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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 01, 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
Ramesh Question by Ramesh on Jun 30, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi Myself Ramesh, I earn around 1.6 Lac monthly aged 43. Don't have own house and have 2 children 15 and 7. I have 20k SIP in MF, 25 K in 3 various ULIP Plan. Pls suggest how do I create corpus of 5 Crore by age of 60. Consider income increase around 6% for 10 years.

Ans: Hi Ramesh, your goal to create a corpus of Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60 is ambitious yet achievable with proper planning. At 43 years old, earning Rs. 1.6 lakhs per month, you already have a good foundation. Your monthly investments include Rs. 20,000 in SIPs and Rs. 25,000 in ULIP plans. You also expect your income to increase by around 6% annually for the next 10 years, which is a positive factor.

Setting Financial Goals
Short-Term Goals
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an emergency fund that covers at least 6-12 months of expenses. This should be kept in a highly liquid form like a savings account or short-term fixed deposit.

Insurance Coverage: Adequate life and health insurance are crucial to protect your family from unforeseen events. Ensure you have a term insurance plan and a comprehensive health insurance policy.

Long-Term Goals
Children’s Education: Planning for your children's education expenses is critical. Your elder child will need funds for higher education soon, and the younger one in the next 10 years.

Retirement Corpus: The primary goal is to build a retirement corpus of Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60.

Evaluating Current Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
You are investing Rs. 20,000 per month in mutual funds through SIPs. This is a good strategy for long-term wealth creation. SIPs benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)
You have Rs. 25,000 per month in various ULIPs. While ULIPs offer both insurance and investment, they often come with higher charges and lower returns compared to mutual funds. It might be beneficial to surrender these ULIPs and redirect the funds to more efficient investment vehicles like mutual funds.

Creating an Optimized Investment Plan
Redirecting ULIP Investments
Consider surrendering your ULIPs and investing the proceeds in mutual funds. Mutual funds typically offer better returns and flexibility compared to ULIPs. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you transition smoothly.

Increasing SIP Contributions
With an expected income increase of 6% annually, you can gradually increase your SIP contributions. Start by increasing your SIP amount each year to align with your income growth. This disciplined approach will help in achieving your long-term goals.

Diversification of Investments
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds should form the core of your investment portfolio. They offer high growth potential over the long term. Given your time horizon of 17 years, a significant portion of your investments can be in equity funds.

Debt Mutual Funds
Including debt mutual funds in your portfolio can provide stability and reduce overall risk. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities and are less volatile compared to equity funds.

Gold Investments
A small allocation to gold can act as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. You can consider gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for this purpose.

International Mutual Funds
Diversifying your investments internationally can provide exposure to global markets and reduce country-specific risks. International mutual funds can be a good addition to your portfolio.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
Implementing a SIP strategy for different types of mutual funds can help in building a diversified portfolio. Allocate a higher percentage to equity funds and the rest to debt and gold funds. Regularly review and adjust your SIP contributions to align with your financial goals.

Planning for Children’s Education
Estimating Education Costs
Estimate the future costs of your children’s education, considering inflation. Education expenses can be significant, and planning early will ensure you have sufficient funds when needed.

Education Savings Plan
Create a dedicated education savings plan. You can use a combination of equity and debt mutual funds to build this corpus. Start a separate SIP specifically for your children's education.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Power of Compounding
Starting early and investing regularly allows you to benefit from the power of compounding. Your investments will grow exponentially over time, helping you achieve your retirement goal.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing involves adjusting your asset allocation to maintain the desired balance, optimizing returns, and managing risk.

Active Management
Actively managed funds, overseen by a CFP, can potentially deliver higher returns compared to passive index funds. They offer flexibility to respond to market changes and capitalize on opportunities.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments such as Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) to reduce your taxable income while investing for long-term goals.

Capital Gains Management
Understanding the tax implications of capital gains is essential. Long-term capital gains from equity investments are taxed differently from short-term gains. Plan your investments and withdrawals to minimize tax liability.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Professional Guidance
A CFP can provide personalized advice, helping you create a comprehensive financial plan. They offer expertise in investment management, tax planning, and retirement strategies, ensuring your financial goals are met.

Regular Monitoring
A CFP regularly monitors your investments, making adjustments based on market conditions and life changes. This proactive approach helps in optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Building a Disciplined Investment Approach
Setting Clear Goals
Define clear financial goals with timelines. This provides direction and helps in selecting appropriate investment vehicles to achieve these goals.

Consistent Savings and Investing
Consistently save and invest a significant portion of your income. This discipline is crucial for building wealth over time. Automate your investments to ensure regular contributions.

Financial Education
Continuously educate yourself about personal finance and investments. Staying informed empowers you to make better financial decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

Final Insights
Ramesh, your goal to accumulate Rs. 5 crores by the age of 60 is ambitious but achievable with a disciplined and strategic approach. Start by setting a strong foundation with an emergency fund and adequate insurance coverage.

Consider surrendering your ULIPs and redirecting the funds to mutual funds. Increase your SIP contributions gradually to align with your income growth. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, gold, and international markets.

Implement a SIP strategy for different types of mutual funds and regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Effective tax planning and capital gains management can further enhance your returns. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to create and monitor a comprehensive financial plan.

Your commitment to your financial goals and willingness to adapt your strategy will help you achieve a comfortable and secure retirement.

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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 45 years age and as of now earning 3L per month . My existint commitments are 50k per month towards loans. I am able to put aside 1.5l per month towards savings in RD. I want to make a corpus of 5 crores in next 10 years. How do I start ? Is it really possible . I would be happy. Kindly suggest
Ans: Setting a Path to Achieve Your Financial Goals

At 45, you're at a crucial stage in your financial journey, with a clear goal of building a substantial corpus of 5 crores within the next decade. Let's outline a plan to help you achieve this ambitious target.

Maximizing Your Savings Potential:

With your current income of 3 lakhs per month and existing commitments of 50k towards loans, you're able to save 1.5 lakhs per month. Utilizing these savings efficiently is key to reaching your goal.

Exploring Investment Avenues:

While investing in recurring deposits (RD) is a safe option, its returns may not be sufficient to meet your ambitious target. Considering your goal and time horizon, exploring alternative investment avenues with higher growth potential is imperative.

Embracing Equity for Growth:

Equity investments have historically outperformed other asset classes over the long term. By allocating a portion of your savings to equity mutual funds or stocks, you can harness the power of compounding and potentially achieve higher returns.

Diversifying Your Portfolio:

While equity offers growth potential, it comes with higher volatility. Diversifying your portfolio across asset classes like debt, real estate, and gold can mitigate risk and enhance overall returns. Consider allocating your savings across various investment options to achieve a balanced portfolio.

Systematic Investing for Discipline:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds allow you to invest regularly, regardless of market fluctuations. By setting up SIPs in a mix of equity and debt funds, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Plan:

Regularly review your investment portfolio and track your progress towards your goal. Adjust your investment strategy as needed based on changing market conditions, personal circumstances, and progress towards your target.

Realistic Expectations and Patience:

While building a corpus of 5 crores in 10 years is an ambitious goal, it's essential to maintain realistic expectations and exercise patience. Stay focused on your long-term objective and trust the power of consistent saving and strategic investing.

Seeking Professional Guidance:

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. A CFP can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of investment planning.

In Conclusion:

With careful planning, disciplined saving, and strategic investing, achieving your goal of building a corpus of 5 crores in the next 10 years is indeed possible. Stay committed to your financial plan, and I'm confident you'll reach your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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I need to create corpus of 5 crores in 10 years. im currently investigating of 46500 past one year. i have following mutual fund in my portfolio Hdfc sensex index 20k pgim midcap 3k motilal midcap index 3k sbi next 50 index 1k motilal micro index 46 icici prudential technology 1k quant small cap 7k parakpari flexi cap 5k axis small 2k. im private employee and earning of 140000 per month. so please provide suitable answer which created 5cr in 10 years also i have lic of 50k per year,ppf of 50k per year and nps 5k every month. my current age is 34
Ans: Creating a corpus of 5 crores in 10 years is an ambitious goal, but with careful planning and strategic investments, it's achievable. Your current investment portfolio and savings habits provide a solid foundation for reaching this milestone.

Given your age of 34 and the 10-year time horizon, we'll need to focus on a growth-oriented investment strategy while ensuring diversification and risk management.

Let's start by optimizing your mutual fund portfolio. While you have a diversified mix of funds, we may need to make some adjustments to align with your goal. Consider increasing allocations to high-growth potential funds like mid-cap and small-cap funds, which historically have outperformed broader market indices.

Regularly review your portfolio to monitor performance and make necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your evolving financial goals.

Additionally, continue your disciplined approach towards savings. Your LIC, PPF, and NPS contributions provide stability and long-term growth opportunities. Ensure you maximize contributions to these instruments within permissible limits to harness their full potential for wealth accumulation.

Remember to stay patient and committed to your financial plan. Building a significant corpus requires time and consistency. As a Certified Financial Planner, I'm here to guide you every step of the way and help you navigate through market fluctuations and uncertainties.

With determination and strategic financial planning, you can achieve your goal of creating a 5 crore corpus in 10 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Listen
Money
Dear Guru,I need to create corpus of 5 crores in 10 years. im currently investigating of 46500 past one year. i have following mutual fund in my portfolio Hdfc sensex index 20k pgim midcap 3k motilal midcap index 3k sbi next 50 index 1k motilal micro index 46 icici prudential technology 1k quant small cap 7k parakpari flexi cap 5k axis small 2k. im private employee and earning of 140000 per month. so please provide suitable answer which created 5cr in 10 years also i have lic of 50k per year,ppf of 50k per year and nps 5k every month. my current age is 34
Ans: Your goal of accumulating a 5 crore corpus in 10 years is ambitious yet achievable with a strategic investment approach. Let's devise a tailored plan considering your current investments, income, and financial commitments.

Assessing Your Current Portfolio
Your existing mutual fund portfolio comprises various funds, including index funds, mid-cap funds, sectoral funds, and small-cap funds. While diversified, it's essential to ensure alignment with your long-term goals and risk tolerance.

Designing Your Investment Strategy
Optimize Mutual Fund Portfolio:

Review your mutual fund holdings to ensure alignment with your financial objectives. Consider consolidating or realigning your portfolio to focus on funds with strong growth potential and consistent performance.
While index funds offer cost-effective exposure to market indices, actively managed funds may provide higher potential returns, especially in volatile market conditions. Consider maintaining a balanced mix of both.
Systematic Investment Planning (SIP):

Continue your SIPs in mutual funds, adjusting allocations based on your risk appetite and return expectations. Focus on funds with a proven track record of outperformance and robust fundamentals.
Increase your SIP contributions gradually over time, leveraging the power of compounding to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Opt for Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS):

ELSS funds offer dual benefits of tax savings under Section 80C and potential for wealth creation. Consider allocating a portion of your SIP investments to ELSS funds to optimize tax efficiency.
Supplement with Traditional Investments:

Your existing investments in LIC, PPF, and NPS provide a foundation of stability and tax benefits. Continue to maximize contributions to these instruments to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risk.
Regular Review and Rebalancing:

Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market dynamics. Rebalance your portfolio as needed to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks.
Conclusion
By adopting a holistic approach to investing and optimizing your portfolio across various asset classes, you can achieve your goal of building a 5 crore corpus in 10 years. Stay disciplined, stay diversified, and stay focused on your long-term objectives to realize financial success.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8204 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 51 years want to park 10 L recieved from LIC. I have Nippon liquid and Axis Short term funds. Where should I keep this,in these debt fund or some other for max return and least risk . Or some balanced advantage funds?
Ans: Since you're 51 years old and the Rs. 10L is from an LIC maturity, I’ll assess this from a 360-degree perspective with low risk and reasonable return focus.

Let us structure this under simple and clear headings:

Understand the Nature of the Rs. 10L
This is a one-time amount, not a regular income.

So, capital protection is important.

Also, some growth is expected, but not with high risk.

Evaluate Your Existing Funds
Nippon Liquid Fund is very low risk.

Good for short-term parking, like few months.

Returns are around 5.5% to 6% yearly.

You can use it if you need money anytime soon.

Axis Short Term Fund is slightly better return.

Slightly higher risk than liquid fund, but still low.

Returns can be around 6% to 7% yearly.

Suitable if you are okay to stay invested for 2-3 years.

Should You Switch to a Balanced Advantage Fund?
These funds invest in both equity and debt.

They adjust the mix based on market conditions.

They give better return than debt if held for 3-5 years.

But, they carry moderate market risk.

Return range can be 8% to 10% per annum.

Not guaranteed, but historically stable.

Suitable if your risk tolerance is moderate.

Also, you must stay invested for at least 3 years.

What You Can Do Now (Allocation Suggestion)
Here is a simple, low-risk and flexible suggestion:

Rs. 2L in Nippon Liquid Fund: For immediate needs.

Rs. 4L in Axis Short Term Fund: Safe with better return.

Rs. 4L in Balanced Advantage Fund (via MFD with CFP): For better growth.

Choose an actively managed regular plan.

Avoid direct plan. They lack support and monitoring.

Regular plans offer advisor support and rebalancing guidance.

Why Not Direct Plan?
Direct plans look cheaper.

But they don’t guide you during market falls.

Many investors panic and exit early.

This leads to poor returns.

With MFD + CFP support, you stay invested longer.

Long-term behaviour matters more than cost.

Why Not Index Funds?
Index funds blindly follow the market.

No protection during market fall.

No fund manager to adjust strategy.

Active large-cap or balanced funds adapt better.

At your age, protection is more important than chasing index.

Important Tax Point
Debt funds and balanced advantage funds are taxed as per income tax slab.

If you hold for 3+ years, tax is less due to indexation benefit in earlier rules.

But now, for debt funds, tax is same as your slab.

So, choose based on your tax slab also.

But do not let tax alone decide. Safety is first.

Final Insights
Your Rs. 10L should grow slowly and stay safe.

Split into 3 buckets: short-term, mid-term, and medium-risk.

Liquid fund for liquidity.

Short-term debt for capital stability.

Balanced advantage for gentle growth.

This mix gives you flexibility, return and low risk.

Please review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

He/she will help you shift the mix if your goal or market changes.

No need to chase high returns. Protect capital, grow steadily.

You already took a right step by asking before investing.

That clarity helps avoid mistakes.

With this structure, your money can stay safe and still grow.

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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