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

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

Samraat Jadhav is the founder of Prosperity Wealth Adviser.
He is a SEBI-registered investment and research analyst and has over 18 years of experience in managing high-end portfolios.
A management graduate from XLRI-Jamshedpur, Jadhav specialises in portfolio management, investment banking, financial planning, derivatives, equities and capital markets.... more
William Question by William on Apr 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Is setting up an SWP with an equity fund very risky ? If so, why can't I stop withdrawing when the market is volatile and continue the withdrawal after it gets steady ?

Ans: that all depends on your fund requirement and only if you are retired
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Listen
Money
Good Afternoon I am going to retire next month. After retirement, my major income is going to be from SIP /Mutual funds , which i have invested in the last 7 yrs. My consultant is advising SWP . Can you please explain me about SWP and what is tax liability on SWP. My funds are growing at 16+ percentage and please advise what is the safer percent I can withdraw monthly.
Ans: SWP stands for Systematic Withdrawal Plan, which is a facility offered by mutual funds to investors to withdraw a fixed or variable amount from their investments at regular intervals. With SWP, you can set up periodic withdrawals from your mutual fund investments, providing you with a regular income stream post-retirement.

Here's how SWP works:

Frequency and Amount: You can choose the frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.) and the amount you want to withdraw through SWP. This amount can be a fixed sum or a variable amount based on your requirements.
Redemption Units: When you initiate an SWP, the mutual fund will redeem units from your investment to generate the specified withdrawal amount. These units are then liquidated, and the proceeds are transferred to your registered bank account.
Tax Implications: The tax liability on SWP depends on the type of mutual fund and the holding period. If you withdraw from equity-oriented funds (funds with more than 65% equity allocation), the gains are taxed as per capital gains tax rules. For debt-oriented funds, the gains are taxed based on the holding period: short-term gains (less than 3 years) are taxed at your applicable income tax slab rate, and long-term gains (more than 3 years) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefit.
Withdrawal Amount: The safer withdrawal percentage depends on various factors such as the expected returns of your mutual fund investments, your financial needs, and your risk tolerance. Generally, financial advisors recommend withdrawing 2% to 4% of your investment corpus annually to ensure sustainable withdrawals without depleting your capital too quickly.
Before initiating an SWP, it's advisable to consult with a financial advisor or tax consultant who can provide personalized guidance based on your investment portfolio, income requirements, and tax implications. They can help you determine the optimal withdrawal strategy to meet your retirement income needs while minimizing tax liabilities and preserving your investment capital.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Is it wise to invest about 8 lakhs in index fund and get regular withdrawal of about Rs.15000 through SWP.
Ans: Investing in an index fund and using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to generate regular income can be a prudent strategy, but it's essential to consider various factors:

Risk Tolerance: Index funds typically offer lower risk compared to actively managed funds, but they're still subject to market fluctuations. Ensure your risk tolerance aligns with the potential volatility in the market.

SWP Efficiency: Calculate the SWP amount carefully to ensure it meets your income needs while preserving the principal amount. Factor in market conditions, fund performance, and withdrawal frequency to determine a sustainable withdrawal rate.

Long-Term Sustainability: Evaluate whether the SWP amount is sustainable over the long term, considering inflation and potential changes in expenses. Ensure the investment duration aligns with your income needs and financial goals.

Diversification: Consider diversifying your investment across asset classes and investment strategies to mitigate risk and enhance long-term returns.

Tax Implications: Understand the tax implications of SWP, including capital gains tax, and consider tax-efficient withdrawal strategies to optimize your tax liability.

Consult with a financial advisor to assess your specific financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives before implementing the SWP strategy. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs and help you make informed investment decisions.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Sir,I am Sreejith..I am looking to do an SWP for my father, who is 70 years old now, targeting a monthly withdrawal of Rs.10,000/-. The lumpsum amount intending to invest is Rs.8-9 lakhs. Is this possible with this amount to withdraw an amount of of Rs.10,000/-.per month? Which type of mutual funds are good for doing SWP ? Is it wise to do SWP in equity oriented funds like large cap, Mid cap,Flexi cap etc. Also is it good to do SWP in two mutual funds with the above Rs.8-9 lakhs. ?Sir, Iam expecting your valuable reply.
Ans: Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is an excellent way to ensure regular income during retirement. Given that your father is 70 years old, it's important to balance growth and safety. Let’s assess your situation to provide a 360-degree solution.

Assessing the Lumpsum Amount
Investment Corpus: You intend to invest Rs. 8-9 lakhs. This amount is crucial in determining the monthly withdrawal amount of Rs. 10,000.

Sustainability of SWP: With Rs. 8-9 lakhs, withdrawing Rs. 10,000 monthly could be challenging over a long period. Let's explore how this can be managed.

Understanding SWP in Different Mutual Funds
Equity-Oriented Funds: These funds, such as large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap, generally provide higher returns. However, they are also volatile. While equity can provide inflation-beating returns, it might not be the best sole option for a 70-year-old.

Hybrid Funds: A balanced or hybrid fund combines equity and debt. This mix can provide growth with lower volatility. It’s safer for an SWP at your father’s age.

Debt Funds: These funds are safer and less volatile. They might not offer high returns but can provide stable income. They are often used for SWP by retirees to preserve capital.

Which Type of Mutual Funds Are Good for SWP?
Balanced Approach: Combining equity and debt funds can create a balanced portfolio. This approach offers both growth and safety.

Two-Fund Strategy: Splitting the Rs. 8-9 lakhs into two different funds can diversify risk. One fund could be a hybrid fund, and the other a debt fund. This combination can provide stability and growth.

Safety First: Considering your father's age, prioritise safety. The bulk of the investment should be in debt or hybrid funds. A smaller portion can be in equity to capture growth potential.

Is SWP in Equity-Oriented Funds Wise?
Risk Consideration: Pure equity funds can be risky for someone in retirement. Market fluctuations can affect the fund value, impacting the sustainability of the SWP.

Diversification: If opting for equity-oriented funds, ensure they are part of a diversified portfolio. Avoid putting the entire amount in high-risk funds.

Long-Term Growth: While equity can provide good returns, it’s crucial to balance it with safer options, especially when relying on the funds for regular income.

Practical Insights on SWP Execution
Withdrawal Sustainability: If you withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly from Rs. 8-9 lakhs, the sustainability depends on the fund’s performance. In a conservative estimate, this might last for 8-10 years in a balanced portfolio.

Reinvestment of Gains: If the funds perform well, you can reinvest the gains to extend the SWP period. This requires regular monitoring.

Consulting a CFP: To ensure the strategy aligns with your father’s needs, consult a Certified Financial Planner. They can tailor the fund selection to match his risk profile and income requirements.

Final Insights
Balanced Portfolio: Prioritise a mix of equity and debt, leaning more towards safety due to your father's age.

Two-Fund Strategy: Split the investment into two different funds to diversify risk and ensure stable withdrawals.

Monitoring: Regularly review the performance of the funds. Adjust the SWP if required to maintain sustainability.

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 Apr 17, 2025

Money
How the SWP works? Is it safe to invest in SWP for 20 lakhs, please help me to understand and what are risk involved.
Ans: Wanting regular income from investments is a practical and necessary goal. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is one powerful option. It helps you withdraw money monthly from your mutual fund investments. But before you commit Rs. 20 lakhs to SWP, let’s study it from every angle.

Let us understand how SWP works, its safety, usefulness, and risks—clearly and completely.

 

 

What is SWP in Simple Words?

SWP is a feature in mutual funds.

 

It allows you to withdraw a fixed amount every month.

 

The money comes from your own investment in the fund.

 

The remaining amount stays invested in the fund.

 

That balance keeps growing with market performance.

 

It is the opposite of SIP. SIP adds money. SWP gives money back to you.

 

 

How Does It Work in Practice?

Suppose you invest Rs. 20 lakhs in a mutual fund.

 

You set up a SWP of Rs. 25,000 per month.

 

Every month, Rs. 25,000 is credited to your bank account.

 

This continues until you stop or your investment runs out.

 

The remaining capital continues to earn market returns.

 

If the fund performs well, your capital may grow despite withdrawals.

 

If the fund performs poorly, your capital may reduce faster.

 

 

Where Should You Invest for SWP?

Choose equity-oriented hybrid or balanced mutual funds.

 

These funds aim for stable and moderate growth.

 

Avoid high-risk funds like small-cap for SWP needs.

 

Avoid pure debt funds too. They may not beat inflation.

 

Select actively managed funds only.

 

Index funds are not suitable here.

 

Index funds have no human control. They just copy markets.

 

In falling markets, they provide no cushion.

 

Actively managed funds adjust risk and protect capital better.

 

A Certified Financial Planner can help choose suitable funds.

 

 

Is SWP Safe for Rs. 20 Lakhs?

SWP is not a separate product. It is a feature.

 

The safety depends on where your money is invested.

 

The fund's performance decides the return and capital safety.

 

If you choose well-managed funds, SWP becomes more reliable.

 

If you withdraw too much too soon, it becomes risky.

 

So, withdrawal amount must match the fund’s return capacity.

 

A Certified Financial Planner will help you set the right withdrawal rate.

 

 

What Are the Benefits of SWP?

You get regular income every month.

 

This is useful for retired people or families needing cash flow.

 

It is more tax-efficient than FD interest.

 

In equity funds, after one year, gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh are tax-free.

 

Gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5% only.

 

In FDs, the full interest is taxed as per your slab.

 

SWP gives better control over taxation.

 

You also decide how much and when to withdraw.

 

It does not lock your capital like annuities.

 

You can stop or change the amount anytime.

 

Your remaining capital still grows.

 

 

What Are the Risks Involved in SWP?

The biggest risk is market performance.

 

If the fund performs poorly for long, capital may reduce faster.

 

Withdrawing more than the return rate leads to capital erosion.

 

In early years, if there is a market crash, returns can fall.

 

This is called sequence of return risk.

 

If you panic and stop the SWP, you may lose long-term gains.

 

Therefore, fund selection and amount choice must be done carefully.

 

Do not withdraw too much from equity funds.

 

Stick to 5% to 7% withdrawal of the corpus per year.

 

Rebalance the portfolio annually with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

 

 

How is Tax Calculated on SWP Withdrawals?

Tax is only on the gain portion, not the full withdrawal.

 

For equity funds, if held more than one year:

 

    • Gains up to Rs. 1.25 lakh in a year are tax-free.

    • Gains above that are taxed at 12.5%.

 

For withdrawals within 1 year, 20% tax on short-term gains.

 

For debt funds, entire gain is taxed as per your income slab.

 

Tax is deducted only on capital gain, not total SWP amount.

 

This makes SWP more tax-friendly than FD interest.

 

 

How Does SWP Compare With FD Interest?

FD interest is fixed but fully taxable.

 

SWP offers flexibility, better post-tax returns, and capital appreciation.

 

FD interest stays flat. SWP can grow if fund performs well.

 

FD locks your capital. SWP keeps your capital liquid.

 

FD maturity must be renewed. SWP can continue for years.

 

FD income stops when capital ends. SWP may continue even longer.

 

In inflation terms, FD income loses value. SWP may protect against inflation.

 

 

Should You Invest Rs. 20 Lakhs in SWP?

Yes, if you want steady monthly income.

 

Yes, if you don’t need the whole amount immediately.

 

Yes, if you invest in the right mutual fund category.

 

No, if you expect guaranteed income like FD.

 

No, if you cannot handle short-term fund fluctuations.

 

No, if you plan to withdraw high amounts monthly.

 

 

Tips to Make Your SWP Investment Strong

Choose hybrid equity funds, not pure equity or debt funds.

 

Use regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner.

 

Direct plans lack personalised advice and regular review.

 

MFDs with CFP credentials track markets and help in changes.

 

Avoid index funds. They don’t protect during market falls.

 

Active funds give better control and management.

 

Start small SWP first. Increase later if fund performs well.

 

Monitor performance every year with your planner.

 

Avoid withdrawing during deep market crashes.

 

Let the capital stay longer to recover and grow.

 

Rebalance every year. Shift gains to safe funds when needed.

 

 

Can SWP Be a Retirement Plan?

Yes, many retired investors use SWP.

 

It is a flexible, tax-efficient income source.

 

SWP protects principal if managed properly.

 

It also adjusts to your changing cash needs.

 

Unlike pension plans, you keep full control.

 

You can stop or increase SWP anytime.

 

You can leave the remaining amount for your family.

 

 

What Happens to Remaining Amount After SWP?

The remaining money stays in the mutual fund.

 

It continues to earn returns from the market.

 

You or your nominee can redeem the balance any time.

 

It is not locked. It stays liquid.

 

Capital not used becomes part of your legacy.

 

You can also use it to increase monthly SWP later.

 

Or withdraw lump sum for emergencies.

 

 

Finally

SWP is a very smart tool. It gives you peace, flexibility and tax benefits. But it needs careful planning. It is not risk-free. But with right fund, right amount and right advice, the risks reduce.

Use actively managed mutual funds. Avoid index funds. Avoid direct plans. Work with a Certified Financial Planner. They will guide, monitor and adjust when needed.

SWP is not just about monthly income. It is about freedom, control and dignity in retirement. Rs. 20 lakhs can give strong support for your goals.

Choose wisely. Plan clearly. Review regularly.

 

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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.

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