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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 09, 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
ramesh Question by ramesh on Jul 01, 2025Hindi
Money

have a monthly salary of 42000 of which there is deduction of 8000 there is nps in that deduction of 3500 and same from employer side. have an rd of 11000 per month have monthly expenses of about 15000 no loans or any sort advice on investing in sip.

Ans: You have done a good job so far. No loans, regular savings, and contribution to NPS shows financial discipline. Now, let's create a structured, long-term investment plan that suits your profile.

Understanding Your Current Financial Snapshot
Monthly salary: Rs. 42,000

Deductions: Rs. 8,000 including NPS contribution

Your NPS: Rs. 3,500

Employer NPS: Rs. 3,500

RD (Recurring Deposit): Rs. 11,000

Monthly expenses: Rs. 15,000

No loans or liabilities

This gives you a strong savings base of around Rs. 18,000 monthly. You are in a good position to begin investing through mutual funds via SIP.

Appreciating Your Current Habits
Saving over 40% of your salary every month

Investing in NPS, which supports retirement

Using RD to build a saving habit

Managing expenses very efficiently

No burden of EMI or credit card dues

These reflect strong money values and low-risk financial behaviour. Very good foundation for long-term planning.

Need to Shift from RD to SIP
RD gives very low returns over long term

After tax and inflation, RD gives negative real return

SIP in mutual funds can give better returns

SIP helps in wealth creation over the long term

For your age and surplus, SIP is more suitable

You should reduce RD amount slowly and move that money to SIPs.

Benefits of SIPs in Mutual Funds
You invest small amount every month

SIP helps in averaging market cost

Over long term, SIPs grow wealth faster

You can stop, increase or decrease SIP anytime

SIP gives better flexibility than RD or FD

You have regular income and surplus. So SIPs can become your core investment strategy.

How Much You Can Start With
Your monthly saving potential: Around Rs. 18,000

Suggested SIP amount to start: Rs. 10,000–12,000

Keep Rs. 3,000–5,000 in RD for safety

Keep Rs. 2,000–3,000 in bank account for liquidity

This balances growth with safety and liquidity.

Suggested Allocation of SIPs
A balanced SIP plan suits your risk profile and income stage.

Core Equity Allocation (Large-cap and Flexi-cap funds)

50% of SIP in stable and low-risk equity funds

This ensures consistent growth with low volatility

Supporting Growth Allocation (Mid-cap and Multi-cap)

30% of SIP in growth-oriented funds

Slightly higher risk but better long-term growth

Conservative Allocation (Hybrid or Debt funds)

20% of SIP in low-risk hybrid or short-duration debt

This adds stability and safety

So, out of Rs. 12,000 SIP:

Rs. 6,000 in core equity

Rs. 3,600 in mid/multi-cap

Rs. 2,400 in hybrid/debt fund

Keep SIPs in Actively Managed Funds
Avoid index funds.

Index funds cannot beat the market.

They copy the index and hold even bad stocks.

Index funds do not protect during market falls.

You will get only average returns.

Actively managed funds select good quality stocks.
They can reduce downside and increase returns.
For a retail investor like you, they are better.

Direct vs Regular Funds – Be Cautious
Avoid direct mutual funds.

In direct funds, you invest without guidance

There is no MFD or Certified Financial Planner to help

You miss expert advice during corrections

You may stop or switch funds emotionally

Long-term success needs professional support

Invest through regular plans via an MFD with CFP credential.
That ensures hand-holding, reviews and expert rebalancing.

Emergency Fund First
Before you go all-in with SIPs:

Keep 4–5 months of expenses in liquid fund

This acts as your emergency cushion

You should not withdraw SIPs for urgent needs

So build a buffer of around Rs. 60,000–70,000 first

After this, go full-scale on your SIP plan.

Continue NPS for Retirement
You already contribute Rs. 3,500
Employer also contributes Rs. 3,500
That’s Rs. 7,000 per month in retirement savings
Do not touch this amount till 60 years

This builds a strong base for old age

When to Increase SIPs
Increase SIP every year with salary hike

Even Rs. 1,000 per year makes a big difference

SIP step-up helps beat inflation

Use bonus or incentive to make lumpsum in hybrid funds

Avoid investing bonus fully in RD or FD

Stay consistent with SIPs for long-term growth

Key Do’s and Don’ts
Do's:

Track SIPs every 6 months

Stay invested for at least 7–10 years

Top-up SIPs yearly

Use mobile apps to track portfolio

Consult Certified Financial Planner once a year

Don'ts:

Don’t invest in index funds

Don’t go for direct funds

Don’t stop SIPs during market fall

Don’t invest without goal

Don’t treat SIP like RD

SIPs need patience and vision.

Tax Consideration – Plan Smartly
Equity mutual funds LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt mutual funds taxed as per your income slab

Avoid selling before 3 years

Prefer SWP or staggered withdrawal during redemption phase

With a planned withdrawal, taxes can be optimised.

Insurance Check (Just in Case)
You didn’t mention insurance. But review this:

Have term life cover of at least Rs. 25–30 lakhs

It should be pure term, no returns policy

Premium should be less than 1% of income

Have health insurance, even if you are single

It protects your investments from medical costs

Only if you have LIC, ULIP or insurance-plus-investment plans, surrender and reinvest in mutual funds.

What to Do With RD in Future
You currently invest Rs. 11,000 in RD
That is very high compared to your income
Reduce it slowly to Rs. 3,000
Shift remaining amount into SIP

RD should be only for short-term needs

Suggested Goal-Based SIP Approach
Set goals before starting SIPs.

Emergency Fund:

Liquid fund or short-duration debt fund

Wealth Creation:

SIP in flexi-cap and multi-cap equity funds

Home Down Payment (after 8–10 years):

Balanced advantage fund + equity funds

Retirement (already partly through NPS):

Equity fund SIP + NPS

This gives you a 360-degree financial plan.

Finally
You are doing very well already.
You have savings habit and no loans.
You are ready to move from RD to SIP.
This is a big step towards wealth creation.
With Rs. 12,000 SIP, you can build good wealth in 15–20 years.
Avoid index and direct funds.
Stay with active funds via regular mode and get guidance.
Follow a disciplined path with goal clarity.
Review regularly and increase SIPs yearly.
Start small but grow steadily.
SIP is your key to financial freedom.

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 34 years old living with my Parents, my wife and 3 yr old Son, I have invested around 75L through various FDs and Post office schemes, currently having a house loan of 45L for which I am paying EMI 35000 and extra amount each month around 25000 for past two years, planning to start to invest in SIP by this year to plan my retirement when I reach 50 years of age Could anyone please guide me for this. Currently having monthly salary 70,000 in hand.
Ans: Crafting a Financial Plan for Retirement and Wealth Accumulation
Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
At 34, you've demonstrated prudent financial habits by investing in FDs and Post Office schemes, along with diligently repaying your housing loan through regular EMIs and additional payments. With a stable monthly salary of 70,000 and a family to support, it's wise to plan for your long-term financial security.

Prioritizing Retirement Planning
Starting SIPs for retirement planning is a commendable step towards securing your financial future. Aim to allocate a portion of your monthly income towards equity-oriented mutual funds through SIPs to harness the power of compounding over the long term.

Determining Retirement Corpus
Calculate your desired retirement corpus based on your lifestyle expenses, inflation, and retirement age target of 50. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to determine the appropriate corpus required to maintain your desired standard of living post-retirement.

Choosing Suitable Mutual Funds
Select a mix of equity mutual funds that align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Diversify your portfolio across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to balance risk and potential returns. Monitor fund performance regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Optimizing Debt Repayment
Continue making additional payments towards your housing loan to accelerate debt reduction and save on interest costs. Consider evaluating refinancing options or negotiating with your lender to lower your interest rate and shorten the loan tenure, if feasible.

Emergency Fund and Contingency Planning
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen circumstances or financial emergencies. Review your insurance coverage, including health, life, and property insurance, to protect your family's financial well-being.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. A CFP can provide personalized advice, recommend suitable investment strategies, and help you navigate complex financial decisions.

Conclusion
By prioritizing retirement planning, optimizing debt repayment, and building a robust financial safety net, you can achieve your long-term financial goals and secure a comfortable retirement for yourself and your family. Stay disciplined in your savings and investment approach, and seek professional guidance to maximize your wealth accumulation potential.

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 Jul 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am 46 , earning 3 lakhs per month Investment 50 thousands in sip. Goal of atleast 2 cr in 10 years, will increase SIP ANNUALLY.. CAN YOU GUIDE ME..
Ans: Achieving a Rs. 2 Crore Goal in 10 Years: Strategic SIP Planning
Current Investment Scenario
You are 46 years old and earn Rs. 3 lakhs per month. You invest Rs. 50,000 per month in a SIP. Your goal is to accumulate at least Rs. 2 crores in 10 years. You plan to increase the SIP amount annually.

Importance of SIP for Wealth Creation
SIP is a disciplined investment strategy. It helps in building wealth over time. Investing monthly reduces market timing risk. SIP benefits from rupee cost averaging. This ensures you buy more units when prices are low.

Choosing the Right Funds
Select funds with a good track record. Actively managed funds are recommended. They adjust portfolios based on market changes. This can lead to better returns compared to index funds. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help in fund selection.

Annual Increase in SIP
Increasing your SIP annually can significantly boost returns. Even a 10-15% annual increase can make a big difference. It ensures that your investment keeps pace with inflation and growing income.

Diversification for Risk Management
Diversify your SIP investments. Include large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This mix balances potential returns and risks. Diversification can protect against market volatility.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor your investments. Rebalance the portfolio to stay aligned with goals. Adjust based on market conditions. This ensures your portfolio remains on track.

Avoid Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem cost-effective. However, they lack professional guidance. Investing through a CFP ensures informed decisions. They provide valuable insights and help in fund selection.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Regular funds offer expert management. A CFP can guide on the best funds. They help in navigating market complexities. Regular funds ensure informed investment decisions.

Calculating Expected Returns
Assume an average annual return of 12-15% for equity funds. With a starting SIP of Rs. 50,000, increasing annually, you can achieve your goal. Regularly increasing the SIP amount enhances your corpus over time.

Risks and Considerations
Investing in mutual funds involves market risks. The value of your investment can fluctuate. Stay informed about market trends and fund performance. Regular reviews and adjustments are crucial. A CFP can assist in managing risks effectively.

Final Insights
Investing Rs. 50,000 per month in SIPs is a wise strategy. Choose actively managed funds with strong performance records. Plan to increase your SIP amount annually. Diversify your investments to manage risk. Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. Consulting a CFP can provide valuable guidance in fund selection and investment strategy. This approach will help you achieve your goal of Rs. 2 crores in 10 years.

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 Aug 02, 2024

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Money
Dear sir Now I am 37 years old working in banking sector my monthly salary is 45 k and my wife's take home is 20 k I have one personal loan emi around 24k already I am having SIP with 2.5 k every month now I need to plan for more how much I need to invest in SIP if I want to reach 30 L in next 5 years
Ans: Your Financial Picture
• Your monthly income: Rs. 45,000
• Your wife's monthly income: Rs. 20,000
• Total family income: Rs. 65,000
• Personal loan EMI: Rs. 24,000
• Current SIP: Rs. 2,500 per month

Your Goal

• Target amount: Rs. 30 lakhs
• Time frame: 5 years

Savings Potential

• After EMI, you have Rs. 41,000 left
• You're already investing Rs. 2,500 monthly
• There's room to increase your investments

Investment Strategy

To reach your goal, consider these steps:

• Increase your SIP amount
• Look at growth-oriented investment options
• Regularly review and adjust your plan

SIP Amount Needed

• You'll need to invest more to reach Rs. 30 lakhs
• A rough estimate is Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 monthly
• This assumes a yearly return of 12% to 15%

Increasing Your Investments

Here are some ways to boost your investment amount:

• Cut unnecessary expenses
• Use any salary hikes to increase SIP
• Invest bonuses or extra income
• Look for side income opportunities

Investment Options

For a 5-year goal, consider these options:

• Equity mutual funds for growth
• Balanced funds for moderate risk
• Debt funds for stability

Benefits of Regular Funds

• Professional management of your money
• Expert advice from certified financial planners
• Regular portfolio review and rebalancing
• Help in staying disciplined with investments

Risks to Consider

• Market volatility can affect short-term returns
• 5 years is a relatively short time for equity
• Your returns may vary from expectations

Regular Reviews

• Check your investments every 3-6 months
• Adjust your plan if needed
• Stay focused on your long-term goal

Protection First

• Ensure you have adequate life insurance
• Get a good health insurance policy
• Build an emergency fund of 3-6 months' expenses

Tax Planning

• Use tax-saving investment options wisely
• Don't invest only for tax benefits
• Look at overall returns and goal alignment

Finally

Your goal is ambitious but not impossible. Start increasing your investments right away. Stay disciplined and patient. Regular review and adjustments will help you reach your target.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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

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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

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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