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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 28, 2024Hindi
Money

Hii Sir, Private bank employee,with a monthly salary of 1.10 lacs ,want to retire early at the age 45 , present age 36 yrs. Need monthly income of 2 lacs after retirement ,also need corpus of 2 cr for my daughter education and marriage ,daughter age is 3 yrs now. Investment details. Sip 17000 monthly since last 8 yrs with a total balance as on date is 23 lacs ,and in share market 1.5 lacs invested. Fixed deposit of 20 lacs and 21 lacs in Mis at bank from there I am getting 16 k monthly . In ppf investment 5 thousand monthly since last 3 yrs.total fund available 2.10 lacs. In lic Yearly 1.55 lacs investment since last 10 yrs . Rd of Rs 15000 monthly. Kindly suggest

Ans: Early Retirement Planning for a Private Bank Employee

Retiring early is an admirable and ambitious goal. It requires a well-thought-out strategy. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand your aspirations. Let's analyse your current financial situation and explore ways to achieve your goals.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Your current financial landscape includes various investments. You have SIPs, shares, fixed deposits, MIS, PPF, LIC, and recurring deposits.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Rs 17,000 monthly for the past 8 years, totalling Rs 23 lakhs.

Share Market: Rs 1.5 lakhs invested.

Fixed Deposits: Rs 20 lakhs.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS): Rs 21 lakhs, generating Rs 16,000 monthly.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 5,000 monthly for 3 years, totalling Rs 2.1 lakhs.

LIC Policies: Rs 1.55 lakhs yearly for the past 10 years.

Recurring Deposit (RD): Rs 15,000 monthly.

Understanding your financial assets helps in forming a comprehensive retirement strategy.

Evaluating Your Retirement and Future Goals
You plan to retire at 45, requiring Rs 2 lakhs monthly post-retirement. Additionally, you need a corpus of Rs 2 crores for your daughter's education and marriage.

Monthly Income Requirement:
Post-retirement, you need Rs 2 lakhs monthly. This will require a substantial corpus to generate that income without exhausting your funds.

Daughter’s Education and Marriage Corpus:
You need Rs 2 crores in 15 years for your daughter's education and marriage. This needs careful planning and investment.

Investment Analysis and Recommendations
Based on your goals, let's discuss the strengths and potential adjustments to your current investment strategy.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs are a disciplined way of investing. Your consistent investment of Rs 17,000 monthly over 8 years is commendable. However, consider increasing the SIP amount as your salary grows to enhance your corpus.

Share Market Investments
Investing in the share market can yield high returns but also carries risks. Diversifying your portfolio with a mix of blue-chip and growth stocks could be beneficial. It's important to regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.

Fixed Deposits and MIS
Fixed deposits and MIS provide stability and regular income. However, they offer lower returns compared to other investment options. Consider reallocating a portion to higher-yielding investments for better growth.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a secure investment with tax benefits. Continue your monthly contributions, but also explore other tax-efficient options to complement this.

Life Insurance Policies (LIC)
LIC policies offer safety but often lower returns. Assess the performance of these policies. If they underperform, consider redirecting funds to more lucrative options.

Recurring Deposits (RD)
RDs offer moderate returns with low risk. They are good for short-term goals. For long-term growth, consider shifting some funds to equity mutual funds.

Strategic Financial Adjustments
To meet your early retirement and future goals, consider the following strategic adjustments:

Increase SIP Contributions:
Boost your SIP contributions regularly. This leverages the power of compounding, enhancing your corpus significantly over time.

Diversify Investments:
Diversify across asset classes. This spreads risk and can improve returns. Balance your portfolio with equity, debt, and alternative investments.

Active Fund Management:
While index funds have their place, actively managed funds can outperform in dynamic markets. They provide the potential for higher returns through professional fund management.

Professional Guidance:
Consult a Certified Financial Planner. They provide tailored advice, helping you navigate complex financial decisions and optimise your investment strategy.

Planning for Post-Retirement Income
To generate Rs 2 lakhs monthly post-retirement, consider the following:

Annuity Products:
Avoid these due to low returns. Instead, focus on investments that provide better growth and regular income.

Mutual Funds and SWPs:
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds can provide regular income. They offer flexibility and potential for capital appreciation.

Equity and Debt Allocation:
Maintain a balanced allocation between equity and debt. This ensures stability while providing growth potential.

Planning for Daughter’s Education and Marriage
Achieving a Rs 2 crore corpus in 15 years requires disciplined investing. Here’s a plan:

Dedicated Investment Plan:
Create a dedicated investment plan for your daughter’s future needs. This can include a mix of equity and debt funds tailored for long-term growth.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments:
Regularly review your investments. Adjust as needed based on market conditions and performance.

Leverage Tax Benefits:
Utilise tax-efficient investments to maximise returns. This helps in growing your corpus without eroding gains through taxes.

Summary and Next Steps
Achieving early retirement and securing your daughter’s future is challenging but attainable with strategic planning. Increase your SIP contributions, diversify investments, and consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice.

Your commitment to your financial goals is impressive. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve financial freedom and secure your family’s future.

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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

Current Financial Snapshot
You:

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

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

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

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

Consider diversifying your mutual fund portfolio across different categories:

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

Power of Compounding:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calculate Future Value of Current Investments:

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

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

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

Child Education Fund:

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

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

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

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 12, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi request your advise on early retirement and Post retirement cash flow requirements considering the following 1 I am 52 years old working Pvt sector earning 2.5 Lacs PM(take home) would like to retire by 55. 2. my current savings are a) Fixed deposit in Post office and NBFC is 50 Lacs b) in EFP 45 lacs, NPS 15 lacs, PPF 15 Lacs, c) Mutual finds 30 Lacs ( current value 60 Lacs). d) having own house worth of 1.5 Cr, staying in different city - paying rent of 15 K as per Job requirement. e) Investment in Wife A/c- 10 Lacs in MF ( Current value 13 Lacs) & 6 Lac in PPF f) In shares 20 lacs ( present value) g) Loans - car and Education loan -20 Lacs month EMI of 40 K ( upto 2029) h) son studying Btech 3rd Year- savings made in form of Bank FD for 50 Lacs for his Higher education and Future needs, earned Interest on same investing in MF - Current investment in MF is 10 Lacs. i) no further liabilities j) having health insurance of 10 Lacs for family with top up of 50 Lacs ( total premium 40 K PA), Life insurance cover 1 cr with annual premium of 30 K h) current monthly SIP is 1 lac in different funds, and monthly expenses are 75K. Requirements - Post retirement 1.5 Lacs PM for 10 Years balance life 2 Lacs advise on the sufficiency of savings to meet the requirement and corpus required post retirement to meet the expenses
Ans: You have built a diverse portfolio with investments across fixed deposits, provident funds, mutual funds, and equities. You own a house worth Rs. 1.5 crore, although you are currently living in a rented accommodation due to job requirements. You have liabilities in the form of car and education loans with an EMI of Rs. 40,000 per month until 2029.

Your current savings and investments include:

Rs. 50 lakhs in Fixed Deposits
Rs. 45 lakhs in EPF
Rs. 15 lakhs in NPS
Rs. 15 lakhs in PPF
Rs. 60 lakhs in Mutual Funds (initial investment of Rs. 30 lakhs)
Rs. 20 lakhs in shares
Rs. 10 lakhs in Mutual Funds in your wife's account (current value Rs. 13 lakhs)
Rs. 6 lakhs in PPF in your wife's account
Rs. 50 lakhs in Bank FD for your son's higher education, with Rs. 10 lakhs invested in Mutual Funds from the interest earned
Post-Retirement Income Requirements
You anticipate needing Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month for the first 10 years post-retirement, and Rs. 2 lakhs per month thereafter. Given the current inflation rates and your lifestyle, it’s crucial to ensure that your savings and investments can meet these needs.

Assessment of Current Portfolio
Your portfolio is well-diversified across various asset classes. Here’s a detailed analysis:

Fixed Deposits: You have Rs. 50 lakhs in Fixed Deposits, which is a safe but low-return investment. Given your proximity to retirement, it's important to balance safety with returns.

Provident Fund (EPF, NPS, PPF): You have Rs. 75 lakhs in various provident funds. These are great for long-term savings, offering tax benefits and moderate returns. However, the liquidity is limited.

Mutual Funds: You have Rs. 60 lakhs in mutual funds, which shows substantial growth. This is a positive sign as mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, tend to outperform fixed income instruments over the long term.

Equity Investments: Your Rs. 20 lakhs in shares represents a more aggressive part of your portfolio. Equity investments can offer high returns, but they come with higher risk.

Wife’s Investments: Rs. 13 lakhs in mutual funds and Rs. 6 lakhs in PPF provide additional financial security. However, you might want to align these investments with your overall retirement goals.

Son’s Education Fund: The Rs. 50 lakhs in Bank FD ensures that your son’s education needs are covered. The interest being reinvested into mutual funds is a smart way to keep this money growing.

Loans: You have Rs. 20 lakhs in car and education loans, with a monthly EMI of Rs. 40,000 until 2029. This is a manageable liability, but it does reduce your disposable income.

Post-Retirement Cash Flow Strategy
To ensure a comfortable retirement, here’s a strategic approach:

Debt Management: Prioritize paying off your loans before retirement, if possible. This will reduce financial stress and free up more cash flow for your post-retirement needs.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio: As you approach retirement, gradually shift your equity investments to more stable instruments. However, avoid moving completely out of equities, as they provide growth that can beat inflation. You might consider shifting to hybrid funds that offer a mix of equity and debt.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): For your mutual fund investments, consider setting up an SWP post-retirement. This will provide a steady income stream while keeping your capital invested.

Provident Funds: Continue contributing to your EPF, NPS, and PPF. Upon retirement, you can withdraw from these funds in a phased manner to meet your monthly expenses.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of expenses. This should be kept in a liquid or short-term debt fund.

Insurance: Your current health and life insurance coverage seems adequate. However, review these policies annually to ensure they remain sufficient. Consider increasing your health cover if necessary, especially given rising medical costs.

Corpus Requirement Analysis
Given your monthly expense requirements post-retirement, your current savings and investments will need to generate a sustainable income stream. Without getting into specific numbers, you will need to build a retirement corpus that can generate Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month initially and Rs. 2 lakhs later, adjusted for inflation.

A rough estimate suggests that you would need a corpus of approximately Rs. 5-7 crore to comfortably meet your post-retirement needs. This includes accounting for inflation, healthcare costs, and other unforeseen expenses.

Final Insights
Your current financial position is strong, with a diverse portfolio and adequate savings. However, retirement planning is not just about having enough money. It's also about ensuring that your money is in the right places.

Focus on:

Paying off your loans early.
Rebalancing your portfolio gradually.
Setting up a systematic withdrawal plan.
Ensuring your insurance covers are adequate.
By following this approach, you can retire comfortably at 55 and enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I am about to complete 42 years next month and would like to retire by 50. Below are my financial details and goals Net monthly in hand salary: 2.5 lac Rental income : 17500 per month Home loan outstanding: 57 lac @8.40 with 17 years to go Had bought another home and would like to take another loan in next 6 months of 1.4 cr (20% down payment already done) Epf : 29 lacs with monthly contribution of 33600 (employee + employer) Nps : 6 lacs with monthly contribution of Rs. 14333 Mf : 3.5 lacs Direct equity : 1.5 cr Bank account balance : 10 lacs Company shares : 7 lacs Ulip fund value : 15 lacs Term insurance (personal) : 2.5 cr Term insurance (company provided) : 1.3 cr Medical insurance (company provided for family) : 6 lacs Dependent: Spouse, son (15 yrs), daughter (10 yrs), parents (both are senior citizens) Goals : 1. Need 30 lacs in next 6-9 months for home interior 2. Need 50 lacs for son's education in 3 yrs 3. Need 70 lacs for daughter education in 10 yrs 4. Need 60 lacs for son's marriage in 13 yrs 5. Need 50 lacs to gift to sister in 14 yrs 6. Need 1 cr for daughter marriage in 17 yrs 7. Need amount for retirement Current monthly expenses excluding rent and emi : Rs. 40k Rental expenses: Rs 40k (shall be replaced by in 9 months by maintenance of 8k) Current Emi : Rs. 46k Can you help what shall be my retirement corpus if I had to retire by age 50? And also how much I would need to invest or change in plan to achieve all above goals?
Ans: You have laid a strong financial foundation and have clear goals for your family’s future. With retirement planned by age 50, you need to ensure your finances are aligned with both your pre-retirement and post-retirement goals.

Below is a detailed assessment and recommendations to help you achieve your financial goals.

1. Financial Goals

You have outlined several financial goals, including:

Rs 30 lakhs in the next 6-9 months for home interior.
Rs 50 lakhs for your son’s education in 3 years.
Rs 70 lakhs for your daughter’s education in 10 years.
Rs 60 lakhs for your son’s marriage in 13 years.
Rs 50 lakhs to gift your sister in 14 years.
Rs 1 crore for your daughter’s marriage in 17 years.
Amount required for your retirement.
Let’s break down each of these goals and how to approach them effectively.

2. Cash Flow Management

Your monthly salary of Rs 2.5 lakhs and rental income of Rs 17,500 provide a good inflow. However, your expenses, EMI, and other commitments need careful tracking.

Your current home loan EMI is Rs 46,000, and you plan to take another loan of Rs 1.4 crore in the next 6 months. This will increase your EMI significantly.
It’s critical to ensure you maintain enough liquidity for emergencies and your upcoming expenses (like Rs 30 lakh for interiors).
Recommendation:

Keep Rs 10 lakh of your bank balance intact for liquidity.
Avoid drawing from your long-term investments like direct equity for short-term needs.
If possible, delay non-essential expenses until after the second home loan is under control.
3. Home Loan Strategy

You have an outstanding home loan of Rs 57 lakhs, and you plan to take another loan of Rs 1.4 crore. This can put pressure on your cash flow as you plan for early retirement.

Recommendation:

Pay off a portion of your home loan using your Rs 10 lakh bank balance. This will reduce the EMI burden. However, ensure you maintain Rs 5-6 lakh for emergency funds.
Try to prepay your home loan as much as possible before retirement. This will give you financial flexibility post-retirement.
4. EPF, NPS, and Retirement Savings

Your EPF corpus is Rs 29 lakhs with a contribution of Rs 33,600 per month. This will grow steadily by retirement. Your NPS corpus of Rs 6 lakhs, with a monthly contribution of Rs 14,333, is a strong addition to your retirement plan.

Recommendation:

Continue with both EPF and NPS contributions. These are tax-efficient ways to grow your retirement corpus.
Post-retirement, the NPS will offer an annuity. Use it for your monthly needs in retirement.
5. Mutual Funds and Direct Equity

Your investments in mutual funds (Rs 3.5 lakhs) and direct equity (Rs 1.5 crore) are critical components of your wealth creation.

Recommendation:

Increase your investment in mutual funds. Equity mutual funds offer balanced diversification and long-term growth.
For long-term goals, regular investments in mutual funds through SIPs are advisable. Shift part of your direct equity into mutual funds for professional management and diversified exposure. This can help you reduce risk.
Avoid direct equity for short-term goals like your home interior expense.
6. ULIP Fund

Your ULIP fund value is Rs 15 lakhs. While ULIPs offer insurance and investment, the returns are often lower compared to mutual funds.

Recommendation:

Surrender the ULIP and invest the proceeds into mutual funds or other high-growth avenues. This will give you better returns in the long term.
The insurance component of ULIPs is usually insufficient, and the investment charges are higher.
7. Term Insurance and Medical Cover

Your personal term insurance coverage of Rs 2.5 crore and company-provided term insurance of Rs 1.3 crore provide solid coverage for your family’s future. Additionally, the Rs 6 lakh medical insurance is beneficial for managing health expenses.

Recommendation:

Continue with your term insurance and review it periodically. As you approach retirement, assess whether additional coverage is necessary, especially considering your children’s education and marriage goals.
Post-retirement, ensure you have adequate medical cover. It’s advisable to take a separate family health plan with higher coverage for senior years.
8. Addressing Your Goals

Let’s address your goals one by one:

Rs 30 lakhs for home interiors: Use your bank balance of Rs 10 lakhs and liquidate a portion of your direct equity or mutual fund investments. You can withdraw Rs 20 lakhs from your Rs 1.5 crore direct equity portfolio. This leaves your portfolio intact while meeting the immediate need.

Rs 50 lakhs for son’s education in 3 years: Allocate a portion of your mutual fund and direct equity portfolio towards this goal. Start an SIP in debt mutual funds for safety and steady growth. You can withdraw from this SIP when the time comes.

Rs 70 lakhs for daughter’s education in 10 years: Equity mutual funds are suitable for this goal. An SIP in diversified funds will give you the required growth.

Rs 60 lakhs for son’s marriage in 13 years: Continue investing in equity mutual funds for this goal as well. Review and adjust the portfolio every 3 years to ensure you’re on track.

Rs 50 lakhs to gift to sister in 14 years: Use a combination of equity and debt mutual funds. A balanced approach will help in growing the corpus with manageable risk.

Rs 1 crore for daughter’s marriage in 17 years: This goal can also be achieved with equity mutual funds. SIPs in growth-oriented funds will help build the corpus. You may start reducing risk as you approach the 17-year mark by shifting to debt funds.

9. Retirement Corpus Calculation

You plan to retire at age 50, which is in 8 years. Based on your current lifestyle and expenses, excluding EMIs, your monthly expense is Rs 40,000.

To maintain your lifestyle post-retirement, you will need a corpus that generates a monthly income to cover your expenses, considering inflation.

Recommendation:

Calculate your retirement corpus based on your current monthly expense, expected inflation, and life expectancy. In your case, you will need a substantial corpus, considering your family responsibilities.
Ensure a significant portion of your corpus is invested in equity for growth, even post-retirement. Keep a mix of debt for stability and income generation.
10. Final Insights

Your financial goals are achievable with disciplined investment and careful cash flow management. Focus on reducing debt, increasing your mutual fund investments, and building a retirement corpus.

Keep your cash flow balanced between meeting immediate goals and saving for the future.
Stay invested in equity for long-term goals.
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals.
With timely planning, you will be able to retire comfortably by age 50 and meet all your financial commitments.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |423 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 12, 2025

Money
Dear Sir, I am 60 yrs and just superannuated. I have no pension and the spread of corpus is as follows; - MF & Shares portfolio value is around 1 Cr. SWP of 40000/month initiated. But SIP of 20000/month is also on for next six months - FDs in bank is around 3. Cr and are in Quarterly pay-out interest - PPF of 20 Lac - RBI Bond of 16 lac half yearly interest pay out - PF 90 Lac not withdrawn so far as I can extend this with 1 yr. - Few SA pension 63000 per year Please do suggest if the above can give me expenses to meet 2.5 Lac/m for next 20 yrs Best regards,
Ans: Hi Deepa,

Overall your total networth is 5 crores (including PF, FD, MF, binds etc.) - we will break it into 4 crores (which can be used to fund your retirement) and 1 crore for emergencies.
If invested correctly, this 4 crores can fund you for 20 years and not more than that. You need to invest 4 crores so that they fetch you around 11-12% XIRR to fund your monthly expenses. Also withdraw your PF, liquidate 2 crores from FD and reinvest entirely.

Take the help of a professional who will design your portfolio keeping in mind your monthly requirements for the next 20 years.

Hence please consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

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