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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  |280 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Aug 23, 2023

With over 16 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, Ulhas Joshi has helped numerous clients choose the right funds and create wealth.
Prior to joining RankMF as CEO, he was vice president (sales) at IDBI Asset Management Ltd.
Joshi holds an MBA in marketing from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.... more
Apurv Question by Apurv on Aug 22, 2023Hindi
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Hi ! I am a retired person 62 yrs old . Recently I sold my equity portfolio , so I am having a spare corpus of about 60-70 lacs . I had kept this amount solely for equity/MF investments as I had also invested in FDs /Gold bonds separately .I want to invest it in an instrument which can give me less risk/good returns (above FDs & inflation beating ) , say about 9-10 % to the least in next 3 year & even better returns in the long run in my seventies /Eighties . Please illuminate me on the following- 1. Is it desirable to put this entire amount in MFs or there should be some direct investment in equities also ? 2. If Yes , what should be the ideal mix of portfolio for me ?Should it have equity ( Large cap /Mutli cap) or Balance Hybrid funds will be more suitable from the risk angle as I am a retired person ? .Please suggest an ideal mix with category & names of fund with the amount to be invested . 3.If no , then please suggest alternatives . Thanks & Regards Apurv Chandra

Ans: Hello Apurv and thanks for writing to me.

Note that I only discuss mutual funds in this column and so will not advise for or against any other asset classes.

To generate inflation beating returns, given that you are retired and would not like to take undue risk, I believe a mix of balanced advantage funds and multi asset funds will be ideal to invest in for a period of around 3 years. Starting SWP's from those schemes after 3 years will help you meet living expenses while your corpus continues to grow.

You can consider investing your funds equally in:
1-ICICI Prudential Regular Savings Fund
2-SBI Conservative Hybrid Fund
3-Tata Balanced Advantage Fund
4-Aditya Birla Sun Life Balanced Advantage Fund
5-Nippon India Multi Asset Fund
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  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 10, 2024

Money
Dear Dev , I am a retired person 62 yrs old . Recently I sold my equity portfolio , so I am having a spare corpus of about 60-70 lacs . I had kept this amount solely for equity/MF investments as I had also invested in FDs /Gold bonds separately .I want to invest it in an instrument which can give me less risk/good returns (above FDs & inflation beating ) , say about 9-10 % to the least in next 3 year & even better returns in the long run in my seventies /Eighties . Please illuminate me on the following- 1. Is it desirable to put this entire amount in MFs or there should be some direct investment in equities also ? 2. If Yes , what should be the ideal mix of portfolio for me ?Should it have equity ( Large cap /Mutli cap) or Balance Hybrid funds will be more suitable from the risk angle as I am a retired person ? .Please suggest an ideal mix with category & names of fund with the amount to be invested . 3.If no , then please suggest alternatives . Thanks & Regards Apurv Chandra
Ans: You’ve wisely accumulated a significant corpus of Rs 60-70 lakhs. Now, you want to ensure this money continues to grow, provides inflation-beating returns, and does so with minimal risk. Your goal of achieving 9-10% returns in the short term, while aiming for better returns in the long term, is reasonable. As a retired person, maintaining a balance between growth and safety is crucial.

Let’s delve into your questions to help craft a suitable investment strategy.

Should You Invest Entirely in Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and potential for good returns. Given your situation, investing the entire corpus in mutual funds could be a prudent move. However, balancing between equity and hybrid funds can help manage risks effectively.

1. Balancing Risk and Returns
Large-Cap Funds: These invest in well-established companies, offering stability with moderate growth. They are suitable for conservative investors seeking steady returns.

Multi-Cap Funds: These invest across companies of various sizes. They offer a mix of stability and growth potential, ideal for those with a balanced risk appetite.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments. They offer a buffer against market volatility, making them suitable for retired investors like you.

Given your age and goals, a balanced approach with a mix of equity and hybrid funds seems appropriate. This can provide the growth you seek while managing risk.

Direct Equities vs. Mutual Funds
Investing directly in equities can offer higher returns, but it comes with higher risks. As a retired person, your focus should be on preserving capital while achieving reasonable growth.

1. Benefits of Mutual Funds Over Direct Equities
Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by professionals who make informed decisions, reducing the risk of poor stock selection.

Diversification: Mutual funds spread investments across various sectors and companies, reducing the impact of any single stock's performance.

Convenience: Mutual funds require less time and expertise compared to managing a direct equity portfolio.

For someone in your position, relying on mutual funds instead of direct equities offers a safer, more convenient way to achieve your financial goals.

Ideal Portfolio Mix for You
Considering your objectives, here’s a suggested portfolio mix that balances risk and returns:

1. Large-Cap Funds (30-35% of Corpus)
Stability with Growth: Large-cap funds provide steady growth with relatively low risk. They invest in well-established companies that are less volatile.

Inflation-Beating Returns: These funds typically offer returns that outpace inflation, which is crucial for preserving your purchasing power.

Suggested Allocation: Invest Rs 18-24 lakhs in large-cap funds. This will form the stable core of your portfolio.

2. Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds (25-30% of Corpus)
Balanced Growth: Multi-cap funds offer a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They provide a balance between stability and higher growth potential.

Market Opportunities: These funds can adjust based on market conditions, allowing fund managers to capitalize on growth opportunities.

Suggested Allocation: Invest Rs 15-21 lakhs in multi-cap or flexi-cap funds. This provides a balanced approach to growth.

3. Balanced or Hybrid Funds (35-40% of Corpus)
Risk Mitigation: Balanced funds reduce risk by combining equity and debt investments. They provide a cushion during market downturns.

Steady Returns: These funds are designed to offer moderate returns with lower risk, ideal for retirees.

Suggested Allocation: Invest Rs 21-28 lakhs in balanced or hybrid funds. This ensures your portfolio has a solid defense against volatility.

Alternatives to Consider
If you prefer not to invest entirely in mutual funds, there are other options to explore. These alternatives can provide additional safety or income streams.

1. Debt Funds
Low Risk: Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds, offering lower risk compared to equities.

Moderate Returns: While returns are lower than equity funds, they still beat traditional FDs, making them a safer alternative.

Suggested Allocation: If you prefer less exposure to equities, consider allocating 20-30% of your corpus to debt funds. This would provide a stable, low-risk component to your portfolio.

2. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
Safe and Secure: SCSS is a government-backed scheme offering regular income with safety of capital.

Attractive Interest Rates: The interest rates are higher than regular FDs, and they are also tax-efficient under Section 80C.

Suggested Allocation: If safety is your primary concern, you could allocate 10-20% of your corpus to SCSS. This will provide regular income and peace of mind.

Final Insights
Your investment strategy should reflect your risk tolerance, financial goals, and retirement needs. Given your situation, here’s a recap of the suggested approach:

Invest 30-35% in large-cap funds for stability and steady growth.

Allocate 25-30% to multi-cap or flexi-cap funds for balanced growth.

Place 35-40% in balanced or hybrid funds to manage risk and ensure moderate returns.

Consider debt funds and SCSS as safer alternatives if you prefer less equity exposure.

This diversified portfolio is designed to achieve your desired 9-10% returns while managing risk effectively. It offers a mix of growth and security, which is crucial as you enjoy your retirement years.

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

..Read more

Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  | Answer  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 13, 2024Hindi
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Hi, am 45-year-old seeking retirement planning advice. Am having a net saving of 4 Crores (2.75 Crores in MF, 1 Crores in FD and the rest in PPF and Sukanya scheme. If I keep on investing 3 lacs /month for 5 years what kind of corpus am looking to create .My MF portfolio consist of: Axis Mid cap, DSP Equity opportunities, Edelweiss Balanced advantage, Edelweiss Midcap, HDFC Small cap, HSBC Midcap,Invensco india Midcap, Invesco India small cap, Kotak emerging equity, Koal flexicap , Mirae assets large and midcap, SBI balanced advantage, Tata balanced advantage, Tata Mid cap, Whiteoak capital . thanks in advance
Ans: Dear Friend,
Great to that you are committed in your investments and keen to have your retirement planning query resolved. It's great to see that you're proactively managing your finances. Very few people are managing their own finances. I always recommend my clients to take hold of your finances and do not depend on any other person or advice. Let’s see what kind of corpus you might expect after five years, along with some suggestions for your mutual fund portfolio. Assumed Annual Return 6% Fixed Deposit, Assumed Annual Return:** 7.5% for PPF and Sukanya Scheme. Assumed Annual Return 10% on Mutual Funds. you can expect approximately ?8.45 Crores after 5 years. your investment is highly dependent on Equity related Mutual funds which consider high risk .
Some recommendations, Consolidate Similar Funds, Having too many funds in the same category can lead to overlapping investments and doesn't significantly increase diversification.
Diversify Across Market Caps Ensure you have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for balanced growth. They offer low-cost diversification and track market indices.
Regularly Review Performance of your funds against benchmarks. As you're approaching 50, consider gradually shifting a portion of your investments to less volatile instruments like debt funds or fixed-income securities. Consider Index Funds or ETFs.
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 6 months of expenses. Be mindful of the tax implications of your investments, especially when redeeming or rebalancing. Consult a Financial Advisor
Best regards,
Nitin Narkhede
Founder & MD, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub https://Nitinnarkhede.com
Free Webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I'm sorry in advance for a lengthy read and numerous questions. I'm 38 years old and would like to retire in next 10 years or less and I would like to reach portfolio worth 4 CRs and then retire. I already have a term insurance of 2 CR and gold of around half a KG. I currently have 20Lkh (15 for investment and 5 as emergency fund) that I would like to invest in lumpsum. My current portfolio (around 1 year old) is as follows and their Current value: SIPs were stopped in Jan 2025 due to financial reasons. 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund : 181920 (+9.93%) 2. Quant Small Cap Fund: 166550 (-1.74%) 3. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: 1,66,193 (+1.03%) 4. Nippon India Large Cap fund: 157025 (+8.67%) 5. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund: 132040 (+6.06%) 6. Nippon India Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Index Fund: 84714 (-15.30%) 7. Stock portfolio: 810000 (+6%) I need help with a few of things. 1. Investing the large sum of 15 lkhs: which MFs should I invest this amount in, now? If so, should I spread that amount in the MFs I already have or go for new and at what proportion? Or is it not the right time to invest the bulk amount? 2.SIP: I would like to reinstate SIP of 1.3 lkhs: which MFs should I invest this amount in, now? If so, should I spread that amount in the MFs I already have or go for new and at what proportion? 3. 5 lakh emergency fund: Which specific asset class/MF should this be invested so that I can make a decent return better than savings account while this amount is easily accessible for emergencies. Please suggest specific fund even if it is debt/liquid/hybrid fund. Thank you for your help in advance.
Ans: Hi,

It is great that you are taking a step forward towards your early retirement after 10 years. Let us analyse things one at a time.
1. Emergency Fund - You want to put 5 lakhs as emergency fund for you. It is a good amount and you can park in liquid mutual fund. Go for ICICI or HDFC liquid funds for this.
2. Term Insurance - 2 crores cover is good enough. If you share monthly income, would be able to calculate exact amount more accurately.
3. Health Insurance - Take one with a minimum cover of 15 lakhs to cover yourself and family.
4. Current MF - currently around 8.5 lakhs value. Good funds. Continue this amount in these.
5. Stocks - current value of 8.1 lakhs. Direct stock investment is very risky and nor recommended as it requires complete tracking and knowledge. You can consider shifting the entire amount in mutual funds for your retirement.

You want to invest a lumpsum of 15 lakhs and start a SIP of 1.3 lakhs again. You can choose to invest 15 lakhs in equal proportion in your current mutual funds and start SIP in the same funds as well.
However, you can also consider consulting a professional advisor who can build a portfolio for you for all your investments. An advisor guides you with right investment throughout and monitors all investments periodically to cater the requirement and market movements.

Your goal is to reach a corpus of 4 crores in 10 years. With current investments you can only get 3.5 crores in 10 years. You need to increase your SIP by 10% each year to get 5 crores.

Also make sure you have no financial liability left when you retire. And have a dedicated fund for other major goals such as kids education, travel, their marriage etc.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 56 yrs old with two sons, both married and settled. They are living on their own and managing their finances. I have around 2.5 Cr. invested in Direct Equity and 50L in Equity Mutual Funds. I have Another 50L savings in Bank and other secured investments. I am living in Delhi NCR in my owned parental house. I have two properties of current market worth of 2 Cr, giving a monthly rental of around 40K. I wish to retire and travel the world now with my wife. My approximate yearly expenditure on house hold and travel will be around 24 L per year. I want to know, if this corpus is enough for me to retire now and continue to live a comfortable life.
Ans: You have built a strong base. You have raised your sons well. They live independently. You and your wife now want a peaceful and enjoyable retired life. You have created wealth with discipline. You have no home loan. You live in your own house. This gives strength to your cash flow. Your savings across equity, mutual funds, and bank deposits show good clarity. I appreciate your careful preparation. You deserve a happy retired life with travel and comfort.

» Your Present Position
Your current financial position looks very steady. You hold direct equity of around Rs 2.5 Cr. You hold equity mutual funds worth Rs 50 lakh. You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits and other secured savings. Your two rental properties add more comfort. You earn around Rs 40,000 per month from rent. You also live in your owned house in Delhi NCR. So you have no rent expense.

Your total net worth crosses Rs 5.5 Cr easily. This gives you a strong base for your retired life. You plan to spend around Rs 24 lakh per year for all expenses, including travel. This is reasonable for your lifestyle. Your savings can support this if planned well. You have built more than the minimum needed for a comfortable retired life.

» Your Key Strengths
You already enjoy many strengths. These strengths hold your plan together.

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

You have strong liquidity with Rs 50 lakh in bank and secured savings.

These strengths reduce risk. They support a smooth retired life with less stress. They also help you handle inflation and medical costs better.

» Your Cash Flow Needs
Your yearly expense is around Rs 24 lakh. This includes travel, which is your main dream for retired life. A couple at your stage can keep this lifestyle if the cash flow is planned well. You need cash flow clarity for the next 30 years. Retirement at 56 can extend for three decades. So your wealth must support you for a long period.

Your rental income gives you around Rs 4.8 lakh per year. This covers almost 20% of your yearly spending. This reduces pressure on your investments. The rest can come from a planned withdrawal strategy from your financial assets.

You also have Rs 50 lakh in bank deposits. This acts as liquidity buffer. You can use this buffer for short-term and medium-term needs. You also have equity exposure. This can support long-term growth.

» Risk Capacity and Risk Need
Your risk capacity is moderate to high. This is because:

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

Your risk need is also moderate. You need growth because inflation will rise. Travel costs will rise. Medical costs will increase. Your lifestyle will change with age. Your equity portion helps you beat inflation. But your equity exposure must be managed well. You should avoid sudden large withdrawals from equity at the wrong time.

Your stability allows you to keep some portion in equity even during retired life. But you should avoid excessive risk through direct equity. Direct equity carries concentration risk. A balanced mix of high-quality mutual funds is safer in retired life.

» Direct Equity Risk in Retired Life
You hold around Rs 2.5 Cr in direct equity. This brings some concerns. Direct equity needs frequent tracking. It needs research. It carries single-stock risk. One mistake may reduce your capital. In retired life, you need stability, clarity, and lower volatility.

Direct funds inside mutual funds also bring challenges. Direct funds lack personalised support. Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a Certified Financial Planner bring guidance and strategy. Regular funds also support better tracking and behaviour management in volatile markets. In retired life, proper handholding improves long-term stability.

Many people think direct funds save cost. But the value of advisory support through a CFP gives higher net gains over long periods. Direct plans also create more confusion in asset allocation for retirees.

» Mutual Funds as a Core Support
Actively managed mutual funds remain a strong pillar. They bring professional management and risk controls. They handle market cycles better than index funds. Index funds follow the market blindly. They do not help in volatile phases. They also offer no risk protection. They cannot manage quality of stocks.

Actively managed funds deliver better selection and risk handling. A retiree benefits from such active strategy. You should avoid index funds for a long retirement plan. You should prefer strong active funds under a disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD support.

» Why Regular Plans Work Better for Retirees
Direct plans give no guidance. Retired investors often face emotional decisions. Some panic during market fall. Some withdraw heavily during market rise. This harms wealth. Regular plan under a CFP-led MFD gives a relationship. It offers disciplined rebalancing. It improves long-term returns. It protects wealth from poor behaviour.

For retirees, the difference is huge. So shifting to regular plans for the mutual fund portion will help long-term stability.

» Your Withdrawal Strategy
A planned withdrawal strategy is key for your case. You should create three layers.

Short-Term Bucket
This comes from your bank deposits. This should hold at least 18 to 24 months of expenses. You already have Rs 50 lakh. This is enough to hold your short-term cash needs. You can use this for household costs and some travel. This avoids panic selling of equity during market downturn.

Medium-Term Bucket
This bucket can stay partly in low-volatility debt funds and partly in hybrid options. This should cover your next 5 to 7 years. This helps smoothen withdrawals. It gives regular cash flow. It reduces market shocks.

Long-Term Bucket
This can stay in high-quality equity mutual funds. This bucket helps beat inflation. This bucket helps fund your travel dreams in later years. This bucket also builds buffer for medical needs.

This three-bucket strategy protects your lifestyle. It also keeps discipline and clarity.

» Handling Property and Rental Income
Your properties give Rs 40,000 monthly rental. This helps your cash flow. You should maintain the property well. You should keep some funds aside for repairs. Do not depend fully on rental growth. Rental yields remain low. But your rental income reduces pressure on your investments. So keep the rental income as a steady support, not a primary source.

You should not plan more real estate purchase. Real estate brings low returns and poor liquidity. You already own enough. Holding more can hurt flexibility in retired life.

» Planning for Medical Costs
Medical costs rise faster than inflation. You and your wife need strong health coverage. You should maintain a reliable health insurance. You should also keep a medical fund from your bank deposits. You may keep around 3 to 4 lakh per year as a buffer for medical needs. Your bank savings support this.

Health coverage reduces stress on your long-term wealth. It also avoids large withdrawals from your growth assets.

» Travel Planning
Travel is your main dream now. You can plan your travel using your short-term and medium-term buckets. You can take funds annually from your liquidity bucket. You can avoid touching long-term equity assets for travel. This approach keeps your wealth stable.

You should plan travel for the next five years with a budget. You should adjust your travel based on markets and health. Do not use entire gains of equity for travel. Keep travel budget fixed. Add small adjustments only when needed.

» Inflation and Lifestyle Stability
Inflation will impact lifestyle. At Rs 24 lakh per year today, the cost may double in 12 to 14 years. Your equity exposure helps you beat this. But you need careful rebalancing. You also need disciplined review with a CFP-led MFD. This will help you manage inflation and maintain comfort.

Your lifestyle is stable because your children live independently. So your cash flow demand stays predictable. This makes your plan sustainable.

» Longevity Risk
Retirement at 56 means you may live till 85 or 90. Your plan should cover long years. Your total net worth of around Rs 5.5 Cr to Rs 6 Cr can support this. But you need a proper drawdown strategy. Avoid high withdrawals in early years. Keep your travel budget steady.

Do not depend on one asset class. A mix of debt and equity gives comfort. Keep your bank deposits as cushion.

» Succession and Estate Planning
Since you have two sons who are settled, you can plan a clear will. Clear distribution avoids conflict. You can also assign nominees across accounts. You can also review your legal papers. This gives peace to you and your family.

» Summary of Your Retirement Readiness
Based on your assets and cash flow, you are ready to retire. You have enough wealth. You have enough liquidity. You have enough income support from rent. You also have good asset mix. With proper planning, your lifestyle is comfortable.

You can retire now. But maintain a disciplined withdrawal strategy. Shift more reliance from direct equity into professionally managed mutual funds under regular plans. Keep your liquidity strong. Review once every year with a CFP.

Your wealth can support your travel dreams for many years. You can enjoy retired life with confidence.

» Finally
Your preparation is strong. Your intentions are clear. Your lifestyle needs are reasonable. Your assets support your dreams. With a balanced plan, steady review, and mindful spending, you can enjoy a comfortable retired life with your wife. You can travel the world without fear of running out of money. You deserve this peace and joy.

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

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2577 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
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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