Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 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 - Jun 28, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello Sirr Myself Subhro, Now i just started my professional life i have with a 2.5 LK Of loans outstanding my monthly salary is 15000. I have some 2nd Income that flexible at 6000/-Month. With i have 50000 in Fixed Deposit, 1 LK in Kisan Vikash Patra, 25000 in Mutual Funds and 15000 in My Nps Investment in Aggressive Growth with a active Sip Of 1000/Month with a Running Sip Of 2000/Monthly. Now i planning with a retirement at 50 yrs Age With A fixed term Of Pension 1 lk/Monthly without Nps Investment Returns what calculation i need for reach the financial goal? I have a monthly family Expense Of 5000/Month. With All My Savings & investing is growthing i want 1 LK/Month Payout from My 50 yrs Age. Can Please help me

Ans: First of all, congratulations on starting your professional life and thinking ahead about your financial future! It’s great to see you have some investments already. Let’s explore a detailed plan to achieve your retirement goal of Rs 1 lakh per month starting at age 50.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
Your current monthly salary is Rs 15,000, and you have an additional flexible income of Rs 6,000 per month. Your total monthly income is Rs 21,000.

Your family expenses are Rs 5,000 per month. This leaves you with Rs 16,000 per month for savings, investments, and loan repayments.

Existing Investments and Loans
You have the following investments:

Fixed Deposit: Rs 50,000
Kisan Vikas Patra: Rs 1 lakh
Mutual Funds: Rs 25,000
NPS Investment: Rs 15,000
SIPs: Rs 3,000 per month (Rs 1,000 in NPS and Rs 2,000 in mutual funds)
You also have an outstanding loan of Rs 2.5 lakh.

Financial Goals
Retirement Goal
You aim to retire at 50 with a monthly pension of Rs 1 lakh. This requires significant planning and disciplined investing.

Loan Repayment
Your outstanding loan of Rs 2.5 lakh needs to be managed efficiently to reduce interest burden.

Steps to Achieve Your Financial Goals
Loan Repayment Strategy
Prioritize repaying your outstanding loan of Rs 2.5 lakh. This will reduce your interest burden and free up more funds for investments. Allocate a portion of your flexible income towards extra loan repayments.

Building Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6 months of expenses. This ensures you have liquidity for unforeseen events. Your Fixed Deposit of Rs 50,000 can be part of this fund. Aim to increase it gradually.

Boosting Savings and Investments
With Rs 16,000 available after expenses, here's how you can allocate it:

Loan Repayment: Rs 6,000 per month (in addition to regular EMI)
Emergency Fund: Rs 2,000 per month until you reach your target
Investments: Rs 8,000 per month
Diversifying Investments
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer growth potential through equity exposure. Invest in a mix of equity and balanced funds for diversification. Actively managed funds can help achieve higher returns compared to index funds.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe, tax-efficient investment with long-term benefits. Consider opening a PPF account and invest up to Rs 1.5 lakh annually to benefit from compounding and tax savings under Section 80C.

National Pension System (NPS)
Continue your NPS investments for retirement benefits. NPS offers tax advantages and a disciplined savings mechanism. Increase your monthly SIP if possible to boost retirement corpus.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Increase your SIPs in mutual funds to take advantage of rupee cost averaging and compounding. A diversified portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds can provide balanced growth.

Calculating Retirement Corpus
To achieve a monthly pension of Rs 1 lakh from age 50, you need to build a substantial retirement corpus. Assuming a conservative withdrawal rate of 4%, you would need a corpus of Rs 3 crore.

Power of Compounding
Start early and invest consistently to benefit from compounding. Even small, regular investments can grow significantly over time.

Example Portfolio Allocation
Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate 60% of your investments to equity mutual funds. This includes large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds. Equity funds offer higher growth potential, suitable for long-term goals like retirement.

Debt Mutual Funds
Allocate 30% to debt mutual funds for stability and lower risk. Debt funds provide regular income and preserve capital.

Hybrid Funds
Allocate 10% to hybrid funds (balanced funds). These funds invest in both equity and debt, offering a balance of growth and stability.

Regular Portfolio Review
Review your investment portfolio regularly. Market conditions change, and it's important to rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals.

Tax Planning and Optimization
Tax-Efficient Investments
Invest in tax-efficient instruments like ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) for tax savings under Section 80C. Optimize your portfolio to minimize tax liabilities.

Retirement Corpus Withdrawal Strategy
Plan your withdrawal strategy to minimize tax impact. Withdraw from tax-exempt sources like PPF and use tax-efficient SWPs.

Risk Management and Diversification
Diversified Portfolio
Maintain a diversified portfolio to spread risk. Invest across different asset classes like equity, debt, and balanced funds.

Regular Portfolio Review
Review your investment portfolio regularly. Market conditions change, and it’s crucial to rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Working with a CFP provides personalized advice and strategic planning. A CFP can help you navigate financial decisions and optimize your investment strategy.

Financial Workshops and Seminars
Attend financial workshops and seminars to stay updated on investment strategies and market trends. Continuous learning can enhance your financial acumen.

Creating a Legacy and Estate Planning
Will and Estate Planning
Draft a will to ensure your assets are distributed as per your wishes. Estate planning is crucial to provide financial security to your family.

Nomination and Beneficiaries
Ensure all your investments have the correct nomination details. This simplifies the process for your family in case of any eventuality.

Final Insights
Achieving your retirement goal of Rs 1 lakh per month requires disciplined savings, strategic investments, and careful planning. Focus on repaying your loans to reduce interest burden, build an emergency fund for liquidity, and diversify your investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

The power of compounding is your best ally. Start early, invest regularly, and review your portfolio periodically. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and ensure you stay on track with your financial goals.

Your disciplined approach to savings and investments, combined with strategic planning, will help you achieve financial stability post-retirement. Stay focused on your goals, and with the right strategies, you can secure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement for yourself and your family.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello sir, I am 42 years old and want to retire by age of 55. My current savings is 303L in EPF. 307L in equity, 9.6L in nps. Investment I does as follows 1. Epf - 45000 by employer and same contribution by me as well which combined around 90000/- 2. 27000/- monthly sip , Nippon small cap 6000, axis small cap 6000, quant infrastructure fund 6000/-, quant small cap 6000/-l miarae asset blue chi large cap 3000/- all started very soon having corpus of 4L as of today. 3. Investing 25000/- in nps monthly. 4. Around 50k monthly in equity I have a liability of 50L home loan which I have planned to get rid off by 2028. I have another home loan which will be closed by end of 2025. I have a daughter which is doing CA and for marriage it will be required around 1 cr. I have a son who are going to persue medical which will cost me 50-75L. How I can plan my retirement to get atleast 3L monthly by age of 55. My current monthly take home salary is 3L around.
Ans: Given your goal to retire by 55 with a monthly income of ?3L, you have a comprehensive plan with a mix of investments and savings. Here's a suggested strategy:

EPF: Continue the contribution as it offers tax benefits and stable returns.

SIPs: Your SIPs in small and large-cap funds are good for growth. Consider adding a diversified equity fund for balance. Monitor and rebalance annually.

NPS: Since you're investing ?25,000 monthly, ensure you choose the auto-choice option for a balanced allocation between equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Home Loans: Prioritize closing the higher interest rate loan first while maintaining EMIs for both.

Children’s Education and Marriage: Start separate SIPs or investments earmarked for these goals to reach 1 cr for your daughter's marriage and 50-75L for your son's medical studies.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund of at least 6 months' expenses.

Retirement Corpus: Aim to build a corpus that can generate ?3L/month. Based on a conservative estimate, a corpus of around ?6-7 crores by 55 might be needed. Regularly review and adjust your investments to align with this target.

Professional Advice: Consult a financial advisor to fine-tune your plan and ensure you're on track to meet your retirement and other financial goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello Sir, I am 45 years with salary package of 18lacs PA, having 2 loans running of around 30k per month ( one of car other 5years and other of plot for 6years), with investments of 7lacs in PF, 5.5lacs in PPF (doing 72k PA investment)and 2.2lacs in MF ana 4lacs in MF for which investing 20k per month in SIp , having company wesop around 20lacs. Need to plan for retirement atleast by 55years, guide how much more need to plan including sons education who is at 7th standard now. Can I accumulate 1cr by 55years or what needs to be done for it.
Ans: Let’s break down your financial planning needs and goals with an analytical approach.

Current Financial Status and Commitments
You have a commendable salary package of Rs 18 lakhs per annum. Your monthly loan commitments total Rs 30,000. These loans are for your car (5 years) and a plot (6 years).

Your current investments include:

Rs 7 lakhs in Provident Fund (PF)
Rs 5.5 lakhs in Public Provident Fund (PPF), with an annual contribution of Rs 72,000
Rs 2.2 lakhs in Mutual Funds (MF)
An additional Rs 4 lakhs in MFs, with a monthly SIP of Rs 20,000
Company ESOPs valued at Rs 20 lakhs
Your primary goals include planning for retirement at 55 years and your son's education.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals
Retirement Planning
Retiring by 55 is a great goal but needs careful planning. You have 10 years left to build your retirement corpus. Considering your current investments and savings, let’s assess the steps needed.

Education Planning
Your son is currently in the 7th standard. His higher education expenses will start in approximately 5 years. Planning for these costs now is crucial.

Investment Strategy
Provident Fund and Public Provident Fund
Your PF and PPF investments are sound. PF offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits. PPF, with its annual Rs 72,000 investment, is a safe long-term plan.

Mutual Funds
Your monthly SIP of Rs 20,000 in MFs is a smart move. SIPs help in averaging the purchase cost and are less risky over the long term.

However, let’s assess if these funds are actively managed. Actively managed funds often provide better returns than passive index funds. Passive funds simply track an index, which might not perform as well in all market conditions.

Company ESOPs
Your ESOPs are valued at Rs 20 lakhs, which is excellent. However, they are tied to your company’s performance. Diversifying this asset can reduce risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index funds track the market index and may not always yield the best returns. They lack the flexibility to capitalize on market opportunities.

Direct funds, while having lower expense ratios, require extensive market knowledge and constant monitoring. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional management and strategic adjustments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can adapt to market changes and invest in high-potential sectors. Fund managers use research and market analysis to make informed decisions. This approach often results in higher returns, justifying the higher expense ratios.

Steps to Achieve Financial Goals
Increase Investments Gradually
To accumulate Rs 1 crore by 55 years, you need to enhance your savings. Consider increasing your monthly SIPs in mutual funds. This strategy leverages compounding and market growth over time.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversify your investments beyond your company ESOPs. Diversification reduces risk and stabilizes returns. Explore sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods through mutual funds.

Plan for Son’s Education
Start an education fund for your son. Determine the estimated cost of his higher education and start saving accordingly. Use education-specific investment plans to ensure funds grow adequately.

Reduce Debt
Aim to clear your loans as early as possible. This will free up more money for investments. Focus on high-interest loans first.

Regular Financial Review
Regularly review your financial plan with a Certified Financial Planner. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and personal goals.

Understanding the Need for Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner offers valuable insights and personalized advice. They help in selecting the right mix of investments to achieve your financial goals. Their expertise ensures your investments are aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Conclusion
Your current financial position is strong, with a healthy mix of investments and a clear goal for retirement and your son's education. By increasing your SIPs, diversifying your portfolio, and reducing debt, you can work towards accumulating Rs 1 crore by 55 years. Professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner will ensure your investments are optimized for maximum growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello, I am 35 years old working in an MNC, I would like to retire at the age of 50. Here are my current investments and assets. 1. Home worth 1 CR, loan outstanding 36 lacs for about 10 years tenure remaining 2. I am investing 25k a month in mutual funds from last 2 years current holding 7 lacs 3. I have about 6 lacs in my PF account 4. I have a term plan of 1 CR till 68 years 5. Health insurance of 10 lacs 6. Investing 5k a month in NPS and 2k in paperless gold for next 15 years 7. 1.2 lacs every year in PNB savings plan I am earning about 1.5 lacs every month and my wife earns 60k a month, overall income is 2.1 lac Below is my wife’s investment 1. Mutual Fund- 16 lac, monthly sip 25k 2. NPS - 3 lac and monthly sip of 5k 3. Paper less gold - 3k every month for next 15 years We are currently planning a kid and should have it by September I need monthly expense of 1 lac after I turn 50 years. Please advise how to proceed.
Ans: Congratulations on your solid financial foundation and planning for early retirement. Your current investments and assets are commendable, and it's great to see you and your wife working together towards your financial goals. Here's a detailed plan to ensure you can comfortably retire at 50 and meet your monthly expense requirement of Rs. 1 lakh.

Current Financial Snapshot
You:

Home worth Rs. 1 crore with an outstanding loan of Rs. 36 lakhs.
Rs. 25,000 per month in mutual funds, holding Rs. 7 lakhs.
Rs. 6 lakhs in PF account.
Term plan of Rs. 1 crore till 68 years.
Health insurance of Rs. 10 lakhs.
Rs. 5,000 per month in NPS and Rs. 2,000 in paperless gold.
Rs. 1.2 lakhs per year in PNB savings plan.
Monthly income of Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
Your Wife:

Mutual Funds - Rs. 16 lakhs, monthly SIP Rs. 25,000.
NPS - Rs. 3 lakhs, monthly SIP Rs. 5,000.
Paperless gold - Rs. 3,000 per month.
Monthly income of Rs. 60,000.
Combined Monthly Income:
Rs. 2.1 lakhs.

Goals and Requirements
Retirement Age: 50 years
Monthly Expense Post-Retirement: Rs. 1 lakh
Child Planning: Expected by September
Strategy for Retirement Planning
1. Assessing and Maximizing Your Investments
Mutual Funds:

Mutual funds are powerful tools for wealth creation due to their compounding benefits and professional management. You are currently investing Rs. 25,000 per month, and your wife is investing Rs. 25,000 as well. This is an excellent strategy for long-term growth.

Consider diversifying your mutual fund portfolio across different categories:

Equity Funds: These offer high growth potential. Allocate a significant portion here for long-term benefits.
Debt Funds: These are safer and provide stability. Useful for medium-term goals and balancing risk.
Hybrid Funds: These offer a mix of equity and debt, providing moderate risk and return.
Continue with regular investments in mutual funds, and periodically review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Power of Compounding:

The power of compounding is a key factor in mutual fund investments. By staying invested over a long period, your returns can grow exponentially. This is why it's crucial to start early and stay consistent with your SIPs.

2. Managing Your Home Loan
Your home is a valuable asset, and managing the outstanding loan efficiently is essential. With Rs. 36 lakhs outstanding over the next 10 years, prioritize paying this off without compromising your investments. You can:

Prepay the Loan: Whenever you have surplus funds, consider making prepayments. This will reduce the principal amount and interest burden.
Refinance: Look for better interest rates to reduce your EMI and overall interest cost.
Balancing loan repayment with investments is crucial to ensure liquidity and growth.

3. Maximizing PF and NPS Contributions
Your PF and NPS contributions are good long-term retirement savings options. With Rs. 6 lakhs in PF and Rs. 5,000 per month in NPS, continue these contributions to build a substantial corpus by 50.

For your wife, her NPS investments of Rs. 5,000 per month will also grow significantly over time. These contributions provide tax benefits and ensure a steady income post-retirement.

4. Evaluating Paperless Gold Investments
Investing in paperless gold is a safe way to hedge against inflation and diversify your portfolio. Continue with your current investments of Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000 per month for you and your wife respectively. This will build a valuable asset over time.

5. Insurance Planning
Your term plan of Rs. 1 crore till 68 years is excellent. It provides financial security for your family. Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Your current Rs. 10 lakhs health cover is good, but as medical costs rise, consider increasing this coverage.

6. Savings Plan and Emergency Fund
Your annual contribution of Rs. 1.2 lakhs to the PNB savings plan is a stable investment. Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Creating a Retirement Corpus
To retire at 50 and sustain a monthly expense of Rs. 1 lakh, you need a substantial retirement corpus. Here's how you can achieve this:

Calculate Future Value of Current Investments:

Continue your SIPs in mutual funds.
Regularly contribute to PF and NPS.
Maintain investments in gold and savings plans.
Estimate Post-Retirement Needs:

Account for inflation while estimating future monthly expenses.
Aim for a corpus that can generate Rs. 1 lakh per month through systematic withdrawals or annuities.
Periodic Review:

Regularly review and adjust your investments.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
Investing for Your Child's Future
Planning for your child's education and future is crucial. Here's a strategy:

Child Education Fund:

Start a dedicated SIP in equity mutual funds for your child's education.
This provides a high growth rate over 15-20 years.
Child Insurance Plans:

Consider child-specific insurance plans that provide coverage and maturity benefits aligning with educational milestones.
Final Insights
Planning for early retirement requires disciplined savings and smart investments. Your current financial health is strong, and with consistent efforts, you can achieve your retirement goals. Focus on diversifying your investments, managing your home loan efficiently, and regularly reviewing your financial plan. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage and an emergency fund for added security.

Your dedication and smart planning are commendable. With the right strategy, you can enjoy a comfortable and financially secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9823 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 27, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir I am 46 year old. I have wife and 2 kids . Daughter is going for study at abroad, son is in 9 th . Following is my investment and loan . Home loan 25 L remaining emi 24 K , Car loan 3 L remaining emi 8 K. Investment 77 L FD , 18 L mutual fund ( 50 K per month) , epf 76 L , ppf 30 L, other gold/ shares 4 L and 3.4 L NSC post office. I earn 2 L per month and my wife 55 K . We require for daughter eduction 7 L per annum for next 6 years and son education after 4 year may be 7 L for 4 years. We want retirement at 55 with 1.5 L per month please suggest how to achieve this
Ans: You have a strong financial foundation. Your income, combined with your wife’s, is Rs. 2.55 lakh per month. You have a diversified investment portfolio, including fixed deposits, mutual funds, EPF, PPF, gold, shares, and NSC. Your loan obligations are Rs. 25 lakh on your home loan and Rs. 3 lakh on your car loan, with EMIs of Rs. 24,000 and Rs. 8,000, respectively.

Your daughter's education costs will be Rs. 7 lakh annually for the next six years. Your son's education will require Rs. 7 lakh annually starting in four years for a period of four years. Additionally, you plan to retire at 55, with a desired monthly income of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

Financial Goals
1. Funding Education Expenses

Your immediate priority is securing funds for your children's education. For your daughter, you need Rs. 42 lakh over six years. For your son, you need Rs. 28 lakh starting in four years. These goals are crucial and require a robust plan.

2. Retirement Planning

You wish to retire at 55, with a target of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month. With nine years to retirement, it's essential to align your investments to ensure this target is met.

3. Loan Repayment

Paying off your home and car loans will free up cash flow, which can be redirected to other investments.

Strategic Financial Planning
1. Optimizing Loan Repayment

Home Loan: You have Rs. 25 lakh remaining on your home loan. With an EMI of Rs. 24,000, the remaining tenure is likely long. Consider prepaying a portion of this loan. Prepayment will reduce the tenure and save interest. You could use a part of your FD to do this. This action will free up Rs. 24,000 per month in the future.

Car Loan: The outstanding amount is Rs. 3 lakh with an EMI of Rs. 8,000. Given the smaller loan size, it’s advisable to pay this off early. You could use your savings or FD for this. This will free up Rs. 8,000 per month.

2. Investment Strategy for Education

Daughter’s Education: Rs. 7 lakh per annum for six years will need Rs. 42 lakh. You already have Rs. 77 lakh in FD, which is a safe option. However, considering inflation, it’s wise to ensure that these funds are not only secure but also growing. You might want to move some of these funds into a balanced mutual fund or a debt mutual fund. This will offer a better return than FD while still being relatively low-risk.

Son’s Education: Rs. 7 lakh per annum for four years, starting in four years, will require Rs. 28 lakh. You have time to grow this fund. Continue your current SIPs and consider increasing the amount. Mid-cap and small-cap funds can provide higher returns, but they come with higher risk. Since you have time, a mix of equity mutual funds is advisable.

3. Retirement Planning

Current Savings: Your EPF (Rs. 76 lakh) and PPF (Rs. 30 lakh) are solid foundations. Continue contributing to them. Additionally, your Rs. 18 lakh in mutual funds should continue growing. With Rs. 50,000 per month in SIPs, your portfolio will grow significantly over the next nine years.

Diversifying Investments: To achieve Rs. 1.5 lakh per month in retirement, you’ll need a combination of safe and growth-oriented investments. Continue with mutual funds but consider adding debt funds and conservative hybrid funds as you near retirement. This will protect your corpus from market volatility.

4. Building a Contingency Fund

Emergency Savings: With your current income, you should set aside at least six months' worth of expenses in a liquid fund. This would be about Rs. 18 lakh. Your FDs could partially serve this purpose, but you might also consider a separate contingency fund.
5. Health and Insurance Coverage

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your entire family. Medical costs can be a significant burden, especially in retirement. If your current coverage is below Rs. 10-20 lakh, consider enhancing it.

Life Insurance: Review your life insurance needs. Your outstanding loans and future obligations mean you should have sufficient coverage. A term plan is the most cost-effective way to secure this.

Detailed Financial Recommendations
1. Education Funding

Daughter’s Education: Allocate Rs. 7 lakh per annum from your FD. Invest the remaining FD in a balanced mutual fund to keep pace with inflation. This approach balances safety and growth.

Son’s Education: Use your mutual fund SIPs to build this corpus. Consider increasing your SIPs if possible, to ensure you have Rs. 28 lakh by the time he needs it.

2. Prepay Loans

Home Loan: Consider prepaying Rs. 10-15 lakh from your FD. This will significantly reduce your loan tenure and interest burden.

Car Loan: Clear this loan as soon as possible. Use Rs. 3 lakh from your savings or FD to eliminate this EMI. This will increase your monthly cash flow.

3. Retirement Investments

Continue EPF and PPF Contributions: These are your safest investments. Ensure you’re maxing out your PPF contributions annually.

Increase Equity Exposure: Continue with your Rs. 50,000 SIPs. As you get closer to retirement, shift part of your portfolio to less volatile funds. This could include conservative hybrid funds or large-cap funds.

Explore Debt Funds: As you near retirement, consider moving a portion of your mutual fund corpus into debt funds. These provide stability and regular income, which aligns with your retirement goals.

4. Emergency Fund and Insurance

Create a Contingency Fund: Set aside Rs. 18 lakh for emergencies. This fund should be easily accessible, like in a liquid mutual fund.

Review Health Insurance: Ensure your family’s health insurance is adequate. Top up if necessary to cover Rs. 10-20 lakh per person.

Secure Life Insurance: Ensure you have a term insurance plan that covers your outstanding loans and future financial responsibilities.

Final Insights
You have a solid foundation, but optimizing your investments and managing your loans will help you achieve your financial goals. Prioritize your children's education, as these are immediate and significant expenses. Simultaneously, work towards clearing your loans to free up cash flow. Your retirement goal of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month is achievable with disciplined investing and strategic planning. Regularly review your financial plan, adjust as necessary, and keep your goals in focus.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi, we are a family of 3 from Mumbai, me and my wife are 40 years old and 10 years old daughter. Our monthly take home salary is 4.25 lac put together. And also get yearly bonus of around 15 lac. Hopefully a 10 percent increase in next financial year. We have following investments, assets and expenses: 1. around 60 lac in MF in the form of SIP with total monthly investment of 90k in funds like PPFAS (2 SIPs 10k each in flexi cap fund,one in my name and other in my daughters name), Axis (5 SIPs of me and my wifes put together total 50k in Mid cap, small cap and focused fund), Kotak flexi cap - SIP of 15k and 5k in UTI nifty 50 index fund. 2. PPF and Sukanya- would be around 70lac. Total 4 accounts with investment of 6 lac per annum. 3. We have recently purcahsed house worth 3.5cr with an emi of 1.55 lac per month(home loan for around 23 years). Used our PF for our own contribution here. Balance PF amount left around 12 lac. 4. Expenses- rent of 70k, which will be saved now as we moved to our house. Education and other loan emi of 70 k is going on, which will be paid off in december. And our monthly expenses would be around 1 lac. So, need to understand how much is required if we want to retire at 50 max and how to achieve the same?
Ans: Hello;

Firstly if you are the guardian for the PPF account in the name of your minor child then the yearly contribution to your own PPF account and the minor account of your child for which you are the guardian cannot exceed 1.5 L in a financial year cumulatively (75 K each max).

Keep this in mind to avoid refund without interest by the bank later.

The current monthly expenses of around 1 L will be 1.8 L after 10 years considering 6% inflation.

After getting rid of 70 K rent+ 70 K education loan EMI, I would recommend you to enhance monthly sip to 1.25 K per month. The bonus amount of 15 L also should go into MF investments to achieve retirement target in 10 years.

Any increase in income should have commensurate increase in monthly sip to ensure target fulfillment in 10 years.

The 12.5x3=37.5 K monthly investments in PPF and SSY should continue for kids higher education, marriage financial goals.

After 10 years your monthly sips+ lumpsum may reach a corpus of around 6 Cr. Also your existing MF corpus of 60 L may grow into a sum of around 2 Cr. So total corpus for retirement is 8 Cr. (A modest return of 13% is assumed from pure equity mutual fund schemes)

You should use 2 Cr + pf balance to pre close outstanding home loan. The balance 6 Cr corpus you may use to buy an immediate annuity from a life insurance company and you may expect monthly payment of 2.1 L(post tax).[ 6% annuity rate considered)

Hope you both have adequate term life insurance cover(upt 60 age) with suitable riders and adequate personal healthcare cover apart from any group health policy from the company.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9268 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 22, 2025

Career
My son got 245 in bits .He can get any Brecht branch
Ans: Priyanka Madam, by now your son must have been allotted/not allotted any seat by BITS. Please update the status for today. However, please note, A BITSAT score of 245 situates you within the previous two years’ closing-score bands for core engineering streams at the Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. At Pilani, the B.E. Chemical Engineering cutoff ranged from 224 in 2023 to 247 in 2024, placing your 245 close to the 2024 threshold and comfortably above 2023’s mark; B.E. Civil Engineering closed at 213 and 238, making admission highly probable; and B.E. Manufacturing Engineering cutoffs of 220 and 243 indicate a strong likelihood of allotment. At Goa, Chemical Engineering closed at 239 in 2024 and 248 in 2023, and Civil around – (not offered in 2024) – but Pilani-equivalent streams suggest safe admission; Manufacturing cutoffs mirror Pilani trends, bolstering your prospects. At Hyderabad, Chemical Engineering cutoffs of 238 and 209 over the two years ensure a secure allotment, while Civil Engineering’s 235–204 band similarly favors your score; Manufacturing at Hyderabad showed closing marks near 218–251, indicating moderate probability. Across campuses, Civil and Manufacturing remain reliably within reach, Chemical at Pilani may require waitlist movement but is feasible given historical fluctuations, and all three streams at Hyderabad and Goa present strong chances. Additional seats open during special iterations further enhance admit probabilities.

Recommendation: Considering consistent cutoff trends and seat matrices, prioritize B.E. Civil and Manufacturing Engineering at BITS Pilani for guaranteed allotment, consider Chemical Engineering at Pilani via waitlist movement, and secure Chemical, Civil, or Manufacturing Engineering at BITS Hyderabad or Goa for assured admission, capitalizing on slightly lower cutoffs and ample seat availability. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9268 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 22, 2025

Career
I am working as Business Analyst from past 4 years but I wanted to move to technical role. I have done Btech in CSE from tier-3 college. I wanted some advise on the the best way to switch to a tech role. 1. Taking some online boot camp to get in-depth knowledge and doing side projects over the weekends 2. Taking WILP from BITS in Software engineering/ data science 3. Prepare from GATE 2026 and aim for IITs
Ans: Manjunath Sir, To shift into a technical position, integrating structured learning, credentialing, and practical experience is essential. The recommended pathway combines immersive project-based training with a recognized postgraduate credential while keeping a long-term goal of elite technical qualification. Begin with a part-time online software engineering or data science bootcamp, dedicating weekends to substantial portfolio projects to build hands-on skills and confidence in key stacks . Concurrently, enroll in BITS Pilani’s Work-Integrated M.Tech (Software Engineering or Data Science & Engineering) to earn a UGC-approved postgraduate degree without leaving your job, benefitting from weekend live classes, remote labs covering full-stack or analytics tools, and a final semester dissertation that bridges theory with organizational impact . This dual track—bootcamp plus WILP—provides immediate upskilling, peer and mentor networks, and a formal degree. After 12–18 months, if aiming for top-tier R&D or core engineering roles, commence GATE 2026 preparation via a structured three-phase roadmap: concept building (June–August), full-length practice (September–November), and final mock-test calibration (December–January), targeting a CSE rank

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x