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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  |280 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2023

With over 16 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, Ulhas Joshi has helped numerous clients choose the right funds and create wealth.
Prior to joining RankMF as CEO, he was vice president (sales) at IDBI Asset Management Ltd.
Joshi holds an MBA in marketing from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.... more
Somnath Question by Somnath on Oct 29, 2023Hindi
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Which is the best fund to invest my retirement corpus so that i can get the maximum benefits out of my money. I need monthly income to sustain post retirement life peacefully.

Ans: Hi Somnath and thanks for writing to me. I am assuming that you have created your retirement corpus and are not looking to take risks with it.

You can consider investing in Balanced Advantage Funds/Dynamic Asset Allocation funds and multi asset funds. These funds invest in a mix of asset classes like equity, debt & commodities changing the asset allocation based on market conditions. As you are exposed to multiple asset classes, you can expect downside protection.

I recommend you meet a financial planner who can help you create a plan based on your individual requirements with specific funds and allocation.
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

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I am retiring with a corpus of 1.8 Cr in May 2024.I will be getting a monthly pension of 90,000.Please suggest investment options for my retirement corpus.
Ans: Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! Having a 1.8 Cr corpus and a 90,000 monthly pension puts you in a great position to enjoy your golden years. Now, let's talk about smart investment options to make your corpus last!

Understanding Your Needs

First things first, we need to understand your lifestyle and spending habits. Knowing your monthly expenses will help decide how much you can safely withdraw from your corpus each month.

Security and Stability

Since retirement is about enjoying life without worry, focus on a good mix of secure and growth-oriented investments. This will provide you with a regular income and the potential for future growth.

Investment Options to Consider

Here are some investment options to explore, keeping in mind your need for both safety and growth:

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): SCSS offers a safe and guaranteed return, with interest credited quarterly. It's a good option for a portion of your corpus.

Monthly Income Plans (MIPs): These are mutual funds that invest in a mix of stocks and debt. They offer regular monthly payouts, while also giving your money a chance to grow.

Debt Funds: Less risky than stocks, debt funds invest in government bonds and corporate bonds. They provide stable returns and are good for building a buffer.

Actively Managed Equity Funds (AMCs): AMCs invest in stocks, aiming for capital appreciation over the long term. They can be riskier, but offer the potential for higher returns if the fund manager makes good choices.

Remember, diversification is key! Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your corpus across different asset classes to manage risk.

Seeking Professional Help

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be a valuable resource. They can assess your needs, risk tolerance, and recommend a personalized investment plan that aligns with your retirement goals.

Regular Reviews are Important

The market keeps changing, so your investment plan needs to adapt as well. Schedule regular reviews with your CFP to ensure your investments are still on track.

Living Within Your Means

The key to a happy retirement is living within your means. Don't overspend your corpus. Plan your monthly expenses and withdraw only what you need.

Focus on Long-Term Growth

While some income is important, don't neglect long-term growth completely. A portion of your corpus can be invested in AMCs for potential capital appreciation.

Be Patient and Enjoy!

Building wealth takes time. Don't get worried by short-term market fluctuations. Stay invested and enjoy your retirement!

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 May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2024Hindi
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I am 46 yrs old and I would like to retire by 50 yrs. I have a corpus of 1 cr and I do an SIP of 1L per month. My monthly expenses are 1L. I am interested in a fixed monthly income plan that can fetch me 1L post retirement. Please suggest me the best combination of fund investment.
Ans: Retiring at 50 with a Rs. 1 crore corpus and a Rs. 1 lakh monthly SIP is a bold move. Let's discuss some key points to consider for your fixed income plan:

1. Planning for Early Retirement:

Short Timeframe! Retiring in 4 years with a Rs. 1 lakh monthly income target requires careful planning. Your current corpus and SIP are a good start, but may need adjustments.

Focus on Safety! Since you need regular income, focus on investment options with lower risk and predictable returns, like Debt Funds.

2. Understanding Your Options:

Debt Funds: Debt Funds invest in fixed-income instruments like bonds and provide regular interest payouts. They are suitable for generating a fixed monthly income.

Other Options: While Debt Funds are a good starting point, a CFP can explore options like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) or Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) for potentially higher interest rates.

3. Creating a Sustainable Plan:

Balancing Growth & Income: You might need to consider a combination of Debt Funds and some Equity Funds for potential long-term growth to combat inflation.

Review and Rebalance: Your income needs and risk tolerance might change over time. A CFP can help you review your portfolio regularly and rebalance if needed.

4. Maximizing Your Potential:

Increase SIP or Corpus? Consider if you can increase your SIP amount or add a lump sum to your corpus to reach your Rs. 1 lakh monthly income target.

Professional Guidance! A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can analyze your situation, risk tolerance, and income needs. They can recommend a personalized investment strategy to achieve your desired retirement lifestyle.

Remember, planning for early retirement requires a strategic approach. Consulting a CFP can help you create a plan that balances your income needs with potential growth to ensure a secure and comfortable retirement.

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 Jun 06, 2024

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I want to invest Rs. 3,500 every month for my retirement corpus but I don't want to invest in any lock in funds. I am 35 years old. Please suggest me with several options. Thanks.
Ans: Planning for retirement is an essential part of securing your financial future. I understand that you want to invest Rs. 3,500 every month for your retirement corpus and prefer options without any lock-in period. Considering your requirements, I will provide a comprehensive analysis and suggest multiple investment avenues. Let's dive into various investment options that align with your goals, keeping in mind that you prefer investments with liquidity and flexibility.

Understanding Your Investment Goals
Importance of Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is crucial to ensure a comfortable and financially stable life post-retirement. Starting early, like you are doing at 35, allows you to build a substantial corpus through disciplined investing. This ensures you have enough funds to cover your expenses when you no longer have a regular income.

Your Monthly Investment Commitment

You plan to invest Rs. 3,500 every month, which is a commendable step towards building your retirement corpus. Regular monthly investments, also known as Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), help in averaging out market volatility and accumulating wealth over time.

Investment Options Without Lock-in Period
Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are an excellent choice for long-term investment, offering liquidity and diversification. They are managed by professional fund managers, making them a reliable option for building a retirement corpus.

Equity Mutual Funds

Equity mutual funds invest primarily in stocks and have the potential to generate high returns over the long term. They are suitable for investors with a higher risk tolerance. Since you have a long investment horizon, equity mutual funds can help grow your wealth significantly.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds, government securities, and corporate debt. They are less volatile than equity funds and provide stable returns. These funds are suitable for conservative investors looking for steady income.

Hybrid Mutual Funds

Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, providing a balanced approach to risk and return. They are ideal for investors seeking moderate risk and steady growth.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is an effective strategy. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, benefiting from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Professional Management

Actively managed funds are overseen by experienced fund managers who make investment decisions based on research and market analysis. This can lead to better performance compared to passively managed index funds.

Flexibility

Fund managers have the flexibility to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, potentially providing higher returns and lower risk.

Potential for Outperformance

Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market indices, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Limited Flexibility

Index funds replicate a market index and do not adjust to market conditions, potentially missing out on better investment opportunities.

Average Returns

Index funds aim to match the market returns, which means they can underperform in a bull market where actively managed funds can potentially generate higher returns.

Advantages of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Expert Guidance

Investing through a CFP ensures you receive professional advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can help you choose the right funds and monitor your investments.

Comprehensive Financial Planning

A CFP can provide a holistic financial plan, considering your retirement goals, tax planning, and other financial needs.

Regular Monitoring

Regular funds come with the advantage of continuous monitoring and rebalancing by a financial expert, ensuring your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Lack of Professional Advice

Direct funds require you to make all investment decisions independently, which can be challenging without expert knowledge.

Time-Consuming

Managing direct funds can be time-consuming as you need to stay updated with market trends and adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Diversified Portfolio Approach
Importance of Diversification

Diversification helps spread risk across different asset classes, reducing the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. A well-diversified portfolio includes a mix of equities, debt, and other asset classes.

Suggested Asset Allocation

Equity Funds (60-70%)

Given your long-term investment horizon, allocate a significant portion to equity funds for growth. Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds for diversification within equities.

Debt Funds (20-30%)

Include debt funds for stability and regular income. Opt for short-term and medium-term debt funds to manage interest rate risk.

Hybrid Funds (10-20%)

Add hybrid funds to balance risk and return. They provide a cushion against market volatility while offering growth potential.

Additional Investment Options
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

While PPF has a lock-in period, it is worth mentioning due to its tax benefits and guaranteed returns. It is a safe option with a 15-year lock-in, offering tax-free interest and maturity.

National Pension System (NPS)

NPS is a government-sponsored retirement savings scheme with tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD(1B). Although it has a partial lock-in until retirement, it provides market-linked returns and is a low-cost investment option.

Gold ETFs and Gold Mutual Funds

Investing in gold through ETFs or mutual funds offers liquidity and the benefit of investing in a safe-haven asset. Gold acts as a hedge against inflation and currency risk.

Tax Efficiency and Retirement Planning
Tax Benefits of Mutual Funds

Equity Funds

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh per year. Gains above this limit are taxed at 10%.

Debt Funds

Debt funds held for more than three years qualify for LTCG taxation with indexation benefits, reducing your tax liability.

Tax Efficiency Strategies

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Use SWPs in mutual funds to create a regular income stream post-retirement. This allows tax-efficient withdrawals by taking advantage of LTCG tax benefits.

Tax Harvesting

Regularly book profits to stay within the tax-free LTCG limit of Rs. 1 lakh. Reinvest the proceeds to continue growing your corpus.

Assessing and Monitoring Your Investments
Regular Review

Review your investment portfolio periodically, at least once a year, to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals. Adjust your asset allocation based on changes in market conditions and your risk tolerance.

Performance Tracking

Track the performance of your mutual funds using various financial tools and apps. Compare the returns with benchmark indices and peer funds to ensure your investments are performing well.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Rebalance your portfolio if the asset allocation deviates significantly from your target allocation. This helps maintain the desired risk-return profile.

Conclusion
Investing Rs. 3,500 every month towards your retirement is a prudent decision. By choosing mutual funds, particularly equity and hybrid funds, you can potentially achieve significant growth over the long term. Remember to diversify your investments, consider tax efficiency, and regularly review your portfolio to stay on track with your retirement goals.

It's essential to work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to receive expert guidance and ensure your investment strategy is aligned with your financial objectives. A CFP can help you navigate the complexities of financial planning and make informed decisions to secure your retirement.

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 Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
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I am retired I want to invest my retirement amount for regular income.kindly advice best mutual fund
Ans: Assessing Your Needs
Investing your retirement corpus requires a strategic approach. The goal is to generate regular income while preserving your capital. As a retiree, it's crucial to strike a balance between safety and returns.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Retirement Status: You are retired.
Income Requirement: Regular income from investments.
Risk Tolerance: Likely low to moderate.
Investment Strategy
To ensure regular income, you need a diversified portfolio. This portfolio should include a mix of equity and debt investments. Here's a breakdown:

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stable returns with lower risk. They are ideal for regular income.

Short-term Debt Funds: These funds are less volatile and provide steady income.
Long-term Debt Funds: These funds offer higher returns but come with slightly higher risk.
Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance growth and stability.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds adjust the equity-debt ratio based on market conditions.
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs): These funds focus on providing monthly income through a mix of debt and equity.
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds offer higher returns but come with higher risk. A small portion of your portfolio can be allocated here for growth.

Large-cap Funds: These funds invest in large, established companies with stable returns.
Dividend Yield Funds: These funds invest in companies that pay regular dividends.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This ensures a steady cash flow.

Regular Income: Set up an SWP to withdraw monthly income.
Capital Preservation: Only a portion of your returns is withdrawn, preserving your capital.
Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Medical expenses can erode your retirement savings.

Adequate Coverage: Review and increase your health insurance coverage if needed.
Critical Illness Cover: Consider adding a critical illness cover for added protection.
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This fund should be easily accessible.

Liquid Assets: Keep 6-12 months' worth of expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.
Regular Review and Adjustments
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust based on market conditions and changing needs.

Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your investments.
Rebalance Portfolio: Adjust the equity-debt ratio based on performance and risk tolerance.
Final Insights
Investing for regular income in retirement requires careful planning. A diversified portfolio with debt, hybrid, and equity funds can provide steady income and capital preservation. Regular reviews and adjustments will ensure your investments align with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

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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
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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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