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

Moneywize   | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

MoneyWize helps you make smart investment choices.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

I have a mutual fund corpus of Rs 30 lakh. I am looking to buy a 1 bhk apartment in suburban Mumbai for Rs 1.2 crore. My wife too will be contributing Rs 40 lakh. Shall I go for a home loan or take loan from family and friends to make up for the remaining Rs 50 lakh? Our monthly in-hand salary is Rs 1,80,000 approximately after deducting for all the expenses and taxes.

Ans: Here's a breakdown to help you decide between a home loan and borrowing from family/friends:

1. Taking a home loan:

• Loan feasibility: With a combined monthly income of Rs 1.8 lakh, you can comfortably afford an EMI of around Rs 50,000- Rs 60,000 (assuming a 20-year loan tenure and interest rate around 8%). This would be sufficient to cover the Rs 50 lakh loan you require. You can use an EMI calculator on many bank websites to get a more precise idea.
• Benefits: There are tax benefits associated with home loans. You can deduct the interest paid on the home loan from your taxable income, which can bring down your tax liability. Additionally, owning a property appreciates in value over time.
• Drawbacks: Home loans come with processing fees and other charges. There can also be prepayment penalties if you choose to close the loan before the tenure ends.

2. Borrowing from family/friends:

• Benefits: You might be able to negotiate a lower interest rate compared to a bank loan. There's also more flexibility in terms of repayment schedules.
• Drawbacks: Borrowing from friends or family can strain relationships if there are delays in repayment or disagreements over terms. Make sure to have a written agreement outlining the interest rate, repayment schedule, and other important details.

3. Considering your situation:

• The EMI for Rs 50 lakh loan seems manageable based on your income.
• Home loan interest rates are currently around 8%, which might be lower than the interest rate you would be charged by friends or family.
• Tax benefits on home loans can give you additional savings.

4. Recommendation:

Given your financial situation, taking a home loan seems like a viable option. However, it's always good to compare interest rates and terms offered by different lenders before finalising a deal.

You can also talk to your family and friends to see if they are willing to offer you a loan at a competitive rate.

5. Here are some additional things to consider:

• Stability of income: Make sure your job is stable enough to ensure timely EMI payments.
• Down payment: A larger down payment will bring down the loan amount and your EMI burden.
• Future expenses: Factor in other expenses associated with property ownership such as maintenance, property taxes, etc.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to take a home loan or borrow from family/friends depends on your individual circumstances and comfort level.
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  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello I am pretty confused with what choice is correct. I am 23 yrs old and want to invest all my salary left at month end in mutual funds ( ICICI prudential, s&p500 ..) and want to grow my wealth in long run( 8-10 yrs). But my family has a house loan where monthly interest rate is around 18k ( loan ~35L). So what should I do whether to stop putting money in mutual funds and just clear the loan with salary left behind or do a split of 50-50 for mutual fund and house loan?
Ans: As a 23-year-old with a keen interest in building long-term wealth through mutual fund investments, it's essential to navigate your financial decisions with prudence and foresight, especially considering the existing house loan obligation. Let's explore the optimal approach to balancing your investment aspirations with the responsibility of loan repayment.

Understanding Your Financial Landscape
Your desire to invest in mutual funds, particularly in vehicles like ICICI Prudential and S&P 500, reflects a strategic intent to harness the potential of equity markets for long-term wealth accumulation. However, the presence of a substantial house loan, with a monthly interest commitment of ?18,000, necessitates a careful evaluation of your financial priorities.

Assessing the Impact of Loan Repayment on Financial Goals
Servicing the house loan entails a significant financial commitment, potentially impacting your disposable income available for mutual fund investments. It's crucial to weigh the opportunity cost of allocating funds towards loan repayment against the potential returns from equity investments over the long run.

Evaluating the Options: Mutual Fund Investments vs. Loan Repayment
Prioritizing Loan Repayment: Directing the entirety of your surplus income towards clearing the house loan can expedite debt elimination and alleviate financial burdens in the long term. By reducing interest outflows, you pave the way for enhanced financial flexibility and stability, albeit at the expense of delaying mutual fund investments.

Balancing Investments and Loan Repayment: Adopting a balanced approach by allocating a portion of your surplus income towards mutual fund investments while concurrently servicing the house loan allows you to strike a harmony between wealth accumulation and debt reduction. This strategy enables you to capitalize on market opportunities while fulfilling your loan obligations responsibly.

Crafting a Personalized Financial Plan
To determine the most suitable course of action, it's imperative to assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and long-term financial objectives comprehensively. Engaging in a detailed financial planning exercise, either independently or with the guidance of a certified financial planner, can aid in formulating a tailored strategy aligned with your aspirations and constraints.

Conclusion: Charting a Path to Financial Empowerment
In conclusion, the decision to prioritize mutual fund investments or house loan repayment hinges on a nuanced evaluation of your financial circumstances and objectives. Whether you opt for debt clearance or pursue a balanced approach, it's essential to remain cognizant of the trade-offs involved and strive for a harmonious integration of both strategies to achieve long-term financial empowerment.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 05, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi Sir, I have a housing loan of 56 lakhs. I pay monthly emi of 84,000 and interest rate is 9%. I have 7 yrs more to close the loan. Montly I can save upto 50k from my salary. Now, should I invest this 50k in mutual funds or should I partly repay my loan amount.Please advise,
Ans: You have a Rs. 56 lakh home loan. Your EMI is Rs. 84,000 per month. The interest rate is 9%. You have 7 years left to repay the loan.

You can save Rs. 50,000 per month. Should you invest it or prepay your loan?

Let’s analyse both options.

Benefits of Prepaying Your Home Loan
Home loan interest is a long-term financial burden.

Prepaying reduces the total interest paid over time.

Your EMI will remain the same, but the tenure will reduce.

This brings financial relief by closing the loan earlier.

Prepaying a 9% loan is like getting a guaranteed 9% return.

There is no market risk in loan repayment.

You get peace of mind by reducing your debt faster.

If the interest rate increases in the future, prepayment will help.

Less interest means better cash flow in later years.

Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns than the loan interest.

Long-term investments in equity can generate 12% to 15% returns.

Investing helps build wealth while repaying the loan.

SIPs allow disciplined investing even with a loan.

Market-linked returns can outgrow the cost of the loan.

Tax efficiency is better with long-term equity investments.

Liquidity is available in mutual funds if needed.

Your money works for you instead of sitting idle.

You get inflation-beating growth over time.

Which Approach is More Tax Efficient?
Home loan interest gives a tax deduction under Section 24(b).

If self-occupied, you get up to Rs. 2 lakh deduction per year.

If rented out, the entire interest is deductible.

Prepaying reduces tax benefits as the interest component lowers.

Equity mutual funds have tax-efficient long-term gains.

Debt mutual funds offer indexation benefits for long-term holding.

The tax angle favours a balanced approach between prepaying and investing.

Risk and Liquidity Considerations
Loan prepayment is risk-free, while mutual funds have market risks.

Mutual fund investments can fluctuate in value.

If markets fall, your investment may be lower than the loan interest saved.

Liquidity is an advantage with mutual funds.

Emergency needs can be handled better with investments.

Loan prepayment locks your money, reducing flexibility.

A Balanced Strategy for Better Financial Growth
Instead of choosing one option, a mix of both is better.

Allocate part of your Rs. 50,000 towards prepayment.

The remaining amount can be invested in mutual funds.

Prepaying some portion reduces interest while keeping investments growing.

This balances risk, liquidity, and tax efficiency.

As your income grows, you can increase prepayment or investments.

Finally
Prepaying fully may save interest but limits liquidity.

Investing fully may generate better returns but comes with market risk.

A mix of prepayment and investing offers financial security and growth.

The right proportion depends on your risk appetite and future plans.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide based on your specific situation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2025
Money
My friend has invested 13lakhs in mutual fund and its current worth is 19 lakhs now. He is planning to buy a apartment now worth 55 lakhs by selling all mutual funds and pay remaining by home loan. His current salary is 70k and his wife earns 40k and they have a girl child 3 month old now. He is 28year old now. Please advise if this is a good idea?
Ans: He has shown good discipline by investing Rs. 13 lakh in mutual funds, now valued at Rs. 19 lakh. However, using the entire mutual fund corpus to buy a Rs. 55 lakh apartment may not be the best decision. Let’s explore this further.

Current Financial Snapshot
Combined monthly income: Rs. 1.10 lakh

Mutual fund corpus: Rs. 19 lakh (initial investment: Rs. 13 lakh)

Proposed apartment cost: Rs. 55 lakh

Proposed home loan: Rs. 36 lakh

Dependent: 3-month-old daughter

Assessing the Home Loan Affordability
With a combined income of Rs. 1.10 lakh, a Rs. 36 lakh loan over 20 years would result in an EMI of approximately Rs. 30,000.

This EMI would consume about 27% of their monthly income, which is within the generally recommended limit of 30-40%.

Evaluating the Decision to Liquidate Mutual Funds
Selling the entire mutual fund corpus would eliminate their emergency fund and long-term investment growth potential.

They would also incur a long-term capital gains tax of 12.5% on gains exceeding Rs. 1.25 lakh.

Alternative Strategies
Partial Liquidation: Consider selling a portion of the mutual funds to reduce the loan amount, while retaining some investments for future growth and emergencies.

Emergency Fund: Maintain at least 6 months' worth of expenses in a liquid form to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Child's Future: Start a separate investment plan for the child's education and other future needs.

Final Insights
While purchasing a home is a significant milestone, it's essential to balance this with financial stability.

Retaining some mutual fund investments can provide financial security and growth.

It's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a plan that aligns with their financial goals and responsibilities.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |423 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 12, 2025

Money
Dear Sir, I am 60 yrs and just superannuated. I have no pension and the spread of corpus is as follows; - MF & Shares portfolio value is around 1 Cr. SWP of 40000/month initiated. But SIP of 20000/month is also on for next six months - FDs in bank is around 3. Cr and are in Quarterly pay-out interest - PPF of 20 Lac - RBI Bond of 16 lac half yearly interest pay out - PF 90 Lac not withdrawn so far as I can extend this with 1 yr. - Few SA pension 63000 per year Please do suggest if the above can give me expenses to meet 2.5 Lac/m for next 20 yrs Best regards,
Ans: Hi Deepa,

Overall your total networth is 5 crores (including PF, FD, MF, binds etc.) - we will break it into 4 crores (which can be used to fund your retirement) and 1 crore for emergencies.
If invested correctly, this 4 crores can fund you for 20 years and not more than that. You need to invest 4 crores so that they fetch you around 11-12% XIRR to fund your monthly expenses. Also withdraw your PF, liquidate 2 crores from FD and reinvest entirely.

Take the help of a professional who will design your portfolio keeping in mind your monthly requirements for the next 20 years.

Hence please consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |423 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 08, 2025Hindi
Money
I am doing 2Lkh monthly SIP as following: 1. Parag Parikh flexi - 50K 2. Tata Small cap - 50K 3. Invesco India Small cap - 50K 4. Quant Mid cap - 20K 5. HDFC Index - 10K 6. Tata Nifty Midcap 150 momentum 50 index - 10K 7. Edelweiss US Tech FOF - 10K My wife is running 30K monthly SIP, 6K in each 1. Quant Small cap 2. Quant Flexi cap 3. Kotak Multi cap 4. JioBlackrock Nifty 50 index 5. JioBlackrock Flexi cap My dad also invest 30K in SIP monthly, 6K in each 1. Parag Parikh flexi 2. Axis small cap 3. Kotak flexi cap 4. Edelweiss mid cap 5. Tata nifty midcap 150 momentum 50 I am investing for retirement with 15 year horizon. Whereas my wife is investing for my daughter’s education and marriage - she is targeting to invest for 17 years (and keep invested till our daughter marriage). My father is 70 and has 15 year investment horizon - to pass on as a gift to his grandkids. Please evaluate the investment strategy.
Ans: Hi,

It is a very good habit and strategy to align your investments with your goals. You, your wife and your father are on the right track. However the funds you described are not in alignment with your goals and highly overlapped one.
It is always better to take the help of a professional when it comes to money.
A single mistake can break your portfolio. Please do work with a dedicated professional to correct your strategy.

Do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 56 yrs old with two sons, both married and settled. They are living on their own and managing their finances. I have around 2.5 Cr. invested in Direct Equity and 50L in Equity Mutual Funds. I have Another 50L savings in Bank and other secured investments. I am living in Delhi NCR in my owned parental house. I have two properties of current market worth of 2 Cr, giving a monthly rental of around 40K. I wish to retire and travel the world now with my wife. My approximate yearly expenditure on house hold and travel will be around 24 L per year. I want to know, if this corpus is enough for me to retire now and continue to live a comfortable life.
Ans: You have built a strong base. You have raised your sons well. They live independently. You and your wife now want a peaceful and enjoyable retired life. You have created wealth with discipline. You have no home loan. You live in your own house. This gives strength to your cash flow. Your savings across equity, mutual funds, and bank deposits show good clarity. I appreciate your careful preparation. You deserve a happy retired life with travel and comfort.

» Your Present Position
Your current financial position looks very steady. You hold direct equity of around Rs 2.5 Cr. You hold equity mutual funds worth Rs 50 lakh. You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits and other secured savings. Your two rental properties add more comfort. You earn around Rs 40,000 per month from rent. You also live in your owned house in Delhi NCR. So you have no rent expense.

Your total net worth crosses Rs 5.5 Cr easily. This gives you a strong base for your retired life. You plan to spend around Rs 24 lakh per year for all expenses, including travel. This is reasonable for your lifestyle. Your savings can support this if planned well. You have built more than the minimum needed for a comfortable retired life.

» Your Key Strengths
You already enjoy many strengths. These strengths hold your plan together.

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

You have strong liquidity with Rs 50 lakh in bank and secured savings.

These strengths reduce risk. They support a smooth retired life with less stress. They also help you handle inflation and medical costs better.

» Your Cash Flow Needs
Your yearly expense is around Rs 24 lakh. This includes travel, which is your main dream for retired life. A couple at your stage can keep this lifestyle if the cash flow is planned well. You need cash flow clarity for the next 30 years. Retirement at 56 can extend for three decades. So your wealth must support you for a long period.

Your rental income gives you around Rs 4.8 lakh per year. This covers almost 20% of your yearly spending. This reduces pressure on your investments. The rest can come from a planned withdrawal strategy from your financial assets.

You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits. This acts as liquidity buffer. You can use this buffer for short-term and medium-term needs. You also have equity exposure. This can support long-term growth.

» Risk Capacity and Risk Need
Your risk capacity is moderate to high. This is because:

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

Your risk need is also moderate. You need growth because inflation will rise. Travel costs will rise. Medical costs will increase. Your lifestyle will change with age. Your equity portion helps you beat inflation. But your equity exposure must be managed well. You should avoid sudden large withdrawals from equity at the wrong time.

Your stability allows you to keep some portion in equity even during retired life. But you should avoid excessive risk through direct equity. Direct equity carries concentration risk. A balanced mix of high-quality mutual funds is safer in retired life.

» Direct Equity Risk in Retired Life
You hold around Rs 2.5 Cr in direct equity. This brings some concerns. Direct equity needs frequent tracking. It needs research. It carries single-stock risk. One mistake may reduce your capital. In retired life, you need stability, clarity, and lower volatility.

Direct funds inside mutual funds also bring challenges. Direct funds lack personalised support. Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a Certified Financial Planner bring guidance and strategy. Regular funds also support better tracking and behaviour management in volatile markets. In retired life, proper handholding improves long-term stability.

Many people think direct funds save cost. But the value of advisory support through a CFP gives higher net gains over long periods. Direct plans also create more confusion in asset allocation for retirees.

» Mutual Funds as a Core Support
Actively managed mutual funds remain a strong pillar. They bring professional management and risk controls. They handle market cycles better than index funds. Index funds follow the market blindly. They do not help in volatile phases. They also offer no risk protection. They cannot manage quality of stocks.

Actively managed funds deliver better selection and risk handling. A retiree benefits from such active strategy. You should avoid index funds for a long retirement plan. You should prefer strong active funds under a disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD support.

» Why Regular Plans Work Better for Retirees
Direct plans give no guidance. Retired investors often face emotional decisions. Some panic during market fall. Some withdraw heavily during market rise. This harms wealth. Regular plan under a CFP-led MFD gives a relationship. It offers disciplined rebalancing. It improves long-term returns. It protects wealth from poor behaviour.

For retirees, the difference is huge. So shifting to regular plans for the mutual fund portion will help long-term stability.

» Your Withdrawal Strategy
A planned withdrawal strategy is key for your case. You should create three layers.

Short-Term Bucket
This comes from your bank deposits. This should hold at least 18 to 24 months of expenses. You already have Rs 50 lakh. This is enough to hold your short-term cash needs. You can use this for household costs and some travel. This avoids panic selling of equity during market downturn.

Medium-Term Bucket
This bucket can stay partly in low-volatility debt funds and partly in hybrid options. This should cover your next 5 to 7 years. This helps smoothen withdrawals. It gives regular cash flow. It reduces market shocks.

Long-Term Bucket
This can stay in high-quality equity mutual funds. This bucket helps beat inflation. This bucket helps fund your travel dreams in later years. This bucket also builds buffer for medical needs.

This three-bucket strategy protects your lifestyle. It also keeps discipline and clarity.

» Handling Property and Rental Income
Your properties give Rs 40,000 monthly rental. This helps your cash flow. You should maintain the property well. You should keep some funds aside for repairs. Do not depend fully on rental growth. Rental yields remain low. But your rental income reduces pressure on your investments. So keep the rental income as a steady support, not a primary source.

You should not plan more real estate purchase. Real estate brings low returns and poor liquidity. You already own enough. Holding more can hurt flexibility in retired life.

» Planning for Medical Costs
Medical costs rise faster than inflation. You and your wife need strong health coverage. You should maintain a reliable health insurance. You should also keep a medical fund from your bank deposits. You may keep around 3 to 4 lakh per year as a buffer for medical needs. Your bank savings support this.

Health coverage reduces stress on your long-term wealth. It also avoids large withdrawals from your growth assets.

» Travel Planning
Travel is your main dream now. You can plan your travel using your short-term and medium-term buckets. You can take funds annually from your liquidity bucket. You can avoid touching long-term equity assets for travel. This approach keeps your wealth stable.

You should plan travel for the next five years with a budget. You should adjust your travel based on markets and health. Do not use entire gains of equity for travel. Keep travel budget fixed. Add small adjustments only when needed.

» Inflation and Lifestyle Stability
Inflation will impact lifestyle. At Rs 24 lakh per year today, the cost may double in 12 to 14 years. Your equity exposure helps you beat this. But you need careful rebalancing. You also need disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD. This will help you manage inflation and maintain comfort.

Your lifestyle is stable because your children live independently. So your cash flow demand stays predictable. This makes your plan sustainable.

» Longevity Risk
Retirement at 56 means you may live till 85 or 90. Your plan should cover long years. Your total net worth of around Rs 5.5 Cr to Rs 6 Cr can support this. But you need a proper drawdown strategy. Avoid high withdrawals in early years. Keep your travel budget steady.

Do not depend on one asset class. A mix of debt and equity gives comfort. Keep your bank deposits as cushion.

» Succession and Estate Planning
Since you have two sons who are settled, you can plan a clear will. Clear distribution avoids conflict. You can also assign nominees across accounts. You can also review your legal papers. This gives peace to you and your family.

» Summary of Your Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and cash flow, you are ready to retire. You have enough wealth. You have enough liquidity. You have enough income support from rent. You also have good asset mix. With proper planning, your lifestyle is comfortable.

You can retire now. But maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy. Shift more reliance from direct equity into professionally managed mutual funds under regular plans. Keep your liquidity strong. Review once every year with a CFP.

Your wealth can support your travel dreams for many years. You can enjoy retired life with confidence.

» Finally
Your preparation is strong. Your intentions are clear. Your lifestyle needs are reasonable. Your assets support your dreams. With a balanced plan, steady review, and mindful spending, you can enjoy a comfortable retired life with your wife. You can travel the world without fear of running out of money. You deserve this peace and joy.

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