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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 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 - Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money

I am a Railway employee, my monthly salary is approx 38000. I have a personal loan of monthly emi 17000 and it's outstanding amount 490000 about remaining 40 months. I have also invest 9000(5000 RD + 4000 MF) for my marriage in first of 2026 . My total expenditure ={ 23000 ( including loan emi) and invest 9000 for marriage and 7000 for try to prepayment to loan }= 39000 My next plan build my house take a home loan about 15 lakh and try to prepayment my personal loan with extra emi 7000 but it takes 20 months, I want to take home loan in next year 2025 about 8 month later, so I try to close my personal loan as early as possible in each month with extra emi. But can't get the result at proper time. what should I do ? And Ami I going in right path? Pls suggest me

Ans: First, let me appreciate your dedication and forward-thinking. Managing finances can be tough, especially with loans and future plans. Your situation needs a balanced approach. Let’s dive into it.

Understanding Your Financial Landscape
You have a salary of Rs 38,000 per month. You have a personal loan EMI of Rs 17,000 with an outstanding amount of Rs 4,90,000, to be paid off in 40 months. You are investing Rs 9,000 per month for your marriage in 2026, with Rs 5,000 in a Recurring Deposit (RD) and Rs 4,000 in mutual funds. Your total monthly expenditure is Rs 39,000, including loan EMI, investment for marriage, and an additional Rs 7,000 towards prepayment of the loan. You plan to take a home loan of Rs 15 lakh in 2025. Let’s analyse and strategize your financial journey.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Assessing Current Loan Situation
Your personal loan EMI is quite high, consuming a significant portion of your income. You are prepaying Rs 7,000 monthly to close this loan early, but it is stretching your finances thin.

Benefits of Prepayment
Prepaying your loan reduces the principal amount, thereby reducing the interest burden. However, it also reduces your monthly cash flow, limiting your ability to save and invest for other goals.

Balancing Prepayment and Savings
Instead of aggressively prepaying the loan, consider a balanced approach. Allocate a portion of your extra EMI towards an emergency fund and investments. This will ensure you have a cushion for unexpected expenses and continue growing your wealth.

Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a good choice for long-term goals. They offer diversification, professional management, and compounding benefits.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds

Invest in stocks.
Suitable for long-term wealth creation.
Higher returns, higher risks.
Debt Mutual Funds

Invest in fixed-income securities.
Stable returns, lower risk.
Good for maintaining liquidity.
Hybrid Mutual Funds

Mix of equities and debt.
Balanced risk and returns.
Advantages of Mutual Funds
Professional Management
Fund managers make investment decisions for you, beneficial if you lack time or expertise.

Diversification
Spreading investments across various assets reduces risk.

Liquidity
Easy to redeem units, providing good liquidity.

Power of Compounding
Investing long-term lets your returns compound, significantly growing your wealth.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate a market index, offering average market returns. They can't respond to market changes, potentially underperforming during downturns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market by making strategic choices. Fund managers actively buy and sell securities to leverage market opportunities, offering higher returns.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require handling all investment decisions and paperwork, which can be complex and time-consuming without professional guidance.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert advice tailored to your goals. A CFP can help you choose the right funds, monitor your portfolio, and make adjustments as needed, optimizing returns and managing risks.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures quick access to cash for unexpected expenses, providing financial security.

Home Loan Strategy
Assessing Home Loan Readiness
Planning to take a home loan of Rs 15 lakh in 2025 requires careful consideration. Ensure you have a stable income, low debt-to-income ratio, and good credit score.

Prepayment Strategy
Instead of fully prepaying your personal loan, balance between prepayment and savings. Allocate some funds towards an emergency fund and investments. This will help you manage your finances better when you take the home loan.

Home Loan EMI
Plan your home loan EMI to be affordable within your monthly budget. Ensure it doesn’t strain your finances or hinder other financial goals.

Risk Management
Understanding and managing risk is crucial.

Loan Risks
High EMIs can strain your monthly budget, limiting savings and investments. Ensure loan repayments are manageable and don’t hinder financial stability.

Investment Risks
Mutual funds come with market risks. Diversify your portfolio to manage risk effectively. Balance between equity, debt, and hybrid funds based on your risk appetite and financial goals.

Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides personalized investment strategies. A CFP can help navigate financial markets and make informed decisions.

Final Insights
Your financial journey requires careful planning and strategic investments. Balance loan prepayment with savings and investments. Strengthen your mutual fund portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Consider actively managed funds for higher potential returns. Invest through a CFP for expert guidance and optimized returns.

Maintain an emergency fund for financial security. Plan your home loan EMI within your budget to avoid financial strain. Regularly review and adjust your financial plans to stay on track with your goals.

By managing your loans, investments, and risks effectively, you can achieve your financial goals and build a secure future.

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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Sir I am 44 years and I am working in IT related company with approx Rs 1.3L monthly take home. I have a taken a home loan of 1.15 Cr for 16 years. The monthly EMI is comes to 1.10L. The flat cost above 1.5 Cr for which I have put my savings for the rest of the amount. I am concerned off late on closing the loan in a timely manner. With my expenses for kids education ( they are in school now) How can I plan it better. My wife is also working currently with approx 80k monthly salary.
Ans: Considering your current family income, your debt-to-income ratio is approx 53%, which is very high and may affect your lifestyle as also your future goals. You should consider the following-

Home Loan Repayment: Consider allocating any annual bonuses, tax refunds, or windfalls towards your home loan to make lump-sum payments and reduce the principal amount. If you receive salary hikes, consider using a portion of the increase towards your EMI payments, which will accelerate loan repayment.

Children's Education Fund: Open a separate investment account for each child's education. Invest in diversified mutual funds or fixed deposits and other assets which offer a balance between risk and returns, saving on tax perspective as well.

Emergency Fund and Insurance: Keep your emergency fund in a liquid and accessible account, like a savings account or a short-term fixed deposit, for immediate use.

Future Financial Goals: Outline your long-term financial objectives, such as retirement, and start investing towards these goals. Consider options like Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), or National Pension Scheme (NPS).

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am a Railway employee, my monthly salary is approx 38000. I have a personal loan of monthly emi 17000 and it's outstanding amount 490000 about remaining 40 months. I have also invest 9000(5000 RD + 4000 MF) for my marriage in first of 2026 . My total expenditure ={ 23000 ( including loan emi) and invest 9000 for marriage and 7000 for try to prepayment to loan }= 39000 My next plan build my house take a home loan about 15 lakh and try to prepayment my personal loan with extra emi 7000 but it takes 20 months, I want to take home loan in next year 2025 about 8 month later, so I try to close my personal loan as early as possible in each month with extra emi. But can't get the result at proper time. what should I do ? And Ami I going in right path? Pls suggest me
Ans: I see you're working hard to manage your finances and future goals. Let's look at how you can achieve your plans effectively.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, let's break down your current financial position:

Monthly Salary: Rs. 38,000
Personal Loan EMI: Rs. 17,000
Personal Loan Outstanding: Rs. 4,90,000 (40 months remaining)
Monthly Investments: Rs. 9,000 (RD and MF)
Total Monthly Expenditure: Rs. 23,000 (including loan EMI)
Additional EMI for Loan Prepayment: Rs. 7,000
You have a clear goal: to close your personal loan as early as possible and take a home loan next year.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Focus on Personal Loan Prepayment
You're already paying Rs. 7,000 extra towards your personal loan each month. This is a good step. By prepaying, you're reducing the interest burden. However, it may not close the loan as quickly as you hope.

Increase Prepayment Amount
If possible, try to increase the prepayment amount. Even a small increase can significantly reduce the loan tenure. Check if you can cut some discretionary expenses temporarily to allocate more towards prepayment.

Lump Sum Payments
Whenever you receive any extra income, such as bonuses or gifts, use it for lump sum payments towards your personal loan. This will further reduce your outstanding amount.

Investment Strategy
Balancing Loan Repayment and Investments
You’re investing Rs. 9,000 monthly (Rs. 5,000 in RD and Rs. 4,000 in MF) for your marriage in 2026. This is important, but your immediate priority is clearing the personal loan.

Temporarily Redirect Investments
Consider temporarily redirecting some of your investments towards loan prepayment. For instance, reduce RD and MF contributions slightly and use this amount for prepayment. Once the loan is cleared, you can increase your investments again.

Continue Some Investments
It’s essential to continue some investments for your marriage goal. Don’t stop investing completely, as this goal is also crucial.

Planning for the Home Loan
Timing of Home Loan
You plan to take a home loan in 2025. Clearing your personal loan before that is wise. This will improve your credit score and reduce financial stress.

Home Loan Amount
Plan your home loan amount carefully. Ensure the EMI is manageable within your monthly budget. Avoid over-borrowing to keep financial stress low.

Save for Down Payment
Start saving for the down payment of your home loan. Typically, lenders require a down payment of 20% of the home’s value. This will reduce your loan amount and EMI.

Building an Emergency Fund
Importance of Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial to handle unexpected expenses without disrupting your financial plans. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses.

Gradual Savings
Start small. Save a portion of your salary each month towards the emergency fund. You can increase this amount once your personal loan is cleared.

Ensuring Financial Stability
Budgeting and Expense Management
Create a detailed budget to track your income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut costs. This will free up more money for loan repayment and savings.

Avoid New Debt
Avoid taking any new loans or credit until your personal loan is cleared and you have a stable financial situation. This will help you stay on track with your goals.

Regular Financial Reviews
Monitor Progress
Regularly review your financial situation. Check your loan balance, investment growth, and budget adherence. This will help you stay focused and make necessary adjustments.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. They can provide insights tailored to your situation and help you achieve your goals efficiently.

Evaluating Investment Options
Avoid Index Funds
Index funds might seem attractive but they have limitations. They may not beat inflation or provide superior returns consistently. Actively managed funds, with professional management, can offer better returns and adapt to market changes.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Direct funds require active management and market knowledge. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offers professional guidance and better fund selection. This can lead to better performance and peace of mind.

Final Insights
You’re on the right path with a clear focus on your financial goals. Prioritizing loan repayment is wise, but balancing investments for your future goals is also essential.

Increase your prepayment amount if possible and consider redirecting some investments temporarily. Regularly review your financial situation and seek professional advice if needed. You’re doing great, and with some adjustments, you’ll achieve your goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I am 38 years old, happily married and working in as IT professional. My monthly take home is around 92K. My current personal loans are having an balance around 9 Lakhs and an hand loans around 4 Lakhs. My current EMI cut off is around 85K due to bad financial planning in last few years due to personal emergencies, i have been incurring losses and unable to save salary. Personal loans will finish by February 2025, but unable to cope with the monthly EMIs and due to this it is having negative impact in cibel score. Could you please suggest me on how to plan things for short term and also on long term.
Ans: You are 38 years old, happily married, and working in IT. Your monthly take-home salary is Rs. 92,000. You have personal loans with an outstanding balance of Rs. 9 lakhs and hand loans of Rs. 4 lakhs. Your current EMI cut-off is Rs. 85,000. Personal loans will be cleared by February 2025.

Immediate Steps for Debt Management
Prioritize High-Interest Loans
Focus on clearing high-interest loans first. These are costly and impact your finances. Prioritizing them will ease financial pressure.

Negotiate with Lenders
Talk to your lenders. Request for lower interest rates or extended payment terms. This can reduce your monthly EMI burden.

Consolidate Loans
Consider consolidating multiple loans into a single loan. This can lower your overall interest rate. It simplifies payments and reduces stress.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses
Identify and cut unnecessary expenses. This will free up funds to pay off debts. Focus on essential expenses only.

Mid-Term Planning
Emergency Fund
Start building an emergency fund. Aim for 3-6 months of expenses. This provides a safety net for future emergencies.

Financial Discipline
Stick to a strict budget. Avoid unnecessary expenses. Ensure timely payment of EMIs to improve your CIBIL score.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Investing in Mutual Funds
Once debts are cleared, start SIPs in mutual funds. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This will help in wealth creation.

Retirement Planning
Start saving for retirement. Consider PPF and NPS for long-term benefits. Regular contributions will ensure a comfortable retirement.

Children’s Education
Plan for your children’s education. Start investing in child-specific mutual funds. Ensure their future is financially secure.

Final Insights
Focus on clearing high-interest loans first. Negotiate with lenders for better terms. Build an emergency fund. Plan for long-term goals with disciplined investing.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hello, I went to kota in class 11 in 2019 I was a below average student there but as soon as my class 12 session was to be started I already started studying the syllabus and was determined that I will crack neet in my first attempt any how but suddenly Covid came and I went back to home ,online classes started but after two months suddenly my mental health started deteriorating and eventually I was rushed to various doctors and finally to a psychiatrist , after a few months of constant visits etc I got diagnosed with schizophrenia ,my medications started heavily impacting my sleep,apettite,emotions etc. my studies got completely stopped slowly slowly till neet 2021 I was in that situation that I can just only sit in exam with no preparation at all I scored very very less again next year as I was not much well I got very less in neet 2022 same story in neet 2023 too then for neet 2024 I started studying a little bit due to not studying properly since two three years I was not studying properly I just watched yt videoes on how to study that ,how to do this and that regarding studies I mean I only accumulated knowledge but didn't took actions which ruined my neet 2024 result too .now my parents enrolled me in a regular central government college in bsc zoology hons. Inside me too for some time I accepted it and tried to move on but unable to do that bcoz I wanted to be a doctor since childhood and also have keen interest in medical study it's almost time for neet 2025 but I am unprepared due to not arriving at a firm decision but now I am almost healthy and decided to prepare for neet 2026 will it be worth the decision? I want to try atleast once with my full potential and dedication rest results will be in god's hands Or should I not prepare and focus on anything else?
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Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

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Asked by Anonymous - Jan 27, 2025Hindi
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I am 48, male, divorced from my wife. I have a 12 year old daughter. I am in love with a colleague in my office who is also married and seeking divorce. We have known each other for 3 years. Her husband recently found about us and has since decided to delay the divorce proceedings. He is not consenting for mutual divorce. While we love and support each other, this new development is now affecting our relationship. Her husband doesn't appreciate us meeting or talking at work or texting each other. He is unecessarily harassing her to make it seem like I am the villain and she should feel guilty about choosing to divorce at the age of 45. I don't see how it is my fault. But I don't want her to go through this pain of dealing with a guy who she doesn't want to live with. Please suggest what I can do to help.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
What can you do other than just be by her side and simply understand her situation?
Her husband perhaps feels threatened by another male stepping in and hence delaying the divorce or not consenting to it will drag this whole thing...On your part, do not get so emotionally invested that it begins to take a toll on your peace of mind. This situation isn't going to be an easy one and it will just stretch your emotional band very thin; both for you and the lady. So, take it slow and it may help not being in the radar much so that the husband also backs off. It's sadly called - playing games.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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I am 62 years old.I have 1 Crore at present.I have health insurance for 25 Lakhs.I want to draw an amount of 50,000 per month through systematic withdrawal plan form mutual funds.After my life i want to give a huge Corpus to my son from this investments.Please advice me for my retirement planning.
Ans: 1. Understanding Your Financial Needs
You have Rs 1 crore at present.
You want Rs 50,000 per month through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP).
The objective is to generate enough income to meet your monthly needs and create wealth for your son.
2. Withdrawal Strategy: SWP Setup
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a smart way to create a monthly income.
You need to ensure that the capital remains growing even while withdrawals happen.
Your goal of Rs 50,000 per month is about Rs 6 lakh per year.
Your Rs 1 crore corpus needs to generate this amount.
A balanced portfolio of equity and debt will help in managing risk while offering growth.
A well-planned SWP structure will ensure that your corpus grows, even with withdrawals.
3. Investment Strategy for Long-Term Stability and Growth
Equity investments are ideal for growth, especially in the first few years.
Debt funds provide stability, reducing volatility in your portfolio.
Mutual funds can be actively managed to meet both income and growth objectives.
Avoid index funds as they lack active management. They follow the market, so they cannot provide higher returns than actively managed funds.
Direct funds, while cheaper, have no expert oversight.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures you get expert guidance, which enhances returns.
4. Asset Allocation
A balanced asset allocation helps grow your wealth while ensuring stability.
Start with around 40% equity, 40% debt, and 20% in safer assets like gold.
Equities will generate higher returns over time, while debt will give stability.
Gold helps hedge against inflation and provides diversification.
Over time, gradually reduce equity exposure and increase debt allocation to preserve capital.
5. Managing Risk
Risk management is key in your case, especially with a fixed withdrawal amount.
You don’t want to dip into the principal too soon, so focus on risk-adjusted returns.
A combination of mid-cap, large-cap, and hybrid funds provides both stability and growth potential.
Debt mutual funds with shorter durations help balance the risk and returns.
A portion should be allocated to liquid funds or short-term debt funds for emergencies.
6. Health Insurance and Emergency Planning
You already have Rs 25 lakh health insurance, which is a great start.
With rising medical costs, you may need to consider increasing coverage over time.
Set aside an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6 months of expenses in liquid funds.
Ensure that your health insurance is comprehensive and covers critical illnesses.
7. Creating a Legacy for Your Son
You want to leave a substantial corpus for your son.
Your investments should be structured to grow over time, even after your lifetime.
A combination of equity, hybrid funds, and a small percentage in gold can work well.
To ensure the corpus grows, focus on reinvesting dividends and returns.
Also, consider setting up a trust or nominee to ensure your assets are transferred smoothly.
8. Tax Planning for Retirement
Focus on tax-efficient investments.
Long-term capital gains on equity funds are tax-free after a certain holding period.
Debt funds may have a tax advantage if held for more than 3 years.
Take advantage of tax-saving mutual funds if you are eligible for deductions.
Regular review of your tax liabilities helps in keeping your investments tax-efficient.
9. Monitoring and Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it’s in line with your retirement goals.
Rebalancing annually will keep your asset allocation on track.
Keep track of your SWP withdrawals and adjust based on market performance.
As you get closer to your desired age, you can reduce equity exposure and increase debt allocation.
10. Avoiding Certain Investment Options
Avoid investing in annuities, as they don’t provide flexibility.
Investment-cum-insurance plans like ULIPs should be reconsidered.
These have high charges and offer lower returns compared to mutual funds.
Insurance should be separate from your investments to achieve higher returns.
Consider surrendering any such policies and reinvesting the amount in mutual funds for better growth.
11. Health and Long-Term Care Planning
Long-term care and medical expenses should be factored in.
After retirement, you may not have a regular income, so insurance will help.
Consider building a portion of your portfolio to cover these needs.
12. Legacy Planning and Nomination
Ensure you have a clear will and nominations for all your assets.
Mutual funds and other investments should have a designated nominee.
This helps transfer assets to your son easily after your lifetime.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to streamline this process.
13. Review Your Plan Regularly
Keep reviewing your financial goals annually.
Adjust your strategy if there are major changes in market conditions or personal goals.
Your retirement portfolio should be flexible to handle changes in market conditions.
Ensure that any new goals or needs are factored into your investment planning.
Final Insights
Your Rs 1 crore is a great base for building a secure retirement.
Balance your portfolio to generate income while keeping the principal intact.
Actively managed funds are the best choice for long-term wealth generation.
Regular monitoring and a disciplined SWP strategy will help meet your goals.
Build a legacy for your son by ensuring that your investments grow even after your lifetime.
Health insurance, tax planning, and estate planning should be integral to your strategy.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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Hello Ramalingam sir. Good day. I'm looking to invest 20L for long term (min 10Y). Please advise how should I diversify the same?
Ans: Investing Rs 20 lakh for the long term requires careful planning. A well-diversified portfolio balances risk and return. Below is a structured approach to diversification.

Understanding Long-Term Investing
Long-term investing builds wealth over time.

A well-diversified portfolio reduces risk.

Regular monitoring is essential for success.

Asset Allocation Strategy
Spreading investments across different asset classes is important.

Asset allocation should match risk tolerance and goals.

Rebalancing every year ensures stability.

Equity Investments for Growth
Equity investments provide higher returns over time.

Investing in quality mutual funds ensures professional management.

Actively managed funds perform better than index funds.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds can give high growth.

A mix of large, mid, and small caps balances risk.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures better fund selection.

Debt Investments for Stability
Debt investments provide steady returns.

They reduce overall portfolio risk.

Corporate bonds and debt funds offer better returns than fixed deposits.

Government bonds are secure but have lower returns.

A portion of capital in debt instruments gives stability.

Gold for Hedging
Gold acts as a hedge against inflation.

5-10% of the portfolio in gold is beneficial.

Sovereign gold bonds provide interest and capital appreciation.

Gold ETFs and digital gold are convenient options.

International Exposure for Diversification
Investing in global funds provides currency diversification.

Exposure to international markets enhances portfolio strength.

Developed market funds offer stability.

Emerging market funds provide growth opportunities.

Investing in REITs for Real Estate Exposure
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide real estate exposure.

They generate rental income and capital appreciation.

REITs are more liquid than physical real estate.

Avoiding Insurance-Based Investments
Investment-cum-insurance plans give poor returns.

ULIPs have high charges and low flexibility.

Insurance should be separate from investments.

Emergency Fund Allocation
Always keep an emergency fund ready.

Three to six months of expenses should be in a liquid fund.

This ensures financial security during unforeseen events.

Tax-Efficient Investing
Investing in tax-saving funds reduces tax liability.

Long-term capital gains from equities are tax-efficient.

Debt investments should be chosen based on tax benefits.

A Certified Financial Planner helps in tax-efficient planning.

SIP vs. Lump Sum Investment
Systematic investment plans (SIPs) reduce market timing risk.

Lump sum investments work well in market corrections.

A combination of SIP and lump sum is effective.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Portfolio performance should be reviewed yearly.

Rebalancing ensures asset allocation stays aligned with goals.

Market fluctuations require adjustments.

Final Insights
A well-diversified portfolio ensures wealth creation.

Equity, debt, gold, and international funds balance returns and risk.

A Certified Financial Planner helps in building a strong investment plan.

Monitoring investments ensures long-term success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1471 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 27, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
Anu mam, I am 21 about to graduate this year. So I am a single child and I just got to know that my parents are planning to separate. They are both seeing different people but none of them have cared to sit down and discuss this with me. I am old enough to make decisions. But I feel betrayed by my own parents. I don't have siblings or cousins with whom I can discuss this. I mean, what happens to me after my parents separate? Where will I stay? What about home? Both my parents are travelling or working late so we hardly spend time together at home to have a conversation. I have suggested several times that I want to talk but there is no response from either of them. There is always some urgent work to attend, some family event coming up and this gets brushed aside. I feel like I am not even their child any more. They have both mentally moved on... and I feel betrayed, lonely. I don't know what to do. Can you help?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am sorry to hear that. It is never easy to understand when your parents are planning to separate and it leaves you with a lot of questions when left unanswered can lead to a very unsettled feeling.
Perhaps they are still wondering how to break the news to you. If they have been avoiding this topic, then it is evident that they are not ready to tell you or it's still in an awkward phase.
You are 21 and obviously there's no point hiding this from you anymore. Make a dinner plan outside of home where they will not be able to move about and cite urgent work etc. Mid-way through dinner, ask them...they may deny or one of them may walk out; but at least they know that you are aware and will want to talk about it eventually. The path to a conversation has opened then and then you can make a plan about how to go about it.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1471 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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Relationship
Me 38ki hu mera bf 28ka wo mujhse sucha pyar krta hai shaadi bi Krna hai usko but bola ki me 2cr kmalu tb krunga t shaadi usne ghr me baat bhi ni ki apne na mere ki confirm krde ki shaadi t krunga or sagai krle usne BTech science kri hai wo mera office me lga jha selry 18k hai but maine kha ki tum apni qualification me hisaab se khi or job krlo jha 50k mile taki tum mere ghr walo se shaadi ki baat kr sko humre riste ko 4saal ho gye hai but usko m bhoat smjhaya ki khi or job krlo set ho jaye but ni ki or is office me job krha jha 18k milre hai usko fir bolta hai ki me 2cr acount me ho tb me Shaadi krunga tumse but mere ghr wale pressure krhe hai alg or ye koi faisla ni lera hai me kya kru
Ans: Dear Tiya,
Uske paas tumse zyaada waqt hai umar ke hisaab se isiliye woh yeh bol paa raha hai. Woh galat nahin na tum galat ho. Dono apni apni jagah sahi ho.
Aapko apni life mein kya chahiye? Shaadi aur ek pariwaar? Toh aapko yahi sochna chahiye ki kya yeh aapka bf samajhta hai aur kya is waqt woh yeh aapko de paayega. Kamaai ki baare mein bol rahaa hai woh; woh 2 Cr kitne saal aur lagenge? Kya aap intezaar karna chahoge? Agar nahin, toh is waqt woh bhi shaadi nahin karna chahte...toh aap unko majboor nahin kar sakte...Aaraam se soch vichaar kar lijiye aur ek nateeje par aana. Aap intezaar hi karte rahoge aur umar bhi nikla jaayega...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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Money
I am 60 yrs old retired lady. I have 50 lakhs in mutual funds. Around 50 lakhs in equity. In cash I have 1 crore. How I should manage to get pension of Rs. 1 lakh per month because I have no pension from government. Please advice. Partially I should go in property investment.
Ans: You have Rs. 2 crore in investments. You need Rs. 1 lakh per month for expenses. Your goal is to create a stable and tax-efficient income. Let’s plan carefully.

Current Financial Position
Rs. 50 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs. 50 lakh in direct equity.

Rs. 1 crore in cash.

No government pension.

Goal: Rs. 1 lakh monthly income (Rs. 12 lakh per year).

Key Challenges
Your investments should last for 25+ years.

Inflation will increase expenses every year.

Fixed deposits and traditional plans may not keep up with inflation.

Real estate can lock funds and reduce liquidity.

Step-by-Step Financial Plan
1. Build an Emergency Fund
Keep Rs. 15 lakh in liquid funds or bank deposits.

This covers 12-18 months of expenses.

Avoid using emergency funds for investments.

2. Allocate Funds for Monthly Income
Keep Rs. 85 lakh in safe, income-generating investments.

Choose options that give regular and stable returns.

Returns should beat inflation but stay low-risk.

3. Invest for Growth and Wealth Protection
Invest Rs. 50 lakh in balanced mutual funds.

These provide growth and moderate risk.

Withdraw 4-5% yearly to support expenses.

4. Optimise Direct Equity Portfolio
Rs. 50 lakh in direct stocks needs review.

Retain only strong dividend-paying companies.

Shift risky stocks to safer mutual funds.

5. Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability.

Use long-term capital gains to reduce tax impact.

Avoid withdrawing large lump sums at once.

Why Real Estate is Not Ideal
Property investment reduces liquidity.

Rental income is uncertain and taxable.

Maintenance costs and legal issues can arise.

Selling property in emergencies can take time.

Final Insights
You can generate Rs. 1 lakh per month with smart planning.

Avoid locking money in real estate.

Diversify into stable income options.

Review investments every year for adjustments.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for execution.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7741 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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Money
I am 40 year old, have 38 lakhs in FD, 60 lakh in EPF, 40 lakh in PPF, 30 lakh in Mutual fund and 10 lakh in NPS. Have own house and another house earning rent of rs 15000 per month. Monthly expenses is 1 lakh. Son is in class 7. Can I retire ?
Ans: You have built a solid financial base. Let's assess if early retirement is feasible for you.

Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You have Rs 38 lakh in Fixed Deposits (FD).
Your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) balance is Rs 60 lakh.
You have Rs 40 lakh in Public Provident Fund (PPF).
Your mutual fund investments total Rs 30 lakh.
Your National Pension System (NPS) corpus is Rs 10 lakh.
You own a second house generating Rs 15,000 per month in rental income.
Monthly Expense Requirement
Your monthly expense is Rs 1 lakh.
Annually, this totals Rs 12 lakh.
After rent income, you need Rs 10.2 lakh per year.
Your corpus should generate this amount without running out.
Key Retirement Considerations
1. Longevity of Your Corpus
You may live for another 40–50 years.
Your investments should last for this period.
A balanced approach is necessary to sustain wealth.
2. Inflation Impact on Expenses
Your current Rs 1 lakh per month will increase over time.
Inflation reduces the value of money.
Your investments must grow faster than inflation.
3. Education & Future Responsibilities
Your son is in Class 7 and will need higher education funds.
Higher education costs rise significantly over time.
You must set aside a separate fund for this.
4. Healthcare & Emergency Fund
Medical costs rise with age.
Health insurance is essential.
A dedicated emergency fund prevents financial stress.
Evaluating Your Passive Income Sources
Rental income of Rs 15,000 per month covers only a small portion of expenses.
Your existing assets must generate regular income.
Safe withdrawals should sustain your retirement.
Investment Strategy for a Secure Retirement
1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth (40–50%)
Your corpus should continue to grow.
Equities provide long-term wealth creation.
Actively managed funds can beat inflation.
A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds balances growth and safety.
2. Debt Instruments for Stability (30–40%)
FDs, EPF, and PPF provide safety.
Keep some funds in liquid debt instruments.
Target maturity funds and short-duration debt funds can provide regular income.
3. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for Monthly Cash Flow
Instead of withdrawing lump sums, use an SWP strategy.
This ensures regular income without depleting capital fast.
It also provides tax efficiency.
4. Gold as a Hedge (5–10%)
Gold protects against economic fluctuations.
Consider Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) for better returns.
SGBs also provide annual interest.
Insurance & Risk Management
Ensure you have term insurance for family security.
Maintain a comprehensive health insurance plan.
Keep a separate emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Final Insights
Early retirement is possible but needs careful planning.
Your corpus must be structured for growth and stability.
Inflation and future expenses must be factored in.
Investment allocation should balance risk and liquidity.
Regular reviews are essential to keep your plan on track.
Would you like a detailed withdrawal strategy based on your exact needs?

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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