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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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I am a software engineer working from last 10 months currently earning 90k per month. How should i save to buy house in the next 3-4 years. My monthly expenses are around 30K. I am doing an SIP of 10k in parag parikh elss tax saver fund for 80C deductions. How should i invest remaining money for my house goal. Considering my father is also working and i will get some support from father.

Ans: To begin, congratulations on your diligent efforts as a software engineer and your commitment to planning for your future. It's commendable that you're thinking ahead about homeownership and seeking advice on financial planning.

Given your current situation, with a steady income and manageable expenses, you're in a good position to save for your house goal. Your SIP in a tax-saving fund is a wise move for optimizing your taxes while also working towards your goal.

Considering a time horizon of 3-4 years, it's essential to balance growth potential with risk. While your father's support is valuable, it's prudent to plan primarily based on your own resources.

For the remaining funds, you might consider a diversified investment approach. Since you've already utilized the 80C benefit, explore other avenues like mutual funds, debt instruments, or balanced funds. These can offer a mix of growth and stability, aligning with your medium-term goal.

Be cautious about direct investments without professional guidance. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and help navigate the complexities of the market, maximizing returns while minimizing risks.

Avoiding real estate as an investment option is wise, given its illiquidity and potential volatility. Instead, focus on liquid assets that offer flexibility and easier access to funds when needed.

Remember, consistency is key. Continue to monitor your investments regularly, adjusting them as needed based on market conditions and your evolving financial situation.

Your proactive approach to financial planning sets a strong foundation for achieving your homeownership goal. Keep up the disciplined saving and investing, and you'll be closer to realizing your dream.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I am 33yr old. I have a salary of 50k/month. I m living in rented house 8k/month. And SIP of 5k/month. Other expenses of 5-8k/month. Please suggest financial planning. And wanted to buy house.
Ans: It's great that you're thinking about financial planning at 33. Let's craft a strategy tailored to your needs and goals.

Emergency Fund:
Goal: Build an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of living expenses.
Action: Allocate a portion of your savings monthly until you reach this target. Aim to have this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account.
SIPs & Investments:
Current SIP: 5k/month
Action: Consider increasing your SIP amount as your income grows. Diversify investments across equity, debt, and other asset classes to manage risk and achieve growth.
Home Purchase:
Goal: Buy a house.
Action: Start saving for a down payment. Consider your current expenses and see where you can cut back or increase savings. Also, explore home loan options to understand the amount you'd need to borrow and the EMI you'd be comfortable with.
Retirement Planning:
Goal: Secure your retirement.
Action: Start an SIP specifically for retirement. The earlier you start, the better. Consider allocating a portion of your monthly savings to this SIP.
Insurance:
Goal: Protect yourself and your loved ones.
Action: Ensure you have health insurance, life insurance, and if possible, disability insurance. Review and update coverage as your circumstances change.
Additional Income:
Goal: Increase income streams.
Action: Explore opportunities for side hustles, freelancing, or upskilling to boost your income.
Budgeting:
Goal: Manage expenses effectively.
Action: Create a monthly budget to track income and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can save more.
Remember, financial planning is not a one-time activity. It's an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustments as your life circumstances change. It's also essential to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your plan aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6968 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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Hi I am 33 years old female i currently not having any savings but i want to start i hva 60lcs worth house no emis no loans.. salary 91k per month.. expenses most of 25k - 30K per month. Let me know how i can i plan where to invest i have 2years old daughter i am looking to first buy a property in next 5 years and to save for my child education. Thanks kindly help me tostart my journey
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Age: 33 years
Salary: Rs. 91,000 per month
Expenses: Rs. 25,000 - 30,000 per month
Assets: Rs. 60 lakh house (no EMIs or loans)
Goals: Buy a property in 5 years, save for child's education
Dependents: 2-year-old daughter
Creating an Emergency Fund
Importance of an Emergency Fund
Security: Protects against unforeseen expenses
Peace of Mind: Ensures financial stability
Recommendation
Target Amount: 6 months of expenses, around Rs. 1.5 lakh
Investment Option: Liquid funds for easy access and better returns than savings accounts
Starting Systematic Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Benefit: Rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing
Initial Amount: Start with Rs. 15,000 per month
Diversification
Equity Funds: High growth potential, long-term gains
Debt Funds: Stability, lower risk
Saving for Child's Education
Education Planning
Estimate Costs: Account for inflation in education expenses
Investment Options: Child-specific mutual funds and PPF
SIPs for Education
Dedicated SIP: Start a dedicated SIP of Rs. 10,000 per month for your child’s education
Equity Exposure: Focus on equity funds for long-term growth
Planning for Property Purchase
Property Investment
Timeline: Plan to buy property in the next 5 years
Down Payment: Save at least 20% of the property cost
Monthly Savings
Dedicated Savings: Save Rs. 20,000 per month for down payment
Investment Vehicle: Use recurring deposits or short-term debt funds for stability
Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Recommendation: Purchase a term insurance plan
Coverage: Sum assured should be at least 10 times your annual income
Health Insurance
Recommendation: Get a comprehensive health insurance policy
Coverage: Include family floater plan to cover your daughter as well
Retirement Planning
Long-Term Goal
Start Early: Begin investing for retirement now for compounding benefits
Investment Options: NPS and diversified equity funds
Monthly Contribution
Recommendation: Allocate Rs. 10,000 per month towards retirement
Additional Recommendations
Regular Reviews
Financial Check-Ups: Review your financial plan every 6 months
Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on changing circumstances
Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner: Consult a CFP for personalized advice
Regular Funds: Invest through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credential for better support and guidance
Final Insights
Build an emergency fund first.
Start SIPs for disciplined investing.
Save specifically for child’s education.
Plan for property purchase within 5 years.
Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Begin retirement planning early.
Regularly review and adjust your financial plan.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 28 years old and my salary is 1 lakh per month. I have SIP of 2 lakhs stocks of 5 lakhs PPF of 2 lakhs and 2.5 lakhs in PF. I want to buy house could you please suggest financial plans to achieve it
Ans: First, let's assess your current financial situation. You have a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh. Your investments include SIPs worth Rs 2 lakhs, stocks valued at Rs 5 lakhs, a PPF of Rs 2 lakhs, and a PF amounting to Rs 2.5 lakhs. Your goal is to buy a house.

This is a significant financial commitment, and it is essential to have a comprehensive plan to achieve it. Here’s a detailed plan to help you move forward:

Evaluating Your Current Investments
SIP Investments

Your SIP investment of Rs 2 lakhs is a good start. SIPs provide the benefit of rupee cost averaging and compounding. However, it is important to review the performance of these funds regularly. Ensure that you are invested in funds that align with your risk appetite and financial goals.

Stocks

Your investment in stocks worth Rs 5 lakhs is another positive aspect. Stock investments can offer high returns but come with high risk. Diversifying your stock portfolio and regularly reviewing it is crucial. It is wise to consult with a certified financial planner to ensure your stock investments are balanced and aligned with your goals.

PPF and PF

Your PPF and PF investments are safe and provide tax benefits. PPF is a long-term investment with a lock-in period of 15 years but offers a decent return. PF also offers a stable return and is useful for retirement planning. Both these investments should be continued as they provide financial security and stability.

Setting a Clear Goal for Buying a House
Buying a house is a significant financial goal. To achieve it, you need to set a clear target. Determine the budget for your house. Considering your current savings and investments, it is important to set a realistic timeline.

Step-by-Step Plan to Achieve Your Goal

1. Determine the Budget

Decide on the price range of the house you want to buy. This will give you a clear target to work towards.

2. Calculate the Down Payment

Typically, a down payment for a house is around 20% of the property’s value. Calculate how much you need to save for the down payment.

3. Review Your Monthly Savings

Evaluate your current savings and see how much you can save monthly. Considering your salary of Rs 1 lakh per month, aim to save at least 30% of your income towards the down payment.

4. Create a Dedicated Savings Plan

Open a separate savings account for your house purchase. This will help you track your progress and keep the funds dedicated to this goal.

5. Enhance Your SIP Contributions

Increase your SIP contributions. SIPs are a disciplined way to save and invest. Increasing your SIP amount will help you accumulate the required funds over time.

6. Diversify Your Investments

Diversify your investment portfolio to include a mix of equity and debt funds. This will balance risk and return, helping you achieve your goal more efficiently.

7. Regularly Review and Adjust Your Plan

Regularly review your financial plan and adjust it as needed. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, so it's important to stay flexible.

The Importance of a Certified Financial Planner
Consulting a certified financial planner is crucial. They can provide personalized advice and help you create a comprehensive financial plan. A financial planner will ensure that your investments are aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds can offer higher returns compared to index funds. Professional fund managers actively select stocks and adjust the portfolio to maximize returns. They have the expertise and resources to analyze market trends and make informed decisions.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds simply replicate a market index. They do not offer the potential for higher returns that actively managed funds do. Additionally, they do not provide the flexibility to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Assessing the Role of Regular Funds
Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds

Investing through regular funds with a certified financial planner offers several advantages. A financial planner can provide expert advice, regular portfolio reviews, and help you make informed decisions. Direct funds do not offer this level of personalized service and guidance.

Benefits of Regular Funds

Regular funds come with professional advice and support. A certified financial planner can help you navigate market complexities and ensure your investments are aligned with your goals. They can also help you avoid common investment pitfalls.

Strategic Investment for House Purchase
Saving for Down Payment

To save for your house down payment, consider a mix of SIPs, fixed deposits, and debt mutual funds. These investments provide stability and can be liquidated when needed.

Increasing Your Investment Corpus

Increase your investment corpus by systematically investing in high-return instruments. This includes a balanced mix of equity and debt funds. Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it is on track.

Utilizing Tax Benefits

Make use of tax-saving investment options like ELSS funds. These not only provide good returns but also offer tax benefits under Section 80C.

Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an emergency fund in place. This should cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses. An emergency fund provides financial security and ensures that you do not have to dip into your house savings in case of unforeseen expenses.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Retirement Planning

While saving for your house, do not neglect your retirement planning. Continue contributing to your PPF and PF accounts. Consider starting a SIP specifically for your retirement.

Insurance

Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. This includes health insurance and term insurance. Adequate insurance coverage protects your finances in case of unexpected events.

Debt Management

If you have any existing debts, plan to pay them off systematically. Reducing your debt will improve your financial health and increase your ability to save for your house.

Final Insights
Your goal of buying a house is achievable with a well-structured financial plan. By evaluating your current investments, setting a clear goal, and consulting a certified financial planner, you can create a robust plan to achieve your dream. Focus on increasing your savings, diversifying your investments, and regularly reviewing your plan. This will ensure that you are on track to buy your house and secure your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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

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