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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 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
Kick Question by Kick on Apr 23, 2024Hindi
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Sir I am psb employee having salary of 1.1 lac age 34 years and having fd worth 35 lakhs and loan against tdr of 25 lakhs have invested on land now there market price is 50 lakhs I'm doing sukanya samriddhi yojana from last 4 years of 1.5 lakhs and monthly mutualfund 2k sip on AVG 3k lumpsum investment in total of 7 mutualfunds crypto now valued at 2.5 lakhs Now I want create 4cr corpus by 2040 now I have to repay my loan or invest in someother else where interest is served by fd interest now I can invest 50k monthly

Ans: Considering your financial situation and goals, here are some tailored recommendations:
1. Loan Repayment vs. Investment:
• Evaluate the interest rate on your loan against the potential returns from alternative investments.
• If the interest rate on your loan is higher than the returns you expect to earn from investments, it may be prudent to prioritize loan repayment to reduce debt burden and interest expenses.
2. Investment Strategy:
• With a monthly investment capacity of 50k, focus on systematic investment plans (SIPs) in mutual funds aligned with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
• Consider diversifying your mutual fund portfolio across different asset classes and fund categories to spread risk and optimize returns.
3. Asset Allocation:
• Maintain a balanced asset allocation based on your risk profile and investment objectives.
• Allocate investments across equity, debt, and possibly real estate or other alternative assets to achieve diversification and mitigate risk.
4. Review Existing Investments:
• Review your existing investments in FDs, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, mutual funds, and cryptocurrency.
• Ensure they are aligned with your long-term financial goals and make adjustments if necessary to optimize returns and mitigate risks.
5. Financial Planning:
• Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals and circumstances.
• They can help you analyze your current financial situation, identify areas for improvement, and develop a roadmap to achieve your target corpus by 2040.
6. Monitor and Adjust:
• Regularly monitor the performance of your investments and make adjustments as needed based on changes in market conditions, personal circumstances, and financial goals.
• Stay informed about investment opportunities and market trends to make informed decisions and maximize returns.
By prioritizing loan repayment if it's financially beneficial, optimizing your investment strategy, and seeking professional guidance, you can work towards building a 4 crore corpus by 2040 and achieve your long-term financial objectives.
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 17, 2024Hindi
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I'm aged 35 years working in psb getting net salary of 60000(after the deduction of nps and tax) and having fd of 35 lakhs and loan against of 20 lakhs at 7.5% and I'm doing monthly sip 2k( in 3mfs and lumpsum when ever I felt market down another 4 mutualfunds now valued 35k) and yearly ssy of 1.5 lakhs and monthly interest on fd 18k and loan interest of 14k and I have invested loan amount in land now it valued at 40L Now I want create corpus 4cr in coming 12 years in what way I have to invest either I have to clear 20 lakh or I have to invest in mutualfunds wage revision is pending once it settled my net salary arround 90k and I have given hand loan of 3lakhs these will be repaid with in 3 months Please guide me regarding investing strategy
Ans: To create a corpus of 4 crores in the next 12 years, you can consider the following strategies:

Evaluate your loan situation: Assess whether it's better to clear the existing loan of 20 lakhs or to continue investing in mutual funds. Compare the loan interest rate with the potential returns from your investments to make an informed decision.

Increase investment contributions: With the expected increase in your net salary after the wage revision, consider increasing your SIP contributions in mutual funds to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Optimize existing investments: Review your current mutual fund holdings and reallocate them if needed to align with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Diversify your portfolio: Consider diversifying your investments across different asset classes such as equity, debt, real estate, and alternative investments to manage risk and maximize returns.

Regularly review and adjust: Monitor your investments regularly and make adjustments as needed based on changing market conditions, financial goals, and personal circumstances.

Consult with a financial advisor to develop a customized investment plan tailored to your specific needs and objectives. They can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate through your investment decisions effectively.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir, I am 43 years old living in UAE, with FD of 10L and current MF accumulation of 1.04 Cr and monthly SIP 50K along. I have a 2BHK apartment in Chennai which yields a rent of 8000 Rs and a 3-bedroom house inherited from my parents as gift where we live currently. Along with this we have 2400 Sq ft of land in Chennai and 3000 Sq ft of land in Madurai. I am contributing 69K yearly for the last 11 years in my name until 2035 (expected returns 30Lakhs), 28K yearly in my daughter’s name until 2034 (expected returns 10Lakhs). Addition to this i have icici pru gift long terms with annual payment of 2L Rs on my name (to pay for another 10 years and the return of 16K per month) icici future perfect 1L Rs (to pay for another 10 years). Will receive a sum of 5L Rs from a LIC policy which is getting matured this year and a Term policy of 2 Cr for which I must pay 47K annually and it must be paid for another 22 years and 20 Lakhs worth of gold. I wish to invest in stocks in the next 7 years with an average risk and stop SIP at the age of 50. I have a 9th grade daughter who wishes to pursue Medicine and a son who is in grade 2. I wish to retire at the age of 50 (7 years from now) and start consulting. Could you please guide me how much corpus I should create in the next 7 years to live a normal lifestyle and ensure to pay the balance ICICI investments and my daughters’ education regards Raj
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Raj, you have done a commendable job in managing your finances and building a diversified portfolio. Let's assess your current financial landscape.

Fixed Deposits and Mutual Funds
You have a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 10 lakhs and a mutual fund (MF) portfolio worth Rs 1.04 crore. You also contribute Rs 50,000 monthly to SIPs. This shows a disciplined approach towards long-term wealth creation.

Real Estate Holdings
You own a 2BHK apartment in Chennai, which generates a rental income of Rs 8,000 per month, and a 3-bedroom house inherited from your parents. Additionally, you possess 2400 sq ft of land in Chennai and 3000 sq ft of land in Madurai.

Insurance and Investments
You have various insurance and investment plans:

Annual contribution of Rs 69,000 for yourself until 2035 (expected returns Rs 30 lakhs).
Annual contribution of Rs 28,000 for your daughter until 2034 (expected returns Rs 10 lakhs).
ICICI Pru Gift Long Term with an annual payment of Rs 2 lakhs, yielding Rs 16,000 monthly after maturity.
ICICI Future Perfect with an annual payment of Rs 1 lakh for another 10 years.
LIC policy maturing this year with a sum assured of Rs 5 lakhs.
Term policy with a cover of Rs 2 crore, annual premium Rs 47,000 for the next 22 years.
Gold worth Rs 20 lakhs.
Family Commitments
Your daughter, currently in 9th grade, aspires to pursue medicine. Your son is in grade 2. You plan to retire at 50 and transition into consulting.

Financial Goals
To ensure a smooth transition into retirement and meet your financial obligations, let's break down your goals:

Retirement Corpus
Daughter's Education
Continuation of Investments
Living Expenses Post-Retirement
Retirement Corpus
You plan to retire in 7 years. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle post-retirement, you need to determine a retirement corpus. This corpus should cover your monthly expenses, healthcare, and unforeseen emergencies.

Daughter's Education
Medical education is expensive. It is crucial to allocate sufficient funds for your daughter's medical education to avoid financial stress later.

Continuation of Investments
You have ongoing investments that require continued funding. Ensuring these are adequately funded until their maturity is essential for maximizing returns.

Living Expenses Post-Retirement
Post-retirement, you will require a steady income to cover living expenses. Your rental income, SIP returns, and maturity proceeds from insurance plans will contribute to this.

Strategy to Achieve Financial Goals
To meet your financial goals efficiently, consider the following strategies:

Increase SIP Contributions
Currently, you invest Rs 50,000 monthly in SIPs. Increasing this amount will help accumulate a larger corpus. Given your current financial stability, consider increasing your SIP contributions by 10-15% annually. This will compound your wealth significantly over the next 7 years.

Diversify Mutual Fund Investments
Review your mutual fund portfolio and diversify across various sectors and market caps. Actively managed funds tend to outperform index funds in the long run due to professional fund management and active stock selection. This can provide better returns and reduce risks.

Surrender Low-Yield Insurance Policies
Your LIC policy maturing this year will yield Rs 5 lakhs. Reinvest this amount in mutual funds for better returns. Assess the ICICI Pru Gift Long Term and ICICI Future Perfect plans. If they are not performing well, consider surrendering them and reinvesting in higher-yield mutual funds. This can maximize returns and provide better growth opportunities for your investments.

Plan for Daughter's Education
Estimate the total cost of your daughter's medical education, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Create a dedicated education fund using a mix of debt and equity mutual funds. This will ensure safety and growth of the corpus.

Utilize Gold Holdings
Your gold holdings worth Rs 20 lakhs can be a valuable asset. Consider partial liquidation of gold to fund higher-yield investments. Alternatively, keep the gold as a hedge against inflation and as a contingency fund.

Create an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund should be in a liquid asset class, such as a liquid mutual fund or a high-interest savings account, to access funds readily in case of emergencies.

Investment in Mutual Funds
Instead of investing directly in stocks, mutual funds can provide a balanced approach to achieving your financial goals with moderate risk. Here are the benefits:

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise to make informed investment decisions.
Diversification: Mutual funds provide diversification across various sectors and asset classes, reducing overall risk.
Liquidity: Mutual funds offer liquidity, allowing you to redeem your investments as needed.
Tax Efficiency: Equity mutual funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax benefits.
Increase SIP Contributions in Mutual Funds
Currently, you invest Rs 50,000 monthly in SIPs. Increasing this amount will help accumulate a larger corpus. Given your current financial stability, consider increasing your SIP contributions by 10-15% annually. This will compound your wealth significantly over the next 7 years.

Diversify Mutual Fund Investments
Review your mutual fund portfolio and diversify across various sectors and market caps. Actively managed funds tend to outperform index funds in the long run due to professional fund management and active stock selection. This can provide better returns and reduce risks.

Corpus Calculation for Retirement
To estimate the corpus required for retirement, consider the following:

Monthly Living Expenses: Calculate your current monthly expenses and account for inflation.
Healthcare Costs: Factor in healthcare costs, which tend to rise with age.
Contingency Fund: Include a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses.
Desired Lifestyle: Consider the lifestyle you wish to maintain post-retirement.
Monthly Living Expenses
Assume your current monthly expenses are Rs 50,000. Accounting for inflation at 6%, these expenses will rise over the next 7 years.

Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs can be substantial post-retirement. Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance and allocate a part of your corpus towards healthcare.

Contingency Fund
Set aside at least 10% of your retirement corpus for emergencies. This ensures financial security during unforeseen circumstances.

Desired Lifestyle
Factor in any lifestyle changes you wish to make post-retirement, such as travel, hobbies, or relocation.

Final Insights
Raj, your current financial situation is strong, with a diversified portfolio and substantial assets. To ensure a comfortable retirement and meet your financial goals, focus on increasing SIP contributions, diversifying mutual fund investments, and planning adequately for your daughter's education. Reviewing insurance policies and reallocating funds to higher-yield investments will optimize your returns. Investing in mutual funds can provide balanced growth and reduce risk, ensuring financial security post-retirement.

Building a robust retirement corpus requires careful planning and disciplined investing. With the right strategies, you can achieve your financial goals and enjoy a comfortable retirement while ensuring your family's financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2025
Money
Hi I am 43 me and wife earning 3 lcs per month with no kids we have a liability of 45 lacs housing loan and car loan of 8 lacs Housing loan balance 38 lacs ( we paid 5 lacs as part payment in two years) and also increase our installments from 38000 to 50000 for the last 5 months and reduce our tenure from 20 years to now 12 years Expenses:- 50000 housing laon per month 19000 car loan per month 30000 house hold expenses including travel expenses etc.. 30 lakhs mediclaim insurance premium 25000 annually Investment:- 35000 mutual funds per month ( funds like multi assets,multi cap and large cap one or two funds in small cap,and flexi funds ) Lic premium annual around 2 lacs 65000 annually premium for term plan ( unit linked plan) of 50 lacs 1 lakhs in PPF 50 lakhs corpus in mutual funds (90% equity and 10% hybrid) 15 lakhs FD 30 lakhs worth gold (300 grm) apprx 1 flat worth 1 crore ( on loan paying 50k pm) 10 lakh cash 3 lakh in savings Want to build a corpus of minimum of 10 crores befor 60 years of age How do invest in more systametic manner so that we can grow our money and how much amount do we need more to invest to reach this targetAnd another imp question is do I need to pay housing loan first so that I can save the intrest or kept the money in account as emergency fund. I am really confused Do I sell gold and pay loan ?? Do I break my FD ? What to do??
Ans: Appreciate your clarity and discipline with money. You are far ahead of many at your age. You already have a strong income, valuable assets, and good savings habits. Now let’s look at a complete 360° view of how to reach Rs. 10 crore target by 60.

We’ll go step by step with each area of your financial life.

Income and Cash Flow Overview
Monthly income of Rs. 3 lakhs is very healthy.

Loan EMIs total around Rs. 1.19 lakhs, approximately 40% of income.

Household expenses are just Rs. 30,000 – very efficient.

SIPs of Rs. 35,000 are a great start, but more growth investment is needed.

Scope exists to steadily increase investments each year.

Savings of Rs. 13 lakhs (FD + cash + savings) gives a solid buffer.

Actionable Insight:
Maintain a detailed monthly budget tracking income, expenses, EMIs, and surplus. Review it quarterly to stay in control.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Home loan of Rs. 38 lakh with Rs. 50,000 EMI and reduced tenure to 12 years – good progress.

Car loan of Rs. 8 lakh with Rs. 19,000 EMI.

Rs. 69,000/month in loan EMIs is manageable at your income level.

Recommendations:

Don’t rush to close home loan if interest is below 9% – you get tax benefits.

Prioritise closing the car loan if interest rate is high – it's not tax beneficial.

Avoid using FD or gold for loan repayment unless it’s an emergency.

Emergency Fund Evaluation
Rs. 10 lakh in cash + Rs. 3 lakh in savings is already strong.

With Rs. 15 lakh in FD, total emergency reserve is Rs. 28 lakh.

That’s more than sufficient; no need to expand emergency fund further.

Use sweep-in FD or split across multiple banks for liquidity and safety.

Insurance Assessment
Rs. 30 lakh health insurance is adequate – continue maintaining this.

Term insurance of Rs. 50 lakh via ULIP is too low.

Ideal cover should be around Rs. 4 crore (12x annual income).

Recommendations:

Take an independent term insurance plan of Rs. 3.5 crore.

Continue existing health cover.

Evaluate surrender of ULIP and LIC if returns are low (generally ~5%).

Redirect those premiums (Rs. 2.65 lakh annually) to mutual fund SIPs.

Investment Portfolio Review
Monthly Investments:

Rs. 35,000 into mutual funds (multi-cap, flexi-cap, small-cap, etc.)

Annual Contributions:

Rs. 1 lakh into PPF

Total Investment Corpus:

Rs. 50 lakh in mutual funds

Rs. 15 lakh in FD

Rs. 30 lakh in gold

Rs. 10 lakh in cash

Rs. 3 lakh in savings

Positives:

Strong equity exposure for long-term growth.

Balanced support from gold and FD.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Increase SIPs annually by at least 10%.

Limit small-cap exposure to 10-15%.

Gradually move from FD to debt mutual funds for better returns and tax-efficiency.

Surrender low-return policies (LIC, ULIP) and reinvest in growth-oriented funds.

Continue PPF contributions for safe, tax-free returns.

Realistic Path to Rs. 10 Crore by Age 60
You are 43 now, with 17 years to invest.

Current investment corpus is around Rs. 1.08 crore.

With Rs. 35,000 SIP, you might reach Rs. 2.5–3 crore by 60 – not enough.

To Reach Rs. 10 Crore Goal:

Gradually increase SIPs to Rs. 1 lakh/month in 5 years.

Reinvest proceeds from surrendering LIC/ULIP (Rs. 2.65 lakh annually).

Redirect EMI amounts (car loan, etc.) once loans are closed.

Make lump sum additions from bonuses or surplus income.

Mutual Fund Taxation Notes
From 2024, equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per slab.

Advice:

Avoid frequent withdrawals.

Use ultra-short term or debt funds for short- to medium-term needs.

Fund Selection Guidelines
Avoid direct funds unless you manage the portfolio yourself.

Use regular plans through a certified financial planner for guidance.

Avoid index funds if you seek alpha and personalized management.

Stick to a blend of active multi-cap, flexi-cap, and large-cap funds.

Suggested Asset Allocation
60% – Equity mutual funds

15% – Debt mutual funds

10% – Gold (already in place)

10% – Emergency fund (FD + cash)

5% – PPF

Annual Portfolio Rebalancing Recommended

Year-Wise Action Plan
Year 1–2:

Repay car loan using surplus or gold if needed.

Surrender LIC and ULIP; shift Rs. 2.65 lakh to mutual funds.

Take new term plan of Rs. 3.5 crore.

Increase SIPs to Rs. 50,000/month.

Year 3–5:

Redirect closed EMIs (Rs. 19,000) to SIPs.

Gradually move FD into debt mutual funds.

Add lump sum investments from annual bonuses.

Year 6–10:

Continue SIPs at Rs. 1 lakh/month.

Keep gold as is.

Rebalance asset allocation annually.

Final Insights
You are on the right track.

No need to sell gold or break FD prematurely.

Gradually increase SIPs and equity exposure.

Maintain emergency reserve.

Improve term cover and simplify insurance portfolio.

Avoid panic, follow the strategy, and review annually.

With this approach, you can confidently build Rs. 10 crore or more by 60 and ensure financial independence.

With better planning and yearly reviews, you will secure a strong retired life.

 

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Money
Hello Sir, I am 39 and my current salary is 2 lakhs/month, I have completed home loan by withdrawing my MF 2 months before, I have VPF contribution of 5k per month apart from regular PF, a total of 25 lakhs corpus now.. and investing 1.4 lakhs per year in NPS HDFC fund with a total corpus of 5 lakhs. SIP I have started again last month for 15k, 5k in 3 funds parag parikh flexi, hdfc balanced advantage, motilal oswal midcap.. I have PPF of 20k per year with a corpus of 2.5 lakhs. I have a 6 lakhs medical insurance apart from the insurance from my company and I am paying 16k yearly for that. I have a daughter 9 year old.. I need to save for her college fees and our retirement.. planning to work for another 10 years.. having 6 lakhs in my SB account for emergency fund, that I am planning to invest in FD, monthly expense is 50k - 70k and Need a corpus of 3 crore, can you please advise how I can reach there?
Ans: You are 39 and have paid off your home loan. That is a great milestone. You have a stable income, good saving habit, and a strong purpose. Your planning is mainly for your daughter’s education and for retirement.

Let us now do a 360-degree analysis of your current financial setup and give you a practical roadmap.

Current Financial Snapshot
Let’s understand what you already have:

Salary is Rs. 2 lakhs per month

Monthly expenses are between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000

Emergency fund of Rs. 6 lakhs in savings account

VPF + EPF total corpus is Rs. 25 lakhs

NPS corpus is Rs. 5 lakhs, contribution is Rs. 1.4 lakh per year

PPF corpus is Rs. 2.5 lakhs, yearly investment is Rs. 20,000

SIP of Rs. 15,000 just restarted

Medical insurance of Rs. 6 lakhs, apart from company cover

One daughter, 9 years old

Planning to work for 10 more years

Retirement corpus goal is Rs. 3 crores

You are already doing many things right. Now we will help you go faster and safer.

Goal 1: Retirement at Age 49 – Corpus Rs. 3 Crores
You want to retire in 10 years.

Your goal is to build Rs. 3 crore corpus

You already have around Rs. 30–35 lakhs across VPF, NPS, PPF

SIP of Rs. 15,000/month has just restarted

You are also contributing Rs. 1.4 lakhs/year in NPS

Let us now build a multi-layered retirement strategy to reach Rs. 3 crores.

Action Points:
Increase your SIP amount step by step every year

Target SIP of Rs. 30,000/month in next 2–3 years

Include actively managed mutual funds (flexi cap, balanced advantage, large-mid cap)

Avoid index funds and ETFs. These don’t give flexibility or protection in downturns.

Index funds lack active risk control and offer no advisory support

Invest through regular plans via Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Direct plans don’t offer monitoring, rebalancing, or guidance

With regular plans, you get yearly review and tax support

With this structure, you can grow wealth safely with fewer mistakes.

VPF and EPF Strategy
You are contributing Rs. 5,000/month extra in VPF.

EPF gives steady tax-free returns

VPF is good if you are conservative

But equity mutual funds offer better growth over 10 years

If your job is stable, you can consider redirecting VPF to SIP gradually.

Use a mix of actively managed equity funds

Stick to regular plans

Do yearly SIP increase of Rs. 2,000–3,000

Focus on long-term consistency, not short-term performance

NPS Strategy
You are investing Rs. 1.4 lakh/year in NPS.

NPS gives additional tax benefit under Sec 80CCD(1B)

You already have Rs. 5 lakhs in NPS

But note:

NPS has restrictions on withdrawal

60% corpus is tax-free at retirement

40% goes to annuity (less preferred option)

Annuity income is taxable

NPS does not allow complete flexibility

So, don’t put too much in NPS. Max Rs. 1.5 lakh/year is enough.

Don’t over-depend on NPS for retirement income. Use mutual funds with SWP instead. SWP gives more control and tax efficiency.

PPF Strategy
You are investing Rs. 20,000/year in PPF.

PPF is a safe debt product

Interest is tax-free

Lock-in is long (15 years)

Keep this going. Don’t stop. You can increase the amount up to Rs. 1.5 lakh/year if needed. But don’t make PPF the main tool. Use it only for safety and diversification.

Emergency Fund and Fixed Deposit
You have Rs. 6 lakhs in savings. Planning to move it to FD.

That is a good move.

Keep at least 6 months of expenses in FD or liquid funds

Use FD laddering to improve interest

Don’t lock full amount in one FD

This money should not be used for investment or goals

Emergency fund is not for return. It is for safety.

Goal 2: Daughter’s Education After 8–10 Years
Your daughter is 9 years old. She will need funds at age 17–19.

You will need this corpus in 8 to 10 years.

Action Plan:
Estimate how much you will need in future value

Start a separate SIP of Rs. 10,000/month for this goal

Use actively managed flexi cap and large-mid cap mutual funds

Increase this SIP to Rs. 15,000/month in 2–3 years

Don’t mix education corpus with retirement fund

Don’t invest this in PPF or debt-heavy products

Education cost grows fast due to inflation

Use regular mutual funds through CFP for better planning

Don’t rely on index funds. They follow market blindly

Actively managed funds have better downside protection

You can use part of FD if needed to kickstart this goal.

Insurance Planning
You have Rs. 6 lakhs medical insurance.

You also have corporate cover

This is a good structure

Confirm if your policy has coverage for daughter and spouse

Buy super top-up plan of Rs. 10–15 lakhs

This will help in long-term health cost inflation

Premium is very low when taken early

If you don’t have life cover:

Take pure term insurance

Cover should be 10–12 times your annual income

Don’t buy ULIP or investment-cum-insurance

If you have LIC or ULIP, please surrender

Shift money to mutual funds for better growth and clarity

Monthly Budget Management
Your expenses are between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000/month.

That leaves enough room for saving

Ensure you track expenses

Use budget tools or apps

Save before you spend

Increase SIP with every salary hike

Don’t use credit cards for lifestyle expenses

Avoid unnecessary gadgets, memberships, EMIs

This discipline will take you far without stress.

Tax Efficiency and Planning
Use all the sections:

80C for PPF, EPF, VPF, insurance

80CCD(1B) for NPS

Use mutual funds with SWP for future retirement withdrawals

New MF CG tax rules:

Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh/year taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab

Plan withdrawal smartly with help of a CFP. Tax harvesting and rebalancing must be done yearly.

Final Insights
You have the right mindset and base. Now is the time to optimise.

Follow these steps:

Increase SIPs every year till Rs. 30,000–35,000/month

Separate SIPs for education and retirement

Don’t over-invest in NPS or PPF

Shift from direct plans to regular plans with CFP guidance

Don’t touch emergency fund for investment

Review funds once a year

Track goals yearly

Use term insurance and super top-up

Stay away from index funds, direct funds, or annuity plans

Keep it simple. Keep it consistent. Stay invested. Review yearly with CFP.

That is how you reach Rs. 3 crores safely and help your daughter too.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir I am 32 years old with a salary of 1.7L per month after tax. I wanted to achieve a corpus of 2 cr in next 5 years. My current investments are as follows Home expenses 52k including rent Car loan 6.5 pending 14k per month emi Health insurance covered 50L annual premium 30k : apart from corporate health insurance Emergency fund covered 6L PPF 11L :12.5k per month Epfo 11L : monthly investment of 27k outside of inhand salary NPS 6L :16k per month outside of inhand salary Investment in ULIP 5K per month 15 years 2.5 L current Equity 30L investment grown over period of 4years : currently at a loss of 3 L Gold for personal use no count
Ans: You are 32 years old, with a good income and disciplined investments. Your current goal is to build a corpus of Rs. 2 crore in the next 5 years.

This is an ambitious target. It needs a focused, structured, and practical approach. Let us study your current position and then move towards the possible path to achieve your goal.

Income and Expense Assessment
Monthly net salary: Rs. 1.7 Lakhs

Home expenses including rent: Rs. 52,000

Car loan EMI: Rs. 14,000

Health insurance premium (personal): Rs. 2,500 monthly

Monthly committed savings (PPF + EPF + NPS + ULIP): Over Rs. 60,000

Equity investment done over 4 years: Rs. 30 Lakhs (currently in Rs. 3 Lakhs loss)

You are living well within your means. This is very good. Nearly 35–40% of your income goes towards long-term savings. That discipline is the foundation of wealth building.

Review of Current Investment Structure
Let’s assess each investment from goal alignment and liquidity point of view.

1. PPF – Rs. 11 Lakhs, Rs. 12,500 Monthly
Long lock-in till age 60.

Suitable only for retirement goal.

Not aligned with 5-year goal.

Returns are stable but below equity.

Action:

Do not stop.

Keep it for retirement.

But don’t expect help from PPF for 5-year goals.

2. EPF – Rs. 11 Lakhs, Rs. 27,000 Monthly
Another locked retirement asset.

Employer contribution adds value.

Returns are better than bank deposits.

Action:

Keep contributing.

Not liquid before retirement.

Exclude EPF from your Rs. 2 crore goal.

3. NPS – Rs. 6 Lakhs, Rs. 16,000 Monthly
You are putting over Rs. 1.9 Lakhs yearly.

NPS has lock-in till 60.

Withdrawals are restricted.

You cannot use this for short- or mid-term goals.

Action:

Continue for tax savings.

But not useful for 5-year goal.

4. ULIP – Rs. 5,000 Monthly, 15-Year Term, Rs. 2.5 Lakhs Corpus
ULIPs combine investment and insurance.

High charges in early years.

Very low returns in initial years.

Action:

You can surrender it.

Reinvest into mutual funds.

Use regular mutual funds through an MFD with CFP guidance.

This gives you growth and flexibility.

5. Equity Mutual Funds – Rs. 30 Lakhs Invested, Rs. 3 Lakhs Loss
Held for 4 years. This is a good horizon.

Market conditions affect short-term value.

Still a good tool for your 5-year goal.

Action:

Don’t panic due to short-term loss.

Equity gives high returns over 5+ years.

Evaluate your current schemes.

Rebalance if needed.

Keep investing regularly.

Gold Holdings
You have gold, but only for personal use.

Avoid investing further in physical gold.

It does not give regular returns.

Selling has charges and taxes.

Emergency Fund – Rs. 6 Lakhs
Very well-planned.

Emergency fund is important.

Keep this in liquid mutual funds or short-term funds.

Car Loan – Rs. 6.5 Lakhs Outstanding, EMI Rs. 14,000
Car is not a wealth-building asset.

Loan adds monthly burden.

Interest paid is post-tax loss.

Action:

Prepay this loan if any bonus or surplus comes.

After closing, use the EMI amount for investments.

Health Insurance – Rs. 50 Lakhs Cover, Premium Rs. 30,000
Excellent to have personal cover beyond employer health policy.

Family safety is secured.

Continue the policy regularly.

Corpus Goal Analysis – Rs. 2 Crore in 5 Years
This is your main goal. Now we check feasibility and actions needed.

You already have:

Rs. 30 Lakhs in equity.

Other investments (PPF, NPS, EPF) are not useful for 5-year liquidity.

If we exclude locked instruments, we need to grow equity from Rs. 30 Lakhs to Rs. 2 Crore in 5 years. This requires very aggressive returns, which is not safe or reliable.

So, we need to:

Add more monthly savings into equity mutual funds.

Stay consistent and focused.

Adjust your goal slightly if needed.

Where You Should Invest Now
Your monthly take-home is Rs. 1.7 Lakhs. After all EMIs and expenses, you have some surplus. Plus, the car loan will close in 3–4 years or sooner.

Here is a strategy for your surplus income:

A. Mutual Fund SIP – Rs. 50,000 Monthly
Invest in actively managed diversified equity mutual funds.

No index funds, as they follow the market without expert decisions.

They do not help in downside protection.

Actively managed funds shift allocation based on sector, economy, and valuation.

Always invest through an MFD with CFP certification.

They give fund tracking, support, and behaviour management.

Important: Avoid direct mutual fund investing. Direct funds have no advisor help. You miss updates, reviews, and personalised strategy. Regular funds through an MFD with CFP support give much better outcomes over time.

B. Mid-term Debt Fund Allocation – Rs. 10,000 Monthly
Use hybrid or conservative debt funds for 3–5 year targets.

This will reduce risk.

Use only regular mutual funds here too.

C. ULIP Surrender and Reinvestment
You are paying Rs. 5,000 monthly.

Surrender it.

Put full amount into equity mutual funds.

This boosts your 5-year corpus.

ULIPs are not flexible or high growth.

Taxation Awareness for Mutual Fund Investors
New rules apply from 2024.

Equity Mutual Funds

LTCG over Rs. 1.25 Lakhs taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt Mutual Funds

LTCG and STCG taxed as per income slab

Keep this in mind during withdrawals

Behaviour and Portfolio Monitoring
Review your portfolio every year.

Don’t keep underperforming funds for long.

Switch only when necessary.

Rebalance to avoid concentration risk.

Final Insights
You are disciplined and clear about your goal.

You are already saving and investing regularly.

That puts you in a strong position.

Rs. 2 Crore in 5 years is possible with strong monthly equity SIPs.

Avoid distractions like ULIP or direct funds.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner through a trusted MFD.

Review and track your growth every year.

Adjust slightly if market conditions slow growth.

Don’t lose focus in temporary market falls.

Every rupee must now be channelled towards your target with clarity and care.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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