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Vivek Lala  |323 Answers  |Ask -

Tax, MF Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

Vivek Lala has been working as a tax planner since 2018. His expertise lies in making personalised tax budgets and tax forecasts for individuals. As a tax advisor, he takes pride in simplifying tax complications for his clients using simple, easy-to-understand language.
Lala cleared his chartered accountancy exam in 2018 and completed his articleship with Chaturvedi and Shah. ... more
Swapnil Question by Swapnil on May 19, 2024Hindi
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Requirement - 2 crore Time - 30 years Risk - Moderate Sir based on above requirements please suggest - 1. How much amount of SIP do I need to done 2. In which fund I need to invest to get the required amount.

Ans: In order to get to 2crs your sip amount has to be Rs.5800 for the next 30yrs
Risk in equity markets is the volatility that you see in the short term, due to the longer duration of your investment that risk gets mitigated
The funds that you can select are as follows :
Small cap 30%
Mid cap 30
Multi cap 20%
Large and mid cap 10%
Thematic funds 10% ( can be changed as per requirement )

Generally the investment amount should be 30% of your gross salary to get to your goals faster , so if you can do a higher investment per month, you should aim for that
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

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Sir I want to invest in sip as I am targeting to get 1 cr in 10 years. In which sip should I invest and how much amount monthly
Ans: Congratulations on your commitment to financial planning! Let's embark on a journey to design a strategic investment plan that aligns with your long-term goals.

Assessment of Financial Goals

Understanding your financial aspirations is crucial for devising an effective investment strategy. By comprehensively assessing your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon, we can tailor a plan to suit your needs.

Evaluation of Current Financial Situation

Before charting the course ahead, let's evaluate your current financial landscape. This involves analyzing your income, expenses, existing investments, and liabilities to gain a holistic understanding of your financial standing.

Strategic Asset Allocation

Based on your risk appetite and investment horizon, we'll craft a diversified portfolio comprising a mix of asset classes such as equities, debt instruments, and alternative investments. This balanced approach aims to optimize returns while mitigating risks.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds offer several advantages over passive index funds or ETFs. They are overseen by experienced fund managers who actively research and select investments, aiming to outperform the market. This proactive approach can potentially generate higher returns and adapt to changing market conditions.

Risks of Direct Funds vs. Benefits of Regular Funds through MFD with CFP Credential

Investing directly in mutual funds may seem convenient, but it comes with inherent risks such as lack of professional guidance, emotional decision-making, and inadequate diversification. On the other hand, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) accredited Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers several benefits, including personalized advice, goal-oriented planning, and access to a diversified range of funds tailored to your needs.

Exploring Investment Avenues

With a strategic framework in place, let's explore various investment avenues suited to your goals and risk profile:

Equity Mutual Funds: These funds offer long-term growth potential by investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks across different market segments. They are ideal for investors with a higher risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon.

Debt Mutual Funds: Debt funds provide stability and regular income through investments in fixed-income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. They are suitable for conservative investors seeking capital preservation and steady returns.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): SIPs offer a disciplined approach to investing, allowing you to invest small amounts regularly over time. This systematic investment strategy harnesses the power of compounding and helps in rupee cost averaging, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Conclusion

By adopting a strategic investment approach, leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and diversifying your portfolio across various asset classes, you can pave the way for long-term financial success and achieve your life goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Sir i want to start a sip for 5k please suggest an sip for a long term investment. Current sip amount is 1k in hdfc mid cap opp. My age is 20
Ans: It's great to see your interest in starting a SIP at such a young age! Since you're already investing in HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, let's explore some other SIP options for long-term investment:

Large Cap Funds: Consider investing in large-cap funds, which typically invest in well-established companies with a proven track record. These funds offer stability and steady growth potential over the long term. Look for funds with a consistent performance history and a focus on quality stocks.
Multi-Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds invest across companies of different sizes, offering diversification and flexibility. These funds have the freedom to shift between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. Choose a fund with a seasoned fund manager and a disciplined investment approach.
Index Funds: Index funds replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the Nifty 50 or Sensex. These funds have lower expense ratios and provide broad market exposure. Investing in index funds can be a cost-effective way to participate in the equity markets over the long term.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Balanced advantage funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt based on market valuations. These funds aim to provide stable returns with lower volatility. Consider investing in a balanced advantage fund for a balanced risk-return profile.
Global Funds: Global funds invest in international equities, providing exposure to global markets and diversification beyond domestic stocks. These funds offer the opportunity to benefit from global economic growth and innovation. Choose a global fund with a focus on quality companies and strong fundamentals.
Before selecting a SIP, assess your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor to choose a SIP that aligns with your financial objectives and risk profile. By starting early and investing consistently, you're laying the foundation for long-term wealth creation and financial security. Keep up the good work, and best of luck with your investment journey!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Money
Hello Sir.. I am 44 years old and don't have any investment but now wanted to invest in limited SIP and can invest 30K every month onwards for next 10 years Please suggest what amount and which SIP should I select?
Ans: At 44 years of age, investing Rs. 30,000 monthly for the next 10 years can help you build a substantial corpus. The plan will ensure wealth creation while maintaining a balance between risk and return. Let’s analyse the best approach for your financial journey.

Setting the Foundation: Your Investment Goals and Risk Appetite
Define Clear Goals

List your financial goals: retirement, children’s education, or wealth creation.
This helps in aligning investments with timelines and objectives.
Understand Your Risk Tolerance

At 44, you have a medium-term horizon of 10 years.
A mix of aggressive and moderate risk funds suits this duration.
Plan for Diversification

Diversification reduces risks and optimises returns.
Split investments into large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and hybrid funds.
Optimal Monthly Allocation of Rs. 30,000
Large-Cap Funds (Rs. 7,500)

Focus on stability with established companies.
Large-cap funds are resilient during market volatility.
Large and Mid-Cap Funds (Rs. 6,000)

Combine stability with moderate growth potential.
These funds are ideal for medium-term horizons.
Flexi-Cap Funds (Rs. 6,000)

Flexi-cap funds invest across market capitalisations.
They balance risk and growth, making them versatile.
Mid-Cap Funds (Rs. 5,000)

Mid-cap funds offer higher growth potential.
Invest for higher returns with a manageable level of risk.
ELSS Tax-Saving Funds (Rs. 5,500)

These funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C.
ELSS has a lock-in of 3 years and offers equity-like growth.
Benefits of SIP Investing
Rupee Cost Averaging

SIPs buy more units when markets fall and fewer when they rise.
This reduces the overall cost of investment over time.
Power of Compounding

Compounding grows wealth exponentially when you stay invested.
Reinvestment of returns boosts your corpus significantly.
Market Discipline

SIPs promote regular investments irrespective of market movements.
This ensures systematic wealth accumulation.
Active Fund Management Over Index Funds
Why Actively Managed Funds?

Actively managed funds outperform index funds over the long term.
Professional fund managers adapt to market trends effectively.
Drawbacks of Index Funds

Index funds lack flexibility during market downturns.
They mirror the index, limiting growth opportunities in bearish phases.
Benefits of Regular Plans with CFP Guidance

Regular plans come with advisory support and regular portfolio reviews.
A Certified Financial Planner ensures optimal fund selection and rebalancing.
Monitoring and Rebalancing Investments
Annual Portfolio Review

Review fund performance every year to ensure alignment with goals.
Replace underperforming funds promptly with better alternatives.
Asset Allocation Rebalancing

Adjust equity and debt exposure based on market conditions.
Move to safer options in the later years as you near your goal.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals systematically to minimise tax liabilities.
Use systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) for tax-efficient regular income.
Building a Medical Corpus for Contingencies
Separate Health Fund

Allocate a part of savings for medical emergencies.
Health-related costs should not disturb your investment goals.
Health Insurance Optimisation

Even if health coverage is minimal, top-up plans can reduce financial stress.
Use your investment surplus for medical contingencies if needed.
Taxation of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds

Gains are taxed based on your income tax slab.
Debt funds are best for risk-averse investors nearing retirement.
Tax-Saving ELSS Funds

ELSS investments help you save taxes under Section 80C.
They provide dual benefits of tax savings and long-term growth.
Preparing for Long-Term Financial Independence
Retirement Focus

Allocate part of your corpus to retirement.
Ensure a balance between immediate goals and post-retirement needs.
Emergency Fund Creation

Build a corpus for at least six months of expenses.
Keep it in a savings account or liquid fund for easy access.
Nomination and Will

Assign nominees for all investments.
Create a legally valid will to avoid complications in asset transfer.
Final Insights
Investing Rs. 30,000 monthly through SIPs is a disciplined approach to wealth creation. Diversify investments into equity-oriented funds for growth and tax-saving funds for benefits. Periodically review and adjust your portfolio for better results. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to ensure that your investments align with your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
have a monthly salary of 42000 of which there is deduction of 8000 there is nps in that deduction of 3500 and same from employer side. have an rd of 11000 per month have monthly expenses of about 15000 no loans or any sort advice on investing in sip.
Ans: You have done a good job so far. No loans, regular savings, and contribution to NPS shows financial discipline. Now, let's create a structured, long-term investment plan that suits your profile.

Understanding Your Current Financial Snapshot
Monthly salary: Rs. 42,000

Deductions: Rs. 8,000 including NPS contribution

Your NPS: Rs. 3,500

Employer NPS: Rs. 3,500

RD (Recurring Deposit): Rs. 11,000

Monthly expenses: Rs. 15,000

No loans or liabilities

This gives you a strong savings base of around Rs. 18,000 monthly. You are in a good position to begin investing through mutual funds via SIP.

Appreciating Your Current Habits
Saving over 40% of your salary every month

Investing in NPS, which supports retirement

Using RD to build a saving habit

Managing expenses very efficiently

No burden of EMI or credit card dues

These reflect strong money values and low-risk financial behaviour. Very good foundation for long-term planning.

Need to Shift from RD to SIP
RD gives very low returns over long term

After tax and inflation, RD gives negative real return

SIP in mutual funds can give better returns

SIP helps in wealth creation over the long term

For your age and surplus, SIP is more suitable

You should reduce RD amount slowly and move that money to SIPs.

Benefits of SIPs in Mutual Funds
You invest small amount every month

SIP helps in averaging market cost

Over long term, SIPs grow wealth faster

You can stop, increase or decrease SIP anytime

SIP gives better flexibility than RD or FD

You have regular income and surplus. So SIPs can become your core investment strategy.

How Much You Can Start With
Your monthly saving potential: Around Rs. 18,000

Suggested SIP amount to start: Rs. 10,000–12,000

Keep Rs. 3,000–5,000 in RD for safety

Keep Rs. 2,000–3,000 in bank account for liquidity

This balances growth with safety and liquidity.

Suggested Allocation of SIPs
A balanced SIP plan suits your risk profile and income stage.

Core Equity Allocation (Large-cap and Flexi-cap funds)

50% of SIP in stable and low-risk equity funds

This ensures consistent growth with low volatility

Supporting Growth Allocation (Mid-cap and Multi-cap)

30% of SIP in growth-oriented funds

Slightly higher risk but better long-term growth

Conservative Allocation (Hybrid or Debt funds)

20% of SIP in low-risk hybrid or short-duration debt

This adds stability and safety

So, out of Rs. 12,000 SIP:

Rs. 6,000 in core equity

Rs. 3,600 in mid/multi-cap

Rs. 2,400 in hybrid/debt fund

Keep SIPs in Actively Managed Funds
Avoid index funds.

Index funds cannot beat the market.

They copy the index and hold even bad stocks.

Index funds do not protect during market falls.

You will get only average returns.

Actively managed funds select good quality stocks.
They can reduce downside and increase returns.
For a retail investor like you, they are better.

Direct vs Regular Funds – Be Cautious
Avoid direct mutual funds.

In direct funds, you invest without guidance

There is no MFD or Certified Financial Planner to help

You miss expert advice during corrections

You may stop or switch funds emotionally

Long-term success needs professional support

Invest through regular plans via an MFD with CFP credential.
That ensures hand-holding, reviews and expert rebalancing.

Emergency Fund First
Before you go all-in with SIPs:

Keep 4–5 months of expenses in liquid fund

This acts as your emergency cushion

You should not withdraw SIPs for urgent needs

So build a buffer of around Rs. 60,000–70,000 first

After this, go full-scale on your SIP plan.

Continue NPS for Retirement
You already contribute Rs. 3,500
Employer also contributes Rs. 3,500
That’s Rs. 7,000 per month in retirement savings
Do not touch this amount till 60 years

This builds a strong base for old age

When to Increase SIPs
Increase SIP every year with salary hike

Even Rs. 1,000 per year makes a big difference

SIP step-up helps beat inflation

Use bonus or incentive to make lumpsum in hybrid funds

Avoid investing bonus fully in RD or FD

Stay consistent with SIPs for long-term growth

Key Do’s and Don’ts
Do's:

Track SIPs every 6 months

Stay invested for at least 7–10 years

Top-up SIPs yearly

Use mobile apps to track portfolio

Consult Certified Financial Planner once a year

Don'ts:

Don’t invest in index funds

Don’t go for direct funds

Don’t stop SIPs during market fall

Don’t invest without goal

Don’t treat SIP like RD

SIPs need patience and vision.

Tax Consideration – Plan Smartly
Equity mutual funds LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt mutual funds taxed as per your income slab

Avoid selling before 3 years

Prefer SWP or staggered withdrawal during redemption phase

With a planned withdrawal, taxes can be optimised.

Insurance Check (Just in Case)
You didn’t mention insurance. But review this:

Have term life cover of at least Rs. 25–30 lakhs

It should be pure term, no returns policy

Premium should be less than 1% of income

Have health insurance, even if you are single

It protects your investments from medical costs

Only if you have LIC, ULIP or insurance-plus-investment plans, surrender and reinvest in mutual funds.

What to Do With RD in Future
You currently invest Rs. 11,000 in RD
That is very high compared to your income
Reduce it slowly to Rs. 3,000
Shift remaining amount into SIP

RD should be only for short-term needs

Suggested Goal-Based SIP Approach
Set goals before starting SIPs.

Emergency Fund:

Liquid fund or short-duration debt fund

Wealth Creation:

SIP in flexi-cap and multi-cap equity funds

Home Down Payment (after 8–10 years):

Balanced advantage fund + equity funds

Retirement (already partly through NPS):

Equity fund SIP + NPS

This gives you a 360-degree financial plan.

Finally
You are doing very well already.
You have savings habit and no loans.
You are ready to move from RD to SIP.
This is a big step towards wealth creation.
With Rs. 12,000 SIP, you can build good wealth in 15–20 years.
Avoid index and direct funds.
Stay with active funds via regular mode and get guidance.
Follow a disciplined path with goal clarity.
Review regularly and increase SIPs yearly.
Start small but grow steadily.
SIP is your key to financial freedom.

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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