Is it wise to invest about 8 lakhs in index fund and get regular withdrawal of about Rs.15000 through SWP.

Ans: Hello and thanks for writing to me. As you have a corpus of Rs.50 Lakh and would want to get regular incomes from it, you can consider starting SWP's in balanced advantage funds which invest in a mix of debt and equity.

You can invest your corpus equally in:

1-ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund
2-Aditya Birla Sunlife Balanced Advantage Fund
3-LIC MF Balanced Advantage Fund
4-Tata Balanced Advantage Fund

You can begin SWP's from these schemes as per your needs.

I mention these assuming you are fine with taking some risk. If you mention your risk appetite, I may recommend some other schemes.

Ans: Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is an excellent way to ensure regular income during retirement. Given that your father is 70 years old, it's important to balance growth and safety. Let’s assess your situation to provide a 360-degree solution.

Assessing the Lumpsum Amount
Investment Corpus: You intend to invest Rs. 8-9 lakhs. This amount is crucial in determining the monthly withdrawal amount of Rs. 10,000.

Sustainability of SWP: With Rs. 8-9 lakhs, withdrawing Rs. 10,000 monthly could be challenging over a long period. Let's explore how this can be managed.

Understanding SWP in Different Mutual Funds
Equity-Oriented Funds: These funds, such as large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap, generally provide higher returns. However, they are also volatile. While equity can provide inflation-beating returns, it might not be the best sole option for a 70-year-old.

Hybrid Funds: A balanced or hybrid fund combines equity and debt. This mix can provide growth with lower volatility. It’s safer for an SWP at your father’s age.

Debt Funds: These funds are safer and less volatile. They might not offer high returns but can provide stable income. They are often used for SWP by retirees to preserve capital.

Which Type of Mutual Funds Are Good for SWP?
Balanced Approach: Combining equity and debt funds can create a balanced portfolio. This approach offers both growth and safety.

Two-Fund Strategy: Splitting the Rs. 8-9 lakhs into two different funds can diversify risk. One fund could be a hybrid fund, and the other a debt fund. This combination can provide stability and growth.

Safety First: Considering your father's age, prioritise safety. The bulk of the investment should be in debt or hybrid funds. A smaller portion can be in equity to capture growth potential.

Is SWP in Equity-Oriented Funds Wise?
Risk Consideration: Pure equity funds can be risky for someone in retirement. Market fluctuations can affect the fund value, impacting the sustainability of the SWP.

Diversification: If opting for equity-oriented funds, ensure they are part of a diversified portfolio. Avoid putting the entire amount in high-risk funds.

Long-Term Growth: While equity can provide good returns, it’s crucial to balance it with safer options, especially when relying on the funds for regular income.

Practical Insights on SWP Execution
Withdrawal Sustainability: If you withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly from Rs. 8-9 lakhs, the sustainability depends on the fund’s performance. In a conservative estimate, this might last for 8-10 years in a balanced portfolio.

Reinvestment of Gains: If the funds perform well, you can reinvest the gains to extend the SWP period. This requires regular monitoring.

Consulting a CFP: To ensure the strategy aligns with your father’s needs, consult a Certified Financial Planner. They can tailor the fund selection to match his risk profile and income requirements.

Final Insights
Balanced Portfolio: Prioritise a mix of equity and debt, leaning more towards safety due to your father's age.

Two-Fund Strategy: Split the investment into two different funds to diversify risk and ensure stable withdrawals.

Monitoring: Regularly review the performance of the funds. Adjust the SWP if required to maintain sustainability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: To achieve a monthly withdrawal of Rs 25,000 with a lump sum of Rs 10-12 lakh, the investment would need to generate a return of around 25-30 per cent annually, which is unrealistic for a sustainable and low-risk plan, especially for a retiree. A more reasonable withdrawal rate is around 6-8 per cent annually, which would give you Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month from that investment.

Suitable Mutual Funds for SWP:

• Hybrid Funds (Balanced Funds): These funds invest in both equities and debt, balancing growth potential with lower volatility. They are suitable for moderate risk and could provide a steady income.
• Debt Funds: These funds are less volatile and offer more predictable returns, making them good for stable withdrawals, though the growth potential is lower compared to equities.
• Conservative Hybrid Funds: These funds have a higher allocation to debt and a smaller portion in equity, making them more conservative but still offering some growth.

SWP in Equity-Oriented Funds:

Equity funds can offer higher returns over the long term, but they are volatile. SWP from equity-oriented funds could result in selling units at a loss during market downturns, which may not be ideal for generating steady income. For your mother, who is 60, a balance between equity and debt could be more suitable to manage risk.

Splitting the Investment:

Investing in two different funds for SWP is a good strategy for diversification. You could allocate one part to a hybrid or balanced fund for moderate growth and another to a debt fund for stability.

Recommendation:

Consider starting the SWP from a hybrid or balanced fund for moderate risk and some exposure to growth. Add a conservative debt fund for stability.

If you’re targeting Rs 10,000 per month, an investment of Rs 10-12 lakh should work well with lower withdrawal rates of around 6-8 per cent. For Rs 25,000 per month, you may need a higher investment or explore other income-generating assets alongside SWP.

Here are some specific mutual fund categories and examples that could suit your SWP strategy, considering your goal of stable withdrawals for your mother:

1. Hybrid Funds (Balanced Advantage Funds):

These funds automatically adjust their equity and debt exposure based on market conditions, providing a mix of growth and stability.

Examples:

• ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund
• HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund

These funds are suitable for moderate risk, with potential for long-term growth while providing a stable income.

2. Conservative Hybrid Funds:

These funds have a higher allocation to debt and a smaller portion in equity, making them more conservative. They offer lower volatility and steady income.

Examples:

• ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund
• HDFC Hybrid Debt Fund

These funds are suitable for low-risk investors who still want some equity exposure for growth potential.

3. Debt Funds (Short-Term or Corporate Bond Funds):

Debt funds provide stable returns with low risk, which is ideal for conservative investors. They are more predictable but offer lower returns compared to equity.

Examples:

• SBI Magnum Medium Duration Fund
• HDFC Corporate Bond Fund

These funds are good for regular income generation while maintaining capital preservation.

Suggested Allocation:

• 50 per cent in a Balanced/Hybrid Fund: This will provide moderate growth with some equity exposure.
• 50 per cent in a Debt Fund: This will stabilise the income and protect against market volatility.

By splitting the Rs 10-12 lakh investment between these two types of funds, you could balance risk and growth potential while generating a steady income through SWP.

Ans: You have Rs. 40 lakh in mutual funds.

You plan to withdraw Rs. 20,000 monthly.

A systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) can provide steady income.

It should not deplete your corpus too soon.

A balanced strategy is essential.

Checking the Sustainability of SWP
The withdrawal rate should match returns.

High withdrawals can erode capital.

Market performance affects fund growth.

A mix of equity and debt is needed.

Debt funds provide stability.

Equity ensures long-term growth.

Asset Allocation for Stability
Avoid relying only on equity.

Allocate funds for long-term security.

Debt funds can handle short-term needs.

Equity funds grow wealth over time.

A mix of both balances risk and return.

Tax Implications of SWP
SWP in equity funds is tax-efficient.

Long-term capital gains are taxed at 10%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 15%.

Debt fund withdrawals attract slab tax.

Tax planning can reduce liability.

Adjusting SWP for Longevity
Increase withdrawals gradually.

Monitor portfolio performance.

Adjust allocation based on market cycles.

Avoid withdrawing more than growth.

Review plan every year.

Final Insights
SWP can work if planned well.

A balanced allocation is necessary.

Tax-efficient withdrawals save money.

Regular reviews keep the plan effective.

Aim for capital preservation with growth.

Your income should last for decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello;

What is your current age?

Please confirm.

Thanks