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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 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 - Jan 25, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir. I'm 31 years old with a monthly income of 90000. Among that I invest 20000 in ppf and I have several monthly SIPs (Rs 500 each) totaling to Rs. 10000 like Bharat Bonds, HDFC multi cap, Mirai Asset Tax Saver, Nippon India Arbitrage, Quant ELSS, SBI liquid, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap etc. Is it possible to get a monthly return of at least Rs. 30000 from my investments after I turn 60?

Ans: It's commendable that you're prioritizing your financial future at such a young age! Planning for a comfortable retirement is crucial, and your disciplined approach to investing is a great start.

To estimate whether you can achieve a monthly return of Rs. 30,000 from your investments after turning 60, consider the following factors:

Investment Growth: Assess the potential growth rate of your investments over the long term. Equity-oriented funds like HDFC Multi Cap and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap have the potential to deliver higher returns, while debt funds like Bharat Bonds and Nippon India Arbitrage provide stability.
Compounding Effect: Take advantage of the power of compounding by consistently investing over time. By reinvesting dividends and staying invested for the long term, you can potentially amplify your returns.
Regular Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals. Consider increasing your investment contributions over time as your income grows.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. They can provide personalized insights and recommendations to help you achieve your financial goals.
While it's challenging to predict the exact amount you'll receive as monthly income at age 60, with diligent saving and prudent investing, you can work towards building a substantial retirement corpus. Stay disciplined, stay focused on your goals, and continue to invest wisely for a secure financial future.
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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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  |106 Answers  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 07, 2023

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Hi, My age is 49 years. I have been investing in NPS for last 8 years @Rs 1.5L per annum. From 2022, I have started investing in SIP for last one year, ICICI pru Business cycle fund@10 k monthly, ICICI pru midcap fund@5k monthly , ICICI pru MNC fund @10k monthly, ICICI pru small cap@10k monthly and ICICI pru overnight fund@2L lumpsum. Goal is to get 1.75 L per month at the age of 60. Am i on track?
Ans: Dear Bhuvesh,

Thank you for reaching out for financial advice. I appreciate that you have been proactive in planning for your retirement. Based on the information you've provided, here's a high-level assessment of your investment strategy and whether you are on track to achieve your goal of receiving ₹1.75 L per month at the age of 60.

National Pension System (NPS): You have been investing ₹1.5 L per annum in NPS for the last 8 years. Assuming an average annual return of 8%, by the time you reach the age of 60, your NPS corpus could be approximately ₹44 L. You can withdraw 60% of this amount as a lump sum (₹26.4 L), while the remaining 40% (₹17.6 L) will be used to purchase an annuity plan.
SIP investments: You have been investing in various ICICI Prudential mutual funds for the past year. Assuming you continue these SIPs until you turn 60 and achieve an average annual return of 12%, your mutual fund corpus could be as follows:
ICICI Pru Business Cycle Fund: ₹24.8 L
ICICI Pru Midcap Fund: ₹12.4 L
ICICI Pru MNC Fund: ₹24.8 L
ICICI Pru Small Cap Fund: ₹24.8 L
ICICI Pru Overnight Fund: You have invested ₹2 L as a lump sum in this fund. Assuming an average annual return of 5% over the next 11 years, your investment could grow to around ₹3.4 L.
To achieve your goal of ₹1.75 L per month at the age of 60, you will need a corpus that generates this income through interest or dividends. Assuming a conservative annual return of 6% from a post-retirement investment, you would need a corpus of approximately ₹3.5 crores.

Based on the estimates above, your total corpus at the age of 60 could be around ₹1.34 crores (adding all the corpus values mentioned above), which may not be sufficient to generate ₹1.75 L per month as per your goal.

To improve your chances of achieving your target, consider the following:

Increase your SIP investments gradually over time, as your income grows.
Review your mutual fund portfolio periodically to ensure they are performing well.
Diversify your investments to include other assets such as debt funds, fixed deposits, or real estate for a more balanced portfolio.
Revisit your financial goals and adjust your investment strategy as needed.
Please note that these are rough estimates and cannot guarantee the actual outcomes. Your actual returns will depend on market conditions and your investment choices. I recommend consulting a financial advisor for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and risk appetite.

I hope this information helps you in planning for your retirement.

Best regards,

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 20, 2024Hindi
Money
I m 49yrs, investing in SIP since 2019, started with Rs.10k/month, now Rs.20k/month. This month invested Rs.10lk in 4 equity linked MFs with 50% in liquid fund for 6months. Expecting Rs.43lks from PPF by 2031. How should I go further to have monthly income of Rs.2lk after 60yrs of age OR any other suggestion ylto have better corpus accumulation for retired life after 60yrs of age?
Ans: Thank you for sharing your financial journey and goals. Let’s create a plan to help you achieve a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs after the age of 60 and accumulate a substantial retirement corpus.

1. Current Financial Situation and Goals
You are currently 49 years old and have been investing in SIPs since 2019. Your current SIP investment is Rs 20,000 per month. You recently invested Rs 10 lakhs in four equity-linked mutual funds, with 50% in a liquid fund for six months. You expect Rs 43 lakhs from your PPF by 2031.

Your primary goals are:

Achieving a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs after 60.
Accumulating a substantial retirement corpus for a comfortable life post-retirement.
2. Analyzing Your Investments
SIP Investments
SIP investments are a great way to build a corpus over time. With Rs 20,000 per month, you are already on the right path. SIPs help in averaging out market volatility and building wealth over the long term.

Lump Sum Investment
You have invested Rs 10 lakhs in equity mutual funds, with half in a liquid fund. This strategy provides growth potential while ensuring liquidity for short-term needs.

PPF
Your PPF account is expected to yield Rs 43 lakhs by 2031. PPF is a safe investment with tax-free returns, which is excellent for long-term goals.

3. Creating a Retirement Corpus
Calculate the Required Corpus
To achieve a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs post-retirement, you need to calculate the required retirement corpus. Assuming a life expectancy of 85 years and a withdrawal rate of 4%, you will need approximately Rs 6 crores at the age of 60.

Asset Allocation
Diversification across asset classes is crucial. Here’s a recommended asset allocation:

High-Risk Investments
Equity Mutual Funds: Continue investing in equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Increase your SIP amount annually by 10% to boost your corpus.
Medium-Risk Investments
Balanced Mutual Funds: These funds offer a mix of equity and debt, providing balanced growth with moderate risk.

Corporate Bonds: Invest in high-rated corporate bonds for steady returns with moderate risk.

Low-Risk Investments
Debt Mutual Funds: Invest in debt mutual funds for stable returns and lower risk.

Fixed Deposits and PPF: Continue investing in PPF for safe, tax-free returns. Consider fixed deposits for short-term needs.

4. Generating Monthly Income Post-Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This provides a steady income while keeping your principal invested for growth.

Dividend-Paying Mutual Funds
Invest in mutual funds that offer regular dividends. This provides an additional income stream.

Interest from Debt Investments
Interest from fixed deposits, corporate bonds, and debt mutual funds can provide a stable income post-retirement.

5. Additional Considerations
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your expenses. This should be easily accessible and invested in liquid instruments like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.

Tax Planning
Opt for tax-efficient investments to minimize your tax liability. ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C, while PPF provides tax-free returns.

Regular Portfolio Review
Review your portfolio annually to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance your portfolio as needed to maintain the desired asset allocation.

6. Steps to Achieve Your Goals
Increase SIP Investments: Gradually increase your SIP amount by 10% annually to build a larger corpus.

Diversify Investments: Allocate your investments across equity, balanced, and debt mutual funds for diversification.

Invest Lump Sums Wisely: When you have additional funds, invest them in a mix of equity and debt instruments.

Utilize PPF Wisely: Continue contributing to PPF for safe, tax-free returns.

Plan for Monthly Income: Use SWPs, dividend-paying funds, and interest from debt investments to generate a steady post-retirement income.

Maintain an Emergency Fund: Ensure you have sufficient liquidity to handle emergencies without disrupting your investment strategy.

Tax Planning: Invest in tax-efficient instruments and utilize tax benefits to optimize your returns.

Regular Reviews: Review and rebalance your portfolio annually to stay on track with your goals.

Conclusion
You are on a commendable path towards building a substantial retirement corpus. By increasing your SIP investments, diversifying your portfolio, and planning for a steady post-retirement income, you can achieve your financial goals. Regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your objectives.

Investing wisely today will secure your financial future and ensure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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Hi Experts, I am 31 yrs old and investing 48k mer month in SIP, 1.5L per year in PPF ans 96k per year in NPS. My existing portfolio is 31L. I am planning to retire by the age of 45 and would like to have a income of 1.25L per month. Can you please suggest if it is achievable with the existing investment.
Ans: Assessing Your Retirement Goal
Introduction
It's great to see your commitment to building a strong financial future. At 31, with disciplined investments, achieving your retirement goal by 45 is within reach.

Current Investments
Your current investment strategy is diversified and solid:

SIP: ?48,000 per month
PPF: ?1.5 lakh per year
NPS: ?96,000 per year
Existing Portfolio: ?31 lakh
This diversified approach provides a good mix of equity and debt.

Retirement Goal
You aim to retire at 45 with a monthly income of ?1.25 lakh. Let’s evaluate if this is achievable.

SIP Investments
Investing ?48,000 per month in SIPs is excellent. Assuming a conservative annual return of 12%, this can grow substantially over the next 14 years.

PPF Contributions
PPF is a safe and tax-efficient investment. The annual contribution of ?1.5 lakh, assuming an interest rate of 7.1%, will grow steadily.

NPS Contributions
NPS offers a good mix of equity and debt with additional tax benefits. An annual contribution of ?96,000, assuming a moderate return of 10%, will also grow well over time.

Total Investment Growth
Combining SIPs, PPF, and NPS contributions with your existing portfolio, let’s project the growth over 14 years. Regular investments and compounding will significantly boost your corpus.

Estimating Retirement Corpus
SIP Growth: ?48,000 monthly SIP for 14 years at 12% returns.
PPF Growth: ?1.5 lakh yearly for 14 years at 7.1% returns.
NPS Growth: ?96,000 yearly for 14 years at 10% returns.
Existing Portfolio Growth: ?31 lakh growing at an average of 10%.
Combining these, your total corpus should be substantial. Detailed calculations by a CFP can provide precise figures.

Income from Corpus
To generate ?1.25 lakh monthly, or ?15 lakh annually, you need a significant corpus. Assuming a 4% safe withdrawal rate, the required corpus is approximately ?3.75 crore.

Achievability
With disciplined investments, reaching a corpus close to ?3.75 crore is achievable. Regular reviews and adjustments can ensure you stay on track.

Recommendations
Continue SIPs: Stick with your ?48,000 monthly SIPs.
Maximize PPF Contributions: Keep contributing ?1.5 lakh annually.
Regular NPS Contributions: Continue contributing ?96,000 annually.
Portfolio Review: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio with a CFP.
Professional Advice
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide tailored advice and help optimize your investments. They can help with tax planning, fund selection, and retirement strategies.

Conclusion
Your disciplined approach and diversified investments set a strong foundation for your retirement goal. With regular reviews and adjustments, achieving your desired monthly income by 45 is within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8192 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

Money
I am 49 yrs and monthly expense is 165000. no other liabilities of children's and parents. Only expense of myself and wife and if want to retire in next 1 year what corpus would be needed for next 25 yrs considering inflation. we have adequate Mediclaim policy of 75 lakhs.
Ans: You are 49 now, with monthly expenses of Rs. 1.65 lakh. You have no children's or parents' liabilities. You plan to retire in one year. Also, you and your wife are well-covered by a Rs. 75 lakh Mediclaim policy.

That’s a strong and admirable starting point. Let us now assess your retirement readiness. We will consider inflation, lifestyle, and long-term wealth management.

Let us start with the key areas you must evaluate before retirement.

Monthly Expenses and Lifestyle Assessment
Your current monthly expenses are Rs. 1,65,000. That is Rs. 19.8 lakh a year.

This includes only you and your wife. That simplifies planning.

It seems your lifestyle is stable and well-managed.

As inflation rises, your expenses will rise each year.

With average inflation of 6%, costs double in 12 years.

So, your Rs. 1.65 lakh today can become about Rs. 3.3 lakh per month in 12 years.

You must plan for these higher costs in future years.

Retirement corpus should grow steadily and beat inflation.

That way, your wealth can support you for 25+ years.

Evaluating Retirement Duration
You are retiring at 50. We will plan till 75 years.

But people are living longer now. Life expectancy is increasing.

So, it is better to plan till 85 or 90 years.

That means your money must last for 35 to 40 years.

But your question is for 25 years. Let us assess for 25 first.

Later, we will share how to stretch this for longer, if needed.

How Much Corpus Is Needed?
You will need income for 300 months (25 years × 12 months).

Each year, expenses will rise due to inflation.

So, in early years you may spend less.

But in later years, your expenses will be much more.

Your corpus must grow and give monthly income.

At the same time, the principal must not fall quickly.

A safe starting estimate: You will need around Rs. 8 to 10 crores.

This is to cover 25 years with rising expenses.

This estimate assumes post-retirement returns of 10% to 11%.

It also assumes inflation at 6% per year.

The more return your investments earn, the less corpus you need.

The less return, the more corpus you need.

Corpus must be invested smartly to earn and grow.

We will now see how to manage this corpus efficiently.

Key Factors That Affect Your Retirement Plan
Inflation: Your biggest hidden enemy. It silently eats wealth.

Longevity: If you live longer, you need more money.

Medical Expenses: You have good Mediclaim cover. That is great.

Unexpected Costs: Home repair, travel, or emergencies may arise.

Return on Investments: You must beat inflation every year.

Tax Efficiency: Returns must be tax-optimized.

Withdrawal Plan: Monthly withdrawal must be well structured.

Ideal Investment Strategy for Retirement
Your goal is simple: monthly income of Rs. 1.65 lakh, rising with inflation.

At the same time, principal must stay intact or reduce slowly.

Here is the strategy:

Invest the full retirement corpus in mutual funds.

Choose a mix of equity and hybrid funds.

Start with a 60:40 ratio. 60% equity, 40% debt/hybrid.

This gives growth and stability.

Every year, rebalance the portfolio.

If equity grows fast, shift some to hybrid for safety.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for monthly income.

Withdraw only what you need. Let the rest grow.

Avoid fixed deposits for full corpus. They do not beat inflation.

Keep only 6 to 9 months of expenses in FDs or liquid funds.

That acts as an emergency buffer.

You should invest through a Certified Financial Planner.

A CFP will help you create a strong plan.

They can also handle taxes, rebalancing, and fund review.

Why You Should Avoid Index Funds
Index funds follow the market blindly.

They invest in every stock, good or bad.

No fund manager takes active decisions.

During market fall, they fall fully.

They cannot protect your money in crisis.

They do not outperform consistently.

In retirement, you cannot afford sudden deep losses.

You need actively managed funds.

These funds are managed by experts.

They aim to protect during fall and grow during rise.

That is safer for long-term retired life.

Why You Should Avoid Annuities
Annuities give fixed income for life.

But they are not inflation protected.

If you get Rs. 1 lakh today, it stays Rs. 1 lakh forever.

After 10 years, that has much less value.

They also offer very low returns.

Most annuities lock your money permanently.

There is little flexibility and no liquidity.

You cannot exit midway if your needs change.

That is not ideal for someone in your situation.

You need a growing income, not fixed.

SWP from mutual funds is better than annuities.

Why You Should Avoid Real Estate
Real estate needs large one-time investment.

It has poor liquidity. You cannot sell fast.

Maintenance cost is high.

Rental income is often low and irregular.

Property disputes are common.

In retirement, you need easy-to-manage assets.

Real estate is not ideal for retirees.

Tax Planning for Retirement
SWP from equity mutual funds is taxed.

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh yearly are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt fund withdrawals are taxed as per your tax slab.

With right planning, you can reduce tax.

You can stagger withdrawals to stay under limit.

Keep long-term view for most equity funds.

Let them grow for at least 3 to 5 years before major withdrawals.

A Certified Financial Planner will guide your tax planning.

Annual Review of Retirement Plan
Every year, review your expenses.

Match your SWP amount with your needs.

If inflation rises faster, adjust SWP upward.

Rebalance portfolio to maintain equity and debt mix.

Track returns of each fund regularly.

Remove underperformers after 2-3 years.

Add new funds with good consistency.

Review Mediclaim and emergency fund each year.

Make a will or estate plan.

Ensure all documents are updated and in order.

Other Key Tips for Retired Life
Don’t give large loans to friends or relatives.

Avoid co-signing loans for anyone.

Keep your lifestyle simple and meaningful.

Spend more on health and wellness.

Invest time in hobbies and charity.

Keep your money safe from online fraud.

Don’t chase high return risky investments.

Always discuss big financial decisions with your wife.

If needed, involve your Certified Financial Planner for support.

What If You Live Beyond 25 Years?
Your current plan is for 25 years.

But you may live till 85 or 90.

So your corpus must grow even after withdrawals.

Let at least 40% of your corpus stay in equity.

Equity gives long-term inflation beating returns.

If your corpus allows, reduce SWP amount after 75.

Or maintain same SWP, but reduce expenses.

This will help your corpus last longer.

Review the corpus regularly post 75 years of age.

Final Insights
You are well prepared for retirement at 50.

Rs. 1.65 lakh monthly expenses are realistic.

But inflation must be planned seriously.

You will need about Rs. 8 to 10 crore corpus.

Invest in equity and hybrid mutual funds.

Use SWP for monthly income.

Avoid index funds, annuities, and real estate.

Keep liquidity for emergencies.

Review portfolio and expenses yearly.

Involve a Certified Financial Planner for full planning support.

Your focus now should be wealth preservation and moderate growth.

This is a golden phase of life. Plan it smartly.

You deserve peace, dignity, and freedom in retirement.

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

...Read more

Mayank

Mayank Chandel  |2176 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 04, 2025Hindi
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Hlo. Sir. Maine apna neet exam. 2024 mai diya tha. Sirf. 6 month hi preparation krke. I score well but negative marking ki wajah se. Mere mask kam hogye and maine vapis. 205 ke liye preparation Krna strt kiya ha. Without any coaching self study muje assa lg rha ha ki iss baat bhi nhi hoga. Stress ki wajah se overthinking ki wajah se mere kuch din bhut khrab hogya ha. Prr mere parents ne decide ki ha ki offline coaching krwagye. Kya muje 3 attempt ki. Jna chaiiye muje doctor hi bnna ha muje aur kuch nhi Krna ha mai bhut ache se pdh sakte hu bss ye ha ki 3 attempt dena worth it ha kya
Ans: Hello,
pehle toh main yeh kehna chahta hoon ki tumne sirf 6 mahine ki tayyari mein NEET jaise tough exam ko dene ki himmat ki — yeh kaafi badi baat hai. Tumhare andar definitely potential hai. NEET jaise exam mein negative marking sabko affect karti hai, especially jab preparation time kam ho.

Ab baat karte hain tumhare doubt par:
Kya 3rd attempt dena worth hai?
Tumhara answer tumne khud hi de diya:

"Mujhe doctor hi banna hai, mujhe aur kuch nahi karna."

Jab goal clear ho, toh answer bhi clear hota hai:
Agar doctor banna tumhara sapna hai aur tumhara belief hai ki tum mehnat kar sakte ho, toh 3rd attempt definitely worth it hai, lekin is baar smart aur structured preparation ke saath.

Offline coaching-jaise tumhare parents keh rahe hain
Agar ghar par overthinking, distractions, aur stress zyada ho raha hai, toh offline coaching environment tumhe discipline aur direction de sakta hai.
Daily study routine, regular tests, competition ka mahol — yeh sab tumhare liye helpful ho sakte hain.

Agar tumhara belief strong hai, toh koi bhi attempt waste nahi hota.
Bahut saare doctors ne 3rd, even 4th attempt me crack kiya hai. Tumhara vision clear hai, ab bas execution me discipline aur patience chahiye.

...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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