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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 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 - Apr 23, 2024Hindi
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Iam 41 years earning 32000 pm and after TDS getting 29484 my dad is giving 15000 and interest on fd for 320000 at 7.75 % and personal interest for loan provided for5 lakh is 17500 fd interest and loan interest varies dad's is temporary have rd investment of total 260000 which matures in August ,2024 ppf 230000 sbi pension investment retire smart plan of 500000 I can either avail pension lifelong or lumpsum return before 25 years completion in another 2 years afterwards at 8.1 interest if pension or if lumpsum the fund value gold and silver and residential property which iam currently living in my expenses are about 10000 or so depends I have lic endowment paid till now for about 7.5 years 50000 pa needed to be paid for another 7.5 years if continued maturity amount will be 12 lakh. In commercial property I will get increment upto every 5 years for about 25 years and at 25th year it will be around 57000 at 66 th year which is fixed and then it would be the rent at that point what is prevailing in that area now I want to know what I need to invest and is it sufficient for my retirement and how much more I should make and salary varies as jobs are not permanent so request to guide as iam interested in travelling and need about 30 lakhs or so for all this starting at this age for about another 5 to 6 years taking about 4 lakhs pa to cover up 1 abroad location

Ans: Given your financial situation and aspirations, it's essential to devise a comprehensive retirement plan that addresses your income, expenses, investments, and retirement goals.

Starting with your income, considering your monthly salary of 29,484 after TDS, along with the additional support from your father and interest income from FDs and loans provided, you have a steady income stream.

Your investments, including RD, PPF, SBI pension investment, LIC endowment, and commercial property, provide a diversified portfolio. However, it's crucial to evaluate each investment's performance, risk, and suitability for your retirement goals.

Regarding your expenses, with an estimated monthly expense of 10,000, it's important to factor in inflation and potential lifestyle changes in retirement. Planning for contingencies and unexpected expenses is prudent.

To assess if your current investments are sufficient for retirement, consider your retirement goals, including travel expenses. With a target of 30 lakhs for travel over the next 5-6 years, it's essential to calculate the required investment amount to achieve this goal within the specified timeframe.

Since your salary varies due to the nature of your job, it's advisable to create a buffer or emergency fund to cover any income fluctuations or unforeseen expenses.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized insights and recommendations tailored to your financial situation, retirement goals, and risk tolerance. They can help you optimize your investment strategy, identify potential gaps, and create a roadmap for achieving your retirement aspirations.

Remember, retirement planning is a dynamic process that requires periodic review and adjustments. Stay proactive, monitor your investments, and make informed decisions to ensure a secure and fulfilling 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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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 31, 2024

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Sir My Age is 38 Now. Running Business In Pune city. Below are the My Assets & Liabilities. Current Values - Assets. Own Industrial Plot - Rs. 2.0 Cr Business Income Yearly Rs. 24.00 Lack Own Company Investment ( Machinery, Debtors Etc ) - Rs 2.40 Cr Mutual Fund & Share Market Investment Rs. 2.10 Cr Bank FD - Rs. 50.00 Lack Own 3 Flats in Pune - Rs. 75 lack, 50 Lack & 35 Lack ( Current Values ) Golds - Rs. 25.00 Lack Land - Agriculture - Rs. 50.00 Lack Term Insurances - Rs. 20.00 Lack ( Till Date Premium Paid ) Labilities. House Loan - Rs. 30.00 Lack ( EMI 26500.00 PM ) Loan will close after 17 years. Car Loan - Rs. 6.35 lack ( EMI 12500.00 PM ) Loan will close after 5 years. This Assets & investment sufficient for maintain 7 family members Expenses after retirement ? ( 4 Adult + 3 Children (Below 5 Years) ). I will retire at the age of 45.
Ans: Hello;

What is the expected monthly rental from industrial plot and machinery?

Are you currently occupying one of the flats mentioned here or are all of them given on rent?

Also your term life insurance is very low. You should have minimum term insurance cover of 2.4 Cr.

You have good assets in agri land, industrial land, gold, real estate but they are relatively illiquid when need arises hence term insurance cover with riders for critical care and accident benefit are an absolute must!

Considering the home loan tenure of 17 years and 3 small kids in the family to be supported for education and decent lifestyle, I am not sure if you can retire in 7 years timeframe from now.

However I would appreciate your reply to my queries above, before I give my firm view about your retirement in 7 years timeframe.

Best wishes;

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

Money
Sir My Age is 38 Now. Running Business In Pune city. Below are the My Assets & Liabilities. Current Values - Assets. Own Industrial Plot - Rs. 2.0 Cr, Business Income Yearly Rs. 24.00 Lack, Own Company Investment ( Machinery, Debtors Etc ) - Rs 2.40 Cr, Mutual Fund & Share Market Investment Rs. 2.10 Cr, Bank FD - Rs. 50.00 Lack, Own 3 Flats in Pune - Rs. 75 lack, 50 Lack & 35 Lack ( Current Values ), Golds - Rs. 25.00 Lack, Land - Agriculture - Rs. 20.00 Lack, Term Insurances - Rs. 20.00 Lack ( Till Date Premium Paid ) Labilities. House Loan - Rs. 30.00 Lack ( EMI 26500.00 PM ) Loan will close after 17 years. Car Loan - Rs. 6.35 lack ( EMI 12500.00 PM ) Loan will close after 5 years. This Assets & investment sufficient for maintain 7 family members Expenses after retirement ? ( 4 Adult + 3 Children (Below 5 Years) ). I will retire at the age of 45.
Ans: Your financial position is commendable, with diverse investments and significant assets. Let's carefully evaluate your portfolio and determine its adequacy for retirement.

Assets Evaluation
Industrial Plot: The industrial plot adds stability to your portfolio. However, it may not generate regular income.

Business Income: Rs. 24 lakh yearly income supports both savings and current expenses. However, this income will stop after retirement.

Company Investments (Machinery, Debtors, etc.): Rs. 2.4 crore in business assets holds potential but depends on liquidity. Ensure your business succession plan is well-structured.

Mutual Funds and Stock Market Investments: Rs. 2.1 crore in equity investments offers excellent growth potential. A well-diversified portfolio aligned with your goals is crucial.

Bank Fixed Deposits: Rs. 50 lakh provides safety but generates lower returns. This can be retained for emergencies or short-term needs.

Real Estate (3 Flats): Your flats have a combined value of Rs. 1.6 crore. Rental income post-retirement can support your expenses.

Gold: Rs. 25 lakh in gold acts as a hedge against inflation. Gold is a strong reserve asset but not an income-generating one.

Agricultural Land: Rs. 20 lakh in agricultural land may have limited liquidity. Future appreciation depends on market conditions.

Term Insurance: Rs. 20 lakh in term insurance offers coverage but is not an investment.

Liabilities Evaluation
House Loan: Rs. 30 lakh house loan with 17 years remaining. This liability will continue into retirement unless paid early.

Car Loan: Rs. 6.35 lakh car loan with five years remaining. Manage this liability to avoid cash flow pressure.

Retirement Planning Considerations
Expenses for 7 Members: Your family size increases post-retirement costs. This includes education and healthcare for children and adults.

Retirement Age of 45: Early retirement reduces your working years and increases the time funds need to last.

Inflation Impact: Rising costs of living must be considered for a long retirement period.

Corpus Utilisation: Your existing investments need to generate regular post-retirement income while growing to beat inflation.

Suggestions for Asset Allocation
Equity Investments: Continue equity investments in mutual funds and stocks for growth. Consolidate under-performing funds and consider active funds for better returns.

Real Estate Management: If rental income is not substantial, consider selling underperforming properties. Reinvest proceeds into diversified financial instruments.

Emergency Fund: Maintain Rs. 6-8 lakh in liquid funds or FDs for unforeseen expenses.

Loan Repayment Strategy: Prepay car and home loans with surplus funds to reduce interest outflow.

Gold and Agricultural Land: Retain as reserves but avoid additional allocation here.

Business Continuity Plan: Create a clear succession plan to ensure business sustainability. This will protect your assets and provide stability.

Additional Recommendations
Mutual Fund Review: Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. Avoid excessive exposure to one category.

Life Insurance Review: Ensure your term insurance covers at least 10-15 times your annual income. Consider increasing coverage for better security.

Health Insurance: Cover all family members with adequate health insurance. Opt for a Rs. 20-25 lakh family floater plan.

Children’s Education and Marriage: Start dedicated investments for these goals using equity mutual funds for long-term growth.

Retirement Corpus Calculation: Target a corpus that generates Rs. 3 lakh monthly. Include inflation-adjusted returns and expenses.

Creating a Retirement Income Plan
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Invest a portion of equity funds in debt-oriented SWP to generate regular income.

Rental Income: Generate steady rental income from real estate properties to cover a portion of expenses.

Debt Funds: Allocate a portion to debt funds for stable returns. This helps balance equity risks.

Dividend Yield Stocks: Invest in high-dividend stocks for a regular income stream.

Periodic Portfolio Review: Monitor and adjust your portfolio annually to align with changing goals and market conditions.

Final Insights
Your current assets and investments are significant. However, early retirement requires careful planning. Focus on prepaying loans and optimising investments. Protect your family with adequate insurance and create a robust retirement income plan.

With disciplined investments and adjustments, your goal of retiring at 45 is achievable.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 41 years old and Married. I have 2 kids one daughter 15 years and son 7 years old. I am drawing annually 24 Lakhs salary. Having 3 houses one self occupied and two give letout with annual 4.2 lakhs rental income. All houses worth together 3 Crores. Housing loans principle outstanding of 85 lakhs with interest rate of 8.6% with monthly EMI of 1.13 lakhs per month for next 9 years. As of today I have SIP worth 90 lakhs with an IRR of 20%, Bank FD 30 lakhs – 7%, PPF 47 lakhs and PF 26 lakhs. I have term insurance of 1 CR and my wife term insurance of 50 Lakhs. For these for next 5 years, I have to pay premium of 1 lakh per annum. Medical insurance from company 5 lakh per annum for my family of 4 members. I am continuing my SIP of 86K per month – flexi cap 24L, small cap 29K, large cap 19K, Mid cap 14K. Any shortage of funds, I am moving from FD to SIP gradually. (SIP started 7 years back - started with 15K and now SIP at 86K) My annual expenses comes to 15 Lakhs including everything. I would like to take retirement at 50 years. Please check my details and suggest for any modifications for better returns. Also, please let me know how I can meet with liquid assets of 20 crores (in addition to my current properties) Thanks!
Ans: You have a strong financial foundation.
Your salary and rental income total Rs. 28.2 lakhs per year.
Your housing loan EMI is Rs. 1.13 lakh per month, which is manageable.
Your investments are well-diversified across mutual funds, FDs, PPF, and PF.
Your SIP portfolio has delivered an excellent IRR of 20%.
You have term insurance for yourself and your wife.
Your annual expenses are Rs. 15 lakhs, which is reasonable.
You have medical insurance of Rs. 5 lakh from your employer.
You gradually move funds from FD to SIP, which is a good strategy.
Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 20 crores in liquid assets within the next 9 years.
Retirement Readiness Assessment
You have 9 years left until your target retirement age of 50.
Your current investments are significant, but reaching Rs. 20 crores requires strategic planning.
Your housing loan is a major commitment, but it will end in 9 years.
Your SIP contributions are already strong and should continue.
Your rental income is a bonus but not reliable for long-term financial security.
Modifications for Better Returns
Increase SIP Gradually
Your SIP of Rs. 86K per month is excellent.
As your salary increases, try to increase SIP by at least 10-15% annually.
Move more funds from FD to SIP, as FD returns are low.
Reallocate Fixed-Income Investments
Your PPF and PF are too conservative.
You can stop fresh PPF contributions and allocate that amount to equity.
Maintain some FD for emergency funds but move excess FD to high-return investments.
Prepay Housing Loan or Invest More?
Your housing loan has an 8.6% interest rate.
Your SIP IRR is 20%, which is higher than your loan rate.
Instead of prepaying, continue investing in equity for wealth creation.
Additional Insurance Coverage
Your company’s medical insurance of Rs. 5 lakh is insufficient.
Consider a separate family floater health insurance of Rs. 15-20 lakh.
Your term insurance coverage is reasonable. No changes are needed.
Achieving Rs. 20 Crores in Liquid Assets
Step 1: Projected Investment Growth
Your SIP portfolio of Rs. 90 lakhs at 20% IRR can grow significantly in 9 years.
If you continue SIPs aggressively, you can accumulate a substantial corpus.
Additional investments from FD and PPF reallocations will further boost growth.
Step 2: Boosting Investment Contributions
As you get salary hikes, increase your monthly SIPs.
Reduce unnecessary expenses to redirect more funds into investments.
Consider lump sum investments when you receive bonuses or windfalls.
Step 3: Maintaining Investment Discipline
Stick to actively managed mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Stay invested during market fluctuations and avoid emotional decision-making.
Continue tracking and rebalancing your portfolio annually.
Finally
Your financial plan is strong, but small modifications can make a huge difference.
Increasing SIPs, reallocating low-yield investments, and maintaining discipline are key.
You are on track to build Rs. 20 crores in liquid assets if you execute this plan well.
Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 08, 2025

Money
Dear Gurus, I am Male, Age 34 Years and a Class I Government Officer. I am Married from past 8 Years & have a daughter who is three years old. My gross salary is approx 2 Lakhs per month and in hand salary is around 1.5 Lakhs per month. My wife is also working and earns around 70K per month. I have a 2BHK Flat with present market value of approx 60 Lakhs and a recently purchased plot of value approx 50 Lakhs. Both the properties are fully paid. I live in a government accommodation which is provided to me by the department. I invest approx 50K in SIP in Mutual Funds per month and has a portfolio of around 10 Lakhs presently. I make additional contribution of 15K per month in my organizational fund earning approx 7 percent per annum and has a saving of approx 10 Lakhs in it presently. Apart from it i am also investing 1.2 LPA in PPF (Present corpus of 2 Lakhs) and 1.5 LPA in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for my daughter (presently 4.5 Lakhs already put in the account in last three years). All medical & travelling expenses of me and my family are looked after by the government. I have a monthly expense of approx 80000 including an EMI of 30K for a car loan (presently 12 Lakhs outstanding). Monthly expense is looked after jointly by me and my wife. I will have an assignment in near future in which i will be earning approx 4 Lakhs per month for a year starting this November 2025. I want to retire at an age of 44 Years and make my hobby (travelling) my full time work. After retirement i will also have a monthly pension of around 2 Lakhs per month (foreseeing increase in my salary in next 10 year horizon). I want to give the best of schooling, education and marriage to my daughter. I also need additional 1.5-2 Lakhs per month for personal needs and expenses addition to my monthly pension. How can i manage the same. Where to invest the extra approx 50 Lakhs i will be earning in next one year. Request for guidance please.
Ans: You have planned with foresight and discipline. Your savings, investments, and goals are inspiring. Let me share a 360-degree financial roadmap for you.

» Current financial strengths

– You have strong salary income with dual earning members.
– You have no housing loan burden as your house and plot are fully paid.
– You are already investing Rs. 50K monthly in mutual funds and building equity exposure.
– You also invest in organisational fund, PPF, and Sukanya Samriddhi for your daughter.
– Your government job gives pension, medical cover, and stability.
– You will soon have a one-year assignment with high extra income.
– You are thinking about early retirement at 44 with pension support.

» Current challenges

– You have a car loan of Rs. 12 lakhs which adds to monthly EMI.
– Monthly expenses of Rs. 80K may rise with lifestyle and child’s education.
– You need additional Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs per month after retirement for hobbies and travel.
– Your child’s education and marriage need a big dedicated corpus.
– Inflation will increase costs of schooling, healthcare, and lifestyle over 10 years.

» Pension as base income

– A pension of Rs. 2 lakhs per month is a huge security.
– However, pension alone may not cover education, marriage, and lifestyle costs.
– You need additional passive income streams and investment growth.

» Short-term priorities (Next 3 years)

– Clear the Rs. 12 lakhs car loan within 2–3 years.
– Allocate part of your upcoming assignment income to debt closure.
– Increase your emergency fund to at least 6–9 months of expenses.
– Continue investing in mutual funds with focus on growth-oriented categories.
– Strengthen Sukanya and PPF as long-term safe allocations for your daughter.

» Utilising the upcoming Rs. 50 lakhs

– Divide this amount into clear buckets for clarity.
– Around Rs. 15 lakhs can be used to close your car loan and build emergency reserve.
– Around Rs. 25–30 lakhs can be invested in diversified mutual funds for growth.
– Balance 5–10 lakhs can be kept in safer debt options for liquidity.
– This division will balance growth, safety, and flexibility.

» Mutual fund strategy

– Actively managed funds give better flexibility and professional oversight.
– Index funds are not recommended because they lack downside protection in volatile markets.
– With active funds, managers can balance risk and adjust portfolio better.
– Your current SIP of Rs. 50K is excellent. Try increasing it after the assignment year.
– Distribute between large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds for balanced growth.
– Keep regular monitoring with a Certified Financial Planner for course correction.

» PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi

– PPF gives tax-free returns and safe long-term growth. Continue yearly contribution.
– Sukanya scheme is excellent for your daughter’s education and marriage.
– Both provide stability while your mutual funds provide growth.
– Keep both accounts active till maturity for maximum benefit.

» Organisational fund

– You already invest Rs. 15K per month here.
– It gives steady but low returns compared to mutual funds.
– Keep continuing but avoid increasing contribution.
– Treat this as stable fixed income portion of your portfolio.

» Daughter’s education and marriage planning

– Education will need around Rs. 60–80 lakhs in 15 years.
– Marriage could need Rs. 50–70 lakhs in 20 years.
– You must plan dedicated investment buckets for these two goals.
– Use equity mutual funds for long-term growth.
– Add yearly top-ups from your salary increments or bonuses.
– Review progress every 3–4 years with a Certified Financial Planner.

» Early retirement goal at 44

– You have 10 years left to build wealth.
– Use this period to maximise equity allocation.
– Maintain discipline in SIPs and add lump-sums whenever possible.
– Avoid early withdrawals from investments meant for retirement.
– By retirement, combine pension, mutual fund corpus, and safe debt instruments.
– This mix will generate your required extra Rs. 1.5–2 lakhs monthly.

» Lifestyle and travel funding

– Keep a separate corpus for travel and hobbies.
– You can allocate part of the assignment income here.
– Invest in balanced funds to keep growth and liquidity.
– This way your pension covers basics, and investments cover lifestyle.

» Risk management

– You have medical expenses covered by the government.
– Still consider a family floater health policy for post-retirement years.
– Maintain term insurance till your daughter is financially independent.
– Review insurance coverage every 3–4 years.

» Tax planning

– Continue using PPF and Sukanya for Section 80C benefits.
– Use ELSS mutual funds for additional tax-efficient equity exposure.
– Be mindful of mutual fund capital gain taxation rules.
– Long-term equity gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh yearly are taxed at 12.5 percent.
– Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20 percent.
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.
– Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax outgo.

» Managing rising expenses

– Currently expenses are Rs. 80K. After retirement, inflation will double them in 15 years.
– Your pension plus investment income must match this higher expense.
– Therefore, equity growth is crucial for long-term wealth creation.
– Avoid over-dependence on safe but low-yield instruments.
– Strike balance between growth, safety, and liquidity.

» Avoiding investment mistakes

– Do not rely only on traditional products like PPF, SSY, or FDs.
– They are safe but cannot beat inflation over long periods.
– Avoid index funds due to lack of active management.
– Avoid direct mutual funds since they don’t give personalised guidance.
– Regular plans via MFD with CFP credential give monitoring and support.
– Do not over-diversify into too many schemes.
– Stick to a focused, goal-based portfolio.

» Finally

You have an excellent base of assets, salary, and pension. Your discipline in savings is strong. The upcoming Rs. 50 lakhs income is a game-changer. Use it wisely between loan closure, mutual funds, and safety reserves. Continue SIPs and increase allocation whenever income rises. Keep daughter’s education and marriage funds separate. Aim for steady equity growth for 10 years. At retirement, your pension and investments will easily cover lifestyle, hobbies, and family responsibilities. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

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

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

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