I need suggestion on how to make a good corpus in next 5 years.. I am a female of 33 yrs age and I earn 2 lakhs per month. I have invested in shares and have life insurance of LIC and ICICI of 5 lakhs each which will mature in 2038 Should I make more risky investments or should I make riskfree investments like PPF. I am also opting for new regime in tax so does it make sense to go for voluntary NPS of 50k per year.

Ans: Building a Corpus in 5 Years: Strategic Planning

Guidance on Investment Strategies and Financial Planning

Your aspiration to build a substantial corpus over the next 5 years reflects a proactive approach towards financial growth. Let's explore suitable investment avenues considering your income, risk appetite, and tax planning preferences to optimize your wealth accumulation.

Understanding Financial Goals and Risk Appetite

As a 33-year-old female with a monthly income of 2 lakhs, it's essential to align your investment strategy with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Assess your willingness to accept risk and volatility in pursuit of higher returns versus prioritizing capital preservation and stability.

Balancing Risk and Return

Considering your existing investments in shares and life insurance policies, evaluate the overall risk exposure of your portfolio. While higher-risk investments offer the potential for greater returns, they also entail increased volatility and the possibility of capital loss. Assess your comfort level with risk and diversify your portfolio accordingly.

Insurance-cum-investment schemes
Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:
• Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
• Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
• Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:
• Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
• Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
• Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!
• Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
• Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.



Exploring Investment Options

Equity Investments: Given your relatively young age and income level, consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to equity investments, such as diversified mutual funds or individual stocks. Equity investments offer the potential for long-term capital appreciation, although they come with higher volatility.

Fixed Income Investments: To balance risk, consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to fixed income instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF) or debt mutual funds. These investments provide stability and steady returns, albeit at lower rates compared to equities.

Tax Planning: Opting for the new tax regime and investing in tax-efficient instruments can enhance your overall financial plan. Voluntary contributions to the National Pension System (NPS) offer tax benefits under Section 80CCD(1B), providing additional savings while optimizing tax liability.

Considering PPF and Voluntary NPS

PPF: PPF offers attractive tax benefits, compounded returns, and capital protection, making it an ideal choice for risk-averse investors. By investing in PPF, you can build a tax-efficient corpus over time while enjoying the security of government-backed savings.

Voluntary NPS: Opting for voluntary contributions to NPS can supplement your retirement savings and provide tax benefits under the new tax regime. Evaluate the flexibility, investment options, and tax implications of NPS before making a decision.

Crafting a Comprehensive Financial Plan

Formulate a comprehensive financial plan encompassing your income, expenses, investment goals, and risk profile. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a tailored investment strategy aligned with your objectives and preferences.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Regularly review your investment portfolio, track performance, and make necessary adjustments to ensure alignment with your financial goals and changing circumstances. Stay informed about market developments and seek professional advice as needed to optimize your financial plan.

Conclusion

By striking a balance between risk and return, diversifying your investment portfolio, and leveraging tax-efficient instruments like PPF and voluntary NPS, you can work towards building a substantial corpus over the next 5 years. Stay disciplined, informed, and proactive in managing your finances to achieve your wealth accumulation objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in