Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 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
Arniban Question by Arniban on Jun 23, 2024Hindi
Money

I m arniban frm assam.i m 30 years old nd I m a central govt employee presently my salary 112000 almost nd my wife is assam govt employee with 32000 salary both have pension scheme frm govt my target is 10cr duration 20 years pls provide some trick nd advice I have no savings yet.nd no loan

Ans: Arniban!

Congrats on your stable jobs and secure future with government pensions! It’s fantastic that you’re thinking ahead and aiming for Rs. 10 crore in 20 years. Let's create a detailed plan to achieve this goal.

Current Financial Situation
You and your wife have a combined monthly income of Rs. 1,44,000. Since you mentioned you have no savings yet, it’s a good time to start planning.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Aiming for Rs. 10 crore in 20 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined saving and smart investing. Let’s break it down.

Building an Emergency Fund
First, create an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least 6 months of your expenses. It provides a safety net for unforeseen expenses like medical emergencies or job loss.

Starting with SIPs in Mutual Funds
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

SIPs are a great way to start investing regularly. By investing a fixed amount monthly, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Diversify Your Portfolio:

Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap mutual funds. This diversification helps spread risk and enhances potential returns.

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds have skilled fund managers who can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This can potentially deliver higher returns compared to index funds.

The Power of Compounding
Compounding:

Compounding means earning returns on your returns. The earlier you start, the more your money grows over time. It’s essential to stay invested and reinvest the returns.

Example:

If you invest Rs. 50,000 monthly in mutual funds with an average return of 12%, in 20 years, you can reach your goal of Rs. 10 crore. The power of compounding significantly boosts your wealth over time.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitor Your Investments:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds. If a fund is underperforming, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

Stay Updated:

Keep yourself updated with market trends and economic news. It helps in making informed decisions and adjusting your investment strategy if needed.

Tax Efficiency
Tax-Saving Investments:

Some mutual funds, like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme), offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. They not only provide tax deductions but also have the potential for high returns.

Long-Term Capital Gains Tax:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds are tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh per year. Gains above this limit are taxed at 10%. Holding investments for the long term can be tax-efficient.

Risk Management
Understanding Risks:

All investments carry some risk. Higher returns often come with higher risks. Assess your risk tolerance and invest accordingly.

Managing Volatility:

Equity investments can be volatile. During market downturns, stay invested and don’t panic. Regular investments through SIPs can average out the costs and reduce the impact of market volatility.

Financial Discipline
Stick to Your Plan:

Financial discipline is crucial. Stick to your investment plan, avoid unnecessary expenses, and prioritize your financial goals.

Automate Your Investments:

Set up automatic SIPs from your bank account. This ensures regular investments without manual intervention.

Windfall Gains
Utilize Bonuses and Extra Income:

Any bonuses, tax refunds, or unexpected income should be directed towards your investments. This can accelerate your wealth-building process.

Financial Protection
Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage. It provides financial security to your family in case of unforeseen events.

Health Insurance:

Adequate health insurance coverage is essential to protect against high medical costs. Review your existing policies and ensure they provide comprehensive coverage.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner:

While this guide provides a comprehensive strategy, consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. Professional guidance can help optimize your financial plan.

Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Regular Funds:

Investing through regular funds with a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who has a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can be beneficial. MFDs provide expert advice and help you choose the right funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds require you to do all the research and management yourself. It can be time-consuming and challenging without expert knowledge. Regular funds, through an MFD, offer personalized advice and support.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Stay Flexible:

Regularly review your financial plan and adjust based on your progress and market conditions. Flexibility is key to achieving your financial goals.

Celebrate Milestones:

Celebrate small milestones along the way. It keeps you motivated and reinforces positive financial behavior.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 10 crore in 20 years is ambitious but possible with disciplined saving and smart investing. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Start with an emergency fund:

Cover at least 6 months of expenses.

2. Invest through SIPs in diversified mutual funds:

Focus on actively managed funds.

3. Utilize the power of compounding:

Start early and reinvest returns.

4. Monitor and adjust your investments regularly:

Stay informed and flexible.

5. Ensure tax efficiency:

Utilize tax-saving investments like ELSS.

6. Manage risks and stay disciplined:

Stick to your plan and avoid unnecessary expenses.

7. Seek professional guidance:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Your determination and strategic planning will help you achieve your financial goals. Keep up the good work and stay focused on your journey to financial success.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
hello sir, i am 40 year old with monthly salary of rs 95K, home loan EMI is 15100, SIP 11000/- monhtly, in ELSS, Sectorial, Large, Mid and Small cap , currently balace home loan is 9.88 L and my investment valus is 5.70L this time, one term lona for 1cr and mediclaim cover 10L, i want to make 1 CR in next 5-10 years, plz suggest me, i have one child in 9th and one in 1st ,
Ans: I understand you're looking to build a Rs. 1 crore corpus in the next 5-10 years. That's a great goal, and with careful planning and investing, it's definitely achievable. Let's break down some things to consider:

1. Reviewing your current investments:

SIPs: Your Rs. 11,000 monthly SIP is spread across ELSS, sectoral, large, mid, and small-cap funds. This diversification is good, but having so many funds might make tracking performance a little complex. We can discuss streamlining this if needed.
Home loan EMI: Your Rs. 15,100 EMI is helping you pay off your home loan. Keep up the good work!
2. Setting priorities:

Term insurance: Having a Rs. 1 crore term insurance policy secures your family's future in case of unforeseen events. It's a wise decision.
Medical cover: A Rs. 10 lakh mediclaim cover is good, but depending on your family's needs, you might consider increasing it in the future.
3. Achieving your Rs. 1 crore goal:

Increase investments: Consider if you can gradually increase your monthly SIP amount. Even a small increase can make a significant difference over time.
Review your asset allocation: We can discuss if your current investment mix aligns with your risk tolerance and goals. Actively managed funds, unlike index funds, can potentially outperform the market over time. We can explore options that suit your risk profile.
P.S.

While real estate can be a part of a long-term investment plan, it requires significant capital and ongoing management. Actively managed funds offer diversification and the potential for growth.
Regularly review your investments and financial plan to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals. Building a corpus takes time and discipline. Stay invested for the long term to ride out market fluctuations.
Considering consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

A CFP can create a personalized financial plan considering your income, expenses, goals, and risk tolerance. They can help you choose the right investments and stay on track. Consulting a CFP can be especially helpful when building a large corpus like Rs. 1 crore.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Dev

Dev Ashish  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 34 Yrs old and having 2 daughters Currently I am earning 1Lakh Salary monthly out of which 35K is moving in a loan no obligation on credit card have started 12k of SIP from last 6 months and 2.5lkhs in Lumsum MF and 2k in sukanya samriddihi for both of my daughter Need 3Cr in next 10 Yrs Please guide
Ans: To reach a target of Rs 3 Crore in the next 10 years, we will have to account for existing assets and fresh investments that you will be doing.

The only details of the existing assets available are Rs 2.5 lakh in Mutual Funds (done in lumpsum) and a monthly SIP of Rs 12,000 for the last 6 months.

In addition, you will have to invest Rs 1.05 lakh per month starting today and increase the monthly investments by at least 7% each year for the next `10 years (assuming a similar increase in salary). This is assuming a 75:25 Equity:Debt allocation.

But the issue is that your income is Rs 1 lakh and you pay Rs 35,000 monthly EMI out of it! And details of other expenses arent known. So we don't have enough surplus left to invest fully to achieve your goals.

It is what it is and hence, you should start investing whatever monthly amount you can manage over and above that and if possible, use your annual bonus/incentives to further top up your investments.

Thanks
Dev Ashish,
SEBI Registered Investment Advisor (Fee-Only RIA)
Founder, StableInvestor.com
Twitter (@Stableinvestor)

Note (Disclaimer) - As a SEBI RIA, I cannot comment on specific schemes/funds that are provided or asked for in the questions in the platform. And the views expressed above should not be considered professional investment advice or advertisement or otherwise. No specific product/service recommendations have been made and the answers here are for general educational purposes only. The readers are requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk-return profile and the like and take professional investment advice before investing.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hello Sir, I am 55 running. Running small Engineering Unit. Wife 50 working in Pvt Ltd Company. We both earn Rs 1.5 Lacs a month. I have loan on my unit worth Rs 1.3 Lacs per month till 2025. I have MF 1.3Cr, PPF 53L , FDs 30 L, HDFC policy 31L getting matured in 2027. Expenses daughter is MDS in 2nd year. yearly fees 15 L, Son in 3rd year B'tech fr NIT. Would like to have 5 cr at the age 60, Pl guide....
Ans: Understanding Your Financial Goals
Age: 55
Wife's Age: 50
Combined Monthly Income: Rs 1.5 lakh
Monthly Loan EMI: Rs 1.3 lakh until 2025
Children: Daughter in MDS (fees Rs 15 lakh/year), Son in 3rd year B'Tech at NIT
Current Investments
Mutual Funds: Rs 1.3 crore
PPF: Rs 53 lakh
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Rs 30 lakh
HDFC Policy: Rs 31 lakh (maturing in 2027)
Financial Goals
Retirement Corpus: Rs 5 crore by age 60
Investment Strategy
Increasing Mutual Fund Contributions
Continue SIPs: Keep investing in mutual funds for growth.
Focus on Actively Managed Funds: These can provide better returns than index funds.
Diversify: Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds for stability and growth.
Enhancing Fixed Deposits
Reinvest Maturing FDs: Put maturing FDs into higher-yield debt funds.
Avoid Long-Term Lock-in: Keep some funds in short-term FDs for liquidity.
Maximizing PPF
Annual Contributions: Maximize your PPF contributions for tax-free returns.
PPF Maturity: Align PPF maturity with your retirement goals.
Utilizing HDFC Policy
Hold Till Maturity: Let the policy mature in 2027 to receive Rs 31 lakh.
Reinvest Proceeds: Reinvest the maturity amount into mutual funds or debt funds for growth.
Loan Repayment Strategy
Pay Off Loan: Focus on repaying your loan by 2025.
Free Up Income: Post-loan, redirect Rs 1.3 lakh EMI into investments.
Children's Education
Daughter’s MDS Fees: Continue to pay Rs 15 lakh/year until completion.
Son’s Education: Ensure funds are available for his B'Tech completion.
Insurance and Safety Nets
Life Insurance
Term Insurance: Ensure you have adequate term insurance.
Policy Review: Reevaluate your HDFC policy upon maturity.
Health Insurance
Adequate Coverage: Ensure comprehensive health insurance for your family.
Regular vs Direct Mutual Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Complex Management: Requires significant time and expertise.
Risk of Mistakes: Higher risk without professional guidance.
Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Guidance: Managed by Certified Financial Planners (CFPs).
Easier Management: Less time-consuming and easier to track.
Final Insights
Stay Focused: Keep your retirement goal of Rs 5 crore in mind.
Regular Reviews: Periodically review your investments and adjust as needed.
Disciplined Saving: Stay disciplined with your savings and investments.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.
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 Jan 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 01, 2025Hindi
Money
sir , i am 40 old, monthly salary is 90k, wife, son in 8th and daughter in 1st class, having termplan 1CR and a medicalim of rs. 10L, having homeloan o/s 9.40L and having investment through sip is Axis Elss - 3000, ABSL Flexi -1000, HDFC Business cycle - 1000, Kotak ELSS - 1000, Kotak Emerging - 2000, MIrae large n mid cap - 1000, Nippon small cap - 1750, Whiteoak mid cap - 1000, Bajaj Fin Flexi - 750 , HDFC Manufacturing - 1000, ICICI Pru Energy - 1000, current value of investment is 6.50Lakh, plz suggest to make 1-2 CR in next 10-15 years
Ans: Age: 40 years.
Monthly income: Rs. 90,000.
Family: Wife, son in 8th, and daughter in 1st class.
Term insurance: Rs. 1 crore.
Mediclaim: Rs. 10 lakh.
Home loan outstanding: Rs. 9.40 lakh.
SIP investments: Rs. 15,500 per month across 12 funds.
Current investment value: Rs. 6.50 lakh.
Financial goal: Build a corpus of Rs. 1-2 crore in 10-15 years.
Observations and Analysis
1. Insurance Coverage

Term plan of Rs. 1 crore is adequate.
Mediclaim coverage of Rs. 10 lakh is sufficient for the family.
2. Investment Portfolio

SIP investments are diversified but spread across too many funds.
Some funds might overlap in holdings or underperform in the long term.
Current SIP allocation lacks a clear strategy for wealth creation.
3. Home Loan

An outstanding home loan of Rs. 9.40 lakh can impact cash flow.
Suggested Strategy to Achieve Rs. 1-2 Crore Corpus
Step 1: Consolidate Investments
Reduce the number of funds to 4-5 high-performing mutual funds.
Keep a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for diversification.
Stop SIPs in sectoral funds like HDFC Manufacturing and ICICI Pru Energy.
Continue ELSS investments for tax-saving purposes under Section 80C.
Step 2: Increase SIP Amount Gradually
Currently, you invest Rs. 15,500 per month.
Gradually increase your SIP amount by 10-15% annually as your income grows.
Aim to reach a monthly SIP of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 in the next few years.
Step 3: Allocate Debt for Stability
Invest a portion in hybrid mutual funds for stable returns.
This reduces portfolio volatility while maintaining growth potential.
Home Loan Management
Prioritise partial prepayment of the home loan.
Use bonuses or extra income to reduce the loan balance.
Aim to close the loan within the next 3-5 years.
This will free up additional cash flow for investments.
Asset Allocation
Maintain 80% equity and 20% debt allocation initially.
Gradually reduce equity exposure to 60% as you approach the 10-year mark.
Equity funds will drive long-term growth, while debt funds add stability.
Tax-Efficient Investments
Use ELSS funds to maximise deductions under Section 80C.
Avoid frequent withdrawals to minimise tax liabilities on capital gains.
Recommended Funds for Long-Term Goals
Choose actively managed funds with a proven track record.
Focus on funds with consistent performance in various market cycles.
Avoid overlapping funds and sector-specific funds for better results.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Review your portfolio semi-annually.
Replace underperforming funds if they lag for more than three years.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for periodic assessments.
Final Insights
Your goal of Rs. 1-2 crore in 10-15 years is achievable with disciplined investments. Focus on consolidating your portfolio, increasing SIP contributions, and closing the home loan early. Regular reviews and adjustments will keep you on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 10, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 39 with monthly income of 80k. I have 20 lakh home loan with monthly emi of 33k. My monthly household expenses are 20k, daughter school studying in 2nd class 10k. I have corporate insurance plan for my family for 10 lakh and for parents 3 lakh. I am investing in SSY 5k for 5 years. Also have term plan of INR 50 lakh and LIC 2k per month. I have started SIP for 7k per month for 1 year. Please suggest me how can I accumulate 5cr upto age of 60 and Rs 50 lakh in 10 years?
Ans: . At age 39, with focused planning, your Rs 5 crore goal by age 60 and Rs 50 lakh in 10 years is possible. You are already taking meaningful steps. Let’s now shape a 360-degree action plan for you.

» Current Financial Snapshot

– Age: 39 years.
– Monthly income: Rs80,000.
– Home loan EMI: Rs33,000/month.
– Household expenses: Rs20,000/month.
– Daughter's school fees: Rs10,000/month.
– Total monthly outgo: Rs63,000.
– Current surplus: Rs17,000/month approx.
– SIP investments: Rs7,000/month.
– SSY investment: Rs5,000/month.
– Term insurance: Rs50 lakh.
– LIC: Rs2,000/month.
– Corporate health cover: Rs10 lakh (family), Rs3 lakh (parents).

» Income and Expense Assessment

– Your income covers all expenses including EMI.
– You are saving around Rs17,000 monthly.
– This saving rate needs to improve steadily.
– Try to increase income or reduce non-essential spending.
– Explore skill upgrades or side income.

» Loan Liability Management

– You have Rs20 lakh home loan.
– EMI of Rs33,000 is nearly 41% of income.
– This is on the higher side.
– Try to make part payments when possible.
– Use bonuses or excess funds to reduce principal.
– Lowering the loan tenure will improve long-term cash flow.
– Avoid taking additional loans till this loan is reduced.

» Insurance Review

– Term cover of Rs50 lakh is not sufficient.
– It should be 10 to 15 times your annual income.
– You need minimum Rs80 lakh to Rs1 crore term cover.
– Increase coverage immediately.
– Health insurance from company is helpful.
– But also buy personal health cover for Rs10 lakh.
– Include a Rs10 lakh top-up later.
– Parent cover of Rs3 lakh may be low for senior citizens.
– Explore options outside corporate cover for them.

» LIC Policy Evaluation

– You pay Rs2,000/month for LIC.
– That is Rs24,000/year.
– LIC plans offer low returns and long lock-ins.
– If it is endowment or money-back plan, surrender it.
– Reinvest the proceeds in SIPs through regular plans.
– Do not mix insurance and investment.

» Review of Existing Investments

– You invest Rs7,000/month in SIPs.
– You have started only a year back.
– Increase SIP by 10% every year.
– Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term goals.
– Avoid direct mutual funds.
– Direct plans lack personal advice and monitoring.
– Work with a trusted MFD with CFP qualification.
– Regular plans give you discipline, guidance and review.

– Do not go for index funds.
– Index funds follow the market blindly.
– They don’t protect during market falls.
– Actively managed funds adapt to market and give better returns.
– Skilled fund managers help to reduce downside risk.

» Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) Insights

– SSY is a good savings tool for girl child.
– You are contributing Rs5,000/month.
– It gives fixed interest but has lock-in.
– Can be used for higher education or marriage.
– Continue this for next 10-12 years.
– Avoid increasing allocation here.
– Instead, use mutual funds for better growth.

» Goal Planning: Rs50 Lakh in 10 Years

– This is your medium-term goal.
– Need disciplined SIP towards this.
– Start with Rs15,000/month if possible.
– Increase by 10% every year.
– Choose balanced or flexi-cap equity mutual funds.
– Keep this goal separate from retirement or child goals.
– Review this every year with your MFD.
– Stay invested for full 10 years.
– Avoid panic withdrawals in market corrections.

» Goal Planning: Rs5 Crore by Age 60

– You have 21 years to reach this goal.
– It is your long-term retirement goal.
– SIPs in equity funds are best suited.
– Start with Rs10,000/month today.
– Gradually increase SIPs every year.
– Add lumpsum whenever you receive bonuses.
– Avoid using this fund for other needs.
– Review portfolio once every year.

» Child’s Future Planning

– Your daughter is in 2nd class now.
– Higher education costs will start in 10+ years.
– Create separate SIP of Rs5,000/month for her future.
– Keep SSY for traditional needs.
– Use equity mutual funds for education goal.
– Continue till she turns 18 to 20 years.

» Emergency Fund and Liquidity

– You have not mentioned emergency fund.
– Create a fund with Rs2 lakh minimum.
– Cover 3 to 6 months of EMI and expenses.
– Park in FD or liquid mutual fund.
– Don’t use this fund for planned expenses.

» Tax Planning Opportunities

– Use 80C fully: SSY, LIC, home loan principal, ELSS.
– Term insurance premium also counts under 80C.
– Claim 80D for health insurance if bought personally.
– Home loan interest gives benefit under Section 24(b).
– Avoid tax-saving products with low return and lock-in.
– Use regular ELSS through MFD only with CFP advice.

» Investment Buckets for Goal-Based Planning

– Short term (1–3 years): Keep in FD or liquid funds.
– Medium term (3–10 years): Use balanced or hybrid funds.
– Long term (10+ years): Use equity mutual funds.
– Keep each goal with a separate SIP.
– Don’t mix long-term and short-term funds.

» SIP Scaling Plan (Based on Goals and Cash Flow)

– Rs7,000/month SIP now: continue this for long term.
– Rs5,000/month SSY: continue till 15 years.
– Add new SIP of Rs10,000/month for 10-year Rs50 lakh goal.
– Add Rs5,000/month for child education.
– Add Rs5,000/month SIP for retirement.
– Target to raise SIPs every year by 10%.
– This SIP ladder helps you reach all goals.
– Avoid using SIPs for short-term needs.

» Debt and Credit Management

– Avoid personal loans or credit card dues.
– Focus on clearing home loan gradually.
– Try to prepay loan partially every year.
– Aim to close it in 10–12 years.
– This will free up Rs33,000/month later.
– Use that saving to boost retirement SIPs.

» Retirement Readiness and Vision

– Your goal is Rs5 crore corpus by age 60.
– With 21 years left, it is very achievable.
– SIP discipline, yearly review and advisor support is key.
– Start small but stay consistent.
– Don’t delay. Time matters more than money here.

» Role of a Certified Financial Planner

– You need a clear roadmap for multiple goals.
– A Certified Financial Planner with MFD license can guide.
– They help in product selection, rebalancing and goal review.
– Regular plans offer access to their advice.
– Direct plans offer no personalised support.
– Avoid direct investments unless you are expert and active.

» Final Insights

– You are already doing well in managing expenses and loans.
– Start increasing SIPs aggressively every year.
– Keep insurance and investments separate.
– Surrender low-return LIC and invest in mutual funds.
– Build a goal-based SIP portfolio.
– Maintain an emergency fund always.
– Avoid new loans or risky assets.
– Track goals every year with professional help.
– You can reach Rs50 lakh in 10 years and Rs5 crore by 60.
– Stay consistent, focused and disciplined.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10852 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Career
Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?
Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) actively recruits M.Sc Physics graduates as Scientific Officers and Research Fellows. Recruitment occurs through the BARC Online Test or GATE scores, with positions in nuclear science, radiation protection, and atomic research. BARC Summer Internship programs are available, offering ?5,000-?10,000 monthly stipends with opportunity for future scientist recruitment.
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
CDS/AFCAT (Armed Forces): While AFCAT meteorology branches specifically require "B.Sc with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks," the technical branches (Aeronautical Engineering and Ground Duty Technical roles) require graduation/integrated postgraduation in Engineering/Technology. An M.Sc Physics integrates well with technical qualifications, though you would need engineering background for direct officer entry. However, you remain eligible for specialized technical interviews if applying through alternate defence channels.
UGC-NET Examination: This pathway leads to Assistant Professor positions in central universities and colleges across India. NET-qualified candidates receive scholarships of ?31,000/month for 2-year JRF positions with PhD pursuit, transitioning to Assistant Professor salaries of ?41,000/month in government institutions. This route provides long-term academic career security with research opportunities.
Private Sector Technical Roles
M.Sc Physics graduates are increasingly valued in data science, software engineering, and technical consulting. Companies actively recruit physics graduates for software development, where strong problem-solving and logical reasoning translate to competitive packages of ?10-20 LPA. Specialized domains including quantum computing development, financial modeling, and scientific computing offer premium compensation. Your minor in Scientific Computing makes you particularly attractive to technology companies requiring computational expertise.
International Opportunities and Higher Studies Abroad
An M.Sc from Amrita facilitates admission to PhD programs at international institutions. German universities offer tuition-free or low-fee MSc Physics programs (2 years) with scholarships like DAAD providing €850+ monthly stipends. US universities accept M.Sc graduates directly for PhD positions with full funding (tuition coverage + stipend). These pathways require GRE scores and strong Statement of Purpose articulating research interests. Research collaboration opportunities exist with Max Planck Institute (Germany) and CalTech Summer Research Program (USA), both welcoming Indian M.Sc students.
Essential Skills and Certifications to Develop Immediately: Programming Languages: Start learning Python immediately—it's universally used in research and industry. Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to data analysis, scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and machine learning fundamentals. MATLAB is equally critical for physics applications, particularly numerical simulations and data visualization. Aim to complete MATLAB certification courses within your first year.
Research Tools: Learn Git/version control, LaTeX for scientific documentation, and data analysis frameworks. These skills are indispensable for publishing research papers and collaborating on projects.
Certifications Worth Pursuing: (1) MATLAB Certification (DIYguru or MathWorks official courses) (2) Python for Data Science (complete certificate programs from platforms like Coursera) (3) Machine Learning Fundamentals (for expanding technical versatility) & (4) Scientific Communication and Technical Writing (develop through departmental workshops)
Strategic Internship Planning: Leverage Amrita's research connections systematically. In your third year, apply to BARC Summer Internship, IISER Internships, TIFR Summer Fellowships, and IIT Internship programs (like IIT Kanpur SURGE). These expose you to frontier research while establishing connections for future PhD or scientist recruitment. Target 2-3 research internships across different specializations to develop versatility.

TO SUM UP, Your Integrated M.Sc Physics degree from Amrita positions you exceptionally well for competitive research careers at IISc/IITs, prestigious government scientist roles at BARC/DRDO/ISRO, and international PhD opportunities. The program's scientific computing emphasis differentiates you in the job market. Immediate priorities: (1) Master Python and MATLAB within the first two years; (2) Engage in research projects starting year 2-3; (3) Target internships at premiere research institutions; (4) Prepare GATE while completing your degree for maximum flexibility in recruitment; (5) Consider UGC-NET for long-term academic stability. Your career trajectory will ultimately depend on developing strong research fundamentals, demonstrating consistent excellence in specialization areas, and strategically selecting internship and research opportunities. The rigorous Amrita program combined with disciplined skill development positions you for exceptional career success across multiple sectors. Choose the most suitable option for you out of the various options available mentioned above. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.
Asked on - Dec 07, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025
Thankyou
Ans: Welcome Sree.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x