Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 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
Jitendra Question by Jitendra on May 24, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Jitendra Asked on - May 24, 2024 Hi , I am 30 yrs old and currently investing 15k in SIP since 2023.. I had an outstanding HL of amounting 15 lacs ..should I repay HL or keep investing in SIP .pls sugges 50% large cap 30% mid 20% small

Ans: It's great that you are investing in a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) and considering your financial options thoughtfully. You are on the right track by seeking advice on whether to continue your SIP or repay your home loan (HL). Both choices have their pros and cons.

Evaluating the Benefits of SIP
Investing in SIPs has numerous benefits. SIPs help in averaging out the cost of investment, reducing market volatility risks, and inculcating a disciplined savings habit. SIPs also provide the potential for higher returns over the long term, which can help in wealth creation.

Considering Home Loan Repayment
Repaying your home loan early can save you from paying substantial interest over the loan's tenure. It provides a guaranteed return on your money equal to the interest rate on your home loan. Additionally, being debt-free brings peace of mind and financial security.

Balancing Investment and Debt Repayment
It's crucial to strike a balance between investing and repaying debt. Consider the interest rate on your home loan versus the expected returns from your SIP investments. If the loan interest rate is higher than the expected SIP returns, prioritizing loan repayment could be wiser.

Evaluating Market Conditions
Current market conditions play a significant role in this decision. If the market is expected to perform well, continuing with your SIPs might yield higher returns. Conversely, in a bearish market, loan repayment could be more advantageous.

Asset Allocation Strategy
Your suggested allocation of 50% large-cap, 30% mid-cap, and 20% small-cap is a balanced approach. Large-cap funds provide stability, mid-cap funds offer growth potential, and small-cap funds can give high returns with higher risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, while popular, have some drawbacks. They are passive investments and do not seek to outperform the market. During market downturns, index funds cannot mitigate losses. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to outperform the market through expert management.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds provide the advantage of professional management. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) can help you select funds that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. These funds have the potential to outperform the market, especially in volatile conditions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem appealing due to lower costs, but they lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential offers expert advice and tailored investment strategies. This guidance can help you make informed decisions and optimise returns.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Your financial goals and timeline are crucial in making this decision. If you aim for short-term financial stability, repaying your home loan might be better. For long-term wealth creation, continuing with SIPs could be advantageous.

Tax Implications
Consider the tax benefits of both options. Home loan repayment offers tax deductions on principal and interest components. SIP investments in equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) provide tax benefits under Section 80C. Evaluate which option offers better tax efficiency.

Conclusion
Your decision should align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalised advice tailored to your unique situation. Balancing between debt repayment and investments is key to financial success.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Listen
Money
Hello Hardik, Iam 40 Years and have started investing in SIP for the past 6 months.Below are my monthly investment 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Regular Growth - 3500 2. Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Growth - 3000 3. HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Growth - 3000 4. NPS - 3500 I am planning for 18 Years of investment and aiming to slowly increase the SIP to achieve corpus of 2.5-3.0 Cr. Kindly review and advice. Regards, Ram
Ans: Hi Ram,

It's great to see that you've started investing systematically towards your long-term financial goals. Here's a review of your current SIP investments:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Regular Growth: This fund follows a diversified approach across various market caps and geographical regions, which can provide stability to your portfolio. It's suitable for long-term wealth creation.
Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Growth: Small-cap funds can be volatile in the short term but have the potential to offer high returns over the long term. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with small-cap investments.
HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Growth: This fund is designed to provide wealth accumulation for retirement. It's aligned with your long-term investment horizon and retirement goal.
NPS: The National Pension System (NPS) is a retirement-focused investment option offering tax benefits. It's prudent to contribute to NPS alongside other investments for retirement planning.
To achieve your target corpus of 2.5-3.0 Cr over 18 years, consider periodically reviewing your SIP contributions and adjusting them based on changes in your income, expenses, and market conditions. Additionally, diversify across asset classes to manage risk effectively.

As your financial goals evolve, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi , I am 30 yrs old and currently investing 15k in SIP since 2023.. I had an outstanding HL of amounting 15 lacs ..should I repay HL or keep investing in SIP .pls suggest
Ans: It's great that you are investing in a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) and considering your financial options thoughtfully. You are on the right track by seeking advice on whether to continue your SIP or repay your home loan (HL). Both choices have their pros and cons.

Evaluating the Benefits of SIP
Investing in SIPs has numerous benefits. SIPs help in averaging out the cost of investment, reducing market volatility risks, and inculcating a disciplined savings habit. SIPs also provide the potential for higher returns over the long term, which can help in wealth creation.

Considering Home Loan Repayment
Repaying your home loan early can save you from paying substantial interest over the loan's tenure. It provides a guaranteed return on your money equal to the interest rate on your home loan. Additionally, being debt-free brings peace of mind and financial security.

Balancing Investment and Debt Repayment
It's crucial to strike a balance between investing and repaying debt. Consider the interest rate on your home loan versus the expected returns from your SIP investments. If the loan interest rate is higher than the expected SIP returns, prioritizing loan repayment could be wiser.

Evaluating Market Conditions
Current market conditions play a significant role in this decision. If the market is expected to perform well, continuing with your SIPs might yield higher returns. Conversely, in a bearish market, loan repayment could be more advantageous.

Asset Allocation Strategy
Your suggested allocation of 50% large-cap, 30% mid-cap, and 20% small-cap is a balanced approach. Large-cap funds provide stability, mid-cap funds offer growth potential, and small-cap funds can give high returns with higher risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, while popular, have some drawbacks. They are passive investments and do not seek to outperform the market. During market downturns, index funds cannot mitigate losses. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to outperform the market through expert management.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds provide the advantage of professional management. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) can help you select funds that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. These funds have the potential to outperform the market, especially in volatile conditions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem appealing due to lower costs, but they lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential offers expert advice and tailored investment strategies. This guidance can help you make informed decisions and optimise returns.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Your financial goals and timeline are crucial in making this decision. If you aim for short-term financial stability, repaying your home loan might be better. For long-term wealth creation, continuing with SIPs could be advantageous.

Tax Implications
Consider the tax benefits of both options. Home loan repayment offers tax deductions on principal and interest components. SIP investments in equity-linked saving schemes (ELSS) provide tax benefits under Section 80C. Evaluate which option offers better tax efficiency.

Conclusion
Your decision should align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalised advice tailored to your unique situation. Balancing between debt repayment and investments is key to financial success.

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 Aug 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 30 years old. I am already investing in MF, stocks and crypto. My total SIP is 20k per month. I am planning to increase my SIP ko 40k. I have a loan amount of 24L with interest rate of 8.60%. My question is.. should I first clear my loan amount or should I increase my SIP to 40k ??
Ans: You're 30 years old and actively investing in mutual funds (MF), stocks, and cryptocurrency, with a SIP of Rs 20,000 per month. You're also considering increasing your SIP to Rs 40,000. You have a loan of Rs 24 lakhs at an interest rate of 8.60%.

Before making a decision, it's important to take a close look at your financial situation.

Loan Repayment vs. Increased SIP
Interest Rate on Loan: The interest rate of 8.60% on your loan is moderate. Paying off this loan will give you a guaranteed return equivalent to this rate. This is because every rupee you repay saves you from paying 8.60% in interest.

Expected Returns on Investments: Investments in mutual funds, stocks, and even cryptocurrency can potentially give you returns higher than 8.60%. However, these returns are not guaranteed and carry a certain level of risk.

Risk Appetite: Your ability to handle financial risk plays a crucial role in this decision. If you're comfortable with some volatility and risk, you may choose to invest more. However, if you're risk-averse, clearing your loan may provide peace of mind.

Debt-Free Living: Being debt-free is a huge financial relief. Clearing your loan would remove the burden of monthly EMI payments. This would free up more of your income for other purposes in the future.

Assessing the Impact of Increasing SIP
Long-Term Wealth Creation: Increasing your SIP to Rs 40,000 will likely accelerate your wealth creation. If the market performs well, you could see significant growth in your investments over the years.

Power of Compounding: By increasing your SIP, you're leveraging the power of compounding. This could result in exponential growth of your investments in the long term. Even small increments in SIP can have a substantial impact over time.

Diversification Benefits: By increasing your SIP, you can potentially diversify more into different funds, reducing overall risk. A well-diversified portfolio can help balance out market volatility.

Weighing the Emotional and Psychological Aspects
Debt Stress: Carrying a loan can be mentally taxing. The pressure of owing money can sometimes outweigh the potential benefits of investing. Clearing your loan can relieve this stress and give you financial freedom.

Investment Uncertainty: The stock market and other investments are inherently unpredictable. There might be market corrections or downturns, and this could affect your returns. If this uncertainty worries you, paying off the loan might be the better option.

Confidence in Investment Strategy: If you have confidence in your current investment strategy and believe in the potential of your chosen funds, increasing your SIP can be a sound decision. But ensure you’re ready for the ups and downs of the market.

Analytical Insights: Pros and Cons
Increasing SIP Pros:

Potentially higher long-term returns.
Leverages the power of compounding.
Greater diversification opportunities.
Increasing SIP Cons:

Market risk and volatility.
Continued loan repayment obligation.
Loan Repayment Pros:

Guaranteed savings at 8.60%.
Debt-free living.
Reduced financial stress.
Loan Repayment Cons:

Opportunity cost of not investing more in the market.
Slower wealth accumulation in the short term.
Impact on Your Future Financial Goals
Early Loan Repayment: If you prioritize paying off your loan, you may achieve a debt-free status sooner. This could open up more opportunities for investment in the future, as all your income will be available for wealth creation.

Increased SIP for Future Growth: If you choose to increase your SIP, you're aiming for larger growth in your portfolio. This could help you reach financial goals like retirement, buying a home, or funding education more quickly.

Considerations for Making a Decision
Current Financial Stability: Assess your current financial situation. Do you have an emergency fund? Are you able to comfortably meet your monthly expenses while increasing your SIP?

Life Stage and Goals: Consider your life stage and financial goals. If you have major life events coming up, like buying a house or planning for children’s education, these will influence your decision.

Loan Tenure: The remaining tenure of your loan is crucial. If you have a long tenure left, paying off the loan early might make more sense. However, if the tenure is short, focusing on investment might be more beneficial.

Final Insights
Balanced Approach: You might consider a balanced approach, where you increase your SIP but also make occasional extra payments towards your loan. This way, you can grow your investments while gradually reducing your debt.

Emergency Fund Importance: Ensure you have an emergency fund before committing to either option. This fund should cover at least 6 months of expenses, providing a safety net in case of unexpected financial needs.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Though you are well-informed, it could be beneficial to discuss your situation with a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized advice based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and current financial status.

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 Jul 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi I am 37 earning 90000 per month Home loan emi 25000 Lic - 3 lakhs annually. sukanya samridahi -1000 per month. RD -3000 per month Other expense including daughter's fees 35000. Never invested in SIP. Which sip shoud I invest for long or short term
Ans: You are already managing many responsibilities well.
You have home loan EMI, child’s education, LIC, Sukanya Samriddhi, and RD.
Still, you are thinking about SIP. That shows your vision.
Let’s plan your SIP properly now. We’ll cover both short and long-term needs.

? Understand your current cash flow and savings potential

– Monthly salary is Rs 90,000.
– EMI is Rs 25,000 per month.
– LIC premium yearly is Rs 3 lakh. That’s Rs 25,000 per month.
– RD and Sukanya are Rs 4,000 monthly.
– Other expenses are Rs 35,000 monthly.

Total fixed and flexible expenses = Rs 89,000.

That leaves just Rs 1,000 monthly as surplus.

But LIC premium is very high. Needs serious attention.

? LIC policies are blocking your investment flow

– Rs 3 lakh yearly in LIC is too much.
– Most LIC plans offer 4% to 5% returns.
– They don’t beat inflation in the long term.
– They mix insurance and investment. That is inefficient.
– You already have a home loan. You need liquidity.
– These LIC policies are holding back your future growth.

If LIC is not a pure term plan, surrender them.

Reinvest surrender value into mutual funds.

Switch to pure term plan at lower premium.

That frees up money for SIPs.

? Home loan EMI is fixed, but you can balance it

– Rs 25,000 EMI on Rs 90,000 salary is okay.
– But you must avoid other debts.
– Don’t take personal loans or credit card dues.
– Plan a partial prepayment after 3 years.
– Reduce EMI or tenure based on financial position.

Aim to reduce loan stress gradually.

That will help you invest more in future.

? Your Sukanya Samriddhi account is a great long-term step

– Continue the Rs 1,000 per month.
– It builds corpus for daughter’s education.
– Don’t stop or reduce it.
– It gives tax-free returns with government backing.

But don’t depend only on Sukanya.

You need SIPs for higher returns and flexibility.

? Your RD of Rs 3,000 per month needs revision

– RDs give 6% to 7% only.
– This is not enough to create wealth.
– RD is good only for short-term needs.
– Long-term needs require equity exposure.

If RD is not linked to any short-term goal, stop it.

Shift the amount to SIP with proper planning.

? Avoid investing SIP through banks or direct plans

– Banks like SBI may push limited or biased funds.
– Their staff are not trained to guide you properly.
– Direct plans look cheaper, but lack personal advice.
– You may end up with wrong schemes.
– No rebalancing or tax guidance is provided.
– There’s no help in panic situations.

Invest through a CFP who is also a Mutual Fund Distributor.

You will get regular plan SIPs with lifetime handholding.

Portfolio review, tax guidance, and goal tracking included.

? Don’t invest in index funds for your long or short-term SIP

– Index funds just follow the market.
– No expert manages them.
– No exit from poor-performing sectors.
– No defensive strategy in volatile markets.
– Poor returns in falling markets.
– Tracking errors also reduce performance.

Instead, choose actively managed mutual funds.

They adjust to market trends.

They protect during down markets.

They often beat index in long run.

? Decide the time frame for your SIP goals

– Short-term goals: Within 3 years.
– Medium-term goals: 3 to 5 years.
– Long-term goals: 7 years or more.

Each goal needs a different type of fund.

Don’t use same SIP for all goals.

Separate them based on time and purpose.

? For short-term goals, avoid equity funds

– Equity funds are volatile in short term.
– Use short-duration or ultra-short debt funds.
– Even hybrid conservative funds are better.
– These give stable returns.

Do not expect high growth in short term.

Safety and liquidity matter more.

? For long-term goals, SIP in equity mutual funds is best

– Choose a mix of flexi-cap and large & mid-cap funds.
– Add aggressive hybrid fund for balance.
– If your risk appetite is high, include small-cap fund.
– Invest for at least 7 to 10 years.

Long term SIP gives power of compounding.

It beats inflation comfortably.

? Suggested SIP distribution once funds are freed

– After LIC surrender, you may get Rs 20,000 monthly surplus.
– Out of this, put Rs 12,000 into long-term SIPs.
– Put Rs 3,000 into short-term SIP if any near-term goal exists.
– Keep Rs 5,000 for any emergencies or prepayment.

Increase SIP every year by 10% to 15%.

Align each SIP to one specific goal.

? Have proper goals for each SIP

– Retirement goal can be 20 years away.
– Daughter’s higher education may be in 10 to 12 years.
– These are long-term goals.
– Use equity and hybrid funds for these.
– Avoid withdrawing in between.

Short goals like laptop, travel, car need liquid or short-term funds.

Don’t mix both types.

? Review your SIP portfolio every year

– Check if funds are doing well.
– If any fund underperforms, take CFP advice.
– Rebalance if equity goes beyond your risk limit.
– Review goal progress also.

Annual review is a must.

Don’t ignore it. Don’t overdo it.

? Keep your SIPs flexible but goal-driven

– Don’t stop SIPs during market falls.
– Don’t change funds frequently.
– Only act based on guidance.
– Stay disciplined for best results.

SIP is not magic. It needs patience.

Power comes from time and consistency.

? Final insights

You are already financially aware and responsible.

Your expenses are well-tracked.

Now shift focus towards wealth creation.

LIC policies must be reviewed first.

Free up cash and start goal-linked SIPs.

Avoid banks, direct plans, and index funds.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner.

Start slow, increase SIP over time.

Choose 3 to 4 good mutual funds.

Review yearly and stick to the plan.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

» Your Current Position

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

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

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

» Your Family Goals

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

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

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

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

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

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

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

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

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

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

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

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

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

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

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

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

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

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

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

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

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

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

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

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

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

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

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

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

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

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

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

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

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

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

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

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

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

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

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

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

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

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

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

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

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

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

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

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

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

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

» Your Emergency Buffer

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

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

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

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

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

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

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

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

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

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

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

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

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

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

How to build it:

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

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

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

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

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

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

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

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

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

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

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

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

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

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

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

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

7. Build the Habit First

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

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

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

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

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x