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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 30, 2026

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 26 years of experience in MF distribution and wealth management. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Madras and is a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) credentialed professional. He is the Director of Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distribution (ARN-4188) and APMI-registered PMS Distribution firm (APRN07386), helping clients build long-term wealth through mutual funds and other investment solutions.... more
Amar Question by Amar on Jun 17, 2026
Money

I want to know if i would have done SWP from July 2008 till June 2018. in HDFC MIDCAP fund what would have been the result. Corpus was 15 lk and monthly withdrawal of 15k.

Ans: Appreciate your thought process. Looking at a historical SWP scenario is a very practical way to understand how mutual funds behave during different market cycles. It also helps investors plan retirement income better.

» About This Scenario

You have mentioned:

Initial investment: Rs.15 lakh.
Monthly withdrawal: Rs.15,000.
SWP period: July 2008 to June 2018.
Investment in an actively managed mid-cap mutual fund.

This period is particularly interesting because it includes the 2008 global market crash, the subsequent recovery and several years of market growth.

» What Would Have Happened?

Even though the investment started just before one of the biggest market crashes, an SWP from a well-managed mid-cap mutual fund would generally have survived the full 10-year period.

Initially, the corpus would have fallen sharply because of the 2008 market correction. During this phase, more units would have been redeemed every month to provide the Rs.15,000 withdrawal.

However, as the market recovered over the following years, the value of the remaining units would also have increased. This recovery plays a very important role in the success of long-term SWPs.

By the end of the 10-year period, after withdrawing around Rs.18 lakh in total, the investment would still have retained a meaningful balance. The exact value would depend on the NAV on each withdrawal date, but the corpus would not have been exhausted.

» What Does This Teach Us?

A good actively managed mutual fund can support regular withdrawals over long periods if the withdrawal amount is reasonable.
Even a severe market crash does not necessarily mean the investment will run out.
Long-term market recovery is one of the biggest strengths of equity mutual funds.
Patience is more important than trying to predict short-term market movements.

» One Important Risk to Remember

This example should not be treated as a guarantee for future returns.

SWP success depends on factors such as:

Market performance during the withdrawal period.
Withdrawal amount.
Investment horizon.
Type of mutual fund selected.
Inflation and future expenses.

If withdrawals are too high compared to the portfolio growth, even a good fund can eventually see the corpus reduce significantly.

» Planning SWP the Right Way

For anyone planning regular income from mutual funds, it is important to:

Keep the withdrawal amount within sustainable limits.
Review the withdrawal every year.
Maintain some allocation to stable investments for short-term income needs.
Review the portfolio periodically with a Certified Financial Planner.

This helps the portfolio continue supporting income for many years.

» Finally

Your example clearly shows an important lesson. Even if someone had started an SWP just before the 2008 market crash, a disciplined investment in a good actively managed mid-cap mutual fund could still have delivered regular monthly income while retaining a significant portion of the corpus over the long term.

This is why SWP should always be viewed as a long-term income strategy and not judged based on short-term market corrections.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/
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 Kalirajan  |11334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 53 years, and planning to do SWP for Rs. 3 Lacs ...it would be better than MIS in Bank/PO.... what is minimum/maximum return may earn in SWP whether itis monthy/qtly/yearly......Partha P. Chowdhury..
Ans: Assessment of Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) vs. Monthly Income Scheme (MIS):

Understanding Your Financial Situation:

At 53 years of age, planning for regular income streams is a prudent financial decision as you approach retirement.
Your consideration of SWP as an alternative to Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) in banks or post offices reflects a proactive approach towards optimizing your income sources.
Evaluation of Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed sum periodically from your mutual fund investments, providing a steady income stream.
Unlike MIS in banks or post offices, SWP offers the flexibility to choose withdrawal frequencies such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly based on your cash flow requirements.
SWP from mutual funds potentially offers higher returns compared to MIS, as mutual funds invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, including equities, which have the potential for capital appreciation over the long term.
Assessment of Potential Returns:

The minimum and maximum returns from SWP depend on various factors such as the underlying performance of the mutual fund scheme, market conditions, and the chosen withdrawal frequency.
While SWP provides the opportunity for capital appreciation and higher returns over the long term, it also exposes your investments to market volatility, which may impact the returns.
Historical data suggests that equity-oriented mutual funds have delivered average annual returns ranging from 10% to 15% over the long term, although past performance does not guarantee future results.
By diversifying your investments across asset classes and opting for a systematic withdrawal approach, you can mitigate risk and potentially enhance returns over time.
Comparison with Monthly Income Scheme (MIS):

MIS in banks or post offices typically offer fixed interest rates, providing predictable but relatively lower returns compared to equity-oriented mutual funds.
While MIS offers capital protection and stable income, it may not keep pace with inflation, leading to a decline in purchasing power over time.
SWP from mutual funds, on the other hand, has the potential to generate inflation-beating returns and preserve the purchasing power of your capital over the long term.
Recommendations:

Considering your age and income requirements, SWP from mutual funds can be a suitable option to generate regular income while potentially achieving higher returns compared to traditional income schemes.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to assess your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and cash flow needs to determine the most appropriate withdrawal frequency and mutual fund schemes for your SWP strategy.
In conclusion, SWP from mutual funds offers the flexibility, potential for capital appreciation, and inflation-beating returns that may be superior to traditional income schemes like MIS in banks or post offices, provided it aligns with your risk profile and financial goals.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 05, 2024Hindi
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I need to invest 5.50 cr in swp for 20 years and withdraw 4 % per month can i calculate returns @18 percent....
Ans: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments at regular intervals. This approach can be beneficial for generating a steady income stream. You are considering investing Rs 5.50 crores for 20 years and withdrawing 4% per month.

Assessing Your Investment Strategy
To effectively assess your investment plan, consider the following key points:

Investment Amount: Your initial investment is Rs 5.50 crores. This amount will be the foundation of your SWP.

Withdrawal Rate: With a withdrawal rate of 4% per month, you will take out Rs 22 lakhs every month (4% of Rs 5.50 crores). Over 20 years, this equates to a total withdrawal of Rs 5.28 crores (Rs 22 lakhs multiplied by 240 months).

Target Returns: You aim for an 18% annual return on your investment. This translates to a monthly return of approximately 1.5% (18% divided by 12).

Evaluating Feasibility of Your Plan
Now, let’s analyze the sustainability of your investment plan:

Monthly Withdrawals vs. Monthly Returns:

If your investment grows at 1.5% per month, you would earn approximately Rs 8.25 lakhs in returns each month (1.5% of Rs 5.50 crores).

This amount is less than your monthly withdrawal of Rs 22 lakhs. Hence, if you withdraw Rs 22 lakhs monthly, your principal will deplete over time.

Principal Depletion:

Withdrawing more than what you earn can lead to a rapid depletion of your principal amount. You need to ensure your withdrawals are sustainable.
Importance of Regular Assessment
It is crucial to regularly assess your investments. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Market Conditions: Keep an eye on market conditions. Economic downturns can affect your investment returns.

Portfolio Review: Conduct periodic reviews of your portfolio. Adjust your withdrawal rates based on investment performance.

Flexibility in Withdrawals: If market performance is poor, consider reducing your withdrawal amount. This can help prolong the longevity of your investments.

Exploring Alternatives
Given the challenges of your current plan, consider exploring the following alternatives:

Reduce Withdrawal Amount: You may want to lower your monthly withdrawals. This can help ensure your principal lasts longer.

Increase Investment Amount: If possible, consider investing more than Rs 5.50 crores. This can provide additional returns to support your withdrawals.

Diversify Your Portfolio: Consider diversifying your investments across different asset classes. This can reduce risk and enhance potential returns.

Engaging with a Professional
It can be challenging to manage such investments independently. Here’s why engaging a Certified Financial Planner is crucial:

Expertise: A Certified Financial Planner can offer valuable insights into your investment strategy. They can help assess your plan's feasibility and sustainability.

Personalized Guidance: With their expertise, they can provide tailored advice. This ensures your investment aligns with your financial goals.

Ongoing Support: A professional can assist you throughout your investment journey. They can help you adjust your strategy as needed.

Tax Considerations
When withdrawing from your mutual funds, consider the tax implications:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds: Gains are taxed according to your income tax slab.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 5.50 crores with a monthly withdrawal of 4% is ambitious. However, careful assessment of your withdrawal rate and potential returns is vital.

Withdrawal Rate Sustainability: The proposed withdrawal amount may exceed what you can earn on your investment.

Consider Alternatives: Reducing withdrawals or diversifying your investments can enhance sustainability.

Engage Professionals: Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide essential guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11334 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 06, 2025Hindi
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My age is 40 and I have 40 lakh invest in mutual funds and planning to do swp to get monthly 20 thousand. Please help me is it correct approa
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

..Read more

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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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