Hi , my monthly income is 1lac rupees, pls suggest an investment plan so that I can secure my future. I am 36 yrs old.
Ans: You have taken the first step towards a secure future. With your monthly income of Rs 1 lakh and age of 36 years, you can build a solid foundation for the future. Here is a detailed investment plan, explained simply for you. Let’s get started.
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Assessing Your Financial Position
At 36 years, you have many working years ahead. This is a good sign.
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Your income of Rs 1 lakh is good. It allows you to save well.
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Look at your expenses. See how much you can save every month.
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Aim to save at least 30% of your income. That is around Rs 30,000 monthly.
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If you have loans, pay them on time. Reduce high-interest loans first.
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Keep an emergency fund. It should be 6 to 12 months of expenses.
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Emergency fund should be in a safe place. A liquid fund or savings account is good.
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Setting Clear Goals
Write down your life goals. List them clearly.
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Short-term goals are for 1-3 years. Like buying a car or a trip.
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Medium-term goals are for 3-7 years. Like buying a house or children’s education.
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Long-term goals are for 10 years or more. Like retirement or children’s marriage.
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This will help you see how much money you need for each goal.
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Protecting Your Family First
First step is to have health insurance. This keeps you safe from medical costs.
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Health insurance for yourself and family is very important. Choose a good sum assured.
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You must also have life insurance. Use only term insurance for this.
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Term insurance covers your family if something happens to you.
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Avoid plans like ULIPs, endowment, or money-back. They mix insurance and investment.
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Mixing insurance and investment reduces returns. It is not good for long term.
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Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is very important. Keep 6-12 months of expenses.
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This money should be easy to take out. Use liquid mutual funds or savings account.
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It helps in job loss, medical need, or big expenses.
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Retirement Planning
Retirement is a big goal. Start saving early for it.
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Use mutual funds for retirement. They grow well over time.
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Start SIPs in good equity mutual funds. SIPs are monthly investments.
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SIPs help you invest small amounts every month. They also reduce market ups and downs.
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When you start early, you use the power of compounding. Money grows faster.
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Investing in Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds invest in companies. They help you grow your money.
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Choose funds that are well-managed. Good fund managers do better research.
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Equity mutual funds can be risky in short term. But they give good returns in long term.
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If you invest for 7-10 years or more, you will see better results.
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Why Not Index Funds
Index funds follow the market index. They do not have active fund managers.
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Index funds copy the index. They do not adjust to market changes.
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When markets fall, index funds also fall. No manager to reduce losses.
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Actively managed funds have expert fund managers. They find good stocks.
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Actively managed funds try to give better returns than index funds.
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Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt mutual funds invest in safe bonds. They give stable returns.
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Use them for short-term and medium-term goals. Less risk than equity funds.
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Debt mutual funds are good for 1-3 years needs.
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They are better than bank FDs for short term. But they have some market risks.
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Taxation on debt funds is based on your income tax slab.
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Asset Allocation Strategy
Don’t put all money in equity. Mix with debt funds for balance.
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For long term, more money can go to equity mutual funds. Around 60-70% of your savings.
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For medium term, mix of 40-60% equity and 40-60% debt is better.
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For short term, more debt funds. Keep equity at 20% or less.
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This mix helps to reduce risk. Also, gives good growth.
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SIP – The Best Way to Invest
SIP is Systematic Investment Plan. You invest a fixed amount every month.
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SIP is easy. No need to worry about market ups and downs.
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SIP brings discipline. It is a habit of saving and investing.
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It helps you average out the cost of investment.
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Reviewing Your Investments
Review your investments once every year. Not every month.
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See if you are moving towards your goals.
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If needed, change your SIP amount. Or change the asset mix.
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Stay invested for long term. Do not stop SIPs when markets fall.
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Tax Planning
Mutual funds have different taxes. Know them to plan well.
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For equity funds, if you sell after 1 year, gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
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If you sell before 1 year, gains are taxed at 20%.
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For debt mutual funds, gains are taxed as per your income slab.
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Use ELSS funds to save tax under 80C. They are equity funds with 3 years lock-in.
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Do not invest in tax-saving just for saving tax. See if it matches your goals.
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Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds
Direct mutual funds have no advisor to guide you.
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Without advice, you may choose wrong funds. Or wrong asset mix.
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A Certified Financial Planner can guide you. They suggest funds for your needs.
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They help you with tax planning and reviews.
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Investing through a mutual fund distributor with a CFP can be better.
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Investment Through Regular Plans
Regular plans have a small cost. But give you expert advice.
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They help you avoid mistakes. This saves you more money in long term.
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Your Certified Financial Planner also helps with paperwork and claims.
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Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many people stop investing when markets fall. This is a mistake.
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Some people invest in too many funds. This creates confusion.
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Keep 4-5 good funds for your goals. No need for more.
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Do not invest because someone else does. Your needs are different.
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Avoid insurance plans that promise returns. They give low returns and high costs.
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Regular Tracking of Progress
Once a year, meet your Certified Financial Planner.
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Discuss if your goals have changed. Like new child, or new house.
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Adjust your plan if needed. Keep it updated.
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Financial Discipline
Keep track of your expenses. Reduce unnecessary costs.
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Avoid loans for wants. Use loans only for needs.
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Increase your SIP when your income grows.
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Keep investing even when markets fall. This brings good returns in future.
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Final Insights
At 36 years, you have time on your side. This is your biggest asset.
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Keep a good balance of equity and debt. Do not put all money in one place.
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Protect your family with term insurance and health insurance.
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Use SIPs in well-managed mutual funds. This gives you growth and peace of mind.
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Work with a Certified Financial Planner. They can help you at every step.
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Avoid mixing insurance and investments. Keep them separate.
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Review your investments regularly. Adjust as your life changes.
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Keep your mind calm. Do not panic when markets go down.
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Follow these steps with discipline. You will see a secure future.
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Stay patient and consistent. Your efforts will reward you.
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Best Regards,
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K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment