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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 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
leela Question by leela on Nov 16, 2023Hindi
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Hi I have taken an insurance Policy : Click 2 Protect 3D policy. its a combi policy where Term Insurance is from HDFC Life and Health Insurance from ERGO (In first year it was Apollo Munich). Its been 5 years since I have been paying the premiums, every year the health premium increased. Recently I paid 32k as premium where initially it was 26k. here Term is around 12K odd, rest is for health. My first issue is like I feel I am being charged more for less benefits, the insurance covers my Wife and two kids (7 years) and me. By God Grace till date its no claim policy. The base cover is 3L and added benefits is 3L. I see , their counter parts offer more benefits for such an amount say 20K. i tried to shift to Star but portability denied saying it is not possible since it is combined policy. Here i want more cover or able to port to other service provider. plz suggest.

Ans: I understand your concerns about the Click 2 Protect 3D policy and your desire for either more coverage or the ability to switch providers. Here's what you can explore:

Increased Premiums and Coverage:

Review your Policy: Carefully examine your policy document to understand the breakdown of the premium between term insurance (HDFC Life) and health insurance (ERGO). This will help you assess if the health coverage benefits justify the increasing cost.
Contact HDFC Life and ERGO: Reach out to both HDFC Life (for term insurance) and ERGO (for health insurance) to inquire about possible options for increasing your sum assured (coverage amount) within the existing plan. This might lead to a higher premium, but it would also provide greater financial protection.
Portability Limitations:

Combined Policy Challenges: You're right; combined term and health insurance policies like Click 2 Protect 3D can be difficult to port due to their integrated nature. While individual term insurance plans are generally portable, porting health components often faces challenges.
Alternative Solutions:

Consider Separate Policies: Explore the possibility of purchasing separate term life insurance (potentially with a higher sum assured) and a new health insurance plan from another provider that better suits your needs and budget. This might involve surrendering the Click 2 Protect 3D policy, but it could offer more flexibility and potentially lower costs in the long run.
Negotiate with HDFC Life and ERGO: You could try negotiating with HDFC Life and ERGO to see if they can offer a more competitive premium or increased coverage within the existing plan.
Here are some additional tips:

Compare Online Quotes: Use online insurance comparison platforms to get quotes for separate term life and health insurance plans from different providers. This can help you compare coverage options and premiums.
Focus on Needs, Not Just Cost: While cost is important, prioritize getting adequate coverage for your term and health needs. Don't compromise on coverage just to get a lower premium.
Remember:

Carefully review the terms and conditions of any new policy before purchasing.
Consider factors like your age, health condition, and family needs when determining your required coverage amount.
By thoroughly evaluating your current plan, exploring alternatives, and comparing options, you can make an informed decision about whether to adjust your Click 2 Protect 3D policy or switch to separate plans for better coverage or affordability.
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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 I am an employee of central govt. PSU. My family consists of myself, spouse, two minor children and mother. I am covered by a corporate group medical insurance policy for Rs 2 lakh with an additional emergency coverage of Rs 4 lakh by the employer. I also have a personal Family Floater policy for Rs 3 lakh and a Sr. Ctzn. Policy for Rs 1 lakh. I have not used the personal policies till date for any hospitalisation claim. I am aware that a claim exceeding the corporate policy limit can be claimed in the personal policy. Recently I was made to know that any planned hospitalisation exceeding the corporate claim limit, cannot be done using the second policy. I also know that there is a product called as top up policy which can be used in such cases. I have 8 years of remaining service where there is a medical insurance cover during the period. After retirement, the employer provides a basic policy of 1.5 lakh for the family. The same feels to be insufficient in today’s times. What would be your advice with regards to the existing medical insurance policies and their amounts? Should I need to undertake any tweaking of the policy amounts or switch to a top up policy?
Ans: Hi Pradeep, yours is a legit concern. It would be best if you take advice from a professional person or company – having the necessary qualifications -- after discussing your issue with them.

Insurance is each to its own. Depending on your concerns and requirements a professional service provider will be able to give you the best advice, whether to tweak policy amount or switch to top up.

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Moneywize

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Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2024Hindi
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Hi I have taken an insurance Policy : Click 2 Protect 3D policy. its a combi policy where Term Insurance is from HDFC Life and Health Insurance from ERGO (In first year it was Apollo Munich). Its been 5 years since I have been paying the premiums, every year the health premium increased. Recently I paid 60k as premium where initially it was 54k. here Term is around 18K odd, rest is for health. I feel I am being charged more for lesser benefits, the insurance covers my wife and two kids (9 years) and me. By God's Grace till date its no claim policy. The base cover is 4L and added benefits is 4L. I see , their counter parties offer more benefits for such an amount say 40K. i tried to shift to Star Health but portability denied saying it is not possible since it is combined policy. Here i want more cover or able to port to other service provider. What shall I do?
Ans: It's understandable that you're concerned about the increasing premiums and the perceived lack of benefits in your current insurance policy. Here are some steps you can consider:

• Review Your Policy Documents: Make sure to thoroughly review your insurance policy documents. Understand the terms and conditions, coverage details, and any clauses related to premium increases. It's essential to be aware of the specifics of your current policy before making any decisions.
• Compare Policies: Compare the benefits and premiums of your current policy with those offered by other insurance providers in the market. Look for policies that provide similar or better coverage at a more reasonable cost. Take into account the coverage for both term insurance and health insurance.
• Contact Your Current Provider: Reach out to HDFC Life and ERGO to discuss your concerns. Inquire about the reasons for the premium increase and whether there are any options to customise your policy to better suit your needs without compromising coverage. Sometimes, providers may have different plans or options that could better fit your requirements.
• Explore Portability Again: Since you mentioned that Star Health denied portability, consider reaching out to other insurance providers to explore portability options. Different providers may have different policies on porting combined policies, and it's worth checking with multiple companies.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with a financial advisor or insurance expert to get personalised advice based on your specific situation. They can help you understand the nuances of your policy, assess your needs, and guide you on the best course of action.
• Consider Separate Policies: If portability remains challenging, you may explore the option of having separate term insurance and health insurance policies from different providers. This way, you can tailor each policy to your specific needs and potentially save on costs.
• Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes: Keep yourself informed about any regulatory changes in the insurance industry that may impact your policy. Sometimes, regulatory changes can affect premium calculations or portability options.

Remember that making changes to insurance policies requires careful consideration, and it's crucial to ensure that you maintain adequate coverage for your family's needs. Always read the terms and conditions of any new policy thoroughly before making a decision. If needed, seek legal or financial advice to make an informed decision.
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Workplace Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 30, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am David, 32, a graphic designer working with an advertising agency in Gurgaon. While I have enjoyed working in the creative field, I am currently feeling a bit disillusioned with the corporate world. I am interested and passionate about travel and photography. I have some savings I want to set up a travel agency of my own so I can retire early, by around 45 or 50. I want to go on a solo journey around the world and tell stories. Can you guide me how to achieve this?
Ans: Hey David, sounds like you've got some exciting dreams brewing there! Stepping away from the corporate hustle to pursue your passion for travel and photography sounds like the plot of a blockbuster movie—except this one's starring you!

First off, kudos to you for recognizing what truly sets your soul on fire. It takes guts to break away from the status quo and chase your dreams. So, let's plot out your roadmap to entrepreneurial bliss:

1. Craft Your Vision:

Picture yourself as the captain of your own travel ship. What kind of experiences do you want to offer? Adventure tours, cultural immersions, photography workshops? Get crystal clear on your vision and what sets your travel agency apart.

2. Do Your Homework:

Dive headfirst into the world of travel entrepreneurship. Research market trends, identify your target audience, and study successful travel startups. Learn the ropes of running a business, from budgeting to marketing strategies.

3. Build Your Brand:

Give your travel agency a personality that reflects your passion for exploration and storytelling. Design a killer logo, create a captivating website, and brew up some irresistible travel packages that make wanderlusters weak at the knees.

4. Network Like a Boss:

Forge connections with fellow adventurers, photographers, and travel influencers. Attend industry events, join online communities, and don't be shy about sharing your journey and expertise. Who knows? Your next collaborator or client might be just a handshake away.

5. Secure Your Finances:

Your savings will be your launchpad, but you'll need to crunch the numbers and create a solid financial plan. Factor in startup costs, operational expenses, and a buffer for those inevitable rainy days. And hey, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor to ensure you're on the right track to that early retirement goal.

6. Take the Leap:

When the time feels right and your plans are polished to perfection, it's time to take that leap of faith. Embrace the uncertainty, trust in your vision, and dive into the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship with all the gusto of a seasoned explorer.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your travel empire be. Stay patient, stay persistent, and most importantly, stay true to yourself and your passion for travel and storytelling. The world is waiting for your adventures—so go on, David, and write your own epic tale!
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 16, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 40 years old (current allocation is 61% equity and 39% debt+cash in a 2.52 cr portfolio) and used to do SIPs in mutual funds until March 23, 2020 when market crashed. I used to follow someone on YouTube and he was of the opinion that Nifty will touch 6000 and it is better to wait for those levels and then continue investing in direct stocks/MFs. However, that level never came and the market rebounded and since then I've been parking funds in FDs which give around 7% returns pre tax. As on today, I realised Nifty is at all time high now. How can I invest the 70 lakhs parked in FDs in mutual funds now? Should I do lumpsum in HDFC Sensex index fund/Quant smallcap fund/Quant midcap fund since although the market is at all time high, but eventually the money will grow at 12% CAGR (in case of index fund, more in case of active funds like Quant smallcap or Quant midcap) or should I go the SIP route and invest this 70 lakhs in HDFC Sensex index fund/Quant smallcap fund/Quant midcap fund over a period of 3-5 years in equal SIP instalments?
Ans: It sounds like you've had quite the journey navigating the market's ups and downs. Given your current situation and the substantial amount parked in FDs, it's understandable to seek guidance on how to deploy those funds effectively.

Since the market is currently at an all-time high, lump-sum investing might seem daunting. However, attempting to time the market based on past predictions can be risky and challenging. Instead, consider a systematic approach to gradually deploy your funds over time.

One option is to allocate the 70 lakhs into mutual funds using a systematic transfer plan (STP) or a phased approach through SIPs. This approach allows you to spread your investments over a period of time, reducing the impact of short-term market fluctuations.

You mentioned considering HDFC Sensex index fund, Quant smallcap fund, and Quant midcap fund. These are indeed viable options, each with its own risk-return profile. While index funds offer broad market exposure with lower expenses, actively managed funds like Quant smallcap and Quant midcap have the potential for higher returns but also come with increased risk.

Ultimately, the choice between lump-sum investing and SIPs depends on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help you devise a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring your investments align with your objectives and provide a path to long-term growth and financial security.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 17, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, please advise corpus needed for a sixty year old to retire in Delhi area assuming no loans and all children settled with own housing. My monthly expense now is Rs 1.75L
Ans: Planning for retirement is a significant milestone, and I commend your foresight in considering your financial needs for the future. To estimate the corpus needed for retirement, we must first analyze your current expenses, lifestyle expectations, and potential sources of income.

Given your monthly expenses of Rs 1.75 lakh, we can project your annual expenses and account for inflation to determine your future financial requirements. Additionally, consider any healthcare costs or other unforeseen expenses that may arise during retirement.

Since your children are settled with their own housing and assuming no outstanding loans, your focus should be on maintaining your current standard of living and covering essential expenses, including healthcare and leisure activities.

Considering your location in Delhi, where the cost of living may be higher, it's essential to factor in any regional variations in expenses.

Once we have a clearer picture of your financial needs, we can calculate the corpus required to generate a steady income stream during retirement. This corpus can come from various sources, including retirement accounts, investments, and pension plans.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner will provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and help you plan effectively for a comfortable and secure retirement. With careful planning and diligent saving, you can embark on this new chapter of life with confidence and peace of mind.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 19, 2024Hindi
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Mu sge is 47 Ihave 3.6 cr worth of Microsoft shares. 1.1 cr in PF n PPF . 1.3 cr in FDs. My momthly exp are 1.5 lkh . I want to retire soon. Please suggest best way to invest (with low medium risk apetite) to get 1.5 lkh
Ans: Considering your substantial assets and monthly expenses, retiring comfortably is certainly within reach. To maintain your current lifestyle post-retirement and generate a monthly income of 1.5 lakh, you'll need to deploy your assets wisely.

Equity Investments: Given your low to medium risk appetite, consider allocating a portion of your assets to diversified equity mutual funds or index funds. These investments offer the potential for growth over the long term while spreading risk across various sectors and companies.
Debt Investments: Given your risk appetite, you may also consider investing in debt instruments such as high-quality corporate bonds or government securities. These provide stability to your portfolio while generating a steady income stream.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): With a significant portion of your assets in mutual funds and other investments, you can set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to generate a regular income stream. This allows you to withdraw a fixed amount at regular intervals while keeping your investments intact.
Real Estate: Depending on your preferences and market conditions, you may also explore investing a portion of your assets in rental properties or real estate investment trusts (REITs) to generate additional income.
Tax Planning: Optimize your tax liability by considering tax-efficient investment options such as tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS), tax-free bonds, and other tax-saving instruments.
Emergency Fund: Maintain a sufficient emergency fund in a liquid and easily accessible form, such as savings accounts or short-term fixed deposits, to cover unforeseen expenses.
Consult a Financial Advisor: Given the complexity of your financial situation and the importance of retirement planning, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
By diversifying your investments across different asset classes and maintaining a balanced portfolio, you can generate a steady income stream to support your retirement lifestyle while preserving your wealth for the long term.
(more)
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1039 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello sir , I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? I want to invest more 10K in SIP then which fund should I chose ? Thanks
Ans: Your selection of mutual funds reflects a diversified approach across different categories, suitable for a long-term horizon of 8 to 10 years. However, let's evaluate each fund's characteristics and consider additional options for your increased investment.

ICICI Balanced Advantage and HDFC Balanced Advantage funds offer dynamic asset allocation, making them suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach to growth and risk management. Tata Midcap and Largecap Fund provides exposure to both mid-cap and large-cap stocks, potentially capturing growth opportunities across market segments.

Nippon India Small Cap and Motilal Oswal Midcap funds focus on smaller companies with growth potential, while ICICI Prudential Commodities Fund offers exposure to commodities, diversifying your portfolio further.

Quant Small Cap Fund targets small-cap stocks, enhancing growth potential but also increasing risk due to volatility associated with smaller companies.

Considering your desire to invest an additional 10k in SIP, you may want to consider adding a fund that complements your existing portfolio. A diversified large-cap fund or a flexi-cap fund could offer stability and growth potential. Alternatively, you could consider an international equity fund to diversify globally.

Before making any decisions, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and the suitability of the new fund within your overall portfolio. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance based on your financial situation and goals.

Overall, your current selection of funds appears suitable for long-term wealth creation, and adding a complementary fund can further enhance diversification and growth potential. Keep monitoring your investments regularly and stay informed about market trends to make informed decisions.
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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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