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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6266 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Sir , I am working man ( Age- 52 ) , I invested in MF , LIC , NPS , ULIP , FD , TermPlan etc .. all total the market value cost of invested fund is almost Rs. 50 lakhs.. Now my query is that do I withdraw all the money ( i.e. 50 lakhs) and invested in FD for 10 years to get monthly income ? pls guide me .. I am confused ...

Ans: It's understandable to feel confused when considering significant financial decisions like withdrawing and investing a substantial amount of money. Let's weigh the pros and cons of withdrawing your investments and putting the funds into fixed deposits (FDs) for generating monthly income:
Pros of Investing in FDs:
1. Stable Income: FDs provide a fixed interest rate, ensuring a predictable monthly income stream, which can be beneficial for meeting regular expenses.
2. Capital Preservation: Your principal amount invested in FDs is generally considered safe and protected, offering stability and security.
3. Ease of Management: FDs are relatively straightforward investment instruments, requiring minimal monitoring and management.
Cons of Investing in FDs:
1. Limited Returns: FDs typically offer lower returns compared to equity-linked investments like mutual funds, which may not be sufficient to keep pace with inflation over the long term.
2. Lack of Flexibility: Once you invest in FDs for a specific term, withdrawing funds before maturity may attract penalties or lower interest rates, limiting liquidity.
3. Inflation Risk: FD returns may not always keep up with the rising cost of living, potentially eroding the purchasing power of your income over time.
Considerations:
1. Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and financial goals to determine if the conservative approach of FDs aligns with your needs. At age 52, preserving capital and generating steady income may be a priority.
2. Diversification: Review your overall investment portfolio and ensure it is well-diversified across asset classes to manage risk effectively. Consider maintaining exposure to growth-oriented investments like mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.
3. Financial Planning: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk profile, and income needs. They can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions.
In conclusion, while FDs offer stability and regular income, they may not be the most efficient option for long-term wealth accumulation. It's essential to balance safety, liquidity, and returns based on your financial situation and objectives.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  |458 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 02, 2023

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Hi, I am LY, currently i have invested in DSP tax saver fund- regular plan growth-50k, ICICI prudential flexi cap fund growth-5k monthly, Bandhan flexicap fund growth regular plan-2500 montly,Mahindra manulife large and midcap fund regular growth-3k monthly,FNGP- uti floater fund regular plan-1500 monthly,MCGP-UTI mid cap fund regular plan 3500 montly. My current value of investments is 6.50 lac & i want to start more 10k monthly. Please advise whether above investments are ok & to start with 10k monthly in which MF i should start?
Ans: I have no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile, other investments and whether you would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if stock markets go temporarily down. Hence, it is not possible for me to review your complete portfolio and suggest you to invest the additional SIP amount.

However please note that mutual funds work the best when you’re in it for a long term. Typically, investors change their investing horizon as per the market conditions – if markets remain good, they’re long-term players, if markets turn down, they start exiting in panic and become short term players. Please remember that markets will always give great returns only if you ‘spend time in the markets, rather than try timing the market’.

So, I’m just giving you a high-equity portfolio which is a long term portfolio but needs to be reviewed and maybe rebalanced every year. The general portfolio construction that I would suggest is:-
1. Large Cap / Index Fund – 40% of SIP amount
2. Flexicap Fund – 20%
3. Large & Midcap Fund – 20%
4. Asset Allocator Fund – 20%

In the above portfolio, the risk has been avoided. If you want more risk, then you may add mid and/or small cap funds to the extent of your risk by reducing the Large cap Fund and maybe replacing the Asset Allocator fund.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6266 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2023Hindi
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Hi, i m a breadwinner to my family of 4 (Myself 44yrs, wife 42, one daughter 7yrs n son 4 yrs). I am salaried engineering professional in private firm with 13L/annum. To have financial gain, i invested in shares, gained a little but now in loss of Rs 3L with total investment of 8L. Its been 2yrs but it seems it will be waste of time further as it is unpredictable when those shares will recover? n if not any profit when can i get the principal amount? Somebody suggested me to withdraw all from shares n with those Rs 5L, invest in MF not only to recover 3L but also gain profit in Long term. My investment goals are obviously as below; 01) Lumpsum amount for child education after 10 n 15 yrs from now. 02) For their marriage. After 20yrs from now. 03) Have sufficient funds as lumpsum or monthly post retirement. 15yrs from now. As an asset, I have got only flat amounting 80L now in Noida. A principal home loan outstanding 14L on that property, 24K as EMI. I m staying in rented accommodation in Panvel - Mumbai where i am doing Job. My monthly saving of now is almost NIL after all expenses, but can somehow manage to invest around 5~6k. Plz suggest, with given conditions what should be my next step to achieve above 3 goals?
Ans: Given your current situation, it's essential to reassess your investment strategy and prioritize long-term financial goals. Here's a suggested plan:

Immediate Action on Shares: Consider selling the shares to minimize further losses and reinvest the remaining amount in more stable investment avenues like mutual funds.

Mutual Fund Investment: With the proceeds from the shares (5L), consider investing in mutual funds. Given your long-term goals, opt for diversified equity funds or balanced funds that offer growth potential with comparatively lower risk.

Emergency Fund: Since your monthly savings are limited, focus on building an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of your expenses. Keep this fund in a liquid or low-risk investment option like a savings account or short-term debt fund.

Child Education and Marriage: For your children's education and marriage goals, consider starting SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) in equity mutual funds. Allocate funds based on the respective time horizons and risk appetite.

Retirement Planning: Since you have a flat as an asset, ensure that you continue to pay off the home loan EMIs regularly. Additionally, allocate a portion of your monthly savings towards retirement planning through SIPs in retirement-focused mutual funds or NPS (National Pension Scheme).

Regular Review: Regularly review your investment portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments based on changing market conditions, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.

By following these steps and staying disciplined in your investment approach, you can work towards achieving your financial goals and securing your family's future.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6266 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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Sir I have fd of 35 lakhs on which I have taken loan against it 22lakhs out of which I have invest onland which is valued at 50 lakhs now I have monthly sip in the following mf Bajaj finserve flexi cap direct 1000 Nippon india retirement wealth creation fund 500 Bandhan nifty small cap 250 index fund 500 Boi multi capfund 1000 Depend upon my saving iam investing lumpsum in Boi multi asset fund Mahindra manulife flexi capfund Bajaj finserv balanced adv fund Aditya Birla sunlife medium term plan Tala gold ETF these are good funds? whether have to change them and I have to repay my loan amount or have to invest in mf (where I can invest 40k monthly) I am a psb employee aged 35 years having monthly income of 1.1 lakh
Ans: Considering your financial situation, it's commendable that you've built a substantial fixed deposit and invested in land. However, taking a loan against it is a double-edged sword. While it can provide liquidity, it also adds debt to your portfolio.

Your monthly SIPs in various mutual funds showcase a diversified approach, which is wise. However, it's essential to evaluate if these funds align with your risk appetite, financial goals, and time horizon. Additionally, investing lump sums requires careful consideration to avoid overexposure to certain sectors or asset classes.

Given your stable income and age, repaying the loan should be a priority to reduce debt burden and interest costs. Simultaneously, you can continue investing in mutual funds to build wealth systematically. It's crucial to strike a balance between debt repayment and wealth accumulation.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.

When it comes to choosing mutual funds, seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner can be advantageous. They can help tailor your investment strategy based on your financial objectives and risk tolerance. Additionally, they can offer insights into the pros and cons of actively managed funds versus index funds, helping you make informed decisions.

Ultimately, the key is to maintain a diversified portfolio, stay disciplined with your investments, and regularly review your financial plan to adapt to changing circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6266 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Money
dear sir, i m 54 years old male and having investment in MF of 58 lacks of current value of 1 Cr above.also having PF Fund 24 lacs,super enuation 16 lacs and 7 to 8 lacs in NPS. my monthly salary on hand 1.8 lacks. every month invest 75k in MF and 12k in NPS. after retirement i should have monthly 1 lac for my expense. kindly suggest how much should i invest every month. i have two daughters and got marries and no liability on my head.
Ans: You have done an excellent job in building your financial portfolio. With Rs 1 crore in mutual funds, Rs 24 lakhs in Provident Fund (PF), Rs 16 lakhs in superannuation, and Rs 7-8 lakhs in NPS, you have a strong financial base. Your monthly salary of Rs 1.8 lakhs and current investments of Rs 75,000 in mutual funds and Rs 12,000 in NPS show a disciplined approach to saving for retirement.

You mentioned that you will require Rs 1 lakh per month after retirement. This is an important goal and will guide our investment strategy.

Assessing Your Retirement Income Needs
To ensure that you have Rs 1 lakh per month during retirement, we need to consider various factors. Your existing corpus will need to generate sufficient income to meet your monthly expenses without depleting the principal too quickly.

Assuming you retire at 60, you have six more years to build your retirement corpus. The challenge is to ensure that your investments grow sufficiently to provide you with a steady income of Rs 1 lakh per month. Given your current investment discipline, you are on the right path, but a few adjustments could optimize your strategy.

Investment Strategy for Mutual Funds
Reviewing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio:

Your current mutual fund portfolio of Rs 1 crore indicates good growth over time.

However, it’s essential to review the performance of these funds regularly.

Focus on funds with a proven track record and actively managed funds. These funds offer potential for higher returns than index funds.

Ensure that your portfolio is diversified across various asset classes like large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.

SIP vs Lump Sum:

Continue with your monthly SIP of Rs 75,000 in mutual funds. This systematic approach will help you average out market volatility.

If you receive any lump sum amounts, such as bonuses or incentives, consider investing them in a staggered manner.

Debt Fund Allocation:

As you approach retirement, consider increasing your allocation to debt funds. Debt funds offer stability and can help preserve your capital.

A gradual shift towards a balanced portfolio with a higher debt component will reduce your exposure to market risks.

Optimizing Your NPS Contributions
Your monthly contribution of Rs 12,000 to NPS is a wise choice. NPS offers a mix of equity and debt, making it a balanced investment for retirement.

Consider reviewing your NPS allocation to ensure it aligns with your risk appetite.

You can opt for a more conservative approach as you near retirement, reducing equity exposure and increasing debt allocation.

Superannuation and Provident Fund Planning
Your superannuation of Rs 16 lakhs and PF of Rs 24 lakhs are excellent sources of retirement income.

Upon retirement, you can consider withdrawing a portion of these funds for immediate needs.

The remaining amount can be invested in a mix of debt instruments and hybrid mutual funds to generate regular income.

Consider options that offer both growth and income, ensuring that your principal remains intact.

Calculating Your Monthly Investments
To achieve Rs 1 lakh per month after retirement, we need to estimate the required corpus. Although exact calculations depend on various assumptions, your current investment pattern suggests that you may need to increase your monthly contributions slightly.

Estimating Future Corpus:

Considering inflation and future expenses, you might need a retirement corpus of around Rs 2-3 crores.

To reach this target, continue with your current SIPs and consider increasing your monthly investment by Rs 10,000-15,000.

You can distribute this additional investment across debt funds, equity funds, and NPS, ensuring a balanced portfolio.

Creating a Retirement Income Strategy
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

Upon retirement, consider setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your mutual funds. SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly, providing a steady income.

SWPs are tax-efficient and help manage your cash flow.

Hybrid Funds:

Invest in hybrid mutual funds that combine equity and debt. These funds offer growth potential while reducing risk.

Hybrid funds can be part of your retirement income strategy, providing a balanced approach.

Debt Instruments:

Allocate a portion of your retirement corpus to debt instruments like fixed deposits, government bonds, or Senior Citizen Savings Schemes (SCSS).

These options provide fixed returns and ensure capital preservation.

Managing Risk and Ensuring Growth
Regular Portfolio Review:

Review your portfolio at least once a year with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. This will ensure that your investments remain aligned with your retirement goals.

Rebalance your portfolio as needed, especially if there are significant changes in market conditions or your financial situation.

Contingency Planning:

Keep a contingency fund in place, equivalent to at least 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and can be in liquid funds or savings accounts.

The contingency fund ensures that you don’t need to withdraw from your investments in case of emergencies.

Final Insights
Your disciplined approach to saving and investing has put you in a strong position as you approach retirement. By making some strategic adjustments, you can ensure that you achieve your goal of Rs 1 lakh per month in retirement.

Continue with your SIPs and NPS contributions, but consider increasing your monthly investment slightly.

Diversify your portfolio, with a gradual shift towards more conservative investments as you near retirement.

Set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to manage your retirement income efficiently.

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement with the financial security you desire.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  |4 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Guru - Answered on Sep 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 06, 2024Hindi
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I am 16 and I want to invest in mutual funds. I get pocket money of Rs 3000 per month. After cutting costs, I save about Rs 1200-1500 per month. Can I invest this in SIPs? My goal is to buy a Yamaha bike In December 2025 for my 18th birthday which costs Rs 1.5 lakh. I have already saved Rs 40,000. Where can I invest so that I can double my savings by next year? Please advice
Ans: Dear
It’s awesome that you’re thinking about investing at such a young age! Your goal of buying a Yamaha bike for your 18th birthday is achievable with the right investment strategy. Let’s break it down:
1. SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) for Your Monthly Savings you can absolutely invest your savings in SIPs. With Rs 1200-1500 available per month, SIPs are a great way to start investing in mutual funds. They allow you to invest small amounts regularly, and over time, you can benefit from compounding and rupee-cost averaging, which means your money can grow steadily. However, since your goal is just over a year away (December 2025), you’ll need to invest in something that balances growth with moderate risk, because mutual funds, especially equity ones, can be volatile in the short term.
2. How Much You Need to Save - Your target is Rs 1.5 lakh, and you’ve already saved Rs 40,000.- So, you need Rs 1.1 lakh more by December 2025. - You have roughly 15 months left, meaning you need to save or grow your savings by about Rs 7333 per month to meet your goal.
3. Investment Options - Given your short time frame, here are a few options to consider: - Hybrid or Balanced Mutual Funds: These funds invest in both stocks (equity) and bonds (debt), providing moderate growth with relatively lower risk than pure equity funds. While they might not double your savings in a year, they can give you better returns than a bank savings account. On average, you could expect returns of 8-10% per year. - Debt Mutual Funds: These are safer compared to equity mutual funds but offer lower returns, typically 6-8% per year. Debt funds might be a good option if you want to minimize risk, though they won't give huge returns in a short time. - Recurring Deposits (RDs): If you’re looking for safety and guaranteed returns, an RD in a bank might be a safer option, though the returns will be around 5-6%. This won’t help double your money, but it’s secure.
4. Doubling Your Money in a Year- While it’s tempting to look for ways to double your money quickly, it’s important to understand that high returns usually come with high risk. Investing in high-risk options like **stock trading** or **cryptocurrencies** could lead to losses, especially over such a short period.
Unfortunately, doubling your money in just over a year is not realistic without taking on significant risk. A better approach is to aim for stable growth and possibly adjust your bike budget or timeframe if necessary.
5. Action Plan - Start a SIP in a **balanced or hybrid mutual fund** with your monthly savings of Rs 1200-1500.
- Continue saving as much as possible to reach your target.
- Be cautious of high-risk investments, as they could hurt your savings in the short term.
So the Conclusion that by investing in SIPs and sticking to a disciplined savings plan, you should be able to get close to your goal. While doubling your money may not happen within a year, steady growth will help you build towards your dream bike.
If you need more personalized advice, consider speaking to a financial advisor to find the best funds for your situation.

Best regards,
Nitin Narkhede
Founder & MD, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub https://Nitinnarkhede.com
Free Webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar

...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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