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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8294 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 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 - May 08, 2024Hindi
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what are the avenues for generating regular income, for a person like me who retires in few months from now?

Ans: As you approach retirement, ensuring a steady stream of income becomes paramount to maintain financial stability and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Let's explore some avenues tailored to your needs:

1. Pension Plans: If you're eligible for a pension from your employer or government, it can serve as a reliable source of regular income in retirement. Evaluate the pension options available to you and understand the payout terms.

2. Annuities: Consider purchasing an annuity from a reputable insurance company. An annuity provides regular payments over a specified period or for life, offering a predictable income stream during retirement.

3. Fixed Deposits (FDs): Invest a portion of your retirement corpus in fixed deposits. FDs offer a guaranteed return at fixed interest rates, providing a steady income stream. Opt for cumulative or non-cumulative FDs based on your income requirements.

4. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS is specifically designed for individuals aged 60 and above, offering attractive interest rates and quarterly payouts. It provides a safe investment avenue with assured returns.

5. Dividend-Paying Stocks: Invest in dividend-paying stocks of established companies. Dividends can provide a regular source of income while offering the potential for capital appreciation over the long term. However, ensure a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.

6. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs): If you have investments in mutual funds, consider setting up SWPs. SWPs allow you to withdraw a predetermined amount at regular intervals, providing a systematic income stream while keeping your investments intact.

7. Rental Income: If you own property, consider renting it out to generate rental income. Rental properties can provide a steady source of cash flow, supplementing your retirement income. However, be mindful of maintenance costs and tenant management.

8. Reverse Mortgage: If you own a home, explore the option of a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage allows you to borrow against the equity of your home while retaining ownership. It provides a regular income stream without the need to sell your property.

9. Freelancing or Consulting: Leverage your skills and expertise to take up freelancing gigs or consulting assignments. Part-time work can supplement your retirement income while keeping you engaged and productive.

10. Government Schemes: Explore government schemes targeted at senior citizens, such as the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). These schemes offer guaranteed returns and regular payouts, providing financial security in retirement.

Final Thoughts

As you transition into retirement, diversifying your income sources can help mitigate risks and ensure financial stability. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a retirement income plan aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.

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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Asked by Anonymous - Apr 24, 2023Hindi
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How do I earn monthly income of 2 lakhs post retirement which is 15 years away? Please suggest options
Ans: If we calculate using a few assumptions, like post-retirement life of 25 years; average inflation of 6% pa during that period, and portfolio returns of about 8% (assuming a judicious mix of equity and debt with a higher allocation to the latter), then you need to have a corpus of about Rs 4.8 Cr. This is to ensure that starting at Rs 2 lakh monthly (after 15 years), your monthly income from there on increases by at least 6% assumed inflation. And starting from zero, you need to invest about Rs 1.1 lakh per month assuming equity:debt 50:50 and this monthly investment amount should increase by at least 5% every year.

To reach this target corpus, you have a sufficiently long runway of 15 years. So you should be willing to invest a major chunk in equities via equity funds if your risk appetite allows for it. You may also have some of the existing assets, which too can be earmarked towards this retirement corpus.

As mentioned, for equity allocation, choose diversified equity funds categories like passive largecap funds, flexicap funds, and large&midcap funds (and if you have a sufficiently high-risk appetite, then mid-and-small cap funds as well). For debt, your EPF+VPF alongwith PPF should be sufficient.

When the time comes for retirement (in 15 years), you may have to divide your portfolio into 2 buckets. One to take care of income needs (via SCSS, debt funds, PPF withdrawals, bonds, etc.) and the other for growth (via equity funds and ETFs)

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8294 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2025
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Sir, I am an NRI (aus), 40 years old. I am aiming for 10cr in 10 years with 20L per year investment. I zeroed in the following, are they good? Assuming 15% growth per annum. Parag Parekh flexi cap direct Axis flexi cap direct g HDFC mid cap opportunities direct g SBI small cap fund direct g ICICI pru technology direct g.
Ans: You want to build Rs 10 crore in 10 years.

You plan to invest Rs 20 lakh per year.

Your target is very inspiring and focused.

You assume 15% growth per year from investments.

This ambition is achievable but needs careful planning and right execution.

At 40 years, you still have time, but need to be very disciplined.

It is good that you are thinking seriously about long-term wealth creation.

However, we need to assess the investment choices deeply.

Evaluation of Your Current Selection
You have selected 5 direct mutual fund schemes.

You selected flexi cap, mid cap, small cap and technology sector funds.

Your selection shows you are willing to take higher equity risk.

Still, few important points must be considered before proceeding.

I will explain the strengths and risks clearly below.

Problems with Direct Mutual Funds
Direct mutual funds are cheaper but not automatically better.

Without Certified Financial Planner guidance, wrong direct fund choices can happen.

Direct funds need constant monitoring and periodic rebalancing.

If you miss reviewing, risk will increase over years.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner + MFD gives full 360-degree service.

A regular plan managed through MFD with CFP ensures disciplined monitoring.

Professional rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy against market ups and downs.

Saving 1% expense ratio is not useful if you lose 20% capital by wrong strategy.

Thus, direct funds are not recommended for serious wealth building goals like yours.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Although you have not mentioned Index funds, still important to highlight here.

Index funds blindly follow the market, they do not aim to beat it.

They invest even in poor companies just because they are in index.

No active decision-making to protect during market fall.

In India, actively managed funds have consistently outperformed index funds.

Index funds are good only in developed countries, not in India yet.

Thus, actively managed mutual funds are better for your 10 crore goal.

Analysis of Your Selected Categories
Now let's look at each category you have selected.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds are very versatile and flexible.

They invest across large, mid, and small cap companies.

They are core funds and suitable for long term investing.

Having two different flexi cap funds is slightly overlapping.

One good flexi cap fund is enough.

Select based on strong consistent performance under Certified Financial Planner guidance.

Mid Cap Fund
Mid caps offer higher growth potential compared to large caps.

They also carry higher volatility risk.

Mid cap exposure must be limited to 20-25% of portfolio.

Selection of quality midcap fund is critical.

Blind selection can backfire badly during market corrections.

Small Cap Fund
Small caps are even more volatile than mid caps.

They give high returns only when market is extremely strong.

In down markets, they can fall 60-70%.

Small cap exposure should not exceed 10-15% of total portfolio.

Handling small caps requires experienced monitoring.

Not suitable for very aggressive allocation unless monitored monthly by CFP.

Technology Sector Fund
Sector funds like technology funds are very risky.

If sector performs, gains will be big.

If sector underperforms, losses will be severe.

Sector exposure should be maximum 5-10% of your portfolio.

Technology sector is very cyclical and policy dependent.

Too much sector allocation can derail your 10 crore goal.

Ideal Structure for You
Now, based on your inputs, here is a better structure for you.

Again, no scheme names are suggested, as per your instruction.

Core Portfolio (65% to 70%)
One strong Flexi Cap fund (managed by good fund manager).

One Large and Mid Cap fund (balanced approach towards large caps and midcaps).

One Conservative Hybrid Equity Fund (for stability during market volatility).

Satellite Portfolio (30% to 35%)
One focused Mid Cap fund with proven track record.

One selected Small Cap fund but with strict monitoring.

Minimal sector exposure like Technology, not more than 5%.

Regular review of sector allocation every quarter.

Important Points to Consider
Maintain proper diversification across sectors and market caps.

Avoid duplication of same category funds.

Choose only consistent long-term performers.

Annual rebalancing is a must.

Review fund performance once in 6 months minimum.

Align investments based on market valuations with CFP guidance.

Managing Risk and Returns
When aiming for Rs 10 crore, managing risk is as important as earning returns.

Never keep 100% equity exposure throughout 10 years.

Move part of profits to safer instruments as you near 10 years.

Create an asset allocation roadmap now itself.

Follow the roadmap strictly under Certified Financial Planner supervision.

Use Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) whenever shifting money between categories.

Inflation and Taxes
Inflation is your biggest enemy, bigger than taxes.

At 6% inflation, Rs 10 crore after 10 years will feel like Rs 5.5 crore today.

Thus, you must keep wealth creation target a little higher than 10 crore.

New MF Capital Gain Tax rules must be kept in mind:

Equity fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%.

Debt funds fully taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals carefully to minimise tax impact.

Importance of Certified Financial Planner Support
Since you are serious about wealth creation, professional support is very important.

A Certified Financial Planner will give you:

Proper asset allocation based on your risk capacity.

Right fund selection based on 360-degree analysis.

Regular portfolio review and timely rebalancing.

Tax efficient withdrawal planning.

Contingency planning in case of emergencies.

Alignment of investments with your long term goals.

Emotional discipline during market volatility.

Peace of mind that your future is well protected.

Final Insights
You have shown excellent clarity and commitment towards your financial goals.

However, building Rs 10 crore is a serious, full-time task needing expert care.

Your fund selection direction is good but needs fine-tuning for stability and efficiency.

Direct mutual funds without professional guidance can expose you to unnecessary risks.

Active management, regular reviews, dynamic rebalancing will increase your success chances.

Focus on wealth preservation as much as on wealth creation over next 10 years.

Please make sure your family is also aware of your plans and investments.

I sincerely appreciate your proactive and visionary thinking for your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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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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