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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7411 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 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 - May 15, 2024Hindi
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I m 45 having 6cr in stocks , fd etc . I earn 10 lacs per month , no debt but have two kids study to look into . When can I retire

Ans: Retirement Planning Analysis
Congratulations on achieving significant financial success and maintaining a debt-free status! Let's evaluate your retirement readiness considering your current assets, income, and responsibilities towards your children's education.

Current Financial Status
With assets totaling 6 crores in stocks, fixed deposits, and other investments, coupled with a monthly income of 10 lacs, you're in a strong financial position. However, retiring involves careful planning to ensure sustainable income and lifestyle maintenance post-retirement.

Responsibilities towards Children's Education
As a parent with two children pursuing studies, it's essential to allocate sufficient funds towards their education expenses. Determining the estimated cost of their education and factoring in inflation will help you plan effectively without compromising your retirement goals.

Retirement Age Projection
To ascertain when you can retire comfortably, we'll need to analyze your desired retirement lifestyle, expected expenses, and investment returns. A retirement calculator can help estimate the corpus required to sustain your lifestyle post-retirement based on your anticipated lifespan and inflation-adjusted expenses.

Retirement Corpus Assessment
Given your substantial assets and income, retiring early may be feasible, provided you have a robust retirement corpus to sustain your lifestyle and cover unforeseen expenses. Assessing your risk tolerance and investment horizon will aid in determining an appropriate asset allocation strategy for your retirement portfolio.

Retirement Planning Strategies
Optimizing tax-efficient investment vehicles like retirement funds and annuities can enhance your retirement savings while minimizing tax liabilities. Additionally, diversifying your investment portfolio across asset classes can mitigate risk and maximize returns, ensuring a stable income stream during retirement.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner
Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized retirement planning advice tailored to your financial objectives and risk profile. They can help formulate a comprehensive retirement strategy, including asset allocation, withdrawal strategies, and contingency planning, to ensure a smooth transition into retirement.

Conclusion
Your sound financial standing and prudent approach towards debt management lay a solid foundation for a comfortable retirement. With careful planning, disciplined savings, and strategic investment decisions, you can retire on your terms and enjoy financial freedom while securing your children's future.

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 Kalirajan  |7411 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am currently 43 years old. I would like to understand when I can retire. Here are my assets and savings. Have got 2 flats, one self occupied and other one rented for 25k per month. I have plot worth 80 lakhs. 20 lakhs in savings, still not invested anywhere. Another 50L in PF and gratuity. Have 2 ancestral homes generating 35k per month rent (worth 3 cr). My current salary is 2.5 lakhs per month after all deductions. We have two sons.
Ans: It's fantastic that you're planning ahead for your retirement! With your diverse assets and savings, you're well-positioned to achieve your retirement goals. Let's assess your situation to determine when retirement might be feasible:
1. Evaluate Assets and Savings: You have two flats, one rented out, a valuable plot, significant savings, and substantial funds in PF and gratuity. Additionally, rental income from ancestral homes provides a steady stream of income.
2. Calculate Expenses: Determine your current expenses and estimate future expenses, considering inflation and lifestyle changes. With rental income and other sources, you seem to have a stable income stream.
3. Financial Independence: Assess your financial independence by comparing your passive income from assets and savings with your expenses. If your passive income covers or exceeds your expenses, you're in a position to retire.
4. Consider Family Needs: Take into account your sons' education, marriage expenses, and other familial responsibilities. Ensure your retirement plan accommodates these needs without compromising your financial security.
5. Risk Management: While real estate can provide steady income, ensure you have a diversified investment portfolio to mitigate risk. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your asset allocation and investment strategy.
6. Retirement Timeline: Based on your current financial situation and retirement goals, you may be able to retire earlier than the standard retirement age. However, it's essential to consider factors like healthcare costs, longevity, and inflation when planning for retirement.
7. Regular Reviews: Periodically review your financial plan and retirement goals to ensure you're on track. Adjust your strategy as needed based on changes in your circumstances and market conditions.
With careful planning and prudent financial management, you can retire comfortably and enjoy the fruits of your hard work. Consider seeking professional advice to fine-tune your retirement plan and make informed decisions.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7411 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2024

Money
Hi , i am 43 years old. I have 2 small kids 8 and 6. I have 2.5crs in SIP with monthly investment of 1lac. I have 1 own house loan paid. i have LIC of 70lacs along with ELSS of 10 lacs and gold worth 50lacs. I would like to have 15 crs in 5 years. Please let me know when can i retire.
Ans: I see you are 43 years old and aiming to retire with a significant corpus. Let's dive into a comprehensive plan to achieve your goals and assess when you can comfortably retire.

Current Financial Situation
First, let's summarize your current financial status:

SIP Investments: Rs. 2.5 crore, with a monthly investment of Rs. 1 lakh.
Own House: Loan fully paid.
LIC: Rs. 70 lakh.
ELSS: Rs. 10 lakh.
Gold: Rs. 50 lakh.
Retirement Goal
You aim to have Rs. 15 crore in 5 years. Let's evaluate if this goal is achievable and when you can retire.

Assessing Your Financial Goals
Monthly SIP Investment
You have Rs. 2.5 crore in SIPs and invest Rs. 1 lakh monthly. SIPs in mutual funds are an excellent way to build wealth over time, leveraging the power of compounding.

Life Insurance and ELSS
You have Rs. 70 lakh in LIC and Rs. 10 lakh in ELSS. Life insurance ensures financial security for your family, while ELSS provides tax benefits and market-linked returns.

Gold Investments
Gold worth Rs. 50 lakh is a good hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. However, it should not be the primary investment for growth.

Achieving Rs. 15 Crore in 5 Years
Current Corpus
Your current investments total Rs. 3.3 crore (Rs. 2.5 crore in SIPs + Rs. 70 lakh LIC + Rs. 10 lakh ELSS + Rs. 50 lakh gold).

Expected Growth Rate
Assuming a conservative growth rate of 12% per annum for SIPs and ELSS, and a stable value for gold, let's project your future corpus.

Investment Strategy
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds are crucial for achieving your goal. Continue your Rs. 1 lakh monthly investment. Here's a breakdown of mutual fund categories:

Equity Mutual Funds: High growth potential but with higher risk. Suitable for long-term wealth creation.
Debt Mutual Funds: Lower risk, providing stability and regular income.
Hybrid Mutual Funds: Balanced approach with both equity and debt exposure.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Avoid index funds due to their limitations in beating market averages. Actively managed funds, handled by professional fund managers, can potentially outperform the market, offering better returns.

Power of Compounding
Reinvesting your returns can significantly boost your corpus. Compounding generates returns on your returns, leading to exponential growth.

Diversification
Diversify your portfolio across various asset classes to manage risk. A balanced mix of equity, debt, and gold can provide stability and growth.

Detailed Plan
1. Equity Mutual Funds
Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds provide stability, while mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher growth potential. Aim for 60% allocation in equity mutual funds for growth.

2. Debt Mutual Funds
Allocate 20% to debt mutual funds for stability and regular income. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities, offering lower risk compared to equities.

3. Hybrid Mutual Funds
Invest 10% in hybrid mutual funds for a balanced approach. These funds invest in both equity and debt, reducing risk while providing growth potential.

4. Gold
Maintain your current gold investment as a hedge against inflation. Gold should constitute around 10% of your portfolio for diversification.

5. Life Insurance and ELSS
Ensure your life insurance coverage is adequate to protect your family. Your LIC policy of Rs. 70 lakh is a good start. Continue investing in ELSS for tax benefits and equity exposure.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Periodic Review
Review your portfolio periodically to ensure it aligns with your goals. Regular reviews help adjust your investments based on market conditions and financial objectives.

Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain the desired asset allocation. Rebalancing ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Risk Management
Managing Market Volatility
Equity markets can be volatile. Diversification across asset classes can help mitigate this risk. Ensure a balanced mix of equity, debt, and gold.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of expenses. An emergency fund provides liquidity and financial security during unforeseen events.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 15 Crore in 5 Years
With disciplined investments and strategic planning, reaching Rs. 15 crore in 5 years is achievable. Here are key takeaways:

Continue SIPs: Maintain your monthly SIP of Rs. 1 lakh. Equity mutual funds offer high growth potential.
Diversify Portfolio: Allocate investments across equity, debt, and gold for risk management and stability.
Regular Review and Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to align with your goals.
Manage Risks: Diversify and maintain an emergency fund to manage risks and market volatility.
Life Insurance and ELSS: Ensure adequate life insurance coverage and continue investing in ELSS for tax benefits and equity exposure.
By following this comprehensive plan, you can achieve your financial goals and retire comfortably. Your disciplined approach to investing and strategic planning will ensure financial security for you and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7411 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 2024

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Hi I am 51Yrs old and my present salary is Rs 3.5L ,my investments are 2.25Cr in MF 30L shares ,75L PPF,15L FDs ,Emergency Funds 15L, 7L PF,2Flats worth value 3Cr .Son is Army Offer and Daughter is in DU doing UG.Pls suggest when I can take retirement and my monthly need will be 1.5L
Ans: Your current financial standing is impressive. Your accumulated wealth reflects discipline and foresight.

Key Financial Assets:

Mutual Funds: Rs 2.25 crore
Shares: Rs 30 lakh
PPF: Rs 75 lakh
Fixed Deposits: Rs 15 lakh
Emergency Funds: Rs 15 lakh
Provident Fund: Rs 7 lakh
Real Estate: Two flats worth Rs 3 crore
Family Details:

Your son is an Army officer, ensuring financial independence.
Your daughter is pursuing her undergraduate degree at DU.
Your monthly salary of Rs 3.5 lakh supports your current investments and expenses.

Monthly Expense Requirement
Your monthly need of Rs 1.5 lakh post-retirement seems reasonable.
This includes lifestyle expenses, healthcare, and leisure activities.
Assessing Retirement Readiness
You are in a strong position to consider retirement in the near future.

Key factors for assessment:

Corpus Size: Your current net worth exceeds Rs 6.5 crore. This is likely to generate stable post-retirement income.
Expense Coverage: A retirement corpus must generate Rs 18 lakh annually.
Actionable Steps:

Calculate Inflation-Adjusted Expenses: At 6% inflation, your current need of Rs 1.5 lakh/month will increase.
Review Withdrawal Strategy: Aim to withdraw less than 4% of your corpus annually.
Investment Strategy for Corpus Growth
You need to ensure your wealth grows to cover future expenses.

Steps to Enhance Portfolio:

Diversify Across Mutual Funds: Maintain a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.
Continue PPF Contributions: PPF provides risk-free growth and tax savings.
Reassess Fixed Deposits: These offer lower post-tax returns. Consider moving part of this to debt mutual funds.
Utilize PF Efficiently: Accumulate and compound your PF contributions.
Points to Avoid:

Avoid additional investment in real estate due to its illiquid nature.
Do not rely solely on fixed deposits for growth.
Planning for Your Daughter's Education
Your daughter’s undergraduate expenses may be manageable from your salary.

For Higher Studies:

Use the surplus from your portfolio to meet her educational needs.
Avoid withdrawing from retirement corpus for her studies.
Generating Post-Retirement Income
Your corpus should generate a stable monthly income of Rs 1.5 lakh.

Steps to Achieve This:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Use mutual funds to create a tax-efficient monthly income.
Asset Allocation Strategy: Maintain a balance of equity and debt investments for stability.
Emergency Funds: Continue maintaining Rs 15 lakh as a safety net.
Healthcare Planning
Healthcare costs increase significantly post-retirement.

Recommended Steps:

Invest in a comprehensive health insurance policy for you and your wife.
Set aside a portion of your emergency funds for medical emergencies.
Estate Planning
A sound estate plan ensures your wealth is distributed as per your wishes.

Steps to Create an Estate Plan:

Draft a will specifying the distribution of your assets.
Nominate your children for all financial and physical assets.
Consider a family trust if you wish to avoid legal complexities.
Taxation Planning
Managing Tax Efficiency:

Mutual Funds: LTCG on equity funds is taxed above Rs 1.25 lakh at 12.5%. Plan redemptions to minimise taxes.
Shares: Apply the same taxation principles as mutual funds.
PPF and FDs: Interest from FDs is taxable. Consider this while planning withdrawals.
Avoid Overburdening Tax Liabilities:

Withdraw from tax-efficient instruments like equity funds strategically.
Retirement Timing
You can consider retiring at 55 or earlier.

Why This Is Possible:

Your existing wealth can comfortably generate the required income.
Your disciplined savings have ensured a solid financial base.
Finally
You are well-prepared to enjoy a fulfilling retirement. A balanced investment approach will safeguard your future.

Regular review of your financial plan will keep your corpus aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7411 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2025Hindi
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I have invested in ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 index SIP. I have noticed that from past 6 months the fund is not performing. Should I keep this fund or liquidate and invest in in multi asset fund?
Ans: The ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund replicates the Nifty 50 index. It is a passive fund that mirrors the index performance. The last six months have been volatile for the stock market, which has affected index funds. This is expected in short-term market conditions and does not reflect the long-term potential of index-based funds.

However, relying on index funds for wealth creation in volatile markets may not always be optimal. Active funds offer the flexibility of stock selection, better risk management, and potential for higher returns.

Why Active Funds May Be a Better Choice
Volatility Management: Active fund managers adjust the portfolio based on market trends. This flexibility helps during volatile times.

Higher Growth Potential: Actively managed funds can outperform index funds by investing in sectors and stocks with higher potential.

Diversification: Multi-asset funds allocate across equity, debt, and other asset classes. This reduces risk and provides stability.

Assessing Your Current Investment
Index Fund Performance: While the last six months may seem disappointing, index funds are designed for long-term investors.

Cost Factor: Index funds have lower expense ratios but lack active management during market fluctuations.

Active vs Passive: Actively managed funds are better during periods of market instability. They offer professional stock selection and sector rotation.

Benefits of Multi-Asset Funds
Balanced Portfolio: Multi-asset funds invest in equities, bonds, and gold, diversifying your investment.

Risk Mitigation: Allocation to multiple asset classes reduces portfolio volatility.

Stable Returns: These funds aim to provide consistent returns, even during volatile markets.

Suggested Action Plan
Reevaluate Goals: Align your investment decisions with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Shift to Active Funds: Consider shifting from the Nifty 50 index fund to an actively managed multi-cap or multi-asset fund.

Monitor Performance: Choose funds with a strong track record and consistent performance across market cycles.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: A planner can help you select the right actively managed funds and align your investments with your financial plan.

Final Insights
While index funds like ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 are suitable for passive investors, active funds offer an edge in volatile markets. Shifting to a multi-asset or actively managed fund may help you achieve better returns and stability.

Invest wisely, monitor regularly, and stay disciplined to maximise your wealth creation journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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Anu Krishna  |1424 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 02, 2025Hindi
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Hi Sir/Ma'am, I am here to know if there is a problem with my mind or body as I am having a strong sense of demotivation to work towards the upcoming exams. I had taken a 3 months study leave from my work for the upcoming exams to be held in January . The first month was excellent but the next was not good and last month was pathetic. For the past 2 months I have been trying to work hard sincerely but failed. I sat at the study table, but could not achieve my targets. I wrote the targets , but still failed to complete them. I tried watching self help videos and read self help books but nothing is helping me. Today, it is like my brain signals not to work towards any of my targets. I am a CA aspirant and I tried all these ways but nothing worked for me. My exams are in 9 days and my family is not ready to give me any more chances because this is my 7th attempt. Even if I talk about this problem with my family, they become extremely negative and say harsh words about my future. Since I do not have family or friends to talk about it , could you please provide me sincere help in this ?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Kindly work with someone who can get you out of this mindset and into a mindset that is not motivating but also inspiring. Right now what you face is lack of inspiration which is understandable given the many attempts. But you are aware that some professional exams are like this; so persevere...
If it makes sense, take a break from it all...Breaks can refresh the mind and also help you realign yourself back to your goal. But make sure it's a short break and not something that will get you to a place of procrastinating. The break is to help you slow down the mind so that you can bring yourself back to your goal and take necessary steps to achieve it.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...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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