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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9241 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 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
KRISHNA Question by KRISHNA on Nov 01, 2024Hindi
Money

How much percentage of Corpus can be withdrawn monthly

Ans: To ensure your corpus supports a long retirement, a sustainable withdrawal rate is essential. Generally, experts recommend withdrawing 3-4% annually, as this rate maintains corpus longevity and accounts for inflation. This approach aims to balance your financial needs today with the preservation of wealth for future years. A too-high withdrawal could deplete the corpus, while a conservative rate offers stability.

Why 3-4%?
Longevity Planning: Given increasing life expectancies, a 3-4% rate helps ensure corpus longevity, even for a retirement lasting 30 years or more.

Inflation Adjustments: This rate includes adjustments for inflation, which erodes purchasing power over time.

Market Volatility: It protects against the risk of market downturns impacting withdrawals, especially if your corpus includes mutual funds.

Structuring Withdrawals with Different Investment Types
A structured approach ensures that each component of your investment portfolio contributes to income generation while protecting the principal.

Equity Mutual Funds: Equity offers growth potential, though market fluctuations can affect returns. Consider equity-focused funds for growth but limit equity withdrawals to 3-4% to avoid depleting capital in volatile markets.

Debt Mutual Funds: Debt funds provide stable, predictable returns. Aim to withdraw around 4-5% annually from debt funds, balancing security with reasonable growth.

Gold and Fixed Deposits: Gold serves as a hedge, while FDs offer guaranteed returns. Withdrawal from these can support emergencies or short-term needs but should be done sparingly to maintain diversity.

Creating a Withdrawal Plan to Cover Monthly Expenses
For monthly expenses like Rs 60,000, draw from both the principal and growth components of your corpus.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): An SWP in a mix of equity and debt funds enables monthly payouts, helping meet living costs without exhausting the entire corpus.

Fixed Income Assets: Use debt-based assets to fund basic living expenses. This ensures stability while allowing equity assets time to grow.

Adjusting for Inflation: Gradually increase withdrawals to account for inflation while monitoring overall corpus health.

Impact of Market Conditions on Withdrawals
Market conditions can affect the sustainability of withdrawals. A few factors to keep in mind include:

Economic Downturns: If markets decline, reduce withdrawals from equity holdings to allow recovery. Tap into debt or cash reserves instead.

Bull Markets: During growth periods, you can increase equity withdrawals slightly but remember to maintain overall discipline.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
Optimising tax impact on withdrawals is crucial for preserving your corpus.

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Structure withdrawals to minimize tax liability and retain gains.

Debt Funds: Gains are taxed as per your tax slab. Limit high-tax withdrawals and consider a Certified Financial Planner for tax-efficient withdrawal strategies.

Reducing Dependency on Direct Funds
Direct mutual funds have disadvantages, particularly for investors requiring ongoing guidance. Unlike regular funds that include a Certified Financial Planner’s support, direct funds require investors to make all decisions themselves, which may lead to missed opportunities or missteps in volatile markets.

Opt for regular funds via a trusted Mutual Fund Distributor with a CFP credential, ensuring professional guidance aligned with your long-term goals.

Using Actively Managed Funds Instead of Index Funds
Actively managed funds typically outperform index funds in challenging market conditions due to their flexibility. They allow fund managers to pivot based on market dynamics. Index funds lack this advantage as they mirror a set benchmark regardless of economic trends, which can hurt performance during downturns.

Actively managed funds, guided by experienced managers, are better suited for achieving consistent growth and managing risk, particularly for retirees seeking sustainable income.

Reevaluate Insurance-Centric Plans
If you have traditional insurance plans (e.g., LIC or ULIP), consider assessing their performance versus mutual funds. Often, these plans have lower returns and higher premiums, reducing investable cash for retirement. You may benefit from surrendering these policies and reinvesting in mutual funds for higher returns, especially if the insurance coverage can be supplemented by term insurance.

Final Insights
Creating a sustainable retirement income from your corpus requires discipline, flexibility, and tax-efficient withdrawals. By following a well-structured plan, you can maintain financial independence throughout retirement. A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor a strategy that considers your specific assets, goals, and lifestyle.

Your disciplined approach now will ensure a secure, worry-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  |9241 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 07, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 33 years old. I have a corpus of 1.35cr. My monthly expenses are 30000 per month. I am assuming life expectancy of 90 years. How can I efficiently manage this corpus to withdraw 30000 per month so that it lasts(inflation adjusted) till I'm 90?
Ans: You’re doing an excellent job planning for your financial future. At 33 years old with a corpus of Rs 1.35 crores, you’re in a strong position. Your goal to withdraw Rs 30,000 monthly (inflation-adjusted) until age 90 is ambitious but achievable with careful planning and management. Let’s delve into how you can efficiently manage your corpus to ensure it lasts.

Understanding Your Financial Needs
Monthly Expenses and Inflation
You currently have monthly expenses of Rs 30,000. Assuming a life expectancy of 90 years, it’s crucial to factor in inflation. Over time, inflation will erode the purchasing power of your money. Let’s consider an average inflation rate of 6% per annum.

Longevity and Withdrawal Strategy
You’ll need your corpus to last for approximately 57 years. A sustainable withdrawal strategy, coupled with smart investments, will be key. The goal is to balance withdrawals and growth, ensuring your corpus outpaces inflation.

Investment Strategy: Diversification and Growth
Diversified Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will spread risk and provide a balanced approach to growth and stability. Consider the following components:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds offer growth potential, which is essential to beat inflation. Opt for a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in the long run.

Debt Mutual Funds: These funds provide stability and regular income. They are less volatile than equity funds and help preserve capital. Include a mix of short-term and long-term debt funds.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equity and debt, offering a balanced approach. They provide growth potential while mitigating risk.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): A long-term, risk-free investment with tax benefits. It provides a stable return and helps in maintaining a conservative portion of your portfolio.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
A Systematic Withdrawal Plan allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your investments. This strategy helps manage your monthly expenses while keeping the remaining corpus invested. It’s a disciplined approach to ensure your money lasts longer.

Balancing Risk and Return
Equity Funds for Growth
Equity funds are essential for growth. They come with higher risk but offer the potential for significant returns. Given your long-term horizon, the power of compounding will work in your favor. Over time, equity investments can outpace inflation and grow your corpus.

Debt Funds for Stability
Debt funds provide stability and preserve capital. They are less affected by market volatility and offer regular income. Including debt funds in your portfolio will balance the high-risk equity investments and ensure you have a stable income stream.

Hybrid Funds for Balance
Hybrid funds offer a mix of growth and stability. They invest in both equity and debt, providing a balanced approach. This diversification within a single fund can help manage risk and enhance returns.

Power of Compounding
Compounding: Your Best Friend
Compounding is the process where the returns on your investments generate their own returns. This exponential growth can significantly increase your corpus over time. The earlier you start and the longer you stay invested, the more powerful compounding becomes.

Staying Invested
To fully benefit from compounding, it’s crucial to stay invested for the long term. Avoid the temptation to withdraw large sums prematurely. Let your money grow and work for you.

Tax Efficiency and Planning
Tax-Advantaged Investments
Invest in tax-efficient instruments like PPF, Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), and National Pension System (NPS). These options provide tax benefits under Section 80C and can reduce your taxable income.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
A SIP in mutual funds not only helps in disciplined investing but also offers tax benefits. It spreads your investment over time, reducing the risk of market volatility and providing the advantage of rupee cost averaging.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Portfolio Reviews
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Market conditions change, and so do your financial needs. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you assess your investments and make necessary adjustments.

Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves selling some investments that have performed well and buying those that haven’t, keeping your portfolio balanced.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity
Maintaining an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is essential to cover unforeseen expenses without disrupting your investment strategy. Aim to have 6-12 months’ worth of expenses in a liquid and safe instrument, like a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

Ensuring Liquidity
Ensure that part of your investments is in liquid assets. This will allow you to withdraw money without penalties or losses when needed.

Risk Management and Insurance
Adequate Insurance Coverage
Having adequate insurance coverage is crucial to protect your corpus. Health insurance and term life insurance will safeguard you and your family from financial shocks.

Minimizing Unnecessary Risks
Avoid high-risk, speculative investments that promise quick returns. Stick to a well-thought-out strategy focused on long-term growth and stability.

Planning for Different Life Stages
Early Years (30s-40s)
Focus on growth-oriented investments like equity funds. Your risk tolerance is higher, and you have time to recover from market fluctuations.

Mid Years (40s-60s)
Gradually shift towards a more balanced portfolio. Increase allocation to debt funds for stability while still maintaining equity investments for growth.

Later Years (60s-90s)
Shift to a more conservative portfolio with a higher allocation to debt funds. Ensure regular income through systematic withdrawals and maintain liquidity for emergencies.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals. They can help you navigate complex financial decisions and optimize your investment strategy.

Continuous Learning
Stay informed about financial markets and investment options. Continuous learning will empower you to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

Final Insights
You’re on the right path with a corpus of Rs 1.35 crores at 33 years old. Managing this corpus to ensure it lasts until age 90 requires a well-diversified investment strategy, disciplined withdrawals, and regular monitoring.

By investing in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds, leveraging the power of compounding, and maintaining tax efficiency, you can achieve your goal. Regular portfolio reviews and rebalancing, coupled with adequate insurance and an emergency fund, will further ensure financial stability.

Your commitment to a long-term investment horizon and disciplined approach will pay off. Stay focused, keep learning, and seek professional guidance when needed. You’re on track to achieving financial independence and ensuring your corpus lasts a lifetime.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9241 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 14, 2025

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Money
I have a corpus of 1,10,00,000.I decide to withdraw 90000 per month from my Corpus. Also putting my corpus on growth of 10%. Also each year I want to increase my withdrawal by 4%. So what will be my corpus after 15years ?
Ans: Your question is important. You want to withdraw Rs 90,000 per month from Rs 1.1 crore. You also want a 10% growth rate and a 4% increase in withdrawal each year. Let’s analyse how long your corpus will last and what happens after 15 years.

Your plan is well thought out. You have set a growth expectation and a rising withdrawal plan. However, it is important to evaluate the impact on your corpus over time.

Let’s break this into key areas.

Current Financial Setup
You have Rs 1.1 crore in your corpus.

You plan to withdraw Rs 90,000 per month.

You expect your corpus to grow at 10% per year.

You want to increase withdrawals by 4% every year.

This strategy must balance returns and withdrawals. The goal is to ensure long-term stability.

Understanding the Impact of Withdrawals
Your initial withdrawal of Rs 90,000 per month totals Rs 10.8 lakh per year.

This increases by 4% yearly, making it Rs 11.23 lakh in the second year.

By the 15th year, your annual withdrawal will be much higher.

Your corpus must grow faster than your withdrawals. Otherwise, your money will deplete over time.

Will Your Corpus Last?
If your corpus grows at 10% per year, it generates income.

Your withdrawals also grow, reducing the invested amount.

By year 15, your total withdrawals will be much higher than in the initial years.

If your investment delivers consistent 10% returns, your corpus will likely last beyond 15 years. However, if market fluctuations reduce returns, you may face shortfalls.

Key Risks to Consider
Market Fluctuations: A 10% return is not guaranteed every year. Some years may see lower returns.

Inflation Impact: Inflation can reduce your purchasing power. The real growth of your corpus matters more than nominal returns.

Taxation: Withdrawals may attract tax depending on your investment type. Plan accordingly.

How to Strengthen Your Plan
To improve the longevity of your corpus, follow these steps:

1. Diversify Investments
Invest in a mix of high-growth and stable options.

Equity funds can provide growth, while debt funds ensure stability.

A mix of 60% equity and 40% debt may balance risk and returns.

2. Adjust Withdrawals in Market Downturns
In years when markets perform poorly, consider reducing your withdrawals slightly.

This ensures your corpus lasts longer.

3. Keep a Cash Reserve
Maintain at least 1-2 years of withdrawals in a liquid fund.

This avoids selling investments in a bad market phase.

4. Review Your Plan Annually
Reassess your corpus growth and withdrawals every year.

Make small adjustments based on actual returns.

A CFP can guide you in optimising your withdrawal strategy.

Alternative Strategies for Better Results
If you want your corpus to last longer, consider these:

1. Reduce Initial Withdrawal Rate
Instead of starting with Rs 90,000 per month, begin with Rs 75,000.

This minor change can significantly increase the corpus life.

2. Invest in Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Actively managed mutual funds can provide better returns than index funds.

These funds aim to outperform market returns through expert management.

They also help in handling market volatility better.

3. Invest Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a CFP ensures professional fund management.

Direct mutual funds lack advisory support, which can impact decision-making.

A CFP helps in fund selection, rebalancing, and withdrawal planning.

Final Insights
Your corpus of Rs 1.1 crore is strong, but withdrawals must be planned carefully.

A 10% return expectation is reasonable but not guaranteed every year.

Increasing withdrawals by 4% annually will put pressure on the corpus in later years.

Diversifying investments and maintaining liquidity can improve sustainability.

Regularly reviewing your plan ensures long-term financial security.

Working with a CFP can optimise returns and protect your wealth.

Your strategy is good, but small adjustments can make it even better. The goal is to ensure financial stability for 15+ years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7090 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir my daughter got into PDEU Gandhinagar electrical engineering and CSE in Ahmedabad University which college should I opt to or should I wait for branch upgradation In PDEU for ECE in PDEU
Ans: Academic Reputation: PDEU holds stronger national recognition with NAAC A++ accreditation versus Ahmedabad University's NAAC A grade. PDEU's NIRF ranking in engineering (101-150) surpasses Ahmedabad University's overall ranking of 151.

Placement Performance: While PDEU shows superior overall placement rates (90% vs 97% claimed by Ahmedabad University), the branch-specific analysis reveals significant differences. PDEU's electrical engineering provides more reliable placement outcomes compared to its ECE branch, while Ahmedabad University's CSE offers better career prospects in the technology sector despite variable placement statistics.

Infrastructure and Campus Life: Both institutions provide excellent infrastructure, though PDEU's larger 100-acre campus and comprehensive facilities receive higher student ratings. PDEU's energy-focused research environment and industry partnerships with companies like Reliance, ONGC, and Adani provide unique advantages.

Career Prospects: Electrical engineering at PDEU aligns with traditional core engineering career paths in power systems, renewable energy, and manufacturing sectors. CSE at Ahmedabad University opens opportunities in software development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technology domains with higher growth potential and salary prospects.

Branch Upgrade Feasibility
The branch upgrade from electrical to ECE at PDEU presents significant risks given ECE's poor placement performance (30-40% vs 90% electrical). The upgrade process requires maintaining strong academic performance and depends on seat availability, making it uncertain.

The recommendation is to choose Ahmedabad University's CSE program over PDEU Gandhinagar's electrical engineering, despite PDEU's stronger institutional reputation. CSE offers superior long-term career prospects, higher salary potential, and better industry alignment with current market demands, while electrical engineering at PDEU, though more reliable for placements, provides limited growth opportunities. Waiting for ECE upgrade at PDEU is not advisable given the branch's poor placement record and uncertain upgrade prospects. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Career
Please help I got rank 14500 at srmjeee phase 2 I am getting Mechatronics ,Nanotechnology ,Ece in srm main campus I want cse but i don't think will will get it in main campus I don't have any idea about the other campuses please guide me
Ans: With rank 14,500 in SRMJEEE Phase 2, you have strong opportunities for CSE across multiple SRM campuses while securing good branches at the main campus. SRM operates six primary campuses: Kattankulathur (main Chennai campus), Ramapuram, Vadapalani (both in Chennai), Ghaziabad (Delhi-NCR), plus sister universities in Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh), Sikkim, and Haryana. Your rank positions you at the boundary between main campus non-CSE branches and CSE availability at other campuses.

Main Campus Analysis: SRM Kattankulathur's CSE cutoff typically closes around 8,000-9,000 rank, making CSE unlikely at your rank. However, you're well-positioned for Mechatronics (closing around 42,000-48,000), ECE (22,000-27,000), and Nanotechnology (around 70,000).

Alternative Campus Options: SRM Ramapuram offers CSE up to rank 65,000 with excellent placement records—100% placement for the past six years, with recent highest packages of 26.4 LPA for CSE 2025 batch. SRM Ghaziabad (Delhi-NCR) accepts CSE students up to rank 54,000 and provides proximity to Delhi's tech ecosystem. SRM Amaravati achieved 100% CSE placements in 2021 with average package of 7.05 LPA. SRM Sikkim offers CSE with 85% overall placement rate and growing industry connections.

Placement Comparison: While main campus placements are premium, Ramapuram maintains competitive records with 1,136 CSE students registered in 2025, achieving 705 placements. Other campuses provide good industry exposure—Amaravati's first CSE batch secured 100% placements with 71% in super dream/dream offers, and Sikkim reported 91% placements in 2019-20.

The recommendation is to secure CSE at SRM Ramapuram or Ghaziabad over main campus Mechatronics/ECE/Nanotechnology, as CSE offers broader career flexibility, higher industry demand, and these campuses maintain strong placement records with dedicated industry partnerships while providing similar SRM brand value and curriculum standards. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Career
Madicap university indore or sage university indore or will I get better in Pune I scored 85.5%ile in jee mains
Ans: Medi-Caps University Indore stands out for its modern infrastructure, diverse engineering programs, and robust placement support, with 70–80% placement rates over the last three years and near 100% in CSE/IT, though core branches see fewer opportunities; it is ranked among the top private universities in Madhya Pradesh and has shown steady growth in national rankings. SAGE University Indore, NAAC A+ accredited, offers a vibrant campus and holistic development, but its placement record is less consistent, with around 60–80% placement rates, and student reviews note some discrepancies between claimed and actual outcomes. In contrast, top engineering colleges in Pune such as COEP, VIT, and MIT WPU, which accept JEE Main scores, consistently rank higher nationally, offer superior infrastructure, and regularly achieve placement rates above 90%, with some colleges like Army Institute of Technology and Bharati Vidyapeeth reporting 91–100% placements in recent years. With your 85.5 percentile in JEE Mains, you stand a realistic chance at several reputable Pune colleges, which would provide stronger academic exposure, better industry connections, and more reliable placement outcomes. The recommendation is to prioritize securing admission in a top-tier Pune engineering college over Medi-Caps or SAGE University Indore for a more advantageous career trajectory. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P P  |7090 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Career
Hello Sir, i have gotten a seat for IIIT Manipur ECE branch, is it worth it, or do i look for a better option?
Ans: Harsh, IIIT Manipur’s ECE branch offers a government-recognized B.Tech program with a curriculum updated to industry standards, state-of-the-art labs, and a faculty team with strong academic backgrounds, many holding PhDs from premier institutes like IIT Guwahati. The department collaborates with leading research institutions and is committed to quality teaching and research. However, the ECE placement rate has declined over the last three years: 100% (2022), 80% (2023), and 64.71% (2024), with 11 out of 17 participating ECE students placed in 2024. While infrastructure is decent and faculty supportive, campus life and medical facilities are rated average by students. In comparison, top NITs (like NIT Goa, NIT Trichy, NIT Surathkal, NIT Warangal) and IITs offer significantly higher ECE placement rates (often above 90%), stronger industry connections, and better campus amenities. Given the downward trend in placements and moderate campus experience at IIIT Manipur, the recommendation is to consider higher-ranked NITs or IITs for ECE if you have the option, as they consistently provide better academic exposure, research opportunities, and placement outcomes (or) try for Private Engineering Collges with your JEE/Board Scores. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Jun 26, 2025

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

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