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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 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
ASHWANI Question by ASHWANI on Jun 25, 2024Hindi
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Money

how much cover with term insurance is good?

Ans: When determining the appropriate amount of term insurance coverage, consider several factors to ensure your family's financial security in your absence. Here’s a detailed approach to help you decide the right amount:

Understanding Term Insurance
Term insurance is a pure life insurance product that provides coverage for a specific period. If the insured person passes away during this term, the beneficiaries receive the death benefit. It's an essential part of financial planning, ensuring your family’s financial stability.

Factors to Consider
Income Replacement
Your term insurance should be enough to replace your income for a sufficient period. A general rule of thumb is to have coverage of 10 to 15 times your annual income. This ensures your family can maintain their lifestyle and meet daily expenses.

Liabilities and Debts
Consider your outstanding debts, such as home loans, car loans, or personal loans. Your insurance coverage should be enough to pay off these liabilities, preventing financial burdens on your family.

Financial Goals
Include future financial goals like your children's education, marriage, and other significant expenses. Ensure your coverage can fund these goals even in your absence.

Existing Savings and Investments
Take stock of your current savings and investments. The insurance coverage should complement these assets, ensuring comprehensive financial security.

Inflation
Factor in inflation, as the cost of living and expenses will rise over time. Ensure your coverage is adequate to meet future needs.

Calculating the Coverage
Human Life Value (HLV) Approach
The Human Life Value approach calculates the economic value of your life, considering your current and future income, expenses, and financial goals. This method provides a detailed estimate of the required coverage.

Expense Replacement Method
This method involves calculating your family’s annual expenses and multiplying by the number of years you want to provide for. It ensures your family’s daily needs are met.

Example Calculation
Let’s assume you are 44 years old, earning Rs 20 lakh annually. Here’s a breakdown of the calculation:

Income Replacement: 15 times annual income: 15 x Rs 20 lakh = Rs 3 crore.
Outstanding Loans: Home loan of Rs 50 lakh, personal loan of Rs 10 lakh = Rs 60 lakh.
Children’s Education and Marriage: Rs 50 lakh.
Total Required Coverage: Rs 3 crore + Rs 60 lakh + Rs 50 lakh = Rs 4.1 crore.
Choosing the Right Term Insurance Plan
Coverage Term
Select a coverage term that aligns with your retirement age or the age until your financial dependents are self-sufficient.

Premium Affordability
Choose a plan with premiums that fit your budget. Ensure you can maintain the policy without financial strain.

Additional Riders
Consider adding riders like critical illness, accidental death, or waiver of premium for enhanced protection.

Periodic Review
Regularly review your term insurance coverage. Life events like marriage, childbirth, or significant financial changes may require adjustments to your coverage.

Final Insights
Choosing the right amount of term insurance coverage is crucial for your family's financial security. By considering your income replacement needs, liabilities, financial goals, and inflation, you can determine an adequate coverage amount. Regular reviews ensure the coverage remains relevant to your changing financial circumstances.

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  |10925 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 17, 2025

Money
Why you should buy Term Insurance
Ans: You are asking the right question.
Thinking about term insurance shows strong financial awareness.
It protects your family when you are not around.
This is a wise and responsible step.

Let’s explore this from all angles.

» What is Term Insurance?

– It gives a lump sum if the insured person dies.
– No money is given if the person survives.
– It has no maturity or return benefit.
– It is pure risk cover only.
– Very affordable when compared to other life insurance plans.
– It offers high cover at low premiums.

» Why Term Insurance is the Best Protection Plan

– Family needs protection from income loss if something happens.
– Loans, EMIs, and school fees still continue after your death.
– A good term cover helps family live with dignity.
– No other financial product gives this protection at this low cost.

– It is like a safety net for your loved ones.
– Without it, your family may face financial stress.
– Especially important if you have dependents or loans.

» Term Insurance is Not an Investment

– Term plans do not build wealth.
– They are not for returns or tax saving alone.
– Their only job is to protect your family’s future.
– Investment plans with life cover are expensive and confusing.

– Many mix insurance with investment.
– That reduces insurance cover and gives poor returns.
– ULIPs, endowment, and money-back plans are not cost-effective.
– Term insurance gives full focus to protection.

» Ideal Cover Amount and Policy Tenure

– Cover amount should be 10 to 15 times your annual income.
– It must also cover your liabilities like home or personal loans.
– Add future family needs like education, marriage, and retirement.

– Policy term should match your working years.
– Usually till age 60 or retirement.
– After that, your investments should support your family.

» Term Insurance Premiums Are Fixed and Affordable

– If you buy early, premiums are very low.
– Premiums remain same throughout the term.
– Late purchase means higher cost and health checks.
– So, buy when you are young and healthy.

– Example: A 30-year-old pays very low premium for Rs. 1 crore cover.
– At 45 or 50, premiums rise sharply.

» Additional Riders Provide Wider Coverage

– Riders are add-ons for more protection.
– Some useful riders include:

Accidental Death Benefit

Critical Illness Rider

Waiver of Premium

Terminal Illness Benefit

– These riders improve coverage at small extra cost.
– But choose only if you really need them.

» Avoid Investment-Linked Insurance Products

– Endowment, money-back, and ULIPs give mixed benefits.
– They are expensive and offer poor returns.
– They give very low cover for high premium.
– These plans confuse people between saving and protection.

– Always separate investment and insurance.
– Invest in mutual funds for wealth.
– Use term insurance only for protection.

– If you already have ULIP or endowment, review it now.
– Check surrender value and switch to mutual funds.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help with this.

» Direct Online Policies May Not Be Right for All

– Direct term plans may look cheaper.
– But no personal guidance or help in claim process.
– Errors in filling proposal form can delay or reject claims.

– Better to take regular plan through a Certified Financial Planner.
– CFP ensures correct policy selection and form filling.
– They guide family during claim time too.

– You are not just buying insurance.
– You are buying peace of mind.
– So, professional guidance matters.

» Term Plans Are Not Just for Men

– Women also need term insurance.
– Especially if they are earning or co-borrowers in loans.
– Even homemakers may be insured for family safety.

– Death of a homemaker brings emotional and financial cost.
– Replacing her role may need paid support.
– So, term cover for women is also important.

» Group Insurance from Office Is Not Enough

– Most companies give group term cover.
– But that is only 1 to 3 times salary.
– It ends when you leave job or retire.

– It is not portable or flexible.
– It may not cover personal loans or family needs fully.

– You must buy personal term plan outside job.
– That gives long-term, custom protection.

» Term Insurance Gives Mental Peace

– Once term plan is in place, you feel secure.
– Your family won’t face money trouble after you.
– You can focus on work and goals without worry.

– It is the backbone of your financial plan.
– No amount of mutual funds or FDs can replace it.

» Buying Term Insurance is a Responsible Step

– It shows you care about your family.
– It is a selfless financial decision.
– You may not get returns, but your family gets support.

– That is the whole purpose of protection planning.
– Insurance is not for you, but for your dependents.

» How to Choose the Right Term Plan

– Pick a reliable insurer with high claim settlement ratio.
– Choose proper sum assured as per needs.
– Avoid unnecessary riders if not required.
– Fill the proposal form truthfully and carefully.

– Disclose all medical history and lifestyle habits.
– Mention nominee details correctly.
– Keep family informed about the policy.

– Take help from a Certified Financial Planner.
– They can compare and recommend suitable options.

» Final Insights

– Term insurance is the most honest insurance.
– You pay for protection, not for returns.
– It gives your family a chance to rebuild without you.

– Do not delay this important decision.
– Buy term cover when young, healthy, and earning.
– Do not depend on employer cover or low-value policies.

– Do not mix investment and protection in one plan.
– Separate term plan for safety.
– Use mutual funds for wealth.

– Consult a Certified Financial Planner.
– Review term cover every 3–5 years.
– Update nominee and details regularly.

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

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |459 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 22, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 34 years old, married, with no children yet, but we plan to start a family by the end of 2026. Our monthly household take-home income is 4.4 lakh. We have cumulative EMIs of 1.50 lakhs per month: (1) Home Loan (1 Cr Outstanding, 9 years left): 1.1 lacs per month, (2) Car Loan (8 lacs outstanding 4 years left): 25k per month (3) Personal Loan (4 years left) - 15k per month. Our investments include 50 lakh in stocks and mutual funds, and 30 lakh in PF. I have a term plan with cover till age 85, costing additional 1.3 lakh per year in premium for next 7 years. Me and my wife are covered by our employer for medical insurance, and our parents will also have PSU pension and medical cover after retirement. We spend around 1.2 lakh per month on household expenses in Gurgaon. We invest 1 lakh monthly having 20-90 split in stocks and MFs and keep 2 lakh in an emergency savings account. My long-term goal is to pay off all loans, build a financial buffer to move back to my hometown a tier 2 city and do remote work from there - this might reduce our househol income by 30-40%. Given these details, how should I plan our investments to achieve the goals and how many years are we looking to achieve this?
Ans: Hi,

You have done great investments at such age. Let us go through the details one by one:
1. You have a term cover and health insurance for yourself as well as family.
2. You should have emergency fund of 6 months' worth expenses in liquid mutual funds for uncertain times, 2 lakhs is way too less.
3. Currently 3 loans - Home, Car and Personal. All loans will be finished in 9 and 4 years respectively(total EMI - 1.5 lakhs). Overall loans are high. Try to close PErsonal loand first followed by car loan to reduce the EMI burden.
4. 50 lakhs current holdings in stocks and mutual funds.
5. 30 lakhs in PF.
6. 1.4 lakh monthly expenses.
7. Current SIP - 1 lakh permonth in stocks and mutual funds.

You have build a great wealth for yourself at your age. You are also planning to start a family. Keep your invesments like this with consistency and you will finish loans and be able to move to your home as well.

Although direct stock investment needs loads of time and research - hence not recommended. It is advisable for you to keep your investments limited to mutual funds only. And it would be great to take a professional's help as even a slightest mistake can break or make your wealth.

Before relocating after few years, try to maximize your investments at the maximum potential and let compounding do its magic. Try to invest more than 1 lakh per month in mutual funds for a secured future.

Doing and managing investments along with your job is not recommended. It is always better to go for professional advice when it comes to money.

You can connect with 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/

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Reetika Sharma  |459 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Advait sir, I am 48 year having privet Job. I have started investment from 2017, current value of investment is 82L and having monthly 50K SIP as below. My goal to have 2.5Cr corpus at the age of 58. Please advice... 1. Nippon India small cap -Growth Rs 5,000 2. Sundaram Mid Cap fund Regular plan-Growth Rs 5,000 3. ICICI Prudential Small Cap- Growth Rs 10,000 4. ICICI Prudential Large Cap fund-Growth Rs 5,000 5. ICICI Prudential Balanced Adv. fund-Growth Rs 5,000 6. DSP Small Cap fund Regular Growth Rs 5,000 7. Nippn India Pharma Fund- Growth Rs 5,000 8. SBI focused Fund Regular plan- Growth Rs 5,000 9. SBI Dynamic Asset Allocation Active FoF-Regular-Growth Rs 5,000
Ans: Hi,

It is great that you are investing since 2017. Long investments and patience always gives results.
You can easily achieve your goal corpus by the time you turn 58, if investment done correctly.

The funds you mentioned have so much overlapping and scattered. It needs rework and complete reallocation. Maximum of 5 funds should be there. Take the help of a professional to align your portfolio with your goal and customized profile.

A random portfolio like yours can create an opposite impact and generate negative to zero returns.

And try to increase the monthly SIP by 10% each year. This will take care of inflation power.

Hence do 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

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |459 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Money
Hello and namaskar.. I am 36 years old. Need your guidance in the following funds- (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) GROWW nifty midcap 150 index fund -2500/- per month (C) mirae asset ELLS tax saver -5000/- (D) pGIM india mid cap opp. Fund -5000/- (E) quant small cap fund-4000/- (F) ICICI prudential equity and debt fund - 3000 (G) HDFC FLEXI CAP FUND - 4000 (H) Uti nifty 50 index fund - 5000 Additionally I want to invest 1lakh annually. Tell me where to invest this additional amount. These funds are ok or I should exit from any fund and invest in any other fund. I want to get 2 crore till the end of 2035. Am I going on the right track.
Ans: Hi Rajesh,

Appreciate your dedication in investing in mutual funds for long term. The funds selected by you are very random and not recommended for your goal. Overall investments are also not in alignment, this portfolio is a very random one.
Currently you are investing 36000 per month - keep your investments simple in largecap, midcap, smallcap and mutlicap fund. Keep additional 1 lakh as well in these funds.

You should consider exiting funds like quant and shift to more stable ones.

Your current funds are direct, but direct funds are over-rated. A random portfolio like this can instead give less returns than a professionally designed one. It is always better to go for a regular portfolio suggested by a professional. Proper funds with a designed dedicated plan will help you reach your goal of 2 crores in 10 years in an efficient way.

Hence do 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

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |459 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2025

Money
I am 62 years old and I forgot to apply for a monthly pension from EPFO, even though I worked for my previous company for 13 years. I am currently working for another company, but when I try to apply online, I don't see Form 10D; only Form 31 is showing, even though I have left my previous company. pls confirm me what is a issue.
Ans: Hi,

The issue is that you are still employed and online application for monthly pension i.e. Form 10D is available only after you have left service and updated your date of exit on the EPFO portal.
But as you are currently active with a new employer, the system only permits Form 31 for partial withdrawals.

Since you meet the requirements for a superannuation pension (age 62 with 13 years of service), please follow these steps to proceed:

1. Verify Your Service History - Check the "Service History" section of your UAN portal. Ensure your previous employer has officially updated your Date of Exit. The online system cannot process a pension claim without this status update.
2. Use the Offline Application Method - If the online portal remains restricted or encounters technical errors, you must submit a physical application.
* Download Form 10D: Obtain the hard copy from the official EPFO website.
* Employer Attestation: Complete the form and have it signed by your previous employer.
* Alternative Attestation: If your previous employer is unavailable or the company has closed, you may have the form attested by a Gazetted Officer, a Magistrate, or your Bank Manager.
3. Submission Details - Submit the signed form to your regional EPFO office along with the following:
* Three passport-sized photographs.
* A cancelled cheque (for the account where you wish to receive the pension).
* Valid proof of age.

For real-time status updates or specific account queries, you can reach the **EPFO helpline at 14470.

Let me know if you need more help.

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

...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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