My monthly salary is 8 lakhs, but my work time in a year is not fixed. Sometimes i work 8 months a year sometimes 6 months. I have NRE account. Due to uncertain work nature. I always had doubt to keep some funds standy in account. Due to this fear...

My monthly salary is 8 lakhs, but my work time in a year is not fixed. Sometimes i work 8 months a year sometimes 6 months. I have NRE account. Due to uncertain work nature. I always had doubt to keep some funds standy in account. Due to this fear i never invested . Recently started SIP of about 50k. Please advise what to do. Or what more options i have. I was also thinking to buy a flat to later rent out. Or buy a land for future sale out.. i am confused for my life.

Ans: I understand your concerns about the uncertain nature of your work and the impact it may have on your financial stability. It's commendable that you've taken the step to start SIPs despite these challenges.
It's natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with decisions about investments, especially when considering factors like fluctuating income and future financial security. As a Certified Financial Planner, I'm here to offer guidance and support as you navigate through these choices.
Instead of letting fear hold you back, consider taking a balanced approach to investing:
• Emergency Fund: Given the irregularity of your income, it's essential to maintain a sufficient emergency fund in your NRE account to cover living expenses during lean months. This provides a safety net and peace of mind.
• Diversified Investments: Explore investment options beyond traditional avenues like real estate. Consider a diversified portfolio of mutual funds or other investment vehicles that offer liquidity and flexibility to accommodate your variable income.
• Professional Advice: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a personalized financial plan tailored to your unique situation. They can help you assess your risk tolerance, set realistic goals, and create a roadmap for achieving financial stability and growth.
• Avoid Hasty Decisions: While buying property may seem appealing, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Real estate investments come with their own set of challenges and may not always align with your financial goals or risk profile.
Remember, uncertainty is a part of life, but with careful planning and informed decision-making, you can navigate through it successfully. Don't hesitate to seek support from professionals who can provide guidance and clarity along the way.

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

Asked on - May 09, 2024 | Answered on May 09, 2024

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Thank you sir

Ans: Welcome :)

Ans: I understand your concerns. Let's assess your situation comprehensively and devise a plan to secure your future.

Current Financial Snapshot
You have a strong income of Rs. 2.2 lakh per month, but your expenses are high. You have significant assets in real estate but limited liquidity. This imbalance needs addressing to ensure financial security.

Real Estate Assets
Real estate forms a major part of your portfolio. You own three houses, one of which is under construction. These properties are valued at approximately:

Primary residence: Rs. 4 to 4.5 crore
Under-construction property: Rs. 1.5 crore (expected to be Rs. 2 crore post-completion)
Third property: Rs. 40 lakh
These properties are non-income generating, leading to liquidity issues.

Existing Liabilities
You have ongoing EMIs:

Home Loan: Rs. 80,000 per month
Personal Loan: Rs. 24,000 per month
Gold Loan: Rs. 5,000 per month
These loans total Rs. 1.09 lakh per month, contributing to your financial strain.

Lack of Emergency Fund and Insurance
You lack an emergency fund, which is crucial for unexpected expenses. Your only insurance is through your company, with health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh. This is insufficient for a family of four.

Proposed Solution: Selling Real Estate
Selling your primary residence, valued at Rs. 4 to 4.5 crore, can significantly improve your financial situation. Here’s how:

Reduce Debt: Use a portion of the sale proceeds to clear your existing loans. This will free up Rs. 1.09 lakh per month.

Create an Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 10-15 lakh in a high-interest savings account or liquid mutual funds for emergencies.

Insurance: Purchase adequate health insurance (at least Rs. 20 lakh) and a term life insurance policy.

Invest in Equity: Diversify your investments to include mutual funds for long-term growth.

Diversifying into Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can offer higher returns than traditional savings. Let’s explore different categories and their benefits.

Equity Mutual Funds
These funds invest in stocks and have the potential for high returns. Suitable for long-term goals like your daughters' education, marriages, and your retirement. Types include:

Large-Cap Funds: Invest in large, established companies. They are less volatile and provide steady growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: Invest in medium-sized companies. They offer higher growth potential but come with moderate risk.

Small-Cap Funds: Invest in smaller companies. These have the highest growth potential but also higher risk.

Multi-Cap Funds: Invest across companies of different sizes. They offer a balance of risk and return.

Debt Mutual Funds
These funds invest in bonds and other debt instruments. They provide stable returns with lower risk. Suitable for short to medium-term goals and emergency funds.

Liquid Funds: Ideal for emergency funds due to their high liquidity.

Short-Term Debt Funds: Suitable for short-term goals (1-3 years) with moderate returns and low risk.

Corporate Bond Funds: Invest in high-rated corporate bonds, providing better returns than traditional savings.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spread your investments across different sectors, reducing risk.

Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers, ensuring better returns.

Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell, providing quick access to funds.

Compounding: Reinvesting returns helps grow your wealth exponentially over time.

Flexibility: Choose from a variety of funds based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Addressing Expenses
Budgeting: Create a detailed budget to track and control your expenses. Identify areas to cut unnecessary spending.

Emergency Fund: Prioritize building a robust emergency fund to handle unforeseen expenses without disrupting your investments.

Insurance: Ensure adequate health and life insurance to protect your family’s financial future.

Education and Marriage of Daughters
Invest in equity mutual funds to grow your wealth for your daughters' education and marriages. Consider starting systematic investment plans (SIPs) for consistent investments.

Education: Focus on large-cap and multi-cap funds for stable growth over the next 3-5 years.

Marriage: Allocate a portion to mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher growth over the next 10-15 years.

Retirement Planning
Retirement planning should start immediately. Invest in a mix of equity and debt funds to build a retirement corpus.

Equity Funds: Allocate a significant portion to large-cap and multi-cap funds for long-term growth.

Debt Funds: Invest in short-term debt funds and corporate bond funds for stability and regular income.

Avoiding Index Funds
Index funds mimic market indices. They provide average returns and lack active management. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds through skilled management, offering better returns.

Regular vs. Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios but require active management. Regular funds, managed by certified financial planners, offer expert guidance and better decision-making, essential for achieving your goals.

Steps to Implement the Plan
Sell the Primary Residence: Use the proceeds to pay off debts, create an emergency fund, and invest.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: For personalized advice and to select the right mutual funds.

Start SIPs: In equity and debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Insurance: Purchase adequate health and life insurance to safeguard your family’s future.

Track and Adjust: Regularly review your investments and adjust based on market conditions and life changes.

Final Insights
Your current financial situation, with high expenses and low liquidity, is unsustainable. By selling one property and diversifying into mutual funds, you can secure your financial future. Focus on reducing debt, creating an emergency fund, and investing in a mix of equity and debt funds. Seek guidance from a certified financial planner to tailor the plan to your specific needs and goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in