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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6986 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Raman Question by Raman on May 30, 2024Hindi
Money

Sir, Im 50 years old and just started thinking about my retirement life and start deciding to invest in NPS of 20000 as regular basis and opened PPF account contributing 6000 monthly and starts SIP through online app of Groww of 1000 on quant small cap fund , nippon multi cap find , nippon india index fund of 1000 each on monthly Basis And 9 lakhs amount invested in MIS I need your valuable suggestion and your opinion for to regulate and review in a proper way for to set a better retirement at 60 as my income is 35000 p. m I have no loans and no financial commitment as if now I need your valuable guidance in this regard

Ans: Investing for retirement is a crucial step in ensuring a financially secure future. Starting at 50, you still have a decade to build a robust retirement corpus. Your current investment strategy is commendable, but a few adjustments and regular reviews can enhance your financial security. This guide provides a detailed analysis and suggestions to help you refine your investment strategy for a comfortable retirement at 60.

Assessment of Current Investments

National Pension System (NPS)

Contributing Rs. 20,000 regularly to the NPS is a smart move. NPS offers a balanced investment mix with exposure to equities, corporate bonds, and government securities. Its tax benefits under Section 80C and additional Rs. 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B) make it attractive. However, the withdrawal rules and taxation on annuity purchase need consideration. Reviewing the asset allocation periodically is essential.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

A monthly contribution of Rs. 6,000 to PPF is a sound choice. PPF offers tax-free returns and is a safe, long-term investment. The 15-year lock-in period can be a drawback, but partial withdrawals are allowed after the 7th year. The current interest rate of around 7-8% is beneficial, but it is subject to government revisions.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Investing Rs. 1,000 each in multiple mutual funds through SIPs is wise. However, diversifying too much can dilute returns. Evaluating the performance and expense ratios of these funds is crucial. Actively managed funds often outperform index funds due to the fund manager's expertise in stock selection.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)

Investing Rs. 9 lakhs in MIS provides a regular income, which is useful for liquidity needs. However, the interest rates are lower compared to equity-based investments. Reviewing this investment periodically and considering alternatives for better returns is advisable.

Detailed Analysis and Suggestions

National Pension System (NPS)

Asset Allocation: NPS allows you to choose the allocation between equities, corporate bonds, and government securities. Opt for an aggressive allocation towards equities, especially since you have a decade until retirement. This can boost your returns significantly.

Periodic Review: Review your NPS allocation annually. Adjust the equity exposure based on market conditions and your risk appetite.

Tax Benefits: Utilize the additional Rs. 50,000 tax benefit under Section 80CCD(1B) if not already doing so. This can reduce your taxable income further.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

Lock-in Period: The 15-year lock-in period can be restrictive. However, consider it as a safety net for your retirement corpus. After the initial 15 years, you can extend it in blocks of 5 years.

Interest Rates: Keep an eye on the government announcements regarding PPF interest rates. They are reviewed quarterly, and any reduction can impact your returns.

Partial Withdrawals: After 7 years, you can make partial withdrawals for emergencies. This adds a layer of liquidity to your investment.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Fund Selection: The Quant Small Cap Fund and Nippon Multi Cap Fund are good choices. However, actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds. Focus on funds with a strong track record and lower expense ratios.

Direct vs. Regular Plans: Investing through regular plans via a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be beneficial. CFPs provide valuable advice and periodic reviews. Direct plans might save on expense ratios but lack professional guidance.

Portfolio Diversification: Avoid over-diversification. Concentrate on a few high-performing funds. This strategy can enhance returns and simplify tracking your investments.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)

Interest Rates: MIS offers stable but lower interest rates compared to equity investments. Consider the reinvestment risk if interest rates decline.

Alternatives: Explore alternatives like Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS) after turning 60. SCSS offers higher interest rates and tax benefits under Section 80C.

Additional Investment Strategies

Equity Exposure

Increasing your equity exposure can significantly boost your retirement corpus. Consider investing in large-cap and blue-chip mutual funds. These funds offer stability and growth potential.

Debt Investments

Balance your portfolio with debt investments to manage risk. Apart from PPF, consider corporate bonds or debt mutual funds. These provide better returns than traditional fixed deposits.

Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures liquidity during unexpected events. Keep this fund in liquid assets like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.

Health Insurance

Health expenses can deplete your retirement savings. Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Review your policy periodically and increase coverage if necessary.

Tax Planning

Utilize Tax Deductions

Maximize tax deductions under Section 80C, 80D, and 80CCD. This includes NPS, PPF, health insurance premiums, and home loan principal repayments.

Tax-efficient Investments

Invest in tax-efficient instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds. They offer tax benefits under Section 80C and potential for higher returns.

Periodic Review and Adjustments

Annual Review

Conduct an annual review of your investment portfolio. Assess the performance, risk, and alignment with your retirement goals.

Adjust Allocations

Adjust your asset allocation based on market conditions and life changes. Increase debt allocation as you approach retirement to safeguard your corpus.

Rebalance Portfolio

Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This ensures you stay on track with your retirement goals.

Building a Robust Retirement Corpus

Target Corpus Calculation

Calculate the target retirement corpus based on your expected expenses post-retirement. Consider inflation and healthcare costs.

Systematic Increase in Investments

Increase your investment amounts annually in line with income growth. This strategy helps in accumulating a substantial retirement corpus.

Avoid Early Withdrawals

Avoid withdrawing from your retirement savings prematurely. Early withdrawals can derail your retirement planning.

Investment Education

Stay Informed

Stay informed about financial markets and investment options. This helps in making informed decisions and adjusting strategies as needed.

Consult Professionals

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) regularly. A CFP provides tailored advice based on your financial situation and goals.

Conclusion

You have taken commendable steps towards securing your retirement. Regular contributions to NPS, PPF, and SIPs, along with MIS investments, form a strong foundation. However, a few adjustments and periodic reviews can enhance your strategy. Increasing equity exposure, balancing with debt investments, and effective tax planning are key. Regular reviews and consultations with a CFP will ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jun 06, 2024 | Answered on Jun 06, 2024
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Thanks alot sit for your commendable adviced given about how to maintain, adjust, review , to achieve my financial goal to make a better retirement life I will take into account all of your wise ideas with suggestion given to improve my overall portfolio
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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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Hello sir, I am 42 years old and want to retire by age of 55. My current savings is 303L in EPF. 307L in equity, 9.6L in nps. Investment I does as follows 1. Epf - 45000 by employer and same contribution by me as well which combined around 90000/- 2. 27000/- monthly sip , Nippon small cap 6000, axis small cap 6000, quant infrastructure fund 6000/-, quant small cap 6000/-l miarae asset blue chi large cap 3000/- all started very soon having corpus of 4L as of today. 3. Investing 25000/- in nps monthly. 4. Around 50k monthly in equity I have a liability of 50L home loan which I have planned to get rid off by 2028. I have another home loan which will be closed by end of 2025. I have a daughter which is doing CA and for marriage it will be required around 1 cr. I have a son who are going to persue medical which will cost me 50-75L. How I can plan my retirement to get atleast 3L monthly by age of 55. My current monthly take home salary is 3L around.
Ans: Given your goal to retire by 55 with a monthly income of ?3L, you have a comprehensive plan with a mix of investments and savings. Here's a suggested strategy:

EPF: Continue the contribution as it offers tax benefits and stable returns.

SIPs: Your SIPs in small and large-cap funds are good for growth. Consider adding a diversified equity fund for balance. Monitor and rebalance annually.

NPS: Since you're investing ?25,000 monthly, ensure you choose the auto-choice option for a balanced allocation between equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Home Loans: Prioritize closing the higher interest rate loan first while maintaining EMIs for both.

Children’s Education and Marriage: Start separate SIPs or investments earmarked for these goals to reach 1 cr for your daughter's marriage and 50-75L for your son's medical studies.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund of at least 6 months' expenses.

Retirement Corpus: Aim to build a corpus that can generate ?3L/month. Based on a conservative estimate, a corpus of around ?6-7 crores by 55 might be needed. Regularly review and adjust your investments to align with this target.

Professional Advice: Consult a financial advisor to fine-tune your plan and ensure you're on track to meet your retirement and other financial goals.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6986 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 19, 2024

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Hi Sir, I'm 40 in a job , earning around 1.40 L /month approx after dedcutions, Currently investing 60K monthly in SIPs in Quant MF (Small Cap - 10 k / Mid Cap-12.5K) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap-12.5K/ HDFC defence Fund-10 K, Nippon Large Cap-10K/ Mirae Asset Emerging Equity-5 K) MF holding 40 Lakhs , PPF-24 Lacs Matured after 15 years, EPF Balance- 30L, 62K Home Loan EMI (167 Months remaining), Real estate Worth - 6.5 Cr jointly with Father ,NPS-11 lacs, Direct Stocks-18 Lacs. Expenses are 50K.. Father is also getting pension 50K and helping in monthly expenses of around 25K... How can I do better for retirement planning?
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Let's break down your current financial position:

Monthly Income: Rs. 1.40 lakh (after deductions)
Monthly Expenses: Rs. 50,000 (with Rs. 25,000 support from your father's pension)
Monthly SIP Investments: Rs. 60,000 in various mutual funds
Home Loan EMI: Rs. 62,000 (167 months remaining)
Total Mutual Fund Holdings: Rs. 40 lakhs
PPF Balance: Rs. 24 lakhs (matured after 15 years)
EPF Balance: Rs. 30 lakhs
NPS Balance: Rs. 11 lakhs
Direct Stocks: Rs. 18 lakhs
Real Estate: Rs. 6.5 crore (jointly with your father)
Father's Pension: Rs. 50,000 per month (contributing Rs. 25,000 towards household expenses)
Retirement Planning Overview
Your financial profile is strong with a diversified asset base. Let's analyze your current situation and explore how you can optimize your retirement planning:

**1. Review Current Investments
Mutual Funds:

Your SIPs are spread across various funds, including small-cap, mid-cap, large-cap, and sectoral funds like the HDFC Defence Fund.
Recommendation: Review the performance of each fund annually. Consider the long-term performance (5+ years) and consistency of returns. Continue investing in funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals.
Direct Stocks:

You have Rs. 18 lakhs invested in direct stocks, which adds to your equity exposure.
Recommendation: Regularly monitor your stock portfolio. Consider rebalancing if any stock has underperformed significantly.
PPF and EPF:

Your PPF and EPF balances provide stability to your portfolio. These investments are safe and offer tax benefits.
Recommendation: Continue contributing to your EPF through your employer and review your PPF contributions. Since your PPF has matured, you can reinvest or continue the account for 5 years at a time to benefit from tax-free returns.
NPS:

Your NPS balance of Rs. 11 lakhs is a good start towards retirement. NPS provides a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
Recommendation: Keep contributing to NPS for its tax benefits and potential to grow over time. Ensure your allocation between equity and debt aligns with your risk tolerance.
**2. Managing Liabilities
Home Loan:

Your home loan EMI is Rs. 62,000, with 167 months remaining.
Recommendation: Consider prepaying your home loan when possible. Reducing your debt before retirement will lower your financial burden. Since your father helps with expenses, you might have some surplus to channel towards prepayment.
**3. Optimizing Asset Allocation
Given your diversified portfolio, ensure a balanced allocation across asset classes:

Equity (Mutual Funds + Stocks): Currently, a significant portion of your portfolio is in equity (through mutual funds and direct stocks). This is good for growth, but review and rebalance periodically.
Debt (PPF + EPF + NPS): Your PPF, EPF, and NPS provide the necessary debt exposure. These instruments offer stability and lower risk.
Real Estate: Real estate forms a large part of your portfolio. It's an illiquid asset but a substantial one.
Recommendation:

Aim for an asset allocation that matches your risk appetite and retirement goals. Typically, as you near retirement, gradually shift from high-risk investments (like small-cap equity) to safer, income-generating assets.
**4. **Planning for Retirement Corpus
To ensure a comfortable retirement, estimate the corpus you need:

Calculate Retirement Needs:

Consider your expected monthly expenses post-retirement (adjusted for inflation).
Factor in other income sources like pension or rental income (if applicable).
Build Your Corpus:

With your current savings and investments, you are on the right path. Continue your SIPs and consider increasing them if your income grows.
Maximize contributions to your EPF and NPS for tax efficiency.
**5. Risk Management and Insurance
Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life insurance to protect your family’s financial future. Term insurance is a cost-effective way to secure high coverage.
Health Insurance:

Ensure you and your family are covered with comprehensive health insurance. This will safeguard your savings in case of medical emergencies.
**6. Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This should be in a liquid or easily accessible form like a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

**7. Regular Monitoring and Review
Annual Review: Review your portfolio annually to assess performance and make necessary adjustments. This includes rebalancing your asset allocation and revisiting your financial goals.
Professional Guidance: Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized strategies to maximize your returns and minimize risks.
**8. Finally
Your financial discipline and diversified investments have set a strong foundation for retirement. With a strategic approach to managing your liabilities, optimizing your asset allocation, and planning for future needs, you can achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

Continue with your current investments, and regularly review your portfolio to stay on track with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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