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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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
Rakesh Question by Rakesh on Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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I m 40 yrs now, earning 1.5 lacs a month in hand, monthly investment are-- 12500 ppf, Quant midcap 15k, HDFC midcap 10k, pgim midcap 5k, quant smallcap 5k, Nippon smallcap 5k, parag parekh flexicap 5k, pgim flexicap 5k, quant active 5k,Nippon multicap 5k, HDFC multicap 5k Nps, apy 7k. Total monthly inv around 84k Hv given 30 lacs unsecured loan to friend from where earning 60k per month want to invest this money monthly, where to invest?

Ans: It's commendable that you're making significant investments towards securing your financial future. Given your current financial situation and the surplus income from the unsecured loan, here are some suggestions on how you can invest the additional 60,000 rupees per month:

Emergency Fund: Before considering additional investments, ensure you have an adequate emergency fund set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial setbacks. Aim to have 3-6 months' worth of living expenses saved in a liquid and easily accessible account.
Debt Repayment: Given that you've provided an unsecured loan to a friend, consider prioritizing the repayment of this debt. Focus on reducing or eliminating high-interest loans to free up cash flow and reduce financial stress.
Diversified Investments: Allocate a portion of the surplus income towards building a diversified investment portfolio. Consider investing in a mix of equity mutual funds, debt instruments, and other investment avenues based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Equity Mutual Funds: Since you already have significant exposure to mid-cap and small-cap funds, consider diversifying further by investing in large-cap or multi-cap funds. These funds offer exposure to different segments of the market and can help mitigate risk.
Debt Instruments: Given the volatility of the stock market, consider allocating a portion of your surplus income towards debt instruments such as fixed deposits, bonds, or debt mutual funds. These investments offer stability and steady returns over time.
Real Estate: If you have a long-term horizon and are willing to take on the associated risks, consider exploring opportunities in real estate investment. However, ensure you conduct thorough research and due diligence before making any real estate investments.
Seek Professional Advice: Given the complexity of financial planning and investment management, consider consulting with a certified financial planner or investment advisor. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.
By diversifying your investments, prioritizing debt repayment, and seeking professional advice, you can make informed decisions to secure your financial future and achieve your long-term financial goals.
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 11, 2024Hindi
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I am 59 retired with corpus of ?.40 lacs with no retirement pension. Medical insurance sum insurance is ?.5 lacs and no family or financial commitment. To get ?.25k per month, please suggest where to invest. I estimate to live for next 20 years.
Ans: Given your retirement status and financial situation, securing a monthly income of 25,000 INR for the next 20 years requires a carefully crafted plan. Let's explore some options:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Consider investing a portion of your corpus in balanced mutual funds or debt funds and initiate an SWP. This allows you to systematically withdraw a fixed amount each month while potentially preserving your capital.
Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS): Invest a portion of your corpus in SCSS, offering stable returns and tax benefits for retirees. It provides regular interest payouts, ensuring a steady income stream.
Annuity Plans: Explore annuity plans offered by insurance companies. An annuity plan converts a lump sum into a regular income for a specified period, providing financial security during retirement.
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Invest in FDs with banks or post offices, providing stable returns and liquidity. Consider laddering FDs with varying maturities to optimize returns and access funds as needed.
Dividend-Paying Stocks or Mutual Funds: Invest in dividend-paying stocks or mutual funds, which provide regular income through dividend payouts. Ensure the investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Consider investing in REITs, which offer rental income from commercial properties. However, be mindful of the associated risks and liquidity constraints.
It's essential to strike a balance between growth and stability while ensuring your income needs are met throughout retirement. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific requirements and aspirations.

Your dedication to securing your financial future is commendable, and with careful planning, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement with peace of mind.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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Hello My Age is 23 and currently earning a income of 40000 per month where should I invest pls describe the amount of investment allotment also in different sectors like MF, INSURANCE, ETC. I would like to invest monthly around 20000.
Ans: Congratulations on taking the initiative to invest at a young age! Let's explore a diversified investment strategy tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Assessing Investment Allocation
Mutual Funds (MF):

Allocate a significant portion of your monthly investment towards mutual funds, considering their potential for long-term growth and diversification benefits.
Aim to invest around 60-70% of your monthly investment amount in mutual funds across various categories such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.
Insurance:

While insurance is essential for financial protection, allocate a smaller portion of your investment towards insurance premiums.
Consider investing around 10-20% of your monthly investment amount in insurance policies such as term insurance for adequate coverage.
Emergency Fund:

Build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses to cover unexpected financial needs.
Allocate a portion of your monthly investment towards gradually building your emergency fund until it reaches the desired level.
Other Investments:

Explore other investment avenues such as fixed deposits, recurring deposits, or Public Provident Fund (PPF) for stable returns and tax benefits.
Allocate a small portion of your monthly investment, around 10-20%, towards these conservative investment options to ensure a balanced portfolio.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Actively managed mutual funds offer the expertise of professional fund managers who actively select and manage the fund's investments to outperform the market.
These funds have the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on investment opportunities, potentially yielding higher returns.
Unlike index funds, which passively track a market index, actively managed funds can generate alpha through active portfolio management and security selection.
Considerations for Direct Fund Investment
While direct funds offer lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, they require active involvement in research, monitoring, and portfolio management.
Direct fund investors must possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to select suitable funds and manage their investment portfolio effectively.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) provides access to professional guidance and personalized investment advice, enhancing the overall investment experience.
Conclusion
By following a disciplined investment approach and diversifying across various asset classes, you can build a robust investment portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Remember to review your investments periodically and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving your objectives.

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 Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 30, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 31. Me and my partner earn 75k monthly. Rent and other expenses come around 25k (which we can't cut down) Currently we are doing MF 10k (current holding 1,65,000) , a chit 10k, NPS 4.5k, LIC 2k. Have savings of 4lakhs and 16k in stocks. Other 25k I am using to repay my loans which will be cleared by September. Where can I invest 25k monthly from October. Kindly suggest the better option I am ready to take risk
Ans: Evaluating Your Current Financial Situation and Investment Opportunities

You and your partner earn Rs 75,000 monthly, with expenses around Rs 25,000. This leaves a surplus for investments. Your current investments include mutual funds, a chit fund, NPS, LIC, and some savings in stocks. Additionally, you will clear your loans by September, freeing up Rs 25,000 monthly for new investments.

Current Investments
Mutual Funds: You invest Rs 10,000 monthly, with a current holding of Rs 1,65,000.

Chit Fund: You invest Rs 10,000 monthly.

National Pension System (NPS): Your contribution is Rs 4,500 monthly.

Life Insurance (LIC): You contribute Rs 2,000 monthly.

Savings and Stocks: You have Rs 4 lakhs in savings and Rs 16,000 in stocks.

Loan Repayment
You allocate Rs 25,000 monthly for loan repayment, which will be cleared by September. Post-September, you will have this amount available for new investments.

Investment Goals and Risk Appetite
With your loans cleared and a willingness to take risks, you can focus on growth-oriented investments. Let's explore suitable options for investing Rs 25,000 monthly from October.

Diversified Mutual Fund Portfolio
Mutual funds are a great way to diversify your investments. Continue your current SIPs and consider increasing your monthly investment. Here's how to diversify further:

Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies. These funds provide stability and steady growth. They are less risky compared to mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
Mid-cap and small-cap funds invest in medium-sized and smaller companies, respectively. They offer higher growth potential but come with increased risk. Allocating a portion of your investments here can boost your returns.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds invest across market capitalizations. They offer flexibility and diversification, balancing risk and returns.

International Funds
Investing in international funds diversifies your portfolio globally. This reduces country-specific risks and provides exposure to global growth opportunities.

Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds. These funds benefit from professional management and the ability to adapt to market changes. They aim for higher returns through strategic investments.

Stocks and Equity Investments
Direct equity investments offer high returns but come with high risks. With your risk tolerance, consider the following strategies:

Blue-Chip Stocks
Invest in blue-chip stocks of well-established companies. They provide steady growth and dividend income.

Growth Stocks
Growth stocks belong to companies with high growth potential. They offer significant returns but are riskier.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review and rebalance your stock portfolio. This ensures alignment with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs are a disciplined way to invest regularly. Increase your SIP contributions from October. This leverages the power of compounding and enhances your investment corpus over time.

National Pension System (NPS)
Continue your NPS contributions for retirement planning. NPS provides tax benefits and long-term growth through equity and debt investments.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances. Keep a portion of your savings liquid for this purpose.

Health and Life Insurance
Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage. This protects you and your family from financial burdens due to medical emergencies or unforeseen events.

Tax Efficiency
Optimise your investments for tax efficiency. Utilise tax-saving instruments and strategies to reduce your tax liability, thereby increasing your net returns.

Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice. They provide tailored strategies to help you achieve your financial goals. Their expertise can guide you in navigating complex financial decisions.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments
Regularly review your financial plan. Market conditions, personal circumstances, and financial goals change over time. Adjust your investment strategy as needed to stay on track.

Conclusion
Your disciplined investment approach and willingness to take risks are commendable. With strategic adjustments and continued contributions, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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.

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