Should I Invest in My Daughter's Medical Education Even with Tight Finances?

Ans: Hello,
As per your description of your assets, you have 3.5 + 4 = 7.5crs total
For living you can buy a house upto 3-3.5crs inclusive of taxes and interiors ( this will net of taxes paid for the property sold previously )
The remaining amount which is 4crs , you can park that in a balanced portfolio of mutual funds to get SWP of Rs.2L per month which is 6%. What this will do is take care of your day to day expenses and also give an appreciation of your portfolio to beat inflation VS FD which will give you 6% but no capital appreciation.
You can do as follows in terms of the funds
Emergency fund - 20L in a short term debt fund or FD
Investment portfolio - 3.8crs
Small cap - 15%
Mid cap - 15%
Large and mid cap - 20%
Multicap - 20%
Consumption fund - 10%
Equity hybrid / BAF - 10%
As per choice - 10%

Do spend some money for medical insurance no matter how expensive with a good medical insurance company after consulting an advisor.

Please note that these suggestions are based on your stated goals and the information you provided. It is always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor in person to better understand your risk tolerance, time horizon, and specific financial goals.

Ans: Financial planning is crucial for achieving long-term goals, especially when you aim to fund your child's education and purchase a home. With a combined monthly income of Rs. 1.5 lakhs and liabilities of Rs. 85,000, it’s essential to strategically manage your finances. In this comprehensive guide, I will help you plan for your child's future education expenses, buying your own house, and managing current liabilities.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
Your combined monthly income is Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Current liabilities are Rs. 85,000, including Rs. 15,000 for car EMI and Rs. 15,000 for rent. This leaves you with Rs. 65,000 for savings and other expenses.

Investments and Savings
You are already investing Rs. 12,500 in PPF and have an emergency fund created. These are excellent financial habits that provide a strong foundation for future planning.

Prioritizing Financial Goals
Child's Education Fund
You aim to fund your child's education, particularly a doctor’s course, in 20 years. Medical education costs can be substantial, so starting early is beneficial.

Purchasing a Home
You plan to buy a house worth Rs. 60-70 lakhs in the next 4-5 years, with the help of a loan. This goal requires a significant amount of savings and careful financial planning.

Budgeting and Expense Management
Creating a Detailed Budget
Develop a comprehensive budget that includes all income sources, fixed expenses (like EMIs and rent), and variable expenses (like groceries and utilities). This helps in tracking your spending and identifying areas where you can cut costs.

Prioritizing Expenses
Prioritize essential expenses and identify discretionary spending that can be reduced. This might include dining out, entertainment, and other non-essential expenditures.

Tracking Expenses
Use expense-tracking tools or apps to monitor your spending. Regular tracking ensures that you stay within your budget and can make adjustments as necessary.

Managing Current Liabilities
Car Loan
You have a Rs. 6 lakh car loan with a monthly EMI of Rs. 15,000, planning to repay it in 2 years. Focus on repaying this loan quickly to free up funds for other financial goals.

Rent
Your monthly rent is Rs. 15,000. As you plan to buy a house in 4-5 years, continue to manage this expense while you save for a down payment.

Savings and Investments
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Consider starting SIPs in mutual funds. SIPs allow regular, disciplined investments that can grow over time. Choose funds that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Diversified Investment Portfolio
Create a diversified investment portfolio, including mutual funds, fixed deposits, and other safe instruments. Diversification helps in managing risks and optimizing returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers who make investment decisions to outperform the market. These funds can provide higher returns compared to index funds, despite higher fees.

Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct funds require investors to manage their investments, which can be challenging without expertise. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional management and better financial planning.

Planning for Child’s Education
Education Fund
Start a dedicated education fund for your child. Regular contributions to this fund will ensure you are financially prepared for their higher education.

Education Savings Plans
Consider education savings plans that offer tax benefits and long-term growth. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to choose the right plan for your needs.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) for Education
Utilize SIPs to build the education fund over time. SIPs offer the advantage of rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding, making them ideal for long-term goals.

Planning for Home Purchase
Saving for Down Payment
To buy a house worth Rs. 60-70 lakhs, save for the down payment, typically 20% of the property value. This requires disciplined saving over the next 4-5 years.

Home Loan Planning
Research home loan options and choose one with favorable terms. Look for low-interest rates, flexible repayment options, and minimal processing fees.

Loan Eligibility and Repayment
Ensure your credit score is good to qualify for a home loan. Plan your EMI payments so that they are manageable and do not strain your finances.

Long-term Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Start planning for retirement early. The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow, ensuring a comfortable retirement.

Retirement Funds
Invest in retirement-specific funds like the Public Provident Fund (PPF) or Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). These funds offer long-term growth with tax benefits.

Health and Life Insurance
Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage. These protections are crucial for safeguarding your family’s financial future in case of unforeseen events.



Your commitment to saving and planning for your family’s future is admirable. Balancing current liabilities while planning for significant future expenses shows great financial discipline.


Managing finances while supporting a family and planning for the future can be challenging. Your proactive approach to financial planning is commendable and will benefit you in the long run.

Practical Steps for Implementation
Regular Financial Reviews
Conduct regular reviews of your financial plan. Adjust your budget and investments based on changes in income, expenses, and financial goals.

Professional Guidance
Engage a Certified Financial Planner to help you create and manage your financial plan. A CFP provides expert advice, ensuring your financial decisions align with your goals.

Family Involvement
Involve your spouse in financial planning. A collaborative approach ensures that both partners are on the same page and can work together towards common goals.

Final Insights
Balancing current liabilities with long-term financial goals requires careful planning and disciplined execution. By creating a detailed budget, prioritizing expenses, and making strategic investments, you can manage your finances effectively. Start early with your child’s education fund and retirement planning to ensure you meet these goals comfortably.

Engaging a Certified Financial Planner ensures you receive professional guidance tailored to your unique situation. Your dedication to your family’s future and financial well-being is commendable. With the right strategies and support, you can achieve your financial goals and secure a prosperous future for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: You have a well-structured portfolio with SIPs, equity investments, FDs, and real estate. Your focus on retirement at 59-60 and securing your daughter’s future is crucial. Let’s assess your financial standing and guide you towards a more structured approach.

Current Financial Overview
Investments

SIP: Rs 40,000 per month
Equity: Rs 1.5 lakh lump sum investment
Total Portfolio: Rs 19 lakh
Real Estate

One flat is debt-free
Second flat has a Rs 21 lakh home loan till 2032
Fixed Deposits

Rs 35 lakh in FD
Provident Fund & PPF

PF Balance: Rs 22 lakh
PPF: Rs 6 lakh
Insurance & Tax Savings

Mediclaim: Rs 50 lakh per year
Life Insurance: Rs 50 lakh term plan
Monthly insurance premium under 80C: Rs 25,000
Future Real Estate Plan

Planning to invest Rs 25 lakh in an open plot in Nagpur
Parental Property

Rs 35 lakh property expected to be transferred in 10 years
Key Financial Considerations
1. Should You Invest Rs 25 Lakh in an Open Plot?
Real estate is not liquid, making it difficult to use in emergencies.
Selling at the right price may take years.
Property maintenance and legal issues can add costs.
Instead, consider investing in equity or mutual funds for higher flexibility.
It’s better to keep Rs 25 lakh diversified in liquid investments rather than real estate.

2. Retirement Planning – Securing Post-Retirement Expenses
Your current monthly expense is Rs 40,000. This will rise due to inflation. You need a solid retirement corpus.

Continue SIPs and Increase Contribution Yearly

Rs 40,000 SIPs are good, but increase them by 10% yearly.
This ensures long-term wealth creation.
Allocate FD Funds Wisely

FD returns are low and taxable.
Shift a portion to equity and hybrid funds for better growth.
Utilise PF and PPF Efficiently

PF will grow by retirement but won’t be enough alone.
Continue PPF for stable, tax-free returns.
Debt Fund Investments for Stability

Gradually move funds to debt funds five years before retirement.
This protects against market volatility.
Health Insurance is Well-Planned

Rs 50 lakh mediclaim is a strong financial shield.
Ensure coverage continues post-retirement.
3. Planning for Your Daughter’s Future
Your daughter is just four years old. You need a structured education and marriage fund.

Start a Separate SIP for Her Education

Allocate at least Rs 15,000 per month in equity funds.
Increase by 10% annually to cover rising education costs.
Use Debt Funds for Short-Term Needs

For school fees or immediate expenses, use debt funds.
These are safer than FDs and provide better returns.
Avoid Child ULIPs or Traditional Insurance Plans

These give low returns with high charges.
Instead, use mutual funds for higher growth.
Consider a Sukanya Samriddhi Account

This provides tax-free returns and stability for long-term goals.
Invest a small portion to diversify savings.
Final Insights
Avoid investing Rs 25 lakh in an open plot.
Increase SIPs yearly and allocate part of FD funds to mutual funds.
Start a dedicated education fund for your daughter.
Focus on equity growth while gradually securing assets in debt before retirement.
With structured planning, you can achieve financial security for yourself and your daughter.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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