I'm a table tennis coach earning 50-70k per month. Should I buy a home in Ghatkopar for 50-50 lakhs?

Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Savings
Your combined monthly take-home income is Rs. 2 lakhs. Your current savings include:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 85 lakhs
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 18 lakhs
Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF): Rs. 32 lakhs
Other Investments (FD, Savings, Shares): Rs. 25 lakhs
Your monthly savings distribution is as follows:

SIP in Mutual Funds: Rs. 75,000
PPF: Rs. 18,000
EPF: Rs. 25,000
You live in a rented house with a rent of Rs. 14,000 per month.

Evaluating the Decision to Buy a New Flat
Current Housing Situation
Living in a rented house at Rs. 14,000 per month is relatively affordable, especially given your high monthly income. Renting provides flexibility and lower maintenance costs compared to owning.

Financial Impact of Buying a New Flat
Purchasing a new flat would involve a significant financial commitment, including a home loan, maintenance costs, property taxes, and other associated expenses. This would reduce your investable surplus and potentially impact your ability to meet your financial goals.

Comparative Analysis: Rent vs. Buy
Renting: Offers flexibility, lower upfront costs, and avoids long-term debt.
Buying: Provides stability and potential appreciation in property value but requires a large financial commitment and ongoing expenses.
Long-term Financial Goals
Target: Rs. 15 Crores by Age 60
To achieve your target of Rs. 15 crores by age 60, you need to focus on maximizing your investments' growth while maintaining a balanced risk profile.

Current Investments and Growth Potential
Mutual Funds: Your Rs. 85 lakhs in mutual funds can grow substantially with continued SIPs and market performance.
PPF and EPF: These provide stable, long-term growth with tax benefits, contributing to your retirement corpus.
Other Investments: FDs, savings, and shares add diversification but should be reviewed for optimal growth potential.
Investment Strategy
Enhancing SIP Contributions
Continuing and potentially increasing your SIP contributions will leverage the power of compounding. Focus on a mix of equity and debt funds to balance growth and risk.

Recommendation: Consider increasing your SIP by a percentage each year to keep pace with inflation and maximize returns.
Diversification and Rebalancing
Ensure your portfolio is diversified across various asset classes to minimize risk and optimize returns. Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Recommendation: Include large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds for equity exposure. Balance with debt funds for stability.
Utilising Tax-efficient Investments
Maximize your contributions to tax-efficient instruments like PPF and EPF. These not only provide stable returns but also offer significant tax benefits.

Recommendation: Continue maximizing your PPF contributions and ensure your EPF contributions are optimized.
Emergency Fund Management
Maintaining a robust emergency fund is crucial. Your current Rs. 25 lakhs in FD and savings can be used to cover unexpected expenses.

Recommendation: Keep at least 6-12 months of living expenses in easily accessible liquid assets.
Estate Planning and Insurance
Life and Health Insurance
Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage for your family, especially considering your elder son's needs. This will protect your family's financial stability in case of unforeseen events.

Recommendation: Opt for a comprehensive health insurance plan and term insurance for sufficient coverage.
Estate Planning
Create a comprehensive estate plan, including a will, to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your family is taken care of.

Recommendation: Consult a legal expert to draft a will and set up any necessary trusts.
Education and Future Planning for Children
Special Needs Planning
Given your elder son's Down syndrome, consider creating a financial plan that ensures his long-term care and support.

Recommendation: Look into setting up a special needs trust and explore government schemes and benefits available for children with disabilities.
Education Fund for Younger Son
Start a dedicated investment plan for your younger son's education. This can include child-specific mutual funds or education-focused investment plans.

Recommendation: Allocate a portion of your monthly savings towards an education fund.
Final Insights
Given your strong financial position and disciplined saving habits, you are well on your way to achieving your long-term goals. However, buying a new flat at this stage might not be the best financial decision if it significantly impacts your investment capacity.

Focusing on growing your investment portfolio and maintaining a balanced, diversified approach will help you accumulate the desired Rs. 15 crores by age 60. Ensuring adequate insurance coverage and planning for your elder son's special needs will further secure your family's future.

Stay disciplined with your investments, periodically review your portfolio, and make adjustments as needed to stay on track. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and help optimize your financial strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Considering that you are already employee of a bank and can get better interest rates I recommend you go ahead and invest in the property.

Both of you are earning which is positive because even if major part of your income goes towards loan repayment you have back up for regular expenses and PPF/NPS/SSY investments.

Retain that 7 Lac as your emergency fund. Add to it so as to cover 8-10 months of expense coverage.

Surely you have group health cover but consider having a separate personal family floater cover which comes in handy during job switch and any unexpected medical need arises.

I am sure you both have adequate term life cover.

All the best!!

Ans: You are 64 years old and still earning Rs. 18 lakhs annually. Living on rent for Rs. 21,000 per month seems manageable. You have savings of Rs. 80 lakhs and no other liabilities. With your two daughters married, you and your wife are financially secure in terms of dependents.

You are considering purchasing a house worth Rs. 60 lakhs. This is a significant decision and requires careful evaluation.

Assessing the Need for Purchasing a House
Renting vs. Owning
You are currently paying Rs. 21,000 monthly in rent, which equals Rs. 2.52 lakhs annually. This is a reasonable amount compared to your income of Rs. 18 lakhs per year. Owning a house, however, will bring additional costs such as property tax, maintenance, and repairs. Let's consider the benefits and drawbacks of buying a house at this stage.

Advantages of Renting:
Flexibility to move if needed.
Lower ongoing financial commitment.
Savings can continue to grow and be invested elsewhere.
Advantages of Owning:
Stability and security of owning your home.
No monthly rent payments.
Potential long-term capital appreciation.
Buying a house would use up a large portion of your savings. It might limit your liquidity and leave you with less cash for emergencies or future needs. At your age, liquidity is crucial for managing unforeseen expenses, especially healthcare-related ones.

Liquidity and Emergency Planning
You and your wife need a financial cushion for healthcare and daily living expenses. Though your earnings are good, retirement could be on the horizon. The Rs. 80 lakhs you have saved should be allocated wisely to provide for your post-retirement years.

Buying a house will deplete Rs. 60 lakhs, leaving only Rs. 20 lakhs for other needs. This may not be sufficient for future healthcare, emergencies, or lifestyle expenses.

Investment Potential
House as an Investment Option
While buying a house may seem like a good investment, it is a less liquid asset. If you need cash in the future, selling property may take time. Property prices also fluctuate based on market conditions. In contrast, keeping your savings liquid in mutual funds, fixed deposits, or other financial instruments can offer flexibility and consistent growth.

A Certified Financial Planner would typically advise against locking up too much of your savings in real estate, especially at this age. It may be better to focus on investments that offer liquidity, safety, and steady returns.

Health Care and Long-Term Planning
As you and your wife age, healthcare costs will likely rise. Keeping a significant portion of your Rs. 80 lakh savings in easily accessible and growth-oriented investments is essential. Healthcare emergencies or long-term care may arise, and selling a house during such times might not be feasible.

Consider enhancing your health insurance coverage if needed. Also, set aside funds in safe, liquid investments that can be accessed easily during emergencies.

Evaluating Your Current Income and Expenses
You are earning Rs. 18 lakhs annually, which gives you good financial stability. Your current rent of Rs. 21,000 per month is reasonable compared to your income. This leaves you with plenty of room for savings and investments.

Buying a house worth Rs. 60 lakhs may disrupt this balance. You will not only lose liquidity but also face additional expenses like property tax, maintenance, and repairs. Renting, on the other hand, provides flexibility without burdening your finances.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds over Real Estate
If you are considering investing your Rs. 80 lakhs, actively managed mutual funds can provide better returns and more flexibility than real estate. Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, as professional fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

In contrast, real estate is an illiquid investment and can take time to sell if needed. Moreover, real estate prices can stagnate or even decline in certain areas, making it a less attractive investment compared to mutual funds that offer both growth and liquidity.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Some people prefer index funds for their low fees, but they are not the best option for everyone. Index funds merely replicate the market performance and may not provide significant returns over inflation in the long run. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can potentially beat the market and give higher returns, making them more suitable for long-term wealth creation.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds
You may have considered direct mutual funds because of lower expense ratios. However, these funds do not come with expert advice, which is crucial, especially when managing significant retirement savings.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) provides access to personalized guidance. A CFP will help you balance your portfolio based on your goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. This can make a big difference in managing your wealth efficiently.

Maintaining Financial Independence
Given your age and the absence of any liabilities, it is vital to maintain your financial independence. Your income is good, but in the coming years, you may want to transition into retirement. Financial independence means having enough liquid assets to cover living expenses, healthcare, and unforeseen emergencies without worrying about market fluctuations.

Locking a large portion of your savings in real estate could compromise your financial independence. In contrast, keeping your savings in a diversified portfolio of liquid investments ensures that you can continue to manage your expenses and live comfortably.

Final Insights
Here are some important points for your situation:

Liquidity: Retain liquidity to cover emergencies, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses.

Renting: Renting at Rs. 21,000 per month is affordable and gives flexibility.

Owning a House: Buying a house may limit your liquidity and increase your financial burden.

Investments: Actively managed mutual funds offer better growth and liquidity than real estate.

Healthcare: Consider enhancing health insurance and setting aside emergency funds.

Long-Term Financial Independence: Focus on investments that provide liquidity and steady growth for retirement.

At this stage of life, maintaining financial flexibility and independence should be the priority. Locking your savings into real estate may not be the best decision.

Best Regards,

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

Ans: You have done well in building strong financial pillars. This kind of diversified base offers solid long-term stability.

Now let us evaluate your current situation and future decision about the home purchase and possible home loan from a complete 360-degree angle.

Current Financial Snapshot

You earn Rs. 1.55 lakhs every month in-hand.

Your wife earns Rs. 90,000 every month as a government teacher.

You have Rs. 17 lakhs in mutual funds with Rs. 33,000 SIP monthly.

Rs. 20 lakhs in PPF under your name.

Rs. 12 lakhs in EPF corpus.

Rs. 6 lakhs in Sukanya Samriddhi for your 8-year-old daughter.

Rs. 3 lakhs in NPS.

Wife has Rs. 20 lakhs in NPS and Rs. 20 lakhs in PPF.

You earn Rs. 13,000 rent from builder floor.

Rs. 30,000 rent from office space.

Office space was bought for Rs. 86 lakhs in 2024.

Builder floor was bought for Rs. 45 lakhs in 2021.

You are now planning to sell this builder floor.

Planning to buy a house for Rs. 1.4 crore to live in.

You might need Rs. 80 lakh loan for this new house.

Real Estate Exposure Assessment

You already own an office space.

You also own a builder floor.

Real estate already forms a significant part of your portfolio.

Rental yield from both properties is quite low.

Current builder floor gives just Rs. 13,000 rent per month.

Office gives Rs. 30,000, which is acceptable but still below 5% yield.

Please note, capital appreciation in real estate is not assured.

Unlike mutual funds, real estate lacks liquidity and diversification.

Any property resale also involves high transaction cost and time.

Avoid viewing real estate as an investment option going forward.

Loan Burden Analysis

You are considering an Rs. 80 lakh home loan.

Your net family income is Rs. 2.45 lakhs per month.

Current rental income is Rs. 43,000 in total.

A loan of Rs. 80 lakh over 20 years could mean EMI around Rs. 70,000–75,000 monthly.

This will take 30% of your monthly income directly.

That will reduce cash availability for investment, education and emergencies.

EMI pressure can limit future financial flexibility and stress your budget.

You already have good passive income sources and strong savings.

Investment Portfolio Review

Your mutual fund investments of Rs. 17 lakhs are well managed.

Monthly SIP of Rs. 33,000 is a good sign of discipline.

Avoid investing directly in mutual funds without guidance.

Regular funds through MFD with Certified Financial Planner offer better value.

Direct funds can create confusion and poor exit strategy.

A well-guided regular plan keeps emotions and wrong timing out.

Continue mutual fund SIP and increase annually if possible.

Your PPF, EPF and SSY are secure and tax-efficient debt components.

NPS offers long-term benefit, but only for retirement planning.

Avoid depending on NPS for medium term goals.

Family Goal Planning

Your daughter is 8 years old.

You will need funds for her higher education in next 8–10 years.

House EMI for Rs. 80 lakh will reduce your ability to save for her.

Buying a bigger house now may delay wealth creation for future goals.

Stay focused on education, retirement and medical security first.

Options to Reduce Loan Size

Consider using part of your investments to reduce loan size.

Selling builder floor can give you approx. Rs. 45–55 lakhs.

Use that as down payment to reduce loan to Rs. 60–65 lakhs.

Liquidate only what is not long-term goal linked.

Do not touch PPF, EPF or SSY for home down payment.

If required, pause SIP for 12–18 months, but resume early.

Also consider partially using NPS if allowed after 60 years of age.

Emergency Fund and Contingency Review

Do you have 6–9 months of expenses saved as emergency fund?

With EMI of Rs. 70,000, you must have Rs. 3–5 lakhs as cash or liquid funds.

Keep this amount safe for job loss, health emergencies or family needs.

Emergency fund is the most ignored but crucial safety net.

Cash Flow Insight

Monthly in-hand income is Rs. 2.45 lakhs from both of you.

Rent adds another Rs. 43,000.

This makes Rs. 2.88 lakhs income per month.

Monthly SIP is Rs. 33,000.

Proposed EMI will be around Rs. 70,000.

This leaves enough for lifestyle and other expenses.

Still, it is always better to avoid unnecessary big EMI burden.

Suggestions Before Buying Home

Wait for 6–9 months if possible.

Save more for bigger down payment.

Try to bring loan down to Rs. 60 lakhs or less.

Avoid touching investments made for retirement or daughter.

If selling builder floor gives Rs. 50+ lakhs, go ahead with plan.

Compare ready-to-move house vs. under-construction options.

Do not rush just because property prices are rising.

Mental Peace vs. Financial Logic

Owning a house gives mental satisfaction and stability.

But, it should not disturb other goals.

You are already doing very well financially.

Adding Rs. 80 lakh loan may disturb this healthy balance.

Take a house loan only if it fits into your life, not to match society.

You should feel free, not stuck, because of EMI pressure.

Risk Checkpoints

Are you adequately insured for life and health?

Do you have term insurance covering 15–20 times of your salary?

Are you and your family covered under good health insurance?

These are non-negotiable before taking any big home loan.

Tax Angle Awareness

Home loan interest gives tax benefit under section 24.

Principal repaid is allowed under section 80C.

But benefits should not be the only reason to take loan.

Focus on net wealth creation after EMI and opportunity cost.

Final Insights

You are financially disciplined and have built solid base.

Buying a home is a personal decision.

But taking Rs. 80 lakh loan now is not ideal.

Try to reduce loan by higher down payment.

Prioritise daughter’s education, retirement and financial freedom.

Continue mutual funds SIP and avoid real estate-based investing.

Talk to a Certified Financial Planner for customised step-by-step execution plan.

Focus on long-term compounding with stability and peace of mind.

You are on the right track. Just be careful not to over-leverage.

Smart financial choices today will give more peace tomorrow.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Let me now give you the full-length and properly formatted guidance.

Understanding Your Current Situation
Your salary is Rs. 90,000 in hand every month.

You are paying Rs. 22,000 as house rent in Pune.

You have a personal loan of Rs. 3 lakh.

You pay vehicle expenses and travel for your father's business.

Your wife is not working currently.

You have no emergency fund or monthly savings.

This is a very critical stage in your financial life.

Your responsibilities are high. Your income is fixed.

Planning must be very practical and step-by-step.

Step 1: Identify Monthly Fixed Expenses
Rent is Rs. 22,000.

Loan EMI for Rs. 3 lakh is likely around Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000.

Assume Rs. 10,000 for basic home expenses.

Add Rs. 8,000 for travel and vehicle repairs.

That already makes Rs. 47,000 to Rs. 50,000 monthly.

This shows that 55% of your salary goes to fixed costs.

There is no balance left for wealth building.

Step 2: Building Emergency Fund
Right now, you don’t have emergency savings.

That is the first priority before any house purchase.

Emergency fund gives you peace in uncertain events.

Start saving Rs. 5,000 every month in a liquid fund.

Build a 6-month buffer of all expenses slowly.

Don’t use FDs. Liquid mutual funds suit better for such needs.

Step 3: Prioritise Loan Prepayment
You have a Rs. 3 lakh personal loan.

Interest rate is likely 11% to 15%.

Personal loan is very costly. No tax benefits also.

Prepay at least Rs. 10,000 extra every month.

You can close this loan in under 2 years.

Till then, do not take any new EMI like a home loan.

Closing this loan early is more urgent than buying a house.

Step 4: Stop Supporting Business Costs
Your father’s business should have its own costs covered.

You are not getting financial help from him.

Spending for someone else’s business weakens your own future.

Set clear limits on how much you can help.

Reduce business travel support step-by-step.

Helping is good. But sacrificing your future is not correct.

Your family should come first now.

Step 5: Your Wife’s Income Potential
Your wife is not working now.

Can she earn something from home?

Even Rs. 10,000 per month changes your plan positively.

She can try tuition, stitching, content, or part-time remote work.

Explore her skills and interests.

When a couple earns together, goals are faster and safer.

Step 6: Delay House Purchase
You should not buy a house now.

You don’t have savings for down payment.

You already have a loan.

Your wife is not working.

Any house purchase now will create pressure.

If you buy now, EMI can be Rs. 30,000+ for a basic house.

You will lose all flexibility in monthly cash flow.

No buffer, no investment, and no emergency planning.

Step 7: Ideal Time to Buy a House
Once you clear personal loan completely.

After you have an emergency fund for 6 months.

When wife starts contributing some income.

When you can invest monthly even after EMI.

When you have 20% of house cost as savings.

Only then a house purchase becomes sensible.

Step 8: How Much House to Afford
Take house cost as maximum 3 times your annual income.

Your income is Rs. 10.8 lakh per year.

House value should not exceed Rs. 30 to Rs. 35 lakh.

But this is possible only after loan closure.

For now, save for down payment, not EMI.

Step 9: Start SIP for Long Term
After emergency and loan part is done, begin SIP.

Even Rs. 3,000 per month is good start.

Choose regular mutual funds via MFD + Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t invest directly in direct mutual funds.

Direct funds don’t offer guidance or behavioural coaching.

Many make emotional mistakes in direct investing.

That ruins long-term compounding gains.

Step 10: Avoid Index Funds
Index funds track the market but cannot beat it.

You won’t get downside protection.

They fail during uncertain or flat markets.

Actively managed funds have better flexibility.

A good CFP-backed MFD will guide your mutual fund choice.

Step 11: Insurance Needs
Take term insurance of minimum 10 times your income.

For you, Rs. 1 crore term insurance is a must.

Avoid LIC policies, ULIPs, or return-based insurance.

If you have them already, consider surrendering.

Reinvest proceeds in mutual funds.

Step 12: Don’t Buy House Emotionally
Many buy home just to stop paying rent.

But buying with weak finances creates stress.

EMI without safety net creates mental pressure.

Rent gives flexibility. Use that wisely.

Focus on financial strength first.

Step 13: Review Monthly Expenses
Make a sheet of all monthly expenses.

Find 3 or 4 areas to reduce monthly spend.

Make Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 monthly savings.

Put that into short-term fund or RD first.

Don’t use savings for lifestyle.

Step 14: Build Wealth Step by Step
Emergency fund first.

Close personal loan next.

Build savings and start SIPs.

Only then consider home loan and house buying.

Strengthen your base before chasing big dreams.

Step 15: Talk With Family
Discuss money planning with your wife.

Let her know your goals and plans.

Involve her in decisions.

She may also come up with useful ideas.

Teamwork builds financial peace.

Step 16: Avoid Costly Habits
Avoid impulsive buying.

Avoid phone upgrades, luxury vehicle repairs.

Travel only if affordable.

Don’t mix emotions and finance.

Stick to what supports financial safety.

Step 17: Get Guidance from Certified Financial Planner
You are at a turning point in life.

A certified financial planner gives full plan.

Not just products, but proper financial structure.

Work with an MFD who has CFP background.

Regular investing through them builds discipline.

Final Insights
Don't rush to buy a house. You're not ready yet.

Focus on paying off debt and building savings.

Fix cash flow issues and reduce support to others.

Set clear family goals and involve your spouse.

Start small investments with discipline after basics are strong.

You can achieve financial peace with right steps.

Keep emotions out. Take each step practically and patiently.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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