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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 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 - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir , I wanted to get financially free in 10 years , My Age is 30 years My Annual income is 15 lpa My expected passive income would be 12 lpa My current investments are 1) HDFC opportunities fund - 4.5 lakh (2 lakh profit) 2) Direct stocks - 3 lakh ( 50 thousand profit) 3) FD - 1 lakh ( for 3 years started in 2022) 4) Ppf - 1.5 lakh ( 3 years have passed) Please suggest some investments and saving ammount and changes I need to bring to achieve my target How much corpus do I need including 2 kids education and marriage

Ans: Dear Sir,

Thank you for sharing your financial details and aspirations with me. It's commendable that you're looking to achieve financial freedom at such a young age and have already taken steps towards building your wealth.

Given your goal of achieving financial freedom in 10 years, here are some suggestions and recommendations to help you get closer to your objective:

Increase Savings and Investments:
Since you're already investing in HDFC opportunities fund, direct stocks, FD, and PPF, consider increasing your investment amount in these avenues or exploring additional investment options.
Aim to save and invest a significant portion of your annual income to accelerate your wealth-building journey.
Diversify Your Portfolio:
While stocks and mutual funds offer good growth potential, it's essential to diversify your portfolio to spread risk. Consider exploring other asset classes such as real estate, bonds, or alternative investments to create a well-rounded portfolio.
Additionally, consider investing in tax-saving instruments like ELSS funds to optimize your tax efficiency while building wealth.
Plan for Children's Education and Marriage:
Estimate the future expenses for your children's education and marriage and factor them into your financial plan.
Start investing in dedicated savings accounts or investment vehicles specifically earmarked for your children's future expenses. Consider options like child education plans, mutual funds, or Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for long-term goals.
Review and Adjust Regularly:
Regularly review your financial plan and investment portfolio to ensure they align with your goals and risk tolerance.
Adjust your savings and investment strategy as needed based on changes in your income, expenses, market conditions, and life goals.
Seek Professional Advice:
Consider consulting with a certified financial planner or investment advisor to create a customized financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
A professional advisor can provide valuable insights, guidance, and recommendations to help you optimize your financial strategy and achieve your objectives.
In terms of the corpus needed to achieve financial freedom, it will depend on various factors such as your desired lifestyle, future expenses, inflation, and investment returns. A financial planner can help you calculate the required corpus based on your individual circumstances and goals.

Remember, achieving financial freedom requires discipline, patience, and a well-thought-out plan. Stay focused on your goals, continue to invest diligently, and make informed financial decisions to move closer to your objective.

Best of luck on your journey towards financial freedom!
Asked on - May 06, 2024 | Answered on May 06, 2024
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Thank you so much for your valuable advise.
Ans: Welcome :)
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  |7047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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Hi, I am 38 Year old. I am planning for Financial Freedom. Total Investment Value-Mutual Fund-45L,Stock-12L,NPS-1.66L,PF-5L, Emergency Fund-1.36L(In FD). Covered with 1 Cr Life Insurance and have 15 Lakh Health Insurance. My Investment style-(Mutual Fund-10K,NPS-8.7k, Stock-30k to 45k & PF-10K) per month. My monthly expenses (35k to 40K). Mutual Fund growing by 17% and Stock by 22%. Learning to how my Investment give me better return. Hope By End of FY 25-26 my portfolio will be 1Cr. Pls suggest at current scenario what Amt looks for Financial free. Dependant-Wife-Home make and a kid(3 month old)
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You have made commendable progress in building a robust investment portfolio. Your total investment value includes mutual funds worth ?45 lakhs, stocks worth ?12 lakhs, NPS of ?1.66 lakhs, PF of ?5 lakhs, and an emergency fund of ?1.36 lakhs in an FD. Additionally, your insurance coverage is solid with ?1 crore life insurance and ?15 lakh health insurance.

Evaluating Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
Investing ?10,000 monthly in mutual funds is a wise choice. With an average growth rate of 17%, your mutual funds are performing well. Actively managed funds provide the potential for higher returns compared to index funds.

Stocks
Your monthly investment of ?30,000 to ?45,000 in stocks is yielding an impressive 22% growth. This indicates a strong portfolio selection and market understanding. Diversifying your stock investments further can help mitigate risks and sustain high returns.

National Pension System (NPS)
Contributing ?8,700 monthly to NPS is beneficial for long-term retirement planning. NPS offers tax benefits and a mix of equity and debt investments, providing stability and growth.

Provident Fund (PF)
Your monthly PF contribution of ?10,000 is crucial for a secure retirement. PF offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits, making it a reliable investment.

Emergency Fund
Maintaining an emergency fund of ?1.36 lakhs in an FD is prudent. This ensures liquidity and financial security during unforeseen events.

Achieving Financial Freedom
Targeting ?1 Crore by FY 2025-26
Your current trajectory suggests you will achieve a portfolio value of ?1 crore by FY 2025-26. To ensure this, consider the following strategies:

Regular Review and Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio. This ensures your investments align with market conditions and personal goals.

Increase SIP Contributions: Gradually increase your SIP amounts. This combats inflation and boosts your investment corpus.

Focus on High-Growth Assets: Continue focusing on high-growth assets like stocks and actively managed mutual funds. This enhances your portfolio's growth potential.

Planning for Financial Freedom
To achieve financial freedom, you need a clear understanding of your financial goals and expenses. Here are some steps:

Calculate Future Expenses: Estimate your future monthly expenses considering inflation. This helps in determining the corpus needed for financial freedom.

Determine Retirement Corpus: Calculate the corpus required to generate a monthly income that covers your expenses. Use a conservative withdrawal rate to ensure longevity of your corpus.

Diversify Investments: Ensure a well-diversified portfolio across various asset classes. This mitigates risks and provides balanced growth.

Emergency and Contingency Planning: Maintain a robust emergency fund. Consider additional health and life insurance coverage as your family grows.

Securing Dependents' Future
Child's Education Fund: Start a dedicated investment plan for your child's education. Consider child-specific mutual funds or recurring deposits.

Spousal Security: Ensure your spouse is financially secure. Consider additional insurance or investments in her name for long-term security.

Enhancing Investment Returns
Professional Guidance
Consider consulting a certified financial planner regularly. They provide expert advice on portfolio management, tax planning, and goal setting.

Advanced Investment Strategies
Systematic Transfer Plan (STP): Use STPs to transfer funds from debt to equity or vice versa. This balances risk and returns based on market conditions.

Tax-Efficient Investments: Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS funds. This reduces your tax liability and enhances net returns.

Continuous Learning
Stay updated with market trends and investment strategies. This enhances your decision-making and helps in optimizing returns.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is strong and well-diversified. By continuing to review and adjust your investments, increasing SIP contributions, and planning for future expenses, you are on the right path to financial freedom. Keep focusing on high-growth assets and maintain a balanced portfolio to achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am a SAP consultant working in a MNC and have 7 years of experience . I am earning 26 LPA, and my wife earns 17 LPA. How we can achieve financial freedom in next 8-10 years so that we don't have to work. We are also planning to have a baby till next year considering his/her education as well. Right now I have 5 lakhs in stock, 2 lakhs in MF's and 3 months emergency fund in FD. How much we have to save each month and what are instruments we can invest that amount in?Could you please help on this. Thanks in advance
Ans: Firstly, congratulations on your successful careers and your upcoming journey into parenthood. It's commendable that you're planning ahead for financial freedom and your child's future education. Let's devise a strategic plan to achieve your goals and secure your family's financial well-being.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Your combined income of ?43 lakhs per annum and existing savings provide a solid foundation for your financial journey. Now, let's analyze how you can optimize your savings and investments to reach your target of financial freedom within the next 8-10 years.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Define your financial goals with clarity, considering factors such as early retirement, your child's education, and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Establishing specific targets will guide your savings and investment strategy effectively.

Determining Monthly Savings Target
To achieve financial freedom within 8-10 years, calculate the amount you need to save each month. Consider factors such as your current expenses, future financial obligations, and desired lifestyle during retirement.

Exploring Investment Avenues
Diversify your investments across multiple asset classes to maximize returns while managing risk effectively. Explore options such as:

Equity Mutual Funds: Invest in a diversified portfolio of equity mutual funds to capitalize on the growth potential of the stock market over the long term.

Debt Instruments: Allocate a portion of your savings to debt instruments such as fixed deposits (FDs) or bonds for stability and income generation.

Gold: Consider adding gold to your portfolio as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Emphasizing Emergency Fund and Insurance
Maintain an adequate emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses in a liquid instrument like FDs or savings accounts. Additionally, ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage to protect your family against unforeseen events.

Planning for Child's Education
Start planning for your child's education by investing in instruments specifically designed for education savings, such as education-oriented mutual funds or the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for a daughter's education.

Reviewing and Adjusting
Regularly review your financial plan, monitor your investments' performance, and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goals. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to fine-tune your strategy and ensure alignment with your objectives.

Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving financial freedom and securing your family's future requires careful planning, disciplined savings, and strategic investments. By setting clear goals, optimizing your savings, and diversifying your investments across asset classes, you can work towards a future of financial security and independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 25. I started working at a MNC. Currently started Investing in PPF 10k, NPS 5k, RD 10K, mutual Fund 15k.Thougt of increasing them by 10% every year based on my increment.I have a LIC (premium 14k half yearly), Term Insurance (premium 16k yearly) and health insurance (premium 30k yearly). I am living in rent (10k per month). After 2 years I want to buy a flat (Budget approx 40 Lakh). Also I have emergency fund of 2 Lakh(FD). Suggest if any changes required in the mentioned things and to be financially free by age of 50.
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Age: 25
Occupation: Working at an MNC
Investments: PPF Rs. 10k, NPS Rs. 5k, RD Rs. 10k, Mutual Fund Rs. 15k (increasing by 10% yearly)
Insurance: LIC (Rs. 14k half-yearly), Term Insurance (Rs. 16k yearly), Health Insurance (Rs. 30k yearly)
Living Expenses: Rent Rs. 10k per month
Emergency Fund: Rs. 2 lakh (FD)
Future Goal: Buy a flat (Rs. 40 lakh) in 2 years
Long-term Goal: Financial freedom by age 50
Investment Strategy
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Current SIP: Rs. 15k
Recommendation: Continue with 10% annual increment.
Actively Managed Funds: Prefer over index funds. They can offer better returns.
Diversification: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Current Investment: Rs. 10k
Recommendation: Continue PPF for tax-free, secure long-term returns.
National Pension System (NPS)
Current Investment: Rs. 5k
Recommendation: Continue for retirement benefits. Allocate more towards equity for higher returns.
Recurring Deposit (RD)
Current Investment: Rs. 10k
Recommendation: Consider reducing RD. Redirect funds to SIPs for better growth.
Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance (LIC)
Current Premium: Rs. 14k half-yearly
Recommendation: LIC policies often offer low returns. Consider surrendering and reinvest in mutual funds.
Term Insurance
Current Premium: Rs. 16k yearly
Recommendation: Continue term insurance for adequate life cover.
Health Insurance
Current Premium: Rs. 30k yearly
Recommendation: Continue to ensure coverage for medical emergencies.
Emergency Fund
Current Fund: Rs. 2 lakh (FD)
Recommendation: Maintain at least 6 months of expenses in a liquid fund.
Real Estate Purchase
Buying a Flat
Budget: Rs. 40 lakh
Recommendation: Save for a larger down payment to reduce loan burden. Ensure EMIs are within 30% of your monthly income.
Future Planning
Increasing Investments
Annual Increment: Increase investments by 10% each year based on salary increment.
Diversification: Balance between equity and debt investments.
Financial Freedom by Age 50
Long-term Growth: Focus on equity mutual funds for higher returns.
Retirement Planning: Maximize NPS contributions and PPF.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner
Customized Advice: For personalized guidance, consult a certified financial planner.
Regular Reviews: Periodically review and adjust your investment strategy.
Final Insights
Your current investments are on the right track.
Adjustments in RD and LIC can optimize returns.
Focus on equity for long-term growth.
Maintain and gradually increase your investments.
Ensure a balance between security and growth for financial freedom.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |3910 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

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my son is 8 year old studying in Class 3 . The classes occus is in morning shift from 6.30 am to 1.30 PM . after comming from the scholl he tired and not able to study in night . plz suggest the Correct time table for the second shift school child so that we can manage his tiredness and keep improving him in balanced way.
Ans: Priya Madam,

You have not provided information regarding the number of hours your son sleeps.

(1) Given that your son is only 8 years old, it is important to ensure he gets a minimum of 8 hours of sleep at night and 2 hours in the afternoon. Sleeping hours can be reduced once he enters the 6th Standard.

(2) Ensure he receives a balanced diet and nutritious food to sustain his energy levels. (3) Encourage him to maintain regular water intake to prevent dehydration. (4) Facilitate opportunities for him to take regular breaks and engage in play. (5) A 3rd standard student can't study for extended periods. He should study for 25 to 30 minutes, followed by a 10 to 15-minute break after each 25-minute study session.

(6) I am providing this information for general awareness. Parents should refrain from physically assaulting their children to achieve compliance, as this can undermine their self-confidence. (7) They should engage in more polite and loving communication with the children. (8) Children frequently observe their parents and tend to emulate their actions. Ensure that the environment at home is tranquil. (9) Addiction to electronic gadgets may also result in fatigue. (10) Regarding the Study Planner, it has been previously stated that regardless of whether he studies in the morning or evening, he should engage in study sessions of 25 minutes followed by a 10-minute break after each session. He will not experience fatigue, and the output will be increased. Hope, this answer will help you, Madam.

All the BEST for Your Prosperous Son's Future.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7047 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

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Hello Sir, My question - Male, Age is 29, Salary of Rs. 22000/- p.m., my expenses 6-8k p.m. (Approx), Current Investments: Mutual Funds 2k monthly, 3k RD monthly for 3 Yrs, what is suitable Health/Life/Term Insurance? ROI option for same? or Other Investment options? I have my father who got his pension & he manages our household Expenses.
Ans: You are 29 years old, with a stable monthly salary of Rs 22,000 and low monthly expenses of Rs 6,000–8,000. Your father’s pension covers household needs, giving you flexibility for investments. Current savings of Rs 5,000 per month (Rs 2,000 in mutual funds and Rs 3,000 in a recurring deposit) is a good start.

Priorities and Recommendations
1. Health Insurance
Health insurance is crucial to safeguard against medical emergencies.

Coverage for Self: Opt for an individual health insurance policy with a sum insured of Rs 5–10 lakh. Look for plans offering cashless treatment, comprehensive coverage, and no claim bonus.

Coverage for Family: If you wish to extend coverage for your parents, consider a family floater plan with Rs 10–15 lakh coverage. However, check premiums and benefits before including senior members.

2. Life Insurance
Term Insurance: A term plan is the most cost-effective option. Choose coverage of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore to secure your family financially. Premiums for a non-smoker male at your age are low (approximately Rs 5,000–7,000 annually for Rs 1 crore coverage).

Avoid investment-linked insurance policies such as ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer low returns and inadequate insurance coverage.

3. Building an Emergency Fund
Save at least 6–9 months of expenses in a highly liquid instrument like a savings account, short-term fixed deposit, or liquid mutual fund.
Given your expenses of Rs 6,000–8,000, aim for Rs 50,000–70,000 as an emergency fund.
4. Investment Strategy for Growth
You have significant surplus income after meeting expenses. Allocate it to high-growth investment instruments:

Increase Mutual Fund SIPs:

Increase SIPs to Rs 5,000–6,000 monthly.
Diversify across flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for long-term growth. Suggested categories include:
Flexi-Cap Fund: For diversification.
Mid-Cap Fund: For higher returns over a long horizon.
Small-Cap Fund: Allocate a smaller percentage (10–15%) for aggressive growth.
Recurring Deposit (RD):

RD is low-yield and taxed. Consider redirecting RD savings into mutual funds or a Public Provident Fund (PPF) for better long-term returns and tax benefits.
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

Invest in PPF for a secure, tax-free return (current rate: 7.1%). It’s an excellent long-term savings tool, especially for retirement.
5. Tax Planning
Leverage Section 80C: Maximise Rs 1.5 lakh yearly investment in tax-saving instruments like PPF, ELSS mutual funds, or 5-year tax-saving fixed deposits.

Opt for a health insurance policy to claim benefits under Section 80D (up to Rs 25,000 for self and Rs 50,000 for senior parents).

Suggested Allocation of Rs 10,000 Monthly Surplus
Mutual Funds: Rs 5,000
PPF: Rs 2,500
Emergency Fund: Rs 2,000 (till the fund reaches Rs 50,000–70,000, then redirect to other investments)
Health Insurance Premium: Rs 500–1,000
Final Insights
Prioritise health and term insurance immediately.
Focus on mutual funds and PPF for long-term wealth creation.
Avoid low-ROI options like recurring deposits once current tenure ends.
By maintaining discipline and increasing investment amounts annually, you can achieve financial independence while ensuring your family is protected.

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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