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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 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
Nikesh Question by Nikesh on May 21, 2024Hindi
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Money

Dear sir, have a very warm day to you. I ANS now 32, currently working as assistant professor in a college( recently joined). I have a lic term insurance with term plan of 40 lac sum.imsured at my age of 60 Currently I have around 6.5 lac in my NPS. I have a son (2 month old) now. My net salary around 75k currently which may further increases as the time.My wife is also working and she also earned around 40 k now I have a loan of around 2.5 lac which I have to pay in a year. I want to get a corpus of around 5 cr at the time of my retirement and also have to secure at least 25-40 lac for my son higher education. Now, my request is that please tell me some better plans for the better future of my family and me when I will be retired from my job as well as to secure the education support of my child

Ans: Securing Your Family's Future: Financial Planning for Long-Term Goals
Dear ANS, congratulations on the newest addition to your family and your commitment to securing their future. Let’s explore some effective financial strategies to achieve your goals of retirement planning and providing for your son’s education.

Current Financial Overview
Income and Expenses
You and your wife collectively earn around ?1.15 lakhs per month, with the potential for future salary increases.
You have a manageable loan of ?2.5 lakhs, which will be paid off within a year.
Savings and Investments
You have a LIC term insurance plan providing coverage of ?40 lakhs until the age of 60.
Your NPS balance is approximately ?6.5 lakhs, providing a foundation for retirement savings.
Planning for Retirement: Building a Corpus of ?5 Crores
Retirement Age: Assumed at 60
Determine your desired retirement age and estimate your post-retirement expenses based on your current lifestyle and inflation projections.
Retirement Corpus Calculation
Calculate the corpus required to maintain your desired lifestyle post-retirement, considering inflation and expected longevity.
Strategies for Retirement Planning
1. Increase Retirement Savings
Maximize contributions to your NPS account to benefit from tax benefits and build a substantial retirement corpus.
Consider diversifying retirement savings by investing in other tax-efficient instruments like PPF and ELSS mutual funds.
2. Regular Financial Reviews
Regularly review and reassess your retirement goals and investment strategy to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving financial situation and objectives.
Education Planning: Securing ?25-40 Lakhs for Your Son’s Education
Estimated Education Cost: Consider Inflation
Estimate the future cost of your son’s higher education, factoring in inflation and the duration until he starts college.
Education Fund Accumulation
Start a dedicated education fund for your son’s future expenses, such as a combination of mutual funds, SIPs, and fixed deposits.
Gradually increase contributions to this fund over time to meet the desired corpus by the time he begins his education.
Risk Management and Contingency Planning
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least six months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen financial setbacks.
Adequate Insurance Coverage
Review your insurance coverage regularly and consider increasing the sum assured on your term insurance policy to ensure adequate protection for your family's financial security.
Long-Term Wealth Creation Strategies
Diversified Investment Portfolio
Build a diversified investment portfolio comprising equities, mutual funds, and fixed income instruments to achieve long-term wealth creation goals.
Professional Financial Advice
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs, goals, and risk tolerance.
A CFP can provide personalized guidance, investment recommendations, and ongoing portfolio management to help you achieve your financial objectives.
Conclusion: Working Towards a Brighter Future
ANS, by implementing these strategies and staying disciplined in your financial planning, you can work towards achieving your long-term goals of a comfortable retirement and securing your son's education. Remember to review and adjust your financial plan periodically to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure you remain on track to meet your objectives.

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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 2024

Money
Greetings I am 42 years old, dependent my wife 36years and Kid 5Years old. I need suggestion for my retiring planning as well as my Child Education Plan at the same time. Please advice me.
Ans: It's commendable that you are thinking ahead about your retirement and your child's education. Balancing these priorities requires careful planning. With your current age at 42, your wife's age at 36, and your child's age at 5, you have some time to plan effectively.

Retirement Planning: Key Considerations
Assessing Retirement Needs
Estimate Retirement Corpus: Calculate how much you need for retirement. Consider your desired lifestyle, inflation, and life expectancy.

Current Savings and Investments: Evaluate your existing savings, investments, and any retirement benefits. This gives you a clear starting point.

Gap Analysis: Identify the gap between your current savings and the required retirement corpus. This helps in determining the required monthly savings.

Investment Strategies for Retirement
Diversified Portfolio: Invest in a diversified portfolio of actively managed mutual funds. This can potentially provide higher returns and reduce risk.

Regular Contributions: Ensure regular contributions to your retirement fund. Consistency is key to building a substantial corpus over time.

Professional Guidance: Work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to select the right mix of funds. They can help you navigate market complexities and optimize returns.

Monitoring and Adjusting
Regular Review: Review your retirement plan annually. Adjust your contributions and investments based on performance and changing goals.

Rebalance Portfolio: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. This keeps your investments aligned with your risk tolerance and goals.

Child's Education Planning: Key Considerations
Estimating Education Costs
Future Education Costs: Estimate the future cost of your child's education, considering inflation. This includes school, college, and any specialized courses.

Current Savings: Evaluate your current savings and investments for your child's education. This helps in understanding the shortfall.

Monthly Savings Requirement: Calculate the amount you need to save monthly to meet the future education costs. This should be realistic and achievable.

Investment Strategies for Education
Long-Term Investments: Invest in long-term instruments like mutual funds. Actively managed funds can potentially offer higher returns compared to traditional savings.

Education-Specific Funds: Consider investing in funds specifically designed for education goals. These funds are structured to provide growth aligned with education timelines.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Use SIPs for regular investing. This method helps in averaging costs and benefits from market volatility.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner: Engage with a CFP to create a tailored education plan. They can recommend the best funds and strategies based on your risk profile and goals.

Regular Monitoring: Monitor the performance of your investments regularly. Make adjustments as needed to ensure you stay on track.

Balancing Retirement and Education Planning
Prioritizing Goals
Balance Both Goals: It’s crucial to strike a balance between saving for retirement and your child's education. Neither should be neglected.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses. This prevents the need to dip into retirement or education savings.

Allocating Resources
Proportional Allocation: Allocate a portion of your savings to both goals. A CFP can help determine the best split based on your financial situation.

Increase Savings Gradually: As your income grows, increase the amount allocated to both retirement and education savings.

Risk Management
Insurance Cover: Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protects your family and your financial goals in case of unforeseen events.

Diversified Investments: Diversify your investments to spread risk. This helps in managing market volatility and ensuring steady growth.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Potential Returns
Actively managed funds can potentially offer higher returns compared to index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks to outperform the market.

Professional Management
Professional fund managers with expertise in market analysis manage actively managed funds. They make informed decisions based on market conditions.

Flexibility
Actively managed funds offer flexibility in investment strategy. Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market trends and economic factors.

Risk Management
Professional fund managers actively manage risk. They diversify the portfolio and make adjustments to mitigate potential losses.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index Funds: Lower Flexibility
Index funds track a specific index, offering limited flexibility. They cannot adjust to market conditions or take advantage of specific opportunities.

Lower Potential Returns
Index funds typically offer lower returns compared to actively managed funds. They are designed to match the market performance, not exceed it.

Direct Funds: Lack of Guidance
Investing in direct funds without professional guidance can be risky. You might miss out on valuable insights and strategies provided by a CFP.

Time and Effort
Managing direct funds requires significant time and effort. You need to stay updated on market trends and make investment decisions independently.

Conclusion
Balancing retirement planning and your child's education requires careful planning and disciplined investing. Working with a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with tailored strategies to achieve both goals.

Stay focused on your financial objectives and adjust your plans as needed. Your proactive approach and commitment to your family's financial future are commendable.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |431 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2024Hindi
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A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

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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