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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 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 30, 2024Hindi
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Hi im 30 and investing in Nippon small cap, Axis Manfacture fund, Mirae asset tax saver fund, HDFC Retirement fund 5K each, Tata ulip 10K and having lumpsum of NPS 40K and planning for NPS of 5K per month. I have helath Insurances and looking for Term. Also have a LIC of 7K per Month as retirement plans. Am i on right track of investment?

Ans: It's clear you've put a lot of thought into your investments, and that's commendable. Diversifying across various funds and products shows a savvy approach to wealth management. But let's reflect: Are these choices aligned with your long-term financial goals? Are you considering the potential risks and rewards of each investment?

Your mix seems to prioritize mutual funds, ULIPs, and NPS, which can offer growth potential, but have you factored in liquidity needs and risk tolerance? While NPS and ULIPs offer tax benefits, they come with lock-in periods. Are you comfortable with that?

Additionally, relying solely on LIC for retirement may limit your options. It's wise to explore alternatives that offer flexibility and potentially higher returns.

Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your portfolio matches your aspirations and risk appetite. Remember, investing is a journey, not a destination. It's about finding balance, adapting to changes, and staying focused on your financial well-being.
Asked on - Apr 30, 2024 | Answered on Apr 30, 2024
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinion. With high risk tolerance and a timeframe of 15-18 years im exploring various investmentss. Currently, I don't have any specific investment or financial goals. Just focusing on saving surplus funds after meeting present needs and requirements. Yes i should lookk into other options than LIC.
Ans: Nice :)
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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I would like to know whether my investment are appropriate or need any changes. My investment plan is for long term (20 - 30 years) Current age is 30. My Investments: 1. Monthly SIP 30k (Large & Index: 30%, Mid: 40%, Small: 30%). Increment of 10% annually. 2. PPF: Yearly 1.5 lacs 3. EPF: 35k/month (Employee + Employer) 4. LIC: 20 lacs sum isnured whole life 5. Term Insurance: 1 crore 6. Mediclaim: 20 lacs 7. Fixed Deposit: 1 lac/month 8. Share: 10k/month I dont have any asset or any liability at present.
Ans: You've put together a well-rounded investment plan with a focus on long-term wealth accumulation. Let's assess your current investments and see if any adjustments are needed:

Monthly SIP: Your SIP allocation across large, mid, and small-cap funds is balanced and aligned with your long-term investment horizon. The incremental increase of 10% annually demonstrates a commitment to growing your investments over time.
PPF: Investing in PPF provides stability and tax benefits. Your yearly contribution of 1.5 lacs is commendable and will help build a corpus for your future financial needs.
EPF: EPF contributions are mandatory for salaried individuals and provide a secure avenue for retirement savings. Your monthly contribution of 35k, including both employee and employer contributions, ensures a steady buildup of your retirement corpus.
LIC: While having life insurance coverage is essential, the sum insured of 20 lacs may be inadequate considering your long-term financial goals and dependents. You may want to review your insurance needs periodically and consider increasing coverage if necessary.
Term Insurance: Your term insurance coverage of 1 crore is substantial and provides financial security to your loved ones in case of an unfortunate event. Ensure that the coverage amount is sufficient to meet your family's future financial requirements.
Mediclaim: A mediclaim policy with coverage of 20 lacs offers comprehensive health protection for you and your family. Regularly review the policy to ensure it remains adequate as medical costs rise over time.
Fixed Deposit: Investing in fixed deposits provides stability to your portfolio, but the returns may be relatively lower compared to equity investments. Consider diversifying into other asset classes for potentially higher returns over the long term.
Shares: Investing in shares can be rewarding but comes with higher risk. Ensure you have a diversified portfolio and invest based on thorough research or seek advice from a financial expert.
Overall, your investment plan is well-structured and aligned with your long-term goals. However, periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains in line with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to fine-tune your strategy and make any necessary adjustments. Keep up the disciplined approach to investing, and you're on track to achieve financial success over the next 20-30 years. Best of luck on your financial journey!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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I am 34 now. Currently invested 27000 K in Nippon small cap, sbi long term equity, Parag flexi cap fund, motilal oswal next 50 index fund, hdfc elss fund, sbi contra fund. I have invested 5K in ppf and 4K in life insurance policy. Will this work as proper investment??
Ans: You are 34 and have invested in various mutual funds and savings plans. Let's review your investments and provide recommendations.

Mutual Fund Investments
Small Cap Fund
Potential: High growth potential in small companies.
Risk: High due to volatility.
Recommendation: Good for long-term growth if you can handle high risk.
Long-Term Equity Fund
Tax Benefits: Provides tax benefits under Section 80C.
Returns: Moderate returns with a three-year lock-in period.
Recommendation: Good for tax-saving and long-term goals.
Flexi Cap Fund
Flexibility: Invests across large, mid, and small cap companies.
Risk: Balanced risk with good growth potential.
Recommendation: Suitable for diversified growth.
Index Fund
Disadvantages: Passive management, may underperform actively managed funds.
Recommendation: Consider switching to actively managed funds for better returns.
ELSS Fund
Tax Benefits: Provides tax benefits under Section 80C.
Returns: Good returns with a three-year lock-in period.
Recommendation: Good for tax-saving and long-term goals.
Contra Fund
Strategy: Invests in undervalued stocks with potential for recovery.
Risk: Moderate risk with good growth potential.
Recommendation: Suitable for long-term growth.
Savings Plans
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Security: Safe investment with guaranteed returns.
Returns: Moderate, tax-free returns.
Recommendation: Good for long-term savings and tax benefits.
Life Insurance Policy
Security: Provides financial security to your family.
Returns: Lower returns compared to mutual funds.
Recommendation: Evaluate the policy to ensure it meets your insurance needs.
Diversification and Risk Management
Portfolio Diversification
Importance: Diversify investments across asset classes to reduce risk.
Strategy: Mix of equity funds, debt funds, and savings plans.
Regular Review
Importance: Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it meets your goals.
Strategy: Adjust investments based on performance and market conditions.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Passive Management
Risk: May underperform actively managed funds in volatile markets.
Recommendation: Actively managed funds offer professional management and potential for higher returns.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Expertise
Risk: Requires active monitoring and management.
Recommendation: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner provides professional guidance.
Complexity
Risk: Managing direct funds can be complex.
Recommendation: Regular funds through a CFP simplify the investment process.
Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Strategy: Plan investments to minimize tax liability.
Benefits: Equity funds held for more than a year are taxed at 10% on gains above Rs 1 lakh.
Emergency Fund
Importance
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Strategy: Provides financial security and peace of mind.
Final Insights
Your current investments are diverse and well-placed. However, consider the following:

Switch from Index Funds: Move to actively managed funds for better growth.
Review Insurance Needs: Ensure your life insurance policy meets your needs.
Regular Review: Continuously monitor and adjust your portfolio.
By following these recommendations, you can achieve a balanced and growth-oriented investment portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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