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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 26, 2025

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 - Jun 26, 2025Hindi
Money

Sir...I am a retired personal trying to build wealth for my son. I intend to raise 5 Cr for him. I have a pension of around six thousand monthly and FD interest income around 60000 monthly. I have a portfolio of 7 lakhs in stocks and have SIP in small,mid,large cap MFs monthly 30000.Ongoing PPF I have already invested 4.5 lakhs in three years and have a PLI which finishes in two years and will get around 7.5 lakhs. Also rental income of 25000 I am getting. Two TATA AIA life insurance policies which gives a return of 65 thousand annually from 2028. What do I need to help my money grow ..faster

Ans: You are already doing many things right. Your goal is strong. You want to build Rs. 5 crore wealth for your son. You have income sources and existing investments. But to grow your wealth faster, a structured and smart approach is needed. Let us look at this step-by-step with 360-degree clarity.

Understanding Your Current Financial Snapshot
Let us first summarise your financial position:

Monthly pension: Rs. 6,000

Monthly FD interest: Rs. 60,000

Monthly rental income: Rs. 25,000

Total monthly income: Rs. 91,000

Monthly SIP: Rs. 30,000 (across small, mid, large cap funds)

Stock portfolio: Rs. 7 lakh

PPF investment till now: Rs. 4.5 lakh

PLI maturing in 2 years: Rs. 7.5 lakh

Two Tata AIA policies: Rs. 65,000 annual return from 2028

Your current income is stable. Your investment pattern is consistent. You are financially disciplined. Now we will help you maximise growth.

Re-assess the Role of Fixed Deposits
You are earning Rs. 60,000 monthly from FD interest.

But there are serious issues with FDs:

FD returns are taxable every year

They hardly beat inflation

No capital appreciation

Real value reduces over long periods

FDs are only useful for stability and emergencies.

What you should do:

Keep Rs. 6 lakh as 1-year expense buffer

Move remaining FD amount to liquid fund

Start monthly STP to equity mutual funds

Spread STP over 24–30 months to reduce risk

This will convert idle funds into wealth-generating funds slowly.

Review Your Stock Portfolio Thoroughly
You have Rs. 7 lakh in equity shares.

Stocks are good, but also risky. You need to check:

Are the companies financially strong?

Are you tracking performance?

Do you have sector diversification?

Are dividends being reinvested?

If you don’t monitor actively, consider partial exit.

Action plan:

Retain only quality large-cap stocks

Shift rest to mutual funds via lump sum or STP

Let experts handle selection through active mutual funds

Stocks need time and research. If not possible, shift to managed options.

Strengthen Your SIP Strategy
You are already doing Rs. 30,000 monthly SIP.

This is your strongest wealth-building tool now.

Make sure your SIPs are:

Spread across large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap

All are actively managed funds

Done through regular plans with MFD + CFP support

Reviewed once every 6 months

Never invest in direct mutual funds.

Why avoid direct funds:

No regular review

No professional support

Wrong scheme selection risk

Exit mistakes in bad markets

Use only regular funds through MFD + CFP.

They help in proper selection, goal mapping, and monitoring.

Do Not Choose Index Funds or ETFs
Some may suggest index funds or ETFs.

But avoid these for your purpose.

Why they are not right:

Index funds follow market blindly

Cannot avoid falling sectors

No fund manager control

During market crash, index also crashes

No protection against poor performance

Your need is long-term growth for legacy. Not copy-paste results.

Stay with actively managed funds only.

Plan Your PLI Maturity in Advance
Your PLI will mature in 2 years. You will get Rs. 7.5 lakh.

Do not keep this in FD.

Plan like this:

Keep Rs. 1 lakh in emergency

Invest rest in a hybrid or balanced mutual fund

Use STP to shift to equity fund monthly over 18 months

This way you protect the capital and also get better growth.

Review Tata AIA Policies in Detail
You have two life insurance policies.

They will give Rs. 65,000 yearly from 2028.

These are most likely investment-cum-insurance plans.

Such plans give poor returns. Around 5% or even less.

Check surrender value now:

If surrender gives good value, consider exiting

Use that value to invest in mutual funds

Better long-term return

If you are getting below 6% return, surrendering may help you grow faster.

Take help from your MFD with CFP for this decision.

Keep PPF for Stability, Not Growth
You have already invested Rs. 4.5 lakh in PPF.

PPF is tax-free and safe.

But PPF return is only 7% approx.

It is good for stability, not for fast growth.

What to do:

Continue with Rs. 1,000–2,000 per month only

Use it as a safety net

Do not use it as your main retirement or wealth plan

Put major money in equity mutual funds.

Increase Your SIPs Gradually
Right now, SIP is Rs. 30,000 monthly.

You are earning Rs. 91,000 monthly.

You can increase SIP in future using:

Rent increase

Interest from matured PLI

Annual policy returns

Use Step-up SIP strategy:

Every year, increase SIP by Rs. 2,000–5,000

This grows wealth faster

Your real investments compound better

Even small increases make a big impact in 10–15 years.

Avoid New Insurance Plans or ULIPs
Do not buy new insurance-linked plans now.

They are complex and low return.

Avoid:

ULIPs

Endowment plans

Money-back policies

They lock your money and give 4%–5% return only.

Instead, use mutual funds. They are transparent and flexible.

Write a Will for Your Wealth Transfer
You are building this wealth for your son.

Make sure he receives it without problems.

Prepare a clear Will:

Mention mutual funds, PPF, stocks, bank FDs

Write full nominee details

Choose an executor

Keep a copy with trusted family member

A Will avoids legal delay and family confusion.

You are doing this for your son. Make it easy for him.

Do Not Depend on Real Estate
You already get Rs. 25,000 rent.

Do not try to buy more properties.

Real estate issues:

Low rental yield

Difficult to sell

Legal problems

No transparency

Bad liquidity in emergency

Stay focused on financial assets only.

Mutual funds and equities give better results with less stress.

Focus Areas for Wealth Growth
To reach Rs. 5 crore faster, focus on:

Shifting idle FDs to equity

Increasing SIP every year

Using policy returns smartly

Exiting low return products

Avoiding direct or index funds

Using MFD + CFP support always

This gives you discipline, clarity, and growth.

Build a 3-Bucket Strategy
Divide your investments in 3 parts:

1. Safety bucket:

Keep 1 year expenses in FD

Include PPF and liquid funds

2. Income bucket:

Use rental, pension, PLI returns

Use policy payout for fixed income

3. Growth bucket:

SIPs

Equity mutual funds

Part of stock portfolio

This balances growth and stability.

Your CFP can guide exact percentage.

Final Insights
You are doing many things well. You are disciplined and focused. Now you need to:

Reduce low-return assets

Avoid direct or index fund traps

Use mutual funds wisely

Increase SIPs yearly

Plan each maturity before it comes

Prepare a proper Will

Work closely with CFP-led MFD

You are already on the right road. Now just walk with a map and a guide.

Rs. 5 crore is possible with consistency, planning, and time.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

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Hi Joshi Ji, I am 42 years male and having no such exposure in SIP or any other growth funds. Kindly suggest me in which way I can invest at least 35 k/month to generate maximum corpus for my retirement and 20 k/month for my kid's higher education. I have one son and he is currently in class 6th. I have some (approx 50 k/yearly) insurance linked investment rest PF and term insurance, son's tution fees generally fulfill the income tax related requirement. Kindly suggest how to plan my finances. I am seriously feeling that I am late at my financial planning but want to leap it from hereon.
Ans: Dear Sanjay,

Thank you for reaching out for financial advice. It's commendable that you're taking proactive steps towards planning your finances, even if you feel you're starting later than desired. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can still work towards achieving your financial goals.

Given your objectives of building a corpus for retirement and your child's higher education, here's a suggested plan:

Retirement Planning:

Start investing ?35,000 per month in mutual funds through SIPs targeting retirement. Allocate funds across diversified equity mutual funds to maximize growth potential over the long term.
Consider funds that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Since you're starting relatively late, you may need to take a slightly higher risk to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Regularly review your investment portfolio and adjust asset allocation as needed based on changing market conditions and your evolving financial situation.
Child's Higher Education:

Allocate ?20,000 per month towards building a corpus for your child's higher education.
Invest this amount in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds to balance growth potential with stability. Since your child is in class 6th, you have approximately 6-10 years until higher education expenses arise. You can afford to take a moderate risk with this investment.
Monitor the performance of the funds regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goal.
Insurance and Other Investments:

Continue with your existing insurance-linked investments, PF contributions, and term insurance. Ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect your family's financial future in case of unforeseen events.
Utilize tax-saving investment options such as ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds to optimize tax benefits while building wealth.
Regular Financial Review:

Schedule regular financial reviews with a qualified financial advisor to assess your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that you're on track to meet your financial goals.
Take advantage of any surplus income or windfalls by channeling them towards your investment goals to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Remember, it's never too late to start planning for your financial future. By staying committed to your goals, investing wisely, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can achieve financial security and provide for your family's needs.

Best regards,

Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello , My age is 30 and have investments as follows: 15 lacs in fd , 15 lacs in nsc, 5.5 lacs in ppf which will go upto 10 lacs in next 3 years (during maturity), 5 lacs in stocks and 2 sip 10k in quant elss tax saver fund & 6k in kotak elss tax fund , 5k/m contribution in nps.I have housing rent which is 35k/m and monthly expense upto ?6k. I am the only one earning at home. I want to generate wealth to cover my childs education and higher studies.
Ans: You have a good start in your investment journey. Your age is 30, and you have a well-diversified portfolio. Your goal is to generate wealth for your child's education and higher studies. Let's analyse your current investments and provide insights for future growth.

Current Investment Overview
Fixed Deposits: Rs 15 lakhs

National Savings Certificate (NSC): Rs 15 lakhs

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 5.5 lakhs (expected to grow to Rs 10 lakhs in 3 years)

Stocks: Rs 5 lakhs

SIPs: Rs 10,000 in ELSS tax saver fund, Rs 6,000 in another ELSS tax fund

National Pension System (NPS): Rs 5,000 monthly

Housing Rent: Rs 35,000 monthly

Monthly Expenses: Rs 6,000

Analysis of Your Current Portfolio
Fixed Deposits and NSC: These are low-risk, but returns are often low. They provide stability but may not keep pace with inflation.

PPF: This is a safe and tax-efficient option. It is a good long-term investment.

Stocks: High-risk, high-reward. Requires careful selection and monitoring.

SIPs in ELSS Funds: These offer tax benefits and potential for good returns. However, avoid duplication in fund choices.

NPS: Good for retirement planning. Offers tax benefits and disciplined savings.

Recommendations for Wealth Generation
Diversify Investments: Avoid putting too much in low-return options. Consider increasing exposure to equity mutual funds for higher growth potential.

Review ELSS Funds: Having two ELSS funds is redundant. Opt for one well-performing ELSS fund. This simplifies management and can boost returns.

Increase Equity Exposure: Allocate more to equity mutual funds. These funds generally offer better returns over the long term.

Regular Fund Investing: Consider investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner. This ensures professional guidance and avoids common investment mistakes.

Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds lack professional advice. Regular funds with CFP help are better for most investors.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Fund managers actively manage the portfolio for optimal returns.

Flexibility: They can adjust holdings based on market conditions.

Potential for Higher Returns: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds.

Additional Steps for Financial Security
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of expenses. This covers unexpected financial needs.

Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate life and health insurance. This protects your family from unforeseen events.

Regular Portfolio Review: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. This keeps your investments aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is well-diversified but can benefit from adjustments. Shift some funds from low-return options to equity mutual funds. Simplify your ELSS investments and increase equity exposure. Regular funds with Certified Financial Planner guidance offer better returns and convenience. Maintain an emergency fund and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regular reviews and rebalancing keep your portfolio on track. This approach will help you generate wealth for your child's education and secure your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 19, 2025Hindi
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I'm 44, i want to retire now. Having two own houses 1cr and 2 cr value which gives 80K per month rent and have one to stay. Having agricultural land giving 1 lakh per month income. No loans . One son studying engineering and have 20 L separately for his studies. Having LIC endomenr policy wirh 50 L return and four years term to to paid ,1L per year. Having 70 L cash. Having three fixed asset plots which im not getting any income as of now and may value 15L, 40L and 2 Cr. Having health insurance of 25 L.Now i want to invest 50 L for wealth creation for my son. Please suggest me how to invest. im thinking to dispose one of my fixed asset like house and invest . Please suggest how can i grow my wealth. I have ppf 40L amount , gold 200 grams as coins and 5kg silver as bars which i can consider for investment. My monthly expenses would be 50K. What way i can invest my remaining income
Ans: You have built a strong financial base. Your rental income, agricultural income, and existing assets give you financial security. Now, let's focus on wealth creation and investment strategies for your son and yourself.

Investment of Rs 50 Lakh for Your Son
Invest Rs 30 lakh in actively managed equity mutual funds. Choose funds based on long-term growth potential.

Allocate Rs 10 lakh in a mix of mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher returns.

Put Rs 5 lakh in debt funds for stability and liquidity.

Keep Rs 5 lakh in a liquid fund for emergencies related to his education.

What to Do with LIC Endowment Policy?
Endowment policies give low returns. They are not good for wealth creation.

Surrender the policy and reinvest the maturity amount in mutual funds.

Use part of this money for equity mutual funds and part for debt funds.

Should You Sell a Fixed Asset for Investment?
Selling the Rs 2 crore plot can give a large capital for investment.

Real estate lacks liquidity and does not generate income.

Invest the sale proceeds into a combination of equity mutual funds and debt funds.

Keep a portion in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) if you want real estate exposure.

Investing the Remaining Income
Your total passive income is Rs 1.8 lakh per month.

Expenses are Rs 50,000 per month.

You have a surplus of Rs 1.3 lakh per month.

Invest Rs 80,000 per month in SIP of actively managed mutual funds.

Keep Rs 50,000 in a debt fund or bank account for liquidity.

Managing PPF, Gold, and Silver
Your PPF balance of Rs 40 lakh is safe and tax-free. Let it grow.

Gold and silver are good for wealth preservation, but not wealth creation.

Convert part of your gold (Rs 10 lakh worth) into Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) for interest income.

Final Insights
Invest your wealth in actively managed mutual funds through an MFD with CFP credentials.

Sell one of your fixed assets to increase liquidity and investment returns.

Reinvest LIC policy maturity into high-growth investments.

SIP investments will help in consistent wealth growth.

Keep a mix of equity, debt, and gold bonds for a balanced portfolio.

Review your investments every year to align with financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello, I am 36 years old and would like to retire by 46 years of age. I have no loans/debts and I am earning 90k per month. My current portfolio is as below, 1. First SIP: I am investing 5000 SIP in last 6.5 years, current investment is 390000 and total return 690000 with 17.5% CAGR. 2. 2nd SIP: Investing 3000 SIP in last 5 years, current investment is 177000 and total return 271000 with 17.65% CAGR 3. 3rd SIP: Investing 5000 SIP in last 2.2 years, current investment is 130000 and total return 151000 with 15.8% CAGR 4. 4th SIP: Investing 8000 SIP in last 4.5 years, current investment is 432000 and total return 531000 with 12.15% CAGR 5. 5th SIP: Investing 33000 SIP in last 1.5 years, current investment is 589000 and total return 621000 with 8.56% CAGR 6. 1000 Rs SIP in PPF 7. 2000 Rs SIP in SSY 8. 4000 Rs SIP in NPS tier-1 9. 140000 Rs in Liquid fund 10. 280000 Rs in Direct stocks my current monthly expense is around 26000. I have two kids, one studying 1st standard. I expect My Retirement corpus at age 46 is 2.5 Cr. Is it possible? Can i achieve this goal at my age 46 with continuing my current SIP?. or can i add more SIP to achieve this goal? Kindly review my portfolio, and if anything i need to change please let me know.
Ans: You’ve already built a solid foundation. At 36, aiming to retire by 46 is an ambitious goal. It is not impossible, but it needs strong planning. Let’s assess from all angles and offer you a full-circle solution.

Your Income and Savings Pattern

Your income of Rs. 90,000 per month is being managed well.

Your household expense of Rs. 26,000 is modest.

That gives you high savings potential.

This reflects great discipline. Very few maintain this ratio.

Your SIPs and savings are using your surplus effectively.

Continue to avoid loans. That gives your savings strong power.

Review of Your Mutual Fund SIPs

You have 5 SIPs running. Let’s look at them one by one.

First SIP of Rs. 5000 has completed 6.5 years.

Very strong CAGR of 17.5%.

You must continue this. Long-term compounding is helping you here.

Second SIP of Rs. 3000 for 5 years.

17.65% return. Very healthy.

Maintain this SIP without changes.

Third SIP of Rs. 5000 for 2.2 years.

Return of 15.8%. Acceptable for this tenure.

You must give it time to perform.

Fourth SIP of Rs. 8000 for 4.5 years.

CAGR of 12.15% is decent.

Slightly low, but still okay for mid-term horizon.

Fifth SIP of Rs. 33,000 for 1.5 years.

Return of 8.56% is below expectation.

This is short tenure. Stay invested. Don't judge it early.

Avoid switching or stopping now.

All these SIPs are in growth mode. Your discipline is excellent. The only issue is fund selection. You may be investing in direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds

If your funds are “Direct”, there are some concerns.

No ongoing review by Certified Financial Planner.

You may miss fund rating downgrades.

Risk-reward alignment may not be proper.

Fund may underperform and you won't know when to exit.

No guidance for portfolio rebalancing.

You must consider shifting to regular plans. Choose an MFD backed by a Certified Financial Planner. Regular plans give ongoing support. Guidance will be personalised.

Why to Avoid Index Funds

Though index funds sound attractive, there are key drawbacks.

They blindly follow index stocks. No flexibility.

In market fall, index funds fall equally. No downside protection.

Fund manager cannot shift to better sectors.

Index funds don’t have any active risk control.

Past 1-year index return is high, but not consistent.

Your current funds have delivered better return than most index funds. Continue with actively managed funds. Stay with good fund managers. Do not shift to index-based investing.

PPF, SSY, and NPS Contributions

Rs. 1000 SIP in PPF is fine.

Safe and tax-free. Continue for long term.

Rs. 2000 in SSY is helpful for daughter’s education or marriage.

Rs. 4000 in NPS Tier 1 helps save tax.

But, NPS has limited flexibility.

Withdrawals are partially locked till 60.

You can reduce NPS if early retirement is your target.

These 3 are low-risk. But, NPS restricts early access. If retiring at 46, NPS won’t help you fully. Consider shifting part to mutual funds over time.

Liquid Fund and Stock Holdings

Rs. 1.4 lakh in liquid fund gives you safety.

Maintain 6 months of expense as emergency.

You are on right path. This shows good planning.

Rs. 2.8 lakh in direct stocks.

Stock selection needs active monitoring.

Stocks are risky without deep research.

Prefer actively managed equity funds over stocks.

Equity mutual funds will give better diversification. Fund managers can handle the risk better.

Expense Management and Lifestyle Planning

Rs. 26,000 as monthly expense is very good.

You should build a buffer for future increase in expenses.

With 2 kids, school and college costs will rise sharply.

Plan for child’s education goals separately from retirement.

Allocate at least one SIP for that future cost.

Can You Reach Rs. 2.5 Crores by Age 46?

Let’s understand some key points.

You are investing Rs. 54,000 per month in SIPs.

Already accumulated Rs. 22 lakh in equity and liquid funds.

Retirement goal in 10 years is Rs. 2.5 crores.

With 12–13% return assumption, it can be possible. But, you need to:

Continue all SIPs without fail.

Increase SIPs by 10–12% yearly.

Avoid withdrawing from mutual funds before 46.

Review your portfolio every year.

Align SIPs to long-term funds with good past record.

You have strong habits. Stick to this path. Add more SIP as your income grows.

Things to Improve Immediately

Rebalance portfolio. Avoid overlapping in schemes.

Avoid having too many funds. 4 to 5 funds are enough.

Invest only in regular plans through Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t rely on online platforms alone. You need personalised advice.

Exit direct stocks gradually and reinvest in mutual funds.

Build a clear plan for child’s college cost.

Prepare a corpus drawdown plan for retirement at 46.

Don’t Ignore MF Tax Rules

You must be aware of latest mutual fund taxation:

For equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

For debt mutual funds:

Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per income slab.

Track holding periods and fund types. Proper exit plan helps save tax.

Insurance and Protection Check

You didn’t mention any insurance. That is important.

Take term insurance of at least 15–20 times of annual income.

Buy personal health insurance too. Don’t rely only on company cover.

Any medical emergency can damage your investments.

Insurance is not investment. But protection is essential for early retirement.

Are You On Right Track?

Yes. You are on right path. But need fine-tuning. Some gaps to cover:

Direct fund exposure needs to be shifted to regular.

Stock investment risk needs to be lowered.

NPS flexibility issue must be addressed.

Retirement drawdown plan must be built now itself.

Keep lifestyle inflation in mind. That can reduce real return.

Final Insights

You have the potential to reach your Rs. 2.5 crore target.

But it needs strict discipline and smart adjustments.

Increase SIP slowly every year with income rise.

Track fund performance every 6 months.

Remove low-performing schemes regularly.

Engage with a Certified Financial Planner. That brings better accountability.

Protect your goals with proper term and health insurance.

By doing all these, early retirement is possible. And peaceful too.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8264 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Sir, At 76800 ranking (94.89 percentile) in JEE Mains what is best option for me in CSAB round? Please also suggest best private college in this rank for B.Tech. in CSE. Thank you.
Ans: Prashant, With a JEE Main percentile of 94.89 (approximate All-India rank ~76,800), you qualify for Computer Science seats in several NITs/GFTIs during CSAB special rounds where closing ranks extend beyond 70,000. Institutions with 100% admission likelihood include NIT Mizoram CSE (OS closing ~81,277), NIT Uttarakhand CSE via extended rounds (OS closing ~100,172), NIT Goa CSE (OS closing ~60,264 with likely extension), and NIT Arunachal Pradesh CSE (OS closing ~42,376 now further rounds may go up to ~70,000). Among GFTIs, IIIT Una CSE and IIIT Jabalpur CSE typically close around 70–80 k in later rounds.

Top ten private engineering colleges in Northern India accommodating your rank include Amity University Noida (CSE cutoff ≤95th percentile), Chandigarh University (CUCET/JEE Main flexible policy), Galgotias College Greater Noida (CSE closing AI quota ~78,995), Sharda University Greater Noida (CSE cutoff ~60–80 k), O.P. Jindal University, Haryana (CSE cutoff ~50–70 k), Bennett University Noida (CSE cutoff ~50–75 k), BML Munjal University Gurugram, Manipal University Jaipur (CSE core), Lovely Professional University Jalandhar (CSE cutoff ~70–90 k), and VIT Bhopal (CSE cutoff ~50–80 k). All these institutes are AICTE-approved, hold relevant NBA/NAAC accreditations, feature modern computing labs, active industry partnerships for internships, and maintain consistent 80–95% placement support over the last three years.

Given assured CSAB admission and strong national branding, recommendation is to join NIT Mizoram CSE for core?NIT credentials and a reliable placement pipeline. As a private?college alternative with robust infrastructure and flexible entry policy, recommendation shifts to Amity University Noida CSE. For balanced academics, industry tie-ups and student life in Delhi NCR, consider Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 21, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 38 years old , I have my own house, plus 2 flats worth Rs.2 crores. I have 15 lacs in stock and mutual funds. I have ongoing loan of 35 lakhs for home loan. Now i am planning to buy one more flats in my society which is bigger then I m living now and want to shift there. I just want to ask should i buy it to take one more home loan or sell off one flat and take this bigger one. I have no issue for emi as I have ongoing rent of rs 60 to 70k. I have some self saving apporox. 40 lakh and the flat is 1 crores so I will be needed approx 60 as home loan. Pls suggest I m little confused
Ans: You are 38 years old.
You own a house plus two flats worth Rs. 2 crores.
You have Rs. 15 lakhs in stocks and mutual funds.
You have Rs. 40 lakhs as self-savings.
You are paying EMI for a Rs. 35 lakh home loan.
You are getting rental income of Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 monthly.
You are planning to buy a bigger flat worth Rs. 1 crore.
You are confused between taking a new home loan or selling one flat.
Let us now guide you in a detailed 360-degree manner.

First, Understand Your Current Asset Position
You already own 3 properties including your current home.

Their combined value is around Rs. 2 crores.

You have Rs. 15 lakhs in financial investments.

You have Rs. 40 lakhs in self-savings.

You have an ongoing Rs. 35 lakh home loan.

Your monthly rental income is strong.

Your age is just 38, you have time ahead.

This is a solid financial base.
But more real estate may not be a wise decision now.

Do Not Keep Increasing Real Estate Exposure
You already have 3 properties.

Buying one more adds to concentration risk.

Real estate is not a liquid asset.

It gives no monthly income unless rented.

Maintenance cost, tax, and legal issues can also increase.

Selling it in emergencies is difficult and slow.

Better to reduce real estate, and build financial assets.

Why You Want a Bigger Flat – Emotional or Financial?
Bigger house is good if family is growing.

But it should not hurt your future goals.

More house means more expenses.

You need more furniture, interiors, maintenance.

These hidden costs may hurt long-term savings.

You must balance comfort and financial health.

Option 1: Buy Bigger Flat Using Rs. 60L Loan
Pros:

You keep all 3 flats.

Your rental income continues.

You move to a more spacious home.

Cons:

One more loan increases your EMI burden.

Total loan becomes Rs. 95 lakhs (35 + 60).

You already have Rs. 70,000 EMI likely.

Additional Rs. 55,000–60,000 EMI will hurt liquidity.

Two loans will reduce your monthly surplus.

You already have Rs. 40 lakhs with you.

You will have to use it all to fund new flat.

Your emergency savings and financial investments will be zero.

That is not safe in the long term.

No financial cushion will remain for future.

Option 2: Sell One Flat and Upgrade
Pros:

You unlock money from an illiquid asset.

You reduce overall real estate exposure.

You reduce EMI stress by taking a smaller loan.

You may only need Rs. 20–25 lakh loan.

This EMI will be just Rs. 15,000–20,000.

You can keep your Rs. 40 lakhs savings.

You can reinvest Rs. 40 lakhs wisely in mutual funds.

This can build your child’s education and retirement corpus.

You also avoid high EMI stress.

Cons:

You lose one rental income source.

Property appreciation may stop on that unit.

Some emotional attachment to property may exist.

Ideal Recommendation – Sell One Flat, Shift to Bigger Flat
Don’t hold 3 flats just for feeling rich.

Selling one flat reduces EMI and risk.

It also improves cash flow for future investing.

Use your Rs. 40 lakhs partly for new flat.

Take small loan of Rs. 20–25 lakhs only.

This keeps EMI light.

You keep financial freedom and comfort.

Avoid Overexposing Yourself to Home Loans
You are already repaying one loan.

Don't take one more large loan.

It may be okay now, but future is uncertain.

You may face income drop, job change, or medical emergency.

EMI pressure can impact your peace of mind.

Also reduces your ability to invest monthly.

Big loans steal your ability to grow wealth.

Use Surplus to Build Mutual Fund Portfolio
Rs. 40 lakhs is a powerful amount.

Don’t exhaust it in property.

Keep Rs. 10 lakhs as emergency fund.

Invest Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds through STP.

Use mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

SIP monthly from STP over 18–24 months.

Use different fund categories for different goals.

Suggested Mutual Fund Strategy
For Retirement Goal:

Invest in Flexi Cap and Aggressive Hybrid Funds.

These give steady compounding over long term.

For Child Education (if applicable):

Use Flexi Cap and Large & Mid Cap Funds.

Also use Balanced Advantage for safer allocation.

For General Wealth Creation:

Use Aggressive Hybrid and Mid Cap Funds.

Keep STP in place from arbitrage or ultra-short funds.

Why Not to Use Direct Mutual Funds
Direct plans look cheaper.

But no one guides you when market falls.

You may stop SIP or withdraw at wrong time.

Regular plans via MFD with CFP offer safety.

They do review, rebalancing, and hand-holding.

Their service helps avoid costly mistakes.

Pay little more, but gain much more over years.

Why Not to Choose Index Funds
Index funds just follow index blindly.

No human decision-making.

No protection during crashes.

No smart exit or stock-level analysis.

Index funds are not meant for goal-based investing.

Active funds with good manager do better in India.

If You Hold LIC, ULIP or Endowment Plans
Check if any of your Rs. 15 lakhs is in such products.

Most of these give only 4%–5% returns.

They lock your money for years.

If no lock-in, surrender them.

Shift to mutual funds with proper guidance.

Take pure term insurance separately if needed.

Medical Cover is Not Enough
You have Rs. 10 lakhs health insurance.

Add top-up plan of Rs. 25–30 lakhs more.

Medical inflation is rising fast.

Hospital costs can cross Rs. 10 lakhs easily.

Better to be prepared now itself.

Keep Long-Term Investing Discipline
Do not stop SIPs during market correction.

Use goal-wise mutual fund tracking.

Increase SIP every year by 10% minimum.

Review your portfolio yearly.

Do not chase latest fund or trend.

Use CFP and MFD for regular help.

Finally
You already have large exposure in real estate.

Don’t increase it more.

Selling one flat and buying bigger one is wise.

Keep loan low and liquidity high.

Use remaining savings for wealth creation.

Don’t invest randomly in stock market.

Mutual funds are better with right guidance.

Don’t go for direct or index mutual funds.

Use regular plans through MFD with CFP support.

Stay on track with financial goals.

Don’t build more property, build more financial freedom.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir. I have been investing Rs. 1500/- per month in Post office RD since about 58 months with the tenure getting over in 2 months. I used to get a confirmation sms from Post Office department every month on investing. But the balance in the sms showed only the amount invested. Never did it show the amount with the interest or the interest on the amount invested. For example it shows only invested amount of Rs. 87000/-. Post Office RD interest is calculated quarterly. With changes on interest rate in last years how will I come to know about the interest earned every year? How to know how much interest I earned on my investmenst?
Ans: You are investing Rs 1500/month in Post Office RD for 60 months. The current balance shows only the total invested amount. You want to know how to check the total interest earned.

Let’s understand this clearly and solve it fully for you.

How Post Office RD Interest Works
Post Office RD gives quarterly compound interest.

The rate changes every quarter by the government.

But for your RD, the rate is fixed on opening date.

So your entire 5-year RD will earn the same rate.

Even if interest rate changes later, your RD stays locked.

Why You Receive SMS With Only Invested Amount
The SMS system only updates with fresh deposits.

It does not show the interest earned in each message.

That’s why total balance seems lower than actual maturity value.

What Is Your Total Invested Amount
You invested Rs 1500 per month for 58 months.

Total amount invested = Rs 87,000 (as per SMS).

How To Know Interest Earned
There are two methods to know the interest earned:

1. Visit Post Office With Passbook
Go to your branch with your RD passbook.

Ask them to print or update your RD passbook.

It will show all entries and interest added quarterly.

You can see total interest credited till date.

2. Check Online (If Account Linked)
If your RD is linked to India Post internet banking, login there.

Go to the RD section.

It will show the total interest earned till now.

Some accounts are not online yet. Then use passbook method.

Approximate Estimate For You
If your RD started around 5 years ago, rate was about 7.1%.

On Rs 87,000, you may get Rs 17,000 to Rs 19,000 as interest.

Total maturity amount may come to Rs 1,04,000 to Rs 1,06,000.

Exact amount will be given by Post Office after maturity.

How Interest Is Calculated
Interest is compounded every 3 months.

Every quarter, interest is added to the principal.

That’s how your returns grow faster over time.

The formula is fixed and applies from the date of opening.

Why RD Passbook Is Very Important
It shows correct principal and interest.

SMS does not show full picture.

Online account may have delays.

Use updated passbook for tax or financial planning.

Taxation Of RD Interest
RD interest is fully taxable.

It is added to your income every year.

Post Office may not deduct TDS.

But you should declare it in ITR.

What To Do After Maturity
Collect full maturity amount.

Do not reinvest in another RD blindly.

Instead, invest in better growth options.

Better Option Than RD After Maturity
Mutual Funds via SIP are better for long-term.

You can get higher returns with proper asset allocation.

Don’t use direct plans.

Take help of CFP-qualified MFD to plan it properly.

Actively managed funds do better than index funds.

RD gives fixed low returns. MF grows your money faster.

Future Actions You Must Take
Go to Post Office after 60 months.

Ask for maturity value in writing.

Confirm interest amount earned.

Decide whether to withdraw or reinvest.

For kids' education, SIP is better than RD.

Start small SIP with Rs 2000 every month.

Simple Tips For You
Always ask for interest slips yearly from Post Office.

Keep track of total investment with a notebook.

Never rely only on SMS for financial planning.

Don’t wait till last month to check maturity.

Plan what to do with the money at least 1 month in advance.

Final Insights
Your RD has worked safely for 5 years. But now, it’s time to upgrade.

You must move from fixed interest products to growth investments.

A good SIP for education, retirement, and future goals is must.

Your RD interest is easy to find — either online or by passbook.

After maturity, don’t continue in RD again. Money will sleep there.

Let your money grow, not sleep.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am 58, with wife earning 7.5L per annum and son independent but living with us. I retired in Jun from corporate job. I am expecting 30L retirement benefits. Have 10 L savings, wife has her own savings but no use for me. I am a defence veteran too so I earn 40k pension. My job now gives me Rs.1.23L salary. I expect 3-4 L income tax. I have no loans, two houses one in Mumbai anther at native place. All loans paid for. I have an office of 1000 sqf under construction which has already been paid for.I do not own car as in Mumbai parking n cleaning costs almost 8-10K. So I use cab. My goles now are to have peaceful future, wedding expenses of around 30L for son, buy a car for family in due course and have substantial say 2Cr savings/hold in coins post 7 years. Presently I have started 30k RD. I have Rs.20L Insurence which is already paid for. I also have defence health scheme covering myself and my wife. My son is independent advocate. Kindly guide
Ans: 1. Current Financial Snapshot
You are 58 and recently retired from a corporate job.

Pension: Rs. 40,000 per month from defence.

Current job salary: Rs. 1.23 lakhs per month.

No loans. That’s excellent. You're debt-free.

Rs. 30 lakhs expected from retirement benefits.

Rs. 10 lakhs in existing savings.

Wife earns Rs. 7.5 lakhs per year. Her savings are independent.

You have two residential properties and one office space (paid).

You have Rs. 20 lakhs insurance (already paid).

Family is covered under the defence health scheme.

A recurring deposit of Rs. 30,000/month has been started.

Your son is financially independent.

This profile reflects good financial discipline and asset creation.

2. Key Life Goals Identified
Son’s wedding expenses: Rs. 30 lakhs.

Car purchase: In the near future.

Achieve Rs. 2 crores in corpus within 7 years.

Ensure peaceful and financially secure retirement.

These are reasonable and achievable goals. Let us now assess how to get there.

3. Retirement Corpus Planning (Rs. 2 Crore in 7 Years)
To build Rs. 2 crore in 7 years, you need a strategic asset allocation:

Sources of Funding:
Rs. 30 lakh retirement benefits.

Rs. 10 lakh existing savings.

Rs. 1.23 lakh monthly salary (for next few years).

Rs. 40,000 monthly defence pension (lifelong).

Rs. 30,000 monthly RD (just started).

Instead of using RDs, which offer low post-tax returns, consider:

Recommended Actions:
Discontinue RD after current cycle.

Begin investing Rs. 50,000 monthly in mutual funds (explained below).

Allocate Rs. 30 lakh retirement corpus in a lump sum manner – 50% now, 50% in phased manner over 6–9 months.

4. Mutual Fund Strategy (No Direct or Index Funds)
Avoid index funds. They just mimic the market. They do not outperform.

Also avoid direct mutual funds unless you are experienced in selecting and reviewing funds regularly.

Problems with Direct and Index Funds:
No personal guidance or review.

Underperform during market volatility.

No access to portfolio rebalancing advice.

Index funds don't outperform inflation meaningfully in short periods.

Instead, Choose:
Actively managed funds.

Use Regular Plans through a SEBI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD).

Choose one who works with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

These professionals will help:

Set goals and choose suitable funds.

Monitor and rebalance your portfolio.

Provide tax-efficient withdrawal strategies post-retirement.

5. Suggested Asset Allocation
You should follow a 60:30:10 allocation strategy:

60% in Mutual Funds (for growth).

30% in Fixed Income instruments (to preserve capital).

10% in Gold (preferably digital or sovereign bonds for long term).

How to Allocate:
Equity Mutual Funds – 60%:

Use diversified actively managed funds.

Allocate across large, mid and flexi cap funds.

SIP Rs. 50,000 monthly.

Invest Rs. 15–18 lakhs in lump sum in mutual funds using STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) to reduce entry risk.

Debt Instruments – 30%:

Fixed deposits (for short-term needs).

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (if preferred).

Short-term debt mutual funds (through regular plan).

Ensure liquidity for 2–3 years' expenses.

Gold – 10%:

For diversification and protection.

Invest in sovereign gold bonds or digital gold.

Avoid jewellery as an investment.

6. Emergency Fund Strategy
You already have Rs. 10 lakhs in savings.

Out of this:

Keep Rs. 4–5 lakhs in liquid fund or sweep-in FD.

This should cover 6–9 months of expenses.

Do not mix this with long-term investments.

7. Wedding Planning for Your Son (Rs. 30 Lakhs)
This is a significant short-term goal.

Suggested Strategy:
Avoid using mutual fund investments for this.

Use proceeds from:

Maturing RDs (if continued).

FDs or debt funds.

Or allocate Rs. 5 lakh per year for 6 years.

Keep this in separate earmarked investments.

Avoid disturbing your retirement investments.

8. Car Purchase Plan
You may consider:

Budget of Rs. 10–12 lakhs.

Use short-term debt mutual funds to accumulate this.

Target timeline: 2–3 years.

Avoid loan. Keep this expense cash-based.

Car is depreciating in nature. Don't let it disturb long-term goals.

9. Health and Insurance Coverage
Excellent that you have:

Rs. 20 lakhs insurance (already paid).

Defence health coverage for family.

No further life or medical insurance needed.

Avoid ULIPs or Investment-cum-Insurance products.

If you have any such policy, surrender it and shift proceeds to mutual funds.

10. Taxation Guidance
You mentioned Rs. 3–4 lakh annual income tax.

This can be optimised by:

Investing Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C (PPF, ELSS, etc.).

Investing Rs. 50,000 under NPS Tier I (Section 80CCD(1B)).

If you have taxable mutual fund gains:

Equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Debt funds taxed as per income tax slab.

Ensure a Certified Financial Planner guides your withdrawals to reduce tax impact.

11. Income Strategy Post-Retirement
After 7 years, your job income may stop.

Prepare income sources now:

Use mutual fund SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) after 65.

Combine pension + SWP for monthly expenses.

Keep Rs. 25–30 lakhs in debt funds for stability.

Rent from office space can supplement income once completed.

Plan cash flows properly for 20+ years of retired life.

12. Real Estate Holdings
You already have:

One house in Mumbai.

One in native place.

One commercial property under construction.

Avoid any further real estate purchases.

They have:

High maintenance costs.

Poor liquidity.

Low post-tax returns.

Focus on financial instruments for further wealth creation.

13. Role of Your Wife’s Income
She earns Rs. 7.5 lakhs annually.

If not dependent on you, encourage her to:

Invest in her own name.

Maximise tax deductions.

Create a separate retirement corpus.

This ensures financial independence for both.

14. Estate Planning
Start documenting:

Will creation.

Nomination across all financial assets.

Joint holdings where possible.

This prevents disputes or delays in future.

Include your wife and son in this discussion.

Finally
You have shown wisdom in your planning.

From this stage, please focus on:

Peaceful wealth growth.

Balanced asset allocation.

Avoiding low-return products like ULIPs, traditional insurance.

Using mutual funds (regular, active) via an MFD and CFP.

Having tax-efficient withdrawal plans post-retirement.

Fulfilling personal goals without taking fresh loans.

Involving your family in planning and documenting all decisions.

You're at a comfortable stage financially.

Let a Certified Financial Planner guide your implementation professionally.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Im 41yr old, with take home salary of 3L, current SIPs of 80,000. Homeloan of 80L. Monthly expenses of 1L. I have kids aged 9yr & 6yr. Also,occasionally investing in Stock Markets. I want to create a huge corpus for retirement for comfortable luxurious living & kids higher education & marriage& other expenses Have medical Insurance of 10L Kindly guide me for investing & saving better.
Ans: You are 41 years old with Rs. 3 lakh monthly income.
You invest Rs. 80,000 per month in mutual funds.
You have an Rs. 80 lakh home loan.
Your household expense is around Rs. 1 lakh monthly.
You have two kids, 9 and 6 years old.
You also invest sometimes in stock markets.
You have Rs. 10 lakh health insurance cover.
You want to build a large corpus for retirement, children’s education, marriage, and more.
Let us now create a 360-degree financial action plan for you.

First, Understand Your Present Financial Strength
You have high income and good savings habit.

SIP of Rs. 80,000 is very impressive.

You are balancing loan, SIP, and expenses well.

This discipline will create long-term wealth.

You have taken health insurance.

This is also a strong and responsible move.

But more structure is needed in your investments.

Map Your Key Life Goals First
You have four clear long-term goals:

Retirement corpus – From age 60 onwards

Child 1 higher education – in 8 to 10 years

Child 2 higher education – in 11 to 13 years

Marriage for both kids – in 15 to 20 years

You also want:

A comfortable and luxurious retired life

To manage all future lifestyle expenses

These goals are all heavy on future money needs.

Allocate Your Rs. 80,000 SIP Properly
You are investing Rs. 80,000 monthly in SIP.
But the right allocation is more important than the amount.
Break this into 3 goal-specific buckets.

Bucket 1: Retirement (Rs. 40,000/month)
This is your longest-term goal.

So, it can take the highest equity exposure.

You can invest in:

Flexi Cap Fund

Large & Mid Cap Fund

Aggressive Hybrid Fund

Use at least 3–4 fund categories.

Focus on growth-oriented funds.

Retirement needs steady SIP for 15–18 more years.

Increase SIP every year by at least 10%.

Bucket 2: Child Education (Rs. 30,000/month)
Split this between both kids.

You have around 8–12 years for this.

Use mix of safety and growth funds.

Choose:

Flexi Cap Fund

Balanced Advantage Fund

Short Duration Fund (closer to goal)

In last 2–3 years, shift funds to safer options.

Don’t keep 100% in equity during college start.

Bucket 3: Marriage & Lifestyle Fund (Rs. 10,000/month)
These goals are 15–20 years away.

So, can be fully equity focused.

Choose:

Mid Cap Fund

Flexi Cap Fund

Aggressive Hybrid Fund

Also usable for travel, luxury, business, or future dreams.

Avoid Investing Randomly in Stocks
Direct stock investment needs full-time research.

You may buy high and sell low unknowingly.

One wrong stock can wipe out 10 right ones.

Keep stock exposure limited to 5%–10% only.

Don’t rely on tips or social media stock advice.

Use stocks only after you finish all SIPs for goals.

Mutual funds are safer, flexible, and professionally managed.

Do Not Go for Index Funds
Index funds only copy market, not actively managed.

They cannot protect when market crashes.

You ride full ups and full downs.

No human brain involved in decision making.

Better to invest in actively managed funds.

Skilled fund managers will adjust portfolio wisely.

Use proven funds with consistent track record.

Avoid Direct Funds – Choose Regular Plans
Direct mutual funds look cheaper but come with no service.

You will have no advisor to help or guide.

Portfolio may become unbalanced or underperform.

Regular funds give you service via MFD with CFP.

They help with asset allocation and yearly review.

They guide during corrections and market shocks.

Their cost is small, but value is very high.

Always work with MFD who is also a CFP.

Plan for Home Loan Management
Rs. 80 lakh loan is large.

Don’t rush to close it fully.

Keep EMI comfortable within your cash flow.

You can prepay slowly after building emergency fund.

First focus should be on funding your goals.

Don’t sacrifice retirement to close loan early.

If interest rate is below 9%, continue paying EMI.

Create an Emergency Fund Now
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1 lakh.

So, keep Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 9 lakh for emergencies.

Use FD, liquid fund, or sweep-in account.

This is only for job loss or health issues.

Don’t mix it with investment goals.

Review Your Health and Life Cover
Rs. 10 lakh medical insurance is good, but may not be enough.

Medical inflation is 12–15% per year.

Add a top-up health cover of Rs. 20 lakh.

Buy it early while you are healthy.

Also, take pure term insurance for Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 2 crore.

This protects your family in case of sudden death.

If You Hold LIC, ULIP or Endowment Policies
Check your current insurance-cum-investment plans.

See past 5-year return, often less than 5%.

These products are low-return and high-lock-in.

If no lock-in now, surrender the policy.

Reinvest into mutual funds for better growth.

Buy pure term cover instead of combo policies.

Yearly Review of Portfolio is Important
Don’t forget your SIPs after starting them.

Review all funds once a year.

Replace only if underperforming for 3 years or more.

Rebalance between equity and debt if needed.

Take help from your MFD with CFP every year.

Avoid investing emotionally or based on market news.

Understand Tax Rules for Future Withdrawals
Equity fund profit over Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains taxed at 20%.

Debt and hybrid funds with

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, I am 36 years old and have 2.8 lacs salary per month. Currently I have home loan of 25 lacs for which I pay emi of 37,000. I also invest 1.5 lacs in following mutual funds every month and currently have 11 lacs portfolio. I have 1.44 lacs in NPS for which 13000 is paid additionally. I save the remaining money in household expenses which is about 60000 per month. I want to know how is my investing strategy and way to improve my investing to achieve 50 crores at the age of 60
Ans: You earn Rs.2.8 lakhs monthly. You also service a home loan EMI of Rs.37,000. Plus, you invest Rs.1.5 lakhs per month in mutual funds. You contribute Rs.13,000 to NPS monthly, and have saved Rs.11 lakhs so far. You manage household expenses within Rs.60,000. That's a smart, responsible way to handle income, saving, and repayment.

Your commitment and disciplined approach deserve appreciation. You are building a solid financial foundation—keep it up!

Review of Your Current Investment Strategy

Your savings pattern shows good diversity:

Mutual Funds (Equity Focus): Rs.1.5 lakhs monthly

NPS Contributions: Rs.13,000 monthly

Emergency Savings: Implicit, though not captured separately

This mix gives growth potential from equity, tax benefits via NPS, and a cushion from household expense management.

But there are areas to improve further to reach your ambitious goal of Rs.50 crores by age 60.

The Rs.50 Crore Goal—Is It Realistic?

You want Rs.50 crores in 24 years (age 36 to 60).

To reach Rs.50 crores from current Rs.11 lakhs, you'd need:

About Rs.2.5 lakhs investment every month

A return of about 13–14% annually

That's ambitious, but not impossible with disciplined savings, high equity exposure, and smart investment strategy.

However, it requires us to review your strategy in detail.

Step by Step: Bringing Clarity to Your Goal

Let’s break your goal down:

Define key goals and timelines

Assess income and expense clarity

Revisit home loan strategy

Review mutual fund allocation and taxes

Reassess NPS and alternate long-term vehicles

Ensure emergency fund adequacy

Consider health and term cover

Plan for periodic review

Clarifying Your Financial Goals

Align your Rs.50 crore plan with life goals:

Retirement at 60

Children’s education and marriage

Lifestyle expectations (travel, health, hobbies)

Legacy plans

This clarity will guide how to manage portfolio risk and growth.

Home Loan Strategy

Your home loan EMI is Rs.37,000. Continue to pay it diligently. It offers benefits:

May improve your credit score

Provides an inflation-adjusted deduction

Interest component reduces gradually

But don't over-prioritise prepayments unless surplus is consistent and goals are on track. Your current surplus is best used to grow wealth.

Mutual Fund Strategy—Are You on Track?

You currently invest Rs.1.5 lakhs per month. That’s excellent.

To check alignment with Rs.50 crore target, use a hypothetical return of 13%:

Rs.1.5 lakhs SIP monthly for 24 years can grow close to Rs.15–17 crores.

With disciplined increases and market performance, Rs.50 crores is still quite a stretch.

Hence, you’ll need to:

Increase investments gradually

Choose high?growth, actively managed equity funds

Add small and mid-caps opportunistically

Keep reviewing performance annually

Active vs Index Funds

You didn’t mention index funds. Let’s address it:

Index funds have drawbacks:

No flexibility to exclude weak stocks

No defensive allocation in downturns

No attempt to outperform market

Actively managed funds provide:

Continuous market research

Ability to shift away from volatile sectors

Aiming to outperform benchmarks consistently

To build Rs.50 crores, we prefer a high-quality actively managed portfolio.

Fund Allocation for High Growth and Risk

Your current Rs.1.5 lakhs SIP can be allocated as:

Large/Flexi-Cap Funds: 30%

Mid-Cap Funds: 30%

Small-Cap Funds: 20%

Opportunity/Thematic Funds: 20%

As you get closer to 60, rebalance toward safer categories.

NPS Contributions—Are They Enough?

You invest Rs.13,000 monthly in NPS. That's commendable for tax benefits and retirement corpus.

NPS offers a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

To strengthen its benefit:

Take full advantage of Section 80CCD

Consider increasing contribution—if surplus exists

Keep track of exit tax and withdrawals

This helps build a larger retirement corpus but may not push you fully to Rs.50 crores.

Building Emergency Funds

You currently manage household expenses well, but it's unclear if you have a separate emergency fund.

Ensure at least 6 months of expenses (Rs.3.6 lakhs) is kept in a safe liquid fund.

This prevents disruption of your long-term investments during emergencies.

Insurance and Protection Planning

You haven’t mentioned term insurance. At 36, you likely need:

Adequate term life cover for your loan and family

Health insurance for both you and family

Consider rider health or income protection

Protecting against risk ensures your retirement goal is unimpeded by unforeseen events.

Tax Efficiency of Investments

You have:

NPS investments with tax benefit

Mutual fund returns which face equity capital gains tax

LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

To maximise returns:

Hold equity funds beyond 1 year

Track redemptions to manage gains within threshold

Use NPS withdrawals strategically

Use tax-advantaged withdrawal plans at retirement

A Certified Financial Planner can assist with smart tax planning.

Periodic Portfolio Review and Upscaling

To hit Rs.50 crores:

Increase SIP annually with income growth

Rebalance asset mix based on performance

Exit underperformers and add high-conviction picks

Consider direct equities/hybrid in later years

Review your portfolio every 6–12 months with professional help.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Steer clear of:

Impulsive investment decisions

Excessive concentration in single funds

Frequent switching without reason

Overreliance on regular income

Blind faith in market timing

Discipline and consistency matter more than chasing quick gains.

A Realistic Roadmap to Rs.50 Crores

Over 24 years, you can strengthen:

Monthly SIP: Rs.1.5 lakhs (year 1) → Rs.5–6 lakhs (by year 24 as income scales)

Healthy asset allocation tilt toward equity growth

Effective use of NPS for tax and retirement savings

Rebalancing and withdrawal strategy at age 60

With average annualised return of around 14%, these steps can get you near Rs.25–30 crores realistically. Reaching Rs.50 crores needs significant future income and discipline—but remains a strong ambition.

Life Beyond Investments—Your WellBeing

While building wealth, remember:

Maintain work-life balance

Spend time with family

Save for travel and wellness

Continually learn and upgrade skills

True wealth is not just money—it’s freedom, health, security, and joy.

Finally

You invest wisely now. That is your strength.

Going ahead, increase equity exposure smartly while managing risk.

Use actively managed funds for consistent growth.

Strengthen NPS and consider gradual SIP hikes.

Build emergency corpus to de-risk.

Secure your physical and financial health with insurance.

Review portfolio with Certified Financial Planner regularly.

Stay away from index, direct, and risky investment temptations.

Keep family, purpose, and well?being in focus.

With consistent effort and guidance, Rs.50 crores is ambitious but within sight. You have both conviction and habits to reach there.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9484 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
How to set 47000 salary with home loan emi 17000 and keeping in mind good future of kids education and futuristic saving.
Ans: With a monthly salary of Rs 47,000 and Rs 17,000 EMI, your financial space is limited. Still, with a disciplined approach, you can build a secure future for your children and yourself.

Let’s create a simple and practical financial plan.

Understand Current Situation
Salary: Rs 47,000

Home loan EMI: Rs 17,000

Remaining: Rs 30,000

This balance must take care of expenses, kids’ education, and your savings.

Smart Budgeting Is First Step
Keep fixed household expenses within Rs 20,000.

Leave Rs 3,000 for unavoidable personal expenses.

Save at least Rs 5,000 each month without fail.

Track every rupee spent using a notebook or app.

Build Emergency Fund First
Target 3 months of expenses as your first goal.

Save Rs 1,000 from your Rs 5,000 monthly saving towards this.

Keep the emergency money in a separate savings account.

Don’t use it for routine or luxury expenses.

Child Education Planning Must Start Now
Start a monthly SIP of Rs 2,000 in a good mutual fund.

Do not use direct plans. Take help from an MFD with CFP certification.

Actively managed funds perform better than index funds over the long term.

Continue SIP for at least 10–15 years without stopping.

Use Government Schemes Wisely
If you have a daughter, use Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Contribute Rs 250/month minimum.

PPF is good for safe wealth creation. Invest Rs 500 to start.

Increase this every year with salary hike.

Review Insurance Protection
Make sure you have term insurance of at least Rs 25–30 lakhs.

Don’t mix insurance with investment like ULIPs or endowment plans.

Check if you have health insurance for your family. If not, buy one soon.

Control Debts And Avoid Personal Loans
Your home loan is good debt.

Avoid new EMIs unless unavoidable.

Don’t fall into credit card debt trap.

Increase Income If Possible
Consider part-time online work or weekend freelance tasks.

Ask spouse if they can support income or manage small business from home.

Every extra rupee must go into savings or kids’ future.

Automate Your Savings And Investments
Set up auto-debit for SIP and PPF contribution.

This avoids emotional spending.

You don’t miss your goals because of forgetfulness.

Discipline Matters More Than High Returns
Even Rs 1000 invested consistently can grow big over 20 years.

Stay away from risky investments or chit funds.

Don’t chase fast returns. Wealth is built slowly.

Review Financial Plan Every 6 Months
Check if your savings rate can increase.

Revisit SIP amount once your loan EMI ends.

After EMI closure, invest that Rs 17,000 towards kids and retirement.

Focus Areas For You
Emergency fund – First priority.

Insurance – Life and health both.

Kids’ education SIP – Rs 2000 minimum now.

No new debts – Absolutely avoid.

Monthly budget review – Every 15 days.

What To Avoid
No direct mutual funds.

No index funds.

No insurance-cum-investment policies.

No gold purchase as an investment.

No real estate investment now or near future.

Future Steps
After home loan ends, use Rs 17,000 fully for investments.

That alone can create Rs 1 crore+ in 15–20 years.

Review kids’ education cost yearly and adjust SIP if needed.

Make retirement planning your priority after children are settled.

Best Way To Use Annual Bonus Or Extra Income
First, pay off any small dues.

Add to emergency fund.

Invest rest in mutual fund SIPs.

Do not spend on luxury or non-urgent things.

What Will Happen If You Stick To This Plan
In 5 years, your emergency fund and child fund will be in place.

In 10 years, you will have a decent education corpus.

In 15–20 years, you can retire with peace.

Your kids will thank you for disciplined planning.

Finally
It’s not the salary that decides the future.

It’s what you do with your salary every month.

Even with Rs 47,000 income, you can build a powerful future.

Only if you plan carefully and avoid mistakes.

Start small but be consistent and stay invested.

If you want, we can help you build a detailed action plan with specific monthly targets.

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8264 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Career
IIIT Kanchipuram any branch including Mechanical or NIT, Tier 1/2 lower branch ,- Which is better in terms of salary package through campus and better career prospects.
Ans: IIIT Kancheepuram’s campus placements across B.Tech disciplines have yielded a 73% placement rate with an overall average package of ?9.37 LPA. Mechanical Engineering graduates at IIITK average ?6.54 LPA, while CSE and ECE branches command higher averages of ?12.95 LPA and ?11.36 LPA respectively. By contrast, Tier-1 NITs place lower-tier branches more strongly: NIT Surathkal’s Mechanical Engineers average ?12.57 LPA with a 93% placement rate, and NIT Durgapur’s Metallurgical & Materials Engineering posts an 83.64% placement rate with an average package of ?8.79 LPA. Tier-2 NITs show similar trends, with lower-demand branches averaging ?7–9 LPA and placement rates of 70–85%. Each institution offers robust accreditation, experienced faculty, modern labs, industry internships, and dedicated placement support, but NITs leverage stronger national branding and deeper recruiter networks for core engineering roles.

For higher average packages and broader recruiter engagement in core engineering, the recommendation is to join NIT Surathkal Mechanical Engineering. If you prefer a balanced mix of computer-oriented roles at a growing IIIT with solid internships, I recommend shifting to IIIT Kancheepuram CSE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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