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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 20, 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
VENUGOPALA Question by VENUGOPALA on May 11, 2023Hindi
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Where to invest for good monthly returns of Retirement Corpus around 50 lacs,

Ans: For generating monthly returns from a retirement corpus of around 50 lakhs, consider a balanced approach:

Dividend Yield Funds: Invest in mutual funds that focus on dividend-paying stocks, aiming for regular income.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Opt for SWP from debt funds or a combination of equity and debt funds to withdraw a fixed amount monthly.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): For a portion of your corpus, SCSS offers quarterly interest payouts with a decent interest rate, suitable for regular income needs.
Fixed Deposits: Invest a part in FDs with monthly or quarterly interest payouts.
Diversify across these options to balance risk and generate regular income for your retirement. Regularly review to adjust to changing needs and market conditions.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am retiring in one year want to invest 25 lacs. Which are best safe and best returns options
Ans: Since you're retiring soon and looking for safe investment options with potentially good returns, here are some options to consider:
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS is a government-backed savings scheme for individuals above 60 years of age. It offers quarterly interest payouts and has a tenure of 5 years, which can be extended once for an additional 3 years.

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): POMIS is a low-risk investment option offered by India Post. It provides monthly interest payments and has a maturity period of 5 years.

Bank Fixed Deposits (FDs): FDs are a popular choice for conservative investors. Look for banks offering competitive interest rates and consider opting for cumulative or non-cumulative FDs based on your income needs.

Debt Mutual Funds: Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. They offer relatively higher returns than traditional fixed-income options like FDs and are tax-efficient for investors in higher tax brackets.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): If you prefer investing in mutual funds, you can consider setting up an SWP to generate regular income from your investment while staying invested in the market.

Assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and income requirements before finalizing your investment strategy. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to create a customized retirement plan that aligns with your financial goals and needs.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 11, 2024Hindi
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I am 59 retired with corpus of ?.40 lacs with no retirement pension. Medical insurance sum insurance is ?.5 lacs and no family or financial commitment. To get ?.25k per month, please suggest where to invest. I estimate to live for next 20 years.
Ans: Given your retirement status and financial situation, securing a monthly income of 25,000 INR for the next 20 years requires a carefully crafted plan. Let's explore some options:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Consider investing a portion of your corpus in balanced mutual funds or debt funds and initiate an SWP. This allows you to systematically withdraw a fixed amount each month while potentially preserving your capital.
Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS): Invest a portion of your corpus in SCSS, offering stable returns and tax benefits for retirees. It provides regular interest payouts, ensuring a steady income stream.
Annuity Plans: Explore annuity plans offered by insurance companies. An annuity plan converts a lump sum into a regular income for a specified period, providing financial security during retirement.
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Invest in FDs with banks or post offices, providing stable returns and liquidity. Consider laddering FDs with varying maturities to optimize returns and access funds as needed.
Dividend-Paying Stocks or Mutual Funds: Invest in dividend-paying stocks or mutual funds, which provide regular income through dividend payouts. Ensure the investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Consider investing in REITs, which offer rental income from commercial properties. However, be mindful of the associated risks and liquidity constraints.
It's essential to strike a balance between growth and stability while ensuring your income needs are met throughout retirement. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific requirements and aspirations.

Your dedication to securing your financial future is commendable, and with careful planning, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement with peace of mind.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 08, 2024Hindi
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I am going to retire on 01.11.2024 and i will be receiving 25 lacs as my retirement fund. Please suggest where should i invest and how monthly amount i will received.
Ans: Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! It's an exciting milestone, and careful planning can make it even more fulfilling.

With a retirement fund of 25 lakhs, you have a good starting point for your post-retirement financial journey.

To ensure a steady income stream, consider investing a portion of your retirement corpus in a mix of conservative investment options such as fixed deposits, senior citizen savings scheme, and debt mutual funds.

These options offer relatively stable returns with lower risk, ideal for generating regular income during retirement.

Allocate another portion towards equity mutual funds, which have the potential for higher returns over the long term. While they carry more risk, they can help your retirement corpus grow to combat inflation and sustain your lifestyle.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help tailor an investment strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance, financial goals, and retirement timeline.

As for calculating your monthly income, it depends on various factors such as the returns generated by your investments, withdrawal strategy, and inflation rate.

A common approach is the systematic withdrawal plan (SWP), where you withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your investments. The SWP amount can be adjusted annually based on your financial needs and investment performance.

Ensure your investment strategy provides enough liquidity to cover your monthly expenses while also preserving your capital for the future.

Retirement is a new chapter in your life, filled with opportunities to pursue your passions and dreams. With careful planning and smart investment decisions, you can enjoy a financially secure and fulfilling retirement journey.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 26, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 42 years old and have 70 lacs in fixed deposits. Please advise where to invest to get a mothly withdrawal of 50 thousand every month.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You have Rs 70 lakh in fixed deposits, and you need a monthly withdrawal of Rs 50,000. This is an important goal that requires careful planning. Your current fixed deposits provide safety, but they may not be the best solution for regular income needs.

Understanding Your Needs and Goals
1. Monthly Withdrawal Requirement
You need Rs 50,000 per month to cover your expenses. This translates to Rs 6 lakh annually.

2. Preservation of Capital
You want to preserve your capital while generating a steady income.

Evaluating Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are safe but offer lower returns. They may not generate sufficient income to meet your monthly withdrawal needs without depleting your capital. Hence, exploring other investment options is crucial.

Benefits of Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in mutual funds can help meet your monthly income needs. Here’s why SWP is beneficial:

1. Regular Income
SWP provides regular monthly income by redeeming a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments.

2. Capital Appreciation
Unlike fixed deposits, mutual funds can provide capital appreciation over time. This helps in combating inflation and preserving your purchasing power.

3. Tax Efficiency
SWP in equity mutual funds is tax-efficient. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are taxed at a lower rate compared to interest from fixed deposits.

Investment Strategy with SWP
1. Diversified Portfolio
Invest in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds. This includes equity, hybrid, and debt funds to balance risk and return.

2. Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate a portion of your investment to equity mutual funds. These funds offer higher returns and help in capital appreciation.

3. Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They provide a balance between growth and stability, making them suitable for regular income.

4. Debt Mutual Funds
Invest in debt funds for stability and lower risk. These funds provide steady returns and reduce the overall risk of your portfolio.

Setting Up SWP
1. Initial Investment
Invest the lump sum of Rs 70 lakh in a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt mutual funds.

2. Monthly Withdrawal
Set up an SWP to withdraw Rs 50,000 per month. This ensures you receive regular income without depleting your capital rapidly.

Risk Management
1. Diversification
Diversify your investments across different mutual fund categories. This reduces risk and enhances potential returns.

2. Regular Review
Review your portfolio annually to ensure it meets your income needs and adjust based on market conditions.

Tax Considerations
1. Long-Term Capital Gains
Equity mutual funds held for more than a year qualify for long-term capital gains tax. This is more tax-efficient compared to the interest from fixed deposits.

2. Tax Planning
Consult your CFP to optimise your tax liabilities. Efficient tax planning helps in maximising your post-tax returns.

Advantages of Mutual Funds Over Fixed Deposits
1. Higher Returns
Mutual funds, especially equity and hybrid funds, offer higher returns compared to fixed deposits. This helps in generating sufficient income and preserving capital.

2. Inflation Protection
Equity and hybrid funds provide capital appreciation, which helps in protecting your purchasing power against inflation.

3. Flexibility
SWP in mutual funds offers flexibility in terms of withdrawal amounts and frequency. This can be adjusted based on your changing needs.

Potential Challenges and Solutions
1. Market Volatility
Equity and hybrid funds are subject to market volatility. Diversification and regular review help in managing this risk.

2. Fund Selection
Choosing the right mutual funds is crucial. Consult your CFP to select funds that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Implementation Steps
1. Consult a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP can help you design a customised investment plan based on your needs and risk profile.

2. Select Suitable Mutual Funds
Choose a mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds. Ensure these funds have a good track record and align with your financial goals.

3. Set Up SWP
Invest the lump sum in selected mutual funds and set up an SWP for Rs 50,000 monthly withdrawals.

4. Monitor and Review
Regularly monitor your investments and review the performance with your CFP. Adjust the portfolio as needed to stay on track with your goals.

Final Thoughts
Your disciplined approach and substantial fixed deposit savings provide a strong foundation. By implementing an SWP strategy with a diversified mutual fund portfolio, you can achieve your monthly income goal and preserve your capital. Stay committed, review your plan regularly, and consult your CFP for tailored advice.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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