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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 23, 2024Hindi
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I took VRS and my age is 51. I have invested my terminal benefit of nearly 90 lacs mostly in bank FD with monthly payout. I also get monthly pension of Rs. 60000 and rent of Rs 10000. My monthly expense is limited to 40000. My daughter is pursuing MSc and has 3 years to complete. I have recently started SIP for 10000 per month consulting a financial advisor. The funds are Mahindra manulife aggressive hybrid reg growth-3000, Samco flexicap reg G-2000, Whiteoak capital banking financial service reg G-3000, Whiteoak capital largecap reg G-2000. My goal is to make my corpus 2-3 crores in next 10 years.

Ans: Congratulations on your retirement and taking steps towards financial planning for the future. It's wonderful that you have a clear goal in mind and are actively investing to achieve it.

With your terminal benefit invested mainly in bank FDs with monthly payout, along with a steady monthly pension and rental income, you have a reliable income stream to cover your expenses and support your daughter's education.

Starting SIPs in mutual funds is a smart move to grow your wealth over the long term. Your choice of funds reflects a diversified approach, covering different market segments and investment styles. It's essential to monitor the performance of these funds regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your financial goals.

Your goal of reaching a corpus of 2-3 crores in the next 10 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined saving and investing. Given your current investments and income sources, along with your SIP contributions, it's important to ensure that your investment strategy aligns with your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to review your overall financial plan, assess your risk profile, and make any necessary adjustments to optimize your investment strategy. They can provide personalized guidance to help you achieve your financial goals while maintaining financial security and peace of mind.

Continue to stay focused on your goals, and with prudent financial management, you can build a substantial corpus for a comfortable and secure future.

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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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2023

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Dear Sir, Iam 51 and I have been investing in diversified mutual funds since last 10 years and accumulated around Rs 1.28 Crores and continuing SIP's in following funds. Quant Large cap - Rs 9000, SBI Health care fund - Rs 5000, UTI Flexi cap fund - Rs 5000, Kotak Flexi cap fund - Rs 13000, Mirae asset hybrid equity fund - Rs 8000. I have also accumulated corpus of Rs 13 lakhs in NPS tier 1 and doing SIP of Rs 5000 every months. Further i have combine corpus of Rs 43 Lakhs in EPF and PPF accounts. I have invested Rs 4.72 Lakhs in 20 Year bonds of HUDCO, PFC tax free bonds in 2013 and receiving Rs 42000 every year as interest. I want to have Rs 50000 every month from the above from next year. I will try to continue SIP's till next 2-3 years from other expected incomes from parents.Iam also getting Rs 15000 per month as rent and do not have nay debt.
Ans: Dear Srinivasa,

First of all, congratulations on your disciplined investment approach over the past decade. You have built a considerable corpus that should serve you well in the coming years.

Based on the information you provided, you currently have:

Mutual Funds: Rs 1.28 Crores
NPS (Tier 1): Rs 13 Lakhs
EPF and PPF: Rs 43 Lakhs
HUDCO and PFC Bonds: Rs 4.72 Lakhs (Rs 42,000 annual interest)
Rental Income: Rs 15,000 per month
Your goal is to generate Rs 50,000 per month starting next year.

Here's a suggested plan:

Continue your SIPs in mutual funds for the next 2-3 years, as you mentioned. This will help your corpus grow even further.
Utilize the interest income from the HUDCO and PFC bonds (Rs 42,000 per year) as a part of your desired Rs 50,000 per month. You can reinvest the interest income in a liquid fund or a short-term debt fund to ensure its availability when needed.
You can consider allocating a portion of your mutual fund corpus to a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in order to generate the remaining monthly income needed. Assuming you require Rs 50,000 per month (Rs 6 Lakhs per year), you can use a small portion of your Rs 1.28 Crores corpus to fund this. Start the SWP next year to meet your monthly income requirement.
Your rental income of Rs 15,000 per month will serve as an additional source of income, which can be used to cover any unforeseen expenses or to reinvest in your portfolio.
It's advisable to keep your EPF and PPF investments intact until maturity, as they provide a safe and tax-efficient option for long-term wealth creation.
Please remember that the above plan is only a suggestion, and you should consult with a certified financial planner to create a personalized plan based on your specific financial situation and goals.

Wishing you the best in your financial journey.

Warm regards,

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello Experts, I am 35 year old planning to have a corpus of ?5cr in next 20 years. I have 20lacs fixed deposit and invest in below mutual funds via SIPs and also planning to increase it by 5k per month Sukanya Samriddhi : 1.5 Lacs VPF : 1.2 Lacs NPS: 1.5 Lacs (Tier 1 - 75% equity) Monthly SIPs: Parag Parekh flexi cap - 5k UTI Index fund- 2k Kotak Emerging equity : 2k Mirae asset emerging bluechip: 1k SBI Blue chip: 1k Nippon India tax saver :0.5k Axis long term equity :1.5k Axis mid cap: 1k HDFC Mid cap opportunities: 1k Axis small cap fund: 5k
Ans: Given your age and goal of accumulating 5 crores in 20 years, your current investment strategy appears well-diversified. Here are some suggestions to optimize your portfolio:

Review Asset Allocation: Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Consider increasing exposure to equity for higher growth potential.
Increase Equity Allocation: Given your long investment horizon, consider gradually increasing your equity allocation to capitalize on potential market growth.
Regularly Monitor Performance: Periodically review the performance of your mutual funds and make adjustments if necessary to ensure they continue to meet your investment objectives.
Consider Tax Planning: Explore tax-efficient investment options such as ELSS funds and NPS Tier 1 for additional tax benefits.
Continue Systematic Investing: Maintain discipline in your SIP investments and consider increasing your SIP amounts over time to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place to cover unexpected expenses, typically equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses.
By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your long-term financial goals, you can work towards achieving your target corpus of 5 crores in 20 years. Always seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs and circumstances.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am a 40 yr old Zonal Sales Head in a private organisation having monthly take home salary of Rs.2.15 lakhs. I now invest Rs.81,500/month in diversified mutual funds SIP. I have a mutual fund Corpus of Rs.67.5 lakhs. I have Rs.16 lakhs in Shares in equity market & Rs.28 lakhs in PF, Rs.8 lakhs in PPF, Rs.8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. I keep Rs.3 lakhs in Bank account. I have a 6 yr old daughter. I would like to have 2.5 Cr for my daughters' higher education in 15 yrs & i need to have a corpus of 8 crores for my retirement in 18 yrs. Please suggest, am i on the right path.
Ans: I understand that you want to ensure your daughter's higher education and a secure retirement. With a structured plan and consistent efforts, you're on the right path to achieving your financial goals. Let's dive deeper into your current investments and future needs.

Current Financial Standing
You have an impressive monthly salary of Rs. 2.15 lakhs. Out of this, you are investing Rs. 81,500 in diversified mutual funds SIPs. Your mutual fund corpus stands at Rs. 67.5 lakhs, and you have Rs. 16 lakhs in equity shares. Additionally, you have Rs. 28 lakhs in your Provident Fund (PF), Rs. 8 lakhs in Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Rs. 8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. You also maintain Rs. 3 lakhs in your bank account for liquidity. This is a robust financial foundation.

Assessing Your Goals
Your financial goals are clear and ambitious. You aim to have Rs. 2.5 crores for your daughter's higher education in 15 years and a retirement corpus of Rs. 8 crores in 18 years. Let's break down how your current investments align with these goals and what adjustments may be necessary.

Mutual Fund Investments
Your substantial investment in mutual funds is commendable. Diversified mutual funds are a solid choice for long-term growth. Given your current SIPs, ensure that your portfolio remains balanced across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Diversification reduces risk and enhances growth potential.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
It is crucial to monitor your mutual fund portfolio periodically. Market conditions change, and your investments may need rebalancing to maintain the desired asset allocation. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can help optimize your portfolio.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds often outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Professional fund managers make strategic decisions to maximize returns, adapting to market fluctuations. This expertise can potentially provide higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Equity Shares
Your Rs. 16 lakhs in equity shares is a good investment. Direct equity investment can offer substantial returns but also comes with higher risk. Ensure that your equity portfolio is well-diversified across different sectors to mitigate risk. Consider periodically reviewing and possibly reallocating your investments based on market performance.

Provident Fund (PF) and Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your investments in PF and PPF are prudent for long-term security. These instruments offer safety and tax benefits. Continue contributing to these funds to ensure a stable, risk-free component in your portfolio.

Life Insurance Policies
You have Rs. 8.5 lakhs in LIC Jivan Anand. While traditional insurance plans provide security, they often yield lower returns compared to mutual funds. Given your substantial investment in insurance, consider evaluating the returns and possibly reallocating to higher-yielding investments.

Surrendering Investment-cum-Insurance Policies
If the returns from LIC Jivan Anand are not meeting your expectations, consider surrendering the policy. Reinvesting the proceeds into diversified mutual funds can potentially offer better growth, aligning with your long-term goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintaining Rs. 3 lakhs in your bank account for emergencies is wise. This fund should cover at least six months of your expenses. Given your monthly salary and expenses, ensure that this emergency fund remains liquid and easily accessible.

Daughter's Higher Education Goal
To achieve Rs. 2.5 crores in 15 years for your daughter's higher education, your investments need to grow at a healthy rate. Diversified mutual funds can help achieve this target. Ensure that you regularly review and adjust your SIPs to stay on track with this goal.

Education Savings Plan
Consider setting up a dedicated education savings plan. This plan can focus on high-growth mutual funds with a mix of equity and debt to balance risk and returns. Regular contributions and compounding growth will help you reach the Rs. 2.5 crore target.

Retirement Planning
Your goal of Rs. 8 crores for retirement in 18 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined investing. Let's evaluate how your current investments align with this goal.

Building a Retirement Corpus
Continue with your diversified mutual fund SIPs and equity investments. Additionally, consider increasing your SIP contributions periodically to match inflation and salary increments. This will help grow your corpus faster.

Role of Provident Funds
Your investments in PF and PPF will provide a stable and secure base for your retirement corpus. These funds should continue to form a core part of your retirement plan due to their safety and tax benefits.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Adopt a long-term investment strategy focusing on equity mutual funds for growth. As you approach retirement, gradually shift to more conservative investments like debt funds to protect your corpus from market volatility.

Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning can enhance your savings and investment returns. Utilize tax-saving instruments like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds. They offer tax benefits under Section 80C and potential for higher returns.

Maximizing Tax Benefits
Ensure that you are fully utilizing the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction limit under Section 80C through investments in PPF, EPF, and ELSS. Additionally, consider tax-saving options under Sections 80D for health insurance and 24(b) for home loan interest.

Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance is crucial for financial security. Ensure that you and your family are covered under a comprehensive health insurance plan. This will protect your savings and investments from unforeseen medical expenses.

Estate Planning
Consider creating a will to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning helps avoid legal complications and ensures your family's financial security.

Education and Retirement Goal Alignment
Balancing your daughter's education and your retirement goals is key. Prioritize and allocate investments towards both goals. A Certified Financial Planner can help structure a plan that aligns both objectives without compromising either.

Final Insights
You are on a commendable path with your disciplined investment approach. Your diversified portfolio and regular investments are key to achieving your financial goals. Regular reviews and rebalancing of your portfolio will ensure you stay on track.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice and strategies to optimize your investments. Stay focused, and your financial goals are well within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2024Hindi
Money
My Age is 43. my monthly salary is 75K. My home loan EMI is Rs. 15000/- per month (Loan Amt: Rs. 20 Lakhs for 20 Yrs) . I have started SIP's of Rs. 12000 per month since 1.5 yrs. My Goal is for 3 Crores in next 10-15 yrs. My SIP fund details are: 1. TATA SMALL CAP FUND- RS. 2000 2. Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 3. Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000 4. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 5. ICICI Blue chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000 6. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000 Kindly guide to achieve the expected target within the 10-15 yrs. Thank you
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You are 43 years old with a monthly salary of Rs. 75,000. You have a home loan EMI of Rs. 15,000 per month, which is a significant commitment. Your SIPs of Rs. 12,000 per month, started 1.5 years ago, is a positive step towards wealth creation. Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 3 crores in the next 10 to 15 years. This is achievable with careful planning and disciplined investment.

Reviewing Your SIP Portfolio
Your current SIPs are diversified across various funds. However, it’s important to ensure that they align with your financial goals. Here’s an evaluation of your portfolio:

TATA Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2000:
Small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher risk. Given your age, this should be balanced with more stable options.

Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500:
Mid-cap funds offer a good balance of growth and risk. This is a suitable choice, but keep an eye on the performance.

Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000:
This fund adds further exposure to the mid-cap and small-cap segment. However, you may want to diversify beyond mid and small caps.

Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500:
Like the TATA Small Cap Fund, this carries higher risk. At your age, consider reducing exposure to small caps.

ICICI Blue Chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000:
Blue-chip funds are relatively safer, focusing on large, well-established companies. This adds stability to your portfolio.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000:
The fund you mentioned likely has a mix of equities and debt. Ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.

Diversification and Risk Management
Your portfolio is heavily weighted towards small-cap and mid-cap funds. While these funds have the potential for high returns, they also come with significant risk. At 43, it’s crucial to balance your portfolio with funds that offer more stability.

Increase Exposure to Large-Cap Funds:
Large-cap funds provide more stability and are less volatile than small-cap and mid-cap funds. Consider increasing your allocation here.

Consider Balanced or Hybrid Funds:
Balanced funds offer a mix of equity and debt. This can reduce risk while providing steady growth.

Reduce Small-Cap Exposure:
Given your goal and timeframe, you may want to reduce your allocation to small-cap funds. They are more volatile and may not align with your risk tolerance.

Maximising Returns with Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Your portfolio already includes actively managed funds, which is a smart move.

Avoid Index Funds:
Index funds simply track the market and may not provide the superior returns you need to meet your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Focus on Fund Performance:
Regularly review the performance of your actively managed funds. If a fund underperforms consistently, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

The Role of SIPs in Achieving Your Goal
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to build wealth over time. They help you take advantage of market fluctuations through rupee cost averaging. However, to reach your goal of Rs. 3 crores, you may need to increase your SIP contributions over time.

Increase SIP Contributions:
Consider increasing your SIP amount by 10-15% every year. This will help you accumulate a larger corpus over time.

Step-Up SIPs:
Some mutual funds offer a step-up SIP option, where your contribution increases automatically each year. This is a hassle-free way to boost your investments.

Additional Investments to Strengthen Your Portfolio
While SIPs are a great tool, you may need to explore other investment avenues to meet your Rs. 3 crore target.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):
Consider investing in PPF for its tax-free returns and safety. It’s a good option for long-term wealth building.

National Pension System (NPS):
NPS offers a mix of equity, debt, and government securities. It’s a good option for retirement planning with tax benefits.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Debt Funds:
Allocate a portion of your portfolio to debt instruments like FDs or debt mutual funds. This adds stability and reduces overall portfolio risk.

Managing Your Home Loan
Your home loan EMI is Rs. 15,000 per month, which is manageable given your income. However, it’s important to consider how this affects your ability to invest towards your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Prepay Your Loan:
If you receive a bonus or windfall, consider using a portion to prepay your loan. This reduces your interest burden and frees up more money for investments.

Balance EMI and SIPs:
Ensure that your EMI and SIP contributions are balanced. Avoid stretching yourself too thin, as this can lead to financial stress.

Tax Planning and Efficient Investing
Efficient tax planning is crucial to maximize your returns and achieve your financial goals.

Utilize Section 80C:
Ensure that your investments, such as PPF, ELSS, and life insurance premiums, fully utilize the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C.

Consider Tax-Efficient Funds:
Invest in funds that offer tax efficiency, like ELSS, which provides tax benefits along with potential for growth.

Planning for Retirement
Retirement planning should be a key component of your financial strategy, especially as you approach your 50s.

Set Up a Retirement Fund:
Consider starting a dedicated retirement fund, separate from your other investments. This could include NPS, PPF, or a retirement-specific mutual fund.

Review Your Retirement Corpus:
Assess whether your current savings and investments will be sufficient for your retirement needs. Adjust your savings rate if necessary.

Final Insights
To achieve your Rs. 3 crore goal in 10-15 years, you need a balanced approach. Reevaluate your SIP portfolio, increase your contributions, and consider diversifying into more stable investments. Managing your home loan effectively and optimizing tax benefits will also contribute to your goal. Stay disciplined, review your portfolio regularly, and adjust your strategy as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 09, 2025Hindi
Money
My Goal is to retire in 40-45 age with 5 Crore. I’m 30 now. I invested in PPF (6.75 Lakh till now it’s been 4 years now) and I will continue till I complete 15 years (1.5 Lakh/ Year Plan) NPS- 3.2 Lakh till now FD- 25 Lakh ( All will mature in June 2026) Mutual Fund (Lumpsum & Sip includes 13.5 Lakhs till today. Doing SIP of ₹25500 per month which is below.. MidCap Funds-(HDFC -5k, Motilal Oswal- 5k) LargeCap-(ICICI Pru- 2K, Canara Robeco- 1k) SmallCap-( SBI - 5K, Quant- 1K, Nippon India -1K) Flexi cap- (Parag Parikh-3.5k, HDFC Flexi-1K) Value - ICICI Pru Value Direct Fund-1k Above were all my SIP’s and I have invested lumpsum funds below. ICICI Pru asset allocator -7 Lakh Business cycle fund- 1.14 Lakh SBI Gold Direct plan- 6k EPF- 1.75Lakh till now Physical gold worth-9 Lakh SBI Nifty 50 Gold ETF worth -1 Lakh I recently left my Job where my salary was 14 LPA. I will start looking for new opportunity in few days. I’m also planning to purchase a house since I’m staying in Rented home where my monthly expenses are 30k /Month. I don’t have any responsibilities of kids & family as such . Please suggest me how should I plan accordingly & achieve my targets?
Ans: Hi,

Good that you have invested in various diversified assets at such age. Your dedication shows the sincerity you have towards your goals. Let us have a look at your financials:

1. FD - 25 lakhs. You should keep maximum 10 lakhs in FD as your emergency and other unforeseen expense. Move the remaining amount in multicap funds.
2. Have a dedicated term and health insurance for yourself and family.
3. Your contribution to PPF is not required. Instead redirect it to Balanced Advantage Fund as PPF is locked for 15 years and provide only 7% where as BAF gives 10-11% and is not locked. Contribute minimum amount in PPF to keep it active.
4. Continue with NPS investments.
5. Currently there are no responsibilites but in future, you might get married. Hence you should also be prepared for other major expenses such as your marriage, future family and life post marriage.
6. Currently your expenses - 30k. Factor in future - maximum 60k. You can save and invest the rest amount wholly in equity mutual funds.
7. Current 25.5k monthly inflow in your retirement corpus.
8. Start another SIP of 30k per month for down payment of your house after 4-5 years. It will help with less burden and you not liquidating your other investments.
9. Save the remaining amount from salary for your marriage or other expenses in hybrid funds.

The funds you are investing in currently are very overdiversified and overlapped. Entire scheme selection needs to be worked upon thoroughly.
Although direct mutual funds are quite famous due to their less expense ratio, but maximum times a direct portfolio underperformsto a major expense. That is why a guided portfolio with regular funds in much needed. It is important for you to work with a professional for their expert guidance as it will help in the periodic review of portfolio and any change whenever required.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

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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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