NRI, age 40 years with current corpus of INR 2.2 Cr of which 1.4 cr invested in equity and 80 lakhs in NRE FD. No liability, annual expenses of 7 lakhs including term and health insurance premiums. Intending to retire in 1 year. Can I go ahead?

Ans: Your current financial status is solid. A corpus of Rs. 2.2 crore with no liabilities is commendable. However, early retirement needs careful assessment. Here’s a 360-degree evaluation:

1. Corpus Allocation Analysis
Equity Investments (Rs. 1.4 crore):
Your allocation to equity provides growth potential. However, the volatility of equities can impact your corpus post-retirement. Reduce equity exposure to 50-60% as you approach retirement. This ensures stability.

NRE Fixed Deposit (Rs. 80 lakh):
FDs are safe but provide low post-tax returns. Consider diversifying some FD funds into debt mutual funds. Debt funds offer tax efficiency and better liquidity.

2. Expense Coverage Post-Retirement
Annual Expense Estimate (Rs. 7 lakh):
Your annual requirement is reasonable for your corpus. However, inflation will increase this over time.

Assuming inflation at 6%, your expenses could double in 12 years. Plan for this increase.

Maintain 2-3 years’ expenses (Rs. 14-21 lakh) in a liquid fund or savings account for emergencies.

3. Retirement Portfolio Restructuring
Equity Component:
Retain high-growth equity funds for long-term wealth creation. Actively managed funds perform better during volatile markets compared to index funds.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensure better guidance and disciplined investment. Avoid direct funds as they lack expert advice and personalised support.

Debt Component:
Allocate 30-40% to debt funds. They provide stability and regular withdrawals with better post-tax returns compared to FDs.

Hybrid Funds:
Consider balanced advantage funds. These adjust equity and debt allocations dynamically, offering stability and growth.

4. Emergency and Contingency Planning
Maintain a contingency reserve of Rs. 15-20 lakh. This can cover unexpected medical or personal expenses.

Liquid funds or short-term debt funds are ideal for this reserve. They offer higher returns than savings accounts.

5. Insurance Review
Health Insurance:
Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance. Medical inflation can erode your savings quickly.

Term Insurance:
If your family is financially independent, term insurance may not be essential post-retirement.

6. Tax Planning for Investments
Equity Mutual Funds:
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. Plan redemptions wisely to reduce tax outgo.

Debt Mutual Funds:
Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab. Use systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) to spread withdrawals and optimise taxes.

7. Post-Retirement Withdrawal Strategy
Create a withdrawal plan to match your annual expense needs. Withdraw from debt funds first to let equity investments grow.

Use SWPs in mutual funds to ensure tax efficiency and regular income.

Avoid withdrawing from equity during market corrections. This protects your capital from losses.

8. Inflation and Longevity Risks
Inflation will erode purchasing power over time. Balance equity and debt to protect against inflation.

Plan for a retirement horizon of at least 40 years. Your investments should grow faster than inflation.

9. Children’s Financial Needs
If you have children, ensure their education and other major expenses are funded separately.

Avoid dipping into your retirement corpus for their needs.

10. Professional Support
Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a customised retirement plan. A CFP ensures your portfolio aligns with your long-term goals.
11. Lifestyle Adjustments
Keep lifestyle expenses in check post-retirement. This ensures your corpus lasts longer.

Consider part-time or consulting work for the first few years of retirement. It provides additional income and keeps you engaged.

Final Insights
You are in a strong financial position. However, early retirement requires meticulous planning.

Reallocate your investments to reduce risks and enhance stability. Plan for inflation and longevity to safeguard your financial independence.

Maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy to ensure your corpus sustains your lifestyle.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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