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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9224 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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 - Apr 23, 2024Hindi
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I want to retire now and my current age is 46. I have the savings of 3.5 cr in various instruments including stock, FD and MF. I need 1 lakh per month from current corpus. Please guide

Ans: With a savings corpus of 3.5 cr and aiming for a monthly income of 1 lakh, you'll need to strategize your withdrawal carefully to ensure it lasts throughout your retirement. A conservative withdrawal rate is typically 3-4% of the corpus annually to ensure sustainability, adjusting for inflation.

Considering your needs, you might start with withdrawing 4% initially, which amounts to 14 lakhs annually or approximately 1.17 lakhs per month. Monitor the market conditions and your portfolio's performance to adjust this rate periodically. It's crucial to consult a financial advisor to tailor a withdrawal strategy suitable for your needs.
Asked on - Apr 25, 2024 | Answered on Apr 25, 2024
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Thanks for your kind advice, it's better if you can suggest some instrumnets/ funds to invest the corpus
Ans: Welcome :)

Disclosing specific investment schemes in public forums isn't ideal. Financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions are unique. What works for one person might not be suitable for another. A one-on-one conversation with a certified financial planner ensures personalised recommendations aligned with your specific circumstances.
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  |9224 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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Hi I am 59 years old, wanted to retire early by end of the year. I have saved 1.5 crores using various instruments FD, PPF and mutual funds. I would need 1 lakh per month. Please advise.
Ans: It's fantastic that you're planning ahead for your retirement. You've done a commendable job of saving up a substantial amount through different investment instruments.

Retiring early is a significant milestone, and it's essential to ensure your savings can support your desired lifestyle. With a corpus of 1.5 crores, generating 1 lakh per month for your expenses is achievable.

Given your age and retirement goal, it's crucial to focus on preserving and growing your savings while ensuring a steady stream of income. Consider transitioning a portion of your savings into income-generating assets such as dividend-paying stocks or debt funds.

Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns. Spread your investments across different asset classes to minimize volatility and maintain a balanced portfolio.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance on optimizing your investment strategy for retirement. They can help assess your financial situation, recommend suitable investment options, and create a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your needs.

Remember to regularly review and adjust your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. With careful planning and prudent investing, you can enjoy a fulfilling retirement with financial security and peace of mind.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9224 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I have retired from govt service and I have Rs 1 lakh monthly pension. In addition to this I am working in private sector with a monthly income of 2.5 lakhs. I have 1 cr in MF, 10 lakhs in equity, 50 lakhs in real-estate and 36 Lakhs in bank FDs. I am 48 right now and want to retire by 55 with an inflow of 2 Lakhs per month
Ans: I understand your concerns and aspirations. Let's dive into crafting a comprehensive and tailored financial plan for you.

Understanding Your Financial Landscape
Firstly, congratulations on your retirement from government service and your successful transition to the private sector. Your current financial situation is quite robust, which is commendable. You have a diversified portfolio with investments in mutual funds, equity, real estate, and fixed deposits. It's crucial to analyze each of these components to create a sustainable and efficient financial strategy for your future.

Evaluating Current Investments
Mutual Funds
You have Rs 1 crore in mutual funds, which is a substantial amount. While mutual funds are generally a good investment, it's important to review the types of funds you hold. Actively managed funds, guided by experienced fund managers, often provide better returns compared to index funds. Actively managed funds adapt to market changes, potentially maximizing your returns.

Equity Investments
With Rs 10 lakhs in equity, you're already participating in the stock market, which is excellent for long-term growth. However, it's important to regularly review and possibly rebalance your equity portfolio to align with market conditions and your financial goals. Diversification within equities can also help mitigate risks.

Real Estate
You have Rs 50 lakhs in real estate. While real estate can be a stable investment, it often lacks liquidity and requires maintenance. Since you plan to retire by 55, ensuring your investments are liquid and easily accessible is crucial. Real estate might not provide the immediate cash flow you might need during retirement.

Fixed Deposits
You hold Rs 36 lakhs in bank fixed deposits. FDs are safe but offer lower returns compared to other investment options. As you approach retirement, it's essential to strike a balance between safety and growth. We might need to explore better opportunities while maintaining a portion in FDs for emergency funds.

Creating a Retirement Strategy
Assessing Retirement Goals
You aim to retire at 55 with an inflow of Rs 2 lakhs per month. Given your current financial status, achieving this goal is feasible with careful planning and strategic investments.

Income from Pension and Job
Your current monthly income is Rs 3.5 lakhs, combining your pension and job earnings. This provides a strong foundation for your retirement savings. Ensuring that your investments are optimized will help maintain this lifestyle post-retirement.

Strategic Investment Recommendations
Enhancing Mutual Fund Investments
Switching to actively managed mutual funds could be beneficial. These funds, managed by skilled professionals, have the potential to outperform the market. They adjust according to market conditions, potentially offering higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor and rebalance your mutual fund portfolio. Market conditions change, and rebalancing ensures your portfolio stays aligned with your financial goals. It helps in optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Diversification within Equities
Your equity investments should be diversified across different sectors. This minimizes risk and capitalizes on various market opportunities. Consider sectors with strong growth potential, and stay updated with market trends.

Liquidating Real Estate
Given the liquidity concerns with real estate, consider liquidating a portion of your holdings. The proceeds can be reinvested into more liquid and potentially higher-yielding investments. This ensures you have accessible funds during your retirement.

Optimizing Fixed Deposits
Maintain a portion of your wealth in fixed deposits for safety and emergencies. However, consider moving a part of these funds into better yielding, low-risk investment options. This ensures your money works harder for you while maintaining a safety net.

Financial Planning for the Future
Creating an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. This should cover at least six months of your expenses. It's essential for unexpected situations, providing financial security without disrupting your investment strategy.

Health Insurance
Healthcare costs can be significant, especially post-retirement. Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance coverage. This protects your savings from being depleted by medical expenses.

Estate Planning
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It's important to have a clear will and possibly consider setting up trusts to manage your estate efficiently. This minimizes legal hassles for your heirs.

Maximizing Tax Efficiency
Tax-Advantaged Investments
Explore tax-advantaged investment options. These can significantly reduce your tax burden, increasing your net returns. Consult with a tax professional to identify the best options available to you.

Tax Planning Strategies
Implement effective tax planning strategies. This includes timing your investments, utilizing deductions, and strategically withdrawing funds. Proper tax planning can save you a considerable amount of money annually.

Long-Term Financial Goals
Retirement Corpus
Estimate the corpus needed for a comfortable retirement. Consider inflation, healthcare costs, and lifestyle aspirations. Ensure your investment strategy is aligned to achieve this corpus by the time you turn 55.

Sustainable Withdrawal Strategy
Develop a sustainable withdrawal strategy for your retirement years. This involves determining how much you can withdraw annually without depleting your savings. A well-planned strategy ensures financial stability throughout your retirement.

Empathetic Considerations
Balancing Lifestyle and Savings
It's important to balance your current lifestyle with your savings goals. Enjoying life today while planning for a secure future is essential. Make sure your financial plan accommodates your current and future needs.

Appreciating Your Efforts
You've done an excellent job in building a diverse investment portfolio. Your disciplined approach and foresight are commendable. It's now about fine-tuning your strategy to ensure long-term security and comfort.

Final Insights
You've built a strong financial foundation with your pension, job income, and diverse investments. With a few strategic adjustments, you can enhance your portfolio's performance and ensure a comfortable retirement by 55. Focus on optimizing your mutual funds, diversifying equities, and managing liquidity. Regular monitoring, effective tax planning, and a sustainable withdrawal strategy are key. Your commitment to securing your financial future is impressive, and with careful planning, your retirement goals are within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Karan

Dr Karan Gupta  |65 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Jun 25, 2025

Career
Sir mbbs philipines in 2025 ...plz tell me about is better than Cold countries like kyrgyz kazak rusia
Ans: Why Philippines is a Better Option (for Indian Students):
1. English-speaking country –
o The entire medical course is in English.
o No need to learn any local language like Russian or Kazakh.
2. Similar disease pattern to India –
o Students get to study and practice on patients with diseases common in India (like dengue, diabetes, TB etc).
o This helps later during FMGE/Next exams in India.
3. Good quality teaching –
o Most colleges follow the US system, focus on clinical training, and use modern equipment.
4. No freezing climate –
o Weather is like South India – warm and humid, so your child will feel more comfortable.
o Easier to adjust than in countries with minus temperatures.
5. Medium FMGE result –
o Philippines students usually have better FMGE (MCI screening test) pass rates than Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan.

Points to Keep in Mind:
• Philippines has a pre-med + MD structure (usually 1.5 yrs + 4 yrs = total 5.5 yrs).
• Your child may need to write NMAT exam (simple, not very hard) after pre-med.
• Some colleges are better than others – you need to choose the right university.
• Cost is moderate – around ?25–30 lakhs total including living.
Cold Countries (Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan):
• Cheaper than Philippines, but classes often in local language or mixed (English + local).
• You must learn Russian/Kyrgyz for clinical years.
• FMGE pass rates are low from these countries.
• Harsh winters – can be tough to adjust.
• Some colleges have large batch sizes and less hospital exposure.

...Read more

Dr Karan

Dr Karan Gupta  |65 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Jun 25, 2025

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Dr Karan Gupta  |65 Answers  |Ask -

International Education Counsellor - Answered on Jun 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir I am a little bit puzzled I passed my boards with 79,8%, my jee exam didn't go well and I am not getting any good private or government college from It. Earlier I was thinking of taking a drop but currently I am 18 and turn 19 this year, so next year when I will be at first year of college I will turn 20 year old so It will delay my graduation for sure. Second option is to take admission in any tier 3 college. I have following options with me (1) SRM sonepat,Haryana(Btech cse aiml) (2) Manav rachna University, Faridabad (Btech cse aiml/data science) (3) NIET, Greater noida (Btech cse computing and mathematics) Which college is best among 3? If I join in any tier 3 I will develop skills and target postgraduate level exam. So sir what should I do In this situation take a drop or join college?
Ans: Hello, I understand this is a confusing time for you, but don’t worry. Many students go through the same phase after 12th.

Taking a drop is an option. But here are the real things you must ask yourself:
• Are you fully confident that you can study with full focus and improve your JEE score next year?
• Are you okay with another year of pressure, studying at home, and no college life till 2026?
• Are you ready to handle the stress and competition?
If the answer is no or not sure, then don’t take a drop.
Because one year of drop will only be worth it if you get a top college like NIT, IIIT, or BITS.
Otherwise, you’ll just lose one year and land in a similar college again.
And don’t worry about age. Turning 20 in 1st year is completely fine. Many students start college at 20 or even later

About Your Current College Options
NIET Greater Noida
• Best out of the three in terms of placement, coding culture, and peer group.
• It is in Noida — good location for internships and off-campus opportunities.
• Has a better track record in CSE-related jobs.
SRM Sonepat
• Decent brand name because of “SRM,” but Sonepat campus is not as strong as the main Chennai one.
• Placements are limited.
• Choose only if you want the SRM tag and nothing else is available.
Manav Rachna
• Okay college, good infrastructure, but placements are not very strong, especially for CSE core jobs.
• Good for students who want to stay closer to home or need a relaxed environment.

...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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