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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 06, 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
Raman Question by Raman on Jun 06, 2024Hindi
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Thanks alot sit for your commendable adviced given about how to maintain, adjust, review , to achieve my financial goal to make a better retirement life I will take into account all of your wise ideas with suggestion given to improve my overall portfolio

Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 12, 2024Hindi
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PLease help me with my financial planning, by when i can retire with this portfolio, i have current expenses of 70k per month. Category Asset Percentage (%) Value (?) Retirement Funds EPF (includes Gratuity and US 401) 33.45% 55,53,000 NPS 13.31% 23,96,000 PPF 7.53% 12,70,000 Bond 7.23% 12,00,000 Total Retirement 61.53% 1,20,19,000 Daughter's Education Fixed Deposit (FD) 4.82% 2,76,000 Mutual Funds 15.36% 31,00,000 Stocks 5.78% 13,47,000 Cash (includes Miscellaneous) 1.95% 3,00,000 Liquid 0.00% 50,000 Total Education 30.12% 50,73,000 Miscellaneous Gold (includes TI) 8.19% 15,08,000 Loan & Family Money Loans + Family Money 0.00% 15,83,333 Grand Total 97.63% 1,85,83,333
Ans: You have outlined a robust financial portfolio with well-diversified assets.

Retirement Funds form a major part of your investments, accounting for 61.53% of your total portfolio. These include EPF, NPS, PPF, and bonds.

Daughter's Education Funds make up 30.12%, including fixed deposits, mutual funds, stocks, and cash reserves.

Miscellaneous Investments like gold and loans/family money account for 8.19%.

Your total portfolio value stands at Rs 1.85 crore. This is a strong base for retirement planning.

Retirement Goal Assessment
You aim to retire with Rs 70,000 monthly expenses. This is Rs 8.4 lakh annually.

Considering inflation, your expenses will increase yearly. Accounting for this is critical.

Your current portfolio may fall short of sustaining retirement if inflation and longevity are not factored in.

Analysing Retirement Investments
1. EPF and NPS Contributions

EPF and NPS together contribute Rs 79.49 lakh.

These are excellent for retirement. EPF ensures stable returns, and NPS offers potential growth.

2. PPF and Bonds

PPF and bonds provide safety and consistent returns.

However, their growth may lag behind inflation.

3. Daughter's Education Funds

Your mutual funds and stocks for education are excellent growth-focused choices.

Fixed deposits provide stability but may not beat inflation.

Retirement Strategy Recommendations
1. Gradual Portfolio Rebalancing

Gradually reduce exposure to high-risk equity investments two years before retirement.

Shift a portion into debt mutual funds or other low-risk instruments.

This protects your corpus from market fluctuations.

2. Consolidate Retirement Corpus

Consider earmarking a portion of mutual funds for retirement instead of education.

This avoids the need to liquidate long-term investments prematurely.

3. Optimise NPS Allocation

Maximise equity exposure within NPS for better long-term returns.

Equity in NPS can provide growth even post-retirement.

4. Build a Liquid Fund

Set aside six months’ expenses in a liquid fund or high-interest savings account.

This ensures easy access during emergencies.

Education Fund Recommendations
1. Prioritise Growth-Oriented Investments

Mutual funds and equity investments can outpace education inflation.

Continue SIPs in well-diversified funds with a mid-to-high risk profile.

2. Review Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits offer safety but lower returns.

Consider reallocating a portion into balanced mutual funds for better growth.

Tax Efficiency Considerations
1. Mutual Fund Taxation

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. Plan redemptions carefully to minimise tax.

STCG is taxed at 20%. Avoid frequent withdrawals to reduce this burden.

2. Fixed Deposit Taxation

FD interest is taxed as per your income slab.

This reduces effective returns compared to tax-efficient mutual funds.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Retirement
1. Assess Post-Retirement Needs

Recalculate expenses to include healthcare and travel costs.

Account for inflation when estimating monthly retirement needs.

2. Healthcare Planning

Secure adequate health insurance for yourself and your family.

This prevents medical emergencies from draining your retirement corpus.

3. Maintain a Contingency Fund

Keep a contingency fund for unforeseen expenses.

This should not be part of your primary retirement corpus.

Professional Guidance and Monitoring
Work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to evaluate your portfolio regularly.

Adjust your asset allocation annually based on market conditions and your changing goals.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach has created a solid foundation for financial security. However, your portfolio requires optimisation to meet both retirement and education goals. Focus on balancing growth and stability. Align investments with specific goals to minimise future shortfalls. Maintain regular reviews and adjustments to stay on track for a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 09, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Mr. Ramalingam, Hope this email finds you in good health. I am a regular reader of your posts and thank you for sharing that knowledge and insight across. However, given financial management is such a personal thing, I was wondering if you can help me by reviewing my portfolio and sharing your optimization tips and suggestions to improve the same. Sharing some of the details from my end below. Background : 38 year Old IT professional living with my mother, wife and 9 year old daughter Primary Goals : Daughter's higher education (8 years away) : Current Cost 25 Lakhs Retirement : Looking to work till 48 (10 years away); Current Monthly Expense : 1 Lakh per Month Current Portfolio: EPF : 23.00 Lakhs PPF: 15.50 Lakhs Superannuation : 4.80 Lakhs NPS : 8.80 Lakhs Equity Mutual Funds : 56.50 Lakhs Debt Mutual Fund : 10.00 Lakhs (Kept for Emergency Purposes) Fixed Deposits : 7 Lakhs Monthly Investment Breakdown: EPF and VPF : 40,000 Superannuation: 15,000 NPS: 20,000 Mutual Funds : DSP Mutual Fund: Small Cap Fund - Reg - G has a current value of ?244,176.20, with a cost value of ?69,000.00, appreciating by ?175,176.20 at an annualized XIRR of 19.50%. Bandhan Sterling Value Fund-(Reg Pln)-Gr has a current value of ?20,037.84, with a cost value of ?20,000.00, appreciating by ?37.84 at an annualized XIRR of 0.42%, with an existing SIP of ?2,000.00. Bandhan Multi Asset Allocation Fund Reg-Growth has a current value of ?30,914.51, with a cost value of ?30,000.00, appreciating by ?914.51 at an annualized XIRR of 6.81%, with an existing SIP of ?3,000.00. Kotak Emerging Equity Fund-Gr has a current value of ?48,896.33, with a cost value of ?45,000.00, appreciating by ?3,896.33 at an annualized XIRR of 21.38%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. Kotak Flexicap Fund - Reg Gr has a current value of ?1,552,600.54, with a cost value of ?859,000.00, appreciating by ?693,600.54 at an annualized XIRR of 16.83%, with an existing SIP of ?1,000.00. HSBC Mutual Fund: HSBC Value Fund - Regular Growth has a current value of ?348,463.60, with a cost value of ?125,000.00, appreciating by ?223,463.60 at an annualized XIRR of 20.72%. HDFC Manufacturing Fund Regular Growth has a current value of ?26,033.70, with a cost value of ?25,000.00, appreciating by ?1,033.70 at an annualized XIRR of 6.44%. HDFC Multi Cap Fund Regular Growth has a current value of ?41,356.01, with a cost value of ?40,000.00, appreciating by ?1,356.01 at an annualized XIRR of 7.58%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund-Gr has a current value of ?42,564.66, with a cost value of ?40,000.00, appreciating by ?2,564.66 at an annualized XIRR of 14.54%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund-Growth has a current value of ?501,477.98, with a cost value of ?247,999.69, appreciating by ?253,478.29 at an annualized XIRR of 14.08%. SBI Mutual Fund: SBI Blue Chip Fund Reg Plan-G has a current value of ?311,649.64, with a cost value of ?168,058.01, appreciating by ?143,591.63 at an annualized XIRR of 15.86%. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap - Reg Plan has a current value of ?42,257.55, with a cost value of ?40,000.00, appreciating by ?2,257.55 at an annualized XIRR of 12.75%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap - Dir Plan has a current value of ?25,136.45, with a cost value of ?25,000.00, appreciating by ?136.45 at an annualized XIRR of 3.30%, with an existing SIP of ?5,000.00. ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund - Growth has a current value of ?148,361.65, with a cost value of ?124,000.00, appreciating by ?24,361.65 at an annualized XIRR of 21.32%, with an existing SIP of ?10,000.00. ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund - Growth has a current value of ?41,141.35, with a cost value of ?40,000.00, appreciating by ?1,141.35 at an annualized XIRR of 6.37%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund Growth has a current value of ?112,828.74, with a cost value of ?88,000.00, appreciating by ?24,828.74 at an annualized XIRR of 14.62%. ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund - Growth has a current value of ?20,492.30, with a cost value of ?20,000.00, appreciating by ?492.30 at an annualized XIRR of 5.48%, with an existing SIP of ?2,000.00. Axis Bluechip Fund - Growth has a current value of ?172,699.36, with a cost value of ?131,993.29, appreciating by ?40,706.07 at an annualized XIRR of 16.85%. Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund has a current value of ?1,739,836.71, with a cost value of ?987,960.10, appreciating by ?751,876.61 at an annualized XIRR of 20.58%, with an existing SIP of ?18,000.00. Mirae Asset Multi Asset Allocation Fund has a current value of ?30,981.90, with a cost value of ?29,998.51, appreciating by ?983.39 at an annualized XIRR of 7.08%, with an existing SIP of ?3,000.00. Nippon India Multi Cap Fund has a current value of ?41,231.79, with a cost value of ?39,997.80, appreciating by ?1,233.99 at an annualized XIRR of 6.55%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. Nippon India Growth Fund has a current value of ?42,780.93, with a cost value of ?39,997.03, appreciating by ?2,783.90 at an annualized XIRR of 14.77%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. Quant Active Fund has a current value of ?38,186.47, with a cost value of ?39,997.47, depreciating by ?1,811.00 at an annualized XIRR of -9.84%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. Quant Small Cap Fund has a current value of ?40,281.20, with a cost value of ?39,997.79, appreciating by ?283.41 at an annualized XIRR of 1.53%, with an existing SIP of ?4,000.00. Sundaram Mutual Fund: Sundaram Short Duration Fund has a current value of ?1,018,820.07, with a cost value of ?999,949.97, appreciating by ?18,870.10 at an annualized XIRR of 7.49%. The total current value of all MF investments is ?6,683,207.48, with an existing SIP of ?80,000.00. It would be really helpful if you can please guide me on how I can optimize my investments and re-construct the same (e.g. Stopping some SIPs, Starting new ones, Alter amounts etc.) in order to improve the overall financial well being. Also, I am open to listen to any other general suggestions and recommendations which can help me in my financial investment journey. Please let me know your thoughts and comments. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you again.
Ans: Your disciplined approach to investing is impressive. Let us explore optimization strategies and actionable suggestions tailored to your goals.

Current Financial Snapshot
Strengths:

Diversified portfolio across EPF, PPF, NPS, mutual funds, and fixed deposits.
Regular monthly investments of Rs. 1,75,000 into a mix of equity and debt instruments.
Emergency corpus in debt mutual funds and fixed deposits ensures liquidity.
Clear goals for higher education and early retirement.
Areas of Improvement:

Overlapping mutual fund categories dilute returns and complicate tracking.
Suboptimal returns in certain funds.
Lack of clarity on inflation-adjusted goal amounts.
Goal Analysis
1. Daughter's Higher Education (8 Years Away):

Target cost: Rs. 25 lakhs at present. Adjusted for inflation (7%), the future cost will be around Rs. 43 lakhs.
Current allocation to equity mutual funds is aligned with the long-term nature of this goal.
2. Retirement (10 Years Away):

Current monthly expense: Rs. 1 lakh. Future expense at 6% inflation: Rs. 1.79 lakhs/month.
Retirement corpus required to sustain expenses post-retirement is approximately Rs. 6-7 crores.
Mutual Fund Portfolio Assessment
Key Observations:

You have multiple funds with similar objectives, leading to inefficiency.
Some funds show lower XIRR or minimal appreciation.
Active SIPs need better alignment with goal timelines.
Action Plan:

Consolidate overlapping funds into 4-5 high-performing, diversified funds.
Focus on flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for higher growth potential.
Exit underperforming funds, such as those with XIRR below 7%, and redirect SIPs.
Recommendations for Monthly Investments
1. EPF, VPF, and Superannuation Contributions:

Continue these for their tax benefits and steady growth.
Ensure you review the EPF interest rates annually.
2. NPS Contributions:

NPS Tier-I contributions are ideal for retirement due to tax benefits.
Allocate 75% to equity for the next 7-8 years to maximize growth.
3. SIP Realignment:

Increase SIPs in funds with consistent high XIRR.
Focus Rs. 80,000 SIP allocation toward goal-specific funds.
4. Emergency Corpus:

Maintain 6-12 months of expenses in liquid instruments.
Debt mutual funds and fixed deposits are sufficient.
Tax Efficiency
Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%. Plan partial redemptions in phases post-retirement to optimize taxes.
Debt Mutual Funds: Gains are taxed as per your slab. Ensure their primary purpose remains liquidity.
NPS Withdrawals: Invest 40% in annuities (mandatory) post-retirement, and the rest can be withdrawn tax-free within limits.
Suggestions for Overall Portfolio Management
1. Monitor Inflation Impact:

Regularly adjust goal amounts for inflation.
Use annual reviews to tweak asset allocation.
2. Diversify Without Overlap:

Avoid holding multiple funds within the same category (e.g., small-cap funds).
Opt for funds managed by reputed fund houses with a track record of consistent performance.
3. Increase Retirement Focus:

Shift a larger percentage of monthly investments toward equity funds with a 7-10 year horizon.
Use balanced advantage or hybrid funds to reduce volatility closer to retirement.
4. Review Insurance Needs:

Ensure adequate life and health insurance coverage for your family.
If underinsured, consider term insurance for Rs. 1-2 crore.
Final Insights
You are on the right track with a strong investment base. Streamlining and realigning your mutual fund portfolio will improve efficiency and returns. Inflation-adjusted goals should guide your investments.

Continue your disciplined approach and conduct annual reviews with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure progress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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