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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11150 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2025

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
Prashant Question by Prashant on May 16, 2025
Money

Dear Sir, Thanks for responding the valuable inputs and solution to my queries. However, if i want to go with Certified Financial Planner, then what should be cost or charges per year and the options to opt in the Market?.. Thanks again

Ans: Thank you for your kind words.

To work with a Certified Financial Planner, charges vary based on service type—fee-based or commission-based..

For personalised guidance, you can contact me directly through the website given below.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
Asked on - May 19, 2025 | Answered on May 19, 2025
Thanks for every thing Sir
Ans: You are Welcome!

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |11150 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hello sir, Thanks for your suggestion to consult certified financial planner if it is difficult for me to find. can you suggest from where I can find certified financial planner.
Ans: Please search for "online financial planning & Retirement planning services with a Holistic Approach" in Google and then follow the below steps with the results.

Research: Start by researching reputable brokerage firms that offer mutual fund advisory services. Look for firms with a strong track record, experienced financial advisors, and a range of services tailored to your needs.

Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the brokerage firm to discuss your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment preferences, and other relevant factors. This initial meeting will help the advisor understand your needs and recommend suitable investment strategies.

Advisory Services: Once you've selected a brokerage firm, the advisor will work with you to develop a personalized mutual fund investment plan. They will recommend specific funds based on your financial objectives and provide ongoing guidance to help you navigate the market.

Account Setup: The brokerage firm will assist you in setting up investment accounts and facilitate the purchase of mutual funds according to your investment plan. They will also help you monitor your portfolio and make adjustments as needed.

Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic reviews with your advisor to assess the performance of your mutual fund investments, review changes in your financial situation, and make any necessary adjustments to your investment strategy.

Fees and Charges: Understand the fee structure associated with the brokerage firm's services, including advisory fees, transaction costs, and any other charges. Ensure that you are comfortable with the costs involved before proceeding with the services.

By following these steps, you can access the expertise of professional brokerages to assist you in financial planning and investment management.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11150 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

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Money
What is the Fees of a Certified Financial Planner?
Ans: The fees for a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) vary widely.

Fee Structures
CFPs charge in different ways:

Hourly Rate: Rs 2000 to Rs 10,000 per hour.

Flat Fee: Rs 15,000 to Rs 75,000 for a comprehensive plan.

Percentage of Assets: 0.5% to 2% annually.

Retainer Fee: Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per year.

Commission-Based CFPs
In India, many CFPs work on a commission basis.

Product Commissions: They earn from selling financial products like mutual funds and insurance.

No Direct Fees: You don’t pay them directly; they earn from your investments.

Professional Guidance: Choose a professional CFP who works on commission. It can be beneficial as they are motivated to help you grow your investments.

Services Provided
Comprehensive Planning: Includes retirement, tax, and estate planning, costing more.

Specific Advice: Focused on a single issue, typically costing less.

Experience and Reputation
Highly Experienced CFPs: Charge higher fees due to reputation.

Less Experienced CFPs: Charge lower fees to attract clients.

Location
Urban Areas: Higher fees due to living costs.

Smaller Cities/Towns: Lower fees.

Value of Professional Guidance
Personalized Advice: Tailored to help you achieve financial goals.

Long-term Benefits: Leads to better financial decisions.

Final Insights
Fee Structures Vary: Know the different ways CFPs charge.

Consider Services and Experience: Evaluate what you need and the CFP’s experience.

Weigh Costs vs. Benefits: Consider the long-term benefits of professional advice.

Commission-Based CFPs: They can be a good choice, offering motivated, growth-focused guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11150 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 09, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 08, 2026Hindi
Money
Hi, Am a regular reader of 'Money' section, and wanted to start by thanking you for sharing valuable insights and guidance. A common comment at the end of most of these suggestions is a recommendation to connect with a Certified Financial Planner, which is where my questions are: a) Do these CFPs charge basis a % of portfolio or hourly rate or any other basis? b) Could you please advise on a criteria for selection - is there a rating or grading information that can be viewed to decide on a particular planner? Could you share a few tips on how to make an educated choice? c) Is there a repository / directory that provides CFPs by area [e.g., I went to "FPSB India", and it did provide me with area based options, but only as a list of names. Not sure if it provides any further credentials. Are there any more such sites that helps with a brief Introduction / write-ups for CFPs before connecting with them? Thank you.
Ans: Thank you for reading the ‘Money’ section regularly and for your kind words. It is encouraging to see readers thinking deeply about advice quality and not just products. Your questions are very relevant and show a mature approach to personal finance.

» How Certified Financial Planners usually charge
– A Certified Financial Planner can operate under different models
– If the CFP is also registered as an Investment Adviser (RIA):

They may charge a fixed annual fee

Or an hourly / project-based fee

Or a combination of fixed fee plus a small percentage of assets under advice
– If the CFP is also a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

They do not charge fees directly to the client

They earn performance-linked commissions from mutual funds

This commission is built into the product cost and paid by the fund house
– The key point is transparency: a good CFP clearly explains how they are compensated before engagement

» How to choose the right Certified Financial Planner
– Start with credentials, not popularity
– Check that the person is an active CFP professional and not just using the term loosely
– Important selection criteria to consider:

Years of experience in comprehensive financial planning, not just selling products

Ability to cover all areas like goal planning, tax, insurance, retirement, estate basics

Process-driven approach rather than product-driven conversations

Willingness to understand your full financial picture before suggesting solutions
– During the first interaction, observe:

Are they asking more questions than giving quick answers?

Are they explaining concepts in simple language?

Are they comfortable saying “this is not suitable for you”?
– Comfort and trust matter; financial planning is a long-term relationship

» Ratings, reviews, and public information – practical view
– Unlike doctors or hotels, CFPs do not have a universal rating or grading system
– Online reviews can help, but should not be the only filter
– Consistency of thought, clarity of communication, and ethical positioning are more important than star ratings

» Directories and where to find CFPs
– FPSB India is the primary and official body that lists Certified Financial Planners
– Their directory helps you find CFPs city-wise, which is a good starting point
– The limitation, as you noticed, is that it mainly provides names and basic details
– Beyond this:

Many CFPs maintain their own websites, blogs, or YouTube channels where their thinking is visible

Articles, interviews, and long-form content give a better sense of philosophy than a simple profile
– There is no single platform today that provides detailed write-ups and comparisons of CFPs
– Hence, shortlisting 2–3 CFPs and having an introductory discussion is often the most practical method

» How to make an educated final choice
– Prefer planners who focus on planning before products
– Avoid those who push for immediate switches or drastic actions in the first meeting
– Ask clearly:

How will my progress be reviewed year after year?

How do you handle market ups and downs with clients?
– A good CFP aims for long-term discipline and peace of mind, not short-term excitement

» Final Insights
– Your approach of understanding the advisory ecosystem before engaging is wise
– There is no “perfect” charging model; clarity, alignment, and ethics matter more
– Spend time evaluating the planner, just as they evaluate your finances
– The right Certified Financial Planner adds value not only through returns, but through structure, clarity, and confidence

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11150 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 21, 2026

Money
I am a 43 year old, have a dependend wife & 12 yr old daughter (7 STD). Earing 2.25 L per month. Monthly expenses 80k. No debts and staying in my own flat.& 1 more flat (earn rent Rs. 28 k monthly), 2 lac as emergency fund in savings. I invested 3 lakhs in equity stocks, 23 lakhs in MF lumpsum(Current Value 32 lacs), 18 lac in FD and 10 lac in NSC. Till date my PF is 36 lacs. I pay 80 k SIP monthly (investment value 19.50 lacs and market value 25 lac), PPF 1.50 lac p.a -Current value 9 lacs, NPS 1 lac p.a -Current value 6.5 lacs, SSY 1.5 lacs p.a.( Current value 9.5 lacs) and PPF for wife 1 lacs p.a (Current value 5.50 lacs) and PPF for daughter 50k p.a.from 2023( Current value 1.73 lac) Also Family medical insurance of 10 lacs.. and myself term insurance of 50 lakhs and LIC of 10 lakhs. Also I purchased LIC Child Money back of 10 lacs and SBI smart chap 5 lacs for my daughter education. I want to retire by 50's with the total corpus of 5 cr. Is it possible with above or increase investments??
Ans: You have built a very strong financial structure already at age 43. Your disciplined SIP of Rs 80,000 monthly, multiple long-term investments, rental income and debt-free lifestyle are powerful advantages for early retirement planning before 50s.

» Present Financial Strength Overview

– Monthly income Rs 2.25 lakh
– Monthly expense Rs 80,000
– Rental income Rs 28,000 monthly
– No liabilities
– Strong PF corpus Rs 36 lakh
– Mutual fund investments growing well
– Regular SIP Rs 80,000 monthly
– PPF contributions for self, wife and daughter
– SSY contribution for daughter
– NSC and FD holdings available

This is a very balanced portfolio structure.

» Retirement Target Rs 5 Crore by Age 50

Your goal is ambitious but achievable with disciplined continuation.

Positive factors supporting success:

– high monthly SIP already running
– strong PF accumulation ongoing
– additional rental income support
– low household expense ratio
– no debt burden

These are excellent strengths.

However, timeline is short (about 7 years).

So investment efficiency becomes very important.

» Emergency Fund Needs Improvement

Currently emergency fund is Rs 2 lakh.

Recommended level:

– minimum 6 to 12 months expenses
– should be around Rs 5 to 10 lakh range

Increase this gradually for safety.

» Role of Fixed Income Investments in Your Plan

Your portfolio includes:

– FD Rs 18 lakh
– NSC Rs 10 lakh
– multiple PPF accounts

These provide stability but lower growth compared to equity mutual funds.

For early retirement goal before 50:

– some portion of future investments should move towards growth assets
– continue existing safe investments but avoid increasing them further heavily

This improves corpus growth speed.

» Mutual Fund SIP Strength is the Key Driver

Your SIP of Rs 80,000 monthly is your biggest retirement engine.

To reach Rs 5 crore comfortably:

– increase SIP yearly when income increases
– even Rs 10,000 yearly increase helps strongly
– continue long-term discipline without interruption

This creates strong compounding impact.

» Review of Insurance Planning

Current protection:

– health insurance Rs 10 lakh
– term insurance Rs 50 lakh

Suggestions:

– increase health cover if possible
– term insurance ideally should be higher considering dependent wife and child

Protection planning strengthens retirement safety.

» Child Education Policies Review

You mentioned:

– child education insurance policies already taken

Generally these plans give lower returns compared to mutual funds.

Better approach after checking surrender values:

– consider partial surrender or paid-up option
– redirect future premium savings towards mutual fund SIP for education goal

This improves long-term growth.

» Rental Income Advantage in Retirement Planning

Rental income Rs 28,000 monthly is a strong support.

This helps:

– reduce retirement dependency on corpus
– provide inflation-adjusted support over time
– improve early retirement feasibility

Very useful strength in your case.

» Action Steps to Improve Probability of Rs 5 Crore Target

Simple improvements can help:

– increase emergency fund to safer level
– increase SIP gradually every year
– avoid increasing new fixed-return investments
– review child education insurance policies
– strengthen health insurance cover
– maintain investment discipline for next 7 years strictly

These steps improve goal achievement chances strongly.

» Finally

Based on your current savings rate, strong SIP discipline, rental income support and low expenses, reaching Rs 5 crore by your early 50s looks achievable. Increasing SIP gradually and improving protection planning will make this target more comfortable and realistic.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11150 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 21, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2026Hindi
Money
Hi gurus...I am 33yr married female. I am making the following investments monthly 1. Sip of 17000pm 2. I invest in RD to be able to deposit in my ppf account ( trying to utilise full 1.5Lakh limit) 3. Every month my contribution ( including employer contribution ) to NPS is 9670pm Since my spouse is working in pvt sector, I would like to accumulate retirement money required to lead post retirement withdrawing 1.5 lakh monthly. Also, I will need to withdraw 10-15 lakh for home buying (planning in 5-7 years), and kids education after 15-18 years requiring 20 lakhs Pls suggest if this investment plan is good for my goal or I need to make any tweaks to achieve my goals
Ans: You have already started retirement planning at age 33 and that is a very strong step. Also, you are investing regularly through SIP, PPF and NPS. This shows discipline and long-term thinking. With some adjustments, your goals can become more comfortable and achievable.
» Understanding Your Present Investment Structure
Your current monthly investments are:
– SIP investment Rs 17,000
– RD for PPF contribution up to Rs 1.5 lakh yearly
– NPS contribution (employee + employer) Rs 9,670 monthly
These three together create a solid base for retirement planning. But since you have multiple goals, allocation planning becomes important.
» Retirement Goal Requirement Reality
You want retirement income of about Rs 1.5 lakh per month.
Important points:
– retirement may be after 25 to 27 years
– inflation will increase expenses strongly
– future monthly need may be much higher than today’s value
– so retirement corpus requirement will be large
This means present SIP amount alone may not be enough over long term.
Increasing equity mutual fund exposure gradually is important.
» Home Purchase Goal in 5 to 7 Years
You plan to withdraw Rs 10 to 15 lakh for house purchase.
Current approach:
– RD supporting PPF contribution is safe
– but PPF has long lock-in period
– withdrawal flexibility is limited
Better approach:
– create a separate mutual fund investment bucket for house goal
– choose balanced allocation between safety and growth
– avoid depending only on PPF for this goal
This improves liquidity and timing comfort.
» Children Education Goal After 15 to 18 Years
Education goal of Rs 20 lakh today will increase in future.
So planning should include:
– growth-oriented mutual fund investments
– long-term SIP increase gradually
– separate goal-based investment tracking
This will help you reach education target without disturbing retirement savings.
» Role of NPS in Your Retirement Planning
NPS contribution of Rs 9,670 monthly including employer share is a strong advantage.
Benefits:
– long-term disciplined retirement saving
– tax efficiency support
– employer contribution adds extra strength
Continue this without interruption.
» Importance of Increasing SIP Every Year
Your retirement success depends mainly on equity exposure.
Recommended action:
– increase SIP amount every year with salary increase
– even small yearly increase creates big future impact
– goal-based SIP planning gives better clarity
This improves retirement confidence.
» Need for Emergency Fund Planning
Before increasing investments further, check:
– minimum 6 months household expense reserve
– kept in safe liquid investment
– separate from long-term goals
This protects your financial plan during unexpected situations.
» Simple Allocation Improvement Strategy
For stronger goal achievement:
– continue NPS contribution
– continue PPF contribution for safety portion
– increase SIP gradually for retirement goal
– create separate SIP for house purchase goal
– create separate SIP for children education goal
Goal separation improves clarity and success rate.
» Finally
Your current investment plan is a strong starting structure. But to achieve retirement income of Rs 1.5 lakh monthly along with house purchase and children education goals, increasing SIP gradually and creating separate investments for each goal will make your plan much stronger and safer.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...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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