Hi Me and my wife are 30 & 29. We are looking to retire by 40 with 20 crores while also planning for our future kids. We have no kids right now. Current sip is 55k per month in large cap - 50%, mid cap- 25% and small cap 25%. I currently have 1 Flat, loan free whose rent will be given to my mother. Currently I am paying 20k to her per month. I have taken 1 more home loan of about 1.7cr in an under-construction property with emi 1.25. My wife has other home loan of 18 lacs in her hometown with emi of 36k. I earn 4.3l a month while my wife earns 2l pr month. Also our jobs in software industry is not stable. We also get RSUs but currently I am not counting that. How to plan this?

Ans: First, I want to commend you and your wife for being financially proactive and disciplined. Your combined monthly income of Rs. 3.50 lakhs and structured investments show a solid foundation. Your goal to retire by 50 with an income of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per month is achievable with strategic planning. Let’s explore how you can optimize your current finances to reach this goal.

Current Financial Snapshot
House Loan:

Outstanding loan: Rs. 15 lakhs
EMI: Rs. 15,000 per month
PPF Accounts:

Combined balance: Rs. 7 lakhs
Monthly investment from July 2024: Rs. 12,500 each (total Rs. 25,000)
Mutual Funds:

Lump sum: Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs
Monthly SIP: Rs. 10,000 in equity and debt
Properties:

One rental property generating Rs. 12,500 per month
Primary residence
Fixed Deposits:

Total: Rs. 20 lakhs
Emergency Fund:

Total: Rs. 5 lakhs
NPS Accounts:

Annual contribution: Rs. 50,000 each (total Rs. 1 lakh)
Term Insurance:

Sum assured: Rs. 1 crore each
Provident Fund:

Combined balance: Rs. 25 lakhs
With this strong financial base, let’s assess how to align your assets and investments towards your retirement goal.

Setting Clear Retirement Goals
Your goal is to retire at 50, with a steady monthly income of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs. To achieve this, we need to:

Estimate Retirement Corpus:

We need to calculate how much you’ll need to generate Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per month, considering inflation and longevity.
Optimize Current Investments:

Evaluate and adjust your current investments for growth and stability.
Increase Investment Contributions:

Plan to increase your savings and investments to meet the desired retirement corpus.
Estimating Your Retirement Corpus
Assuming you need Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per month in today’s terms, we must account for inflation. Typically, a 6-7% annual inflation rate is reasonable for long-term planning.

Inflation-Adjusted Income:

Rs. 1.5 lakhs today will be much higher in 15 years due to inflation. For example, at 6% inflation, Rs. 1.5 lakhs will be around Rs. 3.6 lakhs in 15 years.
Corpus Calculation:

To generate Rs. 3.6 lakhs per month, you need a substantial retirement corpus. Typically, using a safe withdrawal rate of 4-5%, you’ll need a corpus of approximately Rs. 9-10 crores.
Optimizing Your Current Investments
To build this corpus, let’s review and optimize your existing investments and strategies.

Paying Off the Home Loan
Low-Interest Priority:

Your home loan of Rs. 15 lakhs with an EMI of Rs. 15,000 is manageable. If the interest rate is low, continue paying the EMI. Use surplus funds for higher growth investments rather than prepaying the loan.
Focus on Higher Returns:

Redirecting extra money towards investments with higher returns than your loan’s interest rate can be more beneficial.
Leveraging PPF Accounts
Consistent Contributions:

You plan to invest Rs. 25,000 per month in PPF. This provides safe, tax-free returns, which is great for a portion of your portfolio. Continue these contributions for stability and security.
Long-Term Growth:

PPF’s tax-free nature and stable returns make it a strong long-term investment. It’s perfect for balancing your riskier investments.
Enhancing Mutual Fund Investments
Review Lump Sum Investments:

Your Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs in mutual funds need reviewing. Ensure these funds are aligned with your risk tolerance and goals. Prefer funds with a good track record of consistent returns.
Increase SIPs:

You currently invest Rs. 10,000 monthly in SIPs. To meet your retirement goals, consider increasing your SIPs gradually. Target Rs. 20,000-30,000 monthly as your income allows.
Focus on Growth:

Prioritize equity mutual funds for higher returns, balanced with some debt funds for stability. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, providing better growth potential.
Fixed Deposits and Emergency Fund
Emergency Fund:

Your Rs. 5 lakhs emergency fund is excellent. It’s crucial to keep this liquid and accessible. This provides security and peace of mind.
Reassess Fixed Deposits:

With Rs. 20 lakhs in FDs, you have stability, but returns may be lower. Consider reallocating a portion to higher-yielding investments, keeping some for short-term needs and safety.
NPS Contributions
Tax Benefits:

Your annual Rs. 50,000 each in NPS is beneficial for tax savings and retirement planning. Continue these contributions for long-term retirement benefits.
Growth Potential:

NPS offers good growth with a mix of equity and debt. It’s a great supplement to your retirement corpus, providing steady growth and tax benefits.
Investment Strategy to Achieve Retirement Goals
To retire comfortably by 50, focus on growing your wealth while managing risks. Here’s a strategic plan:

Maximize Equity Exposure:

At your age, focus on equity investments for higher growth. Increase your SIPs in equity mutual funds and ensure a diversified portfolio.
Rebalance Periodically:

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals. Adjust allocations based on market conditions and your risk tolerance.
Leverage Professional Management:

Actively managed funds can provide higher returns through expert stock selection and management. Consider funds with good track records and professional managers.
Increase Contributions Over Time:

As your income grows, gradually increase your SIPs and other investments. Aim to invest a larger portion of your salary towards your retirement corpus.
Utilize Tax-Efficient Investments:

Maximize contributions to PPF and NPS for tax savings. Also, consider tax-efficient mutual funds and equity investments.
Diversify Across Asset Classes:

Balance your portfolio with a mix of equities, debt, and safe instruments like PPF and FDs. Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns.
Managing Risks and Ensuring Stability
Risk management is crucial in your journey towards early retirement. Here’s how you can mitigate risks while pursuing your goals:

Adequate Insurance Coverage:

Your term plans of Rs. 1 crore each provide a safety net for your family. Ensure you have adequate health insurance to cover medical emergencies.
Emergency Fund Maintenance:

Keep your Rs. 5 lakhs emergency fund intact. This protects against unexpected expenses without disturbing your investments.
Regular Financial Check-Ups:

Periodically review your financial plan and investments. This helps in adapting to changing circumstances and staying on track.
Plan for Inflation:

Consider the impact of inflation on your retirement needs. Ensure your investments grow faster than inflation to maintain purchasing power.
Building a Sustainable Retirement Plan
Creating a sustainable retirement plan involves both growing your corpus and planning for a stable income post-retirement. Here’s how:

Target a Diversified Corpus:

Aim for a retirement corpus that includes a mix of equity, debt, and fixed-income investments. This provides growth and stability.
Consider Systematic Withdrawal Plans:

Post-retirement, consider using Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) from mutual funds to generate a steady income. This allows you to withdraw money systematically while keeping your capital invested and growing.
Explore Annuity Options:

Though not the focus, evaluate annuities for a portion of your retirement corpus for guaranteed income. They provide stability and reduce the risk of outliving your savings.
Maintain a Balance Between Safety and Growth:

As you approach retirement, gradually shift to safer investments to protect your corpus while keeping some exposure to growth assets.
Final Insights
Your goal to retire at 50 with a monthly income of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs is ambitious but achievable. Here’s a summary of how to work towards it:

Focus on Equity for Growth:

Increase your equity investments through SIPs and lump-sum mutual fund investments. This provides the growth needed to build a large corpus.
Maintain Diversification and Stability:

Balance your portfolio with PPF, FDs, and NPS for stability and tax benefits. Keep your emergency fund intact for security.
Increase Investments Over Time:

Gradually increase your investment contributions as your income grows. This accelerates your wealth-building process.
Leverage Professional Management:

Utilize actively managed mutual funds and the expertise of Certified Financial Planners. They help in optimizing your investments and staying on track.
Regularly Review and Rebalance:

Periodically review your financial plan and investments. Rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
Starting early and maintaining a disciplined approach will lead you to a comfortable and financially secure retirement at 50. Your proactive steps today will pave the way for a fulfilling and worry-free future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Your dedication and focus towards your family’s secure future is truly commendable. Let’s create a clear and actionable plan to help you meet your goals smoothly.

Current Financial Position
Age: You are 44 years old; your wife is 43 years.

Monthly Net Income: Rs. 3.40 lakhs (includes Rs. 15,000 in rental income).

Loans:

Personal Loan: Rs. 6 lakhs; EMI Rs. 26,000; 24 months left.

Home Loan: Rs. 28 lakhs; EMI Rs. 50,000; 4 years left.

Car Loan: Rs. 10 lakhs; EMI Rs. 40,000; 2 years left.

Assets & Investments:

Provident Fund: Rs. 35 lakhs.

NPS: Rs. 3.5 lakhs.

Mutual Funds: Rs. 3 lakhs.

Gold: Rs. 15 lakhs.

Term Insurance: Rs. 1.5 crores.

Insurance policy maturity in 7 years: Rs. 25 lakhs.

Fixed Assets: Rs. 2 crores.

Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme: Rs. 8.5 lakhs.

Family:

Daughter: 12 years old, in 7th grade.

Son: 4 years old.

Your Key Financial Goals
Retirement corpus of Rs. 2 crores in the next 10 years.

Secure both children’s education.

Daughter’s marriage: Rs. 50 lakhs.

Build a house worth Rs. 3 crores in 5 years for an additional rental income of Rs. 60,000.

Loan Management
Prioritize closing your personal and car loans first. These have higher interest rates than your home loan.

Your car loan has 2 years left and personal loan 2 years as well. If you get any surplus income, direct it towards these.

After these are cleared, you can focus on prepaying your home loan faster if needed.

Reducing your EMI burden will improve your monthly cash flow significantly.

Retirement Planning
You aim to build a retirement corpus of Rs. 2 crores in 10 years. This is a solid and achievable target if you stay disciplined.

You already have Rs. 35 lakhs in PF and Rs. 3.5 lakhs in NPS. These are good foundations.

Continue your regular contributions to PF and NPS.

Start systematic investments in mutual funds to supplement these. Invest every month without fail.

Equity mutual funds have the potential to give better returns over the long term than traditional fixed deposits.

Avoid index funds. They only track the index, and may not adapt to market changes. Actively managed mutual funds, with expert fund managers, can outperform and adjust to market conditions.

Choose funds managed by reputed fund managers with a consistent record.

Avoid direct mutual funds. Regular mutual funds offer expert advice, help you stay disciplined, and provide guidance. A Certified Financial Planner can help you select and monitor these funds for the best results.

Mutual funds can be selected based on your risk profile and financial goals.

Children’s Education & Marriage Planning
Education costs can be substantial. Start investing separately for both children’s education.

Use child-focused mutual funds or balanced funds to plan for this. They balance risk and returns well.

For your daughter’s marriage, you have around 10-15 years. You already have Rs. 8.5 lakhs in Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme. Keep investing in it regularly for safety and decent returns.

For the additional Rs. 50 lakhs needed for her marriage, you can create a separate mutual fund portfolio in your wife’s name. This will keep it separate from your retirement funds.

Monitor and review these funds every year to ensure you stay on track.

House Construction Plan
You plan to build a house worth Rs. 3 crores in 5 years.

Since this will also bring in Rs. 60,000 monthly rent, it can be a useful asset. But building a house of this size can impact your other financial goals.

Ensure you do not compromise your retirement or children’s education plans for this. It is important to balance these big goals.

Consider saving a good portion of your monthly surplus for the house construction.

Avoid taking large loans again for the house as you already have a home loan.

If required, stagger the house construction or phase it based on the funds available.

Insurance & Protection
You already have a term insurance cover of Rs. 1.5 crores. This is good. Make sure it is sufficient for your family’s needs if something happens to you.

Your wife should also have a term insurance plan. This will ensure both of you are covered.

Avoid investment-linked insurance plans like ULIPs or endowment plans. They mix insurance and investment but give poor returns.

Surrender any existing ULIP or endowment policies you have. Reinvest the surrender value in mutual funds. This will grow better and give you liquidity.

Managing the Insurance Policy Maturing in 7 Years
You have an insurance policy maturing in 7 years with Rs. 25 lakhs.

Once it matures, reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds for long-term growth.

Avoid buying new insurance-cum-investment products. Keep insurance and investment separate for better results.

Regular Monitoring & Review
Your financial situation and goals may change with time.

Review your investments every year. Check if your goals are on track.

Adjust your investment amount or fund choices as required.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you review and rebalance your portfolio when needed.

Tax Planning
Be aware of taxes when you sell your mutual fund investments.

For equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

For debt mutual funds, both long-term and short-term gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan your redemptions smartly to minimise tax.

Use tax-saving investment options like ELSS funds or PPF to reduce tax liability.

Building a Financial Buffer
Keep an emergency fund of at least 6 months of expenses.

This will help you manage sudden expenses or income changes.

Your rental income of Rs. 15,000 is a good start. When you build the new house and get the extra Rs. 60,000 rent, direct some of it to your emergency fund.

Securing Your Family’s Future
For your wife, ensure her insurance coverage and investments are also properly managed.

Teach your children the basics of money management as they grow. This will help them in the future.

Finally
You are on the right track with your savings and planning. Clearing your high-interest loans first will free up more of your monthly income.

Focus on disciplined investments in mutual funds and keep insurance separate. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you at every step to help you stay on course.

Stay consistent, review regularly, and you will achieve your goals smoothly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: You and your spouse have built a strong base. Your discipline is truly helpful for long-term wealth creation. Now, let us assess everything from a 360-degree angle. We'll look at all goals, risks, and gaps step-by-step.

Income and Expenses Stability Check
Your monthly income is around Rs. 4 to 4.5 lakh.

Your total monthly spending is Rs. 85,000 only.

This gives a healthy monthly surplus of around Rs. 3.2 to 3.7 lakh.

That shows high savings potential. This is a big strength.

Your expense-to-income ratio is low. That gives long-term flexibility.

Maintain this ratio even after your child’s education expenses increase.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity Planning
You did not mention emergency fund or cash reserve separately.

Please keep at least 6 months’ expenses in a savings-linked liquid fund.

That is around Rs. 5 to 6 lakh minimum.

You may also keep 1 month expenses in bank for quick use.

Do not mix this with equity, shares, or SIPs.

This fund should not have lock-in, and must be easy to redeem.

Health and Life Insurance Coverage
You have Rs. 25 lakh floater health insurance.

Plus Rs. 1 crore super top-up. That is very good coverage.

You and spouse also have Rs. 2 crore term plans each.

That is adequate for your income level and future goals.

Review term plan once every 3 to 4 years.

No need to buy any insurance-investment products like ULIPs or endowments.

Current Investments Assessment
Rs. 1.45 crore in shares is a large direct equity holding.

Rs. 82 lakh is in mutual funds. SIP of Rs. 22,000 per month is ongoing.

Your equity portion is close to Rs. 2.25 crore.

You have clearly taken good risk and built strong growth assets.

However, direct shares bring concentration risk.

Mutual funds, especially regular ones, offer better diversification.

It is safer to slowly shift more into mutual funds over time.

Use guidance from a CFP to build a proper large, mid, small-cap balance.

SIP Evaluation and Adjustments Needed
Monthly SIP of Rs. 22,000 seems low for your savings potential.

With a surplus of Rs. 3 lakh+ per month, SIP can be increased.

Ideal monthly SIP should be Rs. 1.25 to 1.5 lakh or more.

Diversify across multi-cap, flexi-cap, and sectoral opportunities.

Focus more on regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct funds as they lack proper goal tracking.

Direct funds also offer no ongoing rebalancing or reviews.

Child’s Education Planning (after 6 years)
Target education cost is Rs. 60 lakh after 6 years.

This is a short-term goal with inflation sensitivity.

A pure equity portfolio may carry high risk here.

Allocate funds to hybrid mutual funds and debt-oriented categories.

Use STP from equity to safer funds 3 years before goal year.

Your daughter’s goal must be planned with zero compromise approach.

Do not wait till last 1 year to move funds to low-risk options.

Retirement Planning – Age 58 to 60
Retirement is about 16 to 18 years away.

You already have Rs. 2.25 crore in financial assets.

Plus, monthly surplus allows compounding with increased SIPs.

Retirement corpus should ideally reach Rs. 6 to 7 crore by age 58.

Based on moderate lifestyle, this should be enough for 85+ age.

Keep a part of retirement funds in stable hybrid mutual funds.

Avoid real estate as a post-retirement asset unless self-used.

Property is hard to sell and not liquid during emergencies.

Mutual Fund Taxation Awareness
All mutual fund sales after 1 year are taxed at 12.5% if gains cross Rs. 1.25 lakh.

Short-term mutual fund gains (under 1 year) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So, plan redemptions wisely using long-term horizon.

Do not redeem large amounts in one go unless for a goal.

Use systematic withdrawal post-retirement to control tax.

Real Estate in Your Portfolio
You have an apartment worth Rs. 90 lakh (loan closed).

Plus own home worth Rs. 65 lakh.

Keep only one for personal living. Other is illiquid.

Try not to depend on property for retirement corpus.

Real estate lacks regular income and takes time to sell.

Rental returns are also low compared to mutual funds.

Estate Planning and Will Writing
You are parents of one child. Future must be protected.

Please write a registered Will for all major assets.

Include mutual funds, shares, properties, term plans, and bank accounts.

Also update nominees in each investment.

Will is not just for old age. It protects your child’s future.

Ideal Asset Allocation Strategy
Reduce direct share holding to under 50% over 5 years.

Increase mutual fund portion gradually through lumpsum + SIPs.

Add hybrid mutual funds for safety in medium-term goals.

Equity mutual funds for long-term goals like retirement.

Keep 10-15% in short-term debt funds for emergencies.

Do annual rebalancing with help from Certified Financial Planner.

What You Can Do from Today
Increase SIP amount to minimum Rs. 1 lakh per month.

Set separate SIPs for daughter’s education and retirement.

Stop fresh direct share investments unless backed by analysis.

Use lumpsum investments into mutual funds when markets correct.

Shift to regular funds via Certified Financial Planner for reviews and guidance.

Set up automatic asset review once every 6 months.

Create a digital record of all your investments with passwords.

Review health cover and term plan once in 3 years.

Plan to become debt-free for life, which you already are.

Review of Risk Factors
Direct equity concentration is a risk if unmanaged.

Underinvestment in mutual funds may lower growth.

Daughter’s education is a near-term goal, needs safe path.

Real estate is non-liquid. Cannot be used for emergencies.

Retirement needs inflation-adjusted planning till age 85+.

Your lifestyle may change after retirement, so plan for flexibility.

Family Support Planning
You have 5 family members. Elder care needs may come up.

Keep a separate emergency fund for medical needs of parents.

Review health insurance annually. Upgrade if hospitalization trends increase.

Talk to spouse and involve in financial planning discussions.

Keep family members informed of investments and nominations.

Finally
You have created an excellent foundation already.

Increase SIPs based on your strong savings surplus.

Shift more from shares to mutual funds with proper planning.

Give your daughter’s education goal a dedicated low-risk strategy.

Plan your retirement using diversified mutual funds, not real estate.

Work with a CFP who will guide you across all life stages.

Regular funds through an expert ensure goal matching, rebalancing, and reviews.

This protects your future wealth and gives peace of mind.

Keep updating your plan every year. Keep it goal-based, not return-based.

Retirement success depends on balance between growth and safety.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: It’s commendable that at 37, you and your wife have accumulated considerable assets and are thinking far ahead.

Let me now provide a 360-degree review of your current financials and goals.

– The structure will follow your listed goals and overall situation.
– I will also include some missing perspectives you should consider.

Please read every section carefully.

» Present Income, Age, and Retirement Timeline

– You both earn Rs. 3.5 lakhs monthly.
– Retirement in next year, after 14 years of service.
– Your age is 37 now, and post-retirement civil job plan is excellent.
– Working after retirement ensures continued cash flow.
– Your wife working for interest and earning Rs. 1 lakh is also helpful.

» Current Assets Snapshot

– Rs. 60L and Rs. 55L in PF is a very good base.
– Rs. 25L in equity shares via wife's app — good for long term if quality stocks.
– Rs. 5L in physical gold adds diversification.
– 2 land plots worth Rs. 50L each — no loan burden.
– Rs. 3L loan is small and manageable.
– Rs. 65–70L each expected from gratuity + leave encashment — very useful corpus.

Your financial asset base already crosses Rs. 3.5 crores.

That is a strong start.

» Retirement Pension of Rs. 1.5–2 Lakhs per Month After 8–10 Years

This is the most important part of your planning.

– You need a retirement corpus that gives Rs. 1.5–2L monthly.
– That means Rs. 18L to 24L per year after 8–10 years.
– You will need at least Rs. 3.5 to 4 crores as pure retirement corpus.
– This estimate assumes conservative returns and inflation impact.

Let us examine how to build this:

– PF balance of Rs. 1.15 crore already helps.
– Add gratuity and leave encashment, approx. Rs. 1.3–1.4 crores.
– Total at retirement = Rs. 2.5 crore to Rs. 2.6 crore.
– Add 10 years of future investment after retirement in your civil job.
– If invested wisely, that gives another Rs. 1.5–2 crore.

Your projected total retirement corpus = Rs. 4.5 crore approx.

This is sufficient to target Rs. 1.5–2L monthly pension.

But you must avoid high-risk exposure.

– Don’t depend only on equity shares.
– Add conservative mutual funds, hybrid options.
– Avoid annuities – they give poor returns and low liquidity.
– Prefer flexible options for post-retirement withdrawal.

Use a bucket strategy:

– Short-term (0–3 years): debt mutual funds, liquid funds.
– Medium-term (3–7 years): balanced or hybrid equity funds.
– Long-term (7+ years): equity-oriented active funds.

» Kids College, Education & Marriage Fund (Target Rs. 1.5 Cr in 10 Years)

This is another very clear and strong goal.

Let us assess this step-by-step:

– You are planning Rs. 3.5L investment yearly in child policy.
– Child policies from insurance companies offer low returns.
– ULIPs and child insurance policies mix insurance + investment — avoid them.

Here is a better strategy:

– Invest Rs. 25,000 per month in diversified equity mutual funds.
– Use SIP mode. Prefer actively managed regular mutual funds.
– Avoid index funds. They lack downside protection.
– Don’t use direct mutual funds. Use regular mutual funds via a CFP-qualified MFD.

Benefits of regular funds through a certified planner:

– Portfolio is reviewed and adjusted.
– Guidance during market fall.
– You avoid behavioural mistakes.
– You get asset rebalancing support.

Target for 10 years: Rs. 1.5 crore.
This is possible with Rs. 25,000–30,000 monthly SIP and 10% CAGR returns.

Keep goal investment separate from other savings.

» Buying a New Land Parcel Worth Rs. 45 Lakhs Using PF Money

This is not advisable for your situation.
You already own two plots worth Rs. 1 crore total.

Why avoid new land purchase now?

– You will lose compounding benefits of EPF.
– EPF gives tax-free and risk-free 8%+ return.
– Withdrawing Rs. 45L now for land blocks money in non-productive asset.
– It also increases future construction cost burden.

You may keep your current two plots.
But don’t increase land exposure any further.
Land is not liquid, doesn’t give cash flow.

Focus instead on house construction when funds allow.
For now, preserve PF corpus and grow other assets.

» Constructing House on Either Plot for Rental in 5–6 Years

This is a more practical idea.

But first assess:

– Which location gives better rental yield?
– What is construction cost estimate today?
– Can you get rental of Rs. 25,000–30,000 per month minimum?
– If yes, then start preparing fund pool for that by year 4–5.

Avoid using full PF corpus.
Instead, build construction fund from post-retirement income.
Use mutual fund STPs, balanced funds, and hybrid debt funds to park that.

Keep this goal flexible.
If rental is not viable, sell at Rs. 70L each and reinvest.

Reinvestment options after sale:

– Balanced advantage funds (moderate risk).
– Debt mutual funds (conservative).
– Hybrid equity funds (growth + safety).
– No index funds, no ULIPs, no real estate reinvestment.

» Emergency Corpus of Rs. 80L to Rs. 1 Cr

This is a good safety cushion.

Here is how to create it:

– From Rs. 1.3 crore gratuity + leave, keep Rs. 30L for emergency.
– Add Rs. 20L in bank FDs.
– Keep Rs. 15L in liquid mutual funds.
– Keep Rs. 10L in short-duration debt funds.
– Add Rs. 5L in wife’s savings account as instant-access buffer.
– Keep gold Rs. 5L as part of it.

That totals around Rs. 85L.

Revisit this corpus every 2 years.
Inflation and expenses may need adjustment.

» Term Insurance, ULIPs, NPS, and Tax Saving Options

Let’s go one by one:

Term Insurance:

– You already have Rs. 1 crore term cover each.
– That is sufficient for now.
– Once your retirement fund is built, coverage need reduces.
– Don’t buy additional term plans unless liabilities increase.

ULIPs:

– Avoid ULIPs completely.
– They are poor for returns.
– Lock-in is long, charges are high.
– They offer neither good insurance nor investment.
– ULIPs are mis-sold to salaried people. Stay away.

Child Insurance Plans:

– These are a form of ULIP or endowment.
– Offers 5–6% returns.
– Poor liquidity.
– No flexibility.
– Don’t invest Rs. 3.5L in these.

Instead, invest in goal-specific SIPs as discussed earlier.

NPS:

– NPS gives extra tax benefit under Sec 80CCD(1B).
– You can invest Rs. 50,000 yearly for Rs. 15,600 tax savings (assuming 30% tax slab).
– Returns are market-linked.
– But withdrawal rules are restrictive.
– 60% of NPS corpus is tax-free, rest 40% goes to annuity (which we want to avoid).
– You may put minimum Rs. 50,000 in NPS for tax-saving.
– Don’t put your main retirement fund in NPS.

Tax Saving Options:

– Use 80C limit of Rs. 1.5L through EPF, tuition fees, ELSS mutual funds.
– Use NPS additional Rs. 50,000 under 80CCD(1B).
– Use medical insurance under Sec 80D.
– Avoid insurance-linked saving schemes.

—

» House Purchase on Own Plot

You already have two plots.
Instead of buying third land, build on existing one.

If that house is for self-use:

– Start saving now in hybrid mutual funds.
– Allocate Rs. 25,000 monthly for construction corpus.
– Plan to build by year 5–6.
– Don’t compromise your retirement or child’s goal for house.

Keep house cost within Rs. 50L total.

—

» Additional Suggestions for Financial Security

– Write your Wills clearly.
– Appoint guardianship for your child in case of any eventuality.
– Create a Trust for child’s future financial protection.
– Update nominee in PF, shares, mutual funds, insurance.
– Consolidate wife’s share investments. Shift to mutual funds.
– Avoid penny stocks or trading.
– Review portfolio every 12 months with help of Certified Financial Planner.

—

» Finally

You have built a strong financial base.
Your future income flow and assets offer long-term confidence.

But direction is important.

– Avoid land purchase now.
– Don’t use child insurance or ULIP plans.
– Prioritise mutual fund investing via certified planner.
– Keep funds liquid and flexible.
– Separate each goal’s funding — retirement, child, house, emergency.
– Be conservative yet growth-oriented.

You don’t need to chase risky returns.

Discipline and separation of goals will win for you.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment