! Investing across asset classes like Equity (MFs, US Stocks), Debt (PPF, NPS), and Crypto helps spread risk. However, the weightage in each class needs evaluation.

2. Aggressive Approach:

High Target! Reaching Rs. 20 crore in 22 years (60 - 38) requires a high return rate. Historically, a balanced portfolio of actively managed Equity Funds (targeting 12-15% return) may not be enough on its own.

Risk and Reward: Allocating a significant portion to Crypto (high risk, high potential return) and individual Stock Picking (potentially higher returns but requires in-depth research) can increase your chances of achieving your target, but also increases risk.

3. Seek Expert Guidance:

Professional Help! A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can analyze your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and goals. They can recommend an optimized asset allocation across MFs, NPS, PPF (debt-oriented), and potentially a smaller allocation to US Stocks and Crypto based on your risk profile.

Regular Review: The market keeps changing. A CFP can help you periodically review your portfolio, rebalance if needed, and ensure your strategy remains on track for your long-term goal.

Remember, reaching a goal of Rs. 20 crore requires a well-defined strategy, discipline, and potentially a high risk tolerance. Consulting a CFP can help you create a personalized plan and increase your chances of success.

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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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 07, 2023

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Hi, My age is 49 years. I have been investing in NPS for last 8 years @Rs 1.5L per annum. From 2022, I have started investing in SIP for last one year, ICICI pru Business cycle fund@10 k monthly, ICICI pru midcap fund@5k monthly , ICICI pru MNC fund @10k monthly, ICICI pru small cap@10k monthly and ICICI pru overnight fund@2L lumpsum. Goal is to get 1.75 L per month at the age of 60. Am i on track?
Ans: Dear Bhuvesh,

Thank you for reaching out for financial advice. I appreciate that you have been proactive in planning for your retirement. Based on the information you've provided, here's a high-level assessment of your investment strategy and whether you are on track to achieve your goal of receiving ₹1.75 L per month at the age of 60.

National Pension System (NPS): You have been investing ₹1.5 L per annum in NPS for the last 8 years. Assuming an average annual return of 8%, by the time you reach the age of 60, your NPS corpus could be approximately ₹44 L. You can withdraw 60% of this amount as a lump sum (₹26.4 L), while the remaining 40% (₹17.6 L) will be used to purchase an annuity plan.
SIP investments: You have been investing in various ICICI Prudential mutual funds for the past year. Assuming you continue these SIPs until you turn 60 and achieve an average annual return of 12%, your mutual fund corpus could be as follows:
ICICI Pru Business Cycle Fund: ₹24.8 L
ICICI Pru Midcap Fund: ₹12.4 L
ICICI Pru MNC Fund: ₹24.8 L
ICICI Pru Small Cap Fund: ₹24.8 L
ICICI Pru Overnight Fund: You have invested ₹2 L as a lump sum in this fund. Assuming an average annual return of 5% over the next 11 years, your investment could grow to around ₹3.4 L.
To achieve your goal of ₹1.75 L per month at the age of 60, you will need a corpus that generates this income through interest or dividends. Assuming a conservative annual return of 6% from a post-retirement investment, you would need a corpus of approximately ₹3.5 crores.

Based on the estimates above, your total corpus at the age of 60 could be around ₹1.34 crores (adding all the corpus values mentioned above), which may not be sufficient to generate ₹1.75 L per month as per your goal.

To improve your chances of achieving your target, consider the following:

Increase your SIP investments gradually over time, as your income grows.
Review your mutual fund portfolio periodically to ensure they are performing well.
Diversify your investments to include other assets such as debt funds, fixed deposits, or real estate for a more balanced portfolio.
Revisit your financial goals and adjust your investment strategy as needed.
Please note that these are rough estimates and cannot guarantee the actual outcomes. Your actual returns will depend on market conditions and your investment choices. I recommend consulting a financial advisor for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and risk appetite.

I hope this information helps you in planning for your retirement.

Best regards,

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir. I'm 31 years old with a monthly income of 90000. Among that I invest 20000 in ppf and I have several monthly SIPs (Rs 500 each) totaling to Rs. 10000 like Bharat Bonds, HDFC multi cap, Mirai Asset Tax Saver, Nippon India Arbitrage, Quant ELSS, SBI liquid, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap etc. Is it possible to get a monthly return of at least Rs. 30000 from my investments after I turn 60?
Ans: It's commendable that you're prioritizing your financial future at such a young age! Planning for a comfortable retirement is crucial, and your disciplined approach to investing is a great start.

To estimate whether you can achieve a monthly return of Rs. 30,000 from your investments after turning 60, consider the following factors:

Investment Growth: Assess the potential growth rate of your investments over the long term. Equity-oriented funds like HDFC Multi Cap and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap have the potential to deliver higher returns, while debt funds like Bharat Bonds and Nippon India Arbitrage provide stability.
Compounding Effect: Take advantage of the power of compounding by consistently investing over time. By reinvesting dividends and staying invested for the long term, you can potentially amplify your returns.
Regular Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals. Consider increasing your investment contributions over time as your income grows.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. They can provide personalized insights and recommendations to help you achieve your financial goals.
While it's challenging to predict the exact amount you'll receive as monthly income at age 60, with diligent saving and prudent investing, you can work towards building a substantial retirement corpus. Stay disciplined, stay focused on your goals, and continue to invest wisely for a secure financial future.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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Hii,I am 37 years old and am a central govt. Employee. My monthly in hand salary is aproximately ? 70000. My investments as of now are as under 01. PPF :- 8500 pm (current bal. ?872000 in this fund.mature on 31/03/2032) 02. Sukanya :- 2000 pm ( opened in sep'16 Bal. ? 190000) 03. Sbi life :- ? 15000 pa ( mature in 2037 Cur.bal. ?150000 market base fund) 04. SIPs :- ? 6250 pm (a).:- sbi magnum midcap fund :? 2000pm (b).:-sbi magnum global fund. : ?1000 pm (c).:- sbi small cap fund : ? 2000pm (d).:- Moti.Oswal microcap 250 ? 1250pm ( current bal (4 SIPs) aprox. ? 300000) 05. NPS :- cur.bal aprox. ? 1350000 (Current contribution (emplo. + govt.) ? 11628/ month . It will increase as per DA, increament's hike as per rule) Can I achieve 3--4 cr goal by the age of 60 ?
Ans: Firstly, I commend your proactive approach towards financial planning, especially at a relatively young age. Let's delve into your current investment portfolio and evaluate the feasibility of achieving your long-term goal of accumulating 3-4 crores by the age of 60.

Assessing Current Investments

Your existing investments showcase a blend of traditional and market-linked instruments, reflecting a diversified approach to wealth creation. Here's a breakdown of your portfolio:

PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi: These schemes offer tax-efficient savings avenues, providing stability and long-term growth potential.
SBI Life Insurance: While life insurance provides financial protection, ensure that the chosen policy aligns with your risk profile and long-term goals.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Investing in mutual funds through SIPs allows for disciplined wealth accumulation, harnessing the power of compounding over time.
National Pension System (NPS): NPS offers retirement savings with tax benefits, ensuring financial security post-retirement.
Evaluating Future Wealth Projection

To determine the feasibility of reaching your 3-4 crore goal by the age of 60, consider factors such as:

Contribution Amount: Evaluate if your current investment contributions align with your target corpus. Assess if there's room to increase contributions over time to bridge any potential shortfall.

Investment Growth: Project the potential growth of your investments based on historical returns and market performance. Account for fluctuations and adjust your expectations accordingly.

Inflation: Factor in the impact of inflation on your future expenses and investment returns. Adjust your target corpus to maintain purchasing power and meet lifestyle needs.

Optimizing Investment Strategy

To enhance your wealth accumulation potential and work towards your target goal, consider the following strategies:

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your investment portfolio and make necessary adjustments to ensure alignment with your financial goals and changing market conditions.

Increase Contribution: Explore opportunities to increase your investment contributions over time, especially in high-growth potential assets such as equity mutual funds or diversified portfolios.

Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a customized financial plan tailored to your specific needs, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives.

Maintaining Discipline and Patience

Building a substantial corpus requires discipline, patience, and a long-term perspective. Stay committed to your investment strategy, monitor progress regularly, and make informed decisions to navigate market fluctuations effectively.

Conclusion

While achieving a 3-4 crore corpus by the age of 60 is ambitious, it's certainly attainable with prudent financial planning, disciplined investing, and periodic review. By optimizing your investment strategy, maximizing contributions, and seeking professional guidance, you can work towards securing a financially secure future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 05, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 39 years old and my wife is 38 years old. I have a apartment worth 50L ( No loan), a house in bangalore worth 1.5 cr( 70 lakhs loan pending), MF and stocks around 50L as of now. I do a SIP of 1L per month and it has a 18% XIRR now ( was 23% before downturn) I will continue to stay invested. I have a Jeevan Tarun for my son and Jeevan umang as a part of my de-risking efforts which yields guaranteed income of 30k/m from age 53. My goal is to reach 10cr in MF by 53 years age. Is this goal realistic or should I invest more and be aggressive?
Ans: You are 39 years old, and your wife is 38 years old.

You own an apartment worth Rs. 50 lakh, with no loan.

You own a house in Bangalore worth Rs. 1.5 crore, with a loan of Rs. 70 lakh.

Your investments in mutual funds and stocks total Rs. 50 lakh.

You are investing Rs. 1 lakh per month through SIPs.

Your SIPs have achieved an XIRR of 18% (previously 23%).

You plan to continue investing and aim for a corpus of Rs. 10 crore by age 53.

You have Jeevan Tarun for your son and Jeevan Umang, which guarantees Rs. 30,000 per month from age 53.

Assessing Your Rs. 10 Crore Goal
Your target of Rs. 10 crore in mutual funds by age 53 is ambitious.

Your current SIPs and portfolio growth will determine if this goal is realistic.

Market fluctuations impact returns, so flexibility is essential.

Achieving an 18% CAGR consistently over 14 years is difficult.

It is possible but requires strategic asset allocation and disciplined investing.

SIP Investment Strategy
Your Rs. 1 lakh monthly SIP is a strong commitment.

Increasing SIPs gradually can improve your chances of meeting the goal.

Market downturns impact XIRR temporarily but should not alter long-term plans.

Staying invested in a well-balanced portfolio is essential.

Avoid emotional decisions based on short-term market movements.

Mutual Fund Selection for Growth
Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform passive index funds.

Fund selection should focus on quality, consistency, and long-term growth.

Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for balance.

Sectoral or thematic funds should be limited to reduce risk.

Regular monitoring and rebalancing will keep your portfolio aligned with goals.

Role of Stocks in Portfolio Growth
Direct equity investments can add growth potential.

Investing in fundamentally strong stocks with a long-term vision is key.

Avoid excessive trading, as it leads to high costs and lower returns.

Regular review of stocks ensures alignment with market trends.

Combining mutual funds and stocks creates a balanced growth strategy.

Impact of Your Home Loan
You have a Rs. 70 lakh loan on your Bangalore house.

Home loans have tax benefits but also add financial burden.

Prioritising prepayment can reduce interest costs in the long run.

Balancing investments and loan repayment is important for liquidity.

Avoid diverting SIPs towards loan closure unless interest rates become unmanageable.

Jeevan Tarun and Jeevan Umang – Should You Continue?
LIC policies provide guaranteed income but offer low returns.

Your guaranteed Rs. 30,000 per month from age 53 may not beat inflation.

Surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds can generate better long-term returns.

Evaluate surrender value and policy terms before making a decision.

A Certified Financial Planner can help restructure your insurance and investments.

Inflation Impact on Your Retirement Planning
Your Rs. 10 crore goal should consider inflation-adjusted expenses.

Future living costs will rise, affecting your financial requirements.

A higher corpus ensures a comfortable and secure retirement.

Passive income streams should be inflation-proof.

Your investment strategy must focus on wealth preservation as well as growth.

Emergency Fund and Medical Coverage
Maintaining liquidity for emergencies is essential.

An emergency fund should cover at least 12 months of expenses.

Adequate health insurance protects against unexpected medical costs.

Critical illness and term insurance should be reviewed periodically.

Your family’s financial security should not depend solely on investment returns.

Increasing Aggressiveness in Investments
If your goal of Rs. 10 crore seems difficult, increasing SIPs is an option.

Reviewing and optimising your portfolio can improve returns.

Avoid excessive risk-taking, as capital preservation is also important.

Strategic asset allocation is more effective than simply increasing risk.

Diversification across asset classes reduces volatility.

Tax Planning and Efficient Withdrawals
Capital gains tax impacts long-term investment growth.

Systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) in mutual funds offer tax-efficient income.

Asset allocation should consider post-tax returns.

Using tax-saving instruments strategically enhances wealth accumulation.

Avoid unnecessary lock-ins that restrict liquidity.

Finally
Your Rs. 10 crore goal is possible with disciplined investing and strategic adjustments.

Staying invested, increasing SIPs gradually, and optimising fund selection are key.

Evaluating insurance policies can unlock better investment opportunities.

Managing loan repayment without disrupting investments is crucial.

Inflation, taxes, and withdrawal strategies must be planned carefully.

A Certified Financial Planner can help fine-tune your financial plan for maximum efficiency.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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