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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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 - Oct 31, 2023Hindi
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I have a query regarding PPF. I am 46 years old. I have a PPF account from 2000 and invest in it . and also I started a PPF account in my sons name which I started when he was 3 years young in 2010 operated by my wife. Currently I invest max amount in it. What are the rules , in regarding 1) complete withdrawal when the account matures , and at that time the check will be given in whose name 2) partial withdrawal before maturity and at that time the check will be given in whose name ?

Ans: Understanding PPF Withdrawal Rules
You have made wise decisions by investing in PPF accounts for yourself and your son. Let's explore the rules regarding complete and partial withdrawals from these accounts.

Complete Withdrawal upon Maturity
Your PPF Account

Your PPF account, started in 2000, will mature after 15 years, and you can extend it in blocks of 5 years.

Maturity Withdrawal Process

Timing: Upon maturity, you can withdraw the entire amount.

Check Issuance: The maturity proceeds will be given in your name.

Extension Option

Without Withdrawal: If you extend without withdrawal, the balance continues to earn interest.

With Withdrawal: You can withdraw once a year without closing the account.

Your Son’s PPF Account
Your son’s PPF account, started in 2010, follows similar rules. When it matures, the proceeds can be withdrawn fully.

Complete Withdrawal for Minor's Account

Timing: The account matures after 15 years from the start date, so in 2025.

Check Issuance: The maturity amount is payable to your son. If he is a minor, the cheque will be issued in the guardian’s name.

Partial Withdrawal Rules
Your PPF Account

Partial withdrawals are allowed from your PPF account after completing 5 financial years.

Rules for Partial Withdrawal

Timing: Allowed from the 7th year onward.

Amount: Up to 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th year or the immediate preceding year, whichever is lower.

Check Issuance: The cheque will be in your name.

Your Son’s PPF Account
Partial withdrawals from your son’s PPF account follow the same rules, but there are additional conditions for minors.

Partial Withdrawal for Minor’s Account

Timing: Allowed from the 7th year onward.

Amount: Up to 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th year or the immediate preceding year, whichever is lower.

Check Issuance: The cheque will be issued in the guardian’s name, operated by your wife.

Ensuring Smooth Withdrawals
Documentation

Ensure proper documentation for withdrawals. For your son’s account, you need proof of your wife being the guardian.

Planning

Plan withdrawals considering the tax implications and future needs. PPF interest is tax-free, making it beneficial for long-term savings.

Strategic Considerations
Maximizing Benefits

Continue maximizing investments in PPF for its tax-free interest and Section 80C benefits.

Monitoring Accounts

Regularly monitor both accounts to ensure they align with your financial goals. Utilize partial withdrawals wisely to avoid unnecessary tax burdens.

Managing Financial Goals
Long-Term Goals

Your PPF accounts are excellent for long-term goals, like your retirement and your son’s education or marriage.

Diversification

While PPF is safe and tax-efficient, consider diversifying with other investments to balance growth and risk.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner

Consult a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy. Professional guidance ensures your financial plans are robust and aligned with your goals.

Regular Reviews

Regularly review your financial plan and adjust it as needed. Life changes and market conditions may require updates to your strategy.

Your commitment to securing your financial future and that of your son is commendable. PPF is a reliable and tax-efficient tool for this purpose.

Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the withdrawal rules for your PPF accounts helps you make informed decisions. Proper planning and regular reviews ensure you maximize benefits from these investments.

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  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

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My PPF was opened only when I started working in private sector in 2015 and I am now 70 years old. When can I withdraw money from PPF and how much percentage of my savings?
Ans: Withdrawal Rules for Public Provident Fund (PPF) at 70 Years

Public Provident Fund (PPF) offers a secure and tax-efficient investment avenue for individuals looking to build long-term savings. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I understand the importance of knowing the withdrawal rules, especially as you approach 70 years of age. Let's delve into when and how much you can withdraw from your PPF account:

Understanding PPF Withdrawal Rules:

Maturity Period: PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years from the end of the financial year in which the account was opened. However, after the initial 15-year period, the account can be extended indefinitely in blocks of five years.

Withdrawal Eligibility: Withdrawals from a PPF account are allowed from the 7th financial year onwards, subject to certain conditions.

Partial Withdrawals: You can make partial withdrawals from your PPF account from the 7th financial year, limited to a maximum of 50% of the balance at the end of the fourth year immediately preceding the year of withdrawal, or the preceding year, whichever is lower.

Full Withdrawal: Complete withdrawal of the PPF balance is permissible only upon maturity, which is after 15 years. However, you have the option to extend the account indefinitely in blocks of five years.

Withdrawal at 70 Years: As you are now 70 years old, if your PPF account has completed the initial 15-year lock-in period, you have the flexibility to make partial withdrawals or extend the account further.

Withdrawal Percentage and Considerations:

Partial Withdrawal Percentage: You can withdraw up to 50% of the balance at the end of the fourth year immediately preceding the year of withdrawal. However, it's essential to assess your financial needs and withdrawal requirements before making any withdrawals.

Impact on Retirement Planning: While PPF offers attractive tax benefits and a guaranteed return, withdrawing a significant portion of your savings may impact your retirement corpus. It's crucial to strike a balance between meeting your immediate financial needs and preserving funds for long-term goals.

Tax Implications: Withdrawals from a PPF account are tax-free under the Income Tax Act. However, consider the tax implications if you have other sources of income or investments subject to taxation.

Conclusion:

As you reach 70 years of age, you have the flexibility to withdraw funds from your PPF account, subject to the applicable withdrawal rules. However, it's essential to assess your financial situation, retirement goals, and withdrawal needs carefully before making any decisions. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help you make informed financial choices.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 55 and I am a stage 4 cancer patient for the past 5 years. Presently working with a salary of Rs.30 LPA. I have Rs.75 L in SB account. Rs.25 L in shares out of which Rs.12 L is loss. Rs.12 L in mutual funds. Rs.3 L in EPF. No commitments or liabilities. I need to know how I can get Rs. 70 K per month in case I lose my job. Kindly advise.
Ans: I truly appreciate your courage and clarity even in the face of health challenges. With your current financial resources and the need to secure a monthly income of Rs. 70,000, a detailed and careful plan is very much possible.

Let me give you a full 360-degree solution below, step-by-step.

Understanding Your Present Financial Picture
You are 55 years old and have been living with stage 4 cancer for 5 years.

You are still employed and drawing a salary of Rs. 30 lakhs per year.

You have Rs. 75 lakhs in your savings bank account.

You hold Rs. 25 lakhs in shares, with Rs. 12 lakhs in losses.

You have Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Rs. 3 lakhs is in your EPF account.

You have no loans or financial commitments.

Your main concern is to receive Rs. 70,000 every month if the job stops.

You are not looking to take risks.

You want regular, reliable income without physical involvement.

Step 1: Emergency Medical and Health Fund
Health comes first. Keep money aside just for medical needs.

This fund should cover two years of your full household and medical costs.

Keep Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs aside for this purpose.

This money should be in ultra-safe places.

Prefer a savings bank account and liquid mutual funds.

This should remain untouched unless truly needed.

This emergency buffer gives peace and avoids panic in tough times.

Step 2: Generate Rs. 70,000 Monthly Income
Rs. 70,000 monthly means Rs. 8.4 lakhs needed per year.

Aim for post-tax cash flow from your investments.

Break your funds into income generation buckets.

Use your Rs. 75 lakhs from savings bank as the core capital.

Avoid keeping the full amount idle in SB account.

Allocate funds into low-risk, stable return instruments.

Prefer investment avenues offering quarterly or monthly payouts.

Choose options where you can withdraw in parts if needed.

Step 3: Structured Investment Allocation
Short-Term Bucket: 1 to 2 Years

Set aside Rs. 18 to 20 lakhs for short-term needs.

Put this money into highly liquid options.

Use only those that protect capital and give fixed income.

These funds will generate stable income for the next two years.

Prefer options offering monthly or quarterly payouts.

This will help replace your salary if job stops.

You don’t need to sell any shares or mutual funds right away.

You get time to think clearly, plan calmly.

Medium-Term Bucket: 3 to 5 Years

Keep around Rs. 25 to 30 lakhs here.

Invest in actively managed hybrid mutual funds.

Choose regular plans through a mutual fund distributor with CFP credentials.

Do not go for direct funds.

Direct plans do not come with personalised guidance.

There is no one to help you rebalance, switch or review.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing support.

With hybrid funds, risk is moderate and returns are better than FDs.

Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) to get monthly income.

You can set up SWP of Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 from this bucket.

These funds will last for years while also growing gradually.

Long-Term Bucket: 5+ Years

Keep Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs for the long-term.

This is not for current income, but for inflation beating growth.

Invest in actively managed large cap or balanced advantage funds.

Again, use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner.

These funds will build wealth for later stages.

You can shift gains to the medium bucket after 5 years.

Step 4: Shareholding Review and Action Plan
You have Rs. 25 lakhs in shares.

Out of this, Rs. 12 lakhs are in losses.

Do not sell them in a hurry.

Some may recover if you wait patiently.

First, make a list of all companies and their quality.

Exit poor-quality stocks even at a loss.

Retain good quality stocks with strong future.

If the whole portfolio is confusing, take help from a Certified Financial Planner.

You can harvest the loss now to set off gains later.

Book losses smartly to reduce future capital gains tax.

After cleaning up, move the proceeds to your medium bucket.

Step 5: Mutual Fund Review
You hold Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Find out the type of each fund.

If these are equity funds, hold them long-term.

If returns are low or risk is high, shift to hybrid funds.

Avoid investing in index funds.

Index funds cannot protect capital in falling markets.

They simply copy the market blindly.

Actively managed funds are safer.

Professional fund managers take timely actions.

They reduce your risk and improve consistency.

Step 6: EPF Strategy
You have Rs. 3 lakhs in EPF.

EPF earns stable tax-free interest.

Do not withdraw unless it’s urgent.

Keep it as part of your long-term reserve.

Step 7: Monthly Income Setup
Use short-term and medium-term buckets to get income.

Start SWP from mutual funds for Rs. 40,000 monthly.

Use fixed income tools for Rs. 30,000 more.

Review this every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust amounts if needed based on inflation.

Step 8: Tax Planning and Awareness
Income from mutual funds is taxable.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemptions to avoid tax shocks.

Harvest profits in a planned manner.

Step 9: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Do not invest in real estate.

It is illiquid and needs physical handling.

Do not buy annuities.

They give poor returns and lock your money.

Do not fall for insurance + investment combos.

If you already hold such policies, review them.

Consider surrender if return is poor.

Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds.

Step 10: Use a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner gives structured and unbiased advice.

They help you with fund selection, SWP setup, rebalancing.

They guide you with tax-saving and risk control.

Their ongoing service is crucial at your life stage.

Choose someone with experience and clear credentials.

Finally
You are in a better financial position than many.

You have no loans, no dependents, and have built good savings.

With a calm and simple plan, you can replace your income safely.

You do not need to take risky steps now.

You have already shown strength by managing your life and job for 5 years.

Now your money should serve you with peace and stability.

Break your capital into buckets.

Get monthly income through safe withdrawals.

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid unnecessary complexity or noise.

You deserve a peaceful financial life.

Your health is precious. Let money be your quiet support.

Invest safe. Withdraw smart. Sleep well.

You are already doing well. Just add clarity and structure.

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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