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37-Year-Old with 10 Cr+ Investments - How to Retire Early with 15 Cr?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 08, 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
Veda Question by Veda on Jul 31, 2024Hindi
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Hello Team I am 37 year old, with a nett monthly take home of 5.8L. I have SIPs worth 1.5L per month. I have an outstanding MF portfolio of 1.02 Cr and a portfolio of 1.2Cr in stocks. I have 3 real estate properties worth 3.5 Cr and an outstanding loan of 1.5Cr. Please suggest a way forward to retire at 50 with a 15Cr corpus and to support monthly expenses of 1.5L.

Ans: At 37, you have built a substantial portfolio and have clear retirement goals. Your net monthly take-home is Rs 5.8 lakhs. You invest Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly in SIPs. Your current investments include an MF portfolio of Rs 1.02 crores and a stock portfolio of Rs 1.2 crores. You own three properties worth Rs 3.5 crores with an outstanding loan of Rs 1.5 crores.

Retirement Goal and Monthly Expenses
You aim to retire at 50 with a Rs 15 crores corpus and support monthly expenses of Rs 1.5 lakhs. This requires strategic planning and disciplined investing. Let’s break down the steps to achieve your goal.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds (MFs)

Your MF portfolio is substantial and offers diversification.
Continue with your monthly SIPs. Increase them as your income grows.
Focus on a mix of equity and debt funds for growth and stability.
Stocks

Your stock portfolio is significant and can yield high returns.
Regularly review your portfolio. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for stock selection and rebalancing.
Diversify across different sectors to mitigate risks.
Real Estate

Your properties are valuable but not liquid.
Avoid increasing real estate exposure further. Focus on more liquid investments.
Managing Debt
Outstanding Loan: Your loan of Rs 1.5 crores is a liability. Prioritize paying it off. This will reduce your financial burden and interest costs.
Debt Repayment Strategy: Allocate a portion of your income or profits from investments to repay the loan faster.
Investment Strategy for Retirement Corpus
To achieve a Rs 15 crore corpus by 50, consider the following strategies:

Increase SIP Contributions

Gradually increase your monthly SIPs. Aim for a higher allocation to equity funds for growth.
Use a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for diversification.
Invest in Debt Funds

Allocate a portion to debt funds for stability and regular income.
Debt funds can act as a cushion against market volatility.
Balanced Funds

Consider balanced funds that invest in both equity and debt.
They provide moderate growth with reduced risk.
Review and Rebalance

Regularly review your investment portfolio.
Rebalance your portfolio based on market conditions and your financial goals.
Insurance and Risk Management
Health Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family.
This will protect your savings from medical emergencies.
Life Insurance

Have adequate life insurance to secure your family’s financial future.
Opt for a term insurance plan for cost-effective coverage.
Tax Planning
Tax-efficient Investments

Continue investing in tax-saving instruments like ELSS mutual funds.
These provide tax benefits under Section 80C.
Capital Gains Management

Plan your investments to take advantage of long-term capital gains tax benefits.
Equity investments held for more than one year qualify for lower tax rates.
Emergency Fund
Building an Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of living expenses.
Park this fund in liquid mutual funds for easy access and reasonable returns.
Final Insights
Achieving a Rs 15 crore corpus by 50 requires disciplined investing and strategic planning. Increase your SIP contributions, diversify your investments, and focus on both growth and stability. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Prioritize debt repayment and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and guidance. With a structured approach, you can reach your retirement goals and enjoy financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

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Hello Team, I am 39 yrs old and currently have 40 lakhs in mutual fund and doing a SIP of 1lakh 10 k monthly, i have shares around 15 lakhs and around 22 lakhs in crypto and 14 lakhs in PF. Currently i have 13 lakhs home loan, 4.5 lakhs car loan and also bought a new house where 1.9 cr loan will be taken. My plan is to sell the current house which will fetch me 1 cr so ideally 90 lakhs loan will remain in future. Please advise me how can i retire at 45 with corpus of 5 to 6 cr.
Ans: Frst, congratulations on building a substantial investment portfolio and planning for your financial future. Managing diverse investments and loans can be challenging, but with strategic planning, your goals are achievable.

Current Assets and Liabilities
Let's summarise your financial standing:

Mutual Funds: ?40 lakhs
SIPs: ?1.10 lakhs monthly
Shares: ?15 lakhs
Cryptocurrency: ?22 lakhs
Provident Fund (PF): ?14 lakhs
Home Loan (Existing): ?13 lakhs
Car Loan: ?4.5 lakhs
New Home Loan: ?1.9 crores (expected to reduce to ?90 lakhs after selling the current house)
Evaluating Your Retirement Goal
You aim to retire at 45 with a corpus of ?5 to ?6 crores. Given your current age of 39, you have six years to build this corpus.

Managing Existing Loans
Current Home Loan
You plan to sell your current house for ?1 crore, which will help reduce your new home loan to ?90 lakhs. This is a sound strategy to lower your debt.

Car Loan
The car loan of ?4.5 lakhs is relatively small. Consider paying it off early if possible, as this will reduce your monthly outflows and save on interest.

Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds and SIPs
You have ?40 lakhs in mutual funds and a monthly SIP of ?1.10 lakhs. This disciplined approach will significantly contribute to your retirement corpus.

Continue Your SIPs: Maintaining your SIPs is crucial. Consider increasing the SIP amount if your income allows, as this will accelerate your corpus growth.

Actively Managed Funds: Focus on actively managed funds with a consistent performance record. These funds aim to outperform the market and can help achieve your target returns.

Equity Investments
You have ?15 lakhs in shares. Equities can provide high returns over the long term, but they are volatile.

Diversification: Ensure your equity portfolio is diversified across sectors to manage risk.

Regular Review: Monitor your equity investments and rebalance your portfolio as needed to align with market conditions.

Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency investments worth ?22 lakhs are high-risk. While they can offer substantial returns, the volatility is significant.

Limit Exposure: Consider limiting your exposure to cryptocurrencies to avoid excessive risk.

Reallocate Gains: If there are substantial gains, consider reallocating some of these funds to more stable investments.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
Estimating Required Returns
To achieve a corpus of ?5 to ?6 crores in six years, you need to focus on high-growth investments while managing risks.

Compound Growth
Your existing investments and monthly SIPs will grow significantly due to compounding. Here’s a simplified approach:

Mutual Funds and SIPs: With aggressive and balanced mutual funds, aim for an annualised return of 12-15%.

Equities and Crypto: While high-risk, these can offer returns above 15%, but exposure should be managed carefully.

Debt Management
Reducing Loan Burden
Pay Off Small Loans: Clear the car loan and any other small debts to reduce financial stress.

New Home Loan: Focus on prepaying the new home loan. Reducing this loan early will significantly lower your interest burden and increase disposable income for investments.

Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help tailor your investment strategy. A CFP can provide personalised advice, monitor your portfolio, and make necessary adjustments.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Review Portfolio: Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your retirement goals.

Rebalance Investments: Periodically rebalance your investments to manage risk and optimise returns.

Conclusion
With disciplined investing, strategic debt management, and professional guidance, retiring at 45 with a corpus of ?5 to ?6 crores is achievable. Focus on high-growth investments, manage risks, and regularly review your portfolio to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 04, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Experts I am a 37 year old with a wife and two kids(7&1 years). I have a monthly take home of 6L. I have SIPs of 1.5L per month. I have an outstanding MF portfolio of 1Cr and stock portfolio worth 1.25Cr. I have an outstanding home loan of 1.5Cr(1.45L EMI) and property worth 3Cr. I would want to retire by 50 years of age with a corpus of 25 Cr. Please help me with what changes I need to do now.
Ans: Review of Current Financial Situation
Your financial situation is strong. You have a high monthly income and significant investments. Your SIPs of Rs 1.5 lakh per month, along with an MF portfolio of Rs 1 crore and a stock portfolio of Rs 1.25 crore, show disciplined saving. You also own a property worth Rs 3 crore, though there is a significant home loan attached to it. You have a clear goal of retiring at 50 with a corpus of Rs 25 crore, which is both ambitious and achievable with careful planning.

Assessing Your Retirement Goal
Retiring at 50 with Rs 25 crore is a significant goal. This means you have around 13 years to build your corpus. Considering inflation and future needs, this target will require you to maximize your savings and investments. Your current investments are strong, but we need to evaluate if they will be enough to meet your goal.

Home Loan Considerations
Your home loan EMI of Rs 1.45 lakh is a substantial monthly commitment. While you are comfortably managing it now, you should consider the long-term impact. Paying off the loan sooner could free up cash flow for additional investments. However, this decision should be balanced with the returns you expect from your investments. If your investments are yielding more than the interest on your home loan, it might be better to continue the loan.

Review of SIPs and Investment Strategy
Your monthly SIPs of Rs 1.5 lakh are commendable. However, it's essential to ensure that these investments align with your retirement goals. Diversify your portfolio to balance between equity and debt funds. Consider the risk associated with your current investments and how they fit with your retirement timeline. Active management of your funds might yield better returns as compared to passive index funds. Actively managed funds, handled by experienced professionals, can adapt to market changes and aim for higher returns.

Evaluation of Stock Portfolio
Your stock portfolio is a substantial Rs 1.25 crore. While direct equity investments can provide high returns, they also come with high risks. It is essential to evaluate the companies you have invested in, considering their long-term growth potential. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your stock portfolio can help you avoid significant losses. You may also consider shifting a portion of your stock investments to more stable options as you approach retirement.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
An emergency fund is crucial, especially with a family. Ensure that you have at least 6-12 months' worth of expenses saved in a liquid and safe investment. Additionally, review your insurance coverage. Adequate life insurance and health insurance are vital to protect your family from unforeseen circumstances. Since you already have a home loan, ensure that your life insurance coverage is sufficient to cover this liability along with your family’s future needs.

Planning for Children's Education
Your children are young, and their education will require significant funds in the future. Start planning and investing specifically for this goal. Education costs are rising, and early investments in a dedicated fund can ease the burden later. Consider starting a separate SIP or investment plan focused on building this education corpus.

Reviewing and Optimizing Expenses
Review your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can save more. Cutting unnecessary expenses can free up more funds for investments. As your retirement goal is ambitious, every bit of extra savings will help you reach your target faster.

Tax Planning
With a high income, tax planning becomes crucial. Ensure you are taking full advantage of available tax-saving investments. Optimizing your tax outgo can help you increase your savings and investment potential. Consider consulting with a certified financial planner to ensure that your tax planning aligns with your overall financial strategy.

Estate Planning
It is essential to have a will and a clear estate plan in place. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and provides security for your family. Estate planning is often overlooked but is a crucial part of comprehensive financial planning.

Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Financial planning is not a one-time task. It requires regular monitoring and adjustments. As you move closer to your retirement age, your risk tolerance will change. Regularly review your investment portfolio and financial goals to ensure they remain aligned. Adjust your strategies as needed, based on market conditions and changes in your life circumstances.

Final Insights
You are on a strong financial path. However, achieving your retirement goal of Rs 25 crore by age 50 requires disciplined saving, smart investing, and regular review of your financial plan. Consider paying off your home loan early if it makes sense with your investment returns. Regularly review and rebalance your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Secure your family's future with an adequate emergency fund and insurance coverage. Don’t forget to plan for your children’s education and review your tax planning strategies. Finally, remember to create and update your estate plan regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 07, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir I am 37 year old male, sole earner of the family and have wife and two kids(7 & 2). I have a MF portfolio of 1.1 Cr with 1.5L SIPs per month. I also have a stock portfolio of 1.3Cr. My monthly take home salary is 5L. I have around 30L in PF. I have properties worth 3 Cr and a home loan EMI of 1.5L pm. Can you suggest what changes I need to do to retire at 50 years with a net corpus of 25Cr.
Ans: Current Financial Situation

You're 37 years old with a family of four.
Your take-home salary is Rs. 5 lakhs per month.
You have a strong investment portfolio already.

Investment Portfolio

Mutual Funds: Rs. 1.1 Crore with Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly SIP.
Stocks: Rs. 1.3 Crore
PF: Rs. 30 lakhs
Properties: Worth Rs. 3 Crore

Liabilities

Home loan EMI: Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month
This is a significant part of your monthly income.

Retirement Goal

You want to retire at 50 with Rs. 25 Crore corpus.
That's 13 years from now.
It's an ambitious but achievable goal with your income.

Increasing Investments

Consider increasing your monthly SIP amount.
You can potentially invest more from your salary.
Try to increase investments by 10% each year.

Diversification

Your portfolio seems tilted towards equity and property.
Consider adding some debt funds for balance.
This can help manage risk as you near retirement.

Emergency Fund

Ensure you have 6-12 months of expenses saved.
This protects your investments during emergencies.
Keep this in easily accessible, low-risk options.

Insurance Coverage

Review your life and health insurance.
Ensure adequate coverage for your family's security.
Consider disability insurance too.

Property Investment

Your property investment is significant.
Consider if it's giving good returns.
Think about selling some if returns are low.

Loan Repayment

Try to repay your home loan faster.
This will free up more money for investments.
Consider using bonuses or stock gains for prepayment.

Tax Planning

Maximize your tax-saving investments.
Use Section 80C, 80D, and other benefits fully.
This can help you invest more towards your goal.

Regular Portfolio Review

Review your investment mix every year.
Rebalance to maintain the right risk level.
Shift to safer options as you near 50.

Children's Education Planning

Factor in future education costs for your kids.
Start separate investments for this if not done already.
This ensures your retirement corpus isn't affected.

Finally

Your goal is challenging but possible with discipline.
Increase your investments steadily over the years.
Consider talking to a Certified Financial Planner for a detailed plan.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025
Money
I am 37 , married with no kids Investing 50 k monthly in diversified MF’s - current corpus value is 40 lks I own one house - worth 65 lks ( given on rent - setting off my loan emi) I stay in my family house Lic -value -15 lks Pf and ppf- 25 lks Own a term plan worth 50 lakhs . Other investments crypto and shares -10 lakhs Total monthly personal exp- 60000 How do i retire at 45 - ?
Ans: You have a strong foundation for early retirement. Retiring at 45 is challenging but achievable. A structured plan will help you reach this goal.

Current Financial Overview
Mutual Funds: Rs. 40 lakh (investing Rs. 50,000 monthly)

House: Worth Rs. 65 lakh (on rent, covering loan EMI)

LIC Policy: Rs. 15 lakh

PF & PPF: Rs. 25 lakh

Term Insurance: Rs. 50 lakh (adequate for now)

Crypto & Shares: Rs. 10 lakh

Monthly Expenses: Rs. 60,000 (Rs. 7.2 lakh annually)

Key Considerations for Early Retirement
Long Retirement Period

You need funds for 40+ years after retirement.
Inflation will double expenses in 12-15 years.
Investment Growth

Your portfolio must grow faster than inflation.
You need a mix of equity and fixed-income assets.
Sustainable Withdrawals

Unplanned withdrawals can drain your corpus early.
A structured withdrawal plan is needed.
Healthcare & Emergencies

Medical costs will rise with age.
A strong health fund is necessary.
Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
Increase Investments for the Next 8 Years
You are investing Rs. 50,000 monthly.
Increase it to Rs. 70,000 if possible.
Invest surplus bonuses and incentives in equity.
Keep at least 70% in equity mutual funds for higher returns.
Optimise Asset Allocation
Maintain 65-70% in equity mutual funds.
Keep 20-25% in debt instruments for stability.
Limit crypto exposure to 5% to manage risk.
Ensure liquidity by holding some cash or liquid funds.
Maximise Retirement Corpus
Mutual Funds: Continue SIPs aggressively.
PPF & EPF: Let them grow for stability.
Debt Instruments: Use for safe, steady income.
Rental Income: Can supplement your post-retirement cash flow.
Withdraw Smartly After Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) can provide a steady income.
Debt funds and fixed deposits should cover short-term needs.
Equity should remain invested for long-term growth.
Ensure Strong Health Coverage
Buy a Rs. 1 crore health insurance policy.
Consider a critical illness rider.
Keep Rs. 20-30 lakh as a dedicated health fund.
Manage Lifestyle Inflation
Avoid overspending post-retirement.
Travel and luxury expenses should be planned.
Reinvest surplus income to sustain longer.
Should You Consider Partial Retirement?
A part-time consultancy or passive income can help.
It reduces pressure on your corpus.
Allows flexibility in withdrawals.
Finally
Retiring at 45 is possible but needs disciplined investing.
Increase SIPs to build a strong retirement fund.
Plan withdrawals wisely to avoid early depletion.
Ensure strong healthcare and emergency funds.
Consider part-time income to support long-term sustainability.
Regularly review your financial plan to stay on track. Stay committed, stay invested, and make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |234 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

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Dear Naveen Sir, I am 55 Years old and have five more years in superannuation. My monthly take home is approx. 6 Lacs PM . I have accumulated 2 Cr. in MF , 1.5 Cr in PF , 1 Cr FD and NPS and LIC put all together will be approx 50 Lacs and payout will start from 2028 onwards. I have just booked one 4 BHK and take home loan which is construction linked plan . Possession will be in 2029. My Daughter and Son are on Marriage age but both are also earning handsomely as they are in 30% bracket of IT . Have parental property approx 1.5 Cr which i will get in due course of the time. Monthly expenses are approx 1 Lacs only . Please suggest the way forward for next 5 Years .....how and where i start investing ....
Ans: Dear Sir
For a comprehensive QPFP level financial planning and retirement assessment we request the following details. These inputs will allow financial planner to prepare an accurate inflation-adjusted roadmap covering risk protection, income stability, investment strategy and long-term financial security.
________________________________________
1. Personal and Family Details
Your age and planned retirement year.
Spouse’s age, working status and future income expectations.
Number of dependents and their financial reliance on you.
Any major medical conditions in the family.
________________________________________
2. Parents’ Health and Financial Dependence
Current health condition of parents.
Do they have their own medical insurance cover.
Sum insured and type of policy.
Any critical illness or pre-existing conditions.
Monthly financial support you provide to them if any.
Expected future medical or caretaker expenses.
________________________________________
3. Income and Cash Flow
Monthly take home income.
Expected increments or bonuses for the next five years.
Monthly household expense structure.
Existing EMIs and financial commitments.
Monthly surplus available for investments.
Any expenses expected to rise due to inflation or lifestyle changes.
________________________________________
4. Home Loan and Liabilities
Sanctioned home loan amount, interest rate and tenure.
Current disbursement status under construction linked plan.
Your plan for EMI servicing and part-prepayment.
Any other loans or financial liabilities.
________________________________________
5. Real Estate Profile
Is this 4 BHK your first home or do you own other properties.
Any rental income from existing properties.
Purpose of the new 4 BHK after retirement for self, parents or children.
Your plan for the parental house. Retain, sell or rent.
Where you plan to settle post retirement.
________________________________________
6. Investment Portfolio
Current mutual fund corpus and category-wise split.
SIP amounts and investment horizon.
PF, EPF, PPF and other retirement scheme balances.
Fixed deposit amounts, maturity periods and ownership structure for DICGC protection.
NPS allocations Tier 1 and Tier 2.
LIC policies with surrender value and maturity year.
Any bonds, NCDs, PMS, private equity or invoice discounting exposure.
________________________________________
7. Emergency Preparedness
Current emergency fund value.
Loan facility available against MF or FD.
Any credit line for medical or sudden expenses.
________________________________________
8. Insurance Protection (Self and Spouse)
Term insurance coverage and policy details.
Health insurance sum assured and insurer.
Top-up or super top-up cover details.
Critical illness and accident cover status.
Adequacy of insurance after accounting for inflation.
________________________________________
9. Children’s Goals and Planning
Are you contributing financially to your children's planning.
Any corpus set aside for their marriage.
Children’s own investment and insurance setup.
Any future goals involving them.
________________________________________
10. Retirement Vision and Income Planning
Expected retirement lifestyle and monthly cost adjusted for inflation.
Your preferred retirement income structure
SWP from mutual funds
Annuity or pension products
PF interest
NPS annuity
Rental income
Plans to monetise or downsize real estate if needed.
Any travel, medical or lifestyle goals post retirement.
________________________________________
11. Estate and Succession Planning
Will availability and last update date.
Nominations across MF, PF, NPS, FD, LIC, demat and bank accounts.
Any instructions for asset distribution.
________________________________________
Next Step
Only Once you share these details, financial planner can prepare a complete five year roadmap covering asset allocation, inflation-adjusted corpus projections, loan strategy, insurance adequacy, medical preparedness, pension and SWP planning, liquidity management and post-retirement income stability.


Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai
044-31683550

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Money
Im aged 40 years and my husband is aged 48 years. We have one son aged 8 years and daughter aged 12 years. We both are in business. What should be the ideal corpus to meet their education at the age of 18 years for both children? Present business income we can save Rs.50000 pm
Ans: You are thinking early. That itself is a smart step. Many parents postpone planning and later struggle with loans. You are not in that situation. So appreciate your approach.

You asked about ideal corpus for higher education. Education cost is rising fast. So planning early avoids financial pressure later.

You have two kids. Your daughter is 12. Your son is 8. You have around six years for your daughter and around ten years for your son. With this time frame, you need a proper structured plan.

» Understanding Future Education Cost

Education inflation in India is high. It is increasing year after year. Even professional courses are becoming costly. College fees, hostel fees, books, digital tools and transportation also add cost.

You need to consider this inflation. Higher education cost will not remain at today’s value. It will grow.

So if today a standard undergraduate program costs around a few lakhs, in six to ten years the cost may go much higher. That is why estimating corpus should consider this future cost.

You don’t need exact numbers today. You need a target range to plan. A comfortable range gives clarity.

» Typical Cost Structure for Higher Education

Higher education cost depends on:

– Private or government institution
– Course type
– City or abroad option
– Duration

For engineering, medical, management or technology courses, cost goes higher. For government colleges the cost is lower but seats are limited. Private colleges are more accessible but expensive.

So planning based only on government college assumption may create funding gaps. Planning based on private college range gives safer margin.

» Suggested Corpus for Both Children

For your daughter, considering next six years gap and inflation, a target range should be higher. For your son, you have more time. So his corpus can grow better because compounding works more with time.

For a comfortable education corpus that covers most course possibilities, many families plan for a higher number. It gives flexibility to choose better college without stress.

So you can aim for a larger goal for both children like this:

– Daughter: Target a strong education fund for next six years
– Son: Target a similar or slightly higher fund for the next ten years because future costs may be higher

You may not need the whole amount if your child chooses a less expensive route. But having extra cushion gives peace.

» Your Savings Ability

You mentioned you can save Rs.50000 monthly. That is a strong saving capacity. But this saving should not go entirely to a single goal. You will also need future retirement planning, emergency fund and other life goals.

Still, a reasonable portion of this amount can be allocated towards education planning. Some families divide savings based on urgency and time horizon. Since daughter’s goal is near, she may need a more stable allocation.

Your son’s goal is long term. So his part can stay in growth asset for longer.

» Choosing the Right Investment Style

A long term goal like your son’s education needs equity exposure. Equity gives better potential for long term growth. It beats inflation better than fixed deposits.

But for your daughter, pure equity can create risk because goal is nearer. Market fluctuations may affect final corpus. So she needs a balanced asset mix.

So investment approach must be different for both.

» Asset Allocation Strategy

For your daughter with six year horizon:

– Higher allocation to a balanced type category
– Some allocation to equity through diversified categories
– Step down equity allocation in final three years

This structure protects capital in later years.

For your son with ten year horizon:

– Higher equity allocation at start
– Continue systematic investing
– Reduce risk allocation gradually closer to goal period

This helps growth and protection.

» Avoiding Wrong Investment Products

Parents often buy traditional insurance plans or children policies for education. These policies give low returns. They lock money and reduce wealth creation potential.

So avoid purely insurance based products for education goals. Insurance is separate. Investment is separate. This separation creates clarity and better growth.

If you already hold any ULIP or investment insurance product, it may not be efficient. Only if you have such policies then you may review and consider if surrender is needed and reinvest in mutual funds. If you don’t have such policies, no need to worry.

» Role of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

For long term goals, actively managed mutual funds offer better flexibility and expert management. They are designed to outperform inflation. A regular plan through a mutual fund distributor with CFP support helps with guidance. They also track your goal and give advice in volatile phases.

Direct funds look cheaper on expense ratio. But they lack advisory support. Long term investors often make emotional mistakes in direct investing. They stop SIPs or switch wrong schemes. So advisory backed investing avoids costly behaviour mistakes.

Index funds look simple and low cost. But they only follow the market. They don’t protect during corrections. There is no strategy or research. Actively managed funds adjust holdings based on market research and valuation. For life goals like education, smoother growth and strategy are needed.

So regular plan with advisory support helps you avoid unnecessary emotional decisions.

» Importance of Systematic Investing

A fixed monthly SIP gives discipline. It also benefits from market volatility. When markets fall, SIP buys more units. In rise phase, the value grows.

A structured SIP helps both goals. For daughter, SIP should shift towards low volatility funds slowly. For son, SIP can run longer in growth-oriented funds before reducing risk.

Your contribution amount may change based on future business income. But start now with whatever comfortable.

» Protecting the Goal With Insurance

Since you both are running business, income stability may fluctuate. So ensuring life security is important. Term insurance is the right option. It is low cost and high coverage.

This ensures child’s education is protected even if income stops.

Medical insurance also matters. A medical emergency should not break education savings.

» Reviewing the Plan Periodically

A fixed plan is good. But markets and life conditions change. So review once every twelve months.

Points to review:

– Are SIPs running on time?
– Is allocation suitable for goal year?
– Any need to shift from equity to safer category?
– Any tax planning advantage needed?

But avoid checking portfolio every week. Frequent checking creates stress.

» Education Goal Withdrawal Plan

As the daughter’s goal comes close:

– Stop SIP in high risk category
– Start shifting profit to debt type fund over systematic transfers
– Keep final year money in safe option like liquid category

Same formula should be applied for your son when his goal approaches.

This protects against last minute market crash.

» Emotional Side of Planning

Education is an emotional goal. Parents feel pressure to provide the best. But planning removes fear.

Saving consistently gives confidence. Having a plan helps avoid panic decisions. It also brings clarity of future expense.

This planning sets financial discipline for your children as well.

» Taxation Factors

When redeeming funds for education, tax rules will apply. For equity fund withdrawals, long term capital gains above exemption are taxed at 12.5% as per current rules. For short term within one year, tax is higher.

For debt investments, gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

So plan the withdrawal timing to reduce tax.

Tax planning near goal year is very important.

» What You Can Do Next

– Start separate investments for each child
– Use SIP for disciplined investing
– Choose growth-oriented asset for son
– Choose balanced and phased investment approach for daughter
– Review allocation yearly
– Protect the goal with insurance cover

Following these steps helps achieve the target corpus smoothly.

» Finally

You are already thinking in the right direction. You have time for both goals. You also have a good saving frequency. So you can build a strong education fund without stress.

Your children’s future will be secure if you continue with a structured and disciplined plan.

Stay consistent with your savings. Make investment choices carefully. Review and adjust calmly over time.

This journey will help you reach your ideal corpus for both children.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 09, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Regarding recent turmoils in global economic situation and trends, Trump's tariffs, relentless FII selling, should I be worried about midcap, large&midcap funds that I have in my mutual fund portfolio? I have been investing from last 4 years and want to invest for next 10 years only. And then plan to retire and move to SWP. I'm targeting a 10%-11% return eventually. And I don't want to make lower returns than FD's. Is now the time to switch from midcap, laege&midcap to conservative, large, flexi funds? Please suggest.
Ans: You have asked the right question at the right time. Many investors panic only after damage happens. You are thinking ahead. That is a strong habit.

You also have clarity about your goal, time horizon and expected returns. This mindset will help you handle market noise better.

» Current Market Sentiment and Global Events
The global economy is seeing stress. There are trade decisions, tariff announcements, and geopolitical issues. Foreign institutional investors are selling. News flow looks negative.
These events can cause short term volatility. Midcaps and small caps usually react faster during these phases. Even large caps show some stress.
But markets have seen many crises in the past. Elections, governments, conflicts, pandemics, financial crashes and tariff wars are not new events. Markets always recover over time.
Short term movements are unpredictable. Long term wealth creation depends more on patience and asset allocation.

» Your Time Horizon Matters More Than Market Noise
You have been investing for 4 years. You plan to invest for the next 10 years. That means your remaining maturity is long term.
For a 10 year goal, equity is suitable. Midcap and large and midcap funds are designed for long term investors. They are not meant for short periods.
If your time horizon is short, it is valid to worry about downside risk. But with 10 more years ahead, temporary volatility is normal and expected.
Short term fear should not drive long term decisions.

» Should You Switch to Conservative or Large Cap Now?
Switching based on panic or temporary news is not ideal. When you switch now, you lock the current lower value permanently. You also miss the recovery phase.
Large cap and flexi cap funds offer stability. But they also deliver lower growth potential during bull runs compared to midcaps.
Midcaps usually fall deeper when markets drop. But they also recover faster and often outperform in the next cycle.
Switching now may protect emotions but may reduce long term wealth creation.

» Target Return of 10% to 11% is Reasonable
Aiming for 10%-11% return with a 10 year investment horizon is realistic.
Fixed deposits now offer around 6.5% to 7.5%. After tax, the return becomes lower.
Equity funds have potential to generate better returns compared to FD over a long tenure. Midcap allocation contributes to this return potential.
So moving fully to conservative funds may reduce your ability to beat inflation comfortably.

» Impact of FII Selling
FII selling creates pressure on the market. But domestic investors including SIP flows are strong today. India is seeing strong structural growth.
Retail investors, mutual funds and systematic flows act as stabilizers.
FII selling is temporary and cyclical. It is not a permanent trend.

» Economic Slowdowns Create Opportunities
Corrections make valuations reasonable. This can benefit long term SIP investors.
During downturns, your SIP buys more units. During recovery, these units grow.
This mechanism works best in volatile categories like midcaps.
Stopping SIP or switching during dips blocks this benefit.

» Midcap Cycles Are Natural
Midcap funds move in cycles. They have phases of strong growth followed by correction. The correction phase is painful but temporary.
Every cycle contributes to future upside. Staying invested during all phases is important.
Many investors exit during downturns and enter again after markets rise. This behaviour produces lower returns than the mutual fund performance.

» Role of Portfolio Balance
Instead of exiting fully, review your asset allocation. You can hold a mix of:
– Large cap
– Flexi cap
– Midcap
– Large and midcap
This gives stability and growth potential.
Midcap should not be more than a suitable percentage for your age and risk tolerance. Since you are 36, some meaningful midcap exposure is fine.
If midcap exposure is very high, you can reduce slightly and move that portion to flexi cap or large cap funds slowly through a systematic transfer. Do not do a lump sum shift during panic.

» Behavioural Discipline Matters More Than Fund Selection
Market cycles test investor patience. Consistency in SIP and holding through declines builds wealth.
Most investors do not fail due to bad funds. They fail due to fear-based decisions.
Your approach should be systematic, not emotional.

» Do Not Compare with FD Frequently
FD gives predictable return. Equity gives volatile but higher potential return.
Comparing FD returns every time the market falls leads to wrong decisions.
FD is for safety. Equity is for growth. They serve different purposes.
Your retirement plan and SWP plan depends on growth. Only equity can provide that growth.

» Should You Change Strategy Because Retirement is 10 Years Away?
Now is not the time to exit growth segments. You are still in accumulation phase.
When you reach the last 3 years before retirement, then reducing equity exposure step by step is required.
At that stage, a glide path helps preserve gains. That time has not yet come.
So continue building wealth now.

» Market Timings and Shifts Rarely Work
Many investors try to predict markets. Most of them fail.
Switching based on news looks logical. But news and market timing rarely align.
Staying consistent with your asset allocation gives better results than frequent changes.

» Portfolio Review Approach
You can follow these steps:
– Continue SIPs in all categories
– Avoid stopping based on short term fears
– If midcap allocation is above comfort level, shift only small portion gradually
– Review allocation once in a year, not every month
This structured approach prevents emotional decisions.

» Tax Rules Matter When Switching
Switching between equity funds involves tax impact.
Short term capital gains tax is higher.
Long term capital gains above the exemption limit are taxed at 12.5%.
Switching without purpose can create avoidable tax leakage.
This reduces your compounding.

» When to Worry?
You need to reconsider only if:
– Your goal horizon becomes short
– Your risk appetite changes
– Your allocation becomes unbalanced
Not because of headlines or temporary corrections.

» Your Retirement SWP Plan
Once your accumulation phase is completed, you can shift to:
– Conservative hybrid
– Flexi cap
– Balanced allocation
This will support a smoother SWP.
But this transition should happen only closer to the retirement start date. Not now.

» SIP is Designed for Turbulent Years
SIP works best when markets are volatile. The hardest years for emotions are the most powerful for compounding.
Your long term discipline is your strategy.
Do not interrupt it.

» What You Should Do Now
– Stay invested
– Continue SIP
– Avoid panic selling
– Review allocation once a year
– Use a steady plan, not reactions
This will help you reach your target return range.

» Finally
You are on the right path. The current volatility is temporary. Your 10 year horizon gives enough time for recovery and growth.
Switching right now based on fear may reduce your future returns. Staying invested and continuing SIPs is the sensible approach.
Your goal of better return than FD is realistic. Equity can deliver that with patience.
Stay calm and systematic.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6740 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 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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