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Sanjib

Sanjib Jha  |66 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance Expert - Answered on Apr 13, 2023

Sanjib Jha is the CEO of Coverfox Insurance. His expertise includes health and auto insurance. He has over 22 years of experience in the financial sector. He has completed his post-graduation from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.... more
Manish Question by Manish on Feb 10, 2023Hindi
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Respected Guru, I'm Manish(23yrs) I'm new to mutual fund market. I'm high risk taker in long-term Please suggest me mutual fund in sip mode. Below are my details :- 1. Brother college - 80 lac in 5 years (medium risk). 2. Car - 21 lac in 8 years (high risk). 3. Home - 30 lac in 10 years (high risk). 4. Family traveling- a) 10 lac in 5 years (medium risk). b) 10 lac in 10 years (high risk). c) 10 lac in 15 years (high risk). d) 10 lac in 20 years (high risk). 5. Emergency fund - 8 lac in 5 years (medium risk). 6. Retirement fund- 10cr in 40 years (high risk). 7. Can you suggest me which insurance to buy for health insurance and term insurance for family and me.

Ans: Hi Manish, since you are young, it is best time to buy term and health insurance. Any company/plan with competitive pricing can be looked at but always carefully read through the policy
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  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 26, 2023Hindi
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i am 46 years old and plan to invest 65000 PM on sip for my Dougher education , Marriage and retirement. For Daughter education I need 45 Lakhs (current cost) in 8 years and for her marriage 40 Lakh (current cost) in 12 years. I need 2 crores in 12 years for my retirement. My profile is moderately aggressive risk taker. i have currently have 40Lakhs in mutual fund portfolio. current mutual fund portfolio is a mix of midcap , Flexicap and small cap funds. i am currently doing a SIP of 20000 in Canara Robeco Emerging Equities-Direct-Growth,Rs 5000 sip in DSP Small Cap Fund-Direct-Growth , Rs 5000 SIP in Invesco India Infrastructure Fund - Direct Plan Growth and sip of 10000 in Kotak Emerging Equity Fund - Direct Plan - Growth . I have employee insurance and additional term insurance on own. i have employee medical insurance and additional family medical insurance of 5 lakh on my own. i have paid off my home loans. i want to increase my current sip of Rs 40000 to 65000 pm please suggest mutual funds to meet my goals for Daughter education , Marriage and retirement.
Ans: Given your financial goals for your daughter's education and marriage, as well as your retirement, let's devise a strategic plan to achieve them through SIP investments.

Assessing Your Financial Goals
You aim to accumulate Rs 45 lakhs in 8 years for your daughter's education, Rs 40 lakhs in 12 years for her marriage, and Rs 2 crores in 12 years for your retirement. These are ambitious yet achievable goals with the right investment approach.

Understanding Your Risk Profile
As a moderately aggressive investor, you are willing to accept higher risks in exchange for potentially higher returns. This risk appetite aligns well with your long-term investment horizon and financial goals.

Evaluating Your Current Mutual Fund Portfolio
Your existing portfolio consists of midcap, flexicap, and small-cap funds, reflecting a diversified approach to equity investments. These funds have the potential to generate high returns over time, suitable for your risk profile and long-term goals.

Increasing Your SIP Investments
To increase your SIP from Rs 40,000 to Rs 65,000 per month, we need to identify suitable mutual funds aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Choosing Mutual Funds for Education and Marriage Goals
Education Goal (Rs 45 lakhs in 8 years): Given the relatively short time horizon, focus on equity funds with a blend of midcap and flexicap funds. These offer growth potential while managing volatility.

Marriage Goal (Rs 40 lakhs in 12 years): With a slightly longer horizon, maintain exposure to midcap and flexicap funds but consider adding large-cap funds for stability and consistent returns.

Retirement Planning (Rs 2 crores in 12 years)
Balanced Approach: Given the importance of this goal, adopt a balanced approach with exposure to equity and debt funds. Allocate a significant portion to equity for growth potential while diversifying into debt for stability.

Systematic Asset Allocation: Implement a systematic asset allocation strategy, gradually shifting towards debt as you approach retirement to safeguard accumulated wealth.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Actively managed funds offer several advantages over index funds:

Expert Management: Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers who actively research and select investments, aiming to outperform the market.

Flexibility: Fund managers have the flexibility to adjust portfolios based on market conditions and opportunities, potentially enhancing returns.

Conclusion
Increasing your SIP investments to Rs 65,000 per month is a prudent step towards achieving your financial goals. By diversifying your portfolio with a mix of equity and debt funds, and focusing on actively managed funds, you can potentially maximize returns while managing risks effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
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Hello, I am 32 years old and I started investing SIP 2 years ago and currently invested 5k in PGIM India Midcap and 5k in Mirae Asset and lump sum of 2.5L in Quant ELSS. I am planning to invest another 5k (total 15k pm) in SIP. Could you please suggest me any mutual fund to invest for long term ?
Ans: Financial Snapshot and Goals
Age: 32 years

Current SIP Investments: Rs 5,000 each in two mutual funds

Lump Sum Investment: Rs 2.5 lakhs in ELSS

Planned SIP Increase: Rs 5,000 (total Rs 15,000 monthly)

You have been investing for two years and are planning for the long term. Your current investments show a good mix of mid-cap and ELSS funds.

Current Investment Assessment
Diversification:

You have diversified your investments in mid-cap and ELSS funds. This is a good strategy.
Performance Monitoring:

Regularly check the performance of your investments. Ensure they align with your financial goals.
Risk Management:

Mid-cap funds can be volatile. Ensure you are comfortable with the risk level.
Additional Investment Considerations
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Index funds passively track the market. They might not outperform during market downturns.

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds may seem cheaper but lack professional advice.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides tailored advice and support.

Recommended Investment Strategy
Diversification:

Add a large-cap fund for stability. They tend to be less volatile than mid-cap funds.

Consider a balanced or hybrid fund. They offer a mix of equity and debt for balanced growth.

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds have expert fund managers. They aim to beat market returns.

They provide better risk management and potential for higher returns.

Professional Guidance:

Investing through a CFP ensures your investments are well-managed.

Regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offer ongoing support.

Actionable Steps
Increase SIP Contributions:

Start with an additional Rs 5,000 SIP in a large-cap or balanced fund.

Gradually increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.

Seek Professional Advice:

Consult a CFP to review your investment portfolio. They can help tailor your strategy to your goals.
Regular Monitoring:

Monitor your investments regularly. Adjust based on performance and market conditions.
Long-Term Financial Planning
Goal Setting:

Define your financial goals. This could include retirement, buying a house, or children's education.

Align your investment strategy with these goals.

Risk Management:

Ensure your portfolio has a good mix of high and low-risk investments.

Diversify across different asset classes to manage risk.

Review and Adjust:

Periodically review your investment portfolio. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Final Insights
You have a solid foundation with your current investments. By increasing your SIP contributions and diversifying further, you can achieve long-term financial growth. Seeking professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner will help optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Mayank

Mayank Chandel  |2167 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

Money
Hi sir thnku in advance. I am 28M,working in central govt job. It has just been one year and I plan on retiring very early around a 35 years of age. I have nps tier 1 account due to the job. I just have one query since I don't plan on marrying and I am alone with my own home. My expenses are max 18k per month. I hardly travel and live a very frugal life. So my query if I resign at 35 years then will 50 lakhs will sustain me for 15 years keeping in mind the inflation and my return as 7% on an average.
Ans: Your question shows rare clarity at a young age. You are just 28. But you already have a defined vision to retire by 35. That is highly appreciable. Many at this age are still unsure of financial direction.

Let us now assess your question in detail.

You asked whether Rs 50 lakhs will last 15 years, post retirement at 35.

Let us evaluate your financial journey from all angles.

Understanding Your Present Situation

You work in a central government job. That offers job security. And also an NPS Tier 1 account.

You live frugally. Your monthly expense is only Rs 18,000. That is extremely disciplined.

You have your own home. So no rent or EMI outgo. This reduces your future cost burden.

You do not plan to marry. So your financial responsibilities are only for yourself.

You plan to retire at 35. That means only 7 more years of active income.

After 35, you want Rs 50 lakhs corpus to sustain you for 15 years.

That means till age 50, you want to live from this corpus.

Now let us move step-by-step to assess sustainability.

Assessing Expense Inflation Over Time

Right now, your expense is Rs 18,000 per month.

Even a frugal person cannot avoid inflation.

Prices of food, electricity, health, etc. will go up.

Inflation over 15 years cannot be ignored.

Even if inflation is modest, say 6%, your expense will rise gradually.

By year 10 or 15, your Rs 18,000 monthly expense may double.

That will need a higher withdrawal from your corpus.

So corpus sustainability depends on how inflation is planned for.

Evaluating Return Assumption

You assume 7% average return on corpus.

This is realistic if money is well invested.

You must avoid only FDs or savings accounts.

To get 7% post-tax, proper asset allocation is needed.

Mutual funds can help here.

Especially, actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid index funds. They just copy the index.

Index funds do not give downside protection in bear markets.

They also underperform during volatile sideways markets.

Index funds have no fund manager taking active decisions.

Whereas actively managed funds adapt to market cycles.

A qualified CFP can help select suitable active funds.

Regular plans through a CFP give ongoing guidance.

Direct funds may look cheaper, but lack this support.

Direct funds are like self-medication. Risky without expert view.

Regular plans have a small fee, but offer long-term peace.

Corpus Withdrawal Planning

Your Rs 50 lakh must support monthly cash flow.

Even if you start withdrawing Rs 18,000 monthly, over time it will increase.

You need a withdrawal strategy.

You can follow a staggered withdrawal.

That means only taking what is needed each year.

Rest of the money keeps earning.

It also helps reduce tax burden.

But you must track how much you withdraw each year.

And ensure it grows in line with inflation.

If not planned well, corpus may finish earlier.

So withdrawal plan should be dynamic, not fixed.

A Certified Financial Planner can help prepare such a roadmap.

Emergency and Health Preparedness

You are alone. That means no support system in emergencies.

You must keep some contingency fund aside.

At least 12 months of expenses, i.e., about Rs 2.5 lakhs.

This should be liquid. Like in sweep-in FDs or ultra-short debt funds.

Also, ensure you have a strong health insurance policy.

Healthcare cost rises faster than inflation.

Even a single surgery or hospitalisation can dent your corpus.

Do not rely on employer health cover post resignation.

Buy your own health insurance before retirement.

Choose Rs 20–30 lakh cover. Preferably with a super top-up.

Keep paying its premium from a separate health corpus if needed.

If you stay healthy and insurance unused, that is a blessing.

But if not, it will safeguard your financial independence.

Psychological Readiness for Early Retirement

Financial numbers are only part of the journey.

Are you ready for non-financial changes post-retirement?

How will you keep yourself engaged from age 35 to 50?

No daily job, no team, no deadlines. That may feel strange.

Mental health and social belonging are also essential.

Plan for what you will do post retirement.

Hobbies, part-time work, teaching, or creative work.

Something that gives meaning to your day.

Else early retirement may feel empty after some years.

Personal fulfilment is important, not just financial planning.

Tax Implication of Your Investments

Returns from equity mutual funds have a new rule.

Long-term capital gain (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

This affects how you redeem funds.

Withdraw strategically to reduce tax.

Do not withdraw large amounts in one go unless needed.

Spread withdrawals over financial years.

Plan investments so equity and debt are balanced.

This helps with tax and market stability.

NPS Tier 1 – How It Helps

You already have NPS Tier 1 account.

You can continue it even after quitting job.

But withdrawals are restricted before age 60.

You can withdraw only 20% before 60 if not annuitised.

So it may not be useful for your 35–50 needs.

But it can be your backup after 60.

So continue it. Don’t touch now.

Let it grow. It adds to your retirement safety.

It cannot be your main retirement plan for early years.

How You Should Build Rs 50 Lakh Corpus

You have 7 years left to save.

That is a short horizon for such a big goal.

You must save aggressively now.

Keep lifestyle minimal, as you already are doing.

Avoid unnecessary gadgets, dining, or gadgets.

Every rupee saved now compounds for your future.

Invest in a well-planned mutual fund portfolio.

Include large cap, mid cap, and flexi cap funds.

Avoid thematic or sectoral funds. Too risky for main corpus.

Also add short-duration debt funds for stability.

Review this plan once a year with your CFP.

Increase SIPs with each salary hike.

Also allocate your yearly bonus fully into investments.

Rs 50 lakh target is tough but possible with discipline.

Asset Allocation Approach

Corpus should not be 100% in equity or 100% in debt.

A balanced approach is better.

Early years of retirement can bear some equity.

Later years should gradually shift to debt.

This is called glide path strategy.

Helps avoid sequence of returns risk.

If market crashes in year 1 or 2, your corpus shrinks fast.

So first 3 years’ expenses should be in debt.

Remaining in equity-debt mix as per risk profile.

Rebalancing is important each year.

Do not ignore this step.

It controls risk and improves return consistency.

Finally

Rs 50 lakhs can last for 15 years if:

You invest it wisely.

Withdraw in a disciplined way.

Factor in inflation, taxes, and health cost.

Keep emergency corpus aside.

Stay insured for health and critical illness.

Engage yourself meaningfully post-retirement.

Review your plan annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

Early retirement is not a one-time plan.

It is a living strategy that needs updates.

You are on the right path.

Stay focused. Stay simple.

And always seek guidance when needed.

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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