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Financial Advisor: Should I Continue My Investment Strategy?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

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

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 - Feb 07, 2025Hindi
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I have invested 25k each in the following via Lump sum sometime in August and it's return is negative but I am not worried as I always the market works that's how - Quant Multi asset fund direct - 25k (invest 1k since then) Quant large and mid cap direct - 25k (invest 1k since then) Motilal Oswal midcap fund direct - 25k (invest 1k since then) Hdfc dividend yield fund 2k every month. Should I continue to invest 1k as I don't need this money for at least 5 years and add the mentioned amount every month. Please advise. Thank you

Ans: You have chosen a disciplined approach to investing. Market fluctuations are normal, and patience is key. Since your investment horizon is five years, your strategy must be optimized.

Reviewing Your Current Portfolio
Your investments are spread across different fund categories.

Equity markets can be volatile in the short term.

Over five years, equity funds can deliver strong returns.

Continuing SIP Investments
SIP investments reduce risk through cost averaging.

Investing consistently helps in long-term wealth creation.

You should continue your SIPs as planned.

Assessing Fund Selection
Multi-asset funds provide diversification but may have lower returns.

Large and mid-cap funds balance growth and stability.

Mid-cap funds have high growth potential but higher risk.

Dividend yield funds provide stability with lower volatility.

Portfolio Optimization
Too many funds can create overlap.

A balanced mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-asset funds is ideal.

You may consolidate some funds for better performance.

Monitoring and Adjustments
Review your portfolio every year.

Rebalance if any fund consistently underperforms.

Avoid reacting to short-term market movements.

Final Insights
Continue SIPs to benefit from market growth.

Diversify wisely but avoid too many funds.

Review performance yearly and make necessary changes.

Stay invested with a long-term perspective.

Keep emergency funds separate from your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on May 30, 2022

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I am 42. Up to now I have very little investment. One and half years back I started following SIP and lump sum investment in MF along with I have mediclaim policy for 10 lakh for my family.  1. Axis Midcap Fund regular growth: 1500 per month 2. Kotak Emerging equity fund growth (Regular): 1500 per month 3. SBI small cap fund regular growth: 2000 pre month 4. Canara robeco emerging Equities regular growth: 2000 per month 5. SBI balanced advantage fund regular growth: 1,50,000 Lump Sum 6. Kotak balanced AF Regular growth: 1,50,000 Lump Sum\ 7. Canara Robeco Ultra short term fund regular growth: 1,00,000 Lump sum 8. Kotak Saving Fund GRowth regular: 1,00,000 Lump Sum 9. UTI floater fund regular growth: 1,00,000 Lump SUm 10. Rs. 30,000 Shares Of Reliance Industries for long term 11. Rs. 25,000 Shares of Tata Motor for the long term.  12. Sukanya Samrudhi Account: 4000 per month All funds are in negative now. All this investment I have made for the long term. I want to know your expert advice if I should continue with this portfolio as all SIPs and MFs are regular and all SIPs are small cap funds. 
Ans: Please continue

I have only one daughter; she is 10. So apart from this I want to invest additional 5000 per month SIP for at least 10 years for her higher education. Kindly guide me for direct SIP looking at my age and purpose.

You may consider these funds:

  • Axis Esg Equity Fund - Growth
  • Uti Flexi Cap Fund -growth
  • Samco Flexi Cap Fund - Growth
  • Hdfc Index Fund - Sensex Plan - Growth

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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Hi everyone, I have just started investing in mutual funds, I'm 21 years old currently studying And recently I came to know of mutual fund and share market hence I asked my family to invest all the money in Their savings account should be invested in mutual funds as they give all lot more return on investment than savings account. And hence I have invested near about 2,00,000 rupees which is about 20% of my whole families non EMERGENCY savings. I have invested inInvesco India mid cap fund direct plan( Rs. 35000), axis small cap fund direct growth (35000) , sbi small cap fund(18000), parag Parekh flexi cap direct growth (16000), Quant small cap direct fund (10000), Motilal Oswal midcap fund Direct plan (15000), Quant ELSS Tax saver direct plan (10000), kotak small cap Direct plan (5000) , Kotak emerging equity direct plan (5000), Quant flexi cap direct plan (20000), Quant infrastructure fund direct plan (5000), Quant mid cap fund (5000), Nippon India Growth fund (5000), [ All of them are one time payments bought in March 2024 and nifty is at all time high at 22800], and currently I have gained all total profit of 7,000 from investment of 2,00,000 Sirs, my first question is, i fear that if Markets go down will my mutual fund value will also go down, And if I should continue investing any further in mutual funds for a PERIOD OF TIME and wait for markets to go down to invest further. Or should I continue investing. And my second question is that, is ONE TIME INVESTMENT better or SIP, AND FOR FURTHER INVESTMENT should I continue with my one time INVESTMENT of 50,000 to 60,000 for the remaining 80% OF the savings in the next 2-3 months or should I go for SIP and spread this for over a span of 1-2. Years
Ans: It's great to see your enthusiasm for investing in mutual funds at a young age! Let's address your concerns and questions:

Market Volatility: It's natural to be concerned about market fluctuations, especially when you're new to investing. Yes, mutual fund values can indeed fluctuate with market movements. However, it's essential to remember that investing in mutual funds is a long-term endeavor. Market downturns are a normal part of the investing cycle, and they often present buying opportunities for long-term investors. Trying to time the market by waiting for a downturn to invest further can be challenging and may not always yield the desired results. Instead, focus on staying invested for the long term and maintaining a diversified portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
One-Time Investment vs. SIP: Both one-time investments and SIPs have their advantages. One-time investments offer the benefit of investing a lump sum amount upfront, which can potentially lead to higher returns over the long term, especially during bull markets. On the other hand, SIPs allow you to invest regularly over time, which can help in rupee cost averaging and reduce the impact of market volatility. Since you're just starting, you may consider continuing with your one-time investments for now and gradually explore SIPs as you gain more experience and confidence in investing.
Future Investment Strategy: Whether you choose to continue with one-time investments or switch to SIPs for your future investments depends on your preferences, financial goals, and cash flow considerations. Since you've already made one-time investments, you may continue with this approach if it aligns with your investment strategy. Alternatively, if you prefer a more systematic and disciplined approach, you can start SIPs for your future investments. Consider spreading your investments over time to take advantage of rupee cost averaging and reduce the impact of market volatility.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay patient, disciplined, and focused on your long-term goals. Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and help you navigate the complexities of the financial markets. Keep learning and stay committed to your investment plan, and you'll be well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations over time.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir , Im retired at the age of 50 and I am a new entrant in mutual funds. I have invested the following towards liquidity and capital appreciation . 1) Chola Perpetual Bonds 50 Lac @ 8.9 % , 2) Shriram FD 30 Lacs for 36 months @8.30%, ICICI Prudential Multi Asset Fund 75 lacs Regular Growth, 3) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Equity Fund 32 lacs Regular Growth, 4) HDFC Flexi Cap equity Fund 33 lacs Regular Growth, 5) ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund 17 lacs Regular Growth, 6) HDFC Asset Allocation FOF Regular Growth 50 Lacs. My objective was capital appreciation and fixed income of 2. 5 Lacs monthly. I am doing all these investments under regular growth with a financial adviser . Total investments as of date is 2.8 Cr, the investments started in May 2025. I have committed to investing a total of 7.5 Cr out of which 2.8 cr is already invested In the pipeline are 1) ICICI Balanced Advantage Fund 50 Lacs, 2) Kotak Balanced Advantage Fund 50 lacs which I aim to invest in August 2025 This makes it a total investment of 3.8 CR. The remaining 3.7 Cr will be used to top up the mutual funds already invested in Since Im a new entrant , the only fund that Im seeing giving me good returns since start is the ICICI Multi Asset Fund. The remaining equity funds are all in the negative . Now the question is , am I on the right track ? moreso my next tranche of topups / investments should be done where. Im not confident of equities though I was warned of volatility. The plan for August is : 1) 50 Lacs each in ICICI & Kotak BAF's, 2) 33 Lacs in HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, 3) 32 Lacs in Parag Pariks Flexi Fund, 3) 17 Lacs in ICICI Opportunities fund, 4) 18 Lacs in HDFC Multi Asset FOF The same investment cycle as August will be done in Sep 2025 with the exception of HDFC FOF & BAF as its yet to be decided Kindly advise if Im on the right path. Moreso I am seeing very high expense ratio with most of the funds . Please also advise as to when I should start the SWP from the Balanced Advantage funds once invested Thanks
Ans: You have made a significant move by taking early retirement and stepping into mutual funds. Your clarity of purpose—capital appreciation and monthly income of Rs. 2.5 lakhs—is well articulated. Investing Rs. 7.5 crore in a structured way with a mix of income-generating instruments and mutual funds shows you are serious about financial freedom.

? Investment Strategy Assessment

– Your split between fixed income (Chola bonds, Shriram FD) and mutual funds shows balance.

– Rs. 80 lakh in fixed income at above 8% yields nearly Rs. 6.5 lakh/year. That covers around Rs. 54K/month. It's a good start.

– Rs. 2 crore already in growth-oriented mutual funds shows intent for long-term appreciation.

– You’ve chosen asset allocation, flexi cap, multi-asset, and opportunities-oriented funds. This adds good diversification.

– The plan to further deploy Rs. 4.7 crore into balanced and existing funds spreads risk and potential return across market cycles.

– The monthly withdrawal target of Rs. 2.5 lakh from a Rs. 7.5 crore portfolio (around 4% yearly) is sustainable if well structured.

– Your use of regular growth plans via an MFD is wise. The MFD ensures service, portfolio rebalancing, and psychological support during volatility.

? Volatility in Equity Funds – Is This Normal?

– Equity funds may show red in early months. This is entirely normal.

– Markets may stay sideways or even decline short-term. But with time, they grow with the economy.

– Multi-Asset and Balanced Advantage Funds (BAFs) tend to perform better in early phases due to equity-debt balancing.

– The fact that ICICI Multi Asset is giving you early comfort is due to its hybrid nature. That doesn’t mean the equity funds are flawed.

– Give your pure equity funds like Flexi Cap and Opportunities Fund at least 3–5 years to reflect true performance.

– Avoid judging fund quality based on short-term NAV.

? Expense Ratio Concern – Regular vs. Direct

– Regular funds come with MFD services. This is your financial partner’s time, insights, and effort.

– Direct funds save expense ratio but you lose handholding, periodic review, and strategy updates.

– Especially for a retiree, making mistakes due to inexperience or emotions can cost more than expense ratio savings.

– As a new investor, regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer better outcomes and peace of mind.

– Expense ratio in regular plans is a small price for personalised advice, service, and continuity.

? Your August and September Investment Plan – Is It Right?

– Your August investments of Rs. 1.5 crore into two BAFs and topping up Flexi Cap, Multi Asset, and Opportunities fund is well thought out.

– BAFs bring downside protection and rebalancing. They are apt to begin Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from.

– Flexi Cap topping helps long-term equity growth. Parag Parikh and HDFC Flexi Cap are quality options.

– Topping up the Multi Asset and Opportunities fund is also suitable. You already have partial experience with them.

– September tranche repeating the August structure is a fine idea—consistency reduces timing risk.

– However, skipping HDFC Asset Allocation FOF and BAF in September, if not finalised, is acceptable. You can revisit based on August NAV movements.

? Suggestions Before You Top Up Further

– Do not top up based on short-term performance.

– Stay with current schemes unless the fund’s fundamentals change.

– Confirm asset allocation remains balanced after top-ups. Keep equity:debt within your comfort zone.

– If equity exposure crosses 65–70%, and you are uncomfortable, pause and reconsider future top-ups.

– Do not make emotional decisions based on red NAVs in first 3–6 months.

– Ask your CFP to run stress-test scenarios before every tranche deployment. This helps maintain confidence.

? SWP Strategy – When and How to Start?

– SWP should be started only once at least Rs. 1–1.5 crore is in Balanced Advantage Funds.

– Let these funds remain invested for 2–3 months minimum post-purchase. This allows the fund to settle in terms of market exposure.

– Ideally, start SWP from November or December 2025 if funds are deployed in August.

– Begin with Rs. 1 lakh/month from BAFs initially. You can scale to Rs. 2.5 lakh later as the corpus grows.

– SWP from equity-oriented BAFs is tax-efficient. Gains will be taxed at only 12.5% LTCG beyond Rs. 1.25 lakh annually (as per July 2025 rule).

– Keep a 12-month contingency in liquid form or FD for emergencies or SWP delays.

? Diversification Review – Any Gaps?

– You have spread across Flexi Cap, Multi Asset, Opportunities, Asset Allocation FOF, and BAFs. This is healthy.

– Exposure to different AMCs is balanced. You're not over-concentrated in one fund house.

– Chola bonds and Shriram FD give non-market linked income. This cushions equity volatility.

– You may want to keep Rs. 20–25 lakh in high-liquidity products like Liquid Funds or Ultra Short-Term debt funds. This supports any sudden need.

– Avoid taking more than 50% of your entire corpus into high-risk equity funds even if markets rise.

– It is not necessary to chase the “best” fund always. Staying consistent with well-rated, diversified funds is smarter.

? Tax Planning Outlook

– Ensure you and your spouse’s PAN are optimally used while redeeming to avoid excess LTCG in one name.

– Spread withdrawals from equity to stay below Rs. 1.25 lakh LTCG limit per person, per year.

– Your fixed income (FD + Bonds) will be taxed as per slab. You may consider holding some in your spouse’s name if she is in a lower slab.

– Capital gains from mutual funds should be reviewed yearly. Don't wait till March to do last-minute tax planning.

– Avoid frequent switching between funds—it may lead to short-term capital gains at 20% tax rate.

? Emotional Comfort and Behavioural Aspects

– It’s very normal to feel anxious seeing funds in negative returns.

– Behavioural discipline is as important as fund selection.

– Your decision to go via MFD route ensures you have someone to speak to when emotions rise.

– Avoid panic-driven exits. Equity markets work only with time and patience.

– Don't track NAV daily or weekly. Track portfolio only once a month.

– Communicate clearly with your CFP. Share discomforts before acting.

? Expense Management from Investment Income

– Rs. 2.5 lakh/month goal is reasonable for a Rs. 7.5 crore corpus. That’s only 4% annual withdrawal rate.

– BAFs and Multi Asset Funds are ideal to start SWP from.

– Use Fixed Deposit and Bond income to supplement SWP in the first few years.

– Let equity-only funds grow undisturbed for at least 5–7 years.

– If market dips, use FD interest or liquid corpus to avoid redeeming equity funds at low NAV.

– Review the portfolio with your CFP every 6 months. Adjust only if goals or markets shift sharply.

? What Not To Do

– Don’t judge a fund within 3–6 months. Growth funds take time.

– Don’t go for direct funds. The support from an MFD with CFP credentials adds value far beyond the small expense savings.

– Don’t chase star performers or sectoral trends. Stay with diversified strategies.

– Don’t get tempted by structured products or PMS at this stage. Stick to mutual funds for transparency and liquidity.

– Don’t ignore liquidity. Keep at least 6–12 months’ expenses in a liquid fund or FD.

– Don’t skip reviewing tax angles. Annual rebalancing may have capital gain impacts.

? Finally

– You are on the right path. A Rs. 7.5 crore plan with Rs. 2.5 lakh income goal is sustainable.

– Fund selection is broadly appropriate for both growth and safety.

– Follow through your investment tranches without panic.

– Avoid direct funds or expense ratio worries. Focus on outcome, not cost.

– With disciplined SWP, professional handholding, and patience, your plan will deliver.

– Stay connected with your MFD-CFP for regular review and emotional guardrails.

– Your early retirement is not just achievable but potentially inspiring if implemented with this consistency.

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

..Read more

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1735 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 11, 2025Hindi
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Dear madam I have this suitaution in my life. Plz do guide me with this. So i have 2 married sisters and a brother with who i dont get along well. We used to be close back then. Later on my father passed away and then i got busy searching work. After getting work i got carried away with my newly found friendship with a boy i started spending much on him rather then my family. But still then i never neglected my family every kind of help i tried to give them. In the meanwhile i used to take care of my bedridden grandmother who used to stay in another state. Then my second sister started feeding everyone's mind against me saying i dont help them with money and i spend most on my grandmother and cousin. Though my sister were earning well still they waited me to spend on them which i stopped by then as they were earning. And there used to be a real good fight with my sisters and me regarding money issue and als my marriage thing and i gave them bitter words and also curses which i regret to this day thinking how could i do hated thing to my family .In next few years my sister got married but my second sister never invited me for her marriage and did all her wedding plans in my absence and i als never attended her wedding. I attended my 3rd sister wedding. After that my second sister plotted a plan against me by taking everyone on her side and kept me out of all the family functions. I just ignored them and decided to never to get bothered by any of this. Now the problem my 3rd sister is pregnant and they have planned a babyshower and like they are just telling me to attend it. To be honest they just told me a day before the function. How to handle this. Should i attend? And how to deal with such kind of people they seem to take advantage of my helpless. Please guide me on how to become a strong girl while taking desicion.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Learn the skill of staying away from all this drama. If you felt secure with who you are, you wouldn't think much whether you got invited or not. Do remember, people will be on your side sometimes and not on your side at other times. This goes for friends are family; so learn to be comfortable with that...
What you did for your grandmother is a choice that you made; why expect anything in return?
Life lived with least expectations is certainly a happier life...counting what people did or didn't do will take away your peace!
Real strength is not in fighting it out but knowing when to walk away from constant drama.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1735 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 18, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 17, 2025

Money
Dear Sir, What is the best % of SWP one can think of from Portfolio value. I am retired now and have say 1 Cr as MF and Share portfolio. I want to go for 40000 SWP per month thereby making 4.8% as SWP. If this is good to have this for 15 yrs
Ans: Your question shows great care for your financial future. Many retirees ignore this step. You have already taken a wise move. You want steady income. You want safety. You want long life for your money. These are very important points. I truly appreciate your clarity.

» Understanding your present plan
Your idea is simple. You have Rs 1 crore. You want Rs 40000 each month. This means Rs 4.8 lakh each year. That is 4.8 percent of your money. This is not very high. This is not very low. It sits in the middle range. Many retirees try for 7 or 8 percent. That can put pressure on the portfolio. Your 4.8 percent is more reasonable. It supports discipline. It keeps stress low.

Your idea is for 15 years. That is a good time frame. It gives space for your funds to grow. It gives time for market cycles. It also gives time for inflation adjustments.

» Why withdrawal rate matters
Your SWP rate decides how long your money will last. A high rate can drain funds soon. A very low rate may not support your monthly needs. Your 4.8 percent sits well. It balances life needs and portfolio health.

When you draw money from a mixed portfolio, the growth side helps refill your withdrawn money. The stability side helps reduce fall during bad years. This mix helps the SWP stay steady.

» Why a proper structure is important
A SWP is not only a monthly withdrawal. It is a full system. The system needs planning. It needs regular reviews. It needs a clear asset split. It needs a cushion for weak market years.

If you set this structure well now, your SWP can stay safe. Your money can stretch for many years. You can keep peace of mind.

» The importance of a balanced mix
Your portfolio may hold equity funds, hybrid funds, and debt funds. A clear mix reduces risk. It gives smooth cash flow. Equity gives growth. Debt gives steady flow. Hybrid gives balance.

Because you want monthly income for 15 years, you need a balance that supports steady SWP. A pure equity plan can shake too much. A pure debt plan may not grow at a good pace. A balanced mix is ideal.

» Equity funds need careful use
Some investors put large money in equity for SWP. This can work in strong markets. This can fail in weak markets. Your SWP must survive both market moods. That is why pure equity for SWP is not safe.

Also, you should prefer actively managed funds over index funds for long SWP. Index funds follow the index blindly. They do not manage risk actively. They cannot adjust to market cycles. Actively managed funds have a professional fund manager. A skilled manager helps in limiting risk in low years. This helps protect principal in SWP years. This support is not present in index funds.

» Debt funds form the stabiliser
Debt funds bring peace to the portfolio. They help during bad market years. They help the SWP stay steady. Because debt funds follow market rates, they work as the anchor. For SWP, this anchor is very helpful.

If you use direct debt funds, you must remember that direct funds need more tracking. They need active reviews by you. Many retired investors find this hard. Regular plans taken through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP skill provide guidance. Regular plans also give handholding. This handholding helps avoid wrong exits.

» How to view your Rs 40000 monthly need
You may need some money for basic needs. You may need some money for health care. You may need some money for family support. You may need some money for personal comfort. Rs 40000 per month seems a balanced number.

It does not put too much pressure on the money. It is not a very heavy load. It fits well with a Rs 1 crore fund.

» Inflation needs attention
Inflation will rise. Costs will rise. Your need will rise. Your SWP should rise slowly over time. You cannot fix your SWP for 15 years at one number. That may reduce your buying power.

A small rise every two or three years will help you beat inflation. This rise must be slow. It must match your portfolio growth.

» Risk of sharp market falls
Sharp falls can disturb SWP. A sudden big drop in equity value can pull down your portfolio. This may cause you to withdraw when market is low. That is not good. To fix this, you need enough stability in your mix.

A proper allocation in debt funds and hybrid funds can reduce this issue. You will get smoother cash flow. You will not have to worry about market news every day.

» Role of emergency money
Please keep an emergency amount. Keep this aside. Do not include it in your SWP plan. You may need money for urgent health needs. You may need money for home needs. Emergency funds help you avoid sudden selling.

A good emergency fund gives peace. It protects your SWP from sudden shocks.

» Tax rules for withdrawals
Every SWP withdrawal may include some gains. Tax will apply based on the type of fund and the gain period. This tax can have impact on net flow. You must plan for this in your withdrawal design.

Equity fund rules:

Gains under one year are short-term. These are taxed at 20 percent.

Gains above one year are long-term. Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5 percent.

Debt fund rules:

Both short-term and long-term gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

This tax part should not scare you. A proper plan can reduce the tax burden. A planned SWP can help you manage gains carefully.

» Why a Certified Financial Planner helps
You may handle small things by yourself. But retirement planning is delicate. One wrong move can disturb the whole plan. A Certified Financial Planner gives a clear road map. He helps you set the best mix. He reviews the plan every year. He adjusts the plan for market and life events.

This guidance is very useful in SWP because SWP needs discipline.

» Why not consider real estate
Some retirees think of using real estate for income. But real estate needs heavy work. It needs tenant work. It needs repair work. It needs legal care. It gives lumpy income. It gives no steady flow. So it is not fit for SWP planning.

Your present goal is steady income. Real estate will not give this.

» Why not consider annuities
Annuities give fixed income. But they lock your money. They give low returns. They do not beat inflation well. They reduce flexibility. For these reasons, they are not ideal for your long-term income.

Your idea of SWP with balanced mix is better.

» Keeping your portfolio healthy for 15 years
To keep your portfolio safe for 15 years, you must follow some habits:

Review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust asset mix if needed.

Increase SWP amount slowly.

Reduce SWP for one or two years if markets fall very deep.

Protect your money from emotional moves.

Keep a two-year buffer in a low-risk fund.

Keep your growth part running for long.

These habits help your money last for the full 15-year horizon.

» Regular review helps you adapt
Markets will change. Your health may change. Your needs may change. A yearly review will help align your plan. It will help spot issues early. It will help guide the next year’s SWP.

Without reviews, even good plans can fail.

» Why a two-year cushion helps
A cushion fund is a simple idea. Keep two years of SWP in a low-risk debt fund. This money helps you draw income even in bad market years. You will not need to sell equity in weak phases. This protects your overall money. This makes your SWP more stable.

This cushion fund is an extra shield. It supports your 15-year income plan.

» Role of diversification
Your SWP works best when your portfolio is spread well. A spread can include:

Actively managed equity funds.

Hybrid funds.

Debt funds.

This spread reduces risk. It gives smoothness. It supports long-term income.

Avoid using too many funds. Keep it simple. A small number of quality funds is better.

» How your 4.8 percent looks in practice
A 4.8 percent withdrawal rate is comfortable for a 15-year horizon. If you follow discipline, your money will not face heavy pressure. If your portfolio grows at a steady pace, your principal will not erode fast. Even if growth shifts between years, the mixed structure will protect you.

Your plan is workable. It is sensible. It is future-friendly.

» Mistakes to avoid
Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

Do not chase high-return funds.

Do not raise SWP sharply in one year.

Do not keep too much money in equity.

Do not stop reviews.

Do not shift funds often without reason.

Do not look at direct plans if you prefer guidance.

These mistakes can disturb your portfolio health. Your SWP may suffer.

» Why not use direct funds if you need support
Direct plans give lower cost. But they give no guidance. Retired investors often need guidance. They need reviews. They need discipline. A regular plan through a qualified Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP skill gives support. It prevents panic reactions. This support is valuable in low market years.

» Healthy mindset for SWP
Try to see your SWP as a long journey. It needs calm mind. It needs steady steps. It needs slow corrections. It needs patience. If you stay steady, your SWP will stay healthy. You will enjoy peace.

» Practical steps you can start now
You may start with these steps:

Set clear needs for each year.

Fix a proper asset split.

Create a cushion fund for two years.

Start SWP from a low-risk fund or hybrid fund.

Keep equity for growth.

Add small hikes in SWP every few years.

This system supports long-term income.

» How your plan supports a joyful retired life
Your plan helps you live with comfort. It gives predictable cash flow. It gives you freedom from worry. It gives you clarity. You can focus on health, family, and peace. You do not need to watch markets each day.

Your retirement life becomes balanced.

» Final Insights
Your idea of taking Rs 40000 per month from a Rs 1 crore portfolio at 4.8 percent is workable. It fits well for a 15-year horizon. It supports your income. It protects your money if you set a balanced mix. You must follow steady reviews. You must keep a small cushion. You must avoid risky moves.

With these practices, your SWP plan can stay healthy for many years. Your future can stay peaceful and steady. You have already taken the right first step. Your clarity gives your plan strong power.

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

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

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2567 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Nov 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 17, 2025Hindi
Career
Is it worthwhile being an mbbs only doctor in India or is pg necessary as somebody who cannot toil 24-36 hours (as is the case with hospital duties) and is not well adequate for working under somebody and then do you still have to study after mbbs to level up or will you be contented with just mbbs. Pls don't answer objectively i really need to see the real picture
Ans: Hi Dr.
Recently, I've seen many different comments on social media suggesting that finding a job after completing an MBBS is very difficult, with some graduates even working as delivery boys.

I believe MBBS is one of the few courses that allows for immediate entrepreneurship after graduation, while other fields often require additional support to start a business. Many medical shop owners are willing to provide a small space for consultations, which is not typically an option for graduates in other disciplines.

If you are financially constrained, it may be wise to stop after completing your MBBS degree for the time being. However, pursuing a postgraduate degree (PG) significantly increases your opportunities, including potential roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Without a PG, your options may be limited. It's akin to the difference between a normal grocery store and a supermarket: completing a PG can lead to positions in corporate medical hospitals.

Initially, you might consider working at a smaller practice or in the government sector before pursuing higher education. While having an MBBS degree allows you to offer consultations, having a PG provides you with more credibility and knowledge. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and don’t worry about others—proceed based on your own abilities and circumstances.
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