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My 3 Cr Dream: Am I, 48 & Debt-Free, on the Right Path?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

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 17, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello Sanjib, Good Day !!! I am 48 YRS, monthly salary 2 Lacks in hand, working in a MNC, debt free, I have approx investment of 20 Lakhs in SIP, 17 L SSA, 7 L in PPF, 5L in EFP, 8L in NPS, 12 L in FD, 10 L in gold, 80 Lakhs in land, having 02 children doing B.Tech 3rd Yrs & 1st Yr, I do monthly saving of 1 L for all above fortolios, also have term insurance of 2.5 Cr., I want to create a corpous fund at 3 Crores at Age of 62 Yrs, please suggest, if I am going on wrong track let me know. Also, advise that Term Insurance coverage is sufficent or need to enhance. Thanks

Ans: You have a strong financial base and are disciplined in saving.

Let’s analyze your current position and plan for your goal.

I will give you a 360-degree view as a Certified Financial Planner.

We will look at your investments, savings, insurance, and future corpus target.

                     

Current Financial Position Assessment

Your monthly salary in hand is Rs. 2 lakhs. This is a good steady income.

You are debt-free. This is a great advantage for future planning.

You invest Rs. 1 lakh every month in various portfolios. That shows good discipline.

Your existing investments include SIPs worth Rs. 20 lakhs.

You hold Rs. 17 lakhs in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS).

You have Rs. 7 lakhs in Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Rs. 5 lakhs in Employee Provident Fund (EPF).

NPS investment of Rs. 8 lakhs adds retirement benefits.

Fixed Deposits of Rs. 12 lakhs and gold worth Rs. 10 lakhs add diversification.

Land worth Rs. 80 lakhs is part of your assets but not a liquid investment.

You have two children pursuing B.Tech, in their 3rd and 1st years.

Term insurance coverage is Rs. 2.5 crore. This protects your family’s financial security.

Your goal is to create a corpus of Rs. 3 crore by age 62, i.e., in 14 years.

                     

Evaluating Your Corpus Goal

Rs. 3 crore in 14 years is a realistic goal, given your income and savings.

Corpus depends on your investment returns and savings rate.

Your current monthly saving of Rs. 1 lakh is a good start for this target.

You should continue with disciplined monthly SIPs across asset classes.

The mix of equity, debt, and gold helps reduce risk and improve returns.

However, you can optimize the allocation to meet the target faster or with less risk.

Equity investments through actively managed mutual funds can give better returns.

Avoid index funds; they offer average market returns and do not protect during downturns.

Regular mutual funds, chosen via a Certified Financial Planner and through MFD channels, offer better review and monitoring.

Avoid direct mutual funds unless you have expert guidance, as wrong choices may hurt returns.

Diversification is key, but monitor funds regularly to avoid underperformers.

                     

Reviewing Your Investment Mix

SIPs of Rs. 20 lakhs is a good equity base but check fund categories.

PPF and EPF together of Rs. 12 lakhs give stable, tax-efficient returns.

NPS of Rs. 8 lakhs adds pension and tax benefits; continue this consistently.

SCSS of Rs. 17 lakhs is good but locks money with moderate returns.

FDs of Rs. 12 lakhs provide safety but low returns; consider shifting some portion.

Gold of Rs. 10 lakhs is a good hedge but avoid overexposure.

Land worth Rs. 80 lakhs is illiquid; it cannot fund emergencies or short-term needs.

Review whether the SCSS and FD portions can be partially moved to debt mutual funds for better returns.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab but give better liquidity and slightly higher returns than FDs.

Keep some funds in safe fixed income to reduce portfolio volatility at your age.

                     

Term Insurance Coverage Evaluation

Rs. 2.5 crore term cover is good, considering your salary and liabilities.

Term insurance should cover at least 10 to 15 times your annual income.

Also consider liabilities like home loan, children’s education, and other debts if any.

Since you are debt-free, this cover looks adequate.

But check if it covers family’s living expenses for 10 years or more.

Consider increasing coverage if your spouse is financially dependent.

Also, consider future inflation and rising education costs of your children.

It is good to review term cover every 3 to 5 years or after major life changes.

Keep health insurance in place for the family, as medical costs can be unpredictable.

                     

Children’s Education Funding

Your children are in engineering, so education costs are high but nearing completion.

Ensure education loans or higher studies funds are planned separately.

If you can fund the education fully, good. Else plan loans or scholarships.

Avoid interrupting retirement corpus savings for children’s education now.

Postpone new large expenses till children finish education.

After children complete education, savings can increase for retirement corpus.

                     

Tax Planning and Asset Allocation

Use tax-saving instruments wisely, like PPF, NPS, and ELSS if applicable.

Maximise benefits under Section 80C and other applicable sections.

Balance between equity and debt according to your risk tolerance and age.

At 48, equity exposure around 50-60% is reasonable for growth.

Keep 40-50% in safer debt instruments and liquid funds.

Regularly review asset allocation, especially when nearing retirement.

Rebalance portfolio yearly to maintain risk-return balance.

Avoid chasing high returns by taking unnecessary risks.

Actively managed funds provide flexibility to adapt to market changes.

Your current monthly SIP of Rs. 1 lakh can be allocated carefully among equity, debt, and gold funds.

                     

Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 to 12 months’ expenses in liquid savings or short-term funds.

This fund helps during medical emergencies or sudden income loss.

Your fixed deposits and liquid mutual funds can serve as emergency funds.

Avoid locking all money in illiquid instruments like land or SCSS.

Review liquidity every year to adjust for changing expenses.

                     

Final Insights

You are on a good track with disciplined savings and diversified investments.

The Rs. 3 crore corpus goal in 14 years is achievable with your current savings and review.

Continue investing monthly Rs. 1 lakh and review asset allocation regularly.

Increase equity portion via actively managed funds for better growth potential.

Avoid index funds and direct funds unless you have expert guidance.

Consider moving some FD and SCSS amounts into debt mutual funds for better returns.

Term insurance coverage looks sufficient but review periodically as family needs grow.

Maintain emergency funds and health insurance to protect your wealth creation.

Monitor and rebalance your portfolio yearly to meet your retirement goal safely.

Planning your children’s education funding separately will help keep retirement funds intact.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for annual reviews and adjustments.

This approach will keep you financially strong and prepared.

You deserve a secure and comfortable retirement at 62 years.

Keep investing wisely and reviewing often.

Your discipline and planning will reward you well.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 08, 2024Hindi
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Money
Dear Sir, My inhand salary is approx 1 Lac per month. My wife's salary in hand is 60k per month. We have a kid of 1 year now. Our goal is to create a corpus amount of 4Crores for Childs education and well being. Current investments are 1. Equities-20 Lacs, Mutual Funds Quant, parikh, sbi, 5 Lacs total. Ppf 10 Lacs, Nps 2 Lacs, My requirements are 1. Need amount of 4 Cr at 2040 2. Currently I need best Term plan to invest in with cover of 3Cr 3. Need to know best health insurance for any medical emergency with family cover of 25Lacs. 4. Need to Buy a Home of 1.5 Cr 2bhk for which I will be going for Home loan of minimum 60Lacs. 5. Risk appetite medium to high
Ans: Given your financial goals and risk appetite, here are some recommendations:

Investments:

Continue investing in equity through mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.
Consider increasing your equity exposure gradually, given your high risk tolerance.
Regularly review and rebalance your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.
Term Insurance:

Look for reputable insurance providers offering term plans with coverage of at least 3 Crores.
Compare premiums, features, and claim settlement ratios before making a decision.
Consider opting for a policy with a rider for critical illness coverage for added protection.
Health Insurance:

Choose a comprehensive family health insurance plan with a coverage of 25 Lakhs.
Look for plans that offer coverage for hospitalization, pre-existing conditions, day care procedures, and maternity benefits.
Consider factors such as network hospitals, claim settlement process, and premium affordability.
Home Purchase:

Since you plan to buy a home worth 1.5 Crores and avail a home loan, ensure that the EMIs are comfortably manageable within your monthly budget.
Compare home loan offers from various banks and financial institutions to get the best interest rates and terms.
Factor in additional costs such as registration fees, stamp duty, and maintenance expenses while budgeting for the purchase.
Financial Planning:

Consult with a certified financial planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your circumstances or market conditions.
By implementing these strategies and regularly monitoring your progress, you can work towards achieving your financial goals while managing risk effectively.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir I 47 year old and am earning 3 lakhs per month. My monthly expenditure is 2 lakhs. I have the following assets: 1. 3 houses with outstanding loan amount of 8 lakhs. Net worth : 3 crores 2. 1.5 crore in Equity and Mutual Funds 3. 1 crore in ppf. 4. Have a term insurance of 2 crore till my age of 75. 5. 10 lakhs liquid cash for emergency funds. 6. 20 lakhs - for child benefit plans I am currently invested in following Mutual Funds a. UTI ELSS Tax Saver Fund - IDCW - 15000 b. ICICI prudential nifty next 50 index fund - growth - 10000 c. Axis foccused fund - growth - 10000 My wife is also working and she is invested in 75k in mutual funds and we plan to use it for our daughter's future. She has built a corpus of 55 lakhs till now and she plans to continue to work for another 8 years. Requesting your kind advise on how to go about the following: I am ready to invest in another 40k in mutual funds. My goals are the following: 1. Set up corpus for my son's higher education in 5 years time. Want to have 1.5 crore setup for him for his higher studies. 2. Plan to work for another 8 years and then plan to retire. Need to have 1 lakh per month for expenses post retirement. 3. Currently I and my family are covered by Company medical insurance. I would need a cover post retirement, pls advise on that as well. Thanks
Ans: I appreciate your detailed input. Your financial status is strong, and I can see you've done a great job managing your assets. Let's go through your situation and goals one by one. I'll provide a thorough plan to help you achieve them.

Current Financial Snapshot
You have a solid income of Rs. 3 lakhs per month and manage monthly expenses of Rs. 2 lakhs. This leaves you with a surplus of Rs. 1 lakh every month, which is great for additional investments and savings.

You have the following assets:

Three houses with an outstanding loan amount of Rs. 8 lakhs. The net worth of these properties is Rs. 3 crores.

Equity and Mutual Funds worth Rs. 1.5 crores.

PPF with Rs. 1 crore.

Term insurance of Rs. 2 crores till age 75.

Liquid cash of Rs. 10 lakhs for emergency funds.

Child benefit plans amounting to Rs. 20 lakhs.

You also have current investments in mutual funds:

UTI ELSS Tax Saver Fund - IDCW - Rs. 15,000

ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund - Growth - Rs. 10,000

Axis Focused Fund - Growth - Rs. 10,000

Your wife is working and has invested Rs. 75,000 in mutual funds, building a corpus of Rs. 55 lakhs, planning to work for another 8 years.

Setting Up a Corpus for Your Son's Higher Education
Your goal is to set up a corpus of Rs. 1.5 crores for your son's higher education in 5 years. This is a substantial goal, but with disciplined investment, it is achievable.

Steps to Achieve This Goal:

Review Existing Investments: First, evaluate the performance of your current mutual fund investments. Keep the ones that have shown consistent performance.

Additional Investment: Since you can invest another Rs. 40,000 monthly, consider adding to equity mutual funds, which have the potential for higher returns over five years.

Mutual Fund Categories: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds. Large-cap funds offer stability, while mid-cap and multi-cap funds provide growth potential.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Utilize SIPs for these funds to benefit from rupee cost averaging and compound growth.

Monitor and Rebalance: Regularly monitor your portfolio and rebalance as needed to stay on track with your goal.

Planning for Retirement
You plan to retire in 8 years and need Rs. 1 lakh per month for expenses post-retirement. Here's how you can achieve this:

Steps to Achieve This Goal:

Retirement Corpus: Calculate the corpus required to generate Rs. 1 lakh per month. Assuming a safe withdrawal rate of 4%, you'll need around Rs. 3 crores.

Current Investments: You already have Rs. 1.5 crores in equity and mutual funds and Rs. 1 crore in PPF. Continue investing in these to reach your goal.

Additional Investments: With your monthly surplus and the extra Rs. 40,000, increase your investment in diversified mutual funds.

Equity Exposure: Maintain a good portion of your portfolio in equities for growth. As you near retirement, gradually shift some investments to debt funds for stability.

Medical Insurance: Post-retirement, you will need a comprehensive health cover. Consider a family floater plan with a high sum assured and critical illness cover.

Reviewing and Optimizing Your Portfolio
Let's break down your current mutual fund investments:

UTI ELSS Tax Saver Fund: ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C. Continue with this investment for tax efficiency.

ICICI Prudential Nifty Next 50 Index Fund: Index funds are passively managed and mirror the index. Consider shifting to actively managed funds for potentially higher returns.

Axis Focused Fund: Focused funds invest in a limited number of stocks. If it has performed well, continue with it. Otherwise, explore diversified funds.

Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:

Expert Management: Actively managed funds are handled by experienced fund managers aiming to outperform the market.

Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, potentially providing better returns.

Potential for Higher Returns: Though they have higher fees, the potential for higher returns often justifies the cost.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Limited Guidance: Direct funds do not offer the guidance provided by a CFP. This can lead to less informed investment decisions.

Time-Consuming: Managing direct investments requires significant time and knowledge, which might not be feasible for everyone.

Benefits of Regular Funds via CFP:

Professional Advice: A CFP can provide tailored advice based on your financial goals and risk appetite.

Portfolio Management: Regular monitoring and rebalancing of your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Setting Up a Medical Insurance Cover Post-Retirement
Steps to Secure Health Insurance:

Family Floater Plan: Choose a family floater plan with a high sum assured to cover major medical expenses.

Critical Illness Cover: Add a critical illness rider to cover diseases like cancer, heart attack, etc.

Top-Up Plans: Consider top-up or super top-up plans to enhance your coverage at a lower premium.

Portability: Check the portability options to transfer your current health cover benefits to a new insurer without losing benefits.

Building a Comprehensive Financial Plan
Holistic Approach:

Emergency Fund: Maintain your Rs. 10 lakhs liquid cash for emergencies. It provides a safety net for unforeseen expenses.

Child Benefit Plans: Evaluate the performance of these plans. If they are underperforming, consider reallocating to better-performing funds.

Loan Repayment: Pay off the outstanding Rs. 8 lakhs on your properties to reduce debt and interest burden.

Regular Review: Conduct regular reviews of your financial plan with a CFP to stay aligned with your goals and make necessary adjustments.

Final Insights
You have a robust financial base and clear goals. By optimizing your current investments, adding to your SIPs, and managing your portfolio with the help of a CFP, you can achieve your goals.

Focus on equity mutual funds for growth, maintain a diversified portfolio, and ensure you have adequate health cover post-retirement.

Keep monitoring and rebalancing your investments to stay on track. With disciplined investment and professional guidance, your financial goals are well within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2025

Money
Dear sir, I am 46 yrs old investing in SIP of 25000 monthly last 4.5 Yrs in different companies mutual fund. I wants retire after 10 yrs and need a corpus of 5 crore. I have 2 children studying @ 6&8 grade. Invested in money back policy of 5-8 Lakh. 1C land purchased 2 yrs back. Comprehensive Health insurance is available for 5L yearly and Term insurance of 60L is available. Kindly let me know what sort of planning required.
Ans: It shows you are thinking ahead for your family and future. That itself is a great start.

Let’s break this down step by step.

 

Retirement Planning – 10 Years Away
 

You want Rs.5 crore in 10 years.

 

You are already investing Rs.25,000 monthly through SIPs. This is a good habit.

 

But just investing isn’t enough. The amount, fund selection, and review also matter.

 

Rs.5 crore is a big target. It needs a solid, focused investment plan.

 

You need to check whether Rs.25,000 per month is enough for this goal.

 

Based on typical growth rates, it may fall short. We need to increase SIPs gradually.

 

A Certified Financial Planner can help assess the exact shortfall. Then a step-wise plan can be made.

 

Your retirement plan should not depend on land. Land is not liquid. Selling it can take time.

 

Continue SIPs and increase it by 10% every year. That helps stay ahead of inflation.

 

Actively managed mutual funds should be selected. They give a better edge with expert fund manager decisions.

 

Index funds lack flexibility. They copy the index. No chance to beat the market.

 

With actively managed funds, the fund manager reacts fast to changes. That is an advantage.

 

Asset allocation should be reviewed every year. Rebalancing keeps the risk in control.

 

Keep a separate portfolio for retirement. Do not mix children’s education goal with this.

 

Children’s Education Planning
 

Your children are now in 6th and 8th grades.

 

In 6–8 years, you’ll need funds for their higher education.

 

Education costs are rising sharply. This cannot be ignored.

 

Start separate SIPs for their education goal now.

 

Do not depend on money-back policies for education.

 

These give low returns. Hardly beat inflation. Not suitable for education needs.

 

Surrender these policies. Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds.

 

A Certified Financial Planner can guide on which policies to surrender and how.

 

Use mutual funds for better returns and flexibility.

 

Choose a mix of equity and balanced funds. This gives better growth with some safety.

 

Review this portfolio every year. Make changes if fund performance drops.

 

Never use retirement funds for education or other goals.

 

Keep clear boundaries between each financial goal.

 

Insurance Assessment – Life and Health
 

You have Rs.60 lakh term insurance. It is a good starting point.

 

But is it enough? Likely not.

 

A person at age 46 with children and a Rs.5 crore retirement goal needs more cover.

 

Term cover must be at least 12–15 times your annual income.

 

It should also cover children’s education and liabilities.

 

Top up your term insurance with an additional Rs.40–50 lakh at least.

 

Premiums are still manageable at your age.

 

Avoid ULIPs or money-back plans for life cover. They mix insurance and investment.

 

You have Rs.5 lakh health insurance. That is a positive step.

 

However, with rising medical costs, it is not enough.

 

Add a super top-up policy of Rs.10–15 lakh. It is cost-effective and gives added protection.

 

Ensure the entire family is covered under the policy.

 

Also keep some emergency fund in liquid funds for minor health expenses.

 

Emergency Fund and Contingency Planning
 

An emergency fund gives peace of mind.

 

It should cover at least 6 months of expenses.

 

Keep this in a liquid mutual fund or savings account.

 

Never invest emergency funds in equity or land.

 

Refill the fund if you use it anytime.

 

Existing Land Investment
 

You mentioned buying land two years ago.

 

It can be a personal asset. But not an investment.

 

Land does not generate regular income.

 

Selling land can take time. Liquidity is low.

 

Do not depend on land for your retirement or education goals.

 

Do not count land value in your net worth for investment planning.

 

Keep it as a reserve or personal utility asset only.

 

Money-Back Policies – Action Plan
 

You have Rs.5–8 lakh in money-back policies.

 

These offer low returns. Do not help in long-term wealth creation.

 

It is best to surrender these now. Don’t wait.

 

Reinvest that money into mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

 

Use regular plans through MFDs. They offer continuous support and monitoring.

 

Direct mutual funds offer no guidance. That leads to mistakes and poor returns.

 

Regular funds give access to a CFP’s review and hand-holding.

 

Small cost difference, but better long-term results.

 

SIP Management – Next Steps
 

You are already investing Rs.25,000 monthly. That is commendable.

 

Increase it every year. This is called SIP step-up.

 

If your income rises, increase SIPs by 10–15% yearly.

 

This one habit helps you reach goals faster.

 

Choose 4–5 diversified equity funds. Review them every 6 months.

 

Use funds with consistent track records and experienced managers.

 

Avoid index funds. They are passive. No fund manager input.

 

Actively managed funds offer better opportunities.

 

Tax Planning – For Today and Tomorrow
 

Make use of Section 80C for tax savings. SIP in ELSS can help here.

 

Avoid locking too much in PPF or NSC. They are not flexible.

 

For capital gains tax, keep new rules in mind.

 

If you sell equity funds, gains above Rs.1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

 

If sold before 1 year, gains are taxed at 20%.

 

For debt funds, all gains are taxed as per your income slab.

 

Always check tax implication before switching or redeeming funds.

 

Goal-Based Investment Planning
 

Link each SIP to a specific goal.

 

One SIP for retirement.

 

One SIP for child 1 education.

 

Another SIP for child 2 education.

 

Do not combine goals. That leads to confusion later.

 

Clear goal tagging helps track progress.

 

A Certified Financial Planner can prepare this map for you.

 

Use colour-coded tracking for each goal.

 

Will, Nomination, and Estate Planning
 

Make a basic Will. Even if your assets are small today.

 

Nominate properly in every investment and insurance.

 

Review nominations every 2 years.

 

Teach your spouse the basics of your financial plan.

 

Keep one folder with all details – policies, accounts, mutual funds.

 

Inform your family where the file is kept.

 

Three Yearly Review System
 

Review your financial plan every year.

 

Do it with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

 

Track SIP growth. Are goals on track?

 

Rebalance asset allocation if equity grows too much.

 

Check insurance covers every 2 years.

 

Update Will, nominations, and goals if needed.

 

Final Insights
 

You have taken important first steps. That shows awareness.

 

But awareness needs a plan to be successful.

 

Surrender low-yielding policies. Reinvest wisely.

 

Keep land aside. Do not count on it for goals.

 

Increase SIPs steadily. Choose only actively managed funds.

 

Use regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

 

Protect family with higher life and health insurance.

 

Separate SIPs for each goal. Link every investment to a purpose.

 

Review your plan once every year. Adjust when needed.

 

Your dream of Rs.5 crore and children’s education is possible.

 

But you need focused, guided steps to reach there.

 

Best Regards,
 

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2025
Money
Hi I am 43 me and wife earning 3 lcs per month with no kids we have a liability of 45 lacs housing loan and car loan of 8 lacs Housing loan balance 38 lacs ( we paid 5 lacs as part payment in two years) and also increase our installments from 38000 to 50000 for the last 5 months and reduce our tenure from 20 years to now 12 years Expenses:- 50000 housing laon per month 19000 car loan per month 30000 house hold expenses including travel expenses etc.. 30 lakhs mediclaim insurance premium 25000 annually Investment:- 35000 mutual funds per month ( funds like multi assets,multi cap and large cap one or two funds in small cap,and flexi funds ) Lic premium annual around 2 lacs 65000 annually premium for term plan ( unit linked plan) of 50 lacs 1 lakhs in PPF 50 lakhs corpus in mutual funds (90% equity and 10% hybrid) 15 lakhs FD 30 lakhs worth gold (300 grm) apprx 1 flat worth 1 crore ( on loan paying 50k pm) 10 lakh cash 3 lakh in savings Want to build a corpus of minimum of 10 crores befor 60 years of age How do invest in more systametic manner so that we can grow our money and how much amount do we need more to invest to reach this targetAnd another imp question is do I need to pay housing loan first so that I can save the intrest or kept the money in account as emergency fund. I am really confused Do I sell gold and pay loan ?? Do I break my FD ? What to do??
Ans: Appreciate your clarity and discipline with money. You are far ahead of many at your age. You already have a strong income, valuable assets, and good savings habits. Now let’s look at a complete 360° view of how to reach Rs. 10 crore target by 60.

We’ll go step by step with each area of your financial life.

Income and Cash Flow Overview
Monthly income of Rs. 3 lakhs is very healthy.

Loan EMIs total around Rs. 1.19 lakhs, approximately 40% of income.

Household expenses are just Rs. 30,000 – very efficient.

SIPs of Rs. 35,000 are a great start, but more growth investment is needed.

Scope exists to steadily increase investments each year.

Savings of Rs. 13 lakhs (FD + cash + savings) gives a solid buffer.

Actionable Insight:
Maintain a detailed monthly budget tracking income, expenses, EMIs, and surplus. Review it quarterly to stay in control.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Home loan of Rs. 38 lakh with Rs. 50,000 EMI and reduced tenure to 12 years – good progress.

Car loan of Rs. 8 lakh with Rs. 19,000 EMI.

Rs. 69,000/month in loan EMIs is manageable at your income level.

Recommendations:

Don’t rush to close home loan if interest is below 9% – you get tax benefits.

Prioritise closing the car loan if interest rate is high – it's not tax beneficial.

Avoid using FD or gold for loan repayment unless it’s an emergency.

Emergency Fund Evaluation
Rs. 10 lakh in cash + Rs. 3 lakh in savings is already strong.

With Rs. 15 lakh in FD, total emergency reserve is Rs. 28 lakh.

That’s more than sufficient; no need to expand emergency fund further.

Use sweep-in FD or split across multiple banks for liquidity and safety.

Insurance Assessment
Rs. 30 lakh health insurance is adequate – continue maintaining this.

Term insurance of Rs. 50 lakh via ULIP is too low.

Ideal cover should be around Rs. 4 crore (12x annual income).

Recommendations:

Take an independent term insurance plan of Rs. 3.5 crore.

Continue existing health cover.

Evaluate surrender of ULIP and LIC if returns are low (generally ~5%).

Redirect those premiums (Rs. 2.65 lakh annually) to mutual fund SIPs.

Investment Portfolio Review
Monthly Investments:

Rs. 35,000 into mutual funds (multi-cap, flexi-cap, small-cap, etc.)

Annual Contributions:

Rs. 1 lakh into PPF

Total Investment Corpus:

Rs. 50 lakh in mutual funds

Rs. 15 lakh in FD

Rs. 30 lakh in gold

Rs. 10 lakh in cash

Rs. 3 lakh in savings

Positives:

Strong equity exposure for long-term growth.

Balanced support from gold and FD.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Increase SIPs annually by at least 10%.

Limit small-cap exposure to 10-15%.

Gradually move from FD to debt mutual funds for better returns and tax-efficiency.

Surrender low-return policies (LIC, ULIP) and reinvest in growth-oriented funds.

Continue PPF contributions for safe, tax-free returns.

Realistic Path to Rs. 10 Crore by Age 60
You are 43 now, with 17 years to invest.

Current investment corpus is around Rs. 1.08 crore.

With Rs. 35,000 SIP, you might reach Rs. 2.5–3 crore by 60 – not enough.

To Reach Rs. 10 Crore Goal:

Gradually increase SIPs to Rs. 1 lakh/month in 5 years.

Reinvest proceeds from surrendering LIC/ULIP (Rs. 2.65 lakh annually).

Redirect EMI amounts (car loan, etc.) once loans are closed.

Make lump sum additions from bonuses or surplus income.

Mutual Fund Taxation Notes
From 2024, equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per slab.

Advice:

Avoid frequent withdrawals.

Use ultra-short term or debt funds for short- to medium-term needs.

Fund Selection Guidelines
Avoid direct funds unless you manage the portfolio yourself.

Use regular plans through a certified financial planner for guidance.

Avoid index funds if you seek alpha and personalized management.

Stick to a blend of active multi-cap, flexi-cap, and large-cap funds.

Suggested Asset Allocation
60% – Equity mutual funds

15% – Debt mutual funds

10% – Gold (already in place)

10% – Emergency fund (FD + cash)

5% – PPF

Annual Portfolio Rebalancing Recommended

Year-Wise Action Plan
Year 1–2:

Repay car loan using surplus or gold if needed.

Surrender LIC and ULIP; shift Rs. 2.65 lakh to mutual funds.

Take new term plan of Rs. 3.5 crore.

Increase SIPs to Rs. 50,000/month.

Year 3–5:

Redirect closed EMIs (Rs. 19,000) to SIPs.

Gradually move FD into debt mutual funds.

Add lump sum investments from annual bonuses.

Year 6–10:

Continue SIPs at Rs. 1 lakh/month.

Keep gold as is.

Rebalance asset allocation annually.

Final Insights
You are on the right track.

No need to sell gold or break FD prematurely.

Gradually increase SIPs and equity exposure.

Maintain emergency reserve.

Improve term cover and simplify insurance portfolio.

Avoid panic, follow the strategy, and review annually.

With this approach, you can confidently build Rs. 10 crore or more by 60 and ensure financial independence.

With better planning and yearly reviews, you will secure a strong retired life.

 

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2025Hindi
Money
Ive a home loan of 26 lakh, emi 20k approx repayment period 276 months. Investments includes 80k stocks, 1.7 lakh in mf through SIP(2.5k/month), postal life insurance having sum assured 8lakh with monthly premium 2.2k. Apart from this monthly nps contribution from salary of approximate amt. 8k. Wants to create fund of amt. 1.5 cr. for a kid 1.5 yrs old. My age 33, in hand salary 47k.
Ans: You are 33 years old with a 1.5-year-old child.

Your monthly take-home salary is Rs. 47,000.

Your home loan is Rs. 26 lakhs with Rs. 20,000 EMI.

The loan period is 276 months or 23 years.

You invest Rs. 2,500 monthly in mutual funds through SIP.

Your mutual fund corpus is Rs. 1.7 lakhs.

Your stock holding is around Rs. 80,000.

You contribute Rs. 8,000 monthly to NPS through salary.

You pay Rs. 2,200 monthly for a postal life insurance policy.

That policy has a sum assured of Rs. 8 lakhs.

Cash Flow Evaluation
Monthly salary: Rs. 47,000

Loan EMI: Rs. 20,000

SIP: Rs. 2,500

Insurance: Rs. 2,200

Net NPS deduction from salary: Rs. 8,000

Total committed: Rs. 32,700

Balance left after deductions: Rs. 14,300

This remaining amount must cover household and lifestyle expenses.

You are trying your best to invest within limited capacity.

That is a strong first step toward wealth creation.

Assessing the Postal Life Insurance Policy
This is a traditional investment-cum-insurance policy.

Sum assured is Rs. 8 lakhs.

Monthly premium is Rs. 2,200.

Annual premium is Rs. 26,400.

The return from these plans is very low.

Typically, the return is 4 to 5 percent only.

Such policies do not create wealth.

Insurance and investment should always be separate.

Since you hold this plan, it is advised to surrender it.

You can reinvest the surrender value in mutual funds.

This will improve your return and long-term growth.

Why Mutual Funds Are Better for Wealth Creation
Mutual funds are flexible and goal-specific.

They offer long-term wealth creation opportunities.

They are managed by professional fund managers.

Unlike index funds, actively managed funds adapt to market changes.

Index funds blindly follow market indexes.

They cannot exit poor-performing stocks or sectors.

In falling markets, index funds also fall fully.

There is no downside protection in index funds.

Actively managed funds can reduce risk better.

Your goal is Rs. 1.5 crore, so growth is critical.

Choose actively managed mutual funds through regular plans.

Avoid direct funds. They don’t offer support or rebalancing.

A regular plan through MFD with CFP gives full guidance.

CFP also supports with rebalancing and behavioural advice.

This keeps you disciplined and focused during market ups and downs.

NPS: Retirement Planning Only
Your NPS contribution is Rs. 8,000 per month.

It is good for long-term retirement goal.

It cannot be used for short-term needs.

NPS is locked until retirement age.

So, NPS will not help your child’s education or marriage goal.

Focus SIPs and lump sum investments for your child’s goal.

Creating Rs. 1.5 Crore for Your Child
Your child is 1.5 years old now.

You have around 15 to 16 years time.

Goal amount is Rs. 1.5 crore for education or marriage.

This is achievable with focused and disciplined investing.

Increase your monthly SIP amount gradually.

Even 10% salary hike yearly can help boost SIP.

Start with Rs. 5,000 SIP if possible after stopping postal policy.

Increase by Rs. 1,000 every year at least.

Also invest any bonuses or gifts as lump sum.

Avoid withdrawing the corpus for any other need.

Link a specific fund to this goal only.

Rebalance every 2 to 3 years with help of a CFP.

Monitor progress without reacting emotionally to market noise.

Debt Management and Repayment Strategy
Home loan EMI is Rs. 20,000.

Loan period is long at 276 months.

Total interest paid will be very high.

Try to prepay at least one EMI per year.

Use any extra income like bonus or incentives.

Prepaying small amounts early can reduce tenure.

Do not stop SIPs to prepay loan.

Balance between prepayment and investment is needed.

Let the loan run if you can invest with higher return than loan rate.

But always avoid default or late payment.

Emergency Fund and Risk Management
You should create an emergency fund.

It must be 4 to 6 months of expenses.

Keep it in liquid mutual funds or savings account.

This avoids breaking investments in case of emergency.

Also take proper term insurance separately.

At age 33, you can get low premium term plans.

Minimum coverage should be 15 to 20 times your income.

Avoid mixing investment with insurance again.

Also check your health insurance.

Get individual or family floater with Rs. 5 to 10 lakhs cover.

Strategy for Stock Investment
You have Rs. 80,000 in stocks.

Stocks are risky without expert guidance.

Avoid adding more if you are not an expert.

Shift to mutual funds for safer diversification.

Mutual funds reduce stock-specific risks.

Don’t take tips or follow stock news blindly.

Focus on long-term funds instead.

Taxation Rules to Remember
New rule: equity fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG from equity mutual funds taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds gains taxed as per income slab.

Plan redemptions carefully to reduce tax burden.

CFP can guide better based on your actual capital gains.

Best Practices for Your Wealth Building Journey
Avoid direct mutual funds. Go with regular route via CFP.

Avoid index funds for high growth goals.

Don’t continue low-return postal insurance policy.

Track your progress once in 6 months.

Increase SIP every year as income grows.

Focus on only one or two long-term funds.

Separate goal-wise investments. Don’t mix goals.

Use SIP for discipline. Use lump sum for boost.

Don’t withdraw unless goal matures.

Avoid loans for kid’s education. Plan now.

Review with Certified Financial Planner yearly.

Finally
Your child’s future needs a solid foundation.

Rs. 1.5 crore in 16 years is achievable.

Start with Rs. 5,000 SIP. Increase yearly.

Stop low-return insurance policy. Reinvest smartly.

Track goals. Stay invested. Don’t react to markets.

Take help from a CFP for personalised support.

Stay focused. Discipline is your biggest friend.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2025Hindi
Career
My mistake I am not participate in josaa counselling 45652 rank in obc female candidates in JEE main csab which branch I take my Home State bihar
Ans: With an OBC-NCL home-state rank of 45,652 in JEE Main and CSAB counselling, the accessible B.Tech branches at NIT Patna in Round 2 (closing ranks) are: Electrical Engineering + M.Tech Power System (49,415), Mechanical Engineering (55,174), Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering (61,684), Civil Engineering (66,151), Construction Technology & Management (66,992), and Materials Science & Engineering (73,343). NIT Patna’s Training & Placement Cell reports 100% placement in Mechanical Engineering for 2022–23 and 2023–24, with an overall UG placement rate of 74.96% in 2023–24 and an average package of ?9.9 LPA in 2024–25. Electrical Engineering secures about 85% placements, while Civil Engineering records around 55% over the last three years. Manufacturing, Civil, and Power System branches feature a good mix of core-sector recruiters and consistent placement drives, but their branch-specific percentages trail Mechanical. Considering both branch availability and the aspirant’s career prospects in Bihar’s core and national job markets, Recommendation: Opt for Mechanical Engineering at NIT Patna for its assured 100% branch placements, strong average packages, and wide recruiter base; consider Electrical + Power Systems as a close second for specialized core roles. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2025Hindi
Career
BMSITM(CSE/AIML) VS BIT(CYBER SECURITY/ISE) VS DSCE(CSE and DESIGN) VS REVA/RNSIT, please suggest me the best option here sir
Ans: BMS Institute of Technology & Management’s CSE branch recorded placement rates of 77.32% in 2024 and 93.24% in 2023, while its AI & ML specialization saw 85.71% in 2024 and 97% in 2023. Bangalore Institute of Technology’s Information Science & Engineering and Cyber Security programs achieve near-100% placement rates for IT-related branches, with 80–90% overall placement consistency. Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering’s CSE eligible placement rates were 98.83% (2021-22), 86.05% (2022-23), and 91.90% (2023-24), and ISE placements exceed 95% annually, supported by 200+ recruiters. REVA University’s CSE branch posts placement rates around 80–90%, with average CTCs of ?3.5–4 LPA and top recruiters like Amazon, IBM, and Wipro. RNS Institute of Technology sees nearly 93% of CSE students placed in 2023, with ongoing 2024 drives reporting 93% and 1,386 offers by 305 companies. All five institutes offer strong labs, active placement cells, and AICTE/NAAC accreditation.

Recommendation: Prioritise BIT for guaranteed near-100% IT placements and robust industry ties; consider BMSITM for its strong AI & ML outcomes; choose RNSIT for consistent CSE placements; opt for DSCE if you prefer a balanced CSE/ISE mix; select REVA for steady CSE placements in a growing private university. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Career
Sir,l got admission in computer science branch in IIT Palakkad and CS btech in BITS Goa .I am from Kerala. which one is best for me
Ans: Anavadya, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, established in 2015 and NAAC A+-accredited with an NIRF 2024 rank of 64, offers a 4-year BTech CSE program through its Career Development Centre. Its CSE department recorded UG placement rates of 100% (2022–23), 88% (2023–24), and 89% (2024–25), with a median package of ?12 LPA and an average of ?15.88 LPA in 2024. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani – Goa Campus, a NAAC A-accredited private institute founded in 2004, reports first-degree placement rates of 95.75%, 95.93%, and 91.15% over the past three years, with an average package of ?20.36 LPA, median ?17 LPA in 2024, and CSE branch salaries ranging from ?18 LPA to ?30 LPA. IIT Palakkad provides personalized mentorship, growing industry collaborations, and a lower student-to-faculty ratio, while BITS Goa offers an extensive alumni network, larger recruiter pool, and higher average compensation, both supported by modern infrastructure and rigorous curricula.

Recommendation: Opt for BITS Goa CSE if you prioritize higher average and median packages, broad recruiter engagement, and brand recognition; choose IIT Palakkad CSE for a government IIT environment with close mentorship, rising placement growth, and personalized academic support. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2025Hindi
Career
My son is getting Data science in PEC (Punjab engineering college),chandigarh and M.sc with Economics at BITS,Goa . Which option should he prefer?
Ans: Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh offers a B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering with a Data Science specialization, admitting 60 students annually. It holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 101–150 in NIRF Engineering. Its CSE branch recorded 141 placement offers for 124 eligible students in 2021-22, 132 for 119 in 2022-23, and 95 for 119 in 2023-24, averaging around 100% placement consistency; the institute reported a highest package of ?83 LPA, an average of ?15.97 LPA, and a median of ?12 LPA in 2022-23. BITS Pilani, Goa campus provides a four-year integrated M.Sc (Economics) program, emphasizing rigorous analytical, econometric, and policy-oriented training, housed in a NAAC A++ and NIRF 151–200 ranked institute. In 2024, 91.79% of Economics graduates secured placements with an average package of ?21.14 LPA and a median of ?17.65 LPA, backed by 283 recruiters and robust internship opportunities. Both programs feature modern facilities, strong industry linkages, and curricula aligned to data-driven and economic analysis careers.

recommendation: Opt for BITS Goa’s integrated M.Sc (Economics) for superior average placements, rigorous quantitative and analytical training, and diverse industry engagements; consider PEC’s B.Tech CSE (Data Science) for an engineering pathway focused on computing and AI only if a technical degree is the primary priority, as it trails slightly in average placements and curriculum breadth. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2025Hindi
Career
My son has got seat in DTU but aiming for BITS where he secured 290 marks in second session, with which he will not get CSE in BITS campus. So kindly suggest, which one is better CSE in Delhi Technological University or Electrical/ Electronics in BITS Pilani or Hyderabad campus?
Ans: DTU’s BTech CSE achieves consistent placement percentages of 88–93% over the last three years, with an average package of ?15.45 LPA in 2024, and over 350 recruiters—including Salesforce, Samsung, Deloitte, and Adobe—participating in its drives. BITS Pilani’s Electrical & Electronics Engineering records placement rates of 95–98% for its 90-seat first-degree batch, with an average package of ?19.71 LPA and top recruiters such as Intel, Qualcomm, Broadcom, SanDisk, Nvidia, and Cisco. At BITS Hyderabad, overall undergraduate placement rates were 94.87%, 93.45%, and 87.23% between 2021–23, with a 2024 average package of ?20.36 LPA, and core recruiters including Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Intel, Micron, Nvidia, AMD, MediaTek, and Reliance. DTU CSE offers strong software and data-science exposure, while BITS EEE at Pilani provides core electronics and instrumentation focus with top-tier recruiters, and Hyderabad combines emerging-tech labs with broader industry engagement.

Recommendation: Opt for BITS Hyderabad EEE for its balanced core and software recruiter network and high average packages; choose BITS Pilani EEE if you prioritise peak placement percentages and legacy brand strength; select DTU CSE only if your son’s passion is firmly rooted in software and AI/data analytics. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

Career
Sir, I scored 69.2% in the boards. I am a SC category student, and I am getting CSE at IIT Roorkee. Will my 12th percentage affect my IIT placement in the future?
Ans: Rishabh, At IIT Roorkee, admission to the BTech program mandates a minimum of 65% in Class XII for SC/ST/PwD candidates or top-20 percentile in their board, so your 69.2% easily met the entry requirement. The Training and Placement Department does not enforce additional board-mark criteria at placement time; eligibility for campus drives hinges on JEE Advanced rank, current CGPA, technical skills assessments, internships, projects, and soft-skills workshops rather than Class XII scores. While some companies list 60–75% in 10th/12th as a documentary screening criterion, this threshold is uniformly applied and rarely affects shortlisted candidates, since IIT students almost always exceed it. Industry surveys and peer accounts confirm that most recruiters prioritize undergraduate performance, coding aptitude, and interview results over secondary-school marks. Over the last three years, IIT Roorkee CSE placements have consistently surpassed 90%, with a 2024 branch-specific average package of ?34 LPA, underscoring that board marks do not influence recruiters’ confidence. Consequently, your 69.2% in the boards will not impede placement opportunities at IIT Roorkee, provided you maintain strong academic and extracurricular performance throughout your BTech program.

Recommendation: Concentrate on achieving a high CGPA at IIT Roorkee by deeply engaging with course projects and elective labs, securing meaningful internships, and participating in hackathons or research initiatives. Leverage the Career Development Centre’s skill-development workshops, mock interviews, and networking events to hone technical, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Your sustained performance, portfolio of work, and proactive engagement with recruiters will drive placement success regardless of Class XII marks. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7383 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 29, 2025

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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