I will retire in 3 years with a pension of 1L. I want to set up 2 SWPs with one 1Cr, 50L in each to support my son throughout his life. He is an art critic and may not be getting regular income. Can I have HDFC BAF and SBI long term equity fund ?

Ans: 10% SWP will eat up the corpus, realistic would be SWP of 7% to 7.5% of the corpus form high quality debt and a balanced advantage fund can be introduced to the portfolio

1. HDFC Banking and PSU Fund -- Growth
2. ICICI Corporate bond Fund -- Growth
3. Union Balanced Advantage Fund -- Growth
4. Aditya Birla Corporate Bond Fund -- Growth

Rs 12.5 lakhs to be invested in each with SWP of Rs. 8000 per month from each of these 4 funds

Ans: it's natural to want to ensure your son's financial security, especially when he's pursuing a career path that may not offer consistent income. Setting up Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds can be a prudent way to provide him with a steady stream of income. When choosing funds for SWPs, it's crucial to prioritize stability, longevity, and growth potential.

Considering your son's long-term financial needs, investing in well-established equity funds known for their consistent performance and track record of generating returns over the years could be a wise choice. These funds not only have the potential to grow your investment but also offer the flexibility to withdraw funds periodically to support your son's lifestyle.

As a parent, it's understandable to want the best for your child, and investing in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner's guidance can help ensure that your son's financial future is secure. While real estate is often seen as a traditional investment avenue, mutual funds offer liquidity, diversification, and professional management, making them an attractive option for achieving long-term financial goals. Ultimately, investing in SWPs reflects your love and foresight in providing ongoing support to your son, even after you retire.

Ans: Your vision for your son's financial independence is admirable. With a 1Cr corpus and 3 years to retirement, growing it to 5Cr is ambitious but possible with strategic planning and disciplined investing. Setting up SWPs for your son at 6% annually can provide a steady income, fostering his independence. However, market fluctuations and fund performance could impact growth. Regular reviews and adjustments to your investment strategy will be crucial in pursuing this ambitious goal.

Ans: Your concern for your son's future is commendable. Your goal of generating a steady income stream for 40 years through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a prudent approach given your circumstances.

Addressing Your Questions
1. Is SWP the Right Method?

SWP is a viable option for generating a regular income from your corpus. It allows you to benefit from potential market growth while providing a steady cash flow.
However, it's essential to consider the following:
Market volatility: The value of your corpus will fluctuate with market conditions. This can impact the sustainability of your withdrawals.
Inflation: You've correctly identified inflation as a significant factor. It's crucial to ensure your withdrawal amount keeps pace with inflation to maintain your purchasing power.
Emergency fund: Having a separate emergency fund is advisable to cover unexpected expenses without dipping into your SWP.

2. Tax Implications of SWP
Debt Fund capital gains: If you redeem units, you'll pay capital gains tax, which is added to your income and taxed at your applicable income tax slab.

Long-term capital gains in equity funds: If you redeem units held for more than a year, you'll pay a long-term capital gains tax of 12.5% on the gains exceeding Rs. 1.25 lakh in a financial year.

3. Best Fund Ratio for SWP

Diversification is key. Considering your long-term horizon and the need for income, a balanced approach is recommended.
A mix of equity and debt funds can help manage risk and return.
The exact ratio will depend on your risk tolerance and the market outlook. A typical starting point could be a 60:40 equity-debt mix, but this can be adjusted based on your financial advisor's recommendations.
Regular rebalancing is crucial to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability
Regular Review
Annual Review: Regularly review the performance of your investments and the adequacy of the withdrawal amount.

Adjust Allocations: Adjust the equity-debt ratio if needed to maintain the corpus value.

Diversification
Multiple Funds: Invest in a variety of mutual funds to spread risk and enhance returns.

Rebalancing: Periodically rebalance the portfolio to maintain the desired equity-debt ratio.

Professional financial advice: Given the complexity of your situation, consulting with a financial advisor can provide tailored recommendations.

Final Insights
The SWP strategy is suitable for your long-term financial goals. It provides a stable income while allowing for potential growth. Keep in mind the tax implications and the need to adjust for inflation. A balanced mix of equity and debt funds will help in managing risks and ensuring sustainability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in