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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 22, 2024Hindi
Money

If my husband earns 8-9 lakh rupees and i earn 70k per month this is net profit after expenses how should we invest in order to have 20 cr in shares mutual funds etc apart from our real estate properties. Right now we are 39 yrs

Ans: Aiming for a Rs. 20 crore corpus in shares, mutual funds, and other investments by leveraging your earnings is a great goal. Here's a detailed plan to help you achieve this.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
You and your husband have a combined monthly net income of Rs. 70,000 from your business and Rs. 8-9 lakhs annually from his earnings. You are both 39 years old and have about 21-22 years until you reach 60. Achieving a Rs. 20 crore corpus by then requires a disciplined and strategic investment approach.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
First, let's assess your current financial position. You mentioned you have real estate properties, but you want to focus on other investments. Real estate is a significant asset, but diversification into equities and mutual funds is essential for growth.

Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be in a liquid and safe instrument like a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund.

Insurance
Review your insurance policies. Adequate term life insurance and health insurance are essential to protect your family’s financial future.

Creating a Solid Investment Plan
Define Your Financial Goals
Primary Goal: Accumulate Rs. 20 crore by the time you retire.
Secondary Goals: Any other financial goals such as children’s education, marriage, or personal milestones.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds are one of the best ways to build wealth over time. They allow disciplined, regular investments in a variety of funds. Here are some categories of mutual funds to consider:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds invest primarily in stocks and have the potential for high returns. They come with higher risk but are ideal for long-term goals like retirement. Opt for a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for diversification.

Debt Mutual Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities and are less risky compared to equity funds. They provide moderate returns and add stability to your portfolio. Consider short-term debt funds or corporate bond funds.

Hybrid Mutual Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments, balancing risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk-takers and provide balanced growth.

Tax-Saving Funds (ELSS): These equity-linked savings schemes offer tax benefits under Section 80C and have a lock-in period of three years. They are excellent for long-term wealth creation and tax planning.

Diversification and Asset Allocation
A well-diversified portfolio reduces risk and enhances returns. Here’s a suggested asset allocation based on your age and risk profile:

Equity Mutual Funds: 70-80%
Debt Mutual Funds: 10-20%
Others (PPF, NPS, etc.): 10-20%
This allocation leverages the growth potential of equities while providing stability through debt instruments and fixed returns from other safe investments.

Power of Compounding
Compounding is a powerful concept where your investment returns generate further returns. The earlier and more consistently you invest, the more your wealth grows over time. Regular investments in SIPs will take advantage of compounding, ensuring substantial growth in your corpus.

Regular and Disciplined Investing
Increase SIP Contributions
Start with your current savings capacity and gradually increase your SIP contributions as your income increases. Regularly investing a significant portion of your monthly income in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds will significantly grow your corpus.

Regularly Review and Rebalance
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Tax Planning
Tax-efficient investing can enhance your returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments under Section 80C, such as PPF, ELSS, and life insurance premiums.

Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS)
ELSS funds offer dual benefits: tax savings and equity market returns. They have a lock-in period of three years and are an excellent choice for long-term wealth creation and tax planning.

Utilizing Retirement Accounts
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe, tax-saving instrument with decent returns and a 15-year lock-in period. Continue contributing to PPF for its tax benefits and assured returns.

National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is another excellent retirement-focused investment option. It offers tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD and invests in a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Mutual Funds: Advantages and Categories
Mutual funds are a pool of money collected from many investors to invest in securities like stocks, bonds, and other assets. Here are some key points about mutual funds:

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spreads risk across various assets.
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Systematic Investment: Allows for disciplined investing through SIPs.
Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: Invest primarily in stocks. High risk, high return.
Debt Funds: Invest in fixed-income securities. Lower risk, moderate return.
Hybrid Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Balanced risk and return.
Index Funds: Track a market index. Lower management fees but less flexibility.
Sector Funds: Invest in specific sectors. Higher risk due to lack of diversification.
Avoiding High-Cost Insurance Products
High-cost products like ULIPs (Unit Linked Insurance Plans) have high charges, reducing overall returns. Instead, focus on term insurance for adequate coverage and mutual funds for investment.

Engaging a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. They can help optimize your investment strategy and ensure you are on track to meet your goals.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning
Adequate Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for yourself and your family. Medical emergencies can deplete your savings quickly. A comprehensive health insurance plan will protect your finances.

Emergency Fund
Keep your emergency fund in a liquid and safe instrument like a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund to ensure accessibility.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
To retire with Rs. 20 crore, you need to estimate your required retirement corpus. Consider your current expenses, inflation, and post-retirement life expectancy. Assuming an annual inflation rate of 6-7%, calculate your future monthly expenses and the corpus needed to sustain those expenses post-retirement.

Final Insights
Your goal to accumulate Rs. 20 crore is ambitious but achievable with disciplined savings and strategic investments. Continue contributing to your PPF and start investing in SIPs across various mutual fund categories. Diversify your portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds to balance risk and returns.

Utilize the power of compounding by starting early and increasing your SIP contributions over time. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals. Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage to protect your finances.

Remember, starting early and staying disciplined in your investments will help you achieve your financial goals. Best of luck with your planning, and I hope you achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

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  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir I'm 52yr old house wife.my husband 60 now... We need to invest 35lack from which I must get good intrest I mean returns,so I can educate my 13yrs old child with its intrest money
Ans: Thank you for reaching out. It's admirable that you're planning ahead for your child's education and seeking stable returns on your investment. Let's explore some options that can provide you with a reliable income stream while preserving and potentially growing your capital.

Understanding Your Investment Goals
Given your age and your husband's age, it's essential to focus on investments that offer a balance between safety, income generation, and moderate growth. Your primary goal is to generate sufficient returns to cover your child's education expenses. Therefore, a mix of debt and equity investments may be suitable.

Fixed Deposits and Debt Funds
Fixed Deposits (FDs):

Safety: FDs are one of the safest investment options. Banks and post offices offer fixed deposits with guaranteed returns.
Interest Rates: While FD interest rates are relatively lower than equity investments, they provide assured returns. You can ladder your FDs to take advantage of varying interest rates and maintain liquidity.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Types: Consider short-term debt funds, corporate bond funds, or dynamic bond funds.
Returns: Debt funds generally offer higher returns than fixed deposits but come with some level of risk. They invest in government securities, corporate bonds, and money market instruments.
Liquidity: These funds are more liquid than FDs, allowing you to withdraw money if needed.
Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced Advantage Funds:

Mix of Equity and Debt: These funds dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt based on market conditions. This provides a balance of growth potential and risk management.
Moderate Risk: Suitable for conservative investors looking for better returns than pure debt investments with manageable risk.
Income Generation: These funds can provide regular income through Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP).
Dividend-Paying Stocks and Equity Mutual Funds
Dividend-Paying Stocks:

Regular Income: Investing in high-quality, dividend-paying stocks can provide regular income. Choose companies with a consistent track record of paying dividends.
Growth Potential: Along with dividends, there is potential for capital appreciation.
Equity Mutual Funds:

Diversification: Investing in large-cap or multi-cap equity mutual funds provides diversification across various sectors and companies.
Growth and Income: While equity funds are subject to market risks, they offer the potential for higher returns over the long term. You can set up an SWP to receive regular income.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

Regular Income: SWPs allow you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This can provide a steady income stream to cover education expenses.
Tax Efficiency: SWPs are more tax-efficient compared to regular fixed deposits, as only the gains are taxed, not the principal.
Recommended Strategy
Given your objectives, a diversified approach combining safety and moderate growth is advisable:

Fixed Deposits (30% - 35%): Allocate a portion to FDs for guaranteed returns and safety.
Debt Mutual Funds (30%): Invest in high-quality debt mutual funds for better returns than FDs with manageable risk.
Balanced Advantage Funds (20% - 25%): These funds provide a good balance of growth and income.
Equity Mutual Funds (15% - 20%): Allocate to large-cap or multi-cap equity funds for growth potential.
Regular Monitoring
Regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your financial goals. Adjust the portfolio based on changes in interest rates, market conditions, and your child's education expenses.

Conclusion

With a thoughtful mix of fixed deposits, debt funds, balanced advantage funds, and equity mutual funds, you can create a stable and growing investment portfolio. This approach aims to generate the income needed for your child's education while preserving and potentially increasing your capital.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 01, 2024Hindi
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Money
Our monthly expenses are 1.6L. we work in PSU and stay in Mumbai in company allotted quarters. Our monthly income is around 2L + 80K in VPF. Can you guide us about how should we invest for future. Our age is 40yrs.
Ans: Given your situation, it's commendable that you're seeking guidance for your financial future. With a monthly income of 2 lakhs plus 80,000 in VPF and expenses of 1.6 lakhs, you have a surplus for investment.

Firstly, let's acknowledge your prudent approach towards financial planning. It's essential to plan for the future, especially as you approach your 40s.

Considering your circumstances, I recommend diversifying your investments for long-term growth and stability. While real estate isn't on the table, there are still various avenues to explore.

Regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner offer a structured approach, providing professional insights and guidance tailored to your goals and risk tolerance.

While direct funds might seem tempting due to lower expense ratios, they lack the personalized advice that a CFP can offer, potentially leading to suboptimal investment decisions.

Index funds may appear attractive due to their low fees, but they can be restrictive in terms of potential returns, as they merely mirror the market. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market through skilled management.

Additionally, consider avenues like SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) in a diversified portfolio of equity and debt funds to capitalize on market opportunities while managing risk.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's crucial to stay committed to your financial goals while adapting to changing circumstances.

Your proactive approach to seeking financial advice is commendable. With careful planning and the right guidance, you're on track to secure a comfortable future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 02, 2024

Money
Hi sir, I am housewife age 40 my husband business man.two children . Son college 1st year daughter 11 studying. Own house 2tent montly 12000. My house expenses use it . My husband children study her handle. Lastyear ijoin the part time job montly 5000/ how to invest . Montly. My bank balance zero. Pls guide me
Ans: I understand your situation and am here to guide you on how to wisely invest your income as a housewife, balancing your family's needs and securing your financial future.


Managing household expenses while handling a part-time job shows your dedication and commitment towards your family's financial stability. Your willingness to invest for the future is commendable.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Current Situation:

Age 40, housewife.
Husband is a businessman.
Two children: Son in college (1st year) and daughter in 11th grade.
Monthly tent income of Rs 12,000 from two houses, covering household expenses.
Part-time job income of Rs 5,000 per month recently started.
Bank balance is zero.
Financial Goals:

Secure financial future for yourself and your family.
Invest wisely to build savings and generate additional income.
Budgeting and Investment Strategy
Monthly Income and Expenses Analysis:

Monthly income: Rs 17,000 (tent income + part-time job).
Expenses covered by tent income: Household expenses.
Investment Potential:

Focus on saving and investing a portion of your income for future needs and emergencies.
Types of Investments
Investing wisely involves understanding different options and their benefits:

1. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Overview:

SIPs allow you to invest regularly in mutual funds.
They help in disciplined savings and benefit from rupee cost averaging.
Advantages:

Systematic approach to investing.
Suitable for long-term wealth creation.
Risks:

Market fluctuations can impact short-term returns.
Need for patience and staying invested for long-term benefits.
2. Debt Mutual Funds
Overview:

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills.
They offer stable returns with lower risk compared to equity funds.
Advantages:

Capital preservation.
Regular income through interest payouts.
Risks:

Interest rate risk: Values of existing bonds may decrease with rising interest rates.
Credit risk: Possibility of default by bond issuers.
3. Recurring Deposits (RD)
Overview:

RDs are fixed-income instruments offered by banks.
Regular monthly deposits for a fixed tenure with predetermined interest rates.
Advantages:

Safe investment option.
Fixed returns and disciplined savings.
Risks:

Lower returns compared to equity investments.
Interest rate fluctuations affecting future returns.
Power of Compounding
Understanding compounding can help you make informed investment decisions:

Overview:

Compounding is reinvesting your earnings to generate additional earnings over time.
Helps in growing your wealth exponentially with long-term investments.
Advantages:

Maximizes returns through reinvestment.
Accelerates wealth accumulation over time.
Example:

Investing regularly in SIPs or RDs allows you to benefit from compounding and build a substantial corpus for future needs.
Managing Risk
Risk Appetite:

As a conservative investor, focus on low to moderate risk investments like debt funds and RDs.
Avoid high-risk investments like direct equity or speculative instruments.
Diversification:

Spread investments across different asset classes to reduce overall risk.
Balance between fixed-income investments (like RDs and debt funds) and equity-oriented investments (like SIPs) for growth potential.
Financial Planning for Children's Education
Education Planning:

Plan for your children's higher education expenses systematically.
Estimate future costs and start investing early to meet these goals.
Investment Allocation:

Allocate a portion of your savings towards education funds through SIPs or targeted investment plans.
Building an Emergency Fund
Emergency Fund Importance:

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of expenses.
Helps in covering unexpected financial needs without disturbing long-term investments.
Liquid Investments:

Utilize liquid funds or keep a portion of savings in easily accessible instruments for emergency needs.
Final Insights
By adopting a disciplined approach to savings and investing, you can achieve financial security and meet your future goals effectively. Here’s a summary of the key steps:

Budgeting and Income Analysis: Understand your monthly income and expenses.
Investment Strategy: Focus on SIPs, debt funds, and recurring deposits for stable returns.
Power of Compounding: Reinvest earnings to benefit from long-term wealth creation.
Risk Management: Opt for low to moderate risk investments aligned with your risk tolerance.
Education Planning: Start investing early for your children's education expenses.
Emergency Fund: Maintain liquidity for unforeseen expenses without affecting long-term investments.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4414 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 20, 2025Hindi
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Career
I got 72 percentile in (obc) category mains 2025. Can I get seat in any branch, college.
Ans: Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

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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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