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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 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
srinivas Question by srinivas on Jul 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, Thank you for the kind reply. Appreciate your time and help. It really gives me a nice direction. Please find below few things which i would like to share 1) I have health insurance coverage for me and my family. 2) Also i have a term insurance for 1.75cr. 3) My SIP contribution is divided into following categories a) emergency fund b) My two kids education c) Kids wedding d) Retirement planning Along with this i have 50lacs as Gold, I have one house which i paid the loan, (approx worth 55 lacs), Life insurance (10 lacs), ICICPRULIFE (10 lacs), HDFC Pension fund (55 lacs), HDFC ELSS (10 lacs), HDFC Life (40 lacs). all these have maturity in 5 to 10 years time. Please let me know your thoughts, Thanks, Sri

Ans: Thanks for sharing more details. You have a solid foundation with health and term insurance. Your SIP contributions for different goals are excellent. However, investment cum insurance policies like ICICI Pru Life, HDFC Pension Fund, and HDFC Life might not offer the best returns. Consider surrendering these and reinvesting in mutual funds for better growth and flexibility.

Given your goals, equity mutual funds can offer higher returns for your kids' education, weddings, and retirement planning. Also, maintaining an emergency fund in liquid funds or high-interest savings accounts is wise.

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  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Iam 38 year old govt employee in Jammu. Net Income is 140000/-month I have 2 children's Age 9 yrs and 5 yrs Already have a ???? A car ???? No Bank Loan Iam a NPS subscriber with 17000 contribution per month (my +govt.) Which keep increasing with DA and increment. As on date 17 lakhs is accumulated in NPS. My spouse is also govt employee with 14000 contributions per month ........................ As on date 14 lakhs is accumulated in NPs Both have LIC policy jeevan Labh. (Since2017) *38k premium per annum for 15 years maturity at 21yr /15lakh sum assured *32k premium per annum for 16 years of maturity at 25 yr./25 lakh sum assured We Both are APY subscriber 5000+5000 after 60 yrs. I have started SIP in 03 MF (5k, 2.5 k, 2.5 k) Total 10000.per month for long term.for children education Mirae Assest tax saver fund direct growth 5k Parag parikh .....2.5 k Quant flexi cap ....2.5 k I have a term insurance of 1 cr Health policy of 10 lac ( family floater) invest 150,000/- in stocks which I buy when gets opportunity 10000/month in stocks I am planning for a housing loan at the age of 40 ( both as an investment and tax rebate purpose) As I live in a small town so I don't have a high living cost as in cities. Kindly Guide me if anything I need to do.
Ans: I see you have a well-structured financial situation. Let’s go through your details and provide a comprehensive plan for your financial goals and needs. You are 38 years old, a government employee in Jammu, with a net income of Rs 1,40,000 per month. You have two children, aged 9 and 5, and no bank loans. You and your spouse contribute to the NPS and have LIC policies, SIPs in mutual funds, term insurance, and a health policy. You are also planning for a housing loan. Let’s break this down and see if there are any improvements or adjustments needed.

Current Financial Overview
Income and Expenses
Net Income: Rs 1,40,000 per month
Expenses: Not explicitly stated, but assume moderate living costs due to small-town lifestyle.
Investments and Savings
NPS Contributions: Rs 17,000 per month (self) + Rs 14,000 per month (spouse)
Accumulated NPS: Rs 17 lakhs (self) + Rs 14 lakhs (spouse)
LIC Jeevan Labh Policies: Rs 38,000 per annum and Rs 32,000 per annum
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Rs 5,000 each per month for both you and your spouse
SIPs in Mutual Funds: Rs 10,000 per month
Term Insurance: Rs 1 crore
Health Insurance: Rs 10 lakh family floater
Stock Investments: Rs 1,50,000 one-time + Rs 10,000 per month
Children’s Education Planning
You have started SIPs in three mutual funds aimed at long-term growth for your children’s education. This is a good strategy. Here are some tips:

Increase SIP Amount: As your income grows, consider increasing the SIP amount to ensure you are on track to meet the rising costs of education.
Review Fund Performance: Periodically review the performance of your funds. Ensure they align with your long-term goals.
Retirement Planning
You and your spouse are contributing to the NPS and APY, which will provide a solid retirement corpus.

NPS Contributions: Your contributions to NPS are substantial and will continue to grow with your DA and increments. Ensure you review your NPS portfolio and consider increasing the equity allocation for higher growth potential, if not already done.
APY: The APY contributions are a good addition to your retirement plan, providing a fixed pension post-60.
Insurance Coverage
Term Insurance: Your term insurance of Rs 1 crore is adequate for now. Ensure it covers your family’s future needs, considering inflation and rising costs.
Health Insurance: The Rs 10 lakh family floater health policy is good. Consider increasing the coverage as healthcare costs are rising rapidly.
LIC Policies
Your LIC Jeevan Labh policies are traditional plans with a mix of insurance and investment. While these provide guaranteed returns, the returns are relatively low compared to other investment options.

Continue with LIC: Since you have already paid premiums for several years, it might be wise to continue to avoid loss of benefits. However, assess if the returns meet your long-term goals.
Investment in Stocks
You have invested Rs 1,50,000 in stocks and are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

Diversify Portfolio: Ensure your stock portfolio is diversified across sectors to minimize risks.
Research and Monitor: Keep researching and monitoring your investments. Consider consulting a certified financial planner for stock investment advice if needed.
Housing Loan Planning
You plan to take a housing loan at age 40 for investment and tax rebate purposes.

Affordability: Ensure the EMI is affordable and doesn’t strain your finances.
Tax Benefits: A housing loan will provide tax benefits under Section 80C and 24(b). Calculate the benefits to see how it impacts your overall tax liability.
Property Selection: Choose a property in a location with good appreciation potential to maximize investment returns.
Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial for financial security.

Fund Size: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of your expenses. Given your income and responsibilities, a larger emergency fund is advisable.
Liquid Assets: Keep the emergency fund in liquid assets like a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial foundation with diversified investments and savings plans. Here are some additional steps you can take to optimize your financial health:

Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your financial plan. Adjust your investments and insurance coverage as needed based on changes in your financial situation and goals.
Financial Education: Keep educating yourself about new investment opportunities and financial strategies. Stay updated with market trends and regulatory changes.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting a certified financial planner for personalized advice and to ensure your financial plan is comprehensive and aligned with your goals.
With disciplined savings, strategic investments, and adequate insurance, you can achieve financial security and meet your long-term goals. Keep monitoring and adjusting your plan to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1086 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
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I am 38 year old F,working in a PSU and with my husband(41 years) we have take home salary of 2.5 lacs per month. current assets: residential flat 65 lacs 1bhk flat 18 lacs liabilities: emi-51000 p.m home loan 30000(remaining tenure 10 years) 1bhk loan 10000(remaining tenure 10 years) car loan 11000(remaining tenure 3.5 years) total loan outstanding-33.5 lacs investments(TOTAL) MF(1 FLEXICAP,1 MID CAP,1 ELSS) 28000 P.M MF BALANCE TILL DATE 8 Lacs PF 38 LACS PF CONTRIBUTION P.M 32000 P.M NPS YEARLY 50000 NPS balance till date 250000 LIC CONTRIBUTION COMPLETED FOR 15 YEARS SUM ASSURED 5 LACS (TO BE MATURED ON 2035) POST OFFICE LIFE INSURANCE(STARTED ON APR 2014) 2750 P.M (TO BE MATURED ON 2041) PPF 2 Lacs gold ornaments 21 lacs (approx) term insurance of 1 cr taken by my husband mediclaim 20 lacs Monthly Fixed expenses are around 2lacs including education expenses for 2 boys(age 11 & 2 years), taking care of parents,medical bills. We cannot accumulate any emergency funds at all and there is no liquid cash in hand at the end of every month. Please guide whether we are saving enough for our future and kids.
Ans: Hello;

A quick glance on your asset build up indicates major flaws:

1. As usual emphasis on inefficient lic/endowment policies as investment.

2. If you want to invest in gold as an asset class then SGB, ETF, gold funds are better ways.

Buying gold jewellery is not a problem but then it should not be counted as an asset but just an ornamental/fashion value.

I am fully aware about the emotional attachment families have towards their jewellery so it becomes difficult to liquidate.

Also if investment in gold as an asset class is the objective then it is redundant to pay making charges and GST on the same. Not applicable to gold etfs/funds and SGBs.

You have to save more for higher education of your kids considering burgeoning inflation in the education sector which is not captured in WPI or CPI index.

EPF, Mutual funds and NPS should have your highest allocations to achieve your goals.

Sell the one bhk if possible and reinvest sale proceeds in balanced advantage or multi asset allocation funds for future of your kids.

Increase NPS allocation substantially for your retirement.

Best wishes;
X: @mars_invest

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8077 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I am 41 years old and Married. I have 2 kids one daughter 15 years and son 7 years old. I am drawing annually 24 Lakhs salary. Having 3 houses one self occupied and two give letout with annual 4.2 lakhs rental income. All houses worth together 3 Crores. Housing loans principle outstanding of 85 lakhs with interest rate of 8.6% with monthly EMI of 1.13 lakhs per month for next 9 years. As of today I have SIP worth 90 lakhs with an IRR of 20%, Bank FD 30 lakhs – 7%, PPF 47 lakhs and PF 26 lakhs. I have term insurance of 1 CR and my wife term insurance of 50 Lakhs. For these for next 5 years, I have to pay premium of 1 lakh per annum. Medical insurance from company 5 lakh per annum for my family of 4 members. I am continuing my SIP of 86K per month – flexi cap 24L, small cap 29K, large cap 19K, Mid cap 14K. Any shortage of funds, I am moving from FD to SIP gradually. (SIP started 7 years back - started with 15K and now SIP at 86K) My annual expenses comes to 15 Lakhs including everything. I would like to take retirement at 50 years. Please check my details and suggest for any modifications for better returns. Also, please let me know how I can meet with liquid assets of 20 crores (in addition to my current properties) Thanks!
Ans: You have a strong financial foundation.
Your salary and rental income total Rs. 28.2 lakhs per year.
Your housing loan EMI is Rs. 1.13 lakh per month, which is manageable.
Your investments are well-diversified across mutual funds, FDs, PPF, and PF.
Your SIP portfolio has delivered an excellent IRR of 20%.
You have term insurance for yourself and your wife.
Your annual expenses are Rs. 15 lakhs, which is reasonable.
You have medical insurance of Rs. 5 lakh from your employer.
You gradually move funds from FD to SIP, which is a good strategy.
Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 20 crores in liquid assets within the next 9 years.
Retirement Readiness Assessment
You have 9 years left until your target retirement age of 50.
Your current investments are significant, but reaching Rs. 20 crores requires strategic planning.
Your housing loan is a major commitment, but it will end in 9 years.
Your SIP contributions are already strong and should continue.
Your rental income is a bonus but not reliable for long-term financial security.
Modifications for Better Returns
Increase SIP Gradually
Your SIP of Rs. 86K per month is excellent.
As your salary increases, try to increase SIP by at least 10-15% annually.
Move more funds from FD to SIP, as FD returns are low.
Reallocate Fixed-Income Investments
Your PPF and PF are too conservative.
You can stop fresh PPF contributions and allocate that amount to equity.
Maintain some FD for emergency funds but move excess FD to high-return investments.
Prepay Housing Loan or Invest More?
Your housing loan has an 8.6% interest rate.
Your SIP IRR is 20%, which is higher than your loan rate.
Instead of prepaying, continue investing in equity for wealth creation.
Additional Insurance Coverage
Your company’s medical insurance of Rs. 5 lakh is insufficient.
Consider a separate family floater health insurance of Rs. 15-20 lakh.
Your term insurance coverage is reasonable. No changes are needed.
Achieving Rs. 20 Crores in Liquid Assets
Step 1: Projected Investment Growth
Your SIP portfolio of Rs. 90 lakhs at 20% IRR can grow significantly in 9 years.
If you continue SIPs aggressively, you can accumulate a substantial corpus.
Additional investments from FD and PPF reallocations will further boost growth.
Step 2: Boosting Investment Contributions
As you get salary hikes, increase your monthly SIPs.
Reduce unnecessary expenses to redirect more funds into investments.
Consider lump sum investments when you receive bonuses or windfalls.
Step 3: Maintaining Investment Discipline
Stick to actively managed mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Stay invested during market fluctuations and avoid emotional decision-making.
Continue tracking and rebalancing your portfolio annually.
Finally
Your financial plan is strong, but small modifications can make a huge difference.
Increasing SIPs, reallocating low-yield investments, and maintaining discipline are key.
You are on track to build Rs. 20 crores in liquid assets if you execute this plan well.
Best Regards,

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

..Read more

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 04, 2025
Relationship
I have a cousin brother (21 years). He is 5 years elder than me. His father & my father are own brothers. His father is also 5 years elder than my father. I am concerned about something. My cousin brother always orders my mother (40 years old) for such things who nobody wants to do. She obeys him always quietly without any hesitation. Like if he ask her to bath twice or thrice in a day, then she will bath thrice in a day. If he ask her to dance, then she will dance also. If he ask her to press his legs, then she will press his legs. If he ask her to not to eat anything, then she will not eat anything. She is totally behaving like his slave. I told about it to my father. He ignored my words & called it rubbish. I asked my mother why she is behaving like this, but she doesn't answer. I asked my cousin brother why is he doing like this & why is my mother obeying his words, he said it's none of my business. Can you please help & tell what's going on ??
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It is kind of strange to see your mother act like this around him. This is definitely not something usual or causal and there is something deeper than what you can see or understand.
Does you father and his brother also notice the same or are they pretending to not notice it? This could give you a good understanding of what is going on. If your father is ignoring it, then kindly ask him to take some time out and explain this to you. On your part, spend more time with your mother; take her out, shop together, show her some fun time...encourage her to pursue some hobby or educational learning classes outside of home. When she starts to feel good about herself and does things for herself, she might be able to stand up for herself and push this fellow away.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 05, 2025

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I am in a delimma on my daughters approach.She is a doctor and with higher specialisation . All of a sudden she comes forward and says wants to marry a person who is her batchmate but is an inter caste and younger to her by a year . Caste is of lowest strata . I am a person who always respected everybody but the approach of this kind without considering the pros and cons and acting very violently to make it happen is very disturbing and I am in a dilemma . Please suggest
Ans: Dear Janardhan,
She's your daughter; certainly you can talk to her about your concerns, right? And when she shares, do make sure that you LISTEN first. As parents, you can be concerned and be quick to judge the person that she has chosen to marry. But when you do that, you are only going to push her further away from you. Let her share her side first and then present your side of concerns...request her to think about it and have another discussion a few weeks later.
As a toddler when she threw a tantrum, what did you do? I am sure that you let the emotion pass, then you picked her up and showered her with affection, so that she registers that she will be loved and cared for BUT her tantrum will not be appreciated.
The situation is similar; so try to break into her world and hear her out first...I hope you understand that for logic of pros and cons to be communicated, there is a need to first accept the emotional state that she is in...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1544 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 03, 2025
Relationship
Hi, my name is Dhruv, I have been married for 13 years. It was love marriage. We dont have any kids, though we tried but due to medical complications, we could not have a child. After a point of time, we both accepted the situation and moved on. Since last 3-4 years, slowly we have been drifting apart, though we are together but the love, feeling of togetherness has gone, we talk only about our regular lives, household chores, relatives etc but never about US. That feeling of being loved, even we don't hug each other anymore. Though we do care for each other but its not love anymore. Recently I met someone through work and somehow felt a connect with her, I could talk about things which I'm not able to talk with my wife. She make me feel that I'm still important and now I always think about her, want to be with her, talk to her. Though it makes me guilty also as somewhere in my heart I still love my wife and want to make it work. I am torn between what is right and what is wrong. If I think about myself, my happiness and t it hurts my wife, am I selfish or should I restrict my feelings, please advise way out
Ans: Dear Dhruv,
The easiest way to feel better when a relationship is failing is to get into another one. Searching for what you want in the original relationship cannot be found anywhere else; so giving into that temptation is only going to make things more confusing.
So, if you still love your wife and want to make it work, what have the two of you done so far to make things work?
Working on the marriage is a task that needs effort and a certain kind of stubborn nature that will help you cross over the the challenges that can emerge.
Your marriage now requires a complete RESET. So, push that button and go back to where it all began; no baggage, no expectations, no complaining...When you accept a situation, then do so fully...you can't have children; if you have accepted it then what's the reason to move apart. It only suggests that it was a compromise and not an acceptance.
Understand that acceptance is being graceful about the situation and being supportive of one another. Begin life afresh; date one another...laugh together, do things together. Bring back the little joys and bigger goals for marriage and life...
And most importantly, be in complete support of one another! That hidden love that you both share needs to be watered and nurtured even more...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Archana

Archana Deshpande  |103 Answers  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Mar 04, 2025

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Hi Mam, Hope you are doing well. I am very worried about my son who is now 12.5 years old and studying in 7th standard in a very reputed school. Since childhood, he has no interest in studies, unless we doesn't seat in front of him, he doesn't study. Every teacher from his kindergarten days upto now has the same complaint that he is doesn't pay attention in class and the result is he doesn't get good marks in the exam. When we scold him for studies, he does it for that particular time only and then get back to his non-interest mode again and start to run from studies. He will play video games, goes to play around with his friends, he will find some or the other reason for not doing studies or homework. The irony is that he is not interested in any sports or any other kind of activities. In every summer holidays, we make him to join some sports or music classes, but there also he doesn't show interest and do things just for the sake of showing. From last year, we have started sending him to tuitions also, but no change in attitude. This year we have found a teacher of his reputed school who is retired and taking tuitions, we are sending him to her and she is charging a big amount for tuitions. please guide how can we change his attitude and make him more serious in any activity he does as he doesn't have interest in anything (we have observed doing everything we can).
Ans: Hello Sunil!!

I am doing great, thank you for asking, God bless you!

I can totally understand when you say you are worried.

Your son is 12.5, he will soon be a teenager. There will be different challenges, I want you to read up on parenting a teenager and be ready to handle him well.

The problem as I see it is that everyone of you, his teachers included have made studies like a burden for him.... and subjected the young child to a lot of anxiety, he just wants to run away form it....
"Every teacher from his kindergarten days upto now has the same complaint that he is doesn't pay attention in class".... this statement of yours... it is the teacher's duty to ensure the child listens to him/her, how can she start labeling a child like this. From a young age your son has been conditioned to believe that he is not not good in studies, he doesn't focus and he doesn't sit in one place. All my sympathies are with your son...every child comes with immense potential and it's our duty as parents and teachers to nurture the child.

The following is what I propose so that we bring him back to loving to learn ( not score marks, that should never be the barometer)-
1. Love your child the way he is now
2. Give him lot of positive strokes
3. Have one on one sessions for any activity you plan for him... let him choose the activity, empower him
4. choose a teacher, who can get along with him and help him develop a positive attitude towards studies and life in general
5. look for a school where they nurture him... not just a reputed one...less number of students and a teacher who is invested in her/ his students,

If you can connect with me, I can help him. Have had many a students in this kind situation.
This is my website..
https://transformme.co.in/

Loads of best wishes to the whole family..

...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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