High-earning reader seeks advice on managing finances for a car loan, home loan, and investments

Ans: You have a before-tax salary of Rs 5.6 lakh per month and an after-tax salary of Rs 3.75 lakh. Your car loan and planned home loan together cost Rs 1.25 lakh per month. Your monthly expenses are roughly Rs 1 lakh. This leaves you with Rs 1.5 lakh for investments.

Evaluating Investment Options
You are considering whether to keep money in a savings account like SBI Max Saver or invest in mutual funds (MF). Let’s evaluate these options.

Savings Account (SBI Max Saver)
The SBI Max Saver account allows you to save on interest by offsetting your home loan balance with your savings.

Benefits: Reduces interest on home loan, offers liquidity, and safe.
Drawbacks: Lower returns compared to mutual funds.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns through various investment options, but with higher risk compared to savings accounts.

Benefits: Higher returns, variety of options, and long-term growth.
Drawbacks: Market risk, not as liquid as savings account.
Suggested Investment Strategy
Hybrid Approach
A hybrid approach can balance the benefits of both options.

Invest Rs 1 lakh in Mutual Funds: For higher returns.
Keep Rs 50,000 in SBI Max Saver: For liquidity and interest offset.
Benefits of a Hybrid Approach
Risk Management: Diversifies risk between safe savings and higher-return investments.
Liquidity: Ensures you have liquid funds for emergencies.
Debt Reduction: Helps in reducing home loan interest through SBI Max Saver.
Choosing Mutual Funds
Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform the market with strategic decisions by professional fund managers.

Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle your investments.
Flexibility: Adapt to market changes effectively.
Suggested Allocation for Mutual Funds
Large-Cap Funds: For stability and steady returns.
Mid-Cap Funds: For growth potential.
Small-Cap Funds: For higher returns but with more risk.
Balanced Funds: For a mix of equity and debt.
Investment Allocation
Monthly Allocation
Allocate Rs 1 lakh across different mutual funds through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans).

Large-Cap SIP: Rs 40,000
Mid-Cap SIP: Rs 30,000
Small-Cap SIP: Rs 20,000
Balanced SIP: Rs 10,000
Diversification
Diversify your investments to reduce risk and enhance returns.

Sectoral Diversification: Invest across various sectors.
Geographical Diversification: Consider international funds for global exposure.
Regular Monitoring and Review
Review your investment portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals. Make adjustments based on market conditions and personal financial changes.

Quarterly Reviews: Assess performance and adjust as needed.
Final Insights
Balancing your investments between SBI Max Saver and mutual funds can provide both liquidity and higher returns. Invest Rs 1 lakh in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds and keep Rs 50,000 in the SBI Max Saver account to reduce your home loan interest. Regularly review your investments to stay on track with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in