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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 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 29, 2024Hindi
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Iam 45 year old ,i want to retire know my mothly expenses is 55ooo thousand per month,how much money required to survive till the age of 80

Ans: It's great that you're thinking about your retirement and planning ahead. Here are some steps to help you determine how much money you'll need to retire comfortably:

Calculate Your Retirement Expenses: Start by listing down all your current monthly expenses, including essentials like housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and discretionary spending. Add an inflation buffer to estimate future expenses.
Determine Your Retirement Age: Decide at what age you want to retire. Since you're 45 now, consider how many years you have until retirement.
Estimate Your Retirement Income: Assess all potential sources of retirement income, such as pensions, annuities, Social Security, and investment income.
Calculate the Gap: Subtract your estimated retirement income from your projected retirement expenses to determine how much additional income you'll need from savings and investments.
Determine Required Corpus: Once you have the annual shortfall in retirement income, multiply it by the number of years you expect to be retired. This will give you an estimate of the total corpus required to cover your retirement expenses.
Adjust for Inflation: Remember to account for inflation when calculating your retirement corpus. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time, so it's crucial to plan for it.
Consult a Financial Planner: Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to help you create a personalized retirement plan. A professional can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your financial situation and goals.
By following these steps and consulting with a financial planner, you can determine how much money you'll need to retire comfortably and develop a strategy to achieve your retirement goals. Remember, it's never too late to start planning for retirement, and taking proactive steps now can help secure your financial future.
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  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 21, 2024Hindi
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Hi sunil sir iam 45 year old i want to retire next year my monthly expense 50000 per month, how much money need to sustain at the age of 80
Ans: Understanding Your Retirement Needs
Sunil sir, planning for retirement is a critical step. I understand your need for a comfortable and secure retirement. Retiring next year at age 46 and sustaining until age 80 requires careful financial planning.

Estimating Future Expenses
Your current monthly expense is ?50,000. This amount will likely increase due to inflation. It's important to account for this in your retirement plan. Inflation can erode the value of money over time. For instance, what costs ?50,000 today will cost much more in the future.

Creating a Retirement Corpus
To maintain your lifestyle, you need to accumulate a substantial retirement corpus. This corpus should generate enough returns to cover your monthly expenses adjusted for inflation. The goal is to ensure you do not outlive your savings.

Investment Strategy
A well-diversified investment portfolio is essential. Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns. Focus on a mix of equity and debt funds. Equity funds provide growth, while debt funds offer stability.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform the market with the expertise of fund managers. They adjust portfolios based on market conditions. This dynamic management can yield better returns than index funds.

Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor an investment strategy to meet your retirement goals. They offer personalized advice considering your financial situation and risk tolerance. Their expertise ensures a well-structured retirement plan.

Importance of Regular Review
Regularly reviewing your retirement plan is crucial. Financial markets and personal circumstances change. Annual reviews with your planner can help adjust your investments to stay on track.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and separate from your retirement corpus. It ensures you don't have to dip into your retirement savings for emergencies.

Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance is vital. Medical expenses can be significant in retirement. A comprehensive health insurance plan protects your savings from unforeseen medical costs.

Managing Withdrawals
Plan your withdrawals carefully to avoid depleting your corpus too soon. A systematic withdrawal plan helps manage your finances efficiently. It ensures you have a steady income stream throughout retirement.

Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your retirement savings. Utilize tax-efficient investment options. A Certified Financial Planner can help optimize your investments to minimize tax liabilities.

Appreciating the Journey
Your foresight in planning for retirement is commendable. Taking steps now ensures a secure and comfortable future. It's important to stay informed and proactive about your financial health.

Conclusion
Sunil sir, your dedication to securing a stable retirement is inspiring. With a comprehensive plan and professional guidance, you can achieve your retirement goals. Remember, the key is to start early and stay disciplined.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2025
Money
Age 37 and retirement age 60 . Having corpus of 45 lakh with me in mutual fund stocks and gold . Having 1 5 years old son and wife together living. Monthly expenses are 55 k and investing 35K in MF out of total monthly earning 90K. how much amount I need after retirement to live comfortably life.
Ans: You are 37 now. You plan to retire at 60. That gives you 23 years to invest. You are already doing well with a Rs. 45 lakh corpus and Rs. 35K SIP.

Let us now assess how much you may need post-retirement to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

 

Understanding Your Current Lifestyle
You spend Rs. 55K per month now.

 

That equals Rs. 6.6 lakh per year.

 

Your family includes your wife and 15-year-old son.

 

Your lifestyle may not reduce drastically post-retirement.

 

In fact, medical and personal expenses may go up.

 

So, we must plan inflation-adjusted future needs.

 

You have 23 years until retirement.

 

Inflation may reduce the value of money every year.

 

Assuming average lifestyle inflation, your future needs will increase.

 

Estimating Retirement Corpus Required
With 6% inflation, Rs. 55K/month becomes about Rs. 2.1 lakh/month in 23 years.

 

That means you will need about Rs. 25 lakh annually after retirement.

 

Post-retirement, you may live till 85. That means 25 years of retired life.

 

For 25 years, you’ll need income generation from your corpus.

 

This should beat inflation and also give you a steady income.

 

Therefore, your target corpus should ideally be Rs. 4 crore to Rs. 5 crore.

 

This range considers inflation, life expectancy, healthcare, and travel goals.

 

Evaluating Your Current Position
You have Rs. 45 lakh saved already. That’s a great start.

 

You invest Rs. 35K monthly in mutual funds.

 

You have a stable income of Rs. 90K/month.

 

Your savings rate is 39%. Very impressive.

 

You have disciplined investing behaviour.

 

You are also diversified into gold and stocks.

 

This gives a strong base for compounding.

 

Assuming a balanced risk profile, you can aim for 10-12% annual returns.

 

Over 23 years, your current savings and SIPs can help you reach your target.

 

Suggestions to Maximise Retirement Readiness
Continue Rs. 35K SIP monthly without fail.

 

Gradually increase SIP amount by 5-10% every year.

 

This will match inflation and grow your contribution.

 

Shift equity-heavy funds to moderate risk 5 years before retirement.

 

Ensure you hold diversified mutual funds managed by reputed AMCs.

 

Avoid index funds. They only copy the market.

 

Index funds don’t protect you in falling markets.

 

Actively managed funds aim to beat the market.

 

A skilled fund manager can control downside.

 

Direct mutual funds seem low-cost. But they miss human guidance.

 

A Certified Financial Planner-backed MFD can guide with proper rebalancing.

 

You will need help during market falls.

 

Regular plan through MFD with CFP gives personalised support.

 

Avoid real estate as an investment. It lacks liquidity.

 

Real estate also has tax, maintenance, and legal hassles.

 

Instead, focus on mutual funds, gold, and debt allocation.

 

You can also add PPF and NPS for retirement safety.

 

Allocate 10-15% of savings into gold as a hedge.

 

Ensure your emergency fund is ready for 6-12 months of expenses.

 

Don’t forget health insurance with Rs. 10-25 lakh cover.

 

It will reduce medical pressure post-retirement.

 

Consider term insurance until your child becomes financially stable.

 

You can surrender any LIC or ULIP policies.

 

Reinvest surrender amount into mutual funds for higher growth.

 

Set goal-wise buckets for wealth creation, son’s education, and retirement.

 

Review your plan with a Certified Financial Planner every year.

 

Don’t chase returns. Focus on consistency and time in market.

 

Compounding works best with patience and discipline.

 

Rebalance portfolio once a year. Reduce risk as age increases.

 

Keep your wife involved in your financial planning.

 

Teach your son about basic finance. It’ll help him in future.

 

Income Strategy Post Retirement
Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for monthly income.

 

SWP gives you monthly income from mutual funds.

 

It’s tax-efficient compared to fixed deposits.

 

SWP from equity funds has new tax rules.

 

Long term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

 

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

 

SWP can be created from balanced or multi-cap funds.

 

Mix it with debt funds for safety and lower volatility.

 

Plan 3 income buckets – Immediate, Medium, Long-Term.

 

Immediate (0-5 yrs) – keep low-risk debt and liquid funds.

 

Medium (5-10 yrs) – hold balanced and flexi-cap funds.

 

Long term (10+ yrs) – invest in small and mid-cap funds.

 

This strategy protects capital while providing income.

 

Tax planning must be done smartly to reduce outgo.

 

Withdraw money in tax-smart way from various buckets.

 

You can use HUF account for tax savings if applicable.

 

Steps You Can Take Now
Make a written goal for Rs. 4 to 5 crore retirement corpus.

 

Continue monthly SIP of Rs. 35K. Increase yearly if possible.

 

Keep investing bonus and lump sum into mutual funds.

 

Do not pause SIPs during market falls.

 

Track goal progress every 2-3 years.

 

Match asset allocation as per life stage.

 

Buy health insurance separately for self and wife.

 

Plan your son’s higher education with a separate corpus.

 

Avoid using retirement fund for child’s education.

 

Keep estate planning documents updated.

 

Write a Will. Nominate family across all accounts.

 

Keep records of mutual funds, stocks, insurance in one place.

 

Inform spouse about everything.

 

This reduces family stress in your absence.

 

Treat retirement planning as life goal, not just financial goal.

 

Retirement is your longest holiday. Plan it with joy.

 

Discipline + time + patience = financial freedom.

 

Finally
You are already doing very well. Your monthly investments are strong. Expenses are controlled. Lifestyle is modest and focused.

You need around Rs. 4 to 5 crore corpus. This will help you live comfortably post 60.

You have 23 years. That’s enough time to build this corpus. You must continue with focused discipline. And review your plan regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

This way, your retirement will be peaceful. And full of freedom.

 

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 43 years Old, I had started 10k per month TATA AIA SIP in previous year for total 7years Plan. I want to education plan for my 1 kid who is 6 years old now. Please advice and guide me about more investments plan, as i am still confused about future growth and any plan for my wife age 38years.
Ans: You're at a critical financial stage. Planning for your child’s education and securing your family’s future are both top priorities. You've already started a ULIP, which is a start. But let’s take a deeper 360-degree view of your situation.

Below is a detailed plan, broken into simple sections for better clarity.



Assessment of Your Current ULIP Investment

You're investing Rs. 10,000 per month in a 7-year ULIP.



ULIPs mix insurance with investment. That reduces the growth power of your money.



Charges like premium allocation, fund management, and mortality charges reduce returns.



Your actual invested amount is much lower in the first few years.



ULIPs have limited flexibility in fund switching and partial withdrawal rules.



Maturity benefits are taxed if the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. Be cautious of this.



A ULIP is not ideal for education goals or long-term wealth building.



As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest surrendering this policy and moving funds to mutual funds.



You can continue till 5 years to avoid surrender charges if already started.



But do not renew after the 7-year term. Don't increase contributions in this ULIP.



Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education

Your child is 6 years old. You have around 11-12 years.



College education in India or abroad can cost Rs. 30–60 lakhs or more.



Instead of ULIPs, invest in diversified mutual funds. This will give better inflation-adjusted returns.



Use a mix of large cap, flexi cap and small cap mutual funds.



Start SIPs in these funds with a long-term horizon of 10-12 years.



You may also consider goal-based child education funds that are actively managed.



Don't invest in direct funds. They look cheaper, but don’t offer guidance.



Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan.



Your investment will stay aligned with your goal as the planner will guide with rebalancing.



Use a dedicated SIP only for child’s education goal. Don’t merge it with retirement planning.



Suggested Action Plan for Child’s Education

Shift future contributions from ULIP to SIPs in active funds.



Start with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP only for education.



Review this SIP every year and increase it by 10%-15% annually.



Add lump sums like bonuses or yearly increments into the same goal fund.



In the last 2 years before the education goal, shift to debt funds slowly.



This will protect your accumulated amount from equity volatility.



Investment Plan for Your Wife (Age 38)

She has a long horizon. She can invest for both retirement and her independent needs.



Open a separate mutual fund folio in her name.



Start SIPs in flexi cap, large & midcap, and hybrid funds in regular plans.



You can start with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase gradually.



You may also use her PPF account for additional tax-free corpus.



Avoid investing in gold, insurance policies, or real estate for her.



Ensure she has her own health insurance and a term insurance if she’s working.



If she’s not working, then create an emergency fund in her name.



That gives her independence and safety if she needs cash.



Family Protection with Insurance

You did not mention your term cover. You must have it if not already.



Ideal cover should be 15–20 times your yearly income.



ULIPs or LIC endowment policies should not be considered for protection.



Avoid investment-linked insurance plans. Keep insurance and investment separate.



Review your existing insurance covers. Add riders like critical illness and accident if needed.



Tax Efficient Planning

Use Section 80C wisely. Don’t just rely on ULIP or LIC plans.



Max out PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and children tuition for tax saving.



Invest in actively managed ELSS funds for better returns than ULIPs.



Avoid index funds for tax planning. They may underperform in volatile markets.



Debt funds are taxed as per slab now. Use carefully if short horizon.



Track capital gains if you sell mutual funds. Use new tax rules for equity funds:



  - LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

  

  - STCG taxed at 20%



Plan redemptions well in advance to manage taxes efficiently.



Retirement Planning (For You and Wife)

Start a separate SIP for your retirement corpus. Do not merge with other goals.



You have 17 years for retirement. That’s good for wealth accumulation.



Invest in a mix of actively managed flexi-cap and large-cap funds.



Add hybrid funds to reduce volatility as you near retirement.



Continue EPF, and increase VPF if possible. It is tax-free and safe.



Don't consider NPS if liquidity is important. Maturity rules are rigid.



Use mutual funds with regular advice to stay on track till age 60.



Exit ULIPs and Poor Insurance Products

You mentioned TATA AIA ULIP. Continue for 5 years to avoid penalty.



After that, exit and move funds to SIP in mutual funds.



If you or wife have LIC endowment, Jeevan Saral, or ULIPs, surrender them.



Reinvest maturity amount into SIPs in regular mutual fund plans.



Do not fall for insurance agents who pitch plans as tax saving or guaranteed.



Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 months of family expenses in a liquid mutual fund.



Don’t use your SIP or education fund as emergency source.



You may open a separate savings bank linked sweep account for this.



This fund will help if there is any job loss, health issue, or urgent need.



What Not to Do

Don’t invest in new ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.



Avoid direct mutual fund investments. You won’t get guided rebalancing.



Do not use your child’s education fund for house down payment.



Don’t pick index funds. They underperform in sideways or bear markets.



Don’t buy land or gold as an investment for your goals.



Final Insights

You are at a very strategic life stage. You have time and income strength.



ULIPs will not help you grow wealth. Shift to goal-based mutual fund SIPs.



Separate goals: child education, your retirement, wife’s security, and emergencies.



Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner for customised long-term support.



Review all goals every year. Increase SIPs with income.



Protect family with pure term insurance and health insurance.



Focus on building wealth in regular mutual funds, not through insurance products.



Real financial freedom comes when goals are funded without stress.



You have a clear head start. Use it with discipline and right guidance.



Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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