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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 24, 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
SHAILESH Question by SHAILESH on Oct 23, 2024Hindi
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how to plan the corpus for retirement

Ans: Retirement planning needs focus on creating financial security and peace of mind. The goal is to maintain your lifestyle without worrying about running out of money. A smart and well-structured retirement plan considers your current income, future expenses, life expectancy, inflation, and health needs. Below is a detailed guide to building a retirement corpus that will support you throughout your golden years.

Assessing Retirement Expenses and Needs
Begin by estimating your monthly expenses after retirement.

Include costs such as food, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle activities.

Don’t forget rising medical expenses, which tend to increase with age.

Factor in any existing liabilities you may need to repay.

Account for inflation, as prices increase over time.

Plan for emergencies and additional healthcare expenses.

Estimating Life Expectancy and Retirement Duration
The retirement corpus depends on how long your savings need to last.
Assume a longer life expectancy to avoid financial shortfalls.
If you retire at 60, plan for at least 25-30 years post-retirement.
Identifying Income Sources in Retirement
List out all sources of income you can rely on during retirement.

This may include pensions, dividends, rental income, or interest from deposits.

Don't depend solely on one income source, as diversification is essential.

Review how much your savings, investments, and insurance policies will contribute.

Aim to generate enough monthly income to match or exceed your regular expenses.

Asset Allocation: Diversify to Minimise Risk
Asset allocation is critical for balancing growth and stability.

Consider a mix of equity, debt, and liquid funds to spread risk.

Equity funds help counter inflation, while debt funds provide safety.

As you approach retirement, shift more towards safer investments.

Liquid funds ensure you have quick access to cash in emergencies.

Creating Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) for Monthly Income
SWPs from mutual funds allow you to receive regular income.

You can customise the withdrawal amount based on your needs.

SWPs prevent you from depleting your savings too fast.

Withdrawals from equity funds also help reduce tax liability.

This strategy offers better flexibility than fixed deposits.

Health Insurance and Contingency Planning
Comprehensive health insurance is crucial during retirement.

Medical costs can rise, and having insurance reduces financial pressure.

Opt for a personal health cover instead of relying only on group insurance.

Maintain a separate emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.

This fund should cover at least 6-12 months of your monthly expenses.

Tax Planning to Maximise Returns
Manage your withdrawals to minimise tax outflows.

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

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

Debt funds now have the same tax treatment as fixed deposits.

Plan withdrawals accordingly to keep your tax liability low.

Avoiding Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index funds may seem simple but offer limited flexibility.

They only track the market and cannot adjust to changes actively.

Actively managed mutual funds, on the other hand, can outperform markets.

Regular funds provide access to professional advice through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Investing through a CFP ensures better fund selection and monitoring.

Reviewing Investments Periodically
Regular reviews help ensure your portfolio aligns with your goals.
Adjust your investments based on market changes and personal needs.
A CFP can assist in rebalancing your portfolio as required.
Managing Inflation and Longevity Risks
Inflation reduces the value of money over time.

A portion of your investments should remain in equity to fight inflation.

Plan for longevity risk by having enough savings to last longer than expected.

Avoid overspending early in retirement to prevent depleting your corpus.

Manage withdrawals carefully to maintain a steady income throughout.

Estate Planning and Wealth Distribution
Ensure all your investments have proper nominations.
Draft a will to distribute your wealth according to your wishes.
Consider setting up a trust if you have specific wealth distribution plans.
Final Insights
Retirement planning requires balancing stability with growth.

Focus on asset allocation to minimise risks and maximise returns.

SWPs provide flexibility and ensure steady monthly income.

Comprehensive health insurance reduces financial stress.

Regular reviews with a CFP keep your investments on track.

A thoughtful plan ensures financial independence throughout 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  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 21, 2024

Money
I understand, The corpus accumulation for retirement planning varies with age for eg at 30 it should be 200 times. Can you please suggest me, where I am 60 years now and how much Corpus accumulation should I require ie how many times of my annual expenses ???? is it okay 25 times ???? of my annual expenses as corpus for my post retirement
Ans: At the age of 60, retirement planning becomes even more critical as you prepare for a life without regular income. You’re correct in asking how much corpus accumulation you require to sustain yourself post-retirement. The general rule of thumb, which you mentioned—25 times your annual expenses—is a good starting point. However, let’s dive deeper to make sure you have enough financial security.

Importance of 25 Times Annual Expenses as Corpus

The 25 times rule for retirement corpus is widely recommended. This assumes that you withdraw 4% of your corpus annually to cover your expenses, leaving the rest to grow over time. In simpler terms, this rule gives you a safety net for about 25-30 years post-retirement.

Why 25 Times? This factor comes from the idea that withdrawing 4% of your retirement corpus annually should last through your retirement, assuming average returns from investments. It helps maintain your lifestyle without depleting your savings too quickly.

Will It Work for You at 60? Yes, 25 times your annual expenses is generally a safe number. However, there are several factors to consider, like inflation, healthcare costs, and unforeseen expenses.

Factors Influencing Your Corpus Requirement

Inflation Inflation is a crucial factor that can erode your purchasing power over time. While your current expenses may seem manageable, in 10-15 years, they could be significantly higher. Ideally, your investments should continue to grow to keep pace with inflation.

Longevity People are living longer these days, and this means your corpus needs to last longer as well. Planning for at least 30 years after retirement is a prudent approach. Having 25 times your annual expenses will ensure that you don’t outlive your savings.

Healthcare Costs As you age, healthcare costs tend to rise. Ensuring you have health insurance is essential, but you must also account for potential out-of-pocket expenses. Medical inflation is higher than general inflation, so it's crucial to have some buffer in your corpus for unexpected medical needs.

Unforeseen Expenses Life is unpredictable. Whether it’s home repairs, emergencies, or support for family members, unexpected costs can arise. It's always good to have a financial cushion for these surprises.

Is 25 Times Enough?

For most retirees, 25 times their annual expenses can provide a secure financial future. However, the following points can help you decide if you need to adjust this rule slightly for your circumstances:

Expenses Are Likely to Decrease or Stay the Same: Most people find that their post-retirement expenses either decrease or remain stable. This happens because your biggest financial commitments, such as children’s education or home loans, are likely already taken care of.

Medical Costs Might Increase: While many expenses go down in retirement, healthcare costs usually go up. Having health insurance can help, but you should also account for rising healthcare expenses by increasing your corpus beyond 25 times.

Investment Returns and Risk Appetite: Even after retirement, your corpus needs to keep growing. Low-risk investments may offer stable returns but won’t beat inflation. Consider keeping some of your corpus in diversified equity mutual funds, as they provide inflation-beating returns in the long run.

Why Not Index Funds or Direct Plans?

You may be tempted to use index funds or direct mutual funds for your retirement portfolio. While these options have low costs, they come with limitations:

Index Funds: They don’t provide flexibility in changing market conditions. Index funds simply follow the market, which means they won’t outperform during tough times. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can adjust to market changes and find growth opportunities.

Direct Mutual Funds: Although direct plans have lower expense ratios, they lack professional guidance. Certified Financial Planners (CFP) provide valuable expertise, from portfolio reviews to personalized investment strategies. The slightly higher cost of regular funds invested through a CFP is often worth it for the ongoing support.

What Should Be Your Corpus at Age 60?

Let’s assume your annual expenses are Rs 10 lakhs. Based on the 25 times rule, your retirement corpus should be around Rs 2.5 crores. However, this can vary depending on your lifestyle, healthcare needs, and financial goals. Here’s what you should think about:

Comfortable Retirement: If you want to maintain your current lifestyle, 25 times your annual expenses should suffice. This will provide you with enough to cover your day-to-day living and still leave room for some discretionary spending.

Healthcare Cushion: Given rising medical costs, you might want to increase your corpus to 30 times your annual expenses, just to be safe. This would account for any significant healthcare costs that may arise as you grow older.

Legacy Planning: If you intend to leave behind a legacy for your children or other dependents, you might want to set aside an additional amount beyond your retirement corpus.

Sustainable Withdrawal Rate

The 4% withdrawal rule is a good way to ensure your corpus lasts throughout your retirement. Here’s why:

Predictable Income: Withdrawing 4% annually ensures you have a predictable income stream. This helps with budgeting and managing your retirement expenses.

Growing Investments: While you withdraw 4%, the remaining corpus continues to be invested, ideally in a mix of debt and equity mutual funds. This ensures your corpus continues to grow and keep pace with inflation.

Adjusting for Market Conditions: During market downturns, you might want to reduce your withdrawals temporarily to avoid depleting your corpus too quickly. Having a diversified portfolio helps here as different asset classes perform differently in varying market conditions.

Investment Options After Retirement

Even after retiring, it’s essential to keep your money working for you. Here’s how you can allocate your corpus for maximum security and growth:

Debt Mutual Funds for Stability Debt mutual funds are a great option for retirees as they provide stability and predictable returns. You can invest a significant portion of your corpus in debt funds to ensure regular income with lower risk.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds for Growth Balanced or hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They offer moderate risk with growth potential. A portion of your retirement corpus should remain in balanced funds to ensure your money keeps growing and beating inflation.

Equity Funds for Long-Term Growth You may want to retain a small portion of your corpus in equity mutual funds, especially flexi-cap or large-cap funds. These funds provide inflation-beating returns over time. Even in retirement, your investments should grow faster than inflation to maintain your purchasing power.

Final Insights

At age 60, planning your retirement corpus is crucial for a worry-free future. The general rule of 25 times your annual expenses is a good starting point, but it’s important to consider factors like inflation, healthcare, and unforeseen expenses.

Make sure your portfolio remains diversified across debt and equity funds, with a focus on low-risk options for stability. However, keep some investments in growth-oriented funds to protect against inflation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic_investment_planners/

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |786 Answers  |Ask -

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Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |183 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 19, 2024Hindi
Career
Hello sir I am mbbs graduated from russia in 2020,n passed with my fmge exam in india in 2021, I want to ask if i want to practice medicine or work as doctor in uk ? Is it necessary for me to pass plab exam exam? Or if i get sponsorship from any uk i will be able to work there and simultaneously i will give plab exam?? Please guide me i m so confused?
Ans: Hi, I understand that you pursued a medicine course in Russia (a non-European country) and, since you are from India, you have completed the FMGE. Now you want to practice or work in the UK as a doctor?

Based on your question, you are eligible to practice in India after completing your internship (which you haven't mentioned, but I assume you have completed it). The FMGE is essentially a licensure exam for Indian students who have completed their medical studies abroad, so you are eligible to practice in India only.

If you want to practice medicine in the UK, you need to complete the PLAB test, as you are from outside the UK/Switzerland/European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland).

You also inquired about sponsorship. Here is the information related to sponsorship for practicing medicine in the UK.
(Extracted from general medical council, uk org. )Applying for registration using sponsorship
If you apply through sponsorship, you will have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK. Each sponsor has their own scheme which we have pre-approved. If you can satisfy the requirements of their scheme, they will issue you with a Sponsorship Registration Certificate (SRC) which you will need for your application with us. Please ensure this is a Sponsorship Registration Certificate for GMC registration, as we can’t accept UK visa sponsorship certificates for your application for registration.
Please note that a core part of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for an offer of sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. If you cannot meet these minimum criteria, it is unlikely that you'll be able to supply sufficient evidence to support your application for sponsorship.
Doctors applying through sponsorship are required to demonstrate their English language skills by achieving our current minimum scores in the academic version of the IELTS test or the OET (medicine version).
• Alder Hey International Fellowship Scheme (Anaesthetics)
• Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board - BCUHB IMG Sponsorship Scheme
• BAPIO Training Academy Ltd – BTA International Fellowship Scheme
• BAPIO Training Academy Ltd – International Training Programme for Postgraduate Doctors
• BAPIO Training Academy Ltd - BTA International Fellowship Scheme – Internal Medicine with interest in Oncology with MSc in Oncology
• Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust - BHRUT Sponsorship Scheme for Overseas Doctors in Clinical Radiology
• Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry (Birmingham)
• Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital – Birmingham Women’s and Children’s International Medical Graduate sponsorship scheme
• Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Cambridge IVF, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust – IVF Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme
• Cambridge University Hospital – Senior Clinical Fellowship Scheme in Intensive Care Medicine/Anaesthesia
• Canterbury Christ Church University
• Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Psychiatry Fellowship Programme
• Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
• East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust - Clinical Fellowship in Urology or Ophthalmology
• East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust - Specialist Clinical Fellowship in Pain Management
• East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) – ELFT Advanced International Fellowship in Psychiatry
• East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust – ICENI Centre Fellowships Programme
• Edge Hill University and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust – International Training Fellowships in MCh programmes
• ENT UK – Royal College of Surgeons
• Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust – EPUT Advanced Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust – International Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia combined with MSc in Principles of Regional Anaesthesia at the University of East Anglia
• Great Ormond Street Hospital International Fellowship Programme
• Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Critical Care
• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – International Clinical Fellowship Programme (ICFP)
• Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust – Oncology Specialty Training
• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust – Specialty Training in Anaesthetics
• Harefield Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust – Anaesthesia and Critical Care
• Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
• Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – International Fellows at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust - Sponsored International Fellowship Scheme in Psychiatry
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Emergency Medicine
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Haematology
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – International Anaesthesia Trainees
• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Intensive Care Medicine
• Imperial College, London - Clinical Research
• King’s College Hospital NHS Trusts – International Critical Care Fellowship
• King’s College Hospital NHS Trusts – Paediatric Critical Care Fellowship
• Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust - Psychiatry specialty Fellowship Scheme
• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - Overseas Registrar Development and Recruitment (ORDER)
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – International Fellowship Programme
• Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust – International Medical Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – CESR Fellowship in Psychiatry or Sponsored Fellowship in Psychiatry
• Lysholm Dept of Neuroradiology – National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – International Fellowship Programme
• Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Ministry of Defence – International Military Clinical Fellowships
• Modality Partnership - Modality Primary Care International Fellowship Scheme
• NAViGO Health and Social Care CIC – International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• NHS England, East of England - East of England International Office GMC Sponsorship
• NHS Fife – CESR Fellowship Programme in Psychiatry
• NHS Grampian – Psychiatry CESR Fellowship Programme
• NHS Grampian – Multi-specialty SAS Fellowship
• NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) – All Wales International Medical Recruitment Programme
• Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) - Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Psychiatry
• North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG) Sponsorship Programme
• Northampton General Hospital – Clinical Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia
• Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust - International Clinical Fellowship in Regional Anaesthesia, Vascular Anaesthesia, or Peri-operative Medicine
• Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – International Clinical Fellowship Scheme
• Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – International Clinical Fellowship Scheme (Psychiatry)
• Northern Care Alliance – NCA International Medical Fellowship Scheme
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Oxford Eye Hospital
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Oxford Intensive Care Medicine (OxICM) Sponsorship Scheme
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Oxford University Hospitals Sponsorship Scheme
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – The Oxford International Neonatal and Paediatric Fellowship Programme
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• Royal College of Emergency Medicine
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• Royal College of Pathologists
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• Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Royal College of Physicians of London
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
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• Royal College of Radiologists – Clinical Oncology
• Royal College of Radiologists – RCR Specialty Training Sponsorship Scheme
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust
• Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Senior Clinical Fellowship Programme in Anaesthesia and Critical Care
• Royal Wolverhampton Trust – Clinical Fellowship Programme
• Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust - Rotational Clinical Fellows in Paediatrics, Trauma and Orthopaedic International Fellows, and Subspeciality Fellows in Paediatrics
• Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust - International Medical Fellowship in Psychiatry
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• South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust - GMC Multispecialty Sponsorship Scheme
• South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – International Fellowship in Psychiatry
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• St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust – St Bartholomew’s Critical Care Fellowship
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• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust - UHB LED Fellowship Programme
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KINDLY NOTE: If your sponsor is not on this list then you cannot apply using sponsorship.
If you have any further questions, please visit the GMC website for more information.

WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7290 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 21, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I follow your articles regularly and your detailed assessment is really awesome.I am 47yrs Male with wife, 20&18 years kids, elder one is in B.Tech and younger one is 12th. My wife is a home maker. Coming to financials. I have 4 houses including the one residing worth 10cr(total) and getting rental income of 70k per month, invested in stocks and MFs worth 60L, have foreign stocks of worth 1.7cr, accumulated pf around 1.3cr. I have farm lands worth 5cr. Have 1.2cr loan and salary of ~4L (net). current sips in equity 70k/month, have 5Cr term plan, health insurance for family 50L. How do I plan my retirement at 52-53years assuming 80 years life expectancy. Don't want to depend on kids and need regular income ~3-4L per month.
Ans: Asset Evaluation
Real Estate:
You own four houses worth Rs 10 crore, generating Rs 70,000 monthly rental income. This is a solid base for passive income. However, real estate can have fluctuating maintenance costs, tenant issues, and varying rental yields over time.

Stocks and Mutual Funds:
Your Rs 60 lakh investment in stocks and mutual funds is a commendable step. Active mutual funds offer professional fund management and can outperform index funds over time.

Foreign Stocks:
Your Rs 1.7 crore portfolio in foreign stocks adds geographical diversification. Monitor currency exchange fluctuations and global market trends.

Provident Fund (PF):
With Rs 1.3 crore in PF, this is a reliable retirement corpus. The fund provides fixed returns and tax benefits, adding stability.

Farm Lands:
Farm lands worth Rs 5 crore are an illiquid but valuable asset. They might not generate consistent income unless leased or developed.

Loans:
A loan liability of Rs 1.2 crore needs prioritised repayment. Focus on loans with higher interest rates first.

Insurance Coverage:
A Rs 5 crore term plan is robust. Your Rs 50 lakh health insurance is sufficient for unexpected medical emergencies.

Retirement Goals
You need Rs 3–4 lakh monthly for 27–28 years post-retirement.
The portfolio must generate steady, inflation-adjusted returns.
Action Plan for Retirement
Debt Management
Prepay High-Interest Loans:
Use a portion of your surplus income to prepay loans. This reduces interest outflow and increases your cash flow.

Avoid New Loans:
Focus on reducing existing liabilities instead of taking on new ones.

Portfolio Restructuring
Real Estate:
Retain essential properties. Sell underperforming or non-essential properties to reduce concentration in real estate. Invest proceeds in mutual funds or debt instruments for diversification.

Mutual Funds (MFs):
Increase SIPs in actively managed funds. They outperform direct funds due to guidance from Certified Financial Planners and MFDs. Regular funds offer better tracking and professional assistance.

Stocks:
Monitor direct equity investments closely. Consider reallocating underperforming stocks to mutual funds for better management.

Debt Instruments:
Invest in high-quality debt funds or fixed-income securities for stability. These instruments balance equity volatility and ensure steady returns.

SIP Strategy
Increase SIPs from Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh/month.
Allocate 70% to equity funds for long-term growth.
Invest 30% in debt funds for stability and liquidity.
Emergency Fund
Maintain a 12-month expense reserve in liquid funds or fixed deposits.
This covers unexpected expenses without disturbing investments.
Income During Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Use SWPs in mutual funds to generate regular income.
Withdraw 6–8% annually from your mutual fund portfolio for a steady income stream.
Rental Income Optimisation
Review property rents regularly.
Invest part of rental income in equity or debt mutual funds for compounding.
Dividend Stocks
Retain high-dividend-yield stocks for regular income.
Reinvest surplus dividends for long-term growth.
Tax Efficiency
Equity Funds Taxation:
Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds Taxation:
Both short- and long-term gains are taxed per your income slab.

Real Estate Capital Gains:
Use exemptions under Sections 54 or 54F to save tax on property sales.

Inflation Protection
Allocate 60–70% of your portfolio to equity investments.

Equity provides inflation-adjusted returns over time.

Debt funds and fixed instruments safeguard against equity market volatility.

Estate Planning
Draft a will to allocate assets transparently among family members.
Use nomination and joint ownership to avoid legal complications.
Consider a family trust for farm lands to avoid disputes.
Periodic Review
Review your financial plan every six months.
Adjust investments based on market conditions, goals, and needs.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner regularly for updates.
Finally
A well-diversified portfolio ensures financial independence post-retirement. Focus on debt repayment, portfolio balance, and tax-efficient withdrawals. Your assets can comfortably generate Rs 3–4 lakh monthly income, adjusted for inflation.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |444 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

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Relationship
I am the eldest sibling in our families and aged 51. Normally, whenever anyone in the family has a problem - financial, mental, psychological, issue with people or anything else, they come up to discuss with me and share. Well, many would say I am lucky as people look up to me when they are in any kind of a problem. But that is not the case. Sadly no one is around with whom I can discuss or even think to share my issues, my problems. I do not have any friends. Sadly, yes, that is a fact and at my age, I dont expect that here we have a culture where we can get to making friends, at least the kind of friends with whom you can confide, share your feelings, problems. I tried and failed. Maybe because I am introvert or maybe I am too cautious. To make it more complicated, I dont work in the regular kind of job. I am a lone person who works as a freelance from home. This limits my outreach when it comes to interacting with real people. I have clients, business contacts, but I cannot get personal with them. It will never be a good choice. My wife is busy with her job + we do not have any relation beyond the daily matters related to household and it has been more than 10 years now that we live this way. Tried to sort out things with her but she just does not have time and interest (after all who wants to add on to tensions, stress). My daughter is after all my daughter - I cannot share these with her, and definitely at 10 she is too young to be one to discuss such stuff. I am not sure how far this issue can be fixed but I am hopeful to find some path here.
Ans: Dear Kevin,
Starting small can be helpful. Consider connecting with people through shared interests or hobbies, either online or in person, where the pressure to immediately open up is minimal. Online communities, local meetups, or volunteer activities can create low-stakes opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. The goal isn’t to instantly find someone to confide in but to slowly build a sense of belonging and companionship.

Your relationship with your wife appears to be another significant source of emotional distance. While her lack of interest in deep conversations may seem like a barrier, it’s worth exploring other ways to reconnect—perhaps by spending time together in shared activities or revisiting moments that once brought you closer. Sometimes, relationships stuck in routines benefit from new experiences or even professional counseling to navigate the underlying dynamics.

Regarding your daughter, while it’s clear she cannot shoulder your emotional burdens, she can still be a source of joy and connection. Investing time in activities with her can provide a sense of fulfillment and grounding that counters loneliness.

Above all, remember that reaching out for professional support, such as therapy, is not a sign of weakness but an act of self-care. A therapist can provide a safe space to express your feelings and help you develop strategies to foster deeper connections and manage emotional isolation.

You deserve to feel supported and connected, and even if the journey to finding that seems long, every step you take toward opening up or seeking out others is a move toward a more fulfilling and less lonely existence.

...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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