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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I have a query regarding health insurance. I have 2 policies from different providers. 1 policy has copay clause. Can I claim the copay amount from the other provider?

Ans: Claiming Copay from Another Health Insurance Policy
That's a good question! Unfortunately, you cannot claim the copay amount you pay under one health insurance policy from another provider. Here's why:

Copay is a fixed amount you share with your first insurer for covered medical expenses. It reduces your premium but requires you to pay upfront.
Each insurance policy works independently. They only cover your expenses as per their terms and conditions.
Here's how things work:

You file a claim with the insurer that has the copay clause.
They approve the claim amount after deducting the copay amount.
You pay the copay directly to the hospital or yourself (depending on the policy).
Alternatives to Consider:

Choose plans without copay: If copays are causing trouble, consider switching to plans with higher premiums but no copay requirement.
Increase coverage limits: If your current plans have low coverage limits, explore options with higher limits to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Speak to a CFP Professional:

A Certified Financial Planner can review your health insurance plans and suggest options that better suit your needs. They can also help you understand coverage details and claim procedures.

Remember: It's important to choose health insurance plans that complement each other and provide comprehensive coverage.

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  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 28, 2024

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I have a question could you please help me with this? As im 33 years old, recently took a 2cr term insurance for family protection. As im a corporate employee current company provides a health insurance for me and spouse. Im paying extra amount for parents health insurance in the same company beacuse it will be applicable from day 1. Should i take separate health insurance for me and spouse and parents as well. Note: parents are dependent on me Thanks
Ans: It's great that you've taken a term insurance policy for family protection. As a corporate employee, your company-provided health insurance for you and your spouse is a good benefit. However, relying solely on employer-provided health insurance may not be sufficient for several reasons.

First, employer-provided health insurance is contingent on your employment. If you switch jobs or face job loss, you may lose coverage, which can be risky. It's wise to have a separate health insurance policy for yourself and your spouse to ensure continuous coverage, regardless of employment status.

Second, company health insurance policies often have coverage limits that may not be adequate for severe or prolonged illnesses. A separate health insurance policy can provide higher coverage and more comprehensive benefits, ensuring better financial protection during medical emergencies.

Moreover, it's advantageous to take separate health insurance while you are still healthy. Securing a policy now means you'll likely get better coverage and lower premiums, which will benefit you significantly during retirement when health issues are more common.

Regarding your parents, since they are dependent on you, it's prudent to have a dedicated health insurance policy for them. Employer-provided health insurance might have limitations on the coverage for dependents, especially for senior citizens, and could be insufficient for their healthcare needs.

In summary, having separate health insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your parents ensures continuous, comprehensive coverage and financial protection against medical expenses, both now and in retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir, my age is 40 yrs currently unmarried. Recently, I had to undergo a renal transplant surgery since I was suffering from AKD (Acute Kidney Disorder) in Bangalore. I was on dialysis for last one and half yrs and moved to bangalore just for the surgery. It went well and now I am on the road to recovery.We had a health insurance policy by manipal cigna company (medi-assist) which ensured that every expenses was met through reimbursement like dialysis expenses, OPD chgs, pharmacy bills etc. We were satisfied with the services of the health insurance provider. My question here is that can I take any more health insurance policy now (may be from a different company) for my future medical expenses which might occur in future (considering I am pretty young right now and single too). What premium do I need to pay for that? Will it be increased premium or the same normal premium. I might not use the health cover for my renal disease now but as a safeguard for the future diseases which may come up.(considering I will get married and have a family too in future). Will my kidney surgery have any impact on the future health cover or not? Kindly advise.
Ans: I'm glad to hear your surgery went well, and you're on the road to recovery. Considering your situation, it’s important to secure your health insurance needs for the future. Let’s break down your questions and concerns regarding taking an additional health insurance policy.

Can You Take Another Health Insurance Policy?
Yes, you can take another health insurance policy from a different company. However, your recent medical history, including the renal transplant surgery, will impact your new policy's terms and premiums.

Impact of Renal Transplant on New Policy
Pre-Existing Conditions: Your kidney surgery will be considered a pre-existing condition. Most insurers have a waiting period for covering pre-existing conditions, ranging from two to four years. It’s crucial to check the specifics with any new insurer.

Medical Underwriting: Given your recent medical history, the insurer may require detailed medical underwriting. They may request your medical records and possibly a medical examination to assess your current health status.

Premium Considerations
Increased Premiums: Due to your pre-existing condition, new health insurance policies are likely to come with increased premiums. The exact amount will depend on the insurer's assessment of your health risk.

Loading Charges: Some insurers might add a loading charge to your premium, which is an additional cost to cover the higher risk associated with your medical history.

Types of Policies to Consider
Individual Health Plans: These provide coverage for a single person. Given your situation, ensure the plan offers extensive coverage, including post-operative care and critical illness coverage.

Family Floater Plans: These plans cover multiple family members under a single sum insured. They might be a good option if you plan to get married and start a family in the near future.

Critical Illness Plans: These plans provide a lump sum amount upon diagnosis of specified critical illnesses, including kidney-related issues. It can be a supplementary policy to your primary health insurance.

Steps to Take
Research and Compare: Compare policies from different insurers. Look for policies with comprehensive coverage and a reasonable waiting period for pre-existing conditions.

Consult Insurers: Speak directly with insurance representatives. Explain your medical history and get clear information on how it will affect your premiums and coverage.

Read Policy Documents: Carefully read the policy documents, especially the sections on pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, exclusions, and premium loading.

Consider Riders: Look for riders or add-ons that can enhance your coverage, such as critical illness riders, hospital cash, and personal accident covers.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Given the complexities of your medical history and future health needs, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be very beneficial. A CFP can help you understand the nuances of different policies, assess your long-term financial needs, and recommend the best health insurance options tailored to your situation.


You’ve shown great foresight in considering additional health insurance despite your recent surgery. Ensuring your future medical needs are covered demonstrates a strong commitment to your long-term well-being. Your proactive approach to securing your health is commendable and shows a responsible attitude towards managing potential future risks.

Final Insights
Securing an additional health insurance policy is a wise move, especially considering your recent medical history and future plans. While premiums might be higher due to your pre-existing condition, thorough research and consulting with professionals can help you find the best policy for your needs. Remember to compare different plans, understand the terms, and choose a policy that offers comprehensive coverage and aligns with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8905 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Career
My son has got mechanical in VIT Chennai while his preference is CS. What are the placement options in mechanical
Ans: Swati, VIT Chennai’s Mechanical Engineering program is delivered by PhD-qualified faculty within a NAAC A++-accredited, deemed-university environment, supported by modern thermal, CAD/CAM, robotics, and manufacturing labs and a centralized Career Development Centre. Over the past three years, around 75–95 percent of eligible Mechanical graduates have secured placements, with top recruiters including Mercedes-Benz, Mahindra, L&T, BHEL and Siemens. Graduates find roles as Design and Manufacturing Engineers, Automation Specialists and R&D Analysts across core and emerging sectors. The mechanical field’s future in India is strong, driven by Industry 4.0 integration, renewable energy expansion, smart manufacturing and electric vehicle development, requiring engineers with multidisciplinary skills in IoT, AI and sustainable systems. VIT’s tie-ups for industrial projects, internship pipelines, and pre-placement offers further bolster career readiness and global employability.

Recommendation: Given robust placement consistency, high-end recruiter engagement, and the foundational importance of mechanical engineering in evolving industries, pursuing Mechanical at VIT Chennai offers diverse core and specialized career pathways; complement this by developing software-automation and sustainability competencies to align with future industry demands. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8905 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Career
I have got cse in coep pune, and cse in jaypee noida. Which one to choose
Ans: COEP Pune and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida both deliver strong CSE programmes, yet they differ across accreditation, ranking, faculty, infrastructure, research, placements, industry linkages, fees, campus environment and location. COEP Pune holds ‘A+’ NAAC accreditation and a NIRF engineering rank within the top 100, while JIIT Noida is NBA-accredited (Tier-I) with NAAC ‘A’ grade and NIRF rank in the 101–150 band. COEP’s core faculty comprises PhD-qualified professors with extensive academic and industry research, whereas JIIT’s predominantly doctorate faculty emphasize applied IT research and publications. COEP offers 17 specialised computing labs plus a dedicated data-centre and legacy smart classrooms, while JIIT provides 102 state-of-the-art labs, a 700-user digital library and advanced language, electronics and psychology labs. In research and innovation, COEP benefits from government-sponsored projects (DST, DRDO) and industry grants, whereas JIIT hosts multiple Centres of Excellence (Cloud, IPR, AI) and interdisciplinary patents. COEP CSE placements average 87% with a median package around ?9–11 LPA from Google, Goldman Sachs and IBM, while JIIT CSE achieves over 94% placement consistency and median package near ?7 LPA, hosted by Microsoft, LinkedIn and Cisco. COEP’s longstanding MoUs include Intel, Bosch and Infosys for internships; JIIT partners directly with Amazon, SAP and American Express for capstone projects. Annual tuition at COEP is approximately ?90 K for Maharashtra-domicile students; JIIT’s fee exceeds ?2.5 L per year but includes accommodation and medical support. COEP’s urban Shivajinagar campus emphasizes a vibrant student life with over 40 clubs and heritage architecture; JIIT’s Sector 62 Noida campus spans 15.5 acres, featuring a residential zone, sports complex and shuttle connectivity to Delhi.

Recommendation:
Considering higher national ranking, broader research funding and slightly stronger CSE placement metrics, COEP Pune is the optimal choice for those prioritizing institutional legacy and core-engineering excellence. For students seeking specialized IT-industry integration and diverse lab exposure near Delhi NCR, JIIT Noida remains a compelling alternative. MY SUGGESTION: Choose COEP-Pune & Join. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Money
Hi sir my name is raju 29 years, married and have 3 years kid(boy). My salary is 125000 per month I want to invest money for my chaild education and our retirement also I am thinking to invest 20 to 30k in mutual funds is this below funds are good please let me know and I also taken health insurance and term insurance also for that per year 45k I will pay yearly 60k in nps and we have savings 30lacks to buy house or land in coming months my wife was earning 30k per month. Parag parikh Nifty 50 BEes Nifty Next (optional) SBI contra
Ans: You're earning well and already thinking long-term, which is great. Let’s look at your financial goals, savings, and plan from all angles.

? Income and Household Financial Standing
– Your monthly salary is Rs. 1,25,000.
– Your wife earns Rs. 30,000 monthly.
– Your total monthly family income is Rs. 1,55,000.
– You are aged 29, married, with one child.
– You’ve already taken term and health insurance. Well done.
– Your annual premium of Rs. 45,000 is well justified.
– These protections reduce risk in emergencies.
– You save around Rs. 60,000 yearly in NPS.
– You have Rs. 30 lakhs savings for home or land.

? Existing Asset Strategy
– Rs. 30 lakh savings is a big milestone.
– Don’t rush into buying property.
– Real estate gives low returns, high costs, and poor liquidity.
– It locks up money for long and needs extra cash to maintain.
– Avoid using this full amount for a house.
– Consider investing part in mutual funds for better returns.
– Always check whether buying or renting suits your goals.
– Flexibility, liquidity, and simplicity matter in financial planning.

? Investment Approach You’re Considering
– You plan to invest Rs. 20,000–30,000 per month in mutual funds.
– This is a strong start for wealth creation.
– You mentioned some index funds and one contra fund.
– Let's review and guide you based on financial goals.

? Disadvantages of Index Funds You Mentioned
– Index funds copy the market, nothing more.
– They don’t try to beat the market.
– They offer no downside protection during crashes.
– Index funds don’t adapt to changing market cycles.
– Active funds are managed by skilled fund managers.
– Managers in active funds aim for better returns than index.
– Index funds offer no help in bad markets.
– They follow blindly without discretion.
– Avoid index funds if you want active management.
– Your mentioned funds like Nifty 50 Bees and Nifty Next fall here.
– Instead, choose actively managed diversified funds.
– These funds perform better over time with lower risk.
– They help adjust based on sectors, economy, and valuation.

? Long-term Goals to Focus On
– Your two main goals are child education and your retirement.
– Both are long-term goals and need early planning.
– Equity mutual funds are best for these goals.
– Start with Rs. 25,000 monthly in SIPs.
– Allocate Rs. 15,000 for child education fund.
– Allocate Rs. 10,000 for your retirement fund.
– Use actively managed funds guided by a CFP.
– Don’t invest in direct mutual fund plans.

? Why Avoid Direct Funds
– Direct plans offer no personal advice or periodic review.
– It’s like driving without a map.
– Many investors make mistakes without proper help.
– Wrong fund choice, emotional exits, or overexposure are common.
– Regular plans through MFD with CFP support avoid these issues.
– They offer coaching, guidance, and behavioural discipline.
– Performance reviews and course corrections are done on time.
– Long-term investing is more about staying invested than just choosing funds.
– A certified financial planner helps with that clarity and accountability.

? Child Education Planning – First Goal
– Your son is 3 years old now.
– You have 14–15 years to build a good fund.
– Education costs double every 7–8 years.
– Start SIP of Rs. 15,000 monthly in growth-oriented equity funds.
– Don’t choose child insurance policies or ULIPs.
– They underperform and are not flexible.
– Actively managed diversified funds give better growth over time.
– Review your investments every year.
– Increase SIP amount every year when income increases.
– Use goal-based approach. Don’t mix short-term needs.

? Retirement Planning – Second Goal
– You’re 29 now. Retirement is 30 years away.
– Time is your best friend here.
– You already invest Rs. 60,000 yearly in NPS.
– NPS gives tax benefit under Sec 80CCD(1B).
– But NPS alone is not enough.
– Add mutual fund SIP of Rs. 10,000 monthly for this goal.
– Choose actively managed hybrid and large cap funds.
– These give long-term wealth creation and inflation beating growth.
– Avoid ULIP pension plans or annuities.
– They are rigid, low-return and not liquid.
– Mutual funds give flexibility and smart asset allocation.

? Health and Life Insurance
– You are already paying Rs. 45,000 yearly for health and term insurance.
– This is essential and correctly placed.
– Make sure health cover is Rs. 10 lakh or more.
– Include family in one family floater plan.
– Review sum insured every 3–4 years.
– Life cover should be 15–20 times your annual income.
– You can increase term insurance later if needed.

? Emergency Fund – Maintain Liquidity
– Emergency fund is important.
– Keep 6 months of expenses in savings or liquid funds.
– Don’t mix this money with investment money.
– This gives confidence to invest aggressively elsewhere.
– Emergency fund prevents loan dependency during crisis.

? Property Planning – Use Caution
– Rs. 30 lakh savings can buy land or flat.
– But don’t use full amount for it.
– Property is illiquid and needs maintenance and registration costs.
– It doesn’t give regular income unless rented.
– Focus on mutual fund investments first.
– Let your capital grow and become flexible.
– If you still buy, don’t borrow heavily for it.

? Tax Planning Strategy
– You already save Rs. 60,000 in NPS.
– That gives you benefit under 80CCD(1B).
– Term insurance premium covers part of 80C.
– Use balance of 80C for ELSS mutual fund SIP.
– ELSS gives tax saving and equity growth.
– Avoid traditional policies like LIC or endowment plans.
– They give low returns and lock money.
– Mutual funds give higher tax-adjusted returns.
– LTCG on equity mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds are taxed as per income slab.

? SIP Execution and Monitoring
– Don’t invest in many mutual funds.
– Choose 3 or 4 funds based on risk profile.
– Track SIPs once in 6 months or yearly.
– Avoid changing funds too often.
– SIPs work best when continued for long.
– Use MFD channel with CFP for execution.
– Regular review, rebalancing, and guidance are important.

? Behavioural Discipline Matters
– Markets go up and down.
– Don’t stop SIPs during correction.
– That is when you accumulate more units.
– Keep calm and stick to the plan.
– Long-term success needs patience and trust in the process.
– Stay invested and don’t react emotionally.
– A CFP gives behavioural support during tough times.

? Family Financial Planning
– Involve your wife in financial discussions.
– Keep joint goals for future.
– Plan for child’s education, travel, retirement and healthcare.
– Write a will or basic nomination now itself.
– Keep all investments in joint or nominee mode.

? Asset Allocation Balance
– Don’t invest in only one asset type.
– Use equity, hybrid, liquid and EPF in right mix.
– Overexposure to land or gold limits flexibility.
– Equity mutual funds grow capital.
– Debt and liquid funds give short-term stability.
– Review asset mix yearly.

? Final Insights
– You are taking the right steps early.
– Your goals are clear and achievable.
– Avoid index and direct mutual fund options.
– Use actively managed funds via a MFD with CFP.
– Don’t get stuck in illiquid property assets.
– Keep investing regularly and review yearly.
– Focus on discipline, guidance, and simplicity.
– You are on the right path to build wealth.
– Stay consistent and take help when needed.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 36 years my total income, expenses & investments are as below. Family income (wife 35000 & 105000) = 140000. Mortgage EMI: 67000 for another 3 years. House rent & expenses 30000. Fisical Gold invest: 10000 per month Term Insurance: 1cr Gold loan 200gm : 6 lakhs Epf: 10 lakhs Property plot: 1cr (1500sqrft) Emergency fund: 50k Future plan: 1. 1 year old daughter future plan. 2. Construction building for 3floors to get rental income. When should start and what are the options for 1.5crs loan. 3. Retirement plan.
Ans: Monthly Cash Flow Assessment
– Your family income is Rs. 1,40,000.
– Mortgage EMI is Rs. 67,000 for 3 more years.
– Rent and expenses are Rs. 30,000.
– Gold investment is Rs. 10,000.
– That leaves around Rs. 33,000 surplus monthly.
– This surplus needs smart allocation for all future goals.
– Your expenses are well-managed. That is a strong starting point.

? Existing Assets and Liabilities
– You have Rs. 10 lakh in EPF. Good long-term asset.
– Property plot worth Rs. 1 crore is a valuable asset.
– Emergency fund is only Rs. 50,000. That is low for a family.
– Gold loan of Rs. 6 lakh on 200g gold is active.
– You have Rs. 1 crore term insurance. That’s essential and well-done.

? Emergency Fund – Strengthen It
– Ideal fund should cover 6 months of expenses.
– Your family needs Rs. 1.2 to 1.5 lakh in emergency fund.
– Boost this first before increasing other investments.
– Use a mix of bank FD and liquid mutual funds.
– Don’t ignore this step. It offers peace of mind.

? Your Daughter’s Future Planning
– You have 17+ years for her higher education.
– Cost of education is rising faster than inflation.
– You must begin a monthly SIP in diversified equity funds.
– Actively managed funds are better than index funds.
– Index funds do not protect in falling markets.
– Index funds lack professional fund manager’s timely decisions.
– Active funds can adapt to changing market cycles.
– A CFP-guided SIP approach ensures consistent returns.
– Start with Rs. 10,000 monthly SIP if possible.
– Increase SIP as EMI ends in 3 years.
– Review and rebalance annually with guidance.
– Avoid ULIPs, LIC plans, or traditional child policies.
– They underperform and offer poor flexibility.

? Construction Plan and Rs. 1.5 Crore Loan
– Construction loan of Rs. 1.5 crore needs proper planning.
– You plan to build 3 floors and earn rental income.
– This is an ambitious and practical idea.
– But timing and loan handling are key.

When to Start:
– Wait until EMI on home loan ends.
– That gives you extra Rs. 67,000 monthly.
– Use that cash to repay gold loan first.
– Clearing gold loan frees up your pledged gold.
– After that, you’re better positioned for new loan.

Loan Options & Suggestions:
– Choose a term of 15–20 years for construction loan.
– That keeps EMIs affordable and less stressful.
– Don’t overcommit. Ensure 40–45% of income to EMIs only.
– Use the plot as collateral.
– Explore joint home loan for better eligibility.
– Maintain high CIBIL score and consistent income flow.
– Keep margin money of 10–15% ready in hand.
– Start planning now but execute after gold loan is cleared.

Construction Steps to Prepare:
– Get property valuation and construction estimates.
– Prepare building approval and design papers.
– Avoid over-building. Focus on rental usability and demand.
– Reserve budget for interior and furnishing.
– Post-construction, rent should cover at least 60–70% of EMI.
– Get rental agreements and tenant screening system in place.

? Gold Loan Strategy
– 200 grams gold against Rs. 6 lakh loan is costly.
– Interest outflow eats your savings slowly.
– Prioritise repaying gold loan before construction loan.
– Use part of surplus plus any bonus to repay gold loan faster.
– Once mortgage EMI ends, use Rs. 67,000 monthly to clear it.
– Don’t keep gold loan for too long.

? EPF as Long-term Asset
– You have Rs. 10 lakh in EPF. That’s good.
– Continue contributing. Don’t withdraw for short-term goals.
– It compounds silently and supports retirement corpus.
– Review EPF statement annually for balance growth.

? Physical Gold Investments
– Rs. 10,000 monthly in gold is a sentimental plan.
– But don’t over-allocate here.
– Gold has low yield over long term.
– Treat gold as hedge, not growth asset.
– Reduce gold investment slowly after 3 years.
– Redirect funds to equity mutual funds for better growth.

? Retirement Plan – Start Early, Stay Consistent
– You are 36 now. Retirement is 20–25 years away.
– Ideal time to start building a strong retirement corpus.
– Your EPF will form one part of it.
– You need additional investments to match inflation.
– Start SIPs in actively managed hybrid and diversified equity funds.
– Begin even with Rs. 5,000–10,000 monthly if cash is tight.
– Gradually raise this SIP amount every year.
– Choose regular plans through MFD with CFP qualification.
– Avoid direct funds. They lack personalised advice and reviews.
– Regular plans offer ongoing handholding, periodic reviews, and course correction.
– Investing without review leads to bad outcomes.
– Don’t depend on annuity or pension policies.
– They are rigid and yield poor inflation-adjusted returns.
– A diversified MF portfolio offers better tax-efficient growth.
– After retirement, shift corpus slowly to hybrid funds for income.
– Avoid selling everything at once. Use SWP to withdraw.

? Tax Strategy – Reduce, Save and Optimise
– Use Rs. 1.5 lakh 80C limit smartly.
– EPF and term insurance already cover part of it.
– Invest the balance in ELSS for dual benefit.
– ELSS offers tax saving and equity growth.
– Avoid traditional insurance policies.
– For daughter’s plan, use non-tax saving diversified equity funds.
– Keep gold loan interest as deduction under 24(b) if eligible.
– Maintain file of all home loan and construction bills for tax purposes.

? Insurance – Adequacy and Coverage
– You already have Rs. 1 crore term cover.
– Check if it is 15–20 times your income.
– Increase sum assured after your new home loan.
– Buy health insurance for self, wife and daughter.
– Choose a family floater of Rs. 10 lakh minimum.
– Health expenses are rising fast in India.
– Employer cover may not be enough post-retirement.
– Buy separate personal health policy without delay.

? After EMI Ends – Rebalance Entire Plan
– In 3 years, EMI of Rs. 67,000 ends.
– That changes your cash flow dramatically.
– Use this to repay gold loan, increase SIPs and boost retirement savings.
– Avoid lifestyle inflation once EMI ends.
– Sit with a Certified Financial Planner and re-strategise.

? Rental Income Plan – What to Expect
– 3 floors can fetch good rent if location supports.
– Don’t overestimate. Always take conservative rent projections.
– Maintain the building to attract quality tenants.
– Rental income is taxable. Keep that in mind.
– Use a portion of rent to create sinking fund for repairs.

? Asset Diversification and Future Planning
– Your main assets are property, EPF, and gold.
– Add mutual funds now to balance asset allocation.
– Mutual funds are liquid, diversified and inflation-beating.
– Stay invested for long-term and avoid panic exits.
– Review goals once every year with a professional.
– Plan for daughter’s college abroad if needed.
– Consider travel, emergency, healthcare and lifestyle needs at retirement.
– Build financial independence. Don’t rely on children for support.

? Final Insights
– Your current structure is stable and promising.
– You’ve handled loans and expenses responsibly.
– Strengthen your emergency fund immediately.
– Clear gold loan before taking construction loan.
– Delay construction until EMI ends to avoid pressure.
– Start SIPs for daughter’s education and your retirement.
– Avoid index funds, direct funds and annuity plans.
– Stick with MFD-guided actively managed mutual funds.
– Keep insurance updated and separate from investments.
– Do regular reviews and plan every step wisely.

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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