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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7122 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
Money

I m 48 with a debt of 70 lacs home loan And zero investment how can I make a corpus of 5 crore as i have no knowledge of share or mutual funds. Retirement is out of question as I have small business and want my child to go for higher studies as currently he is in final year for vfx and designing

Ans: You have a clear vision for your future, focusing on your child's higher education and building a significant corpus. At 48, with a home loan of Rs 70 lakhs, and no current investments, creating a corpus of Rs 5 crore can seem daunting. But with the right strategy, you can achieve your goals. Let’s break it down step by step.


It’s commendable that you’re thinking ahead and planning for your child's future. Running a small business shows your dedication and hard work. Let’s create a solid financial plan to support your dreams.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Home Loan
A home loan of Rs 70 lakhs is a substantial debt. Prioritizing its repayment will free up resources for investments.

Business Income
Understanding your business's income stability is crucial. If your income varies, having a safety net is essential.

Zero Investments
Starting from scratch means you have a clean slate to build a diversified portfolio. We’ll leverage this to your advantage.

Creating a Corpus of Rs 5 Crore
Goal Setting
To accumulate Rs 5 crore, we need a well-defined investment plan. Let's break this into achievable milestones.

Investment Horizon
You have around 12-15 years before you might consider retirement. This period allows for a balanced approach towards growth and stability.

Diversified Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a powerful tool for wealth creation. They offer professional management and diversification.

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity funds invest in stocks, providing high growth potential. They are ideal for long-term goals but come with higher risk.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less volatile and provide stability to your portfolio.

Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, balancing risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk tolerance.

Power of Compounding
Investing regularly and staying invested allows your money to grow exponentially through compounding. Starting now can make a significant difference.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This method is disciplined and mitigates market volatility.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate a market index, lacking active management. They may not outperform the market and provide limited flexibility.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers aiming to outperform the market. They can adapt to market conditions and provide better returns.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct Funds

Direct funds bypass intermediaries, saving on commission costs. However, they require self-management, which can be challenging without expertise.

Regular Funds through CFP

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers expert guidance. They help select the right funds, manage paperwork, and provide personalized advice.

Debt Repayment Strategy
Prioritizing Home Loan Repayment
Reducing your home loan burden is essential. Consider increasing your EMI or making lump-sum payments when possible.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This cushion helps manage unforeseen events without disrupting your investment plan.

Child’s Higher Education Planning
Education Savings Plan
Start a dedicated investment plan for your child’s higher education. Estimate the required corpus and allocate investments accordingly.

Scholarship and Education Loans
Explore scholarship opportunities and education loans. They can reduce the financial burden and allow more flexibility in your investment strategy.

Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Ensure adequate life insurance coverage to protect your family. Consider term insurance for substantial coverage at a lower premium.

Health Insurance
Maintain comprehensive health insurance to cover medical expenses. This prevents dipping into your savings for healthcare needs.

Regular Portfolio Review
Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Rebalance to maintain the desired asset allocation and adjust for changing goals.

Staying Informed
Stay informed about market trends and economic conditions. This knowledge helps in making informed investment decisions.

Risk Management
Diversification
Diversify your investments across asset classes and sectors. This reduces risk and enhances potential returns.

Risk Assessment
Regularly assess your risk tolerance. As you near your goal, shift towards safer investments to protect your corpus.

Tax Efficiency
Tax Planning
Optimize your investments for tax efficiency. Utilize tax-saving instruments and consult a CFP for personalized tax strategies.

Tax-Free Bonds
Consider tax-free bonds for stable, tax-efficient income. They offer guaranteed returns and are safe.

Creating a Retirement Plan
Retirement Corpus
While retirement is not a priority now, plan for a secure future. Estimate your retirement corpus and allocate investments to achieve it.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Post-retirement, use SWPs to generate regular income. This strategy allows you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically from your investments.

Final Insights
Creating a corpus of Rs 5 crore from zero investments is ambitious but achievable. Start with a disciplined investment plan, leveraging mutual funds for growth. Prioritize debt repayment, maintain an emergency fund, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. With dedication and the right strategy, you can secure your financial future and support your child’s higher education.

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  |7122 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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I am 34 years old married and have one daughter aged 2 years..i have invested 30lac mutal fund and 10lakh ppf investment..i have no debts and loans...my wife and I earn around 25 lac per year as freelancer private tutors....please suggest me ways to create 5crore corpus at age of 45years...i always invest 70% of my income in mutual funds per year
Ans: You aim to create a Rs. 5 crore corpus by age 45.

You have 11 years to achieve this goal.

Your combined annual income is Rs. 25 lakhs.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
You have Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds.

You have Rs. 10 lakhs in PPF.

You invest 70% of your income in mutual funds annually.

Importance of Consistent Investments
Consistent investment is crucial.

You invest Rs. 17.5 lakhs annually in mutual funds.

This discipline will help you reach your goal.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim for higher returns.

They are managed by experts.

These funds can enhance your growth potential.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk.

Maintain a mix of equity and debt funds.

This ensures a balance of growth and stability.

Maximising Your PPF Investments
Continue investing in PPF for stable returns.

PPF offers tax benefits and risk-free returns.

It complements your mutual fund investments.

Importance of Regular Funds
Invest through a Certified Financial Planner.

Regular funds provide professional guidance.

This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Reviewing Your Insurance Policies
If you hold LIC, ULIP, or investment-cum-insurance policies:

Consider surrendering them for better returns.

Reinvest in mutual funds to maximise growth.

Estimating Required Annual Returns
To achieve Rs. 5 crores in 11 years:

Calculate the required annual return rate.

A Certified Financial Planner can assist with precise calculations.

Creating an Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund.

It should cover at least 6 months of expenses.

This safeguards your financial plan.

Monitoring Your Investments
Regularly review your investment portfolio.

Adjust based on performance and goals.

Stay informed about market trends.

Seeking Professional Help
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They offer tailored advice.

Their expertise ensures your plan stays on track.

Final Insights
Creating a Rs. 5 crore corpus by 45 is achievable.

Consistently invest in mutual funds.

Focus on actively managed funds for higher returns.

Diversify your portfolio for balanced growth.

Maintain and maximise your PPF investments.

Regularly review and adjust your investments.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

With disciplined investing and strategic planning, you can achieve your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7122 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 01, 2024

Money
Hi Myself Ramesh, I earn around 1.6 Lac monthly aged 43. Don't have own house and have 2 children 15 and 7. I have 20k SIP in MF, 25 K in 3 various ULIP Plan. Pls suggest how do I create corpus of 5 Crore by age of 60. Consider income increase around 6% for 10 years.
Ans: Hi Ramesh, your goal to create a corpus of Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60 is ambitious yet achievable with proper planning. At 43 years old, earning Rs. 1.6 lakhs per month, you already have a good foundation. Your monthly investments include Rs. 20,000 in SIPs and Rs. 25,000 in ULIP plans. You also expect your income to increase by around 6% annually for the next 10 years, which is a positive factor.

Setting Financial Goals
Short-Term Goals
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund that covers at least 6-12 months of expenses. This should be kept in a highly liquid form like a savings account or short-term fixed deposit.

Insurance Coverage: Adequate life and health insurance are crucial to protect your family from unforeseen events. Ensure you have a term insurance plan and a comprehensive health insurance policy.

Long-Term Goals
Children’s Education: Planning for your children's education expenses is critical. Your elder child will need funds for higher education soon, and the younger one in the next 10 years.

Retirement Corpus: The primary goal is to build a retirement corpus of Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60.

Evaluating Current Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
You are investing Rs. 20,000 per month in mutual funds through SIPs. This is a good strategy for long-term wealth creation. SIPs benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
You have Rs. 25,000 per month in various ULIPs. While ULIPs offer both insurance and investment, they often come with higher charges and lower returns compared to mutual funds. It might be beneficial to surrender these ULIPs and redirect the funds to more efficient investment vehicles like mutual funds.

Creating an Optimized Investment Plan
Redirecting ULIP Investments
Consider surrendering your ULIPs and investing the proceeds in mutual funds. Mutual funds typically offer better returns and flexibility compared to ULIPs. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you transition smoothly.

Increasing SIP Contributions
With an expected income increase of 6% annually, you can gradually increase your SIP contributions. Start by increasing your SIP amount each year to align with your income growth. This disciplined approach will help in achieving your long-term goals.

Diversification of Investments
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds should form the core of your investment portfolio. They offer high growth potential over the long term. Given your time horizon of 17 years, a significant portion of your investments can be in equity funds.

Debt Mutual Funds
Including debt mutual funds in your portfolio can provide stability and reduce overall risk. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities and are less volatile compared to equity funds.

Gold Investments
A small allocation to gold can act as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. You can consider gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for this purpose.

International Mutual Funds
Diversifying your investments internationally can provide exposure to global markets and reduce country-specific risks. International mutual funds can be a good addition to your portfolio.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
Implementing a SIP strategy for different types of mutual funds can help in building a diversified portfolio. Allocate a higher percentage to equity funds and the rest to debt and gold funds. Regularly review and adjust your SIP contributions to align with your financial goals.

Planning for Children’s Education
Estimating Education Costs
Estimate the future costs of your children’s education, considering inflation. Education expenses can be significant, and planning early will ensure you have sufficient funds when needed.

Education Savings Plan
Create a dedicated education savings plan. You can use a combination of equity and debt mutual funds to build this corpus. Start a separate SIP specifically for your children's education.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Power of Compounding
Starting early and investing regularly allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. Your investments will grow exponentially over time, helping you achieve your retirement goal.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing involves adjusting your asset allocation to maintain the desired balance, optimizing returns, and managing risk.

Active Management
Actively managed funds, overseen by a CFP, can potentially deliver higher returns compared to passive index funds. They offer flexibility to respond to market changes and capitalize on opportunities.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments such as Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) to reduce your taxable income while investing for long-term goals.

Capital Gains Management
Understanding the tax implications of capital gains is essential. Long-term capital gains from equity investments are taxed differently from short-term gains. Plan your investments and withdrawals to minimize tax liability.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Professional Guidance
A CFP can provide personalized advice, helping you create a comprehensive financial plan. They offer expertise in investment management, tax planning, and retirement strategies, ensuring your financial goals are met.

Regular Monitoring
A CFP regularly monitors your investments, making adjustments based on market conditions and life changes. This proactive approach helps in optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Building a Disciplined Investment Approach
Setting Clear Goals
Define clear financial goals with timelines. This provides direction and helps in selecting appropriate investment vehicles to achieve these goals.

Consistent Savings and Investing
Consistently save and invest a significant portion of your income. This discipline is crucial for building wealth over time. Automate your investments to ensure regular contributions.

Financial Education
Continuously educate yourself about personal finance and investments. Staying informed empowers you to make better financial decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

Final Insights
Ramesh, your goal to accumulate Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60 is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined and strategic approach. Start by setting a strong foundation with an emergency fund and adequate insurance coverage.

Consider surrendering your ULIPs and redirecting the funds to mutual funds. Increase your SIP contributions gradually to align with your income growth. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, gold, and international markets.

Implement a SIP strategy for different types of mutual funds and regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Effective tax planning and capital gains management can further enhance your returns. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to create and monitor a comprehensive financial plan.

Your commitment to your financial goals and willingness to adapt your strategy will help you achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7122 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 25, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I'm 29 with a salary of 1.08 lpm. I don't have any savings. Approx expenses per month is 35-40k. I want to start investing 12.5k in ppf every month and mutual funds/ RD. I want to build a corpus of 2 crore in next 10-15 years. How do I achieve this?
Ans: Your monthly salary is Rs. 1.08 lakhs. Your expenses are Rs. 35-40k. This leaves you with a savings potential of Rs. 68-73k per month. You aim to invest Rs. 12.5k in PPF monthly.

Appreciating Your Initiative
It's commendable that you want to start investing. Your goal of building a Rs. 2 crore corpus in 10-15 years is achievable with disciplined investing.

Investing in PPF
The PPF is a safe investment option with tax benefits. However, it has a lock-in period of 15 years. The interest rate is around 7-8%. Investing Rs. 12.5k monthly will help you accumulate a substantial amount.

Exploring Mutual Funds
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers.
They can outperform index funds, especially in volatile markets.
They provide better returns through strategic investments.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds lack the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Regular funds, through MFD with CFP credentials, offer expert advice.
Recommended Investment Strategy
Balanced Portfolio

Diversify between equity and debt.
Allocate funds in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Consider a mix of mutual funds and PPF.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Invest monthly through SIP in mutual funds.
Start with an amount you’re comfortable with.
Gradually increase your SIP amount with time.
Calculating Your Investment Needs
To achieve Rs. 2 crores in 10-15 years, you need a structured plan. Assuming a 12% return on mutual funds:

10 Years: You need to invest around Rs. 60-65k monthly.
15 Years: You need to invest around Rs. 30-35k monthly.
Suggested Allocation
Monthly Allocation:

PPF: Rs. 12.5k
Mutual Funds: Rs. 30-60k (depending on the investment horizon)
Emergency Fund

Keep 3-6 months’ expenses as an emergency fund.
This ensures financial stability during unforeseen events.
Reviewing and Adjusting
Review your investments annually.
Adjust your portfolio based on market conditions.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) regularly.
Final Insights
Your goal of Rs. 2 crores in 10-15 years is attainable. A balanced investment strategy, combining PPF and mutual funds, will help you reach your target. Regular reviews and disciplined investing are key to your financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Nov 26, 2024Hindi
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I took home loan from HDFC of 10 years duration in May 2023. I told them that i will be able repay the loan in few months as i was planning to sell one plot of mine. Bank employee offered insurance on home loan with return of premium scheme telling me that as soon as you repay the loan all of the premium will be returned. I was old customer so i trusted her and took insurance. Later i came to know that no refund on that policy if you surrender in one year and 60 percent deduction after 02 years. My mistake that i overlooked freelook peroid and rate of return of premium in the documents. I have repaid my whole loan and woll be completing my policy tenure of 02 years in Apr 2025. What should i do to get maximum return of the premium and should i appeal to the higher authorities about the lie told by the employee or i accept the return and sit and regret my decision? Need your valuable advice
Ans: Hello;

You may register a grievance with ombudsman of the lender stating the facts of the matter clearly.

It is upto the discretion of lender's grievance management leadership to take appropriate view of this matter and decide suitably.

Because legally it will always boil down to, you have signed up for the policy after going through all the terms and conditions and also didn't reckon that anything is wrong during the free look up period so no discussion unless you manage to get a video clip of your conversation with the bank employee, which I believe is almost impossible.

Best wishes;

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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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