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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 13, 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
Gaurav Question by Gaurav on Jul 11, 2024Hindi
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My monthly exp around 60 k per month.. I have term policy, i already have LIC policy, around 5 lakh in pf and 2 lakh im share market... Can i invest 30% of corpus in a corporate fd with shri ram finance @9% ROI and rest where shud i diversify?

Ans: With monthly expenses of Rs. 60,000, a term policy, LIC policy, Rs. 5 lakh in PF, and Rs. 2 lakh in the share market, investing 30% of your corpus in a corporate FD with Shriram Finance at 9% ROI is a reasonable move for stability. Diversify the remaining 70% as follows:

Mutual Funds (40%): Split between equity (30%) and debt funds (10%) to balance growth and safety.
SIPs (20%): In high-performing equity mutual funds for regular and disciplined investment.
PPF/NPS (10%): For tax benefits and long-term growth.
This diversification balances risk and returns, ensuring financial stability and growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir, i am 62 yrs . i am investing 65,500/ per month in Regular Mutual Fund SIP since last two years : 1.ICICI Blue Chip Fund : 12000/-, 2. Canara Robeco Blue Chip Fund: 20000/-, 3. Mirae Asset Large Cap: 2000/-, 3. Quant Active Fund : 10000/-, 4, HDFC Flexi Cap: 5000/-, 5. PGIM Flexi Cap : 3000/- , 6. Canara Robeco Emerging Equities: 5000/-, 7. Mirae Asset Emerging Blue Chip: 2500/- 8. Axis Growth Opportunities: 3000/- and 9. Kotak Small Cap: 3000/-. I have also lump sum investment of Rs. 17,57,000/- since last 2 yrs. : Rs. 75,000 Canara Robeco Small Cap. Rs. 390000/- HDFC Balanced Advantage, Rs. 4,00,000/- ICICI Equity & Debt Fund, Rs.235000/- PGIM Balanced Advantage, Rs. 190000/- PGIM Midcap Opportunities Fund, Rs. 150000/- Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, Rs. 125000/- Quant Active Fund, Rs. 1,62,000/- SBI Flexi Cap Fund and Rs. 30000/- UTI Flexi Cap Fund. Please let me whether : 1. With my above investment 2 Crore corpus can be achieved in next 5 yrs. 2. My investment in above funds are required to be continued or not. I am looking forward your valuable advice. With warm regards, Tapan
Ans: Your commitment to investing is commendable. With a strategic approach, we can assess your portfolio and determine the feasibility of achieving a Rs. 2 crore corpus in the next five years. Let’s delve into the analysis and provide recommendations.

Evaluating Your SIP Investments
Your current monthly SIP investment of Rs. 65,500 is diversified across various funds, which is a positive approach. Here’s a brief evaluation:

ICICI Blue Chip Fund (Rs. 12,000)
Blue-chip funds are stable and provide steady returns. They are less volatile and suitable for long-term investments.

Canara Robeco Blue Chip Fund (Rs. 20,000)
Another blue-chip fund, enhancing the stability of your portfolio. It’s good to have a significant allocation here.

Mirae Asset Large Cap (Rs. 2,000)
Large-cap funds are relatively safe and provide consistent returns.

Quant Active Fund (Rs. 10,000)
Actively managed funds can potentially outperform the market, but come with higher risk.

HDFC Flexi Cap (Rs. 5,000)
Flexi cap funds provide diversification across market caps, offering a balance of growth and stability.

PGIM Flexi Cap (Rs. 3,000)
Another flexi cap fund, adding to the diversified approach.

Canara Robeco Emerging Equities (Rs. 5,000)
Emerging equity funds target mid and small-cap stocks, providing higher growth potential but with increased risk.

Mirae Asset Emerging Blue Chip (Rs. 2,500)
This fund balances between large and mid-cap stocks, providing a mix of stability and growth.

Axis Growth Opportunities (Rs. 3,000)
Growth funds aim for higher returns through aggressive investment strategies, suitable for a balanced risk profile.

Kotak Small Cap (Rs. 3,000)
Small-cap funds can deliver high returns, but they also come with significant risk.

Evaluating Your Lump Sum Investments
Your lump sum investments also show a good mix of fund types. Here’s an assessment:

Canara Robeco Small Cap (Rs. 75,000)
Small-cap funds, while risky, can provide substantial returns over time.

HDFC Balanced Advantage (Rs. 3,90,000)
Balanced funds provide a mix of equity and debt, offering moderate risk with steady returns.

ICICI Equity & Debt Fund (Rs. 4,00,000)
This hybrid fund further balances your risk and return profile.

PGIM Balanced Advantage (Rs. 2,35,000)
Another balanced fund, enhancing stability in your portfolio.

PGIM Midcap Opportunities Fund (Rs. 1,90,000)
Mid-cap funds offer higher growth potential than large-cap but are riskier.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 1,50,000)
Flexi cap funds provide diversification and can adapt to market changes.

Quant Active Fund (Rs. 1,25,000)
Active funds aim for market outperformance but come with higher volatility.

SBI Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 1,62,000)
Flexi cap funds add to the diversified nature of your portfolio.

UTI Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 30,000)
Another flexi cap fund, maintaining diversification.

Assessing the Feasibility of a Rs. 2 Crore Corpus
Given your current investments, achieving a Rs. 2 crore corpus in five years is possible but challenging. It depends on market performance and consistent returns. Historically, equity mutual funds can offer 10-12% annual returns, but this is not guaranteed.

Recommendations for Continued Investment
Maintain Diversification
Your portfolio is well-diversified. Continue this strategy to manage risk effectively.

Increase Equity Exposure Cautiously
Consider slightly increasing your SIP amounts in high-growth funds like small-cap and mid-cap funds if you are comfortable with higher risk.

Review and Rebalance Annually
Regularly review your portfolio’s performance and rebalance annually to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Consider Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)
As you approach your goal, consider shifting some investments to safer options and use SWPs to manage withdrawals systematically.

Stay Informed
Keep abreast of market trends and economic factors that might impact your investments.

Evaluating Specific Fund Choices
Blue Chip Funds
Blue-chip funds are a safe bet. Ensure that you have a substantial allocation here for stability.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds provide flexibility and diversification across market caps, which is beneficial.

Small and Mid-Cap Funds
These funds offer high growth potential but be mindful of their volatility. Balance their proportion to match your risk tolerance.

Balanced Advantage and Hybrid Funds
These funds are excellent for maintaining a balance between growth and safety. They should form a core part of your portfolio as you near your goal.

Aligning Investments with Financial Goals
Short-Term Goals
For any short-term financial needs, consider safer investment options like debt funds or fixed deposits.

Medium-Term Goals
Balanced funds or hybrid funds are suitable for medium-term goals, offering a balance of growth and stability.

Long-Term Goals
Continue with your equity investments for long-term goals. Equities typically provide higher returns over a long period.

Ensuring Tax Efficiency
Invest in funds that provide tax benefits under Section 80C to optimize your tax savings. Balanced funds and equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS) can be considered for this purpose.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice. They can help you adjust your portfolio based on your financial situation and goals.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is robust and well-diversified. With careful planning and regular monitoring, achieving a Rs. 2 crore corpus in the next five years is within reach. Continue your disciplined investment approach and consider professional guidance for optimal results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello Experts, I am 35 year old planning to have a corpus of ?5cr in next 20 years. I have 20lacs fixed deposit and invest in below mutual funds via SIPs and also planning to increase it by 5k per month Sukanya Samriddhi : 1.5 Lacs VPF : 1.2 Lacs NPS: 1.5 Lacs (Tier 1 - 75% equity) Monthly SIPs: Parag Parekh flexi cap - 5k UTI Index fund- 2k Kotak Emerging equity : 2k Mirae asset emerging bluechip: 1k SBI Blue chip: 1k Nippon India tax saver :0.5k Axis long term equity :1.5k Axis mid cap: 1k HDFC Mid cap opportunities: 1k Axis small cap fund: 5k
Ans: Given your age and goal of accumulating 5 crores in 20 years, your current investment strategy appears well-diversified. Here are some suggestions to optimize your portfolio:

Review Asset Allocation: Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Consider increasing exposure to equity for higher growth potential.
Increase Equity Allocation: Given your long investment horizon, consider gradually increasing your equity allocation to capitalize on potential market growth.
Regularly Monitor Performance: Periodically review the performance of your mutual funds and make adjustments if necessary to ensure they continue to meet your investment objectives.
Consider Tax Planning: Explore tax-efficient investment options such as ELSS funds and NPS Tier 1 for additional tax benefits.
Continue Systematic Investing: Maintain discipline in your SIP investments and consider increasing your SIP amounts over time to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place to cover unexpected expenses, typically equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses.
By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your long-term financial goals, you can work towards achieving your target corpus of 5 crores in 20 years. Always seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs and circumstances.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 19, 2024

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Hello sir, I am 44 years old, working abroad, but here job security is not guaranteed. I can allocate Rs.50k monthly for MF or SIP investment. I feel ashamed to tell you this, that without consulting I had already invested in:- 1) Nippon India Growth Fund direct growth 50k 2) JM aggressive hybrid fund direct growth 50k 3) ICICI prudential balanced adv dire growth 50k 4) Quant mid cap fund direct growth 50k SIP's - 2500 per month 1) Nippon India multi cap Fund direct growth 2) SBI PSU direct plan growth 3) Quant small cap fund direct plan growth 4) ICICI prudential BHARAT 22 FOF direct growth Sir, Please advise whether this above plan is okay to continue or not also, please advise how to go ahead with 50k monthly allocation for investments. Benign regards Vinu George
Ans: Dear Vinu,

It's great that you're taking charge of your financial future. Don't feel ashamed about your previous investments; it's a learning process for everyone. Let's evaluate your current investments and see how to make the most of your Rs. 50,000 monthly allocation.

Understanding Your Current Investments
You have invested in several mutual funds directly:

Nippon India Growth Fund
JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund
ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund
Quant Mid Cap Fund
You also have SIPs of Rs. 2,500 each in:

Nippon India Multi Cap Fund
SBI PSU Fund
Quant Small Cap Fund
ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF
These investments show you have a diverse portfolio. However, let's assess and refine it for better alignment with your goals.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
1. Diversification and Risk Management

Your portfolio includes a mix of growth, hybrid, mid-cap, multi-cap, and small-cap funds. This is a good diversification strategy. However, let's ensure it's balanced in terms of risk and return.

Assessing Fund Choices
2. Fund Performance Review

Evaluate the performance of each fund annually. Look at their historical returns, expense ratios, and consistency. Consider replacing underperforming funds with better alternatives.

Moving Forward with Rs. 50,000 Monthly Allocation
3. Consistent SIP Investments

Continue with SIPs as they average out market volatility and instill financial discipline. Increase SIP contributions in well-performing funds for better compounding benefits.

Strategic Allocation of Rs. 50,000 Monthly
4. Balanced Portfolio Approach

Allocate your Rs. 50,000 monthly to a mix of equity and debt funds. This reduces risk while aiming for steady growth.

Equity Funds: Rs. 35,000 (70%)
Debt Funds: Rs. 15,000 (30%)
Detailed Allocation Strategy
5. Equity Fund Allocation

Within the Rs. 35,000 for equity funds, diversify across:

Large-Cap Funds: Rs. 15,000
Mid-Cap Funds: Rs. 10,000
Small-Cap Funds: Rs. 5,000
Multi-Cap/Balanced Funds: Rs. 5,000
Debt Fund Allocation
6. Debt Fund Allocation

For stability and lower risk, allocate Rs. 15,000 to debt funds. Choose high-quality debt funds with good credit ratings and lower interest rate risks.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
7. Annual Portfolio Review

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner. Rebalance as needed to maintain your desired asset allocation and risk tolerance.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
8. Maintain an Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This should be in a liquid, easily accessible form like a savings account or liquid fund.

Adequate Insurance Coverage
9. Health and Life Insurance

Ensure you have adequate health insurance and life insurance coverage. This protects your investments from unexpected medical expenses or financial hardships.

Tax Planning and Efficiency
10. Tax-Efficient Investments

Utilize tax-saving funds like ELSS under Section 80C to reduce tax liability. Plan redemptions and withdrawals strategically to minimize taxes.

Long-Term Investment Discipline
11. Focus on Long-Term Goals

Stick to your long-term investment strategy despite market volatility. Regular investments and compounding will work in your favor over time.

Professional Guidance and Adjustments
12. Engage with a Certified Financial Planner

Work with a CFP to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs and goals. They can provide personalized advice and regular reviews.

Final Insights
By diversifying your portfolio and strategically allocating your monthly investments, you can achieve a balanced and growth-oriented investment strategy. Regular monitoring and professional guidance will keep you on track toward your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Latest Questions
Janak

Janak Patel  |21 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Mar 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 10, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 46 years old residing in a B Town in India. I have 2 daughters one 16 years old and second 7 years old. I have Savings of 25 Lakh in my account as emergency find. I have FD of 65 Lakhs. PF, PPF and NPS of 25 Lakhs, Mutual Fund and Shares of 25 Lakhs, Lic policies worth 25 Lakhs, Gold around 1.2 Crores. I have a medical insurance of 20 Lakhs for me and my family, Term insurance of 1Cr. As properties. I own 2 independent houses, 2 flats and 2 plots in Bangalore which has a current value of about 4.5 Cr. In my home town i have 2 Houses, 1 apartment and plots which has a current value of 2.75 Cr. Currently i am drawing a monthly salary of 2 Lakh rupees and get a rent of 30K/ month. I donot have any emi's and my monthly expenses is currently 75K. I am planning to retire at the age of 50. Is my financial condition stable to retire at the age of 50? Thanks for your suggestion in advance.
Ans: Hi,

Lets understand the value of your current Investments at the time of retirement. Below is the list with its current value and (expected rate of return).
Emergency Fund - 25 lakhs (3.5%)
Fixed Deposits - 65 lakhs (7%)
PF/PPF/NPS - 25 lakhs (8%)
MF/Stocks - 25 lakhs (10%)
LIC Policies - 25 lakhs (no change)
Your current investments listed above will achieve a value of 3.5 crore at the time of retirement 4 years from now.

Apart from this you have mentioned properties worth 7.25 Cr. Assuming you will only use/liquidate them if required, so excluding them from consideration for now.

You total income is 2.30 lakhs per month (includes rent) and expenses are 75k per month. So there is potential to add to the above investments for the next 4 years.

I will assume your current expenses are sufficient for the lifestyle you want to continue post retirement.
You will require a corpus on retirement after 4 years to sustain your expenses adjusted with inflation of 6% which will be close to 1 lakh per month (at the time of retirement).
With this starting point, and adjusting for inflation of 6% each year, and life expectancy of 30 years post retirement you need a corpus of approx. 2.5 crore - again assumed this will earn a return of 8% for the 30 years.
If you can invest wisely and generate a slightly higher return of say 10%, the corpus requirement will be 2 crore.

Your current investments at the time of retirement with value of 3.5 crore is sufficient to cover your expenses for the next 30 years inflation adjusted at 6%.
And this is excluding the properties you own and additional investments you can make for the next 4 years.

Summary - You are more than stable as far as your financial state is concerned. You have a strong base to meet your retirement needs and also a potential to create wealth for the generations ahead.

I want to highlight/recommend few points -
1. Increase the medical Insurance for yourself and family to 1Crore as medical expenses will only increase in future.
2. Stop the Term Life Insurance and save the premium for investment. As you have no liabilities and net-worth is high enough to cover any outcomes in life ahead, this premium is a lost cause considering your strong financial state.
3. Revisit the LIC Policies you have and consider surrendering/stopping them if they are not nearing their maturity. They are not giving you enough cover and providing below par returns. So do discuss with a trusted licensed advisor and evaluate them. If they will mature in the next 4 years, ignore this point.
4. Post retirement period is a long duration of 30 years, so do consider getting a good advisor - a Certified Financial Planner who can guide you to plan your retirement well and help you design a portfolio for additional wealth creation as a legacy for your children/dependents.


Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 11, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I have the following funds part of my SIP and the last 4 funds are my one time lump sum of 35K each and invested sometime in November last year. Are these good to hold (lump sum) and rest as SIP for another 5 years. 1 Kotak Flexicap Fund - Reg Gr 2 Kotak Flexicap Fund - Dir Gr 3 Tata Multi Asset Opp Dir Gr 4 TATA Nifty 50 Index Dir Pl 5 Technology Plan - Direct - Growth 6 Bandhan Sterling Value Fund-(Reg PIn) -Gr 7 Nifty Smallcap250 Quality 50 Index Fund - Dir - G 8 | HDFC Dividend Yield Direct Growth 9 Quant Large and Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth 10 Quant Multi Asset Fund Direct Growth 11 Groww Nifty Non Cyclical Consumer Index Fund Direct Growth 12 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth Thanks in advance for your guidance.
Ans: You have invested in multiple funds through SIP and lump sum. Holding them for the next 5 years is a good approach. However, it is important to check if your portfolio is diversified, aligned with your goals, and tax-efficient.

Overlap Between Funds
Your portfolio has multiple funds from the same category.

Too many similar funds do not improve returns but make tracking difficult.

Checking fund overlap can help avoid duplication.

Actively Managed vs Index Funds
You have index funds in your portfolio.

Index funds do not offer downside protection in market corrections.

Actively managed funds can outperform the index in volatile markets.

Switching from index funds to actively managed funds can improve growth.

Direct vs Regular Funds
You have invested in direct funds.

Direct funds may seem cheaper, but they lack expert guidance.

Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials ensures better selection and tracking.

Regular funds provide better decision-making support over time.

Sector-Specific and Thematic Funds
You hold a technology fund.

Sector funds are high-risk, as they depend on one industry’s performance.

If the sector underperforms, returns may be negative for years.

A diversified approach reduces risk compared to sector-based investing.

Smallcap and Midcap Allocation
You have smallcap and midcap funds.

These funds can be highly volatile in the short term.

Holding them for 5+ years is necessary to reduce risk.

Ensure you rebalance if the portfolio gets too aggressive.

Multi-Asset and Dividend Yield Funds
Multi-asset funds provide stability during market corrections.

Dividend yield funds are suitable for conservative investors.

These funds help in balancing the portfolio between risk and return.

Final Insights
Reduce overlapping funds and focus on fewer, well-performing funds.

Exit index funds and shift to actively managed funds for better growth.

Consider switching from direct funds to regular funds for expert tracking.

Keep sector funds below 10% of your portfolio to avoid concentration risk.

Continue SIPs in high-quality diversified funds for long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 13, 2025

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Can I run my family with 15 k exp and 20k retirement income
Ans: You have a monthly retirement income of Rs 20,000 and expect monthly expenses of Rs 15,000. On paper, this looks manageable, but there are important financial factors to consider. Let us analyse whether this income will be sufficient for the long term.

Cost of Living and Inflation Impact
Expenses will increase over time due to inflation.

If inflation is 6% per year, your Rs 15,000 monthly expenses may double in 12 years.

If income remains Rs 20,000, the gap between income and expenses will widen.

Healthcare and Medical Costs
Medical expenses increase with age.

Even with health insurance, out-of-pocket medical costs can rise.

If a medical emergency arises, your savings could be depleted quickly.

Emergency Fund Requirement
A sudden family emergency can strain finances.

Having at least 2–3 years' worth of expenses in a liquid fund is necessary.

If you do not have an emergency fund, your retirement income may not be sufficient.

Unplanned Expenses and Lifestyle Changes
New financial needs may arise, such as helping family members or home repairs.

You may want to travel, pursue hobbies, or engage in social activities.

A fixed retirement income can make such expenses challenging.

Investment Strategy for Long-Term Security
To beat inflation, invest a portion of savings in growth-oriented assets.

A mix of equity and debt funds will help generate better returns.

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from equity funds can provide a higher monthly income.

Alternative Income Sources
Consider part-time work, freelancing, or consulting if possible.

Rental income or dividends from investments can support retirement cash flow.

Final Insights
Rs 20,000 may be enough now, but inflation and rising costs can make it insufficient later.

A combination of investments, emergency funds, and alternate income sources will provide financial security.

Regularly review and adjust your financial plan to sustain your retirement lifestyle.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 11, 2025Hindi
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Hello sir, I have about 28 lakhs invested in different MF. Now i want a SWP of 35000 per month from that total fund. Looking at the current market situation I was either thinking if dividing the fund between debt 30% and equity 70%. But instead of investing a lumpsum amounts will it make more sense to park all my funds in a dynamic debt fund and then every month do SIP of maybe one lakh each to equity fund or balanced fund. Also i would like to know what difference will it make in my investment returns between sip and lumpsum except ofcourse averageing the market volatility in case of SIP and getting more UNITS if done lumpsum.
Ans: You have Rs 28 lakh invested in mutual funds and want to withdraw Rs 35,000 per month through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). You are considering whether to invest the corpus as a lump sum in a 70% equity – 30% debt allocation or to park the full amount in a debt fund and do an SIP of Rs 1 lakh per month into equity.

Your goal should be to generate stable withdrawals while preserving your capital and ensuring growth. Below is a structured approach to managing your funds wisely.

Understanding SWP and Its Impact on Your Corpus
SWP is a cash flow strategy, allowing regular withdrawals while the remaining corpus continues to grow.

The key challenge is to balance withdrawals and growth so that the corpus does not deplete too soon.

Investing in a mix of debt and equity will ensure stability while benefiting from market growth.

Option 1: Investing 70% in Equity and 30% in Debt
This allocation is suitable for long-term growth. Equity provides growth, while debt ensures stability.

A balanced portfolio helps manage volatility and ensures a steady SWP.

The downside is that a lump sum investment in equity exposes you to market fluctuations.

If the market falls after investing, the SWP may lead to selling equity at a lower value, reducing corpus longevity.

Option 2: Parking in a Debt Fund and Doing Monthly SIPs
This reduces market timing risk by investing gradually.

Debt funds provide low but steady returns, protecting the corpus while equity exposure increases.

SIPs spread the risk over time, ensuring better price averaging.

The downside is that debt funds provide lower returns, which may impact the final corpus.

SIP vs Lump Sum: Key Differences
SIP helps in market averaging, reducing the impact of volatility.

Lump sum investment can generate higher returns if the market performs well.

SIP is better for those worried about market crashes, while lump sum works well for long-term investors willing to take higher risks.

Best Strategy for You
A hybrid approach will work best:

Step 1: Park Rs 28 lakh in a low-duration or dynamic debt fund.

Step 2: Start an SIP of Rs 1 lakh per month into equity for 24–28 months.

Step 3: Withdraw Rs 35,000 per month from the debt fund until equity allocation builds up.

Step 4: After 2–3 years, rebalance to maintain a 60% equity – 40% debt allocation for stability.

Tax Implications of SWP
Withdrawals from equity funds held for over 1 year attract 12.5% tax on LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh.

Withdrawals before 1 year attract 20% STCG tax.

Withdrawals from debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Final Insights
A mix of debt and equity will ensure growth and stability in your SWP plan.

Parking the corpus in a debt fund first and then gradually shifting to equity is a safer approach.

Rebalancing every 2–3 years will help manage risk and sustain withdrawals.

Keep track of taxation to optimise post-tax returns.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8098 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 12, 2025Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 46. Unemployed due to health reasons. I have 28 lakhs i want to invest in SWP . I need 35000 monthly. How long do I have before my fund runs out? How should I invest to make the most of it? I want my funds to appreciate as well to be atleast propionate to my need of 35000. Given- if i invest in lumpsum than I get higher number of units and if i take the SIP route it can negate the market volatility. Looking at the current market scanerio i believe it may take couple of years to see proper returns. I was also thinking of pooling the entire corpus in Aggressive debt funds and then do a SIP to an actively managed equity fund. Under these circumstances please provide fund names also. Thanks in advance.
Ans: You are 46 and unemployed due to health reasons. You need Rs 35,000 per month from your investments. Your goal is to make your funds last longer while allowing growth.

Let us analyse your options and create a plan.

Assessing Your Requirement
You need Rs 4.2 lakh per year (Rs 35,000 x 12 months).

Your corpus is Rs 28 lakh.

If you withdraw Rs 4.2 lakh annually without growth, your funds will last less than 7 years.

You need growth to sustain withdrawals for a longer period.

Challenges with a High SWP Rate
A SWP of 15% per year (Rs 4.2 lakh from Rs 28 lakh) is too high.

Safe withdrawal rates are usually 4-6% per year.

A high withdrawal rate will deplete your corpus fast.

Investment Strategy for SWP
You need a mix of equity and debt to balance growth and stability.

Step 1: Allocate Corpus Wisely
Equity (50%): Invest for growth.
Debt (50%): Keep funds for the next 5-6 years of withdrawals.
This approach helps maintain stability while allowing long-term appreciation.

Step 2: SWP from Debt Funds
Start your SWP from debt funds to avoid withdrawing from volatile equity investments.

Debt funds provide stability and minimise short-term risk.

This ensures your equity investments have time to grow.

Step 3: Systematic Transfer to Equity
Keep your equity allocation in a flexi-cap or multi-cap fund for diversification.

Invest in a systematic transfer plan (STP) from a debt fund to an equity fund.

This reduces market timing risk and balances volatility.

Expected Corpus Longevity
If your portfolio grows at 8-10% annually, your funds may last 10-12 years.

If the market performs well, your funds may last longer.

A lower withdrawal rate will further extend sustainability.

Alternative Options to Sustain Your Corpus
Reduce withdrawals: If possible, lower monthly expenses to Rs 25,000-30,000.

Part-time income: If health permits, explore work-from-home or passive income options.

Medical emergency fund: Keep at least Rs 2 lakh aside for medical needs.

Review investments: Rebalance every year to maintain growth and stability.

Final Insights
Your current withdrawal rate is high.

A balanced equity-debt approach can extend the longevity of your corpus.

Use SWP from debt funds and STP to equity for better returns.

Monitor the portfolio regularly to ensure sustainability.

If possible, reduce withdrawals slightly to make the corpus last longer.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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.

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