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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6903 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 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 - Jun 17, 2024Hindi
Money

I have lumpsum of 15 lakhs rupees in mutual funds, i want to make a home of 30 lakhs after 6 years, can i take loans and how can i manage swp?

Ans: You have a clear goal of building a home worth Rs 30 lakhs in six years. Your current investment in mutual funds is Rs 15 lakhs. Let's explore how you can achieve this goal through strategic planning and the use of a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

Understanding Your Current Investments
Your Rs 15 lakhs investment in mutual funds is a solid starting point. Mutual funds, especially those actively managed, have the potential to grow significantly over the years. It’s important to regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your goals.

Growth Potential of Your Current Investment
Mutual funds can offer substantial returns, but these returns are subject to market fluctuations. Assuming a conservative annual growth rate, your Rs 15 lakhs could potentially grow significantly in six years. Regular monitoring and adjustments are key.

Using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your mutual fund investments. This can be useful for managing loan repayments if you decide to take a home loan.

Benefits of SWP
Regular Income: Provides a steady stream of income to manage expenses or loan repayments.
Tax Efficiency: Only the gains withdrawn are subject to tax, which can be more tax-efficient than other withdrawal methods.
Flexibility: You can adjust the withdrawal amount as per your needs.
Setting Up an SWP
Determine Withdrawal Amount: Calculate the amount you need to withdraw monthly to cover your loan EMIs.
Choose the Right Fund: Select a mutual fund that matches your risk tolerance and withdrawal needs.
Start Early: Set up the SWP well before you need the funds to ensure a smooth process.
Considering a Home Loan
Given your goal, taking a home loan can be a viable option. Here’s how you can manage it effectively.

Eligibility and EMI Calculations
Loan Eligibility: Banks and financial institutions determine loan eligibility based on your income, credit score, and existing liabilities. Ensure your credit score is strong.
EMI Calculations: Use online EMI calculators to determine how much you’ll need to pay monthly. Ensure it fits within your budget comfortably.
Benefits of a Home Loan
Tax Benefits: You can avail tax deductions on both the principal and interest paid on a home loan under Section 80C and Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.
Leveraging Growth: By taking a loan, you can continue to invest your existing corpus, potentially benefiting from higher returns.
Balancing Investments and Loan Repayments
Regular Investments
Even after taking a loan, continue investing regularly. This ensures your wealth continues to grow, and you don’t miss out on compounding benefits.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover at least six months of expenses, including loan EMIs. This acts as a buffer in case of any financial emergencies.

Strategic Asset Allocation
Diversify Your Portfolio
Ensure your portfolio is diversified across different asset classes. This reduces risk and can provide more stable returns. Include a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Risk Management
As you approach your goal, gradually shift your investments from high-risk equity funds to more stable debt funds. This helps in preserving capital and reducing volatility.

Regular Review and Adjustments
Monitor Performance
Regularly review the performance of your mutual fund investments. Compare them with benchmarks and peers to ensure they are performing well.

Rebalance Portfolio
Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain your desired asset allocation. This involves selling some investments that have done well and buying more of those that haven’t, ensuring you stay on track.

Tax Planning
Efficient Withdrawals
Plan your SWP withdrawals in a tax-efficient manner. By spreading out withdrawals, you can minimize tax liabilities.

Utilize Tax Benefits
Maximize tax-saving investments under Section 80C, including your home loan principal repayment, to reduce your taxable income.

Scenario Analysis
Best-Case Scenario
If your mutual fund investments perform exceptionally well, you might achieve your goal without needing a loan. Continue investing the surplus to build a larger corpus.

Worst-Case Scenario
If market returns are lower than expected, be prepared to adjust your plans. This might include increasing your SIP amounts or extending your investment horizon.

Financial Discipline
Stick to Budget
Maintain a strict budget to ensure you can comfortably manage your loan EMIs and continue investing.

Avoid Unnecessary Expenditures
Prioritize your spending to focus on essential and high-priority items, avoiding unnecessary expenses that could derail your financial plan.

Planning for Unforeseen Circumstances
Insurance Coverage
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance to protect your family’s financial future. This reduces the financial burden in case of unexpected events.

Contingency Plan
Have a contingency plan in place. This could include temporary adjustments to your loan EMIs or investment strategy if you face financial difficulties.

Future Goals and Adjustments
Long-Term Planning
While your immediate goal is to build a home, continue planning for other long-term goals like retirement and children’s education. This ensures you’re prepared for future financial needs.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Stay flexible and be ready to adapt your financial plan based on changes in your life circumstances or financial goals. Regular consultations with a Certified Financial Planner can help in making informed decisions.

Final Insights
Your current investments and financial planning indicate a strong foundation. With Rs 15 lakhs in mutual funds and a clear goal of building a home worth Rs 30 lakhs in six years, you are on a promising path. Utilizing a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) and considering a home loan can provide the necessary funds and flexibility to achieve your goal.

It’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio, regularly review your investments, and make necessary adjustments to stay on track. Ensuring tax efficiency and financial discipline will further enhance your financial stability. Continue to invest in a balanced manner, focusing on both short-term and long-term goals. This strategic approach will help you build your dream home while maintaining financial security.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6903 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

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Good Day Sir, I am 33 now and both husband and wife earning around 1.6 lakhs per annum. We are renting a home of 18000 PM. Total expenses are 1.3 lakhs per month(Including Insurance, basic expenses, term, mutual fund). Investing 21000 PM in mutual fund, want to take a home in city like Noida of around 65 Lakhs. Loan would be around 50 lakhs for 20 yrs of time frame. Current savings is around 20 Lakhs. Can I take a home on loan now or should I wait?
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
You and your spouse earn around Rs 1.6 lakhs per month.

Your total expenses are Rs 1.3 lakhs per month.

This includes rent, insurance, basic expenses, and mutual fund investments.

Savings and Investments
You are investing Rs 21,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your current savings stand at Rs 20 lakhs.

Home Purchase Consideration
You want to buy a home in Noida worth Rs 65 lakhs.

You plan to take a home loan of Rs 50 lakhs for 20 years.

Financial Stability and Decision-Making
It's crucial to understand the impact of this decision on your financial stability.

Buying a home is a significant financial commitment.

Evaluating the Home Loan Option
Loan Details
A home loan of Rs 50 lakhs for 20 years.

Monthly EMI will depend on the interest rate.

EMI Impact on Monthly Budget
Calculate the EMI to understand its impact on your monthly budget.

Ensure the EMI fits within your budget without straining finances.

Comparing Renting vs. Buying
Currently, you pay Rs 18,000 per month in rent.

Compare this with the expected EMI.

Buying a home may offer long-term benefits.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home Now
Advantages of Buying Now
Fixed Asset
Owning a home provides a sense of security.

It's a long-term investment for your family.

Appreciation Potential
Property values in Noida may appreciate over time.

This can be beneficial for your investment.

Personalization
You can customize your own home to your liking.

This adds to your comfort and satisfaction.

Disadvantages of Buying Now
Financial Strain
A large EMI could strain your monthly budget.

Ensure you can manage all expenses comfortably.

Opportunity Cost
Using savings for a down payment may reduce your liquidity.

Consider the impact on your emergency fund.

Interest Burden
Home loans come with interest payments.

This adds to the total cost of the property.

Alternative Investment Options
Increasing Mutual Fund Investments
Consider increasing your mutual fund investments.

This can help build a larger corpus over time.

Power of Compounding
Mutual funds benefit from compounding returns.

The longer you invest, the more your money grows.

Risk Diversification
Diversify your investments across different mutual fund categories.

This reduces risk and enhances returns.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials provides professional guidance.

Regular funds offer advisory support.

Drawbacks of Direct Funds
Direct funds require more active management.

You may miss out on expert advice and insights.

Assessing the Timing
Market Conditions
Consider the current real estate market conditions in Noida.

Buying during a favorable market can be advantageous.

Personal Financial Goals
Align your home purchase with your long-term financial goals.

Ensure it doesn't compromise other important financial objectives.

Future Income Prospects
Evaluate your future income prospects.

A stable or increasing income can support your loan repayment.

Final Insights
Comprehensive Financial Plan
Create a comprehensive financial plan.

Include your home purchase, investments, and savings goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintain a robust emergency fund.

Ensure you have 6-12 months of expenses saved.

Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Get personalized advice tailored to your financial situation.

Balanced Approach
Balance your home loan with other financial commitments.

Ensure a comfortable lifestyle without financial stress.

Regular Review
Regularly review your financial plan.

Adjust it based on changes in income, expenses, and goals.

Long-Term Perspective
Keep a long-term perspective.

Consider the overall impact of your financial decisions on your future.

Conclusion
Buying a home is a significant decision.

Assess all factors carefully.

Ensure it aligns with your financial goals and stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6903 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 19, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I am 41 years. I have 50 lakhs cash, i want to do swp this amount to get 70k monthly from march 2025. Could you please suggest me how to proceed in this case?.. Thanks
Ans: You are looking for a solution to generate Rs 70,000 monthly using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from Rs 50 lakhs starting in March 2025. Let's explore a few options that will balance regular income needs with potential growth, all within a safe risk framework. Since you have around 5 months until March 2025, it’s important to plan now.

Below is a comprehensive analysis that will help you achieve your goals.

Understanding Your Objective
You have Rs 50 lakhs to invest.

You need Rs 70,000 monthly starting March 2025.

You are 41 years old, which means you have a long financial horizon and can afford a mix of growth and safety.

Medium risk tolerance.

To ensure the monthly withdrawal of Rs 70,000 doesn’t deplete your capital too quickly, a balanced approach is required. Let's consider mutual fund options suited for a medium-risk profile.

Why a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)?
SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount every month while the rest of your investment continues to grow.

This approach avoids keeping the entire amount in a low-interest product like an FD, where inflation will erode the real value.

With SWP, you also get tax efficiency. Your withdrawals are partially treated as capital gains and partially as a return of capital, reducing the tax burden.

Importance of Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is critical to meeting your monthly income needs without depleting your corpus. In your case, you need:

Regular income to start in March 2025.

Growth potential to ensure the capital lasts long-term.

Here’s how you can structure your allocation:

Equity-Oriented Hybrid Funds (60% allocation): These funds provide a mix of equity and debt exposure. They offer the potential for higher returns while keeping risk in check. Equity exposure ensures long-term growth, while the debt portion provides stability.

Debt-Oriented Hybrid Funds (40% allocation): These funds have a higher debt exposure but still provide some equity exposure for growth. The debt portion ensures regular returns and reduces volatility.

This mix gives you both stability and growth to meet your withdrawal goals.

How to Invest
Step 1: Invest the Lump Sum
Since you need to start the SWP in March 2025, the first thing to do is invest the Rs 50 lakhs. You can split this across equity-oriented and debt-oriented hybrid funds. The reason for hybrid funds is that they are less volatile than pure equity funds but still offer growth potential.

Split the Rs 50 lakhs as:

Rs 30 lakhs in equity-oriented hybrid funds.

Rs 20 lakhs in debt-oriented hybrid funds.

The idea is to get the best of both worlds — growth from equity and stability from debt.

Step 2: Set Up the SWP
By the time you start the SWP in March 2025, your investment will have had a few months to generate some growth. The returns from these funds should help in providing your desired monthly withdrawal without depleting the capital too fast.

You can set up an SWP for Rs 70,000 per month. It’s important to keep an eye on the performance of the funds and adjust your withdrawals if necessary. If the markets are down, withdrawing less can help preserve your capital.

Tax Considerations
It is crucial to be aware of the tax implications of SWP withdrawals.

For Equity Funds: If you hold the funds for more than 12 months, the gains are classified as long-term capital gains (LTCG). Currently, LTCG is taxed at 12.5% on gains exceeding Rs 1.25 lakhs per year. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

For Debt Funds: Any gains made after 3 years are considered long-term and taxed at your income slab. Short-term gains are taxed according to your income tax slab as well.

Since SWP withdrawals are treated as a combination of capital gains and return of principal, the tax impact is usually lower than regular income.

Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Actively managed mutual funds can be a better option than index funds or direct funds. Here’s why:

Flexibility: Actively managed funds allow fund managers to change the asset allocation based on market conditions. This means they can reduce risk or enhance growth as needed.

Better Performance: Over time, actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in a medium-risk scenario like yours, where the objective is to preserve capital while generating regular income.

Professional Management: Having a Certified Financial Planner managing your funds means you benefit from expert knowledge, which can help in maximizing returns and minimizing risks.

Avoid direct funds, as they do not offer the same personalized support that investing through a CFP-certified MFD offers. This support is crucial when dealing with market fluctuations and planning SWP withdrawals.

Keeping Inflation in Mind
Inflation is a key consideration for a medium to long-term withdrawal plan. A monthly withdrawal of Rs 70,000 in 2025 might not hold the same value after 10 or 15 years due to inflation.

You need to regularly review your withdrawals and possibly increase them every few years to keep pace with inflation. This is where actively managed funds help, as they offer growth potential to combat inflation. You can set up a periodic review with your Certified Financial Planner to adjust your SWP as needed.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Once your SWP starts, regular monitoring of the portfolio is essential. Market conditions, fund performance, and your changing needs must all be taken into account. By working with a Certified Financial Planner, you can ensure that your SWP continues to meet your needs without depleting your capital too quickly.

Set up a 6-monthly or annual review of your investment to check the performance.

Adjust the SWP amount based on the market and personal requirements.

Stay flexible. You can reduce withdrawals if the market is down and increase when it's favorable.

Alternatives if SWP Alone Isn’t Sufficient
If you feel that an SWP alone won’t meet your future financial needs, consider the following options:

Increase the Corpus: Adding to your Rs 50 lakh corpus over time will give you more flexibility and safety. You can invest additional amounts in the same funds and set up a larger SWP in the future.

Dividend Payouts: Some hybrid funds also offer dividend payout options. These dividends can supplement your SWP withdrawals, ensuring you meet the Rs 70,000 target each month.

However, dividends are now taxed as per your income tax slab, so SWP is generally a more tax-efficient option.

Preparing for Market Downturns
Since hybrid funds have exposure to equity, there will be some market volatility. It’s important to mentally prepare for market downturns. Here are a few tips:

Do not panic if the market drops temporarily.

Avoid selling the funds prematurely unless necessary.

Keep a buffer of 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in a safer investment like a liquid fund. This will ensure you do not need to withdraw during market corrections.

Having a buffer also gives your investment time to recover if there’s a short-term dip.

Final Insights
Generating Rs 70,000 per month from Rs 50 lakhs is possible with the right strategy. Using an SWP from a combination of equity and debt-oriented hybrid funds can help you achieve your goal while preserving your capital.

It’s important to stay patient, review your investment regularly, and make adjustments as needed. With active fund management and a Certified Financial Planner guiding you, you will have a clear path to generating a reliable monthly income.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |556 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 01, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 43 years old working in corporate sector in Bangalore for last 20 years. I got impacted by job loss due to the economic scenario and I am finding it difficult to get a job now for almost last 1 year. I am living off my savings. My investments are 1.5 Cr in FD, 2.75 Cr direct investment in equity, 80 Lakh in MF, 35 Lakh in PF, 1 Cr in NPS/Pension fund and 50 Lakhs in Gold. I live in the house I own and I have no loan. I also own a piece of Land worth 60 lakhs. I dont have any debts now. I dont have term life insurance, I have health insurance cover of 2 CR for family. My son is in 10th standard and wants to study abroad which will be a major expense in future. My monthly expenditure including school fees is 1.75 lakhs. Please advise me on how to manage the assets and how to move around the investments as getting a job seems to be more difficult.
Ans: Hello;

Following is the sum of investments you currently hold:

1. FDs: 1.5 Cr
2. Direct stocks: 2.75 Cr
3. MF corpus: 0.8 Cr
4. Land property: 0.6 Cr
5. PF corpus: 0.35 Cr
6. NPS corpus: 0.2 Cr
Grand TOTAL: 6.20 Cr

You should apply for premature withdrawal of NPS. Since this being premature withdrawal your corpus of 1 Cr will get divided into two components 0.8 Cr worth annuity you will have to buy while rest 0.2 Cr comes to you which is indicated above.

The gold asset worth 50 L is purposely not considered here. It may be used as a emergency safe reserve.

You may invest 6.2 Cr corpus in ICICI Pru equity savings fund (low to moderate risk) and do an SWP at 3% which may yield you a monthly income of ~1.4 L (post tax).

The 0.8 Cr of NPS used to buy annuity will yield you a monthly income of around 40 K (6% annuity rate considered), therefore your total monthly income will be 1.4+0.4=1.8 L.

The average returns of ICICI Pru equity savings fund are 8-9% but it is relatively less risky and this is more important.

To fund overseas education of your son, you may have to partially deplete the corpus apart from emergency gold reserves.

Hence it makes sound practical sense to have term life cover of ~ 2 Cr with riders for critical care and accident benefit for 15-20 years, apart from the health care cover which you have already.

This will ensure son's education and income for regular household expenses remain more or less unaffected in the unfortunate situation of your demise.

Also please keep searching for assignments, if not possible full time, maybe part time or on consultation basis.

This will keep you focused and busy.

Feel free to revert.

Happy Investing;

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |556 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |556 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

Listen
Money
I have taken parents health insurance in office coverage is 1 lack base and top up is 3lacks and premium is 38.5k. Since im paying more for less coverage planning to take outside. Taken care supreme with rider for mother which doesn't have waiting period. Father has gone through heart surgery no insurnace is willing to give the insurnace except care heart with the waiting period 2 years and co pay 20% and consumables will not be covered and heart related will not be covered. For both mother and father i need to pay 5k per month for care insurnace. Its like a burden paying office insurnace 38.5k and outside 60k . What should i do, I'm really confused to take outside health insurance or not. Cannot stop office insurnace since it does take have waiting period for parents. Please help me
Ans: Hello;

What is the current age of your mother and father?

Based on your reply I may be able to guide you suitably.

Best wishes;

...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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