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Salary Person New Regime: How to Invest and Pay Less Tax?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 28, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Neena Question by Neena on Aug 01, 2024Hindi
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for salary person in new regime what he or she can invest for paid less tax

Ans: In the new tax regime, there are no exemptions or deductions available like under the old regime. However, you can still:

Contribute to NPS (National Pension System): You can claim an additional deduction of Rs 50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B).

Opt for Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF): Contributions to VPF can grow tax-free up to a certain limit.

Employer's Contribution to NPS: Ensure your employer contributes to your NPS. Up to 10% of your salary (basic + DA) is tax-exempt.

These options can help you reduce taxable income while investing for the future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 22, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, I am currently earning 1 lakh per month Regarding the investment purpose i am having a house loan emi per month, also doing fixed deposit after every 3-4 months and also investing in ppf and nps I cannot invest in term life insurance due my medical issues and cannot also invest in medical insurance for parent they are also facing medical issues so what can be done in this case monthly around 16k tax is getting deducted
Ans: Your current financial situation reflects a well-structured approach towards savings and investments despite the constraints posed by medical issues. You have a steady income of ?1 lakh per month, and you are diligently paying off a home loan EMI, investing in fixed deposits (FD), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and the National Pension System (NPS). This detailed guide aims to help you navigate your financial strategy effectively while considering your limitations and future goals.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income and Expenses
Your monthly income is ?1 lakh, with an approximate deduction of ?16,000 for taxes. This leaves you with ?84,000 per month.

Home Loan EMI
Your home loan EMI is a significant fixed expense. Ensure this is a manageable proportion of your income to avoid financial strain.

Investments
You are making regular investments in FDs, PPF, and NPS. This is a prudent approach for tax savings and long-term financial security.

Medical Insurance Constraints
You cannot invest in term life insurance or medical insurance for your parents due to medical issues. This presents a unique challenge that requires a tailored financial strategy.

Optimizing Investments
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a secure, long-term investment that offers tax benefits. Continue maximizing your PPF contributions up to the permissible limit.

Benefits
Tax-free interest
Long-term growth
Safe investment option
National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is excellent for retirement planning. It offers tax benefits and the potential for higher returns due to market-linked investments.

Benefits
Additional tax deduction under Section 80CCD(1B)
Flexibility in choosing the investment mix
Pension income post-retirement
Fixed Deposits (FD)
FDs offer guaranteed returns, making them a safe investment. However, their returns are generally lower compared to other investment options.

Considerations
Ensure you ladder your FDs to manage liquidity.
Compare interest rates across banks for better returns.
Exploring Additional Investment Options
Mutual Funds
Actively managed mutual funds can provide higher returns compared to FDs. They offer diversification and professional management.

Equity Mutual Funds
Suitable for long-term investments.
Higher potential returns but with market-linked risks.
Debt Mutual Funds
Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Suitable for short to medium-term investments.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIP)
Investing through SIPs in mutual funds helps in averaging out the market volatility and compounding returns over time.

Benefits
Disciplined investment approach
Flexibility in investment amount and tenure
Potential for higher returns compared to lump-sum investments
Tax-saving Investments
Consider other tax-saving instruments under Section 80C and 80D to reduce your taxable income further.

Examples
Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS)
National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) (if applicable for your parents)
Managing Medical Expenses
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses. This fund will provide a financial cushion for unexpected medical expenses.

Strategies
Keep this fund in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Regularly review and adjust the fund amount based on your expenses.
Government and Employer Schemes
Explore any government or employer-provided health schemes that might offer some coverage for medical expenses.

Benefits
Reduced medical costs
Additional financial support for treatments
Financial Planning for Your Parents
Health Savings
Since insurance isn't an option, allocate a portion of your savings specifically for your parents' medical expenses.

Strategies
Create a dedicated medical fund.
Invest in low-risk, high-liquidity options like savings accounts or liquid funds.
Estate Planning
Ensure that you have an estate plan in place. This includes having a will to manage and distribute your assets efficiently.

Benefits
Clear instructions for asset distribution
Minimizes legal complications
Budgeting and Expense Management
Monthly Budget
Create a detailed monthly budget to track your income, expenses, and savings.

Steps
List all sources of income.
Categorize and list all expenses.
Allocate funds for essential expenses first (EMI, utilities, groceries).
Set aside a portion for savings and investments.
Review and adjust the budget regularly.
Expense Tracking
Use expense tracking apps or maintain a manual record to monitor your spending habits.

Benefits
Identifies unnecessary expenses
Helps in sticking to the budget
Reducing Tax Liability
Explore ways to reduce your taxable income through various deductions and exemptions.

Strategies
Maximize contributions to tax-saving instruments.
Claim deductions for home loan interest under Section 24(b).
Long-term Financial Goals
Retirement Planning
Continue contributing to your NPS and PPF for a secure retirement. Evaluate the corpus required for your retirement and plan accordingly.

Strategies
Review and adjust your retirement corpus based on inflation and lifestyle changes.
Diversify retirement investments for better risk management.
Child’s Education and Future
Start planning for your child’s education early to ensure you have sufficient funds when needed.

Education Fund
Consider starting an education fund through SIPs in equity mutual funds.
Use PPF and other long-term instruments for this purpose.
Investment Diversification
Diversify your investments across different asset classes to balance risk and return.

Examples
Equity and debt mutual funds
PPF and NPS
FDs and other fixed-income instruments
Conclusion
Your financial journey requires a balanced approach given the constraints on insurance and the need to manage medical expenses. By optimizing your current investments, exploring additional options, and maintaining a disciplined budgeting approach, you can secure a stable financial future for yourself and your family. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10879 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

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

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

You have zero housing loan.

You have stable rental income.

You have children living independently.

You have a balanced mix of assets.

You have built wealth with discipline.

You have clear goals for travel and lifestyle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

You own your home.

You have rental income.

Your children are financially independent.

You have large accumulated assets.

You have enough liquidity in bank deposits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2577 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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