Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 04, 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
Subrata Question by Subrata on Jun 03, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Sir, Are multi asset funds are good for short term( 2 to 3 years) investment.

Ans: Understanding Multi-Asset Funds for Short-Term Investments
Your question about multi-asset funds for short-term investments is very relevant. Let's explore whether they are suitable for a 2 to 3-year investment horizon.

What Are Multi-Asset Funds?
Multi-asset funds invest in a mix of asset classes. These can include equities, debt instruments, and sometimes gold or real estate. The aim is to diversify risk and provide balanced returns.

Advantages of Multi-Asset Funds
Diversification: They reduce risk by investing in different asset classes.

Balanced Returns: They aim to provide more stable returns compared to pure equity funds.

Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust the asset allocation based on market conditions.

Short-Term Investment Goals
Short-term investments typically aim for capital preservation with moderate returns. Liquidity and lower risk are important for short-term goals.

Assessing Multi-Asset Funds for Short-Term
Risk Assessment: Multi-asset funds can be volatile. While they reduce risk, they still hold equity exposure which can fluctuate in the short term.

Return Potential: They offer balanced returns, but not guaranteed. Equity exposure can impact returns based on market performance.

Comparing Alternatives
For short-term goals, consider these alternatives:

Debt Funds: These focus on fixed-income securities. They offer more stable returns with lower risk compared to multi-asset funds.

Liquid Funds: These invest in very short-term instruments. They provide high liquidity and low risk, suitable for short-term goals.

Fixed Deposits: Traditional fixed deposits offer guaranteed returns and capital safety. They are less flexible but very secure.

Recommendations for Short-Term Goals
1. Evaluate Risk Tolerance:
Assess your risk tolerance. If you are risk-averse, pure debt or liquid funds might be better.

2. Balance Risk and Return:
If you seek balanced risk and return, multi-asset funds can be considered. But understand the equity risk involved.

3. Liquidity Needs:
Ensure the fund you choose offers the liquidity you need. Short-term goals may require quick access to funds.

Conclusion
Multi-asset funds provide diversification and balanced returns. However, for a 2 to 3-year horizon, consider your risk tolerance and return expectations.

Evaluate alternatives like debt or liquid funds for more stability. Consult a certified financial planner for personalized advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - Jun 04, 2024 | Answered on Jun 04, 2024
Listen
THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR.
Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 30, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir I have invested in Icici prudemtial mutual funds Canara bank mutual fund Quant direct fund Above three are good for long term?
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to investing. You've chosen ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds, Canara Bank Mutual Funds, and Quant Direct Funds. Let's explore if these are good for the long term and how you can secure your financial future.

Your Current Investments
You've invested in:

ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds
Canara Bank Mutual Funds
Quant Direct Funds
Each has its strengths. Let’s dive deeper into how these funds can help you achieve long-term financial goals.

Understanding Your Investment Choices
ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds

ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds is one of India's leading fund houses. They offer various funds catering to different risk appetites and investment horizons. Here are some key benefits:

Expert Management

Experienced fund managers make informed investment decisions.

Diverse Options

They offer equity, debt, and hybrid funds, catering to various investor needs.

Strong Track Record

Many funds have delivered consistent performance over the years.

Canara Bank Mutual Funds

Canara Bank Mutual Funds is a reputed name in the mutual fund industry. Their funds are known for:

Stable Returns

Focus on generating stable returns with a moderate risk profile.

Balanced Approach

Offers balanced funds that invest in both equity and debt instruments.

Trusted Brand

Backed by Canara Bank, ensuring reliability and trust.

Quant Direct Funds

Quant Direct Funds is a newer player but has gained attention for its performance and innovative approach. Key highlights include:

High Performance

Some funds have shown strong performance in short periods.

Innovative Strategies

Uses unique strategies to capture market opportunities.

Focused Approach

Often have a concentrated portfolio, focusing on high-growth potential stocks.

Advantages and Risks
Equity Funds

Equity funds invest in stocks. They have high growth potential but come with higher risk. Suitable for long-term goals.

Debt Funds

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They offer stable returns with lower risk. Good for conservative investors.

Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds mix equity and debt, balancing risk and return. Ideal for moderate-risk investors seeking balanced growth.

Importance of Diversification
Why Diversify?

Diversification reduces risk. Investing in various asset classes ensures your portfolio is not overly dependent on one type of investment.

Risk Management

Different assets react differently to market conditions, balancing your portfolio.

Consistent Returns

A diversified portfolio can provide more stable returns over time.

Opportunities

Diversification captures growth opportunities in various sectors and markets.

Evaluating Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index Funds: Disadvantages

Limited Outperformance

Index funds aim to match, not beat, market performance. This limits potential gains.

Market Volatility

They mirror market movements. In downturns, they can suffer significant losses.

Lack of Flexibility

Index funds don’t adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds strive to outperform the market. They offer:

Professional Management

Fund managers make strategic decisions to optimize returns.

Flexibility

Can adapt to market changes, potentially enhancing returns.

Higher Potential

Aim to beat benchmark indices, providing higher returns.

Direct Funds: Disadvantages

No Advisor Support

Direct funds don’t involve intermediaries. You miss out on expert guidance.

Complex Decisions

Requires more research and understanding to select the right funds.

Limited Assistance

No professional to help with portfolio rebalancing or goal setting.

Benefits of Regular Funds

Expert Guidance

Investing through an MFD with a CFP ensures professional advice.

Convenience

Simplifies the investment process, saving you time and effort.

Ongoing Support

Continuous support for portfolio management and goal tracking.

Power of Compounding
Starting early maximizes compounding benefits. Reinvesting returns accelerates growth, helping your investments multiply over time.

Creating a Balanced Portfolio
Asset Allocation Strategy

Equity Allocation

Continue investing in equity funds for growth. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Debt Allocation

Add debt funds for stability. They reduce overall portfolio risk.

Hybrid Funds

Consider hybrid funds for a balanced risk-return profile.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Monitoring Investments

Regularly review your portfolio. Market conditions and personal goals change, so adjust your investments accordingly.

Rebalancing Portfolio

Rebalance your portfolio periodically. This ensures your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and goals.

Risk Management
Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This protects you from financial setbacks.

Insurance

Ensure adequate health and life insurance. This safeguards your financial security.

Tax Planning
Tax-Efficient Investments

Invest in tax-saving instruments to reduce your tax liability and maximize returns.

Strategic Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals to minimize tax impact. Use tax-advantaged accounts strategically.

Setting Long-Term Goals
Retirement Planning

Aim to build a substantial retirement corpus. Estimate your future expenses and plan accordingly.

Children’s Education

If you plan to have children, start saving for their education early. This can be part of your long-term financial goals.

Estate Planning
Will and Nomination

Prepare a will and ensure nominations are updated. This ensures smooth transfer of assets.

Trusts

Consider setting up trusts if needed. They provide greater control over asset distribution.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Consider working with a CFP. They offer expert advice and help optimize your investment strategy.

Better Fund Selection

CFPs have access to research and insights. They can recommend funds that suit your goals and risk profile.

Final Insights
Your current investments in ICICI Prudential, Canara Bank, and Quant Direct Funds are a solid foundation. However, diversify your portfolio further to enhance returns and reduce risk. Focus on a balanced asset allocation strategy, regular reviews, and rebalancing.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert guidance tailored to your goals. The power of compounding, combined with disciplined investments and strategic planning, will secure your financial future. Start early, stay disciplined, and make informed decisions.

Your future self will thank you for the efforts you put in today.

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 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi iam 29 years old Currently I'm investing 2.5k in Mirae assets emerging bluechip fund. 2k in ICICI prudential technology fund. 1.5k in axis small cap fund. 1k in quant small cap fund. 1k in quant infrastructure fund. Are those funds good for long-term like 20 years plz answer.
Ans: Current Investment Overview

At 29 years old, you have a well-diversified portfolio. Your investments include:

Rs 2,500 in an emerging bluechip fund

Rs 2,000 in a technology fund

Rs 1,500 in a small cap fund

Rs 1,000 in another small cap fund

Rs 1,000 in an infrastructure fund

Evaluation of Fund Selection

Emerging Bluechip Fund

Potential for Growth: This fund targets mid-cap and large-cap stocks. These offer substantial growth potential over the long term.

Risk Factor: It carries moderate to high risk, suitable for your long-term horizon.

Technology Fund

Sector Focus: This fund invests in the technology sector. Technology is a rapidly evolving sector with high growth potential.

Volatility: Sector funds are more volatile. Diversification within your portfolio helps manage this risk.

Small Cap Funds

High Growth Potential: Small cap funds can offer high returns. They invest in smaller companies with significant growth potential.

High Risk: These funds are high-risk due to market volatility. Holding for 20 years can help ride out market fluctuations.

Infrastructure Fund

Sector-Specific Growth: Infrastructure funds invest in infrastructure projects. This sector can benefit from government policies and economic growth.

Moderate to High Risk: Sector-specific funds can be volatile. Diversifying across sectors helps balance your portfolio.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Professional Management

Expertise: Actively managed funds are handled by experienced fund managers.

Research and Analysis: Fund managers conduct in-depth research to make informed investment decisions.

Flexibility

Dynamic Adjustments: Managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This can help mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities.

Regular Monitoring: Continuous monitoring ensures the portfolio aligns with market trends and investment goals.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Lack of Professional Guidance

Self-Management: Direct funds require you to manage your investments. This involves research, analysis, and regular monitoring.

Time-Consuming: Managing direct funds can be time-consuming. It requires a thorough understanding of market dynamics.

Risk of Errors

Potential for Mistakes: Without professional advice, there's a higher risk of making investment errors. This can affect your returns.

Missed Opportunities: Lack of expertise can lead to missed investment opportunities.

Recommendations for Long-Term Strategy

Maintain Diversification

Balanced Portfolio: Continue diversifying across different sectors and fund types. This reduces risk and enhances growth potential.

Regular Review: Review your portfolio periodically. Ensure it remains aligned with your long-term goals.

Increase SIP Amount Gradually

Boost Investments: Gradually increase your SIP amounts. This helps in building a substantial corpus over time.

Compounding Benefits: Higher investments benefit from compounding returns, accelerating your wealth growth.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner

Expert Advice: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals.

Holistic Approach: A CFP can offer a 360-degree financial solution, ensuring all aspects of your financial health are covered.

Final Insights

Your current investment strategy is solid for long-term growth. Diversify your portfolio, increase SIP amounts, and seek professional advice. This will ensure a secure and prosperous financial future.

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 Sep 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 11, 2025Hindi
Money
I am retired recently &:want to invest lum sum in hdfc balance advantage fund. ICICI prud. Multi asset fund & Noppon multi asset allocation fund about 15 lac recently it is advisable.
Ans: You have done well by thinking of investing after retirement instead of leaving funds idle. Protecting your savings and creating stable income is very important at this stage. Choosing diversified funds can be good, but selection and allocation need deeper thought. Retirement corpus must balance growth with safety.

» Importance of Asset Allocation After Retirement
– After retirement, capital protection becomes very important.
– You still need growth, as retirement may last 20–25 years.
– Asset allocation between equity, debt, and hybrid options is key.
– Equity gives growth, debt gives stability, hybrid balances both.
– Too much equity increases risk, too much debt reduces returns.
– Multi-asset and balanced advantage funds try to manage this balance.

» Role of Hybrid and Multi-Asset Funds
– Balanced advantage funds shift between equity and debt dynamically.
– They give smoother returns than pure equity.
– Multi-asset funds add gold or other assets for extra safety.
– These funds reduce impact of market volatility.
– Suitable for retirees looking for moderate growth and less stress.
– But returns will not be as high as pure equity funds.

» Lumpsum Investment Risks
– Putting Rs. 15 lakhs lumpsum in equity-oriented funds is risky.
– Market can be volatile in short term.
– If markets fall after entry, capital reduces temporarily.
– Retirees cannot afford large short-term losses.
– Safer approach is phased investment, not single lumpsum.
– Systematic transfer from liquid fund into hybrid funds is safer.

» Withdrawal Needs and Liquidity Planning
– Check if you need regular income from this Rs. 15 lakhs.
– If yes, avoid locking full money in market-linked funds.
– Keep at least 2–3 years of expenses in safer options.
– Emergency needs should come only from liquid assets, not volatile ones.
– Use hybrid funds mainly for growth of surplus money.

» Tax Efficiency Considerations
– Hybrid funds are taxed based on their equity allocation.
– If equity exposure is 65%+, they get equity taxation benefit.
– LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20% on such funds.
– Multi-asset funds with less equity may be taxed as per income slab.
– This makes tax efficiency an important factor in selection.

» Fund Overlap and Diversification
– You mentioned three funds of similar category.
– HDFC balanced advantage and Nippon multi-asset overlap in strategy.
– ICICI multi-asset is slightly different but still equity-oriented.
– Too many funds in same style reduce efficiency.
– Better to select fewer quality funds for clarity.
– Diversification should be across asset classes, not same category.

» Safer Allocation Suggestions
– Do not invest entire Rs. 15 lakhs in hybrid/multi-asset funds.
– Split corpus between three buckets.
– First bucket: 3–4 years of expenses in safe debt or bank options.
– Second bucket: hybrid funds for balanced growth.
– Third bucket: limited equity allocation for long-term growth.
– This structure gives both stability and inflation-beating growth.

» Managing Behavioural Risks
– Retirees often panic when markets fall.
– Hybrid funds reduce risk but cannot eliminate it.
– Accept that values may fluctuate, but stay invested.
– Review only yearly, not daily or monthly.
– Work with a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

» Why Not Index Funds or Direct Plans
– Index funds are fully market-linked with no downside protection.
– They are not suitable for retirees needing stability.
– Direct plans may look cheaper, but lack professional support.
– Regular plans with CFP ensure review and corrections when needed.
– This handholding protects you from wrong emotional decisions.

» Finally
Your decision to invest Rs. 15 lakhs after retirement must focus on both safety and growth. Balanced advantage and multi-asset funds can play a role, but investing entire corpus lumpsum in them is not advisable. Phased entry with proper allocation between safe and growth assets will protect your lifestyle and future needs. Simplify fund selection, keep emergency money liquid, and review yearly with a Certified Financial Planner. That way, your retirement years remain peaceful and financially secure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
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

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x