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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 07, 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 - Dec 07, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I have total net worth of 3.5 crores., breakup is my flat 80 laks realestate 50 laks rest all in liquid FD Bank RD equities MF etc. I have tow kids study king 11th and 4th ...Health insurance term plan is there but Life insurance is only 15 laks ... Can i retiere and how can i survive ob this funds and take care of my kids education as well..

Ans: Your net worth of Rs 3.5 crores is significant. Let’s assess your financial readiness and strategy for retirement.

Asset Allocation Analysis
Your primary residence is worth Rs 80 lakhs.
Real estate investments add Rs 50 lakhs to your portfolio.
Liquid investments include FDs, RDs, equities, and mutual funds.
Insights:

Real estate lacks liquidity and should not be relied on for regular expenses.
Liquid assets are crucial for sustaining retirement and funding children’s education.
Health Insurance and Term Plan Assessment
You already have health insurance and a term plan.
Life insurance coverage of Rs 15 lakhs is insufficient for your dependents.
Suggestions:

Enhance your term plan to at least 10–15 times your annual expenses.
Ensure your health insurance includes adequate family floater coverage.
Children’s Education Funding
Your elder child is in 11th standard, and expenses for higher education are near.
Your younger child in 4th standard will need long-term planning.
Action Plan:

Set aside dedicated funds for both children’s education.
Use liquid or debt funds for your elder child’s education.
Use balanced funds or equity-based investments for the younger child’s needs.
Retirement Corpus Assessment
Your total corpus, excluding real estate, needs detailed assessment.
Calculate annual living expenses post-retirement, including inflation.
Planning Suggestions:

Ensure your corpus is large enough to generate inflation-adjusted monthly income.
Keep emergency funds in liquid assets to cover six months of expenses.
Investing for Long-Term Stability
Avoid direct investments unless you can monitor markets regularly.
Opt for regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner for professional management.
Actively managed funds offer better scope for wealth creation compared to index funds.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Planning
Gains from equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh attract 12.5% tax.
Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Suggestions:

Plan withdrawals to minimise tax outflow.
Use systematic withdrawal plans for a steady income.
Should You Retire Now?
Retirement is possible if your corpus covers living and education expenses.
Evaluate income from current investments and potential monthly expenses.
Key Considerations:

Delay retirement if your corpus falls short.
Continue earning to strengthen your retirement fund.
Action Plan for Financial Security
Increase life insurance coverage to secure your children’s future.
Reassess your asset allocation for higher liquidity.
Create a retirement income strategy with debt and balanced funds.
Build an emergency fund before you stop working.
Surrender LIC or ULIP Policies If Any
LIC or ULIP policies often provide sub-optimal returns.
Surrender such policies and reinvest in mutual funds or other suitable instruments.
Emergency and Contingency Planning
Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in highly liquid funds.
This ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.
Steps to Optimise Investments
Diversify investments across equity, debt, and liquid funds.
Regularly review the portfolio to match your goals and risk tolerance.
Avoid real estate for additional investment due to low liquidity.
Finally
Retirement is achievable with proper financial planning and disciplined execution. Secure your children’s education with dedicated funds. Strengthen your health and life insurance coverage. Partner with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure a stable and stress-free retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 03, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 44 yrs old with wife and 2 kids of age 9&11.I have been investing my money into the following sectors over the last few years back. 1.LIC and SBI money back policies of 8.5L and will be mature in 2034. 2.Life cover for self of 50L has to pay till 2047 annually of 20K. 3.Max life ULIP plan SA 6L mature in 2031. 4.Family floater Health I surance of 5L 4.HDFC life click 2I combo plan invest of 9L 5.SSA till date for both children 1L each 5.SIP of 20K since last 4.5yrs monthly 6.SIP lumpsum of 1L invested in Axis medium cap fund invested 4yrs back My question is to secure my child education and retirement life after 55 yrs , corpus should be 2 Crore what else I have to do
Ans: It's commendable that you've been diligently planning for your family's future. Your commitment to securing your children's education and ensuring a comfortable retirement is truly admirable.

Considering your current investments, it's essential to evaluate if they align with your long-term goals. While your existing plans offer some protection and potential growth, diversifying your portfolio could provide added stability and growth potential. Have you explored avenues beyond traditional insurance policies and mutual funds?

Certified Financial Planners can offer personalized strategies tailored to your aspirations and risk tolerance. They can suggest options that balance growth potential with risk mitigation, guiding you towards achieving your desired corpus. Have you considered consulting one to fine-tune your financial roadmap?

Remember, the journey to financial security is not just about numbers—it's about ensuring peace of mind and enabling your loved ones to pursue their dreams. By proactively seeking guidance and exploring diverse investment avenues, you're laying a robust foundation for a fulfilling future. Keep nurturing your financial garden, and the seeds you sow today will bloom into a prosperous tomorrow.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I am Gourav 40 Year old I have a monthly in hand salary of 67,000 INR. I have a Home Loan outstanding of Rs 950000 and EMI on That Rs 11000 Rate of 9.85%, having a personal loan of rs 150000 and Emi on that rs 9000 other expenses for 20000. I Invest MF SIP 23000/Month, lic of children 1000/month , 1726/per month is Term insurance plan , please suggest is I am doing right or some thing have to change in my plan.?
Ans: It’s commendable that you have a structured financial plan. Your disciplined approach is evident in your consistent investments and commitments. Let’s evaluate your financial situation and make necessary improvements.

Current Income and Expense Management
Your monthly in-hand salary of Rs 67,000 provides a solid foundation.

Home loan EMI of Rs 11,000 (at 9.85%) and personal loan EMI of Rs 9,000 are manageable but significant.

Fixed expenses like loans and insurance account for Rs 21,726, leaving Rs 45,274 for investments and other expenses.

Your monthly household and lifestyle expenses of Rs 20,000 are reasonable given your income.

Strengths in Your Financial Plan
A disciplined SIP of Rs 23,000 shows a strong focus on wealth creation.

Allocating Rs 1,726 to term insurance reflects good risk management.

LIC policy for your children at Rs 1,000 per month is a thoughtful step.

Loan Management
Home loan: Consider prepaying the loan partially when you receive bonuses or increments. This will reduce interest burden.

Personal loan: This loan has a high-interest rate compared to your home loan. Prioritize repaying this early. Use any surplus or low-risk investments to clear it sooner.

Avoid taking any new loans unless absolutely necessary.

Investment Analysis
Mutual Funds
Your SIP allocation of Rs 23,000/month is impressive. Ensure it is diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and debt funds.

Actively managed funds offer better returns compared to index funds. They are handled by expert fund managers, which helps in better stock selection.

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for periodic portfolio reviews.

LIC Policy
Review the LIC policy to understand its returns and benefits. If it is not giving sufficient returns, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.
Term Insurance
Your Rs 1,726/month term insurance plan is vital. It provides financial security to your family. Ensure the coverage is adequate. Ideally, the coverage should be 10-15 times your annual income.
Risk Coverage and Contingency Planning
Emergency Fund: Maintain 6-12 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid fund or savings account. This will safeguard you during job changes or emergencies.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have a separate health insurance policy apart from your employer’s cover. Family floater plans are a good option.

Additional Insurance Needs: Ensure your personal accident insurance is in place. This adds to your risk coverage.

Tax Efficiency
Investments in equity mutual funds should align with long-term goals to enjoy lower LTCG tax. Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Debt mutual funds have LTCG and STCG taxed as per your income slab. Consider them for short-term goals.

Section 80C: Maximize tax savings by utilizing Rs 1.5 lakh under this section. LIC premiums, ELSS mutual funds, and PPF contributions can help.

Section 80D: Avail deductions for health insurance premiums paid.

Retirement Planning
It’s crucial to set aside funds for retirement early.

Mutual funds, especially balanced or hybrid funds, can provide steady growth.

Avoid ULIPs or annuities, as they often underperform compared to mutual funds.

Children’s Future Planning
You already have an LIC policy for your children. Review its returns and maturity benefits.

Invest in child-specific mutual funds or balanced funds to build a corpus for higher education and marriage.

Use SIPs for long-term goals. They ensure disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.

Improvement Areas and Suggestions
Focus on repaying high-interest loans like personal loans first.

Increase SIP allocation when your income increases.

Review your mutual fund portfolio annually to ensure it aligns with goals.

Diversify your investments beyond equity, such as debt funds or fixed deposits for short-term goals.

Final Insights
Your financial planning shows discipline and foresight. By fine-tuning loan repayment and investment strategies, you can achieve your goals faster. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will help optimize your plan. Stay committed to your financial journey and avoid impulsive expenses.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

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Hi sir thnku in advance. I am 28M,working in central govt job. It has just been one year and I plan on retiring very early around a 35 years of age. I have nps tier 1 account due to the job. I just have one query since I don't plan on marrying and I am alone with my own home. My expenses are max 18k per month. I hardly travel and live a very frugal life. So my query if I resign at 35 years then will 50 lakhs will sustain me for 15 years keeping in mind the inflation and my return as 7% on an average.
Ans: Your question shows rare clarity at a young age. You are just 28. But you already have a defined vision to retire by 35. That is highly appreciable. Many at this age are still unsure of financial direction.

Let us now assess your question in detail.

You asked whether Rs 50 lakhs will last 15 years, post retirement at 35.

Let us evaluate your financial journey from all angles.

Understanding Your Present Situation

You work in a central government job. That offers job security. And also an NPS Tier 1 account.

You live frugally. Your monthly expense is only Rs 18,000. That is extremely disciplined.

You have your own home. So no rent or EMI outgo. This reduces your future cost burden.

You do not plan to marry. So your financial responsibilities are only for yourself.

You plan to retire at 35. That means only 7 more years of active income.

After 35, you want Rs 50 lakhs corpus to sustain you for 15 years.

That means till age 50, you want to live from this corpus.

Now let us move step-by-step to assess sustainability.

Assessing Expense Inflation Over Time

Right now, your expense is Rs 18,000 per month.

Even a frugal person cannot avoid inflation.

Prices of food, electricity, health, etc. will go up.

Inflation over 15 years cannot be ignored.

Even if inflation is modest, say 6%, your expense will rise gradually.

By year 10 or 15, your Rs 18,000 monthly expense may double.

That will need a higher withdrawal from your corpus.

So corpus sustainability depends on how inflation is planned for.

Evaluating Return Assumption

You assume 7% average return on corpus.

This is realistic if money is well invested.

You must avoid only FDs or savings accounts.

To get 7% post-tax, proper asset allocation is needed.

Mutual funds can help here.

Especially, actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid index funds. They just copy the index.

Index funds do not give downside protection in bear markets.

They also underperform during volatile sideways markets.

Index funds have no fund manager taking active decisions.

Whereas actively managed funds adapt to market cycles.

A qualified CFP can help select suitable active funds.

Regular plans through a CFP give ongoing guidance.

Direct funds may look cheaper, but lack this support.

Direct funds are like self-medication. Risky without expert view.

Regular plans have a small fee, but offer long-term peace.

Corpus Withdrawal Planning

Your Rs 50 lakh must support monthly cash flow.

Even if you start withdrawing Rs 18,000 monthly, over time it will increase.

You need a withdrawal strategy.

You can follow a staggered withdrawal.

That means only taking what is needed each year.

Rest of the money keeps earning.

It also helps reduce tax burden.

But you must track how much you withdraw each year.

And ensure it grows in line with inflation.

If not planned well, corpus may finish earlier.

So withdrawal plan should be dynamic, not fixed.

A Certified Financial Planner can help prepare such a roadmap.

Emergency and Health Preparedness

You are alone. That means no support system in emergencies.

You must keep some contingency fund aside.

At least 12 months of expenses, i.e., about Rs 2.5 lakhs.

This should be liquid. Like in sweep-in FDs or ultra-short debt funds.

Also, ensure you have a strong health insurance policy.

Healthcare cost rises faster than inflation.

Even a single surgery or hospitalisation can dent your corpus.

Do not rely on employer health cover post resignation.

Buy your own health insurance before retirement.

Choose Rs 20–30 lakh cover. Preferably with a super top-up.

Keep paying its premium from a separate health corpus if needed.

If you stay healthy and insurance unused, that is a blessing.

But if not, it will safeguard your financial independence.

Psychological Readiness for Early Retirement

Financial numbers are only part of the journey.

Are you ready for non-financial changes post-retirement?

How will you keep yourself engaged from age 35 to 50?

No daily job, no team, no deadlines. That may feel strange.

Mental health and social belonging are also essential.

Plan for what you will do post retirement.

Hobbies, part-time work, teaching, or creative work.

Something that gives meaning to your day.

Else early retirement may feel empty after some years.

Personal fulfilment is important, not just financial planning.

Tax Implication of Your Investments

Returns from equity mutual funds have a new rule.

Long-term capital gain (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

This affects how you redeem funds.

Withdraw strategically to reduce tax.

Do not withdraw large amounts in one go unless needed.

Spread withdrawals over financial years.

Plan investments so equity and debt are balanced.

This helps with tax and market stability.

NPS Tier 1 – How It Helps

You already have NPS Tier 1 account.

You can continue it even after quitting job.

But withdrawals are restricted before age 60.

You can withdraw only 20% before 60 if not annuitised.

So it may not be useful for your 35–50 needs.

But it can be your backup after 60.

So continue it. Don’t touch now.

Let it grow. It adds to your retirement safety.

It cannot be your main retirement plan for early years.

How You Should Build Rs 50 Lakh Corpus

You have 7 years left to save.

That is a short horizon for such a big goal.

You must save aggressively now.

Keep lifestyle minimal, as you already are doing.

Avoid unnecessary gadgets, dining, or gadgets.

Every rupee saved now compounds for your future.

Invest in a well-planned mutual fund portfolio.

Include large cap, mid cap, and flexi cap funds.

Avoid thematic or sectoral funds. Too risky for main corpus.

Also add short-duration debt funds for stability.

Review this plan once a year with your CFP.

Increase SIPs with each salary hike.

Also allocate your yearly bonus fully into investments.

Rs 50 lakh target is tough but possible with discipline.

Asset Allocation Approach

Corpus should not be 100% in equity or 100% in debt.

A balanced approach is better.

Early years of retirement can bear some equity.

Later years should gradually shift to debt.

This is called glide path strategy.

Helps avoid sequence of returns risk.

If market crashes in year 1 or 2, your corpus shrinks fast.

So first 3 years’ expenses should be in debt.

Remaining in equity-debt mix as per risk profile.

Rebalancing is important each year.

Do not ignore this step.

It controls risk and improves return consistency.

Finally

Rs 50 lakhs can last for 15 years if:

You invest it wisely.

Withdraw in a disciplined way.

Factor in inflation, taxes, and health cost.

Keep emergency corpus aside.

Stay insured for health and critical illness.

Engage yourself meaningfully post-retirement.

Review your plan annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

Early retirement is not a one-time plan.

It is a living strategy that needs updates.

You are on the right path.

Stay focused. Stay simple.

And always seek guidance when needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 04, 2025Hindi
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I can invest Rs 10,000 every month for 10 years. Kindly suggest investing options -- where should I invest? How much wealth can I create after 10 years?
Ans: Investing Rs 10,000 per month for 10 years is a great decision. It will help you build substantial wealth over time. Here’s a detailed assessment of the best investment options and the potential returns you can expect.

Investment Options for Rs 10,000 Per Month
1. Equity Mutual Funds (Actively Managed)
Suitable for long-term wealth creation.

Professional fund managers make investment decisions.

Offers better flexibility compared to direct stock investment.

Can generate high returns over a 10-year period.

Ideal for those who can take moderate to high risk.

2. Debt Mutual Funds
Provides stability to your portfolio.

Lower risk compared to equity mutual funds.

Useful for balancing risk and return.

Returns are better than FDs over a long period.

3. Hybrid Mutual Funds
Invests in both equity and debt.

Suitable for investors looking for stability with some growth.

Balances market volatility better than pure equity funds.

4. Gold Investment (Sovereign Gold Bonds - SGBs)
Offers capital appreciation and fixed interest income.

Safe investment backed by the Government of India.

Can act as a hedge against inflation.

5. Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Tax-free returns.

Provides capital protection.

Best for those looking for safe and guaranteed returns.

Lock-in period of 15 years, but partial withdrawals allowed after 5 years.

6. National Pension System (NPS)
Ideal for retirement savings.

Provides tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD.

Investment mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Partial withdrawal allowed after a few years.

Suggested Investment Allocation
Equity Mutual Funds: Rs 6,000 per month

Debt Mutual Funds: Rs 2,000 per month

Gold (SGBs): Rs 1,000 per month

PPF: Rs 1,000 per month

This diversified approach helps reduce risk and maximize returns.

Expected Wealth Creation After 10 Years
The wealth you create depends on returns from different assets. Here’s an estimate:

Equity Mutual Funds: Can generate higher returns over 10 years.

Debt Mutual Funds: Provides stability with moderate returns.

Gold (SGBs): Prices depend on market demand and inflation.

PPF: Offers safe and steady returns.

You can expect to build a significant corpus by following this plan.

Why Not Index Funds?
Index funds do not offer active management.

They simply track market movements without strategy.

Actively managed mutual funds can beat index funds over time.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

Higher potential for wealth creation with actively managed funds.

Final Insights
A mix of equity, debt, gold, and PPF creates a balanced portfolio.

Stay invested for 10 years to benefit from compounding.

Review your investments every year.

Consider increasing your SIP amount whenever possible.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for better guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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