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Retiring in five years with not much savings, how to make 50 lakhs by 2028?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 21, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
rakesh Question by rakesh on Oct 21, 2024Hindi
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MY RETIREMENT IS IN NEXT FIVE YEARS AND i HAVE NOT OF MUCH FUNS OR CROPS, i WANT TO HAVE MINIMUM OF 50 lAC IN 2028, PL SUGGEST THE BEST INVETMENT PLAN

Ans: Hello;

If you do a monthly sip of 65 K into a combination of pure equity mutual funds for 5 years, you may expect to receive a corpus of 53.62 L, as desired.

Happy Investing!!

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Money
I am 49+ I have 13 lacs MF, 65 lacs FD, MIS 9 LACS , FLAT Worth 80 Lacs, Gold worth 60 lacs, ppf worth 7 lacs , pf worth 28 Lacs , shares worth 7.5 lacs, insurance worth 30 lacs. , nps worth 3 lacs. Need monthly income of 50000 pm by 60. Pls advise way forward after retirement of 60.
Ans: You have a diversified range of investments, which is commendable. Let's break down your current holdings to get a clearer picture:

Mutual Funds: Rs 13 lakhs

Fixed Deposits: Rs 65 lakhs

Monthly Income Scheme: Rs 9 lakhs

Flat Worth: Rs 80 lakhs

Gold: Rs 60 lakhs

Public Provident Fund: Rs 7 lakhs

Provident Fund: Rs 28 lakhs

Shares: Rs 7.5 lakhs

Insurance: Rs 30 lakhs

National Pension System: Rs 3 lakhs

You need a monthly income of Rs 50,000 after you retire at 60. Let's explore how to achieve this goal.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds:

Mutual funds are a great way to grow wealth over time. They provide diversification and professional management. However, consider switching from direct funds to regular funds. Regular funds offer better service and guidance through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Fixed Deposits:

Fixed deposits are safe but offer lower returns. As you near retirement, safety becomes important. However, you need to balance safety with growth. Too much in fixed deposits can erode your purchasing power due to inflation.

Monthly Income Scheme (MIS):

The Monthly Income Scheme offers regular income but limited growth. It’s a safe option but does not keep pace with inflation.

Flat Worth:

Your flat is a significant asset. While it provides value, it's not a liquid asset. It can be considered for future use, like selling or renting, to generate income post-retirement.

Gold:

Gold is a good hedge against inflation. It's a safe investment, but it doesn't provide regular income. Consider holding gold as part of your diversified portfolio.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):

PPF is a safe, long-term investment. It provides tax benefits and steady returns. Continue contributing to it as it forms a stable part of your retirement corpus.

Provident Fund (PF):

Provident Fund is a reliable retirement savings tool. It provides steady growth and is a safe investment. Ensure you keep track of your contributions and interest earned.

Shares:

Shares offer growth potential but come with higher risk. Keep a portion of your portfolio in shares for growth. However, as you approach retirement, gradually reduce exposure to high-risk stocks.

Insurance:

You have insurance worth Rs 30 lakhs. Ensure you have adequate coverage for health and life insurance. Reassess your insurance needs periodically.

National Pension System (NPS):

NPS is a good retirement savings option. It offers tax benefits and steady returns. Continue contributing to NPS for long-term growth.

Building a Retirement Strategy
Estimate Your Retirement Corpus:

You need a clear estimate of your retirement corpus. Given your requirement of Rs 50,000 per month, calculate your annual need and factor in inflation. This will give you a target corpus to aim for.

Asset Allocation:

Diversify your investments across different asset classes. A balanced mix of equity, debt, and alternative investments can provide growth and stability.

Equity:

Allocate a portion to equity for growth. Consider actively managed mutual funds for better returns. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds due to professional management and market insights.

Debt:

Debt investments provide stability. Use fixed deposits, PPF, and debt mutual funds. They offer regular income and lower risk.

Gold:

Keep gold as a part of your portfolio. It’s a good hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

Income Generation:

Post-retirement, you need to generate a steady income. Here are some options:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

Use SWP from your mutual funds to get regular income. It allows you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS):

SCSS is a government-backed scheme offering regular income. It’s a safe option for retirees.

Monthly Income Plans (MIPs):

MIPs offer regular income with moderate risk. They invest in a mix of equity and debt.

Health Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical expenses can drain your savings quickly. Opt for a comprehensive family floater plan.

Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. Keep it in liquid assets for easy access.

Implementing the Strategy
Regular Reviews:

Review your portfolio regularly. Assess the performance of your investments and make adjustments as needed. A Certified Financial Planner can help you with this.

Rebalance Your Portfolio:

Rebalance your portfolio periodically. Ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Reduce Debt:

If you have any outstanding loans, aim to pay them off before retirement. Reducing debt lowers your financial burden.

Tax Planning:

Plan your taxes efficiently. Use tax-saving instruments like PPF, NPS, and tax-saving mutual funds. They provide tax benefits and help grow your corpus.

Exploring Alternatives to Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds might seem attractive due to lower expense ratios. However, they lack the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. This can lead to uninformed decisions and potential losses.

Benefits of Regular Funds:

Regular funds offer professional advice and service. Certified Financial Planners provide tailored investment strategies. They help you navigate market complexities and make informed decisions.

Avoiding Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Index funds replicate the market index. They offer average returns and lack flexibility. In volatile markets, they may not perform well.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. They offer higher returns through expert management. Fund managers can adjust portfolios based on market conditions, offering better performance.

Final Insights
Planning for retirement requires a balanced approach. You need to ensure growth, stability, and regular income. Your current portfolio is diverse and well-structured.

Here are some key steps to move forward:

Diversify Investments:

Maintain a balanced mix of equity, debt, and alternative investments.

Generate Regular Income:

Use SWP, SCSS, and MIPs for steady income post-retirement.

Ensure Health Coverage:

Have comprehensive health insurance for unexpected medical expenses.

Maintain an Emergency Fund:

Keep liquid assets to cover 6-12 months of expenses.

Plan for Taxes:

Use tax-saving instruments to grow your corpus and reduce tax liability.

Seek Professional Guidance:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and regular portfolio reviews.

By following these steps, you can achieve your goal of a comfortable retirement with a monthly income of Rs 50,000.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Money
I am 56 yrs old, recently got into semi retired mode earning about INR 1.5 Lacs pm. Have 2.4 CRs in Mutual Fund, 1 CR between PPF and FDs and another 75 Lacs as fixed return from LIC and other policies. Have no loans except for a possible 10 Lacs Education loan for my son who got into Engineering this year. My wife is working with an MNC. Pls share possible plan I need to make to have a retirement earning of INR 1.5 Lacs when I reach 60 yrs. Thanks Ranjan
Ans: Understanding Your Current Position

Age: 56 years

Earning: Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month (semi-retired)

Mutual funds: Rs. 2.4 crores

PPF + FDs: Rs. 1 crore

LIC and other fixed policies: Rs. 75 lakhs

No loans yet. A Rs. 10 lakh education loan may be taken soon

Wife working in MNC (Income not included, but a support)

You are in a solid financial position already. You have Rs. 4.15 crores invested across different asset classes. You also have consistent income, good investment spread, and minimal liabilities.

Your goal is to generate Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month from age 60. That means, you want this income to be sustainable and reliable throughout retirement.

Let us plan this carefully with a full 360-degree view.

Assessing Retirement Income Need

You are 56. Retirement starts at 60.

Monthly income goal at retirement: Rs. 1.5 lakhs

Current lifestyle already set to this number

Adjusted for inflation, it would be higher at 60

If inflation is modest, target should be Rs. 2.25 lakhs per month at age 60

Retirement could last for 30 years or more

Your retirement corpus must support withdrawals till age 90+

We will now look at building a robust retirement income system for these 30 years.

Structure of Retirement Assets

Your assets are well spread out.

Rs. 2.4 crores in mutual funds

Rs. 1 crore in PPF and FDs

Rs. 75 lakhs in LIC and fixed policies

Let us evaluate each component and its role in the plan.

Mutual Fund Corpus Review

Rs. 2.4 crores in mutual funds is your strongest asset. It has flexibility and inflation-beating potential.

Mutual funds grow with time

They offer liquidity, better post-tax returns

They can be structured as monthly withdrawal tools

Active fund management adapts to market cycles

Index funds should be avoided

Index funds fall blindly in crashes

No downside control in index funds

Actively managed funds reduce volatility over long term

Keep this mutual fund corpus under a Certified Financial Planner

Use regular plans through a trusted MFD for expert fund selection

If any part of this corpus is in direct plans:

You lack handholding during volatility

Miss timely switches or fund exits

No behavioural support during crises

Regular plans offer advisory value worth more than saved expense ratio

You must review mutual fund selection every 6 months.

PPF and Fixed Deposit Role

You have Rs. 1 crore in PPF and FDs. This gives capital protection and stable returns.

PPF is tax-free and long-term

FDs are liquid but fully taxable

PPF matures in blocks of 15 years

Use PPF for late retirement years

Use FDs for short-term income support between age 60–63

Do not keep more than 3 years of expenses in FDs

Rest can be moved to conservative hybrid mutual funds

These funds should act as backup for equity years and contingency reserve.

LIC and Other Fixed Return Products

You have Rs. 75 lakhs in LIC and similar instruments.

These give fixed return

But often very low, around 4–5% net

If these are investment-linked policies like ULIPs or traditional plans

You must evaluate surrender now

If surrender value is attractive, move it into debt or hybrid mutual funds

If still locked, wait till maturity, then reinvest smartly

Don’t reinvest maturity in new LIC or endowment products

Do not buy annuities with this corpus

Annuities give low return, taxable income, and poor legacy value

Convert these assets into flexible, tax-efficient income sources post-maturity.

Approach Towards Education Loan

You may take a Rs. 10 lakh education loan.

This is manageable considering your asset base

Don’t redeem mutual funds for this

Let your son take the loan

Let him repay once he starts earning

You may support EMI from your monthly income

Keep retirement corpus untouched for this loan

Don’t pledge LIC or PPF for the loan security

Education loans come with tax benefits and delayed repayment options.

Wife’s Income as Safety Buffer

Your wife is working with an MNC.

Her income can support household for next few years

Avoid using her income for building retirement corpus

Instead, use her savings for second line of defence

She should also build her own retirement reserve

Both of you must have independent financial plans

If either one stops earning early, the plan should still work.

How to Structure Retirement Corpus

By age 60, your corpus may grow to Rs. 6 crores or more.

Break this into three buckets:

Bucket 1 – First 5 years (age 60–65)

Use FDs and conservative mutual funds

Also use part of hybrid mutual funds

Keep Rs. 1 crore in this bucket

Bucket 2 – Next 10 years (age 65–75)

Invest in balanced and large cap mutual funds

Start systematic withdrawals after 5 years

Keep around Rs. 2.5 crores here

Bucket 3 – Last 15 years (age 75–90)

Invest in growth mutual funds with high equity exposure

This grows during first 20 years

Use only after age 75

Keep Rs. 2.5 crores here

This 3-bucket system creates growth, safety, and tax efficiency together.

Monthly Withdrawal Strategy

From age 60:

Start SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) from equity mutual funds

Keep 3–6 months expenses in liquid funds

Use monthly withdrawal from hybrid and large-cap funds

Adjust withdrawal amount every 2–3 years for inflation

Don’t withdraw from PPF or late-stage LIC corpus early

Let the long-term money grow untouched till 75

This helps the retirement corpus last longer.

Tax Management in Retirement

Keep taxation under control using these steps:

Withdraw from mutual funds in a staggered way

Equity fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Avoid withdrawing large amounts in one year

Plan SWP in such a way that you stay within tax exemptions

Don’t withdraw from FDs early to avoid penalty

PPF remains tax-free, best used after 75

Work with your Certified Financial Planner to optimise taxes every year.

Emergency Reserve in Retirement

Always keep 12 months’ expenses aside.

This is about Rs. 18 lakhs at retirement

Keep in ultra-short term debt funds or sweep-in FDs

Do not invest this in equity

This is not to be touched for investing or gifts

Maintain it through entire retirement phase

This gives confidence and safety during emergencies.

Health and Contingency Planning

Buy personal health insurance, if not already done

Don’t depend only on corporate policy

Add critical illness cover and personal accident cover

Maintain yearly health checkups

Create a medical buffer corpus of Rs. 10–15 lakhs separately

Don’t mix this with your retirement income

Health is the biggest retirement risk today. Plan ahead wisely.

Estate Planning Essentials

Prepare a Will now

Update nominee details in all your investments

Make your wife joint holder where needed

Share password and asset details with spouse

Include digital assets and bank lockers

Keep documents in a single place

Without estate planning, wealth transfer becomes complex. Start today.

Risk Protection for Retirement Years

Don’t invest in products that lock your money for long

Avoid capital guaranteed insurance products

Don’t go for annuity schemes

Avoid index funds which fall sharply with markets

Use actively managed funds with a CFP’s help

Avoid chasing very high returns

Capital protection is more important than maximising returns

Balance growth and safety properly for peace of mind.

Final Insights

You are on track for a financially safe retirement. Just a few steps ahead:

Continue mutual fund investment till 60

Don’t redeem unless truly required

Use a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your plan

Don’t shift to real estate or annuities

Keep focus on liquidity, tax, and flexibility

Create the 3-bucket retirement income model

Involve your wife in the plan

Keep insurance and estate documents updated

Prepare for health costs and emergencies

Your financial structure is strong. Just stay alert and aligned.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi Sir, My Age is 43 years, i have a daughter and i want to retire at the age 55 years, currently my investment is MF - 18 lac, EPF 10 lac, Ulip- 30 lac, Suknya Samriddhi - 10 lac, 10 lac in FD, i want to 1.5 lac monthly income after my retirement, please suggest
Ans: You are 43 years old.
You want to retire at 55.
That gives you 12 more years to plan and invest.

You already have a few investments.
Let us understand your current financial position first.

? Your Current Investment Summary

– Mutual Funds: Rs. 18 lakhs
– EPF: Rs. 10 lakhs
– ULIP: Rs. 30 lakhs
– Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Rs. 10 lakhs
– Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs. 10 lakhs

You want a retirement income of Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month.
That is Rs. 18 lakhs per year after age 55.

This goal is clear and specific.
That’s a very good start.

Let’s now evaluate your investment plan from all angles.

? Retirement Income Goal: What It Means

You want Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month after 55.
That is a high-income need for retirement.

You may live another 30 years after that.
So you will need income till 85 years or more.

Inflation will keep rising.
So Rs. 1.5 lakhs today may not be enough after 10 years.

Hence, you need a portfolio that grows and gives income.
Safety alone will not help.

Your investments must beat inflation.
But also stay stable when you start withdrawing.

? Mutual Funds – Strong Growth Base

– Your mutual fund corpus is Rs. 18 lakhs now.
– These are growth-oriented and inflation-beating assets.

Mutual funds are key to wealth building.
But avoid index funds.

Index funds just follow the market.
They fall when the market falls.

They don’t have downside protection.
They lack expert fund management.

Actively managed funds are better long term.
They are guided by fund managers.
They aim for alpha or extra return over benchmark.

You should also avoid direct funds.

Direct mutual funds don’t give advice or handholding.
They give no help during market fall.
They don’t track goals.

Use regular mutual funds through MFD.
Work with a CFP for long-term support.

Regular funds offer monitoring, review, and peace of mind.
They charge slightly more, but the service is worth it.

Increase your SIPs in good equity mutual funds.
Prefer large cap, multi-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Don’t overdo mid or small-cap.

Rebalance every year.
Check with your CFP before making changes.

? ULIP – Reevaluate its Role

You have Rs. 30 lakhs in a ULIP.
ULIP is an insurance + investment product.

It gives lower returns than pure mutual funds.
It also has higher charges in early years.

Ask yourself:
Do you need this insurance now?
Is the return matching mutual fund return?

If not, consider surrendering it.
Only if surrender charges are low now.

Reinvest that money into mutual funds.
Use it fully for your retirement goal.

Keep insurance and investments separate.
ULIPs don’t suit goal-based investing.

? EPF – Reliable and Safe

EPF is a very stable product.
You have Rs. 10 lakhs in it now.

It is debt-based and gives fixed return.
Interest is tax-free.

Do not withdraw from it.
Keep contributing if salaried.

EPF can be used for income during early retirement.
It is a strong leg of your retirement stool.

? Sukanya Samriddhi – For Daughter, Not Retirement

You have Rs. 10 lakhs in Sukanya.
This is for your daughter, not your retirement.

SSY gives fixed returns.
It is safe and tax-free.

But it is a goal-specific product.
Don’t count this corpus for your retirement.

Keep it only for your daughter’s education or marriage.
It cannot support your retirement cash flow.

? Fixed Deposit – Stability but Not Growth

FD of Rs. 10 lakhs is good for safety.
But it gives low post-tax return.

FDs don’t beat inflation over time.
They are useful for short-term needs.

Use this as part of your emergency fund.
Or move it slowly to mutual funds through STP.

Do not keep large amounts in FD for 12 years.
That money will lose value against inflation.

? Retirement Corpus Required

You want Rs. 1.5 lakhs per month.
That’s Rs. 18 lakhs per year.

If you want to retire for 30 years,
You may need Rs. 4.5 to 5 crores corpus.

This is after adjusting for inflation.

Your current total investable assets:
Rs. 18 lakhs MF
Rs. 10 lakhs EPF
Rs. 30 lakhs ULIP
Rs. 10 lakhs FD

That totals Rs. 68 lakhs today.
If you continue investing, this can grow.

But it may still fall short by Rs. 1.5 to 2 crores.
So you need to fill that gap now.

? Key Actions You Must Take Now

– Increase your SIP investments.
Try to invest Rs. 30,000 to 40,000 per month.

– Increase SIPs by 10% every year.
Link to your salary hike.

– Don’t touch your EPF or Sukanya account.
Keep them for their original purposes.

– Review ULIP performance.
Surrender if underperforming.
Reinvest in mutual funds.

– Avoid index and direct funds.
Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner.

– Keep 60-70% in equity.
The rest in debt like EPF and liquid funds.

– Rebalance your portfolio every year.
Don’t let market swings disturb your plan.

– Don’t chase hot stocks or sectors.
Follow goal-based investing with discipline.

– Avoid emotional investing.
Stick to plan even if markets fall.

? Create Goal Buckets for Focus

Split your investments into 3 buckets:

Retirement – All long-term investments

Emergency – 6–9 months of expenses

Daughter’s Future – SSY and a small MF SIP

This helps in tracking.
And prevents mixing goals.

Each bucket should grow on its own.

? Retirement Withdrawal Plan from Age 55

You’ll need monthly income after 55.
So you must start SWP from mutual funds.

Don’t depend only on interest.
Withdraw in a planned way.

Keep 3 years’ worth of money in debt funds.
Keep the rest in equity mutual funds.

Use debt to manage income in early years.
Let equity grow for later years.

Review your withdrawal plan every year.

Keep some funds in liquid category.
This helps during emergencies.

? Other Key Suggestions

– Nominate in all your investments.
Don’t leave any asset without nominee.

– Prepare a Will after 50.
It helps avoid future confusion.

– Review health insurance.
Ensure minimum Rs. 15–25 lakhs coverage.

– Keep Rs. 2–3 lakhs as medical buffer.
Use a separate liquid fund for this.

– Avoid buying real estate.
It is illiquid and not suitable for retirement income.

– Review all investments yearly with a CFP.
Rebalance with expert advice.

– Don’t keep direct equity over 20% of total.
High equity exposure creates risk.

? Finally

You are already doing many things right.
You have started early.
You have multiple investment sources.

But your current assets may not be enough.
You must grow them smartly over next 12 years.

Avoid emotional or scattered investing.
Follow a structured, guided plan.

Use mutual funds actively.
But only through regular plans with CFP support.

Keep retirement as a separate goal.
Don’t compromise it for other short-term needs.

You can retire at 55 with confidence.
But only if you stay consistent.

Monitor every investment.
Rebalance regularly.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner.

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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