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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 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
kannan Question by kannan on May 15, 2025
Money

Hi sir I have invested 6 lakh and 10 lakh per year in the smart privilege plus plan. Can you suggest the disadvantage and advantages of this plan. Shall I continue this plan upto five years. Thanks in advance

Ans: You are investing Rs. 6 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh per year in Smart Privilege Plus. That is a significant financial commitment. You deserve appreciation for the discipline and seriousness you show towards your financial future.

Now let us study this plan carefully.

Let’s evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages, and then decide what’s best for you. This answer will give a full 360-degree view.

Understanding What This Plan Actually Is
This is a ULIP – a Unit Linked Insurance Plan.

It mixes life insurance and investment in one product.

Your premium is split into two parts.

One part goes towards life cover.

Other part is invested in equity or debt funds.

This is not a mutual fund. It is an insurance-linked product.

Advantages of Smart Privilege Plus Plan
Gives life insurance along with investments.

Offers the option to choose equity or debt fund mix.

Can switch between funds without tax during the policy term.

Gives some tax benefits under Section 80C.

If policy is continued for long term, it may create decent corpus.

After 5 years, partial withdrawals are allowed, if needed.

Insurance payout is tax-free under current laws (Section 10(10D)).

Premium waiver and other riders may give some safety cushion.

Disadvantages of Smart Privilege Plus Plan
Very high charges in the early years.

Policy administration, premium allocation, fund management fees reduce your investment.

First 2 to 3 years, returns are very low due to charges.

Not flexible for regular top-ups or goal-based investing.

Returns are not transparent or comparable to mutual funds.

Lock-in of 5 years. You can’t touch your money before that.

Fund options inside ULIP are limited and less aggressive.

Switching between funds needs tracking and timing.

Insurance cover provided is usually insufficient.

Not good if you want to exit in short term.

Should You Continue This Plan?
You are putting Rs. 16 lakh every year into this plan.

That is a very high commitment for a ULIP.

If you have already completed 5 years, assess the fund value now.

If it is underperforming, it is better to surrender and move to better options.

Even if you're in the 2nd or 3rd year, it is better to assess soon.

The cost of staying in a low-growth product is huge.

What You Can Do Now – Step-by-Step
Ask the insurance company for current fund value and surrender value.

Compare the growth with mutual fund performance over same period.

Check your original policy brochure for charges and deduction details.

If you’ve completed 5 years, surrender is penalty-free.

If not, weigh how much penalty applies now vs. staying for full term.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner before surrendering.

Don’t act in a hurry. Assess based on facts.

What to Do with the Surrender Value?
Once you surrender, you will get back some amount.

That money should be re-invested properly.

Use mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Do not invest in direct funds.

Regular plans give you advice, monitoring and adjustments.

Why You Should Avoid Direct Funds
Direct funds may look cheaper.

But they don’t give you ongoing guidance.

No rebalancing or review happens.

Without advice, mistakes are common.

Use regular plans via an MFD who is a CFP.

Why Actively Managed Funds Are Better Than Index Funds
Index funds simply copy the market.

In falling markets, they also fall fully.

Actively managed funds adjust to reduce risk.

They try to outperform the index.

For long-term goals, they give better returns than passive index funds.

How a Better Strategy Will Help
Mutual funds have more transparency.

Charges are lower compared to ULIPs.

You can choose funds as per goal and risk.

SIP can start from Rs. 500 monthly.

You can add or stop any time.

No lock-in except in tax-saving ELSS funds.

If You Have Life Insurance Goals
Buy pure term life cover.

Coverage should be minimum 15–20 times your yearly income.

Premium is very low for term plans.

No investment part. Full focus is on risk protection.

If You Have Investment Goals
Use equity mutual funds through a regular plan.

For short term goals, use debt mutual funds or liquid funds.

Choose SIPs based on risk and time horizon.

Review performance once a year with a CFP.

Tax Rules You Should Know (If You Exit This Plan)
ULIP maturity is tax-free if annual premium is under Rs. 2.5 lakh.

If premium is more than Rs. 2.5 lakh, maturity becomes taxable.

New rules treat such ULIPs like mutual funds.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Long-term gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Check if your ULIP qualifies under this rule.

Common Mistakes to Avoid Going Forward
Don’t mix insurance with investment again.

Don’t take plans with lock-ins and high charges.

Don’t choose products just for tax-saving.

Don’t invest based on friend or agent recommendation.

Don’t ignore review. Recheck all plans every year.

Final Insights
ULIPs like Smart Privilege Plus are sold as all-in-one solutions. But they are complex. They often give lower returns. Charges eat up early years. You have better choices today. You deserve flexibility, control, and transparency. If you have crossed 5 years, this is a great time to exit. Reinvest through SIPs with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Your wealth journey will be simpler, clearer and stronger.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2024

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Sir, I had invested 6 lakh per annum (payment period -5 years) in SBI SMART PREVILEGE INSURANCE CUM INVESTMENT PLAN with 100% in MIDCAP FUND. What is the past history & future benefit of SBI SMART PREVILEGE PLAN? Is it beneficiary or advisable to invest 100% in Midacap fund? If there is any disadvantage in this Plan, do inform because i have little knowledge in Investment process...
Ans: Assessing Your Investment Strategy
Your decision to invest in the SBI Smart Privilege Plan with 100% allocation to Midcap Fund is significant. Let's explore the option of surrendering the ULIP and reinvesting the funds into mutual funds for potentially better outcomes.

Surrendering the ULIP
Considering your concerns and investment objectives, surrendering the ULIP may be a prudent choice. ULIPs often come with high charges and limited flexibility, which can impact your returns over the long term. Evaluate the surrender value and any associated charges before making a decision.

Reinvesting in Mutual Funds
Reinvesting the funds from the surrendered ULIP into mutual funds offers several advantages. Mutual funds provide greater flexibility, transparency, and potentially higher returns compared to ULIPs. With a diversified portfolio of mutual funds, you can optimize your investment strategy and minimize risks.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer a wide range of options catering to different risk appetites and investment goals. They provide professional management, diversification, and liquidity, making them suitable for long-term wealth creation. Choose funds that align with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

Disadvantages of ULIPs
ULIPs often come with high charges, including premium allocation charges, policy administration charges, and fund management charges. These charges can significantly reduce your returns, especially in the early years of the policy. Additionally, ULIPs may lack transparency and flexibility compared to mutual funds.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification is key to managing risk in your investment portfolio. Allocate the reinvested funds across different asset classes, such as equity, debt, and balanced funds, to spread risk and optimize returns. A Certified Financial Planner can help create a well-diversified portfolio tailored to your financial goals.

Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several advantages. CFPs provide personalized advice, portfolio management, and regular reviews to ensure your investments are aligned with your objectives. They help optimize your portfolio for better returns and risk management.

Conclusion
Surrendering the ULIP and reinvesting the funds into mutual funds can be a wise decision considering your investment goals and concerns. Mutual funds offer greater flexibility, transparency, and potential for higher returns compared to ULIPs. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance to optimize your investment strategy and achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

Money
Hi Sir I'm Invested Smart Privilege in 2016 i paid 6 lakhs for 5 years now completed this month 9 years now value my Policy is 1.05 crs
Ans: I appreciate your clarity and proactiveness in seeking guidance. Let’s work step by step to ensure you make the most of your policy payout and build a stronger future.

Your Existing Policy and Current Value

You invested Rs.?6?lakhs over five years into an insurance?cum?investment policy ending this month. The policy’s current value is Rs.?1.05?crore. You held this plan for nine years. That shows patience and perseverance. Now your money is ready to be deployed into more productive avenues.

Critique of Insurance?cum?Investment Plans

Insurance?cum?investment plans combine life cover with an investment component. While these promise security, they come with high internal costs like entry load, fund management charges, and commission payouts. These charges reduce net returns, often making them underperform compared to clearer instruments like mutual funds.

These plans also tie you to long-term contracts and limit flexibility. You cannot choose customized asset allocation, nor rebalance based on needs. Investment returns stay average because charges eat into performance. There is no ongoing advisory guidance to adjust strategy as your life evolves.

As a result, such plans often serve insurance in disguise of investment, delivering modest growth and locking you in. On the other hand, direct equity or direct mutual fund plans require personal effort and may carry hidden pitfalls, especially without professional support.

Surrender vs. Continue Till Maturity

You stand at a pivotal decision point. One option is to continue the policy till maturity and receive the guaranteed payout. This gives you security but leaves your money tied up in a low-return product.

The other option is to surrender the policy now. Doing so will make your entire Rs.?1.05?crore available for reinvestment. With proper planning, this amount can be used more constructively—through diversified, actively managed mutual funds that adapt to market conditions and align with your goals.

Surrendering now gives you earlier access to your capital. With time on your side, redeployment into growth assets can compound significantly more over the years remaining to your goals. On the flip side, continuing till maturity avoids any surrender penalties, but leaves your money underutilized.

Clarifying Your Financial and Life Objectives

Before making deployment decisions, define your goals clearly:

Retirement security: At what age would you like financial independence? What is your desired corpus at that time?

Child’s future: If you have children, there may be education, wedding, or other needs. When and how much?

Lifestyle aspirations: Do you plan to buy a home? Start a business? Travel?

Each goal can be targeted with tailored investment buckets, so that you track progress separately. This avoids mixing corpus meant for different objectives.

Insurance Review: Are You Still Covered Adequately?

When you cancel your plan, review your insurance coverage:

Term insurance: Do you have enough life cover? Rule of thumb: 10–15 times your annual income, adjusted for current responsibilities.

Health insurance: This becomes critical as you age. Check if you have sufficient coverage, including for critical illnesses.

Avoid reinvesting in endowment or ULIP products: They blend insurance and investment loosely and do not offer much return. If existing, consult your CFP about surrendering and reallocating the value into more efficient mutual funds.

Insurance should protect, not lock up money.

Building a Smarter Investment Allocation

Once the Rs.?1.05?crore becomes available, allocate it across asset types:

Equity mutual funds (60%)
These funds invest in companies and give long-term growth. Use actively managed, regular mutual fund plans. They adapt to economic situations, while direct investment or index funds lack that flexibility. Your CFP and MFD will help select funds aligned to your risk appetite and goals.

Debt and fixed-income (30%)
Include products like PPF, NSC, corporate bond or low-duration debt funds. They balance equity’s volatility and provide stability.

Gold exposure (5%)
Maintain a small allocation to gold to absorb economic shocks. You may hold sovereign gold bonds or gold mutual funds rather than physical jewellery, to avoid purity and resale hassles.

Liquidity buffer (5%)
Keep a liquid fund or short-term deposit for emergencies or unforeseen needs.

Through regular investment and rebalancing, this allocation builds long-term wealth with risk control.

Equity Investment via Regular Plans

Why regular mutual fund plans guided by CFP and MFD are the preferred way:

Behavioural coaching: Emotions trigger poor decisions. Your CFP helps you stay calm during downturns.

Adaptive investments: Fund managers shift portfolio mix based on market cycles—something index funds cannot.

Customised selection: Your CFP picks funds based on your goals, risk appetite, and time horizon.

Periodic monitoring: You get regular reviews and can course-correct over time.

Direct funds leave ownership responsibility entirely on you. Mistakes in fund selection, timing, or non-rebalancing can hurt long-term returns. Regular plans with professional oversight mitigate these risks.

Taxation Awareness in Investments

Equity mutual fund gains:

Long-term capital gains (above ?1.25 lakh) taxed at 12.5%

Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%

Debt instruments:

Gains are taxed per your slab

Smart tax planning involves spreading fund sales over multiple financial years and ensuring proper documentation. Your CFP assists in timing and reporting to minimise your tax liability.

Liquidity & Short-Term Needs

Some of your corpus may be needed over the next year or two (e.g., for travel, medical emergencies, or house renovation). For such funds:

Use liquid mutual funds or ultra short-term debt funds

These offer stability and can be liquidated in 1–3 days

If you prefer FDs, choose small tenures and stagger them to match cash flow needs

Keep buffer aside (~5% of corpus) for peace of mind

Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer

A corpus of this size needs proper planning for family:

Create or update your Will, covering property, investments, insurance

Ensure nominations are updated across bank accounts, insurance, mutual funds

Inform your nominated family members or loved ones about account access

Store records securely (in safe deposit box or digital vault)

This ensures your wealth is transferred smoothly to your loved ones in future.

Implementation Plan (Quarter-by-Quarter)

Quarter 1

Finalise surrender decision or policy maturity timeline

Validate insurance adequacy, including term and health cover

Open accounts for fresh investments (bank, MFD, registrar)

Quarter 2

Redeploy capital into mutual fund and fixed-income portfolios

Set up SIPs for equity and debt instruments

Invest liquidity buffer in liquid funds or FDs

Quarter 3

Review progress and rebalance portfolios

Adjust fund selection, SIP amounts, or liquidity needs

Plan for any short-term expense (travel, home improvement)

Quarter 4 (Year-End)

Review yearly returns and tax implications

Adjust asset allocation based on performance and goal progress

Reassess your long-term goals and planning

After the first year, continue the cycle—this ensures your financial journey stays aligned with your evolving priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a sound plan, avoid these pitfalls:

Reinvesting only in low-yield insurance products

Going into direct funds without guidance

Ignoring the importance of tax-efficient deployment

Forgetting liquidity for emergencies

Delaying or skipping insurance reviews

Not formalising estate planning and updates

A regular review process through your CFP keeps everything on track.

Final Insights

You’ve worked diligently to build a sizable corpus in a savings-led product. Now you deserve better returns and clarity. Releasing your capital sooner, with intent and planning, allows you to deploy money into instruments that grow in line with your ambition and risk profile.

By shifting to a diversified mix of actively managed equity and debt funds, you position yourself to enhance long-term growth while maintaining stability. With only 5% in gold and liquidity buffer, your portfolio remains robust yet flexible. Engaging a Certified Financial Planner for selection, review, and behavioural guidance ensures disciplined implementation.

As you move ahead, your investments will be purposeful and efficient, aligned with your goals, taxes, family protection, and legacy planning. Redeeming now is not just a financial step—it unlocks the potential to thread a more rewarding and secure financial path.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

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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

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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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