Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 12, 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
Rajshekhar Question by Rajshekhar on Nov 12, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

S sir.. current income is 1lac from pharmacy and seeking a retirement in next one year..also I have health insurance of 10 lacs and have taken a top of 50 lacs from TataAxa sux months back by paying 3 years advance premium..I don't have term insurance however.. please help

Ans: Hello;

Your corpus of 1 Cr may yield you a monthly income of around 50 K, if annuitized.(6% annuity rate considered)

Add 50% of rental income from commercial property to this, so your monthly income, in retirement, will be around 62.5 K.

Medical education is quite costly in India and even if your daughter gets admission into a Govt medical college (I wish and pray that she really does)still the other expenses may be quite high and you do not have a term life cover.

Please ascertain the extent of income you would be able to generate through insurance/law assignments and take a suitable decision.

My suggestion would be continue for another 5 years to enhance retirement corpus and support daughter's education.

Ultimately it is your choice.

Best wishes;
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 03, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir, i am 43 year old working in a private company in Dubai. I have wife and 9 yr old son in family. I earn 50 L per year, out which 20 lacs goes as rent of apartment+ Car emi. My other expenses are 6 lacs a year. I do not have any other source of income. On the saving side, i have 50 lcs in FDs, 30 lac in Equity market, 40 lcs land, 15 lacs in gold, 10 lcs in mutual funds , 20 lcs cash in bank, 25 lcs in post office deposits. I still have to built a house in my native place in India. I want retire at the age of 50. I have employer sponsered medical insurance and no term insurance.Advise me if funds allocation needs to be altered and your view on term insurance
Ans: Below is a structured approach to optimize your funds and secure a balanced allocation. This review considers your retirement goals, family needs, and an effective risk management strategy.

Assessing Your Current Asset Allocation
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Rs 50 lakhs
FDs are secure but have limited growth due to lower interest rates and higher taxes on gains. This allocation is beneficial as an emergency fund but might not serve long-term goals efficiently due to inflation.

Equity Investments: Rs 30 lakhs
Equities offer growth potential, yet they can fluctuate. As you plan to retire in seven years, you may want to rebalance for reduced risk over time. This approach ensures that market volatility does not compromise your retirement corpus.

Land Investment: Rs 40 lakhs
Real estate investment often lacks liquidity, and returns may vary based on market conditions. Since you need to build a house in India, retaining this land may be practical for your personal plans rather than as an investment vehicle.

Gold Investment: Rs 15 lakhs
Gold is a good hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties. However, it should not constitute a large portion of your portfolio as it has limited growth potential compared to other assets. Keeping some gold is reasonable, but avoid further investment here.

Mutual Funds: Rs 10 lakhs
Mutual funds offer professional management and diversified exposure. Increasing this allocation with a focus on actively managed funds could enhance long-term growth. Actively managed funds, guided by Certified Financial Planners, often outperform index funds and provide strategic adjustments based on market conditions.

Bank Savings: Rs 20 lakhs
Cash in the bank is useful for liquidity, but this large sum may lose value over time due to inflation. Consider reducing this amount and reallocating to growth-oriented funds for better returns.

Post Office Deposits: Rs 25 lakhs
These deposits provide stability and fixed returns. They are suitable for risk-averse portions of your portfolio, but diversifying to include other stable options with higher growth potential could be beneficial.

Evaluating Income and Expense Strategy
Annual Income: Rs 50 lakhs
After rent and car EMI (Rs 20 lakhs) and other expenses (Rs 6 lakhs), your effective savings rate remains high. This savings capacity provides flexibility to boost your retirement portfolio and achieve your housing goal in India without straining current finances.

Retirement Goal
Planning to retire by 50, you have seven years to build an income-generating corpus. This timeline requires a balanced mix of growth and conservative funds for capital protection in the final years.

Recommendations for Strategic Allocation
Increased Mutual Fund Allocation
Reallocate a portion from FDs and Bank Savings to Mutual Funds
Shifting Rs 20-30 lakhs from your FDs and bank savings into mutual funds with a balanced strategy could improve growth prospects while maintaining some stability. Actively managed mutual funds, guided by Certified Financial Planners, can help achieve long-term growth by adjusting to market dynamics.

Advantages of Regular Mutual Fund Plans over Direct
Regular mutual fund plans offer a professional layer of guidance from Certified Financial Planners, allowing tailored fund choices aligned with your financial goals. In contrast, direct funds lack this support, making it challenging to adjust and monitor your portfolio efficiently.

Strengthening Equity Portfolio with Balanced Funds
Reduce Pure Equity Exposure Gradually
Your current Rs 30 lakhs in equity offers growth but exposes you to volatility. Consider reallocating a portion of your equity investment into balanced or hybrid mutual funds over the next few years. These funds reduce market risk by diversifying between equity and debt.

Move Towards Actively Managed Funds for Better Returns
Index funds often underperform in Indian markets due to limited flexibility. Actively managed funds, in comparison, can adjust to market changes, enhancing growth and capital protection as you approach retirement.

Optimising Post Office Deposits and Gold
Shift Partial Amounts to Debt-Oriented Mutual Funds
Part of your post office deposits could be reallocated to debt-oriented mutual funds, which provide more tax efficiency and generally offer higher returns than fixed deposits. This also diversifies your conservative investments.

Retain Limited Gold Allocation
Gold is a defensive asset but should not dominate your portfolio. Keeping Rs 10 lakhs in gold and reallocating Rs 5 lakhs to mutual funds could balance growth and stability.

Insurance and Risk Management
Importance of Term Insurance
Protection for Your Family’s Future
Term insurance is essential, especially for securing your family’s future. As you have a non-earning spouse and a young son, term insurance will act as a financial safety net in your absence.

Affordable and Efficient Coverage
Term insurance offers high coverage at a low premium compared to investment-linked policies. A cover of Rs 1 crore or more would provide sufficient protection and ensure that your family’s financial needs are met without impacting your savings.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
Assessing Additional Health Coverage
While employer-provided health insurance is beneficial, it may not be available post-retirement. Consider an individual health policy to continue coverage after employment ends. This ensures medical protection for you and your family during retirement years.
Future Planning for House Construction
Strategic Use of Liquid Assets for House Construction
Use your FDs, bank savings, and post office deposits towards building your house in India. Retain emergency funds but utilise these resources to avoid affecting long-term investments earmarked for retirement.
Tax Considerations and New Rules
Understanding Mutual Fund Taxation
With recent tax changes, long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, while short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Debt mutual funds are taxed according to your income slab. This taxation makes mutual funds, especially debt-oriented ones, more efficient compared to FDs and bank savings.

Leverage Tax-Advantaged Investment Options
Strategically managing withdrawals and aligning with tax-advantaged investments like certain mutual funds could improve post-tax returns.

Structuring Your Portfolio for Early Retirement
Focus on Capital Preservation with Growth
As you near retirement, a combination of balanced and debt-oriented funds would suit your portfolio well. Gradually shifting from high-risk equity to moderate-risk balanced funds can help preserve capital while allowing modest growth.

Creating a Regular Income Stream
For retirement income, Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds can offer monthly payouts. This structure allows tax-efficient income and potential capital growth compared to bank deposits or FDs.

Adjusting Portfolio Based on Market Conditions
Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will help keep your investments aligned with market trends and your financial goals. This approach allows timely reallocation, ensuring you remain on track for early retirement.

Final Insights
Sir, your current portfolio is well-diversified across assets, but reallocating certain portions can enhance returns, liquidity, and tax efficiency. Balancing growth with stability will serve your retirement target while protecting your family’s financial security. Term insurance will further safeguard your family’s future.

With these adjustments, you can confidently work towards retiring at 50, secure in the knowledge that your wealth will support both your lifestyle and legacy.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9758 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Dear Sir/Madam I am 49 and in HR senior position. To take care of my health and well being i want to retire by max next year after my son passes 12th Commerce & start college. I have liquid money along with various FDs of around Rs 1.10 Crores. PF and gratuity now around Rs 27 lakhs. Additionally i have a rental income of around 22k per month. Stock market investment of around Rs 4 lakhs. I have no loans however pay a LIC premium of Rs 60 k every year till 60 yrs age of a 10 lakhs policy. I have health insurance policy of 15 lakhs of premium Rs 40 k per year. Hope i can go for early retirement next year. Kindly advice
Ans: You have Rs. 1.10 crores in liquid money and FDs.

Your PF and gratuity are Rs. 27 lakhs combined.

Rental income of Rs. 22,000 per month is a steady cash flow.

Stock market investments total Rs. 4 lakhs.

There are no loans, which is commendable for early retirement planning.

You hold a LIC policy of Rs. 10 lakhs with Rs. 60,000 annual premium till age 60.

Health insurance with Rs. 15 lakh coverage is excellent.

Emergency Fund Planning
Set aside at least Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs for emergencies.

Keep this fund in a liquid mutual fund or high-interest savings account.

This will protect you from dipping into other investments during crises.

Health and Life Insurance Review
Your Rs. 15 lakh health insurance coverage is adequate for now.

Review the policy annually to ensure it covers lifestyle illnesses.

Consider adding top-up health insurance if your insurer offers it.

Your LIC policy with Rs. 10 lakh coverage is insufficient for life protection.

It may be wise to surrender this policy and reinvest in mutual funds.

Opt for a term insurance plan if life coverage is still needed.

Retirement Corpus Planning
Your current corpus stands at Rs. 1.41 crores, including PF and gratuity.

This corpus needs to be carefully invested for a stable income.

Allocate your funds as follows:

60% in Balanced Hybrid Mutual Funds: These offer stability and growth.
20% in Debt Mutual Funds: Lower risk and steady returns.
15% in Equity Funds: For inflation-beating long-term returns.
5% in Gold Funds or Sovereign Gold Bonds: Hedge against market volatility.
Avoid index funds, as they underperform in volatile markets.

Actively managed funds by experienced professionals deliver better returns.

Monthly Income Strategy
You need a monthly income to support expenses post-retirement.

Your rental income of Rs. 22,000 is a reliable source.

Invest part of your corpus in mutual funds for a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

SWPs can provide a stable income while keeping your investments growing.

Avoid annuities, as they lock your money and offer lower returns.

Stock Market Strategy
Your Rs. 4 lakh stock market investment is a good starting point.

Avoid risky direct stock investments unless you have expertise.

Invest through regular mutual funds managed by professionals.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for tailored advice.

Estate Planning
Prepare a detailed will to ensure smooth asset transfer.

Include details of FDs, PF, rental property, and mutual fund investments.

Appoint a trustworthy executor for your estate.

Final Insights
You are well-prepared for early retirement with thoughtful planning.

Building a diversified portfolio will ensure financial stability.

Focus on health insurance, disciplined investments, and estate planning.

Seek ongoing advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for expert guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Janak

Janak Patel  |62 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2025

Money
I am 34 years old woman. Want to retire at the age of 50 years. I have 28 lacs PPF,360000 NPS, 3 mutual funds approx 60k in each. 11 lacs in PF. 2 loans - personal and car loan for 5 years. Personal loan already 1+ year gone car loan 2+ year gone.
Ans: Hi Priya,

Current Investments -
Your current investments are more (over 90%) in Debt than Equity e.g. PF (PPF+PF) = 39 lacs out total 44.4 lacs.
Debt investments like PPF/PF provide safely and security to the invested capital. But the interest rates just about help meet inflation. Growth is not achieved with these investments in the true sense.
Equity based investments like Equity Mutual Funds will provide growth in the long term (at least 5 years, and you have a good 16 years). Your current allocation is just over 6 lacs even assuming NPS as equity (check and update allocation to equity to max possible).

Loans-
Personal loans will typically have very high interest rates. This should be the first one you should try to close as early as possible. There is no point allocating any savings to investment giving less returns and paying high interest in this loan.
Car loan can continue as per schedule as its interest rate will be much less compared to Personal Loan. Unless you can prepay and close it also early, depending on your saving potential.


To retire early at age 50, you have the next 16 years to grow your corpus to a respectable amount.
I assume you are employed and contributing to PF and NPS. Hopefully you are contributing regularly to Mutual Funds also.
As income, expense and saving/investing details are unavailable I can provide some guidelines only.
Do try to maximize your monthly investment towards Equity Mutual Funds to accumulate a decent corpus for retirement.
Unless you are claiming tax benefits for PPF, consider lesser contribution to it now.
By the time you retire your Equity and Debt should be near 50% each, there by providing you safety and growth. In fact you can try to achieve higher Equity % if possible.
Overall your corpus should fetch average of over 10% returns (currently its under 8%).

Action items
1. Pay off personal loan ASAP
2. Invest maximum savings into equity mutual funds
3. Once you have done above 2, consult a CFP to help with retirement corpus - this depends on various factors, monthly expenses, life expectancy, etc.
4. Ensure you have adequate health cover. Take a topup plan with a higher coverage and lower premiums.

If you have other goals/requirements, then do discuss with CFP and arrive at a holistic plan.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x