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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7103 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 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 - Jul 01, 2024Hindi
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With income of 30k I am paying 50k emi monthly. I want to reduce the amount or extend tenure I spoke with lenders not working. So I want to reduce the emi burden and extend tenure. I have option but interest is higher I will have to pay more every month and finish it fast. I have loan offer of 1 lakh at 35% pa

Ans: Reducing EMI Burden and Extending Loan Tenure

Understanding Your Current Situation
Your income is Rs. 30,000, but your monthly EMI is Rs. 50,000.

That's a challenging situation. It’s understandable you want to reduce your EMI burden.

Evaluating Current Loan Options
You've spoken with lenders but have found no success.

The offered loan at 35% per annum is quite high.

Why Reducing EMI is Important
Reducing your EMI is crucial for financial stability. It allows you to manage your expenses better and avoid debt traps.

Extending Loan Tenure
Extending the tenure can lower your monthly EMI. But, it increases the overall interest paid.

Let’s evaluate if it’s beneficial for you.

Higher Interest Rate Concerns
A higher interest rate means paying more in the long run.

It can seem like a quick fix but might not be financially sound.

Assessing Loan Offers
Carefully assess any loan offers, especially those with high interest rates.

A 35% interest rate can lead to significant financial strain.

Certified Financial Planner's Insight
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide detailed advice.

They can help you understand the long-term impact of your decisions.


Evaluating Your Investment Goals
Define clear investment goals.

Short-term and long-term goals will help in choosing the right mutual funds.

Emergency Fund Creation
Create an emergency fund.

It acts as a financial cushion in case of unforeseen expenses.

Managing Monthly Expenses
Track your monthly expenses closely.

Cut down on unnecessary spending to manage your EMIs better.

Strategic Debt Management
Debt management strategies can help.

Prioritize high-interest loans and plan to pay them off first.

Using SIPs for Investment
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds are effective.

They promote disciplined investing and take advantage of rupee cost averaging.

Evaluating Loan Offers with a CFP
A CFP can help you evaluate loan offers.

They can guide you on whether extending tenure or opting for higher interest rates is beneficial.

Avoiding High-Interest Loans
Avoid high-interest loans if possible.

They can lead to more financial stress and debt accumulation.

Alternative Loan Restructuring Options
Discuss alternative restructuring options with your lender.

Sometimes, lenders may offer better terms when approached strategically.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Long-term financial planning is crucial.

A CFP can help you develop a sustainable plan to manage debt and invest wisely.

Understanding the Impact of High EMIs
High EMIs can impact your quality of life.

It’s essential to balance loan repayments with your daily needs.

Exploring Government Schemes
Check if any government schemes can assist with loan restructuring.

Some schemes offer lower interest rates or better terms.

Seeking Professional Advice
Always seek professional advice.

A CFP can provide tailored advice to fit your unique financial situation.

Final Insights
Managing high EMIs with a limited income is challenging.

Carefully assess all loan options, consider investing in mutual funds for better returns, and consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Prioritize creating an emergency fund and managing monthly expenses effectively.

Avoid high-interest loans and explore alternative restructuring options with your lender.

With strategic planning and professional guidance, you can achieve financial stability and reduce your EMI burden over time.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7103 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 32 years old, taking home loan of 25 lakhs,earning 51k per month. With 8.75 percentage interest and 15 years tenure, my emi would be 24k per month..however. I need to completey loan before that tenure. Please provide me the possibilities
Ans: Taking a home loan is a significant financial decision. Your goal to repay the loan before the tenure ends is commendable. Let's explore various strategies to achieve this goal, considering your financial profile and objectives.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You are 32 years old, with a monthly income of Rs. 51,000. You have taken a home loan of Rs. 25 lakhs at an interest rate of 8.75% for 15 years, resulting in an EMI of Rs. 24,000. This EMI constitutes a substantial portion of your monthly income.

Budgeting and Cash Flow Management
Effective budgeting is crucial. Track your expenses meticulously. Identify areas where you can cut costs. Allocate more funds towards your loan repayment. This disciplined approach will free up money for additional EMI payments or lump-sum prepayments.

Setting Up an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of your expenses, including your EMI. It acts as a financial cushion, preventing you from defaulting on your EMI in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Increasing Your EMI Payments
One of the most straightforward ways to repay your loan early is by increasing your EMI payments. If you can afford to pay more than Rs. 24,000 per month, do so. Even a small increase can significantly reduce your loan tenure and interest burden.

Making Lump-Sum Prepayments
Utilize bonuses, incentives, or any windfall gains to make lump-sum prepayments towards your loan. Most lenders allow you to make prepayments without any penalties. This reduces the principal amount, leading to lower interest and a shorter loan tenure.

Prioritizing High-Interest Debt
If you have other high-interest debts, prioritize repaying them first. Once these are cleared, channel the freed-up funds towards your home loan. This strategy ensures you save more on interest payments in the long run.

Exploring Additional Income Sources
Consider supplementing your income with part-time work or freelance opportunities. The additional income can be directed towards your loan repayment. This approach not only accelerates loan repayment but also enhances your financial stability.

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Investments
Evaluate your current investment portfolio. Ensure that it aligns with your goal of early loan repayment. If you have low-yielding or non-essential investments, consider liquidating them to make prepayments towards your loan.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
When considering investments, it's important to focus on actively managed funds. Unlike index funds, which merely track the market, actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. They provide the benefit of professional management and the potential for higher returns.

Regular Funds Through Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a certified financial planner (CFP) has its advantages. Regular funds managed by a CFP can offer personalized advice and ongoing support. This guidance can help you optimize your investments for better returns and achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Utilizing Tax Benefits
Maximize the tax benefits available on your home loan. Under Section 80C, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs on the principal repayment. Additionally, under Section 24(b), you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakhs on the interest paid. These deductions can reduce your taxable income, resulting in tax savings.

Staying Financially Disciplined
Maintaining financial discipline is key to early loan repayment. Avoid unnecessary expenses and impulsive purchases. Stick to your budget and prioritize loan repayment. This disciplined approach will ensure steady progress towards your goal.

Reviewing Your Loan Regularly
Regularly review your loan and financial situation. Assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your repayment strategy. This proactive approach will keep you on track and help you identify opportunities for faster loan repayment.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consider consulting a certified financial planner (CFP) for personalized advice. A CFP can provide a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your situation. They can help you optimize your investments, manage risks, and achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Final Insights
Repaying your home loan before the tenure ends is a realistic goal with proper planning and discipline. Focus on effective budgeting, increasing EMI payments, making lump-sum prepayments, and optimizing your investments. Seek professional advice when needed to ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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I am 50 years old, how much proportion should I allocate in Debt and Equity mutual funds. I am investing in mutual funds only. My 43 L portfolio has 37 L equity and 6 Lak debt.
Ans: Balancing your portfolio between equity and debt is critical at this stage. A 50-year-old investor should aim for a safer portfolio while ensuring reasonable growth. Since you’re already investing in mutual funds, fine-tuning your allocation can optimise returns and reduce risk.

Let’s assess your portfolio in detail and identify actionable steps for an optimal balance.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Your current allocation includes:

Rs 37 lakh in equity: Around 86% of your total portfolio.
Rs 6 lakh in debt: About 14% of your total portfolio.
This equity-heavy portfolio is suitable for younger investors. At 50, you may need to rebalance to reduce volatility while retaining growth.

Recommended Allocation Strategy
A general rule is the "100 minus age" approach. However, personal goals, risk tolerance, and financial stability should guide decisions. For a 50-year-old:

Equity: 50% to 60% of the portfolio. This ensures growth and combats inflation.
Debt: 40% to 50%. This ensures stability and predictable returns.
You can adjust within this range based on personal preferences and financial objectives.

Steps to Rebalance Your Portfolio
To align your portfolio, consider these steps:

Gradually reduce equity exposure: Shift some equity investments to debt. Do this systematically over months to avoid timing risks.
Increase debt mutual funds allocation: Consider short-duration or dynamic bond funds for liquidity and moderate returns.
Use hybrid mutual funds: Balanced advantage funds can offer a mix of equity and debt with automatic rebalancing.
Why a Balanced Allocation Is Crucial
Equity: This provides growth potential to counter inflation. It supports long-term financial goals like retirement planning.
Debt: This offers stability and acts as a buffer against market downturns. It ensures liquidity for unexpected expenses.
Avoid Over-Exposure to Equity
While equity delivers higher returns, excessive exposure can increase portfolio risk. A balanced allocation shields you during market corrections.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform the market due to professional expertise. They adjust portfolios based on market trends and opportunities.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

They lack active monitoring during volatile periods.
They mimic the index, limiting scope for higher returns.
Their fixed composition may underperform in certain market cycles.
For long-term growth, actively managed funds offer better risk-adjusted returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Guidance: Regular funds come with expert advice from an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential.
Portfolio Monitoring: They help align your investments with changing market conditions.
Support: MFDs can guide in tax planning and rebalancing.
Direct funds, while cheaper, may lead to uninformed decisions and missed opportunities.

Tax Efficiency in Your Portfolio
Understanding new mutual fund taxation rules is essential:

Equity funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt funds: Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Consider tax implications before rebalancing to avoid unnecessary liabilities.

Maintaining Liquidity
At this stage, maintaining a portion of your portfolio in liquid funds is prudent. It helps meet short-term goals or emergencies without disturbing long-term investments.

Aligning with Retirement Goals
Your portfolio should focus on generating a steady post-retirement income. Here’s how:

Allocate more to debt as you approach retirement.
Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for regular income during retirement.
Retain a small equity portion to combat inflation even post-retirement.
Creating a Contingency Fund
Set aside a separate fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. Use liquid or ultra-short-term debt funds for this.

Monitoring and Reviewing Your Portfolio
Review your portfolio every 6 months.
Rebalance based on market conditions and life changes.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for adjustments aligned with your goals.
Avoid Common Investment Pitfalls
Chasing high returns: Avoid concentrating on high-risk funds at this stage.
Over-diversification: Stick to a manageable number of funds to track performance easily.
Ignoring inflation: Ensure your portfolio grows faster than inflation rates.
Building a Long-Term Perspective
Focus on wealth preservation alongside growth.
Maintain discipline in investing. Avoid reacting impulsively to market fluctuations.
Stay informed about economic and market trends affecting mutual fund performance.
Final Insights
Balancing equity and debt is essential for stability and growth in your portfolio. A 50%-60% equity and 40%-50% debt allocation aligns with your age and goals. Active management and regular reviews will help optimise returns and minimise risks.

Transitioning gradually ensures minimal disruption to your portfolio’s growth. Focus on creating a robust strategy to secure your financial future.

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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