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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 16, 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 - Jun 16, 2024Hindi
Money

Sir, My take home salary is 39.5 K, living on rent, Will have a matured savings of 9.5 L by two months, I am having PF deduction every month which is now cumulated to about more than 1.5 L Having two daughters elder one is going to be 19 by Sep 2024 and younger one would be 14 by Oct 2024. With the purpose to easily meet my upcoming liabilities and getting home easily in 10 years, suggest some investment, Whether I have to invest in gold or sip or anything else Please suggest with amount advice also.

Ans: Evaluating Your Financial Situation
You are earning a take-home salary of Rs. 39,500 and living on rent. You have a matured savings amount of Rs. 9.5 lakhs and a PF balance of over Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Your two daughters are 18 and 13 years old, with the elder one turning 19 by September 2024 and the younger one turning 14 by October 2024. You aim to meet upcoming liabilities and purchase a home in 10 years. Let's delve into a comprehensive investment strategy to help you achieve these goals.

Immediate Financial Priorities
Emergency Fund:
Ensure you have an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of your living expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and kept in a savings account or liquid fund.

Debt Repayment:
If you have any high-interest debt (e.g., credit card debt), prioritize paying it off. High-interest debt can erode your savings faster than you can build them.

Health and Life Insurance:
Ensure you have adequate health insurance for your family. Additionally, having term life insurance is crucial to secure your family's future in case of an unfortunate event.

Education Fund for Daughters
Higher Education:
Your elder daughter will soon enter higher education. Create a separate fund to cover her education expenses. Consider investing in a balanced mix of debt and equity funds to match the timeline.

Younger Daughter’s Education:
Start a long-term investment plan for your younger daughter's higher education. You have around 4-5 years before she enters college, so a mix of equity and debt funds is appropriate.

Investment Strategy for Home Purchase in 10 Years
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
SIPs in mutual funds are an excellent way to build a corpus over time. They offer the benefit of rupee cost averaging and compounding. Since your goal is 10 years away, consider investing in equity mutual funds through SIPs for higher returns.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds:
To reduce risk while still aiming for growth, you can invest in balanced or hybrid funds. These funds invest in both equity and debt, providing a balanced approach.

Recurring Deposits (RDs) and Fixed Deposits (FDs):
While not as high-yielding as mutual funds, RDs and FDs offer guaranteed returns and are suitable for those seeking low-risk investments.

Gold as an Investment
Advantages:
Gold acts as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. It is a safe investment, especially during economic uncertainty.

Disadvantages:
Gold does not generate regular income like dividends or interest. Its value can be volatile in the short term.

Recommendation:
Limit gold investments to 5-10% of your portfolio. Consider gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for better liquidity and returns.

Detailed Investment Plan
Monthly Investment Allocation
Given your take-home salary and financial commitments, a disciplined approach is crucial.

Emergency Fund:
Maintain Rs. 2-3 lakhs in a liquid fund or savings account for emergencies.

SIPs for Education:

Elder Daughter: Start an SIP of Rs. 5,000 per month in a balanced fund.
Younger Daughter: Start an SIP of Rs. 3,000 per month in an equity fund.
SIPs for Home Purchase:
Allocate Rs. 10,000 per month in diversified equity mutual funds through SIPs. This will help build a substantial corpus over 10 years.

Gold Investment:
Invest Rs. 2,000 per month in gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds.

Retirement Fund:
Continue your PF contributions and consider an additional SIP of Rs. 3,000 per month in a retirement-focused fund.

Utilization of Lump Sum Savings
Education Fund:
Allocate Rs. 3 lakhs from your matured savings to a balanced fund for your elder daughter's immediate education expenses.

Home Purchase Fund:
Invest Rs. 4 lakhs in a combination of equity and hybrid funds to kickstart your home purchase fund.

Retirement Fund:
Invest Rs. 2.5 lakhs in a diversified equity fund or a retirement-focused mutual fund.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regular Review:
Review your investment portfolio every 6 months. Assess the performance of your funds and make adjustments if necessary.

Rebalancing:
Rebalance your portfolio annually to maintain your desired asset allocation. This helps in managing risk and optimizing returns.

Long-term Investment Principles
Discipline and Consistency:
Regular and disciplined investing is crucial. Stick to your SIPs and avoid the temptation to withdraw funds prematurely.

Risk Management:
Diversify your investments across asset classes to manage risk. Avoid putting all your money in a single type of investment.

Professional Guidance:
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) periodically to ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your goals.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Potential for Higher Returns:
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection and timing.

Professional Management:
Experienced fund managers continuously monitor and adjust the portfolio to capitalize on market opportunities.

Flexibility:
Actively managed funds can quickly adapt to changing market conditions, which is beneficial in volatile markets.

Drawbacks of Index Funds
Market Performance:
Index funds only match market performance and cannot outperform it. In bearish markets, they perform poorly.

Lack of Flexibility:
Index funds are passively managed and cannot adapt to market changes or opportunities.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Higher Responsibility:
Investing in direct funds requires thorough research and continuous monitoring, which might not be feasible for all investors.

Lack of Guidance:
Without professional advice, you might miss out on strategic investment opportunities and risk management.

Time-Consuming:
Managing direct funds can be time-consuming and requires a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Final Insights
Your current financial situation requires a balanced approach towards meeting immediate needs and future goals. Establishing a robust emergency fund, focusing on your daughters’ education, and systematically building a home purchase fund are essential steps. Diversifying your investments across equity, debt, and gold will help manage risk and enhance returns. Regular monitoring, disciplined investing, and professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner will ensure you stay on track towards achieving your financial objectives.

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  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 18, 2023Hindi
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I have two daughters and their age is 16 and 15 and i own 50 lakhs bank FD , 9 lakhs invested in MF me and my wife have invest 60 lakhs in share market and my age 51 year old. Can you plz suggest the best option for investment . for my future education of two kids and my and my wife upcoming old age( My family ) i have 3 lakhs mediclaim and have few LIC policies. I request you to give me the best advice or suggest the best investment for my growth of money and as a monthly income ( Home expenses ) plz reply
Ans: Given your family's financial situation and goals, it's crucial to create a comprehensive investment plan that considers both growth and stability. Here's a suggested approach:

Education Fund for Daughters: Since your daughters are nearing college age, consider setting aside a portion of your investments specifically for their education expenses. You may allocate a portion of your bank FDs and MF investments towards this goal, ensuring it grows over time to meet their educational needs.
Retirement Planning: As you and your wife approach retirement, it's essential to prioritize building a sufficient corpus to support your lifestyle in old age. Consider diversifying your investment portfolio to include a mix of equity, debt, and balanced funds, along with retirement-focused instruments like the National Pension System (NPS) or Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS).
Health and Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage for your family's medical needs. Additionally, review your existing LIC policies to ensure they align with your current financial goals and provide adequate coverage for your family's future needs.
Monthly Income: To generate regular income for your household expenses during retirement, consider investing in dividend-paying stocks, mutual funds with dividend options, or fixed income instruments like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) or Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS).
Regular Review and Adjustment: Regularly review your investment portfolio to track its performance, make necessary adjustments, and ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your family's specific financial situation and goals. Together, you can create a customized investment plan that addresses your needs for growth, income, and financial security.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Money
I was shocked to your reply on below message, you did not ask the persons age over and above you advised him to invest more than he earns! can you go through your answer again please question was Sir, My take home salary is 39.5 K, living on rent, Will have a matured savings of 9.5 L by two months, I am having PF deduction every month which is now cumulated to about more than 1.5 L Having two daughters elder one is going to be 19 by Sep 2024 and younger one would be 14 by Oct 2024. With the purpose to easily meet my upcoming liabilities and getting home easily in 10 years, suggest some investment, Whether I have to invest in gold or sip or anything else Please suggest with amount advice also.
Ans: Your current financial scenario showcases a thoughtful approach towards saving and planning for the future. Let's delve deeper into your financial situation and provide a comprehensive guide to help you meet your upcoming liabilities and achieve the goal of owning a home in 10 years.

Current Financial Overview
Income and Savings
Monthly Take-Home Salary: Rs 39,500
Matured Savings (in 2 months): Rs 9.5 Lakhs
Provident Fund (PF): More than Rs 1.5 Lakhs
Monthly PF Deduction: Ongoing contributions
Family and Liabilities
Elder Daughter: 19 years old by Sep 2024
Younger Daughter: 14 years old by Oct 2024
Living Arrangement: Renting
Investment Strategy for Meeting Upcoming Liabilities
1. Establish an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial for financial security. It should cover at least 6 months of living expenses to handle unforeseen events without liquidating investments.

Recommendation: Allocate Rs 1.5 Lakhs from your matured savings to set up an emergency fund. Keep this amount in a high-interest savings account or a liquid fund for easy access.

2. Education Fund for Daughters
Given the ages of your daughters, planning for their higher education expenses is paramount. This involves creating a dedicated education fund.

Recommendation:

For Elder Daughter: With her being 19 soon, higher education expenses are imminent. Allocate Rs 3 Lakhs from your matured savings towards her education fund. Invest this in a balanced mutual fund or a short-term debt fund to ensure moderate growth with lower risk.

For Younger Daughter: Allocate Rs 2 Lakhs for her education fund. Since you have more time, consider investing in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds to balance growth and risk.

3. Retirement Planning
Though owning a home is a priority, don't overlook retirement planning. Regular contributions to your Provident Fund are beneficial, but consider additional investments for a secure retirement.

Recommendation: Continue with your PF contributions. Additionally, invest Rs 1,500 per month in a Public Provident Fund (PPF) for long-term growth and tax benefits.

4. Home Purchase in 10 Years
To achieve the goal of purchasing a home in 10 years, you'll need to accumulate a significant down payment and plan for mortgage repayments.

Recommendation:

Target Down Payment: Assuming you need Rs 30 Lakhs as a down payment, start a dedicated home fund.
Monthly SIPs: Allocate Rs 15,000 per month from your salary towards equity mutual funds via SIPs. Equity funds are suitable for long-term goals due to their higher growth potential.
Detailed Investment Plan
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs are a disciplined way to invest in mutual funds, offering the benefits of rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Advantages of SIPs:

Regular Investment: Encourages consistent contributions.
Rupee Cost Averaging: Mitigates market volatility by averaging the purchase cost.
Compounding: Enhances returns over time by reinvesting gains.
Recommendation:

Home Fund: Rs 15,000/month in diversified equity mutual funds.
Elder Daughter's Education: Rs 3 Lakhs in balanced or short-term debt funds.
Younger Daughter's Education: Rs 2 Lakhs in a mix of equity and debt funds.
Gold as an Investment
Gold can act as a hedge against inflation and economic instability. However, it should not constitute a major part of your portfolio due to limited growth potential compared to equity.

Advantages of Gold:

Hedge Against Inflation: Retains value during economic downturns.
Diversification: Adds stability to the portfolio.
Recommendation: Allocate a small portion, say Rs 50,000, of your matured savings to gold. Consider gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for better liquidity and returns.

Ensuring a Balanced Portfolio
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term goals like home purchase due to their potential for high returns.

Advantages:

Growth Potential: Higher returns compared to other asset classes over the long term.
Diversification: Invest in a wide range of stocks, reducing risk.
Recommendation: Allocate Rs 15,000/month to equity mutual funds through SIPs.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stability and lower risk, suitable for medium-term goals like your daughters' education.

Advantages:

Stability: Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Liquidity: Can be easily redeemed when needed.
Recommendation: Allocate part of the education funds to debt mutual funds for stability and predictable returns.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, offering balanced risk and return.

Advantages:

Balanced Portfolio: Reduces risk while providing reasonable returns.
Flexibility: Adjusts asset allocation based on market conditions.
Recommendation: Consider hybrid funds for part of your daughters' education funds and long-term goals.

Additional Tips for Financial Planning
Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio ensures alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Recommendation: Review your portfolio at least annually. Adjust asset allocation based on changes in financial goals or market conditions.

Tax Efficiency
Investing in tax-efficient instruments can optimize returns and reduce taxable income.

Recommendation: Consider ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) for tax-saving and long-term growth. Continue your PPF contributions for tax benefits and safe growth.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach towards saving and investing is commendable. To achieve your goals of meeting upcoming liabilities and purchasing a home in 10 years, consider the following steps:

Establish an Emergency Fund: Allocate Rs 1.5 Lakhs for financial security.
Education Fund: Set aside Rs 3 Lakhs for the elder daughter and Rs 2 Lakhs for the younger daughter in suitable mutual funds.
Home Purchase: Start a dedicated home fund with Rs 15,000/month in equity mutual funds.
Retirement Planning: Continue PF contributions and add Rs 1,500/month in PPF.
Gold Investment: Allocate Rs 50,000 in gold for diversification.
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track with your financial goals. By following these recommendations, you will be well-positioned to achieve your aspirations and secure a stable financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 28, 2024Hindi
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Hi Vivek, I am 45 year old. Myself and wife together earning 2.3L p.m. We have kids of aged 11 years and 3 years. Our monthly expenses are around 90K. We have home loan of 75L with 80k EMI for a tenure of 13 years and need to pay 30L for our new property in one year period. We have 50L worth apartment, 40L in PPF, 55L in PF, 20L in NPS, 40L in MF, 10L in stocks and 10L in ULIPs. We have monthly MF SIP of 40K and 10K pm for term and health insurances. We are expecting around 1cr expenses for children education till their graduation.We want to retire in next 10 years with 1L monthly income. Please advice on how to invest and plan for our future.
Ans: Existing Financial Position
Sources of Income and Expenses:

Monthly income: 2.3 lakhs
Monthly expenditure: Rs 90,000
Home loan EMI: Rs 80,000 (13 years tenure)
Probable payment towards new property: Rs 30 lakhs (can be within one year)
Assets and Investments:

Apartment value: Rs 50 lakhs
PPF: Rs 40 lakhs
PF: Rs 55 lakhs
NPS: Rs 20 lakhs
Mutual Funds: Rs 40 lakhs
Shares and Stocks: Rs 10 lakhs
ULIPs: Rs 10 lakhs
Insurance:

Insurance premium payment by month: Rs 10,000 (Term and Health Insurance)
SIP:

Monthly SIP: Rs 40,000
Education Expenses:

Child's education expense : Rs 1 crore
Retirement Goals
Retirement Plan:

Retirement age: 55 years
Desired monthly income post-retirement: Rs 1 lakh
Analysis and Recommendations
Debt Management:

Firstly, try to repay the home loan.
If possible, prepay the loan to lessen interest burden.
Investment Strategy:

Continue with existing SIPs.
If possible, increase SIPs to enlarge the corpus.
Diversification:

Your investments are very well diversified.
There needs to be a balance between equity and debt.
Education Fund:

Set aside a dedicated fund for children's education.
Use a mix of PPF, mutual funds, and fixed deposits.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses.
Use liquid funds or a savings account for this purpose.
Retirement Corpus:

Calculate the required corpus for Rs 1 lakh monthly income.
Take into consideration inflation and healthcare costs.
Health and Term Insurance:

Take stock of your insurance coverage
Ensure that it is adequate to cover possible medical expenses.
Action Plan
Increase SIPs:

Gradually increase the amount of the monthly SIP.
Mix of large-cap, mid-cap and balanced funds.
Education of Children:

Allocate some mutual funds for education.
Child-specific education plans can be invested in if they are better in terms of returns.
Prepayment of Home Loan:

Utilize excess income and bonus for pre-paying the home loan.
The burden on the tenure and interest decreases.
Regular Review:

Yearly review of your financial plan
Investments alter with the market condition and change in goals.
Final Takeaways
You are doing well on the financial front. Now, increase your SIPs and try to prepay on your home loan. Diversify your portfolio appropriately with adequate insurance coverage. Such disciplined planning with periodic reviews will help you achieve retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Money
Respected sir, I'm vijay. working in central government office as sr.accountant. I'm 38 years old with 2 children. Elder son age 8 years and younger daughter age 5 years old. my present home pay salary 72000 per month after deductions. PLI - 4000, NPS - 10% of my basic + DA deductions are from salary itself. PLI going to be end @ 2031. PLI policy amount 10 lakhs. It may comes more than 20 lakhs after maturity. 12000/- paying for short term loan for my flat which will close in 2 years. I was stayed in tier 1 city but came tier 2 city now and I won't get any transfers hereafter too because I refused my promotion.. I purchased a flat recently which I'm paying 35000 as EMI. I've 12500/- SSY for my daughter. Initially (2021) started with 6000 but increased after 2 years to 12500. I've 1 crore Term insurance and my office provides health insurance (CGHS). I want to start investment for my daughter and son so please inform how to start investment hereafter for my children further studies. My wife also housewife so please let me know how to invest for my children future.
Ans: You have a stable job and good benefits, which is a strong base for your family’s financial planning. Let’s assess your current situation and suggest a 360-degree investment plan for your children’s education and future needs.

Current Income and Expense Assessment
Your net salary is Rs. 72,000 per month after deductions.

You contribute to PLI and NPS directly from salary, which is good for discipline.

PLI maturity expected around 2031 with a corpus likely above Rs. 20 lakhs.

You have a short-term loan for flat repayment with Rs. 12,000 EMI closing in 2 years.

Current home loan EMI is Rs. 35,000, a sizeable outgoing.

You are also paying Rs. 12,500 monthly in children’s savings scheme for your daughter.

Your wife is a housewife, so sole income responsibility is on you.

Existing Insurance and Protection
Your term insurance cover of Rs. 1 crore is adequate for family protection.

Office health insurance (CGHS) covers medical expenses, good for emergencies.

Review health insurance limits and top-up options as children grow.

Adequate insurance reduces financial stress if unforeseen events occur.

Children’s Education and Future Financial Needs
Children are aged 8 and 5, meaning education expenses will start soon.

Higher education and related costs in tier 2 or tier 1 city could be significant.

Your current contribution to daughter’s savings is Rs. 12,500 monthly.

No similar savings mentioned yet for your son.

It is important to start and maintain systematic investments for both children.

Investment Planning for Children’s Education
Start separate systematic investment plans (SIPs) for each child.

Allocate based on age and expected education timeline.

For elder child (8 years), medium-term investments for 10 years.

For younger child (5 years), longer-term investments for 13-15 years.

SIPs provide rupee cost averaging and compound returns over time.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds for growth portion.

Equity funds have potential to beat inflation over 10-15 years.

Avoid index funds as they lack flexibility and may underperform in volatile markets.

Use regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner for professional monitoring.

Balancing Risk and Time Horizon
Younger child’s investment can have higher equity exposure due to longer time.

Older child’s investment should gradually move towards safer assets as time nears.

Mix equity with debt or balanced funds for risk management.

Debt funds provide stability and reduce portfolio volatility near goal.

Maximising Benefits of Government Savings Schemes
Continue contributions to children’s savings scheme for tax benefits and safety.

Consider government schemes as part of the overall portfolio, not sole investment.

Government schemes usually have lower returns than equity funds but add stability.

Post Loan Repayment Strategy
After short-term loan closure in 2 years, redirect Rs. 12,000 towards children’s investments.

Consider increasing monthly SIP amount after EMI reduces to build corpus faster.

Maintain home loan EMI as long as manageable without compromising savings.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity
Maintain emergency fund equivalent to 6 months of expenses for household.

Keep emergency fund liquid in safe instruments.

This fund safeguards family during income disruptions.

Tax Planning and Investment Efficiency
Use tax saving investments to optimise income tax liabilities.

Your NPS and PLI contributions already provide some tax relief.

Children’s education funds do not have direct tax benefits but are important goals.

Invest systematically in tax-efficient instruments.

Equity mutual funds have capital gains tax; keep this in mind during withdrawals.

Expense Management and Budgeting
Track monthly expenses and identify saving opportunities.

Prioritise goals: loan repayment, emergency fund, children’s education corpus.

Avoid increasing expenses drastically with current liabilities.

Maintain financial discipline to achieve targets smoothly.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Engage with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized monitoring.

CFPs help in fund selection, portfolio review, and risk management.

They also help in adjusting plans based on changing circumstances.

Regular reviews ensure investments align with goals and market conditions.

Behavioral Tips for Investment Success
Start early and stay consistent with investments.

Avoid panic withdrawals during market downturns.

Resist temptation to chase short-term market trends.

Focus on long-term goals and compounding benefits.

Family financial conversations help in aligning priorities.

Final Insights
Your financial discipline is strong; loan repayment and insurance in place.

Start SIPs for both children, adjusted for age and horizon.

Balance equity and debt to match risk tolerance and timelines.

Use government schemes as supplementary but not sole investment.

Increase investment amounts as loan burden reduces.

Keep emergency fund intact for security.

Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will improve outcomes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 2025

Money
Respected sir. I am working as sr.accountant in central government office @ tier 2 city. My home pay Rs.72000 per month after PLI - Rs.4000, NPS - 10% of my basic pay+DA. PLI policy amount is 10 lakhs and it'll end @ 2031. Maturity amount may be more than Rs.20 lakhs. I recently purchased a flat which I'm paying Rs.35000 as EMI every month. My elder son age is 8 years old and younger daughter age is 5 years old. I started SSY from 2021 onwards for my daughter and I was paying Rs.6000 as monthly amount and I was increased to Rs.12500 from Jan 2024 onwards. I've to pay short time (2 years) Rs.12500/- per month for my flat. Please suggest me to invest for my children future studies. I wasn't invested in any SIP or mutual funds till now. I have taken 1 crore Term insurance and my office provides health insurance (CGHS). My parents are passed away and my wife also house wife so please suggest how to invest for my children future studies and etc.. Thanking you sir..
Ans: Your structured planning so far is truly appreciable. You are managing your income, loan EMIs, insurance, and child savings well. That shows your sincerity.

Let us assess your financial standing and suggest a child education investment plan that is well-aligned with your life goals.

Monthly Income and Deductions
Your take-home salary is Rs. 72,000 per month.

PLI premium of Rs. 4,000 is already being deducted.

10% contribution towards NPS also goes from your salary.

Flat EMI of Rs. 35,000 is a large fixed commitment every month.

SSY contribution of Rs. 12,500 per month started this year.

You are left with limited surplus every month.

However, this will improve in 2 years once EMI reduces.

Evaluation of Current Commitments
PLI maturity value of more than Rs. 20 lakhs in 2031 is good.

This can be used for daughter’s higher studies later.

Flat EMI is manageable now but restricts fresh investment.

SSY account for daughter is a wise long-term choice.

Good that your health is covered under CGHS.

Term insurance of Rs. 1 crore is a responsible decision.

Understanding Future Education Costs
Your son is 8 years old now.

He will go to college in 10 years.

Your daughter is 5 years old.

She will go to college in 13 years.

Higher education costs are increasing 8%-10% yearly.

Engineering, medicine or abroad studies need larger funds.

Investment Strategy for Children’s Education
Let us now plan how you can invest from your surplus for your children’s future.

Short-Term Focus (Next 2 Years)
Flat EMI is Rs. 35,000 per month.

You also invest Rs. 12,500 monthly in SSY.

That totals Rs. 47,500 per month of fixed outflow.

After that, Rs. 24,500 remains from Rs. 72,000.

Keep Rs. 5,000 monthly for unexpected expenses.

Use the rest for starting a monthly investment.

Start with Rs. 10,000 SIP from now in equity mutual funds.

Choose balanced and child-focused mutual funds.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for better support.

Avoid direct plans. Regular plans with guidance are better.

Direct plans offer no personal advice or help during market falls.

Regular plans offer MFD + CFP expertise and investment hand-holding.

After 2 Years (When EMI Ends)
You will get back Rs. 35,000 of monthly surplus.

You should increase your SIP from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000.

This will create a strong corpus in 10+ years.

Continue this SIP regularly without breaks.

Use this for son’s college when he turns 18.

Later, same SIP will help your daughter too.

Diversify across multi-cap, large-mid cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.

Why Not to Invest in Real Estate Again
Real estate needs high capital and long lock-in.

It does not offer regular returns or liquidity.

Focus on financial instruments that are flexible.

Mutual funds offer liquidity, diversification and long-term returns.

Also, real estate has maintenance cost and tax complications.

Avoiding ULIPs and Insurance-Based Investments
ULIPs mix insurance with investments.

That leads to higher costs and lower returns.

You already have term insurance, which is sufficient.

So do not buy child ULIP or endowment plans.

Focus only on mutual funds for wealth creation.

Investment Account in Your Name
All SIPs should be in your name.

You can make your children as nominees.

There is no need to open accounts in their name.

You will control and manage the investments better.

Withdraw when needed for their education expenses.

Emergency Fund Creation
Keep Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakh as emergency fund.

Use bank FDs or liquid funds for this.

Do not touch mutual fund investments for emergencies.

Emergency fund protects your long-term goals.

Tax Planning for You
You already claim 80C through SSY and PLI.

ELSS mutual funds can also give 80C benefit.

ELSS has 3-year lock-in and offers long-term growth.

Consider small SIP in ELSS for dual benefit.

Avoid exceeding 80C limit to keep your cash flow free.

Benefits of Regular Mutual Funds
Regular plans offer guidance from Certified Financial Planners.

You get customised fund selection as per goal.

There is annual review and correction support.

In difficult markets, professional advice keeps you on track.

This support is not available in direct mutual fund plans.

Not Recommending Index Funds
Index funds follow market passively.

They offer no protection in down markets.

Active mutual funds perform better in Indian markets.

They also help during corrections and offer better stock choices.

Certified Financial Planner will help you select suitable active funds.

Tracking Investment Progress
Every year, check your SIP growth.

Don’t stop SIP even if market goes down.

Review fund performance with a planner yearly.

Shift funds only if performance is weak for 3 years.

Future Withdrawals and Usage
Withdraw from mutual funds only when needed.

Withdraw gradually during college years.

Use the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for smooth cash flow.

That avoids market timing and helps better tax planning.

Discipline is the Key
Consistency will create a large corpus.

Start small, increase later, but never stop.

Avoid panic during market corrections.

Keep a long-term mindset always.

Education Goal Summary
SIP of Rs. 10,000 now, Rs. 25,000 later.

Stay invested for next 10-15 years.

Do not withdraw for any other reasons.

Don’t use it for marriage or house purchase.

Keep it strictly for education expenses.

Insurance Review
Your term plan is Rs. 1 crore.

Review it every 5 years.

Don’t buy new insurance policies for savings.

PLI will mature soon and give lump sum.

Use it only for your daughter’s college.

Summary of Key Actions
Create emergency fund of Rs. 2 lakh.

Start SIP of Rs. 10,000 now.

Increase SIP to Rs. 25,000 after EMI ends.

Avoid real estate, ULIPs, endowment plans.

Avoid direct mutual funds.

Avoid index funds.

Invest via Certified Financial Planner only.

Review every year. Stick to long term.

Finally
You are doing many things right already. Your discipline and awareness are your strength. With the right investments and consistent SIPs, you will meet your children’s education goals peacefully. Use mutual funds with expert help, avoid distractions, and invest regularly.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

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

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |234 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Money
Dear Naveen Sir, I am 55 Years old and have five more years in superannuation. My monthly take home is approx. 6 Lacs PM . I have accumulated 2 Cr. in MF , 1.5 Cr in PF , 1 Cr FD and NPS and LIC put all together will be approx 50 Lacs and payout will start from 2028 onwards. I have just booked one 4 BHK and take home loan which is construction linked plan . Possession will be in 2029. My Daughter and Son are on Marriage age but both are also earning handsomely as they are in 30% bracket of IT . Have parental property approx 1.5 Cr which i will get in due course of the time. Monthly expenses are approx 1 Lacs only . Please suggest the way forward for next 5 Years .....how and where i start investing ....
Ans: Dear Sir
For a comprehensive QPFP level financial planning and retirement assessment we request the following details. These inputs will allow financial planner to prepare an accurate inflation-adjusted roadmap covering risk protection, income stability, investment strategy and long-term financial security.
________________________________________
1. Personal and Family Details
Your age and planned retirement year.
Spouse’s age, working status and future income expectations.
Number of dependents and their financial reliance on you.
Any major medical conditions in the family.
________________________________________
2. Parents’ Health and Financial Dependence
Current health condition of parents.
Do they have their own medical insurance cover.
Sum insured and type of policy.
Any critical illness or pre-existing conditions.
Monthly financial support you provide to them if any.
Expected future medical or caretaker expenses.
________________________________________
3. Income and Cash Flow
Monthly take home income.
Expected increments or bonuses for the next five years.
Monthly household expense structure.
Existing EMIs and financial commitments.
Monthly surplus available for investments.
Any expenses expected to rise due to inflation or lifestyle changes.
________________________________________
4. Home Loan and Liabilities
Sanctioned home loan amount, interest rate and tenure.
Current disbursement status under construction linked plan.
Your plan for EMI servicing and part-prepayment.
Any other loans or financial liabilities.
________________________________________
5. Real Estate Profile
Is this 4 BHK your first home or do you own other properties.
Any rental income from existing properties.
Purpose of the new 4 BHK after retirement for self, parents or children.
Your plan for the parental house. Retain, sell or rent.
Where you plan to settle post retirement.
________________________________________
6. Investment Portfolio
Current mutual fund corpus and category-wise split.
SIP amounts and investment horizon.
PF, EPF, PPF and other retirement scheme balances.
Fixed deposit amounts, maturity periods and ownership structure for DICGC protection.
NPS allocations Tier 1 and Tier 2.
LIC policies with surrender value and maturity year.
Any bonds, NCDs, PMS, private equity or invoice discounting exposure.
________________________________________
7. Emergency Preparedness
Current emergency fund value.
Loan facility available against MF or FD.
Any credit line for medical or sudden expenses.
________________________________________
8. Insurance Protection (Self and Spouse)
Term insurance coverage and policy details.
Health insurance sum assured and insurer.
Top-up or super top-up cover details.
Critical illness and accident cover status.
Adequacy of insurance after accounting for inflation.
________________________________________
9. Children’s Goals and Planning
Are you contributing financially to your children's planning.
Any corpus set aside for their marriage.
Children’s own investment and insurance setup.
Any future goals involving them.
________________________________________
10. Retirement Vision and Income Planning
Expected retirement lifestyle and monthly cost adjusted for inflation.
Your preferred retirement income structure
SWP from mutual funds
Annuity or pension products
PF interest
NPS annuity
Rental income
Plans to monetise or downsize real estate if needed.
Any travel, medical or lifestyle goals post retirement.
________________________________________
11. Estate and Succession Planning
Will availability and last update date.
Nominations across MF, PF, NPS, FD, LIC, demat and bank accounts.
Any instructions for asset distribution.
________________________________________
Next Step
Only Once you share these details, financial planner can prepare a complete five year roadmap covering asset allocation, inflation-adjusted corpus projections, loan strategy, insurance adequacy, medical preparedness, pension and SWP planning, liquidity management and post-retirement income stability.


Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai
044-31683550

...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.

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