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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 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 08, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi Sir Iam 54 years old with health issues. I have personal debts to a tune of 70 lakhs. I have a small business which gives me an average monthly income of Rs 30000. On an average my monthly requirement is 1.5lakh. I own a property which is worth around 4 to 5 crore. I have a few options: Option 1: Take half the property, develop it into plots and sell it. Here I will initially need to put in money towards project expenses, which means some more borrowing. Else I can wait to pre sell about 4 plots, which will help me to cover the expenses to develop the plots and then later sell the balance plots and repay my existing debts and then put deposit the balance money in the bank and see if the interest will sustain my monthly requirements. This option has the usual risks of delayed sale of plots etc. Option 2: just sell part of the land as it is. I will get around 1.5 cores if I do this. Out of this 1.5 I will use 70 lakhs towards debt repayment. If I deposit the balance 70lakhs in the bank, how much interest will I get monthly? Option 3: Sell the entire property for about 4 to 5 crores. Repay the 70 lakh debt and invest the balance in bank etc. But this means I will not own anything, and will have to rent a house etc. So my monthly requirement will go upto 2 lakhs per month. Here, the down side is I will be giving up all my assets, which I had retained would have grown in value. Please advise. Thanks.

Ans: At 54, with health issues and a substantial personal debt of Rs 70 lakhs, you are managing a small business that brings in Rs 30,000 per month. Your monthly financial requirement is Rs 1.5 lakhs. You own a valuable property worth around Rs 4-5 crores. You have three main options to consider for managing your debt and ensuring a steady income.

Assessing Your Options
Let's explore each option with a detailed analysis:

Option 1: Develop and Sell Plots
Developing your property into plots and selling them could be lucrative. However, this option involves significant upfront costs and the risk of delays in sales.

Advantages:

Higher Potential Returns: Selling plots can yield higher returns compared to selling the property as a whole.

Retain Ownership: You still retain a portion of the property.

Disadvantages:

Initial Investment: You will need to invest money upfront for development costs, leading to more borrowing.

Risk of Delays: There’s a risk of delayed sales, which can affect your ability to repay debts on time.

Project Management: Managing such a project can be stressful and time-consuming, especially given your health issues.

Option 2: Sell Part of the Land
Selling part of the land can provide immediate funds without the need for further borrowing. This option seems less risky than developing plots.

Advantages:

Immediate Funds: You get immediate funds to repay the Rs 70 lakhs debt.

Reduced Risk: Fewer risks compared to developing plots, as it does not involve further borrowing or project delays.

Disadvantages:

Limited Funds: Selling only part of the land may not generate sufficient funds for long-term sustainability.

Interest Income: Interest from Rs 70 lakhs may not cover your monthly requirement of Rs 1.5 lakhs.

Option 3: Sell Entire Property
Selling the entire property can clear your debts and provide a substantial amount for future investments. This option, however, means giving up ownership and potentially increasing your monthly expenses due to rent.

Advantages:

Debt-Free: You can repay the Rs 70 lakhs debt completely.

Large Corpus: You will have a significant corpus to invest for future income.

Disadvantages:

No Ownership: You will lose ownership of the property, which could appreciate in value over time.

Increased Expenses: Renting a house will increase your monthly financial requirement to Rs 2 lakhs.

Evaluating the Best Option
Given your health issues and the need for a stable monthly income, it's crucial to choose an option that minimizes stress and ensures financial security.

Option 1: Feasibility and Risks
Developing and selling plots can be profitable, but the upfront investment and potential delays pose significant risks. At your age and with health concerns, managing such a project might be too demanding.

Option 2: Immediate Debt Relief
Selling part of the land seems like a balanced approach. You can repay the Rs 70 lakhs debt immediately and invest the remaining Rs 70 lakhs. However, you need to evaluate if the interest income from Rs 70 lakhs is enough to meet your monthly requirements.

Bank Interest Income:

Interest Rate: Assume an average bank interest rate of 6% per annum.

Monthly Income: Rs 70 lakhs * 6% / 12 = Rs 35,000 per month.

With Rs 35,000 from interest and Rs 30,000 from your business, your total monthly income would be Rs 65,000, which is insufficient to meet your Rs 1.5 lakhs requirement.

Option 3: Long-Term Security
Selling the entire property provides a substantial amount to invest. Post repayment of the Rs 70 lakhs debt, you will have approximately Rs 3.3-4.3 crores for investment.

Investment Strategy:

Diversified Portfolio: Invest in a mix of fixed deposits, mutual funds, and bonds to generate a steady income.
Recommended Strategy
Considering the analysis, Option 3 seems the most viable for ensuring long-term financial security despite its downsides. Here’s a detailed plan:

Debt Repayment and Initial Investment
Repay Debt: Use Rs 70 lakhs to clear the debt.

Remaining Funds: Invest the remaining Rs 3.3-4.3 crores wisely.

Investment Allocation
Fixed Deposits: Allocate 20% (Rs 66 lakhs to Rs 86 lakhs) to fixed deposits for a stable, risk-free income.

Mutual Funds: Invest 50% (Rs 1.65-2.15 crores) in mutual funds for higher returns.

Bonds and Debentures: Allocate 20% (Rs 66 lakhs to Rs 86 lakhs) to bonds and debentures for moderate risk and steady income.

Emergency Fund: Keep 10% (Rs 33-43 lakhs) in a liquid fund as an emergency reserve.

Monthly Income from Investments
Fixed Deposits: Rs 66 lakhs at 6% annual interest = Rs 3.96 lakhs per year or Rs 33,000 per month.

Mutual Funds: Assuming an average annual return of 10%, Rs 1.65 crores = Rs 16.5 lakhs per year or Rs 1.37 lakhs per month.

Bonds and Debentures: Rs 66 lakhs at 7% annual interest = Rs 4.62 lakhs per year or Rs 38,500 per month.

Total Monthly Income: Rs 33,000 + Rs 1.37 lakhs + Rs 38,500 = Rs 2.08 lakhs.

This income exceeds your monthly requirement of Rs 1.5 lakhs, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.

Addressing Concerns
Health Issues
Your health issues require careful consideration. A stress-free and secure financial strategy is crucial. Selling the entire property and investing wisely reduces financial stress and ensures a steady income.

Ownership and Future Value
While losing ownership of the property is a concern, investing the proceeds in diversified assets can provide better financial security. Properties can appreciate, but they also come with risks and responsibilities.

Increased Expenses
Renting a house will increase your monthly expenses. However, the proposed investment strategy generates sufficient income to cover this increase.

Final Insights
Your situation demands a careful balance of debt repayment, investment, and monthly income generation. Considering your health and financial needs, selling the entire property and investing the proceeds in a diversified portfolio seems the most secure option. This strategy ensures debt repayment, generates sufficient monthly income, and reduces financial stress. Always consult with a certified financial planner to tailor this strategy to your specific needs and ensure optimal results.

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 Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 24, 2025Hindi
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24.01.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan demonstrates a well-thought-out approach to leveraging your investments while keeping liabilities manageable. Your decision to raise funds through an overdraft loan against shares and mutual funds is practical given the significant market value of your investments. However, there are a few aspects to evaluate for better clarity and financial stability.

Advantages of Your Strategy
Liquidity Without Selling Investments: Using an overdraft loan against your equity and mutual fund investments helps retain the assets.

SWP to Cover Interest Payments: A systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) ensures regular cash flow to meet interest expenses.

Property Value as Collateral: Your land property provides additional financial security.

Future Potential of Investments: Your expectation of Rs. 10 crore over 7-8 years appears reasonable given historical growth trends.

Concerns and Potential Risks
Market Volatility: Both equities and mutual funds are subject to market fluctuations.

Interest Burden: Over time, the compounding of the interest at 10.35% could strain liquidity.

Delays in Property Completion: Construction delays could impact cash flow plans.

Over-dependence on SWP: Over-reliance on SWP can erode long-term wealth if markets underperform.

Alternative Ways to Manage Overdraft Loan
Diversify Funding Sources
Split the Loan Amount: Explore partial loans from banks or NBFCs secured by the property itself.

Loan Against Fixed Deposits: Use your FD as collateral for a part of the loan.

Consider a Lower-Interest Loan: Negotiate with lenders for a lower interest rate.

Optimise SWP Strategy
Adjust Withdrawal Amount: Reduce SWP if the market experiences a downturn.

Partial Sale of Underperforming Units: Sell a small portion of underperforming investments to reduce the loan burden.

Construction Phasing
Build in Phases: Start with 2-3 floors initially to reduce the upfront loan requirement.

Rental Income from Early Units: Generate income from completed units to support loan repayment.

Emergency Backup Plan
Sell a Unit if Needed: Keep the option of selling one residential unit open to clear the loan.

Gold as Last Resort: Liquidate a small portion of gold only in extreme situations.

Tax Implications
Interest Deduction: Interest paid on loans for property construction could have tax benefits. Consult a tax expert for clarity.

Capital Gains on SWP Withdrawals: Gains from equity mutual fund SWP above Rs. 1.25 lakh per year will be taxed at 12.5%. Ensure tax liabilities are factored in.

Sale of Units: If you sell a unit to repay the loan, calculate the long-term capital gains taxes.

Key Points for Wealth Growth
Reinvest Profits Post Loan Repayment: Post-repayment, redirect surplus to equity or mutual funds for wealth growth.

Monitor Investments Regularly: Periodically review the performance of equity shares and mutual funds.

Diversify Investments: Post-retirement, ensure a diversified portfolio for steady income and wealth preservation.

Finally
Your plan is practical and aligns with your financial goals. However, diversification of funding sources, optimising SWP, and monitoring loan repayment are crucial. Prepare for market volatility and create an emergency backup plan. This approach ensures stability while maximising wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 01, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 28, 2025Hindi
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Money
28.01.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan to construct residential apartments using an overdraft loan against your equity and mutual fund investments is ambitious. You have strong assets, but leveraging them comes with risks. Let’s analyze your plan and explore alternatives.

Key Observations
You have Rs. 3 crore land value, which is a significant asset.
Your investments have grown well:
Equities: Rs. 1.5 crore (invested Rs. 40 lakh over 44 years).
Mutual Funds: Rs. 1.6 crore (invested Rs. 45 lakh over 14 years).
Total investment corpus: Rs. 3.1 crore.
You need Rs. 2.5 crore for construction.
You are considering an overdraft (OD) loan against securities at 10.35% interest.
You plan an SWP of Rs. 10 lakh per year to service the loan interest.
You expect your investments to grow to Rs. 10 crore in 7–8 years.
Evaluation of Your Plan
Loan Strategy Risks

High Interest Cost: At 10.35% interest, a Rs. 2.5 crore OD loan will have an interest cost of Rs. 25.87 lakh per year.
SWP May Not Be Enough: Rs. 10 lakh SWP per year will only cover about 40% of interest. The shortfall may require additional withdrawals.
Market Volatility: Your investments may not always perform as expected. A market downturn can affect your ability to repay the loan.
Margin Calls: If markets fall significantly, the lender may demand additional security or partial repayment.
Alternative Strategies
A. Loan Against Property (LAP) Instead of OD Loan

A Loan Against Property (LAP) at 8–9% interest would be cheaper than 10.35% OD loan.
Since you own land worth Rs. 3 crore, you can get 50–60% LTV (Rs. 1.5–1.8 crore).
Combine this with a smaller OD loan (Rs. 70 lakh–1 crore) to reduce interest burden.
B. Staggered Construction with Phased Funding

Instead of borrowing Rs. 2.5 crore upfront, consider building in phases.
Start with 2–3 floors using lower debt and rental pre-sales for funding.
C. Joint Venture with a Developer

Partner with a real estate developer who funds construction in exchange for a share of profits.
This reduces your financial risk and eliminates the need for a high-cost loan.
D. Selling a Small Portion of Land Instead of Borrowing

Instead of selling an apartment unit later, sell a small portion of land now to raise funds.
This avoids interest costs and maintains your control over remaining property.
Final Insights
Your plan is aggressive but risky due to high loan interest and market uncertainties.
A combination of Loan Against Property + Small OD Loan is better than relying fully on OD.
Consider phased construction, developer partnerships, or partial land sale to reduce debt.
Ensure your SWP plan is sustainable and accounts for market fluctuations.
Would you like help evaluating a detailed financial model for these scenarios?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
Money
30.01.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: You plan to construct a P+5 residential apartment on your Rs. 3 crore land.
You require Rs. 2.5 crore for construction.
You intend to raise this amount through an overdraft (OD) loan against your equity and mutual fund investments.
The interest rate on the OD loan is around 10.35%.
Your equity investments have grown from Rs. 40 lakh over 44 years to Rs. 1.5 crore.
Your mutual fund investments have grown from Rs. 45 lakh over 14 years to Rs. 1.6 crore.
You assume the combined value will grow to Rs. 10 crore in 7–8 years.
You plan to repay interest of Rs. 10 lakh per year via a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP).
You want to explore alternative ways to repay the dues without selling any property units unless absolutely necessary.
Evaluating the Feasibility of Your Plan
Your assumption of Rs. 10 crore growth in 7–8 years is ambitious.
The market is unpredictable, and equity/mutual fund returns fluctuate.
Withdrawing Rs. 10 lakh annually may impact portfolio growth.
An overdraft at 10.35% interest can create financial strain over time.
You lack an alternative source of repayment other than your investments.
Key Risks to Consider
Market Volatility: Equity and mutual funds do not guarantee fixed returns.
Liquidity Constraint: Your entire repayment strategy depends on market performance.
Interest Burden: The OD interest itself compounds over time, increasing financial stress.
Investment Depletion: A long-term SWP may erode your portfolio faster than expected.
Emergency Situations: If a financial crisis occurs, selling property may be unavoidable.
Alternative Ways to Raise Funds
1. Structured Loan Options
Instead of OD, consider a Loan Against Property (LAP).
Interest rates on LAP are lower (around 8–9%) than OD loans.
LAP has structured EMI payments, ensuring disciplined repayment.
2. Hybrid Repayment Strategy
Instead of SWP alone, mix dividend-paying mutual funds and rental income.
Dividend income can partially cover the OD interest.
Once the project is completed, rental income can contribute to repayments.
3. Joint Venture with a Developer
Partnering with a builder reduces your financial risk.
A developer may fund part or full construction in exchange for units.
This way, you avoid taking high-interest loans and minimize financial burden.
4. Selling a Fraction of the Property
If required, selling a single floor or part of the land can clear OD faster.
This ensures you retain majority ownership while reducing debt burden.
5. Staggered Construction Plan
Instead of building all 5 floors at once, construct in phases.
Use proceeds from early sales or rentals to fund later construction.
This reduces upfront borrowing and interest outflow.
How to Ensure Debt-Free Status
1. Focus on Lowering Interest Burden
Opt for a step-down repayment strategy.
As your portfolio grows, increase SWP withdrawals to prepay the OD faster.
Consider partial prepayments every 2–3 years to reduce interest outgo.
2. Generate Additional Income Streams
Explore senior citizen savings schemes (SCSS) and RBI floating rate bonds for stable income.
These instruments provide 7–8% interest, which can supplement OD repayment.
3. Avoid Over-Reliance on Stock Market
Instead of depending solely on equity returns, diversify into hybrid funds.
Hybrid funds provide stability while offering moderate growth.
4. Tax Optimization for Efficient Withdrawals
SWP from debt funds (held for 3+ years) enjoys lower capital gains tax.
Withdraw systematically to minimize tax impact on gains.
5. Contingency Plan for Unforeseen Situations
Keep a separate emergency fund to cover 1–2 years of interest payments.
This avoids distress selling in case of market downturns.
Final Insights
Your plan has potential but carries high financial risks.
Over-reliance on equity/mutual funds can backfire in a volatile market.
Consider alternative funding options like LAP or a joint venture.
A staggered construction approach can ease financial pressure.
Maintain flexibility in your repayment strategy to adjust for market conditions.
If you need a customized investment and repayment roadmap, consulting a Certified Financial Planner can ensure a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 07, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 03, 2025Hindi
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03.02.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan to build residential apartments is ambitious. At 68, managing a large loan requires careful planning. Let’s analyse your strategy and explore alternatives.

Current Financial Position
Land Value: Rs 3 crore
Investment Portfolio:
Rs 40 lakh in equities (44 years old)
Rs 45 lakh in equity mutual funds (14 years old)
Current market value: Rs 1.5 crore (equities) + Rs 1.6 crore (mutual funds) = Rs 3.1 crore
Construction Cost: Rs 2.5 crore
Planned Funding: Overdraft against equity and mutual funds at 10.35% interest
Repayment Plan:
SWP of Rs 10 lakh per year to pay loan interest
Sell one unit in case of emergency
Your asset base is strong. However, the risk in this strategy is high.

Key Risks and Challenges
1. High-Interest Cost on Overdraft
Overdraft loans at 10.35% will be costly.
Rs 2.5 crore loan will lead to an annual interest burden of Rs 25-27 lakh.
SWP of Rs 10 lakh will not fully cover this.
Solution: Consider partial self-funding to reduce interest costs.

2. Market Uncertainty on Investments
Future value of Rs 10 crore in 7-8 years is only an assumption.
Market downturns can affect equity and mutual funds.
SWP will reduce compounding benefits.
Solution: Reduce reliance on market returns for loan repayment.

3. Construction and Selling Risks
Construction cost overruns can increase funding needs.
Delayed sales can impact repayment strategy.
Real estate markets fluctuate, affecting unit sales.
Solution: Plan for a financial buffer beyond Rs 2.5 crore.

Alternative Strategies for Safer Execution
1. Staggered Construction Approach
Instead of taking Rs 2.5 crore in one go, build in phases.
Sell initial units to fund later phases.
Reduces borrowing costs and risks.
2. Explore Joint Venture with a Developer
Developers may fund part of the project.
You can negotiate revenue-sharing instead of taking a large loan.
Reduces financial burden and execution risk.
3. Loan Against Property Instead of Equities
Loans against property have lower interest rates than overdrafts.
This option provides a longer tenure and stable repayment terms.
Ensures investments remain untouched for growth.
4. Keep Emergency Exit Plan Ready
If market returns don’t meet expectations, debt burden increases.
Pre-plan which unit to sell if needed.
Ensure liquidity through alternative arrangements.
Final Insights
Your financial base is strong, but your funding strategy has risks.

Overdraft loans at 10.35% can strain your cash flow.
SWP from mutual funds may not fully cover interest payments.
Market assumptions for Rs 10 crore in 7-8 years are uncertain.
A safer approach is:

Consider phased construction or a joint venture.
Explore lower-cost loans, such as against property.
Keep a contingency plan for early debt repayment.
Your idea is bold, but a conservative funding strategy will reduce risks. Careful execution will ensure financial security while completing your project.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
18.02.2025 Respected Sir, I have a land property valued 3cr. Now on this plot I am planning to build P+5 floor residential apartments For this I need a fund around 2.5cr for construction. Now I am 68 yrs old. I have invested 40L in various equities since last 44 years & 45L in Equity based M/F’s since last 14 years. Current market value is around 1.5cr & 1.60cr respectively. I am planning to raise funds from overdraft loans against my Equity shares & M/F at the current interest rate 10.35%.approx. I do not have any other source to raise the reqd. fund and I do not have any other liabilities. As per my assumptions in the next 7 to 8 years of period total market value of above investments will be around 10cr approx. I am planning SWP of Rs. 10 lacs every year to repay interest on OD. In what other ways is this possible to repay the dues? With out selling any unit of my property. Or In critical situation if arise I may sell out one unit to clear my OD loan debt. As a financial planning expert are my thoughts are correct in your opinion? I need your professional /practical advice & valuable guidance in this regard please. Please reply to my above query as early as possible. Thanks & Regards
Ans: Your plan to raise funds through an overdraft loan against equity shares and mutual funds requires careful assessment. Here’s a structured evaluation of your situation:

Strengths in Your Plan
Strong Asset Base: Your land is worth Rs. 3 crore, and your investments have grown to Rs. 3.1 crore.
No Existing Liabilities: Since you have no loans, your financial flexibility is high.
Planned Repayment Strategy: Using SWP of Rs. 10 lakh annually for interest payments is a structured approach.
Realistic Growth Expectations: Your assumption of Rs. 10 crore in 7-8 years is possible with market appreciation.
Concerns and Challenges
High-Interest Cost: OD loans at 10.35% can be expensive. Over time, interest payments will be significant.
Market Volatility Risk: Equity and mutual fund values fluctuate. A market downturn may impact your repayment ability.
Liquidity Risk: Selling a property unit in an emergency may not be immediate or at the expected price.
Investment Growth is Not Guaranteed: While Rs. 10 crore is achievable, market conditions may delay this.
Alternative Strategies to Consider
1. Diversified Borrowing Approach
Instead of relying solely on an OD loan, consider these options:

Loan Against Property (LAP): Interest rates are lower (around 8-9%) compared to an overdraft loan. You can leverage your Rs. 3 crore land to raise funds at a lower cost.
Structured Construction Loan: Banks and NBFCs provide loans for property construction, often disbursed in phases. This reduces interest burden in the initial stages.
Combination of Loans: A mix of OD, LAP, and construction loans can optimize interest costs and liquidity.
2. Investment Portfolio Optimization
Shift Some Equity to Balanced Funds: These funds offer moderate growth with lower volatility. This helps protect your portfolio value.
Dividend-Based Mutual Funds: Some funds provide regular dividend payouts. This can help in covering interest payments.
Partial Profit Booking: Redeeming a small part of your portfolio during market peaks can provide liquidity without taking excessive loans.
3. Managing SWP for Repayment
SWP Flexibility: Instead of a fixed Rs. 10 lakh SWP, keep it dynamic based on market performance. Increase withdrawals when markets perform well and reduce when they decline.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals: Ensure your SWP is structured to minimize capital gains tax under the new tax rules.
4. Emergency Backup Plan
Contingency Fund: Keep at least Rs. 20-30 lakh in liquid assets or debt funds. This acts as a buffer in case of unexpected cash flow issues.
Selling a Unit as a Last Resort: If required, sell one unit strategically at a premium price rather than in distress.
Final Insights
Your plan has a solid foundation, but diversifying borrowing, optimizing your portfolio, and having a backup fund can reduce financial risks. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for detailed execution strategies.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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