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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

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 - Jun 22, 2025Hindi
Money

Meri umr 40 versh hai mera nps me 10000 rs per month or Tata aia smart suracha me 10 k per month or 10 k per month Bajaj Allianz future gain or ppf me 10 k per month jata hai mujhe 60 year ke bad 1 lak per month pention chaiye hai mujhe uske liye kya karna chaiye

Ans: Your savings habit is good but your plan needs some important changes.

Let me explain your situation step by step.

Understanding Your Current Investments
You are 40 years old with 20 years to retirement.

Your NPS contribution is Rs 10,000 monthly. This is a good start.

Tata AIA Smart Suraksha is an insurance product. This does not grow wealth.

Bajaj Allianz Future Gain is a ULIP. This has high charges and low flexibility.

PPF is safe but gives low long-term returns.

Right now, your portfolio is not growth-focused enough.

Insurance products and PPF cannot alone build your retirement corpus.

Life Insurance Policies Are Not Right for Retirement
Smart Suraksha is protection, not investment.

Future Gain is a ULIP with mixed protection and poor returns.

ULIPs and insurance plans lock your money for long years.

Their charges reduce your long-term returns.

You need to surrender these policies and invest in equity mutual funds.

Only term life insurance is required, nothing else.

Term plans give better life cover at lower costs.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you exit these policies safely.

PPF Alone Cannot Build Wealth
PPF gives you around 7% yearly returns.

This is safe but not enough to beat inflation.

For a 20-year retirement goal, equity mutual funds work better.

Keep PPF for safe savings but reduce it to Rs 5,000 monthly.

Shift the balance Rs 5,000 monthly to equity mutual funds.

NPS is a Good Tool but Not the Only One
NPS has good tax benefits and retirement focus.

But NPS equity exposure is capped.

NPS alone cannot give you Rs 1 lakh pension.

Continue Rs 10,000 monthly in NPS.

But build a separate equity mutual fund portfolio too.

Mutual funds give better flexibility and growth.

How Much Corpus You Need at 60 Years
For Rs 1 lakh monthly pension, you need a big corpus.

You must target Rs 2 crore to Rs 2.5 crore minimum.

Insurance policies and PPF will not create such a big corpus.

Equity mutual funds are your best option for this goal.

Actively managed funds give better growth than index funds.

Index funds do not protect during market falls.

Active funds adjust the portfolio according to market trends.

Invest through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Direct funds give no personal support or review.

Regular plans help you review and rebalance regularly.

Recommended Monthly Investment Plan Now
Stop Tata AIA Smart Suraksha premiums immediately.

Surrender Bajaj Allianz Future Gain and recover the available amount.

Invest this recovered amount into mutual funds as lumpsum.

Continue Rs 10,000 monthly NPS investment.

Continue Rs 5,000 monthly in PPF only for safety.

Start Rs 15,000–20,000 monthly SIP in equity mutual funds.

Increase SIP by 10% every year.

As income increases, raise SIPs to Rs 30,000–35,000 monthly.

A Certified Financial Planner can help allocate funds into flexi cap, mid cap, small cap.

Diversify Your Portfolio for Balanced Growth
Put 70% into equity mutual funds for growth.

Put 15% into debt mutual funds for safety.

Put 10% into gold funds for inflation protection.

Keep 5% in liquid funds for emergencies.

Stop mixing insurance and investments.

Keep insurance separate as a pure term plan.

Investments should only be in mutual funds and NPS.

Protecting Yourself with Correct Insurance
Buy a term insurance plan of Rs 1 crore.

Cancel all investment-cum-insurance policies.

Take health insurance cover of Rs 10–15 lakh individually.

This protects your family and retirement corpus.

Do not depend on employer insurance alone.

Expected Retirement Corpus if You Start Now
If you invest correctly, you can build a Rs 2–2.5 crore corpus.

This is possible if you stay invested for the next 20 years.

Regular review and SIP increase is needed.

No gaps or breaks in investment should happen.

Avoid withdrawing from mutual funds till retirement.

How to Get Rs 1 Lakh Monthly Pension at Retirement
From Rs 2.5 crore, withdraw around 4–5% yearly.

This gives Rs 1 lakh monthly income after retirement.

Use mutual fund SWP plans for monthly withdrawals.

NPS pension can also add around Rs 20,000–30,000 monthly.

Together, these give you around Rs 1 lakh monthly.

Certified Financial Planners help set up this withdrawal.

Regular Review is Very Important
Review your portfolio every 6 months.

Adjust SIPs as per market and income changes.

Regular plans through an MFD and CFP help with reviews.

Direct funds and online platforms do not offer such support.

Certified Financial Planners help optimise tax and portfolio growth.

Taxation of Mutual Fund Withdrawals at Retirement
Equity fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals to minimise tax.

Do not redeem entire corpus at once.

Withdraw monthly using Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

This protects your retirement corpus from sudden tax hit.

What Actions You Must Take Immediately
Stop all investment-cum-insurance policies.

Start equity mutual fund SIP of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 monthly.

Increase your health cover and take term insurance.

Review investments with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid real estate or annuity plans as they block money.

Stay invested for next 20 years without stopping SIPs.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
Do not keep investing in insurance products.

Do not withdraw from mutual funds for lifestyle expenses.

Do not pause SIPs during market falls.

Do not mix retirement and short-term goals.

Avoid depending only on NPS and PPF.

Stop chasing short-term market trends.

Retirement Planning Needs Discipline and Patience
Start SIP today and stay consistent for 20 years.

Reinvest yearly bonuses and salary hikes.

Avoid luxury expenses that block your future savings.

Review your goals every year.

Track whether your investments are matching your retirement target.

Building the Right Portfolio With Time
First 10 years should focus fully on growth.

Next 5 years balance growth and safety.

Final 5 years shift more into debt and liquid funds.

This protects your corpus before retirement.

Your Certified Financial Planner helps adjust your asset mix.

Finally
You have started with NPS and PPF.

But insurance plans are blocking your growth.

Stop them and shift to equity mutual funds.

Start regular plan mutual fund SIPs through an MFD with CFP support.

This will build your retirement corpus over the next 20 years.

Equity mutual funds give long-term growth and flexibility.

NPS gives pension but is not enough alone.

PPF gives safety but not high returns.

Certified Financial Planners help you review and adjust this journey.

Stay disciplined and you will achieve your Rs 1 lakh monthly retirement income goal.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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MERA NAAM SURINDER HAI MERI SALARY 30th PER MONTH HAI AND HEALTH INSURANCE B LE RAKHA AND MAIN 2.5 LK SAVE KR RAKHE HAI KON SE MUTUAL FUND MAI INVEST KRU KI 5 SAAL MAI PAISE DOUBLE HO JAYE
Ans: 1. Understanding Your Financial Situation

Monthly Salary:

Rs 30,000 per month.
Savings:

Rs 2.5 lakhs available for investment.
Health Insurance:

Already in place, which is good for financial security.
2. Investment Goals

Objective:
Double your investment in 5 years.
3. Selecting Suitable Mutual Funds

Equity Mutual Funds:

High Growth Potential:

Equity funds have the potential to deliver high returns.
They invest in stocks of various companies.
Types of Equity Funds:

Large-Cap Funds:
Invest in large, established companies.
Lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Mid-Cap Funds:
Invest in medium-sized companies with growth potential.
Higher returns with moderate risk.
Small-Cap Funds:
Invest in small companies with high growth potential.
High risk but also high returns.
Flexi-Cap Funds:

Flexible Investment:
These funds invest across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
Fund managers have the flexibility to shift investments.
Thematic or Sectoral Funds:

Sector-Specific Growth:
Invest in specific sectors like technology, healthcare, etc.
High risk but can offer high returns if the sector performs well.
4. Disadvantages of Index Funds

Limited Flexibility:

Index funds replicate market indices.
They cannot adapt to market changes quickly.
Average Returns:

Index funds usually provide average market returns.
Actively managed funds have the potential for higher returns.
5. Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Professional Management:

Expertise:

Managed by experienced professionals.
They make informed decisions based on market research.
Adaptive Strategy:

Can adjust portfolios based on market conditions.
Potential for higher returns than passive index funds.
6. Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Time-Consuming:

Requires constant monitoring and management.
Not suitable for those with limited time and expertise.
Complexity:

Needs a deep understanding of the market.
Professional management is often more beneficial.
7. Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Expert Guidance:

Tailored Advice:

CFPs provide advice based on your financial goals.
They help in selecting the right mutual funds.
Continuous Support:

Ongoing support and portfolio review.
Helps in making informed investment decisions.
Final Insights

Diversify Your Investment:

Spread your Rs 2.5 lakhs across different types of equity funds.
This helps in balancing risk and maximizing returns.
Regular Monitoring:

Keep an eye on your investments.
Adjust your portfolio as needed to stay aligned with your goals.
Seek Professional Advice:

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights.
They offer personalized advice to help you achieve your investment goals.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Main 35 saal ka hu or 50 saal main retirement Lena chata hu meri jewellery shop hai .. or meri monthly 1 lakh ki sip or 20lakh k share hai ... retirement par 4 lakh ki montly income chata hu ...mujhe kya karna chiye ??
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Age: 35 years old

Profession: Jewellery shop owner

Income: Monthly SIP of Rs. 1 lakh

Investments: Rs. 20 lakhs in shares

Retirement Goal: Retire at age 50

Retirement Income Goal: Rs. 4 lakhs per month

Investment Goals
Generate a monthly retirement income of Rs. 4 lakhs.
Maximise returns on existing investments.
Diversify investments to manage risk.
Assessment of Current Strategy
SIP Investment
You have a strong monthly SIP investment of Rs. 1 lakh. This is a good start for building your retirement corpus.

Shares
You have Rs. 20 lakhs in shares. Direct stock investments can be volatile. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

Recommendations for Improvement
Increase Diversification
Mutual Funds: Invest in a mix of equity mutual funds. Actively managed funds can provide better returns than index funds.

PPF: Start contributing to PPF for stable, tax-free returns.

Bonds: Consider investing in RBI bonds and other high-yield bonds for stable income.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Increase SIP: Gradually increase your SIP amount as your income grows. This will help build a larger corpus for retirement.

Diversified Funds: Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap mutual funds. This diversification reduces risk and maximizes returns.

Health and Life Insurance
Health Insurance: Get comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family. This covers medical expenses and ensures financial stability.

Life Insurance: Buy a term plan for adequate coverage. This provides financial security for your family.

Retirement Corpus
Target Corpus: To achieve Rs. 4 lakhs monthly income, you need a significant corpus. Aim for a mix of growth and income-generating investments.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Annual Review: Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust based on performance and changes in financial goals.

Professional Guidance: Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds require active management. Consider regular funds through a CFP for better guidance and management.

Avoid Index Funds: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Choose funds with a good track record.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Equity Focus: Maintain a significant portion of your investments in equity for higher returns.

Debt Instruments: Include debt instruments like bonds for stability and fixed returns.

Gold and Other Assets: Diversify into gold and other stable assets to hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Building Corpus for Retirement
Projected Needs: Estimate your future needs considering inflation. Plan your investments to meet these needs.

Retirement Fund Allocation: Allocate funds to different instruments based on risk tolerance and return expectations.

Final Insights
Your current SIP investment is commendable. Diversify your investments into mutual funds, PPF, and bonds. Increase your SIP gradually to build a substantial corpus for retirement.

Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio. Consult a CFP for tailored advice.

This strategic approach will help you achieve your retirement goal of Rs. 4 lakhs monthly income.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

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Meri family ki income 80 lakhs hai yearly aur 40 lakhs expense hai aur age meri 48 hai capital family ki 4 cr hai to unko kaise manage aur kaha invest kare
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Annual Income: Rs 80 lakhs
Annual Expenses: Rs 40 lakhs
Capital Available: Rs 4 crores
Age: 48 years
Your income and existing capital provide a strong foundation. With proper planning, you can secure your financial future and achieve your goals.

Key Financial Goals
Retirement Planning: Build a corpus to sustain your post-retirement lifestyle.
Wealth Growth: Invest capital for inflation-beating returns.
Risk Management: Ensure adequate insurance coverage for family security.
Tax Efficiency: Optimise investments to reduce tax liabilities.
Suggested Investment Allocation
1. Emergency Fund
Maintain 6-12 months of expenses (Rs 20-40 lakhs) in liquid funds or a high-interest savings account.
This ensures liquidity for any unforeseen circumstances.
2. Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate 50-60% of your capital (around Rs 2-2.4 crores) to equity mutual funds.
Use diversified funds like large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds for growth.
Avoid index funds due to lack of flexibility and active management.
Invest monthly through systematic investment plans (SIPs) for disciplined investing.
3. Debt Investments
Invest 20-25% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs-1 crore) in debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.
Choose funds with low risk to ensure stability and predictable returns.
These funds act as a safety net during market downturns.
4. Children’s Education or Marriage
Allocate funds for long-term goals like education or marriage.
Invest in balanced advantage funds or equity mutual funds for higher returns.
5. Retirement Planning
At 48, focus on building a retirement corpus.
Allocate 20% of your capital (Rs 80 lakhs) to retirement-specific investments.
Use a mix of equity and debt for growth and safety.
Risk Management
Life Insurance
Ensure you have a term insurance cover of at least Rs 2-3 crore.
This protects your family’s financial future in your absence.
Health Insurance
Take a family floater health insurance plan of Rs 25-30 lakh.
Include critical illness coverage to address rising healthcare costs.
Tax Efficiency
Maximise Section 80C benefits by investing in ELSS mutual funds or PPF.
Use NPS for additional tax deductions under Section 80CCD.
Invest in tax-efficient instruments to reduce liabilities.
Regular Monitoring
Review your investments every six months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance your portfolio to align with market trends and life changes.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial base with high income and significant capital.

With disciplined investing, risk management, and tax efficiency, you can grow your wealth and achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
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My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
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I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

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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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