Hi sir very good morning. I have corpus of around one and half Cr, I am 65 yrs old wife age 57 with no any lability of children pls suggest how to get 1.25 lakh expense per month. No house rent but every year approx 3 lakh premium for health policy etc Thanks

Ans: Your current investments are well-diversified across various instruments. These include mutual funds (MF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension System (NPS), Fixed Deposits (FD), and National Savings Certificates (NSC). Additionally, you have significant investments in real estate through plots.

You and your wife both have substantial PPF and NPS investments, which is a good strategy for long-term savings and tax benefits. Your monthly expenses are Rs. 30,000, and you will need funds for your son's medical education from 2029 to 2034 and for your retirement.


Your diversified portfolio shows a good understanding of risk management. The regular contributions to NPS and PPF are commendable as they offer long-term benefits. Your investment discipline is evident from your systematic investment plans (SIPs) and regular savings.

Understanding Your Goals
Let's break down your financial goals into two primary categories:

Funding Your Son's Medical Education (2029-2034)

Retirement Planning

Funding Your Son's Medical Education
Your son's education is a short to medium-term goal. To meet this goal, you need to ensure liquidity and safety of principal.

Recommendations:

Continue Your SIPs: Keep your SIPs in mutual funds going. These will help accumulate a significant corpus over time.

Allocate a Separate Fund for Education: Consider creating a separate investment portfolio for your son's education. You could increase your SIP amount or start a new SIP specifically for this goal.

Invest in Debt Funds: Given the shorter time frame, consider debt mutual funds. They offer better returns than FDs and are more tax-efficient.

Recurring Deposits (RDs): RDs can also be considered for medium-term goals. They are safe and offer guaranteed returns.

Partial Withdrawal from PPF: Since your PPF accounts have substantial balances, you can consider partial withdrawals when required. PPF allows withdrawals after the 7th year.

Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is a long-term goal, and you need to ensure a steady income post-retirement.

Recommendations:

Increase SIP Contributions: If possible, increase your SIP contributions. Equity mutual funds are suitable for long-term goals due to their potential for higher returns.

Balanced Funds: Consider balanced or hybrid funds. These invest in both equity and debt instruments, providing a balance of growth and safety.

Review NPS Contributions: Your NPS contributions are excellent for retirement planning. Ensure that you and your wife continue contributing Rs. 5,000 monthly.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Post-retirement, use SWP from your mutual funds for regular income. SWPs provide a steady income stream and are tax-efficient.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical emergencies can significantly impact your savings.

Evaluation of Current Investments
Mutual Funds (MF):

Your MF investments are Rs. 2,000,000 and Rs. 500,000 respectively. Continue these investments and consider increasing your SIPs if possible.
PPF:

Your PPF values are Rs. 1,500,000 and Rs. 2,100,000. PPF is an excellent long-term investment. Avoid withdrawing unless necessary.
NPS:

Both you and your wife have Rs. 500,000 in NPS with monthly contributions of Rs. 5,000. This is a good strategy for retirement savings.
FDs and NSCs:

FDs (Rs. 2,000,000 and Rs. 500,000) and NSCs (Rs. 1,000,000) are safe but offer lower returns. Consider shifting a portion to higher-yielding instruments like debt mutual funds or balanced funds.
Real Estate:

Your three plots valued at Rs. 1 crore are a significant investment. Real estate is illiquid, so avoid relying on it for immediate needs.

We understand the importance of securing your son's future and ensuring a comfortable retirement. Your careful planning and disciplined approach are commendable. Balancing current expenses, future education costs, and retirement savings can be challenging. However, with a structured approach, you can achieve your goals.

Adjusting Your Portfolio
Increase Equity Exposure:

For long-term goals like retirement, increasing equity exposure is advisable. Equity has the potential for higher returns, which can significantly enhance your retirement corpus.
Debt Allocation:

For your son's education, focus more on debt instruments to ensure safety and liquidity. Debt mutual funds, RDs, and PPF withdrawals can be effective.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of your monthly expenses. This fund should be in liquid instruments like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds.
Regular Review and Rebalancing
It's crucial to regularly review your portfolio and make necessary adjustments. Market conditions, interest rates, and personal circumstances change over time. Regular reviews ensure that your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Rebalancing Strategy:

Review your asset allocation annually. If equity markets perform well, your equity allocation may exceed your target. In such cases, consider shifting some funds to debt instruments.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid Over-Reliance on Fixed Deposits:

While FDs are safe, their returns are often lower than inflation. Over-reliance on FDs can erode your purchasing power over time.
Diversify Within Mutual Funds:

Don't concentrate all your mutual fund investments in one category. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.
Avoid High-Cost Insurance Products:

Avoid insurance products with high premiums and low returns. Focus on pure term insurance for adequate coverage and invest the rest in mutual funds.
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your returns. Utilize all available tax-saving instruments.

PPF and NPS:

Both PPF and NPS provide tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD respectively. Maximize these contributions for tax savings.
Mutual Funds:

Equity mutual funds held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains tax at 10% for gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh.
Health Insurance:

Premiums paid for health insurance qualify for deductions under Section 80D.
Final Insights
Your disciplined approach to savings and investments is praiseworthy. By fine-tuning your portfolio and aligning it with your goals, you can ensure financial security for your family. Focus on increasing your equity exposure for long-term goals and maintaining liquidity for short-term needs. Regular reviews and rebalancing will keep your investments on track.

Planning for your son's education and your retirement simultaneously is challenging but achievable with a structured plan. Continue your disciplined investment approach, and you will be well-prepared for both.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You are 55 years old with Rs. 30 lakhs in your provident fund, Rs. 5 lakhs in PPF, and Rs. 2 lakhs in SIP investments. You also have a home and car loan totaling Rs. 20 lakhs. Your monthly salary is Rs. 1.10 lakhs, and you plan to retire in 5 years. You need Rs. 50,000 per month for expenses after retirement.

Strategy for Retirement Planning
Clearing Debts
Home and Car Loan:
Aim to clear these loans before retirement.
Use bonuses, increments, or surplus funds to pay down the principal.
Maximizing Savings
Provident Fund:

Continue contributions to maximize retirement corpus.
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

PPF is a safe investment with tax benefits.
Consider increasing contributions if possible.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):

Maintain or increase SIPs in mutual funds.
Choose funds with good track records for growth.
Investment Options for Retirement
Debt Mutual Funds
Safety and Regular Income:
Invest in debt mutual funds for steady returns.
Ideal for generating regular income with low risk.
Balanced Mutual Funds
Mix of Equity and Debt:
These funds offer growth with moderate risk.
Good for long-term investments and stable returns.
Creating a Retirement Corpus
Monthly Savings and Investments
Consistent Investing:
Save and invest a portion of your monthly salary.
Focus on increasing your retirement corpus.
Diversified Portfolio
Balance Risk and Return:
Diversify your investments across various asset classes.
Include a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds.
Generating Post-Retirement Income
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Regular Income:
Use SWPs from mutual funds for monthly income.
This provides a fixed amount regularly without depleting capital too quickly.
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
Steady Cash Flow:
Invest in MIPs for regular payouts.
These are suitable for generating a steady cash flow post-retirement.
Insurance and Health Cover
Adequate Coverage
Review Insurance:
Ensure your insurance coverage is adequate.
Personal insurance should cover major health expenses.
Health Insurance
Medical Expenses:
Maintain a comprehensive health insurance plan.
It will help manage medical costs post-retirement.
Final Insights
Clear Loans: Aim to pay off your home and car loans before retiring.
Increase Savings: Continue and increase your contributions to provident fund, PPF, and SIPs.
Diversify Investments: Invest in a mix of debt and balanced mutual funds.
Generate Income: Use SWPs and MIPs to generate a steady post-retirement income.
Review Insurance: Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage for unforeseen expenses.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It is good that you are planning for retirement in advance. Your financial situation is strong. You have a good retirement corpus, stable investments, and a well-earning spouse. Proper planning will help you sustain your lifestyle, meet future responsibilities, and manage risks.

Let us assess your financial position and create a structured plan.

Current Financial Position
You will receive Rs. 3 crore from your company at retirement.
Your mutual fund investments are worth Rs. 2 crore.
You have Rs. 20 lakh in PPF.
Your wife earns Rs. 60,000 per month.
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1.2 lakh.
You own a house, eliminating rental expenses.
You have Rs. 30 lakh mediclaim coverage.
Your future commitments include your daughter’s marriage and your son’s education.
A structured approach will help you meet all these needs efficiently.

Monthly Income Planning
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1.2 lakh. Your wife’s salary covers Rs. 60,000. You need an additional Rs. 60,000 per month from investments.

You should not withdraw directly from mutual funds. Instead, create a withdrawal strategy.
A mix of fixed deposits, debt funds, and balanced hybrid funds can help generate stable returns.
Avoid keeping too much in savings accounts or low-return FDs.
Keep at least 12 months’ expenses in liquid form for emergencies.
You should create a mix of stable and growth-oriented investments for a long retirement.

Emergency Fund Management
An emergency fund ensures financial stability during unexpected situations.

Maintain at least Rs. 15-20 lakh as an emergency fund.
Keep a mix of liquid funds, sweep-in FDs, and cash in savings accounts.
This ensures quick access to funds in case of medical emergencies or unforeseen expenses.
Emergency planning is essential for financial security.

Investment Strategy for Retirement
Your investments should balance stability and growth.

Debt Allocation: Keep 40-50% of your corpus in safer instruments like debt funds, corporate bonds, and FDs. This provides stability and regular income.
Equity Allocation: Allocate 30-40% to equity mutual funds. This ensures long-term capital appreciation.
Hybrid Funds: Invest in balanced hybrid funds to manage risk and returns effectively.
Senior Citizen Schemes: Consider SCSS and RBI Floating Rate Bonds for fixed returns.
A well-balanced portfolio will ensure financial security and growth.

Managing Tax Liability
Tax planning is important to reduce tax burden.

Spread withdrawals over multiple financial years to avoid high tax brackets.
Use tax-efficient instruments like debt funds with indexation benefits.
Invest in senior citizen savings schemes that provide tax benefits.
Keep equity investments for long-term tax efficiency.
Proper tax planning will maximise your post-tax income.

Daughter’s Marriage Planning
Marriage expenses can be high. A focused investment approach will help.

Estimate an approximate cost and set aside funds accordingly.
Use a mix of debt and equity funds for growth and stability.
Invest in long-term debt funds for tax efficiency.
Avoid withdrawing from core retirement corpus.
Dedicated planning will ensure smooth execution of this goal.

Son’s Education Planning
Higher education costs are increasing. A structured investment strategy will help.

Determine the timeline and estimated cost.
Use a mix of education-focused mutual funds and debt instruments.
Consider systematic withdrawal plans for meeting expenses.
Ensure funds are readily available when required.
Proper planning will prevent financial strain in the future.

Healthcare and Insurance Planning
You have Rs. 30 lakh mediclaim, which is good. However, some additional steps are necessary.

Ensure that your policy covers major illnesses and hospitalisation expenses.
Consider top-up or super top-up plans for additional coverage.
Keep a separate health fund for non-insurance medical costs.
Update nominee details in all policies and investments.
Good health planning will safeguard your financial stability.

Estate and Succession Planning
Proper estate planning ensures smooth transfer of assets.

Draft a legally valid will to avoid future disputes.
Nominate beneficiaries in all investments, bank accounts, and insurance policies.
Consider setting up a trust if required for better asset management.
Discuss the succession plan with your family to avoid confusion later.
Systematic estate planning will provide peace of mind.

Investment Portfolio Simplification
Your mutual fund portfolio should be well-structured.

Avoid overlapping funds in the same category.
Retain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for growth.
Invest in hybrid funds for stability.
Review and rebalance the portfolio annually.
A well-diversified portfolio will ensure sustained growth.

Final Insights
You are in a strong financial position. With the right planning, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement while fulfilling your commitments.

Ensure a steady monthly income from investments.
Keep an adequate emergency fund for financial security.
Plan separately for daughter’s marriage and son’s education.
Maintain tax-efficient withdrawals to reduce tax burden.
Simplify your mutual fund portfolio for better returns.
Have a well-documented estate plan for smooth wealth transfer.
A structured financial plan will ensure that you meet all your goals without financial stress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

Ans: You are 49 now, with monthly expenses of Rs. 1.65 lakh. You have no children's or parents' liabilities. You plan to retire in one year. Also, you and your wife are well-covered by a Rs. 75 lakh Mediclaim policy.

That’s a strong and admirable starting point. Let us now assess your retirement readiness. We will consider inflation, lifestyle, and long-term wealth management.

Let us start with the key areas you must evaluate before retirement.

Monthly Expenses and Lifestyle Assessment
Your current monthly expenses are Rs. 1,65,000. That is Rs. 19.8 lakh a year.

This includes only you and your wife. That simplifies planning.

It seems your lifestyle is stable and well-managed.

As inflation rises, your expenses will rise each year.

With average inflation of 6%, costs double in 12 years.

So, your Rs. 1.65 lakh today can become about Rs. 3.3 lakh per month in 12 years.

You must plan for these higher costs in future years.

Retirement corpus should grow steadily and beat inflation.

That way, your wealth can support you for 25+ years.

Evaluating Retirement Duration
You are retiring at 50. We will plan till 75 years.

But people are living longer now. Life expectancy is increasing.

So, it is better to plan till 85 or 90 years.

That means your money must last for 35 to 40 years.

But your question is for 25 years. Let us assess for 25 first.

Later, we will share how to stretch this for longer, if needed.

How Much Corpus Is Needed?
You will need income for 300 months (25 years × 12 months).

Each year, expenses will rise due to inflation.

So, in early years you may spend less.

But in later years, your expenses will be much more.

Your corpus must grow and give monthly income.

At the same time, the principal must not fall quickly.

A safe starting estimate: You will need around Rs. 8 to 10 crores.

This is to cover 25 years with rising expenses.

This estimate assumes post-retirement returns of 10% to 11%.

It also assumes inflation at 6% per year.

The more return your investments earn, the less corpus you need.

The less return, the more corpus you need.

Corpus must be invested smartly to earn and grow.

We will now see how to manage this corpus efficiently.

Key Factors That Affect Your Retirement Plan
Inflation: Your biggest hidden enemy. It silently eats wealth.

Longevity: If you live longer, you need more money.

Medical Expenses: You have good Mediclaim cover. That is great.

Unexpected Costs: Home repair, travel, or emergencies may arise.

Return on Investments: You must beat inflation every year.

Tax Efficiency: Returns must be tax-optimized.

Withdrawal Plan: Monthly withdrawal must be well structured.

Ideal Investment Strategy for Retirement
Your goal is simple: monthly income of Rs. 1.65 lakh, rising with inflation.

At the same time, principal must stay intact or reduce slowly.

Here is the strategy:

Invest the full retirement corpus in mutual funds.

Choose a mix of equity and hybrid funds.

Start with a 60:40 ratio. 60% equity, 40% debt/hybrid.

This gives growth and stability.

Every year, rebalance the portfolio.

If equity grows fast, shift some to hybrid for safety.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for monthly income.

Withdraw only what you need. Let the rest grow.

Avoid fixed deposits for full corpus. They do not beat inflation.

Keep only 6 to 9 months of expenses in FDs or liquid funds.

That acts as an emergency buffer.

You should invest through a Certified Financial Planner.

A CFP will help you create a strong plan.

They can also handle taxes, rebalancing, and fund review.

Why You Should Avoid Index Funds
Index funds follow the market blindly.

They invest in every stock, good or bad.

No fund manager takes active decisions.

During market fall, they fall fully.

They cannot protect your money in crisis.

They do not outperform consistently.

In retirement, you cannot afford sudden deep losses.

You need actively managed funds.

These funds are managed by experts.

They aim to protect during fall and grow during rise.

That is safer for long-term retired life.

Why You Should Avoid Annuities
Annuities give fixed income for life.

But they are not inflation protected.

If you get Rs. 1 lakh today, it stays Rs. 1 lakh forever.

After 10 years, that has much less value.

They also offer very low returns.

Most annuities lock your money permanently.

There is little flexibility and no liquidity.

You cannot exit midway if your needs change.

That is not ideal for someone in your situation.

You need a growing income, not fixed.

SWP from mutual funds is better than annuities.

Why You Should Avoid Real Estate
Real estate needs large one-time investment.

It has poor liquidity. You cannot sell fast.

Maintenance cost is high.

Rental income is often low and irregular.

Property disputes are common.

In retirement, you need easy-to-manage assets.

Real estate is not ideal for retirees.

Tax Planning for Retirement
SWP from equity mutual funds is taxed.

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh yearly are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt fund withdrawals are taxed as per your tax slab.

With right planning, you can reduce tax.

You can stagger withdrawals to stay under limit.

Keep long-term view for most equity funds.

Let them grow for at least 3 to 5 years before major withdrawals.

A Certified Financial Planner will guide your tax planning.

Annual Review of Retirement Plan
Every year, review your expenses.

Match your SWP amount with your needs.

If inflation rises faster, adjust SWP upward.

Rebalance portfolio to maintain equity and debt mix.

Track returns of each fund regularly.

Remove underperformers after 2-3 years.

Add new funds with good consistency.

Review Mediclaim and emergency fund each year.

Make a will or estate plan.

Ensure all documents are updated and in order.

Other Key Tips for Retired Life
Don’t give large loans to friends or relatives.

Avoid co-signing loans for anyone.

Keep your lifestyle simple and meaningful.

Spend more on health and wellness.

Invest time in hobbies and charity.

Keep your money safe from online fraud.

Don’t chase high return risky investments.

Always discuss big financial decisions with your wife.

If needed, involve your Certified Financial Planner for support.

What If You Live Beyond 25 Years?
Your current plan is for 25 years.

But you may live till 85 or 90.

So your corpus must grow even after withdrawals.

Let at least 40% of your corpus stay in equity.

Equity gives long-term inflation beating returns.

If your corpus allows, reduce SWP amount after 75.

Or maintain same SWP, but reduce expenses.

This will help your corpus last longer.

Review the corpus regularly post 75 years of age.

Final Insights
You are well prepared for retirement at 50.

Rs. 1.65 lakh monthly expenses are realistic.

But inflation must be planned seriously.

You will need about Rs. 8 to 10 crore corpus.

Invest in equity and hybrid mutual funds.

Use SWP for monthly income.

Avoid index funds, annuities, and real estate.

Keep liquidity for emergencies.

Review portfolio and expenses yearly.

Involve a Certified Financial Planner for full planning support.

Your focus now should be wealth preservation and moderate growth.

This is a golden phase of life. Plan it smartly.

You deserve peace, dignity, and freedom in retirement.

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