I'm NRI (Gulf) going to retire in 2022.

I don't want to involve any market related or any other type of investments which create unnecessary hassles/ hazards. I will be jobless once I will be back to India. While retiring, I may have all together 60-70Lakhs. (Around 20L in PPF from past maturing 2023), rest in bank (FDs) & with my employer.

I have NPS AC (Opened recently) & NRI AC too. Someone advised me as soon as you land in India open following AC as you don't want face any risk just simple life.

1. SCSS- 15L (not eligible at present)

2. PMVVY- 15L (not eligible at present)

3. PO MIS- 4.5L (not eligible at present)

4. RBI BONDS-10L (not eligible at present)

5. SBI MIS ---10L ---?????

6. MAX LIFE Retirement plan- ?????. Or SBI PENSION FUND???? --20L.

On retiring NPS will automatically shift to Pension AC right Sir. If I earned around Rs.5 Lakhs from above total funds. Will my earning interest come under Tax subject If yes then do I have to pay tax on it? 

Ans: As you approach retirement, it's natural to reassess your financial strategy. Consider the tax benefits of deferring your NPS withdrawal while investing your PF amount wisely. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you in allocating your funds between fixed income and equity, balancing stability with growth potential. Reflect on your long-term goals and seek professional advice to ensure a secure and fulfilling retirement journey.

Ans: That's a great question, sir! You've made smart choices by investing in FDs for safety and some MFs for growth. Here's a breakdown of your portfolio and some suggestions:

Current Portfolio Mix:

Large Focus: A significant portion is in large-cap funds (SBI Bluechip, Nippon India Largecap) offering stability but potentially lower growth.

Small & Mid-Cap Exposure: You have exposure to small-cap (SBI Small Cap) and mid-cap funds (Sundaram Midcap) which can offer higher growth potential but also come with higher risk.

Infrastructure Focus: Investments in ICICI Prudential Infrastructure and Bandhan Infrastructure provide exposure to a specific sector.

Flexi-Cap Fund: Parag Parikh Flexi Cap offers diversification across market capitalizations.

Potential for Improvement:

Review Asset Allocation: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to assess your risk tolerance and adjust your asset allocation (mix of investments) if needed. They can help ensure a balance between stability (debt) and growth (equity).

Sector Concentration: Consider reducing your exposure to the infrastructure sector if a large part of your portfolio is already there. Diversification helps manage risk.

Review Fund Performance: Review the performance of your existing funds. A CFP can help analyze their performance and suggest replacements if necessary.

Benefits of a CFP:

Personalized Plan: A CFP can create a personalized investment plan considering your retirement goals, risk tolerance, and existing investments.

Ongoing Monitoring: They can monitor your portfolio and recommend adjustments as your needs evolve.

Your NPS contribution is commendable! It provides tax benefits and some retirement income.

Remember:

Risk Tolerance: As a retiree, your risk tolerance might be lower. A CFP can help adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Regular Review: Review your portfolio (at least annually) with a CFP to ensure it remains aligned with your goals.

By consulting a CFP, you can potentially optimize your portfolio for stability, growth, and income needs during your retirement!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Assessing Your Financial Position
You have built a strong financial base. Let's evaluate your assets:

PPF: Rs. 60 lakhs
PF: Rs. 55 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs. 80 lakhs
FDs: Rs. 75 lakhs
KVP: Rs. 40 lakhs (matures in 2030)
Jeevan Sarak LIC: Annual premium of Rs. 1 lakh till 2038
Jeevan Shanti Pension Policy: Rs. 31,000/month from 2030
Properties: Expected rent of Rs. 60,000/month from Jan 2025
Ongoing SIPs: Rs. 2.5 lakhs/month
Monthly Income and Expenses Post-Retirement
You aim to generate Rs. 2.75 lakhs per month post-retirement from Jan 2028. Let's explore how to achieve this.

Rental Income
Properties: Expected rent is Rs. 60,000/month starting from Jan 2025.
Pension Income
Jeevan Shanti: Rs. 31,000/month from 2030.
Interest and Dividends
FD Interest: Assuming a 6% return on Rs. 75 lakhs, you will earn Rs. 4.5 lakhs per year or Rs. 37,500/month.

PPF and PF: Withdrawals from these can provide additional income, considering their tax-free nature.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from Mutual Funds
You can use SWP from your mutual fund corpus. Assuming a 6% annual return, you can withdraw Rs. 40,000/month while preserving capital.

Investment Strategy
Asset Allocation
Diversify: Maintain a balanced mix of equity, debt, and fixed-income instruments.

Equity Exposure: Continue SIPs in equity mutual funds for growth and inflation protection.

Debt Investments: Use FDs, PPF, and PF for stable, risk-free returns.

Insurance and Health Cover
Mediclaim: Ensure sufficient coverage for unforeseen medical expenses.

Term Plan: Adequate life cover is essential to secure your family's future.

Re-evaluate LIC Policies
Jeevan Sarak: Evaluate the returns of this policy. If it underperforms, consider surrendering and reinvesting in higher-yielding instruments.
Tax Efficiency
Tax-Free Instruments: Maximise contributions to PPF and other tax-free instruments.

Capital Gains: Use long-term capital gains exemptions judiciously.

Retirement Withdrawals: Plan withdrawals from retirement accounts to minimise tax impact.

Creating a Withdrawal Strategy
Staggered Withdrawals: Plan systematic withdrawals from mutual funds and other investments to maintain liquidity.

Emergency Fund: Keep a fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses to handle unforeseen situations.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Annual Review: Reassess your portfolio annually with a certified financial planner.

Market Conditions: Adjust investments based on changing market conditions and life goals.

Final Insights
To achieve a comfortable retirement in 2028, you need a diversified, well-planned investment strategy. Focus on maintaining a balance between growth and safety, and regularly review your financial plan to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Your dedication to supporting your parents’ retirement is truly admirable. As an NRI with limited investment knowledge, making informed decisions will ensure financial stability for your parents. Let's assess and optimise your proposed plan while incorporating better strategies.

Evaluating the Current Plan
Fixed Deposit for Both Parents
Strengths: Fixed deposits (FDs) are safe and offer guaranteed returns.
Limitations: FD returns in India often fail to outpace inflation. Senior citizens get slightly higher interest rates.

Bajaj Allianz Smart Wealth Goal SIP
Overview: Likely a ULIP (insurance cum investment product). Combines life insurance with investments.
Limitations: ULIPs have high charges (administration and premium allocation fees). Returns are often lower compared to mutual funds.
Taxation: ULIPs are tax-efficient but lack transparency and flexibility.
TATA AIA Smart SIP Wealth Secure
Overview: Another ULIP-based product with insurance and investment components.
Limitations: Similar to the Bajaj Allianz plan, it has high costs and lower returns.
Taxation: Tax benefits under Section 80C but limited withdrawal flexibility.
Medical Health Insurance for Parents
Strengths: Investing in health insurance for your parents is a wise decision.
Suggestions: Opt for a plan with sufficient coverage, including critical illness and cashless claims.
Suggested Optimised Financial Plan
Step 1: Replace ULIPs with Equity Mutual Funds
Reason: Equity mutual funds provide higher returns compared to ULIPs.
Benefits: Actively managed funds offer better growth, diversification, and lower charges.
SIP Strategy: Start a SIP for Rs. 5,000 monthly (Rs. 60,000 annually) for 10 years.
Taxation: Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%; STCG taxed at 20%.
Step 2: Invest in Debt Mutual Funds
Reason: Debt funds offer better returns than FDs and are tax-efficient.
Allocation: Invest Rs. 1 lakh in short-duration or dynamic bond funds.
Taxation: LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per the income tax slab.
Step 3: Build an Emergency Fund
Importance: Allocate Rs. 50,000 to a liquid fund or short-term FD.
Purpose: This fund will cover unexpected medical or living expenses.
Step 4: Continue Health Insurance for Parents
Annual Premium: Rs. 40,000 annually is reasonable for comprehensive coverage.
Suggestions: Include riders like critical illness and hospital cash benefits.
Step 5: Diversify Using Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)
Reason: SGBs are low-risk, inflation-proof, and provide 2.5% annual interest.
Allocation: Invest Rs. 50,000 into SGBs.
Taxation: Interest is taxable, but capital gains on redemption are tax-free.
SGBs are not available for NRIs.

Tax Implications for NRIs
Better Returns: Shift to equity and debt mutual funds for inflation-beating growth.
Tax Efficiency: Use tax-saving instruments and avoid high-tax liabilities on ULIPs.
Flexibility: Mutual funds and SGBs provide better liquidity and transparency.
Secure Future: Health insurance ensures medical expenses are not a financial burden.
Final Insights
Your proposed plan can be significantly improved with better investment choices. Focus on mutual funds, health insurance, and SGBs for long-term financial stability. Avoid ULIPs as they come with high costs and limited returns. With these steps, you can ensure a secure and comfortable retirement for your parents.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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