Hi, My age is 30 and currently working in corporate in Gurugram and my salary is 30k. Apart from that, I have ancestral 20 acres agricultural land worth 8 to 10Cr approx. My father is a farmer and he is doing farming on it and earn about 20 to 22 lakh yearly (Expenses and labour cost included) We have debt of 20 Lakh as well. So my question is if I sell around 2 acres worth 1.2 Cr of agriculture land and invest on different streams. Like some portions in Matual funds, ETF and some portion in Real estate. It is a good decision? I want to retire early, most probably in next 5 to 10 years. That's why m thinking to do this and create wealth. I am highly against to sell all my land so m just want to take risk with my 2 acres of my land. Thanks.
Ans: Firstly, it's commendable that you are considering early retirement and wealth creation with such a thoughtful approach. Your plan to sell a small portion of your land to diversify investments aligns with your early retirement goal. Let's look at how you can manage this transition effectively for your desired future.
Understanding the Value of Your Agricultural Land
Your ancestral land is a significant asset. With a worth between Rs 8 to 10 crore, it provides stability and potential future income. Selling a portion, while maintaining most of it, is a balanced approach. The sale of 2 acres, worth approximately Rs 1.2 crore, can fund your diversified investments without losing the bulk of this valuable asset.
Debt Clearance: A Priority Step
With a debt of Rs 20 lakh, prioritizing debt repayment is crucial. Clearing debt offers financial relief and boosts your credit profile. Additionally, being debt-free is essential when pursuing early retirement. Consider allocating a portion of the Rs 1.2 crore sale proceeds toward this debt.
Investment Strategy: Exploring Mutual Funds
Instead of considering direct investments in ETFs, let's focus on actively managed mutual funds. These funds provide better potential for growth due to the professional expertise of fund managers. Certified Financial Planners (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributors (MFD) guide you in selecting funds suited to your risk profile and goals.
Long-Term Growth Potential: Actively managed funds generally have more consistent growth compared to ETFs.
Flexibility: Fund managers actively adjust portfolios based on market conditions, enhancing returns.
Tax Efficiency: With mutual funds, you benefit from favorable tax treatment on long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh, taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains (STCG) have a 20% tax rate, applicable if you hold funds for less than a year.
Disadvantages of ETFs and Direct Mutual Funds
While ETFs may seem appealing, their passive nature can lead to missed opportunities. Direct funds, on the other hand, lack the professional guidance a Certified Financial Planner provides, and you might miss out on the benefits of regularly managed investments.
ETFs Lack Active Management: Passive funds mirror indices, often missing opportunities to adapt to market changes.
Direct Mutual Funds Can Be Overwhelming: Investing directly means handling all fund choices and portfolio rebalancing alone, which can be challenging without financial expertise.
Value in Professional Guidance: Working with a CFP ensures a well-monitored portfolio tailored to your early retirement goals.
Evaluating Real Estate as an Investment
Since you already own substantial agricultural land, diversifying further into real estate may not be ideal. The illiquid nature of real estate investments makes them less adaptable to quick financial needs, especially for early retirement.
Early Retirement Planning: Ensuring Financial Security
With an income of Rs 30,000 from your corporate job and agricultural revenue from family farming, early retirement in the next 5 to 10 years is ambitious but achievable. To ensure financial security, your investments should prioritize growth, liquidity, and low maintenance.
Setting Clear Retirement Goals: Establish your financial requirements post-retirement, such as monthly expenses and desired lifestyle.
Building a Diversified Portfolio: Incorporate mutual funds for long-term growth, fixed-income instruments for stability, and possibly some gold bonds as a hedge.
Emergency Fund: Building a Safety Net
Creating an emergency fund is essential, especially if you plan to leave your corporate job. Set aside a portion of the proceeds from your land sale as a buffer for unexpected expenses. Ideally, an amount that covers 6-12 months of your expenses provides peace of mind and financial security.
Focused Wealth-Building Approach
Your wealth creation plan should be structured around a mix of long-term and stable investment avenues:
Mutual Funds for Growth: Actively managed funds can help your wealth grow consistently.
Fixed-Income Instruments for Stability: Debt funds or bonds provide reliable returns and capital preservation.
Periodic Portfolio Review: Ensure regular reviews with your Certified Financial Planner to keep your portfolio aligned with your goals.
Tax Considerations: Maximizing Returns
Selling agricultural land for non-farming use may involve capital gains tax. However, specific exemptions may apply to agricultural land sales, so consulting with a tax expert can help you maximize your returns and manage any tax liabilities.
Final Insights
Your decision to retain most of your ancestral land while diversifying investments is sound. Prioritizing debt clearance and focusing on mutual funds, with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner, can position you well for early retirement. This diversified approach can help you achieve financial security and independence while holding onto your ancestral roots.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment