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How Much Can I Invest in Tax-free Bonds?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8324 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 30, 2024Hindi
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I want to liquidate some of my FDs and invest the corpus in Tax-free bonds. Can you please suggest some good bonds to invest? Is there a cap on how much I can invest on the bonds?

Ans: Tax-free bonds can be a great option for generating tax-efficient income. These bonds typically offer stable returns with the added benefit of tax-free interest.

Investment Cap:
There's no upper limit on how much you can invest in tax-free bonds, but these bonds are often available in limited quantities during their issuance period. They are also traded in the secondary market.

Suggestions:

Look for bonds issued by government-backed entities like NTPC, NHAI, or PFC. These offer safety and decent returns.

Compare the yield to maturity (YTM) and consider the remaining tenure before investing.

Tax-free bonds are usually long-term, so ensure they align with your investment horizon.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

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Instead of FD, are corporate bonds are safe investments. Which are good corporate bonds which can yield better interest than FD, so that i can invest 50K and what are platforms to invest in corporate bonds.
Ans: Bond funds pool money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of bonds. These can include government, corporate, and municipal bonds. Bond funds offer better diversification and professional management compared to individual bonds.

Safety of Bond Funds
Diversification
Bond funds invest in a variety of bonds. This reduces the risk compared to investing in individual corporate bonds.

Professional Management
Bond funds are managed by experts who make investment decisions. This can enhance returns and reduce risks.

Choosing Good Bond Funds
Credit Quality
Invest in bond funds with high credit quality. Funds that invest in high-rated bonds are safer.

Fund Performance
Look at the historical performance of the bond fund. Consistent returns indicate good management.

Expense Ratio
Check the fund's expense ratio. Lower expenses mean more returns for you.

Benefits of Bond Funds over FDs
Higher Returns
Bond funds often provide higher returns than fixed deposits. They invest in a mix of high-yield bonds.

Diversification
Bond funds offer diversification across different types of bonds. This reduces the overall risk.

Liquidity
Bond funds are usually more liquid than individual bonds. You can buy or sell them on any business day.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may have lower fees, but regular funds offer significant benefits:

Expert Management: Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) provide tailored advice.

Active Oversight: Regular funds are actively managed by professionals.

Market Guidance: CFPs help navigate market fluctuations and maintain investment discipline.

Final Insights
Research Thoroughly: Choose bond funds with high credit quality and good performance.

Diversify Investments: Diversify across different types of bond funds.

Seek Professional Advice: A Certified Financial Planner can provide expert guidance.

Your interest in bond funds is commendable. With proper research and guidance, they can enhance your investment portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
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Sir, I wqnted your advise, regarding an investment. My building is going for re-development, there is a additional flat sale for about 1cr, which will be ready in about 3 years. Please can you advise is it worth to invest 1cr in additional flat, i have savings of about 1cr, or should i keep the 1cr as Fixed Deposit. I do not have knowledge about investment in mutual funds or SIP. Thanks to advise.
Ans: It's commendable that you're considering the best investment route for your Rs. 1 crore savings. Let's evaluate the options you've mentioned and explore a comprehensive approach to wealth creation.

Understanding Your Investment Options
1. Investing in the Additional Flat

Illiquidity Concerns: Real estate investments are typically illiquid. Selling a property can take time and may not fetch the expected price.

Maintenance and Other Costs: Owning an additional flat comes with recurring expenses like maintenance charges, property taxes, and potential renovation costs.

Market Volatility: Property prices can fluctuate based on various factors, including economic conditions and government policies.

Rental Income Uncertainty: If you're considering renting out the flat, rental yields in many Indian cities are relatively low compared to the property's value.

2. Keeping the Amount in Fixed Deposits (FDs)

Low Returns: FDs offer fixed returns, but these may not outpace inflation, leading to a decrease in real purchasing power over time.

Tax Implications: Interest earned from FDs is taxable as per your income slab, which can further reduce the net returns.

Lack of Flexibility: Premature withdrawal from FDs can attract penalties, limiting liquidity.

Exploring Mutual Funds as an Alternative
Given that you're new to mutual funds and SIPs, it's essential to understand their potential benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on thorough research.

Diversification: By investing in a mutual fund, your money is spread across various assets, reducing risk.

Liquidity: Most mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investment when needed.

Potential for Higher Returns: Historically, mutual funds, especially equity-oriented ones, have offered higher returns over the long term compared to traditional instruments like FDs.

Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds can be more tax-efficient, especially with the benefits available under certain sections of the Income Tax Act.

Recommended Approach
Considering your current situation and the pros and cons of each investment option:

Avoid Investing in the Additional Flat: Given the illiquidity, associated costs, and potential market volatility, investing in another property may not be the most efficient use of your funds.

Limit Exposure to FDs: While FDs offer safety, the returns may not be sufficient to meet long-term financial goals, especially after accounting for inflation and taxes.

Consider Mutual Funds for Wealth Creation:

Start with a Lump Sum Investment: Allocate a portion of your Rs. 1 crore savings into mutual funds, focusing on a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk appetite.

Initiate SIPs: Set up Systematic Investment Plans to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Given your unfamiliarity with mutual funds, seeking guidance from a certified professional can help tailor an investment strategy aligned with your financial goals.

Final Insights
Your initiative to seek advice before making a significant investment decision is commendable. By steering clear of additional real estate investments and limiting exposure to low-yield instruments like FDs, you can explore avenues like mutual funds that offer the potential for higher returns and greater flexibility. Engaging with a certified financial planner can further ensure that your investment strategy is well-aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

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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